ThurstonTalk’s Labor Day Weekend Event Calendar For Olympia
Facebook10Tweet0Pin0 Labor Day weekend – known to most kids as the “end of summer”! But, with all the great activities happening this weekend in Olympia, it will be far from dull and a great finish to summer!Harbor Days – kicks off on Friday at 5:00 pm and continues through Sunday evening. The popular tug boat races are scheduled for noon on Sunday. Watch from Percival Landing.Thrifty Thurston – loads of inexpensive family events in Olympia this weekend. Check the post for more specifics.Rutledge Corn Maze – Marshawn Lynch will make a guest appearance at the all-day event on Saturday.Journey Tribute Band – free concert at Quinault Beach Resort and Casino on Saturday at 8:00 pmThurstonTalk aims to be your source for positive information and events happening in Olympia. If you have a suggestion for a post, send us a note at submit@thurstontalk.com. For more events and to learn what’s happening in Olympia and the surrounding area, click here.
Facebook17Tweet0Pin0 Submitted by Timberland Regional LibraryPortland cartoonists and writers Nicole J. Georges and Aron Nels Steinke will present a slideshow of their work, Georges from her new graphic memoir, “Calling Dr. Laura,” and Steinke from “Big Plans,” his collected autobiographical mini-comics and anthology work. The event will be at the Olympia Timberland Library on Thursday, January 31 at 7:30 p.m.Copies of their works will be available to purchase. The presentation, sponsored by the Friends of the Olympia Timberland Library, will occur after library hours.Georges is an illustrator, zinester, pet portrait artist and the author of “Calling Dr. Laura,” a graphic memoir about family secrets and the time she called the radio talk-show host Dr. Laura Schlessinger for advice when she learned the truth.Georges has been publishing her zines and comics for over 14 years. The most recent, “Invincible Summer,” has been collected into an anthology. She has toured with Sister Spit and Sister Spit: The Next Generation. Her website is http://nicolejgeorges.com .Steinke is an elementary school teacher, children’s book author, and cartoonist. His work covers the reflective, the absurd and the humorous. His newest book, “Big Plans,” is a collection of his comics and stories ranging from the fear of terrorism, alcoholism, and a shooting at the mall to the Academy Awards. Steinke’s website is http://aronnelssteinke.blogspot.comThe Olympia Timberland Library is at 313 8th Avenue SE. For more information, contact the library at (360) 352-0595 or visit www.TRL.org.
Facebook0Tweet0Pin0Submitted by Intercity TransitThe Intercity Transit Authority seeks members for its Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC). Several positions are open including two youth positions (ages 15-19). The 20-member advisory group provides input to the Authority on public transportation issues such as Dial-A-Lift policies, service changes, strategic plans, the budget, fare structures, transit amenities, and other issues. Applicants must be Thurston County residents.To apply for these volunteer positions, interested residents can get an application at intercitytransit.com, the Olympia Transit Center (222 State Avenue, Olympia), Intercity Transit’s Business Office (526 Pattison Street SE, Olympia), or by calling 360-705-5857. Applications are due Thursday, October 30, 2014.The Transit Authority selects CAC members to represent a cross-section of the community. The group includes senior citizens, youth, people with disabilities, college students, business owners, social service agency representatives, neighborhood associations, the medical community, environmentalists, and bicyclists. Members serve 3-year terms except for the youth position, which serves a 1-year term.The CAC meets the third Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at Intercity Transit’s Business Office at 526 Pattison Street SE, Olympia, WA. Routes 62A, 62B, and 66 serve this location.For more information about the CAC, visit intercitytransit.com or contact Nancy Trail, ntrail@intercitytransit.com, 360-705-5857.
Facebook184Tweet0Pin0Submitted by Washington State Department of Enterprise ServicesThe Olympia Toy Run, a yearly event that draws thousands of motorcycles to Olympia, will close Deschutes Parkway from about 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 2.The annual Olympia Toy Run rumbles through town carrying toys for children in need during the holidays.Motorcyclists donate toys and money to The Salvation Army’s Toy N’ Joy Shop, which distributes the gifts to needy children.The motorcyclists meet at South Sound Center in Lacey around 10:00 a.m., then leave for Marathon Park around 1:00 p.m., traveling via Pacific Avenue, State Avenue, Capitol Way, Fifth Avenue and Deschutes Parkway. The Toy Run typically last two hours.Drivers can expect heavy traffic and long delays in downtown Olympia during the event, which has drawn up to 10,000 motorcyclists in the past, according to organizers.Sign up to receive Capitol Campus Updates via email or text message.Follow Enterprise Services on Twitter.Learn more about Visitor Services on Facebook.Like Enterprise Services on Facebook.
Facebook8Tweet0Pin0Submitted by South Sound YMCAEvaluation results show Olympia, North Thurston and Tumwater 2-5 grade students enrolled in Power Scholars Academy at the South Sound YMCA powered by BELL (Building Educated Leaders for Life) gained 2 months in literacy skills and 2.5 months in math skills.The South Sound YMCA’s Power Scholars program helps students during the summer, ensuring success year after year. Photo courtesy: South Sound YMCA.Power Scholars Academy was launched in 2013 by the YMCA of the USA and BELL in collaboration with local YMCA associations and schools as an academic and enrichment program to prevent summer slide, which reverses achievement gains made during the school year. The Power Scholars Academy summer program at the South Sound YMCA blended rigorous literacy and math instruction with hands-on enrichment, social emotional development, and community engagement.“I’m a Scholar,” says Jimmy. “I love the program, teachers and the fun stuff we do. Power Scholars Academy is helping me read better and makes learning fun. I’m coming back next year!”Kyle Cronk, President/CEO of the South Sound YMCA added,“Because of the support and partnership of our three local school districts (North Thurston, Olympia and Tumwater) and targeted philanthropy, the Y was able to triple 2016 enrollment. Clearly the program works and the more kids we reach the better!”According to evaluation surveys, 82 percent of teachers reported an increase in the self-confidence of enrolled students, known as scholars and 82 percent of parents reported their children having a better ability to overcome challenges. The impact of Power Scholars Academy reverberated through their circles of support as well. Surveys show 68 percent of parents say they are more involved in their child’s education and 73 percent of educators say the program helped them improve their professional skills.An estimated 7.5 million K-8 students from underserved communities are performing significantly below grade level, and up to two-thirds of the academic achievement gap is due to lack of access to summer learning programs. To address this challenge, BELL partners with strong local organizations to design and deploy holistic, scalable summer and afterschool learning experiences utilizing BELL’s comprehensive evidence-based out-of-school-time education solution.During a graduation ceremony, students proudly display diplomas from the Power Scholars Academy. Photo credit: South Sound YMCA.“These academic outcomes and survey results confirmed once again that increasing access to high-quality learning experiences beyond the school year helps students get ahead when they return to school in the fall,” says BELL CEO Dr. Lauren Sanchez Gilbert.This summer, nearly 7,500 scholars participated in Power Scholars Academy programs in 91 sites in 28 states and the District of Columbia.
Facebook5Tweet0Pin0Submitted by Thurston County Public Health and Social ServicesThere are about 53,000 septic systems in Thurston County that treat 12,000,000 gallons of sewage every day. Regular care and maintenance of those septic systems is essential to make sure that our lakes, rivers, streams and Puget Sound are healthy as well as to make sure that our drinking water stays safe, now and in the future. Septic system care can also protect our families and communities from diseases that can be spread from untreated sewage.Thurston County Public Health recommends that septic systems get an annual inspection to catch problems while they are small and less expensive to fix. Most septic tanks need to be pumped every 3-5 years depending on: how many people live in the home, how large the septic tank is, the type of soil, the amount of water used in the home, and the type of products that are flushed. The best way to maintain your septic system is to work with a septic professional to get on a regular pumping schedule that works for your household. (https://www.co.thurston.wa.us/health/ehoss/cert_prof.html)Ways to Protect Your SystemIn addition to regular inspections and pumping as needed, there are easy things that you can do to protect your system:Make sure that only toilet paper goes into the toilet.Limit the use of bleach and other hazardous cleaning products to make sure that the septic tank can treat your waste for years to come.Choose baking soda and vinegar for most of your cleaning needs. Avoid products that say “danger” or “poison” on the label.Conserve water to prolong the life of your on-site septic system. Every gallon of water that leaves the house through the bathroom, kitchen or laundry settles in the septic tank and pushes a gallon of water out into the drainfield for treatment. Conserving water will keep your tank and drainfield working to the best of their ability for as long as possible.Know where all of the different parts of your septic system are located. Never park or drive machinery over them, graze animals, garden or build on top of them. A record drawing of your system and the maintenance records can be found at: http://www.onlinerme.com/(S(kmjktmzmlqwsmuhqgcpf55dl))/contractorsearchproperty.aspx You can also contact Thurston County Environmental Health’s permit assistance center at 360-786-5490 to request the records of your system as it was built.Attend a free workshop to learn more!Thurston County Public Health is offering four free workshops this September to provide basic information on regular care and maintenance. We will talk about how septic systems work, how to hire a professional, and provide take home resources along with a $10 coupon for your next septic pumping. For more information, or to register, contact Jennifer Johnson at johnsoj@co.thurston.wa.us or 360-867-2674. Workshops are from 7:00 – 9:00 pm.Thursday, September 13Rochester Community Center10140 US-12, RochesterWednesday, September 19McLane Fire Station125 Delphi Road NW, OlympiaTuesday, September 25Olympia Waldorf School8126 Normandy Street SE, OlympiaThursday, September 27Griffin Fire Station3707 Steamboat Loop NW, Olympia
Facebook0Tweet0Pin0Submitted by USDA Forest ServiceOn Monday, October 1, 2018, the Olympic National Forest will close and lock seasonal gates on the south part of the forest, including on the 2451 road in the North Fork Skokomish River watershed; on the 2354, 2353, and 2361 roads in the South Fork Skokomish River watershed; and on the 2294 (two gates) and 2270 roads in the Wynoochee River watershed.These closures, which will last through April 30, 2019, are part of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Olympic National Forest and the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife and are designed to:increase wildlife utilization of habitat;reduce the siltation of lakes and streams;provide diverse recreational hunting opportunities;reduce harassment levels on deer and elk; andincrease the escapement rate of buck deer and bull elk.The closures extend only to the use of motorized vehicles; accessing the road systems behind the gates via hiking or mountain biking is still permissible.For questions, please contact Betsy Howell at Olympic National Forest, 360-765-2230.Featured photo credit: Douglas Scott
Facebook273Tweet0Pin0Submitted by Olympia Downtown Alliance The Olympia Downtown Alliance understands a clean, safe and welcoming environment is essential to a thriving Downtown Olympia. In order to support this environment, downtown stakeholders have come together to form the Downtown Safety Team. This team, staffed by the Downtown Guides, will provide visitors to downtown information about all the great opportunities and experiences the area offers, while also working to create an environment that the community can feel safe and comfortable in. The Guides will also seek to connect individuals experiencing homelessness and suffering from mental health and substance abuse issues with local resources. “We’re excited to introduce the Guides to the community and visitors to our Downtown. We’re passionate about our amazing Downtown and can’t wait for our Guides to help our visitors explore the area,” said Todd Cutts, Executive Director of the Olympia Downtown Alliance. To prepare for their work, the Guides have trained with the Olympia Police Department, Downtown Ambassadors, Crisis Response Unit, and representatives from the Community Care Center. They have also received training on de-escalation techniques, mental health and substance abuse basics, CPR and first aid, and social services available in the community. The Downtown Guides will begin serving the core of downtown on Sunday, July 7, and will be present seven days a week. Most days, they will be present from 2 p.m.- 10 p.m. The Guides will be outfitted in bright orange polo shirts, wearing “Ask Me” buttons. For more information about Downtown Guides, please visit downtownolympia.org/guides
Facebook99Tweet0Pin0Submitted by Olympia Downtown AllianceThis year marks the 41st Anniversary of the free Music in the Park Summer Concert Series each Wednesday evening, downtown Olympia.Music in the Park attracts between 600 to several thousand attendees per show. In most cases, we provide sound. While we do not have a large budget, we will provide a stipend to performers. We encourage local performers to apply.Performance times are 7:00 p.m. – 8:15 p.m., Wednesdays July 8 – August 19 at Sylvester Park, in the heart of downtown Olympia.To apply, visit our website at or follow this link directly. Apply by February 5, 2020, to guarantee your consideration. Online applications only. Our talent selection committee will review all submissions, and we will notify bands of our decision by mid-March.WHO: Olympia Downtown AllianceWHAT: Music In the Park Call for PerformersWHEN: Music in the Park will run from July 8 through August 19WHERE: Sylvester Park
Advertisement hyNBA Finals | Brooklyn Vs9yc9xWingsuit rodeo📽Sindre E6h( IG: @_aubreyfisher @imraino ) 2hl1Would you ever consider trying this?😱20684Can your students do this? 🌚8yvuRoller skating! Powered by Firework Former India captain Sourav Ganguly acknowledged the Kapil Dev led Cricket Advisory Committee’s decision to reappoint Ravi Shastri as the head coach of Indian cricket team till the 2021 T20 World Cup, saying that the right decision was made. Ganguly himself was a former member of the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) that picked Anil Kumble ahead of Ravi Shastri as coach in 2016, but tensions brewed in the dressing room just after a year which forced the legendary leg-spinner to quit.Advertisement The former Indian skipper was previously involved in a spat with Ravi Shastri when he was leading the committee last time around. However, this time it seems that Ganguly is quite content with Shastri’s reappointment and declared that he is the right choice among other applicants. The current Indian coach was a forerunner for the job while other heavyweights like Mike Hesson, Tom Moody, Lalchand Rajput and Robin Singh had also applied. In an interview with Sportstar, Ganguly was asked whether the board had made the right choice to rehire Shastri, considering India haven’t been able to win an ICC tournament during his tenure. To which he replied,Advertisement “No, I think they have done well by giving Ravi a couple of years extension and I hope he does well,”He also wished Shastri good luck and hopes that the current India coach will repay the faith shown on him by leading India all the way through in the upcoming two T20 World Cups in 2020 and in 2021.Advertisement “Hopefully now India can now go all the way in the two tournaments that are coming up (the T20 World Cups in 2020 and 2021),” said Ganguly. Advertisement