The City of Lacey offers food and utility bill assistance to support families affected by the 2025 government shutdown. Nearly 35,000 SNAP clients in Thurston County face reduced benefits, prompting the city to encourage residents to utilize their assistance hub for aid options. Community members can also contribute to local food and utility programs through donations.
The Tumwater Timberland Library has reopened after a significant redesign aimed at enhancing family and children's areas, making the space more accessible. Operations director Brenda Lane emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming environment for future generations. The remodel, which took over a year to complete, was executed in-house, saving the library thousands of dollars.
Intercity Transit launched the Transit Ambassador program in July 2025 to enhance the bus riding experience in Thurston County. Ambassadors provide customer service, assist passengers with transit navigation, and improve safety on bus routes. Their training includes CPR, first aid, and de-escalation techniques.
The Evergreen State College will launch a host family program for international students in spring 2026, aligning with its 2025-2030 Strategic Plan. The initiative seeks to lower living costs for students and foster cultural exchange by matching them with local families. Host families can participate for short or extended periods and receive financial subsidies for housing and food.
Comcast organizes a community donation drive throughout November to support Mary’s Place, a nonprofit aiding homeless families in Thurston County. The drive encourages residents to donate new, unwrapped items to provide warmth and joy during the holiday season. Donations can be dropped off at Xfinity Retail Stores in the area.
The Park Side Café in Olympia offers a fully organic, vegan Thanksgiving dinner available for pre-order, catering to various dietary needs. Following the holiday, shoppers can enjoy Black Friday deals at The Rolling Pin, with discounts ranging from 20% to 60% on kitchen supplies.
Several restaurants near Olympia will offer Thanksgiving dinner in 2025, providing a variety of dining options for those looking to celebrate without cooking. The article also includes resources for free Thanksgiving dinners, catering to community needs during the holiday season.
Miss Washington 2025 Amber Pike and Miss Washington’s Teen Kendall Runyan actively engage in community service initiatives throughout their year in office. Their commitment includes programs aimed at promoting literacy and assisting local organizations. Both titleholders exemplify leadership and community dedication in their respective roles.
K.A. Cobell, a Native American author from Olympia, won the 2025 Washington State Book Award for Young Adult Literature for her debut novel, "Looking for Smoke." The book features a mystery on a Blackfeet reservation and emphasizes cultural representation and the theme of potential in young adulthood. Cobell aims to provide authentic narratives that resonate with both Blackfeet readers and those unfamiliar with reservation life.
North Thurston Public Schools, in collaboration with the City of Lacey and the Lacey South Sound Chamber, launched a Compassionate Community project to promote kindness and respect among residents. The initiative aims to foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels safe and valued.
Mel and Phyllis Citrin moved to Harbor Heights 55+ Apartments in Olympia to be closer to family, finding a supportive community and an active lifestyle. The couple, originally from New York, appreciates the natural beauty of the region and the social opportunities available at their new home. Their relocation has allowed them to participate in family milestones and engage in various activities with their neighbors.
Jerry Miller, a dedicated teacher and coach from Olympia, passed away at 76 on August 30, 2025, after battling Parkinson's disease. His legacy includes significant contributions to local education and athletics, impacting countless students and fostering community through running. A memorial event raised funds for Parkinson's research, reflecting his ongoing influence.
The City of Olympia initiates the conversion of the historic Olympia Armory into a community arts center, responding to local demand for an arts space since 1989. Eight local nonprofits will anchor the center, ensuring diverse programming in arts and culture. Construction began on September 25, 2025, with a budget of $18.9 million sourced from grants and the City’s Arts, Parks, & Recreation budget.
The Eastside Trading Company, a neighborhood grocery store in Olympia, opened on October 26, 1921, serving the Eastside community until the early 1980s. Originally owned by David Gammell and Mr. Ault, the store expanded its offerings beyond groceries and adapted to changing market conditions by joining various retail organizations. The store's legacy reflects the evolution of local grocery businesses over several decades.
The City of Lacey will participate in Washington State’s Stormwater Awareness Week from October 6-12, 2025, to promote stormwater management. The initiative aims to educate the public on maintaining clean waterways through community involvement and training for local officials. Residents can engage by volunteering for various events focused on environmental protection.
River Ridge High School opened a new classroom wing featuring 70 classrooms, a library, and specialized spaces for science and special education. Funded by the 2020 bond and state contributions, the modernization enhances security and community connectivity at the school.
The Lovely & Dapper Bakery opened in Olympia, offering a cozy atmosphere and a range of baked goods, including vegan and gluten-free options. Owned by Emily and Drew Crain, the couple transitioned from a pop-up business in Seattle to a physical location, aiming to become a community staple. Their motto, "Everyone deserves cake," reflects their commitment to inclusivity in baking.
Tumwater School District will implement play-based learning in kindergarten classrooms this fall, marking a shift from traditional teaching methods. The three-year rollout aims to support children who have faced disruptions in early education due to COVID-19. Teachers Meagan MacKenzie and Jess Bergstrom endorse this approach, believing it fosters engagement and reduces stress for young learners.
Kylan Thulin, a Thurston County 4-H member, stands out as one of the few male participants in equestrian events. He recently qualified for state competitions but opted out to focus on training his horse, Apollo, for future competitions. Kylan's achievements highlight the underrepresentation of male riders in lower-level equestrian events.
September marks #EatLocalMonth, and Serenity Springs Farmstand in Olympia offers farm-fresh produce, eggs, and flowers. Owners Adam and Marilee Williams emphasize sustainability and community support, planning to host crafting and gardening workshops.
The Washington State Library features a scrapbook by Jessie Hartsuck Scott, an often-overlooked piece from its microfilm collection. The scrapbook, which dates back to the late 19th century, captures significant moments from Scott's early education. This unique artifact highlights the importance of preserving local history.
RatsPacNW hosts rat shows in Thurston County, showcasing the intelligence and trainability of pet rats. Founded in 2001, the club aims to promote rat fanciers and has grown to include members from multiple states. After a pause due to COVID-19, the club resumed its shows in 2024, averaging around 300 attendees.
New York Times bestselling author Jonathan Evison will speak at Saint Martin’s University on October 15, 2025, as part of the Les Bailey Writers Series. The free event invites the community to engage with Evison’s literary journey and features a book signing after his reading.
Comcast volunteers joined hundreds of military personnel and local leaders at the 63rd Annual Thurston County Foofaraw last Friday. The event, held at Budd Inlet, honored nearly 400 military guests with games, social activities, and a salmon BBQ, emphasizing community and gratitude. Comcast, as the exclusive broadband sponsor, aimed to strengthen ties with the military community and reaffirm its commitment to veterans.
