Last week the Eastside Neighborhood Association conducted its Annual Meeting to a great turnout thanks to Nathan and Casey Allan of the Swantown Inn, who supplied not only the location, but a soup supper! The program that followed included two guest speakers: Chris Hyde, the Souper Sunday guy, and Berenice Hartt Plazas from the Thurston County Food Bank. Both spoke on the topic of food insecurity.
Chris Hyde has been a great asset to the people of Olympia and has followers from all over the United States, some of which have begun their own free food give aways. He has just successfully become a nonprofit organization, Food Source Foundation, and is hoping to expand to provide more types of free food to more people.
Berenice Hartt Plazas spoke about the Thurston County Food Bank program in existence for over 50 years. It has 20 locations and 18 mobile programs. Besides Thurston County, their programs serve some surrounding counties. She noted that in the last six years there has been a real increase in need for those who work but do not have enough money for food after paying all their bills. The number of seniors needing food has increased by 50%.
Programs provided by the Food Bank include: Backpack food for Kids, Holiday meals, hygiene supplies, Birthday bags and Newborn bags. Funding comes from City, State, Federal and donor programs. They have 32 employees and all the rest are volunteers.
For more information on these programs go to:
foodsourcefoundation.com or tcfb.org
To learn more and or become involved with the Eastside Neighborhood Association contact:
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]]>July 13th: 4-7 p.m.
LYBERGER between Union and 10tn and the Southeast Corner of Lions Park
It’s potluck with an open grill and local businesses supply goodies like hotdogs and burgers. Bring your kids and friends-it’s a great way to meet people and enjoy the weather! Learn more at Eastside-Olympia.org
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Monday, February 26th, 6:00 pm at Madison Elementary School;
Thursday, February 29th, 6:00 pm at Margaret McKenny Elementary School
Whether or not you have a close tie to either school, your presence will be have a positive impact for the Eastside Neighborhood.
For Madison: Sign up online between 8:00 am Friday, Feb. 23rd – 4:00 pm Sunday, Feb. 25th OR in person/via Zoom the night of the hearing. If prompted, indicate you are part of the Madison community.
For McKenny: Sign up online between 8:00 am Monday Feb. 26th – 4:00 pm Wednesday, Feb. 28th OR in person/via Zoom the night of the hearing. If prompted, indicate you are part of the McKenny community.
We hope to see you there! At the meeting, we will have materials for you about the school closure proposal. Bring signs, wear Madison and McKenny gear, and show your support. The district has not yet coordinated child care so please, consider this a family-friendly event!
Please reach out with any questions you have and let me know if you’ll be in attendance. mi*************@***il.com
And lastly, please reach out within your circles to spread the word !
Thanks so much! Miriam Hathaway
Madison parent and OSD4ALL volunteer
We’re looking for neighbors and friends to join in a CLOTHING SWAP coming on Feb. 24th! The event will take place at the First United Methodist Church of Olympia , 1224 Legion Way SE. (More info. will follow next week.) In the meantime, start gathering your give-aways for all ages, sizes and genders! Clothes should be clean and in good condition.
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November 15, 7:00 p.m. at the Swantown Inn Please join us as we look back on past accomplishments and events and plan for the upcoming year. There will be a slideshow highlighting what your Eastside Neighborhood Association has been part of in the past and a call for ideas from the neighborhood for future projects. Olympia Homeless Coordinator, Kim Kondrat, will be a guest speaker.
…plus Refreshments
Let your voice be heard.
]]>Our goal is to include a wide variety of performances that will appeal to people of all ages. It is not a competition, just an afternoon of entertainment. The show will include performances such as poetry, singing, guitar, story-telling and piano.
We expect it to be a fun event, and hope you bring your friends!
If you have questions, or would like to be one of the performers at the event, contact Roger Horn at ro********@***oo.com.
This year’s picnic is at Lion’s Park, Aug 12, from 4-7 p.m.
The Annual Summer Picnic has been held at Lion’s Park by the ENA for as long as any current board members can remember (so at least 20+ years, if you can confirm earlier please let us know!). It is sometimes a small affair, and other years larger with organized activities (We apply for Neighborhood Block Grants but do not always receive them). It always includes a main dish (burgers or hotdogs) provided by the ENA, with neighbors bringing side dishes and desserts. Various local businesses, such as Eastside Big Tom’s, Ralphs Thriftway and the Eastside Olympia Food Co-op usually donate items as well.
If you are interested in supporting the neighborhood in this event, here are things we need;
VOLUNTEERS: help is needed both ahead of the date and at the event. We’re especially looking for cooks! Ideally, we have two people at any one time prepping, cooking and serving.
FOOD!: Bring a dish or some chips or whatever you can contribute. 
Contact us if you’re interested in any of these opportunities!
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