Hi neighbors, my name is Jonnita Thompson and I’m a new Lead Neighborhood Coordinator for the Thurston County Food Project. There was a lot of energy at our recent ENA Annual Meeting when we heard from Chris Hyde, Souper Sunday and The Food Source Network founder and Berenice from the Thurston County Food Bank. The theme of addressing food insecurity of our neighbors and friends.

I’d like to invite you to support the Thurston County Food Project. It’s a really easy way to donate to the food bank. I drop off a green bag, you fill it and put it on your porch the second Saturday of even months and I stop by and pick it up. It really couldn’t be easier to make a small but meaningful gesture to support our community. You can sign up to be a donor here;

https://thurstoncountyfoodproject.org/79-2/

The next pickup is scheduled for Saturday, February 8 and I’d love to add you to the route!

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:

pr*******@**************ia.org

Join other locals for an afternoon of food, drink, community and live entertainment! 

$40.00 General Admission Soiree Ticket includes, admission to the event, food and live entertrainment.

$75.00 Madison Lover Soiree Ticket includes entry into the event, food, two drink tickets, one GOLDEN raffle ticket and live entertainment.

Go to the Event Page

Bid on items from all of these wonderful Olympia businesses;

• Swantown Inn
• Radiance
• Great Wolf Lodge
• Bucks Spices
• Rainy Day Records
• Queen Bs Cupcakes
• Alderbrook Resort and Spa
• Jujus
• WA Performance Center
• Captain Little
• Legends Arcade
• Ilk Brewing
• 3 Magnets Brewing
• Bayview Cooking School
• Hands on Children’s Museum
• Capital City Marathon
• Left Bank
• Flipped Pot
• Cascadia Grill

Nathan Allan, ENA Board Member and Innkeeper at the Swantown Inn is championing lighting up Central Street for the holidays.

The church has loosely made an offer to help with the lights, with one of their members who built the original snowflake willing to help us replicate and improve on the original.

If you are at all interested in attending a workshop and helping to build at least a couple more, please reach out to Nathan via email at na****@*********nn.com, or he is also creating a Facebook Event for an informational session on November 16th at 10am at the Swantown Inn’s Grand Victorian Ballroom.

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

Date: July 13th, 4-7PM
Two Locations: SE Corner of Lions Park & Lybarger between 10th & Union Ave SE

Come one, come all to our fabulous Block Party! Get ready for an afternoon of fun, food, and festivities right in your own backyard. This potluck-style gathering is all about bringing our community together for a fantastic time.

What to Expect: Grill On: We’ll fire up the grill for some delicious BBQ favorites. Bring your best potluck dish to share, and let’s enjoy a feast together! We’ll have some hot dogs to get things started.

Games Galore: Feel free to bring games for kids & adults. We will likely have some activities.

Musical Vibes: Feel free to bring a musical instrument.

Neighbors and Community Unite: This event is all about strengthening bonds and building friendships. Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the neighborhood, come out and meet your neighbors while celebrating summer in style.

Don’t miss out on the highlight of the season! Mark your calendars for July 13th and let’s make this Block Party one for the books. See you there!

For more information or to RSVP, contact Sherry Chilcutt 360-888-0960.

Let’s make memories together!