March 10, 2026 7:00 PM

Swantown Inn, 1431 11th Ave SE

Minutes

Board members present:

Sherry Chilcutt (President), Karen Sweeney (Vice president & CNA representative), Jim Sweeney (Secretary), Jim Rioux (Treasurer), Nathan Allan, Cheryl Bayle, Josh Elliott

1) Approval of February Minutes

The February 10^th minutes were approved as submitted.

2) Treasurer Report

Jim R. reported the following account balances:

Checking  $1,489.83

Savings    $1,950.80

Total       $3,440.63

The Board discussed reimbursements for CPR training expenses. Sherry said she intends to ask Brittany for clarification.

3) CNA report

Karen reported on the following topics from the March 9^th CNA meeting:

• The CNA continues to ask the City to update the construction projects on their website.
• Jim S. described some of the projects on the City’s quarterly projects list.
• Councilmember Gillman updated the CNA on efforts to keep the Evergreen College pool open.
• An Intercity Transit representative described the project underway to add 100 new bus stops. Josh described changes to routes 60 and 64. Here is a link to an IT website page with a map and route descriptions:

https://intercitytransit.com/bus-system-redesign/map

• The CNA is now able to open its Zoom meetings to a larger audience.
• Requests for Neighborhood Matching Grants exceed the total funding available.
• Larry Dzieza created a coloring book from pictures of his neighborhood to encourage community identity and walking. He offered to share how to do it with anyone who’s interested.
• Lastly, Karen and I forgot to talk about the CNA’s City Council presentation on the neighborhood priorities forum, but there was an article in Jolt about it; here’s a link: https://www.thejoltnews.com/stories/neighborhood-group-gathers-information-to-better-understand-community-priorities,28398?

4) RNA grant proposal 

Sherry described the ENA’s 2026 grant application.

These are the ENA events we will be sponsoring in 2026:

• June 27 Block Parties – We will need to determine the date block party applications are due, when to apply for street closures, and notify block party hosts of critical dates.
• Aug. 1 Emergency Preparedness Fair – The Board agreed we will need someone to be the lead for this event and Josh volunteered. We will also want to tap into BJ & Heidi’s expertise.
• Aug. 29 Porch Music Fest
• Sept. 26 Annual Picnic & Apple Pressing

5) Walking map discussion

Josh and Jim S. described their initial discussions and what they’ve learned from Olympia’s Hidden Histories Walking Tours:

They intend to look into ArcGIS StoryMaps, either the free version, or a State agency, or a college. The free version may not have the necessary functionality and we may end up needing to buy a subscription, but this decision will be made later.

6) Recruiting members to rebuild membership

We are planning to do a mailing in June to ask people for their email addresses. The mailing can include our logo and a QR code. Nathan suggested posting the flyer on the ENA Facebook page.

7) Apple press now has wheels

Thank you Sherry and Hank!

 8) Priorities for 2026

• Getting dates on website calendar – Nathan will update
• 501(c)(3)

• Sherry will be out of town for most of April and May.

Jim R. volunteered to chair the meetings.

The meeting ended at 8:15 PM

So if you want to keep in touch with your neighbors and the many events we have planned please sign up now!

It is also a great way to participate in neighborhood events and strengthen our community!

February 10, 2026 7:00 PM

Swantown Inn, 1431 11th Ave SE

Minutes

Board members present:

Sherry Chilcutt (President), Karen Sweeney (Vice president & CNA representative), Jim Sweeney (Secretary), Jim Rioux (Treasurer), Nathan Allan, Abigail Twombly

1) Approval of Minutes

The January 15^th minutes were approved as submitted.

2) Treasurer Report

Jim R. reported the following account balances:

Checking  $2,596.09

Savings    $1,950.62

Total       $4,546.71

Jim said the City’s automatic deposit system is working well.

3) CNA report

Karen reported on the following topics from the February 9^th CNA meeting:

• The new Executive Committee includes:
  • Chair – Peter Guttchen (NENA; and he would like to have a co-chair)
• • Vice Chair – Karen Sweeney (ENA)
• • Secretary – Melissa Allen (BHNA)
• • Communications Coordinator – Daniel Garcia (DNA)  
  • Program & Events Coordinator – Grace Fletcher (SWONA)
• One of Peter’s priorities is to have more RNAs
• Karen described the January 24^th Community Priorities Forum which was attended by an overflow crowd of about 150. The CNA team which organized the forum conducted a survey. Fifteen Eastside residents took the survey.
• The CNA has a list of grant funding ideas for each RNA.

4) Annual Meeting debrief

Sherry & others liked the Homes First presentation. We learned a great deal about an organization which is quietly active in our neighborhood and their challenges.

Newsletter topics

It was decided not to send a February newsletter as we are working to correct the email list. We discussed doing a hard copy mailing to update our email list.

Upcoming events

Block parties – June 27^th

National Night Out – August 4^th.

Combined Annual Picnic and Fall Festival – Saturday September 26^th. Jim R. will check to see if the Lions Park shelter is available. Josh volunteered to set up his large tent.

All dates and arrangements are tentative until confirmed.

Neighborhood Matching Grant

The Board discussed ideas to include in the grant application, such as:

• a neighborhood-wide mailing
• food drinks and advertising for community events
• live music and other entertainment for events
• a consultant to help us develop a new neighborhood walking map

Josh talked about Evergreen College’s “Olympia’s Hidden Histories” and mentioned a possible contact. He and Jim S. will discuss further to determine if it’s feasible for us to do something similar.

Because NMG applications are due before our March 10^th Board meeting, we decided to meet to continue working on our application Sunday February 22, 11:00 AM at Swantown.

Other topics

• Hector’s Tacos restaurant recently opened at 4^th and Central to rave reviews. Check out their menu at: https://www.hectors-tacos.com/menu
• Timberland Library budget woes
• Changing to a 501(c)(3) organization  
• Sherry said she is meeting with former ENA President Walt Bowman to look over his historic materials.
• Nathan described the advantages of a paid Mailchimp subscription. It was moved and seconded that we authorize a monthly subscription. Jim R. said we can use our bank credit card for this purpose. The motion carried unanimously.

The meeting ended at 8:20 PM

January 15, 2026 7:00 PM

Swantown Inn, 1431 11th Ave SE

Minutes

Board members present:

Karen Sweeney (Vice president & CNA representative), Jim Sweeney (Secretary), Jim Rioux (Treasurer), Nathan Allan, Therese Vogel, Cheryl Bayle, Abigail Twombly

1) Approval of Minutes

The November minutes were approved as submitted.

2) Treasurer Report

Jim R. reported the following account balances:

Checking  $3,441.13

Savings    $1,950.43

Total       $5,391.56

In response to a question about the ENA’s 2025 grant funds, Jim reported that about twelve hundred dollars of grant funds were unspent.

3) CNA report

Karen reported on the following topics from the January 15^th CNA meeting:

• The committee reviewing the NMG program has scheduled a community forum January 24 from 3:00 to 5:00 at City Hall
• Paul Berendt, the new Councilmember, talked about his positions on multiple issues
• Clark Gillman will continue as the Council’s representative to the CNA
• The Harm Reduction Center on Franklin Street is getting a lot of attention
• Homelessness continues to be a serious problem
• Speeding is another major issue
• The CNA reelected most of its current slate of officers with the exception of president; Larry Dzieza is stepping down and currently there is no replacement

4) Upcoming events

The Board discussed arrangements for the January 20^th annual meeting:

• The meeting is scheduled from 6:00 to 8:00, however people may arrive by 5:30 so we will have informal social time prior to serving dinner
• Sherry will start the formal meeting whenever the time is right
• Terese said Sherry talked to Josh about providing live music; Jim R. said there is no  money to pay for it; Nathan said he can provide background music
• Nathan will set up the ballroom for 30, and can accommodate more if needed
• Terese, Karen, Cheryl and Abigail said they will bring deserts
• Abigail passed out signs (which should go up tomorrow)
• Abigail will post the meeting announcement on the website and Facebook; Nathan will send it to the email list
• The first item on the agenda will be the election of Board members
• Officers will be elected at our February 10^th meeting

The meeting ended at 7:50 PM

November 11, 2025 7:00 PM

Swantown Inn, 1431 11th Ave SE

Draft Minutes

Board members present:

Sherry Chilcutt (President), Karen Sweeney (CNA representative), Jim Sweeney (Secretary), Jim Rioux (Treasurer), Nathan Allan, Therese Vogel, Cheryl Bayle

Guest: Josh Henderson

1) Approval of October 22nd Minutes

The October 22^nd minutes were approved as submitted.

2) Treasurer Report

Jim R. reported the following account balances:

Checking    $487.74

Savings    $1,950.05

Total       $2,437.79

The Board discussed the 2025 Neighborhood Matching Grant (NMG), the amount spent, and amounts yet to spend. We were reminded to keep track of hours for events, including volunteers and Madison school teachers.

3) CNA report

Karen reported on the following topics from the November 10^th CNA meeting:

• Current development projects
• Airport master plan environmental review
• Eastside Street recycling drop off site
• New City Hall parking needed due to pending sale of old City Hall
• 2026 NMG review meeting with Brittany Gillia; the CNA subcommittee will also be meeting at 3:00 PM Sunday upstairs at Bayview.
• The Council has signaled they will be taking a closer look at multi-family tax exemptions (MFTE) for new downtown apartment buildings. For background, here’s a link to a guest editorial by Jim Lazar – https://www.thejoltnews.com/stories/thurston-county-has-plenty-of-market-rate-apartments,18828?

4) Upcoming events

• Holiday Snowflake workshop Nov. 14^th
• Madison PTO fundraiser on Nov. 22^nd  at Swantown
• Neighborhood Member Appreciation event 5:30 PM Wednesday December 3^rd at Swantown

6) November newsletter topics

• Madison School & Legion Way tree event
• Food pantry at New bridge, Sundays Noon to 1:00
• Saint Michaels expansion and traffic impacts

7) $1-2K grant for free outdoor music

It was decided not to pursue at this time.

8) Veterans day celebration at Madison and Legion Way street tree Nov 8^th 

Attendees described the event, the music and the presentations as inspirational and a tribute to veterans and Olympia. The food was great too.

9) Annual meeting

The Board discussed potential invitees and agreed on a tentative time and date, 5:30 PM on January 20^th.

11) Madison fundraiser

The Madison PTO fundraiser will be held November 22^nd  at the Swantown Inn. Those with signs should get them out early.

12) Automating membership renewal requests

Sherry reported the ENA will need a $99 system upgrade to send renewal emails automatically. A motion to that effect was moved, seconded and approved unanimously.

The meeting ended at 8:08 PM

October 22, 2025 7:00 PM

Swantown Inn, 1431 11th Ave SE

Minutes

Board members present:

Sherry Chilcutt (President), Karen Sweeney (CNA representative), Jim Sweeney (Secretary), Jim Rioux (Treasurer), Nathan Allan, Abigail Twombly, Therese Vogel, Cheryl Bayle, Dan Rydholm

1. Approval of September 9^th minutes

The September minutes were approved with one correction.

2. Treasurer’s report

Jim R. reported the following account balances:

Checking    $512.54

Savings    $1,949.86

Total       $2,462.40

The neighborhood grant manager prefers we turn in receipts in chunks.

3. CNA report

Karen reported that Rhonda Larson-Kramer made a presentation on airport expansion to the South Capital NA, and is available to talk to other RNAs.

She and Jim S. met w. Brittany Gillia and others at City Hall last Thursday regarding the NMG program. Peter Guttchen had asked them to look at how the program could be improved. Peter is organizing a committee to continue working on this.

Clark Gillman talked about the current rules for neighborhood commercial uses and why they are problematic.

Tim Smith presented a long list of projects in his development report, including the Briggs Village grocery store amendment which will be going to the Council in early 2026.

There was also a discussion about Tribal development on the old City Hall site, and what that may entail for the recycle center, City Hall parking, and the other current uses.

The City’s budget deficit could result in a reduction of 35 FTEs and they are looking at increasing the tax levy.

4. Board recruitment

Sherry has recruited people in the past and the annual meeting is a good time to encourage people to get involved. Election of officers will occur at the annual meeting in January.

5. Upcoming events – Holiday Snowflakes

We talked about the materials needed to make snowflakes, the cost, and when to schedule the workshop. Nathan said he will check with Madison principal Domenico Spatola-Knoll about holding the event at the school. If they are interested, we would likely work with Marissa Smith and the PTO.

We were reminded to keep track of volunteer hours.

• November newsletter topics
• Snowflake workshop
• Veterans Day event (see item 8 below)
• Annual meeting
• $1-2K grant for free outdoor music; deadline Nov. 17^th

The Board was supportive and Sherry said she will review the grant application.

6. Veterans day celebration at Madison school

Cheryl described the event planned for November 8^th from 2-4 PM. Legion Way will be closed. For more information see:

7. Annual meeting

January 20 was suggested as a possible date for the meeting. We may want to invite a guest speaker such as Olympia’s poet laureate or Michael from Big Toms.

8. Winter events

The Board discussed previous winter events and upcoming events such as Avanti’s haunted school and “Trunk or Treat” events at Madison school and the Methodist church.

9. Madison fundraiser

Swantown will be hosting a Madison PTO fund raiser on Nov. 22.

10. Automating membership renewal requests

Sherry asked if we are able to do this. It was generally agreed we could and should, but we need a membership committee to decide how to proceed. The Board further discussed the need to maintain our social media displays and to archive pictures from ENA events. It was agreed we also need a communications person to post events on the website, Facebook, Jolt, etcetera. Dan suggested we use the best systems rather than the cheapest.

The meeting ended at 8:30 PM

When? Saturday November 8th, 2pm to 4pm.

Where? Madison Elementery School Gym

September 9^th, 2025 7:00 PM

Lions Park

Minutes

Board members present:

Karen Sweeney (CNA representative), Jim Rioux (Treasurer), Nathan Allan, Abigail Twombly, Cheryl Bayle

1) Approval of August 12^th Minutes

2) Treasurer Report

Checking             $768.62

Savings             $2,949.62

Total                $3,718.24

3) CNA report

See page 3.

4) Board Recruitment

Continued to next meeting.

5) Upcoming events

• Christmas Snowflake workshop Saturday September 27 or 28 at 11:00 AM
• Olympia Armory Construction Kickoff Celebration 2-3 Thursday Sept. 25

6) September newsletter topics

• Annual picnic Sept 20^th
• Snowflake workshop Sept. 27^th

7) Annual Picnic/Cider Press Sept 20^th

• Apple pressing starts at 3:00 PM
• 5:00 PM food and music
• Concern for Animals will also have a table and be there for about an hour and 1/2 to 2 hours; we’re hoping they can set up near where Sherry will be  
• Tim Smythe is gathering apples
• Need a canopy, tables and chairs (Borrow Nathan’s tables for potluck and canopy). Sweeney’s also bring canopy and Jim R. possibly getting one from neighbor
• Chalk drawing and apple figures. Harmonograph for kids. Abigail and Cheryl
• Food:
  • Sweeney’s bringing 20 jugs, 8 folding chairs, condiments
  • Nathan bringing tomatoes, etc.
  • Jim R bringing grill, hamburgers, hot dogs
  • Sherry will bring plates, silverware, napkins
• Moving the cider press – we have a new hitch on the Subaru with a rectangular metal platform that would be easy to load. (Hank is available)
• Make sure we have folks available for event breakdown.

8) Swag to encourage new membership?

Sherry has notecards, stickers (Laurel Henn) and Souper Sunday cookbooks (available with a $50 membership)

9) Veterans day celebration at Madison and Legion Way street tree Nov 8^th

The meeting ended at 8:00 PM

The next Board meeting will be at 7 PM, October 14^th

CNA Meeting Report – September 8, 2025

Neighborhood Reports:  

South Capitol Neighborhood Association uses Capitol City Press to do 1-2 newsletter mailings per year. Capital City Press has addresses for their area, and this allows them to reach renters as well as home owners. They include this in their grant requests from the City.

North East Neighborhood Association has started using an app called Volunteer Sign Up which helps them organize volunteers for their events.

They also have the Party in the Pocket Park coming up on Saturday, the 13^th of September from noon to 4 PM. It is a celebration of the corner park recently developed by the Neighborhood Association and others.  There will be music, art, games; Roosevelt School belonging story flags; food truck; plant, seed and garden harvest surplus exchange; emergency preparedness resources; Neighborhood maps; Neighborhood story boards.

Eastside Neighborhood Association has their annual picnic and cider pressing event coming up on Saturday, September 20^th from 3 PM to 7 PM at Lions Park. Cider pressing will be from 3 PM to 5 PM. Bring your washed apples and clean jugs to hold cider.

Grilling of hamburgers and hot dogs (provided) begins at 5 PM. Bring a large side dish or dessert to share with everyone. Music starts at 5:15 continues till 7 PM.

Eastside also has a snowflake workshop occurring either September 27^th or 28^th at 11:00 AM at the Swantown Inn. Correct date announced soon on website.

City Development: Brigg’s Urban Village information goes to the Land Use and Environment Committee with information from the Planning Commission on September 25, 2025. The Planning Commission has recommended a 12,000 sq. ft. grocery store, which was one of the most discussed topics when public review happened.

In 2017, Olympia was tasked with providing 13,000 living units over 20 years. From 2017 through 2025, the City will have built 3,200 units. There was some discussion about recent information that indicates some population decline and whether this might affect how many units need to be provided.

What’s App: The Southwest Neighborhood Association has been using What’s App as a way to organize volunteers, publicize events, add Board members, etc. They feel it works better that texting or emails.

CNA Chair report: The chair of the CNA has been working with Public Works regarding sidewalk repair information. A possible forum on this topic may happen this Fall or Winter. The Jolt newspaper (September 8, 2025) published an article about sidewalk repair in Lacey. Lacey has invested $1.3 million in sidewalk repair and they have a dedicated team to do this.

An Energy Efficiency program, funded through the city of Olympia’s Inspire grant, is happening Thursday Oct. 2^nd  from 6:30 to 7:30 PM at Traditions Café. A panel will describe how to make use of the Federal Tax Credits for home energy, which expire at the end of this year. The panel of experts will also discuss the benefits of a home energy audit, insulation, weatherization, double pane windows, heat pump or solar panels, etc. The panel and the small group discussion afterwards will help you decide what steps are right for your home.

August 12th, 2025 7:00 PM

Swantown Inn, 1431 11th Ave SE

Minutes

Board members present:

Sherry Chilcutt (President), Karen Sweeney (CNA representative), Jim Sweeney (Secretary), Nathan Allan, Abigail Twombly, Therese Vogel, Cheryl Bayle

1. Approval of Minutes

The July 8^th minutes were approved as submitted.

2) CNA report

The CNA held its meeting on Monday August 11^th at Larry Dzieza’s house.

Karen said the City has posted comments from the Affordable Housing Forum.

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the Middle Housing code amendments on Monday August 18^th.

Karen and Jim discussed the City’s progress updating the Land Use and Economic Development chapter of the Comprehensive Plan, in particular the new Urban Residential land use designation and small commercial uses in residential areas.

3) New Bridge event

Members talked about ‘Eastside Neighborhood Nights’ events at New Bridge church. Everyone enjoyed these free family events and we’re looking forward to their Christmas market. Sherry was able to talk to pastor Jon Cardona.

4) Upcoming events

We discussed holding a holiday snowflake workshop in September. Nathan offered to host the workshop at the Inn and will let us know the date. We will need to develop plans for making different types of snowflakes and decide what materials to buy. It was suggested we print flyers with QR code links to plans, instructions, costs etc. on the ENA website.

5) August newsletter topics

Annual picnic & apple pressing – September 20.

Snowflake workshop – on September 20^th after the annual picnic.

Sherry offered to interview the owner of the new Beauty Temple salon on 4^th Avenue.

Sherry suggested a membership drive with prizes for membership renewals, such as a Sooper Sunday Cookbook. Nathan suggested signs promoting membership, and Abigail offered to help with the design.

November 8^th Veterans Day events at the Armory and Madison school, plus street tree planting. Nathan discussed the benefits of trees in neighborhoods and there was general support for planting oak trees on Legion Way from Central to Edison Street.

Electric bikes are available in the neighborhood.

The City’s lawn aeration program.

6) Annual Picnic and Apple Press Sept 20^th 

Schedule:

Setup will start at 2:00

Apple pressing starts at 3:00

Food – burgers, sausages, potluck at 5:00

Music – 2 bands will each play 45 minute sets:

Yarrow at 5:30

G-Strings at 6:15

Sherry is checking with Tim Smythe about supplying apples.

Nathan has room for apples in his walk-in cooler if they’re in stackable containers.

Karen said she can bring a canopy and extra tables and chairs.

Someone will bring sidewalk chalk.

Abigail will work up the posters and we will put sandwich board signs out well ahead of time.

The Board will meet at Lions Park on September 9^th to talk about the layout, schedule and so forth. Sherry will send a reminder email.

7) Swag to encourage new membership

The Board discussed different kinds of swag we can offer for membership renewals, such as stick-on’s.

The meeting ended at 8:25 PM

The next Board meeting will be at Lions Park on September 9^th