May 12, 2026 7:00 PM
Northwest Beerwerks
Minutes
Board members present:
Karen Sweeney (Vice president & CNA representative), Jim Sweeney (Secretary), Jim Rioux (Treasurer), Abigail Twombly, Therese Vogel, Josh Elliott, Cheryl Bayle
1) Approval of April Minutes
The April 14th minutes were approved as submitted.
2) Treasurer’s report
Jim R. reported the following account balances:
Checking $1,662.39
Savings $1,951.18
Total $3,613.57
3) CNA report
Karen reported on the following topics from the May 11th CNA meeting:
- The CNA voted to confirm Justin Stang as the new CNA Chair
- Councilman Gilman talked about hiring the new fire chief
- The City is looking into contracting out garbage and recycling services
This led to a discussion about the wisdom of contracting with a private company for garbage and recycling services. Board members expressed concern about costs and accountability.
- Joyce Philips is retiring from the Planning Department
- Nicole Floyd will be representing the Planning Department at CNA meetings
- The City will be hiring a new Housing Director
- Jasmine Vasavada said the Port of Olympia will hold a work session on the Evergreen College pool closure.
This led to a discussion about opposition to the pool closure. Karen will contact Larry Dzieza about drafting a template letter for RNAs.
4) Neighborhood Matching Grant status
Board members expressed frustration with the grant process. The ENA and the other RNAs all met the City’s March 10 application deadline. The Council approved the grant review team’s recommendation on April 14. We have heard nothing since then. This was the second annual grant cycle for Brittany Gillia who has made some much needed program upgrades, many of which were suggested by the CNA and RNAs, but the process appears to be bogged down in bureaucracy. When contracts are not approved in a timely manner the ENA has to dip into our accounts, or members credit, for project expenses.
Jim R. suggested we communicate our concerns to staff, and Karen volunteered to draft a letter and send it to Jim to review.
The Board discussed the upcoming event schedule and whether or not we need to update any times or dates. Karen volunteered to check with someone in Northeast about Porch Fest.
5) Eastside walking map project update
Jim S. and Josh talked about an Eastside walking map. This is as yet an unfunded project but they are researching other walking maps including “Olympia’s Hidden Histories” and Tom Boucher’s Psyhcogeographic walking maps (available on Etsy).
6) Gateway Art replacement
Jim S. asked Stephanie Johnson about the damaged art project on Pacific and Martin Way. Stephanie said both the large sculpture and the fruit bowl are in the process of replacement, most likely in the next few months or so.
7) Membership recruitment and email list
The Board discussed efforts to update and expand our mailing lists. We agreed to continue this work, focusing on asking people attending events to sign up.
8) Technical stuff
We need to update the ENA Google group email list to delete Abigails old “mindspring” address and add ag******@***il.com.
Please bring up any technical problems you encounter at future meetings.
9) Next meeting will be June 9th
The meeting ended at 8:20 PM
]]>April 14, 2026 7:00 PM
Swantown Inn, 1431 11th Ave SE
Minutes
Board members present:
Karen Sweeney (Vice president & CNA representative), Jim Sweeney (Secretary), Nathan Allan, Abigail Twombly, Therese Vogel, Josh Elliott
1) Approval of March Minutes
The March 10th minutes were approved as submitted, with the addition of Josh to the list of Board members present.
2) CNA report
Karen reported on the following topics from the April 13th CNA meeting:
- Peter Guttchen had to step down from the chairmanship; the CNA will vote on a new chair in May.
- Meetings are on Zoom.
- Max Dejarnatt presented an update on the sidewalk repair program; the City is hiring a dedicated 4-person crew.
- There was a presentation about the Dispute Resolution Center.
- Several CNA members staffed a table at the March 28th ‘No Kings’ rally.
- The City hasn’t yet decided where to move the Japanese Garden; Nathan suggested Madison Scenic Park.
3) RNA grant proposal
Jim S. talked about the neighborhood matching grant program which is on tonight’s Council agenda for approval. Earlier he emailed a staff report and the City’s recommendations.
4) Recruiting new members and rebuilding membership list
The Board previously decided to post signs around the neighborhood asking people to sign up with their email address on the ENA website. Abigail brought 5½” by 8½” signs and she previously emailed the sign if you want to print your own. Karen said she has a laminator if anyone wants to laminate their signs. Suggested locations include utility poles, schools, churches, parks and businesses.
We applied for NMG funds to mail postcards to all Eastside residences. The postcards will include the ENA logo and a QR code link to the website, and it will encourage people to sign up to receive monthly newsletters. Nathan, Abigail and Jim S. volunteered to help draft the postcard.
Nathan suggested posting the flyer on the ENA Facebook page. Josh suggested posting events on Nextdoor as well.
5) Walking map
Jim and Josh will work together to outline walking map ideas for discussion at the next Board meeting.
6) Technical stuff
We discussed how to make it as easy as possible for people to sign up on the ENA website. In response, Nathan was able to create a new post titled “Sign up for the Email Newsletter!” and pin it on the home page. He also updated the 2026 Events calendar.
It was generally agreed that taking a few minutes at the end of the meeting to talk about the website was well worth our time, and that we should continue the practice by adding a “technical stuff” item to the end of future agendas. Board members can then bring up technical issues, the group can discuss and, if feasible, these problems can be fixed quickly and easily.
7) Other
It was suggested we print a large Eastside map or photo and have it mounted so we can display it at the annual picnic.
Sherry will be out of town for most of April and May.
Nathan will be gone from May 9 to May 28.
We will need to find a meeting place for the May 12 Board meeting.
The meeting ended at 8:30 PM
]]>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 10th 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 9th 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 15th 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 9th 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 24th 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 27th
National Night Out – August 4th.
Combined Annual Picnic and Fall Festival – Saturday September 26th. 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 10th 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 4th 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 15th 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 20th 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 10th 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 22nd 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 10th 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. 14th
- Madison PTO fundraiser on Nov. 22nd at Swantown
- Neighborhood Member Appreciation event 5:30 PM Wednesday December 3rd 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 8th
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 20th.
11) Madison fundraiser
The Madison PTO fundraiser will be held November 22nd 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
- Approval of September 9th 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. 17th
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 8th 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
