This Week in Downtown for May 12th through May 16th features full articles! Click more to read.
May 12th to May 16th
Dash Shuttle Resumes Saturday Service
Dash, the free shuttle service that serves downtown Olympia and the Capitol Campus, resumes Saturday service on April 3rd, in conjunction with the opening of the Olympia Farmers Market 2010 season.
Saturday service operates from 9 am to 5 pm and serves the Farmers Market, downtown Olympia along Capitol Way and the West Capitol Campus. The shuttle does not serve the East Capitol Campus on Saturdays, although it does on weekdays.
The shuttle’s regular weekday service remains the same, operating from 6:45 am until 7:15 pm, running through the East and West Capitol Campus, and along Capitol Way to and from the Market district.
Transit officials estimate the use of the popular shuttle at nearly 34,000 boardings thus far this year, well over 600 boardings each day on average. The shuttle carried just under 125,000 rides last year and about 469,000 rides to date since it began operating in 2006. Intercity Transit established the shuttle service with strong support from the City of Olympia, Olympia Downtown Association, the Port of Olympia, the Washington State Legislature and Department of General Administration and the area’s Visitor and Convention Bureau. The shuttle service helps alleviate traffic and parking concerns while encouraging activity and access to downtown Olympia and the state capitol.
For more information on the Dash shuttle or other Intercity Transit transportation services, call Intercity Transit customer service at 786-1881 or visit intercitytransit.com.
FREE Employee Parking
SMART LOT
In advance of converting the 90-minute free parking area into a pay parking system, the City of Olympia Parking Services offers this FREE temporary off-street parking permit to employees of downtown businesses. One of Parking Services purposes is to help maintain the vibrant commercial downtown center by freeing up on-street parking spaces for business patron and customer use. Parking Services downtown parking studies show that of the 335-stalls designated as 90-minute free, currently 133 spaces are routinely being occupied by employees.
To get the permit, visit City of Olympia Parking Services at 117 Legion Way SW. For more information please contact City of Olympia Parking Services at 753-8017 or www.ci.olympia.wa.us. You will need to get a new permit each month so remember to visit Parking Services at 117 Legion Way SW.
New Leased Parking Downtown
The parking lot across from Capital Plumbing and Heating at 424 Jefferson St and 5th Ave is now open for leased parking! This new parking lot offers a low price of $40 a month. The lot is close to everything in downtown! For more information call 918-6544.
GYROKINESIS® Beginner Class – Updated
GYROKINESIS® exercises are being offered at Motion in Balance Studio. The class is every Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. The classes will focus on breath and movement to achieve joint mobility and core strengthening. The class fee is $12 to drop in or $40 for a four class card. Call 556-2619 for more information or to reserve a spot.
Home Body Eco-Luxe Living
Spring is here. That means the sun is peeking through the clouds and rain showers and the flowers are blooming. It’s time to throw open the windows.
Come down and take advantage of the Spring Cleaning Sale. Save up to 50% on housewares, jewelry, dolls, perfume, baskets, vintage items, clothing and accessories. Home Body Eco-Luxe Living is located at 416 1/2 Washington St SE.
Step into your Future – Release your Fears
Wednesdays, May 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th
5 to 8 pm
Do you allow your fears to stop you from having what you want in life? Do you procrastinate? Do you tell yourself: “I don’t know how” or hear that inner voice saying “I’m not good enough?” Do you feel exposed and fearful when you want to try something new or take a risk?
In this 4 week class you will deeply explore the blocks to having the life you desire–and the life you deserve! Through guided meditation and visualization, deep relaxation, music and individual and group processes you will learn to tap into your inner knowing and to access long-held fears, beliefs, and behavior patterns that limit you.
Zoe Waggoner is a Master’s Level therapist who uses Clinical, Heart-Centered Hypnotherapy as the vehicle to help you access long-held subconscious beliefs and behavior patterns. Class size is limited to 10 people.
This class cost $125. To register call Zoe at 432-1236 or email zoewaggoner@gmail.com.
Annie
May 6th to 29th
Capital Playhouse’s production of Annie, running May 6th through May 30, is a MUST for your family’s activities calendar! In addition to a line-up of orphans played by the area’s most talented young girls, this treat brings the return of an unstoppable duo: Jeff Kingsbury and Jennie May Donnell. Kingsbury as Daddy Warbucks and Donnell as Miss Hannigan will undoubtedly thrill the audience with their chemistry on stage! Although some might consider Warbucks and Hannigan a crooked couple – the play and banter between these two characters is an integral comic element to the show and will certainly be taken to the next level by Kingsbury and Donnell. Most recently appearing together in last season’s A Little Night Music, Donnell and Kingsbury have worked on all aspects of the theatre together over the last 26 years – from acting, producing, directing, props, painting, costuming, scenic design and building many shows together. “When you work with a person in the theatre this length of time, you develop an unspoken language, and have shared sensibilities. That is something you can’t buy!” says Donnell of their relationship. Tickets are on sale now – and if they go anything like Rent tickets – get yours NOW!
Performances run May 6th to 29th, Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2 pm. ADDED MATINEES: Saturday, May 15th and 22nd at 2 pm and Sunday, May 30th at 2 pm. Tickets are $31-$37 for adults, $26-$32 for seniors (60+) and youth (16 and under). All performances at Capital Playhouse: 612 4th Ave E. Box office: 943-2744. Visit www.capitalplayhouse.com for more information.
Port of Olympia
Invites Applicants for Citizen Advisory Committee
The Port of Olympia Commission is seeking applicants for the Port Advisory Committee (PAC). The Commission will appoint four person to fill open positions and will appoint two alternates who may be asked to serve if any regular members cannot complete their terms.
The Port Advisory Committee comprises 12 citizen volunteers who meet periodically, or as needed, to address assignments from the Commission. Individual PAC members also may be asked to participate with Port staff on a range of Port programs and projects. The PAC has contributed citizen advice and assistance to the Port since formed by the Commission in 1994.
Applicants must be Thurston County residents. An interview committee of a Port Commissioner, the Executive Director and the Chair of the Port Advisory Committee will recommend appointments to the Commission. Criteria for selection are community and economic development activities; volunteer, board or committee experience; work experience; experience or knowledge of the Port; and reasons for serving on the PAC.
For an application form, please call 528-8000 or visit the Port’s website at www.portolympia.com. The application deadline is Friday, May 28th.
Volunteer Opportunity
Capital City Marathon needs volunteers to assist with traffic flow to avoid accidents, to assist observers and pedestrians with crossing the street and to guide runners along the three courses (marathon, half-marathon and 5-mile run). Safety is priority. They need your help to continue the tradition of a safe and successful event. Capital City Marathon is Sunday, May 16th.
Volunteers will be placed on all street corners, intersections and turns in the roads along the three courses. A course map can be found on the Capital City Marathon website, www.capitalcitymarathon.org.
Depending on your location along the courses (marathon, half-marathon, 5-mile run) determines the time you will be needed. Absolute maximum time commitment is 6:45 am to noon. The marathon starts at 7 am, half-marathon starts at 7:45 am and the 5-mile run starts at 8 am.
The marathon is 26.2 miles long and is divided into five segments. Each segment has a Section Coordinator. The half-marathon and 5-mile courses are integrated at different points with the marathon course. Volunteers work with one of the Course Section Coordinators. Race Officital t-shirts and orange safety vests are provided. The safety vests are collected by the Course Section Coordinators but the t-shirts are yours to keep.
Call Jim Lux at 943-5531 or 704-0912 for more information and to sign up to volunteer.
Artists’ Garage Sale
Ah, spring – the time to clean house and throw stuff out. Wait! Could that junk have another life as a piece of art? Or are you an artist who just needs a place to sell your funky stuff? Spend the day with local artists and turn that clutter into cash at the Artists Garage Sale, Saturday, May 22nd, from 10 am to 3 pm at the Armory on Eastside St. Here are some ideas for things you can sell:
- Art books and old magazines
- Art supplies you no longer use – everything from that stained glass hobby to supplies for printmaking, jewelry, ceramics, rug-hooking, whatever!
- Old cds and records
- Equipment: kilns, mat cutters, photography stuff
- Old instruments that would love to be played
- Electronics: audio and visual, moving image
- And if you are an artist – sell your seconds: artwork, crafts, recordings, chapbooks, zines, etc.
If you’ve got stuff to sell, find a form online at www.possca.org. The entry fee is $15 for a small space and $25 for a large space. If you need to be provided with a table there is an additional $15 fee. Sign up today! Deadline is May 15th – but applications are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis and they go fast! For more information please call POSSCA at 786-1516. Sponsored by POSSCA and City of Olympia Arts Commission, Department of Parks, Arts & Recreation.
Leadership Thurston County
NOW Accepting Applications for Class of 2011!
Join a network of over 375 dynamic community leaders! Learn first-hand about issues facing Thurston County, build relationships and enhance leadership skills.
Program Dates: September 2010 to June 2011
Class Size: 30
Application Deadline: August 1, 2010 and accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, so apply early.
Cost: $1,750
For information, go to www.LeadThurstonCounty.com, call 357-8515, or email LTC@thurstonchamber.com.
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“Leadership Thurston County helped me feel the pulse of our community. Meeting so many leaders, learning about Thurston County and getting to know my classmates all contributed to a richer understanding of the area. It’s also prepared me in taking a more active role in shaping our community to maintain a healthy quality of life.”
Dave Finnell, Intercity Transit
Class of 2009
Little Known Fact
Girls Night Out brought in $38,000 in retail sales to participating businesses.
First Friday
First Friday was last Friday! What do you have planned for the next First Friday? Email your events to odaoffice@tss.net.
Upcoming Community Events
National Preservation Month
The Olympia Heritage Commission is teaming up with the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, the Sherwood Press, the SW Washington Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and local artists and photographers to celebrate mid-century architecture in Olympia. They had over 3000 people tour the exhibit at the Washington Center the weekend of April 23rd! The exhibit will continue through the month of May and includes gorgeous photographs by Larry Mishkar, historic photographs, a limited edition letterpress broadside by the Sherwood Press and architectural drawings by local architect Katie Egland Cox that reveal the intricacy of the buildings.
And the FREE events keep coming! Unless noted, all shows are at 7 pm at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St SE.
Thursday, May 13th, Michael Houser, State Architectural Historian, will present an overview of Olympia architecture of the ’50s and ’60s.
Thursday May 20th, Dave King from Eco Woodworks and Daryl Morgan from TESC will talk about preserving period buildings and furniture.
Thursday, May 27th, Modern Views: A Conversation about NW Modern Architecture Join the filmmakers for a discussion following the screening.
For more information visit http://www.facebook.com/MidCenturyModernOlympia
OFS Presents The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus
May 9th through May 20th
This is an encore performance! Dir: Terry Gilliam/2010/UK/Canada/English/Russian/French with English subtitles/123 minutes
Terry Gilliam’s latest fantastical mind-bender and the last, unfinished performance of Heath Ledger, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus introduces us to the ancient doctor (Christopher Plummer) who operates a shabby traveling sideshow in the skid row outskirts of London. Dr Parnassus has achieved his unnaturally long life through a series of bets with the Devil. In fact, due to a loss, he must surrender his daughter on her 16th birthday - unless, of course, he can appease Mr Nick with other souls in exchange. This is where a mysterious hustler named Tony (Ledger) comes in – his abilities to shape alternate realities once one steps through Parnassus’ magic mirror. For more information visit www.olympiafilmsociety.org.
Visitor & Convention Bureau Annual Meeting
Thursday, May 13th, 8:30 to 10 am
Join the VCB for a revealing look at how ethnic roots, cultural history and the growing fascination with local agricultural offerings combine to provide memorable experiences for visitors with great economic potential for area residents. The keynote speaker will be Judy Walden, president of Walden Mills Group, a firm specializing in niche tourism development.
The Annual Meeting is Thursday, May 13th. Registration opens at 8 am, and the breakfast and program are from 8:30 to 10 am. It is at the Great Wolf Lodge Conference Center, 20500 Old Highway 99 SW, Grand Mound. Tickets for VCB members are $35, for non-members are $45. A table of eight is $260. Reservations are required. To secure your seat, payment must be submitted with your registration. To register visit www.visitolympia.com/registration.php or call 704-7544.
Radiance Presents Making Plant Medicine Series
Thursdays, May 13th, 20th and 27th, 6 to 9 pm
Take one class or the whole series!
Class 1: Herbs on the Inside – Teas and Tinctures
We will look at a few of the most basic forms of medicine: herbal infusions, decoctions, tinctures and glycerites. This may sound simple but there is actually much you can do to ensure maximum extractions to make the strongest medicines for you and your family. We will talk about the pros and cons of teas and tinctures and discuss which form might be the best extraction method for a particular plant. Specific plant constituents will be discussed along with how to maximize these active constituents in your medicine. There will be a tincture-making demonstration and medicine-tasting. Leave with some informative handouts and a solid, basic understanding of how to make good teas and tinctures from dried or fresh herbs. It’s a fun and economical activity that helps you put your health even more in your hands.
Class 2: Herbs on the Outside – Infused Oils, Home Hydrosols, Salves, Lotions and Liniments
Explore the various ways of using herbs externally to maintain health and balance. Learn about infusing oils with plants, making home hydrosols (a very underutilized and wonderful medicine) and then turning these products into even fancier salves and lotions. We will also discuss the role of tinctures (liniments) externally. A medicine demo will be included and some recipes provided. Leave with strong tools to begin your fun journey into the messy world of external medicines!
Class 3: Traditional Secrets – Herbs as Food
Too often we think of herbal medicines only as teas, tincture or pills. But traditionally people found all sorts of creative ways to incorporate health-enhancing plants into their diet. Come try really fun ways to take medicines like herbal honeys, vinegars, syrups, raw herb infested chocolates, nettle spritzers, real root beer and more. Recipes will be provided and we will have fun tasting and talking about herbs as a life way not just as “medicine”.
All classes will be taught by Lina, a Radiance employee and local herbal educator. The cost is $25 per class or $70 for the 3-class series. To register call Radiance at 357-5250.
Nobel Peace Prize Nominee Greg Mortenson Speaking at St Martin’s University
Thursday, May 13th, 6:45 pm
Humanitarian, writer and Nobel Peace Prize nominee Greg Mortenson will speak at Saint Martin’s University on Thursday, May 13 at 6:45 p.m. in the Hal and Inge Marcus Pavilion. The program, sponsored by the Olympia High School (OHS) Rotary Interact Club, The Olympia Rotary Club, The Community Foundation of South Puget Sound and Saint Martin’s, is part of Mortenson’s day-long visit to Thurston County. The visit also includes an afternoon student march for schools organized by the OHS Interact Club, that will culminate in a rally on the state capitol steps. The evening program is open to the public, and families are encouraged to attend (see ticket details below).
Mortenson is the protagonist and co-author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission To Promote Peace… One School At A Time. His most recent book Stones Into Schools: Promoting Peace with Books, Not Bombs, in Afghanistan and Pakistan, the sequel to Three Cups of Tea, was released in December. In 2009 he was awarded the “Star of Pakistan” and was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Founder of the educational charity Pennies For Peace, Mortenson is also the co-founder and director of the non-profit Central Asia Institute (CAI). CAI is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting education and literacy, especially for girls, in remote mountain regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan. As of October 2009, Central Asia Institute has established over 131 schools in rural Afghanistan and Pakistan, which provide education to 54,000 students including over 44,000 girls. Plans for Mortenson’s visit began when OHS Rotary Interact Club co-president Kaycee Keegan wrote Mortenson a letter as part of a senior project. Keegan and the Interact Club are working with area schools to have their students participate in the student march and consider a Pennies for Peace drive.
For more details about Greg Mortenson’s Thurston County events, visit the website www.thecommunityfoundation.com/mortensonproject. For more information about the evening program, contact the president of the Olympia Rotary Club, Sean Padget at seanpadget@comcast.net. For more information about the student march, contact co-presidents of OHS Rotary Interact Club, Kaycee Keegan at kaycee.keegs@gmail.com or Teasha Feldman at teasha.mf@gmail.com.
Tickets for the evening program are $25 for adults and $10 for students. Proceeds will go to Greg Mortenson to help build schools for children in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Tickets are available at www.seatyourself.biz/tcf. Note that tickets will not be sold at the door.
Olympia Food Co-op Expansion Forum
Thursday, May 13th, 7 pm
Join the expansion coordinators for conversation and refreshments at the Co-op downtown office at 610 Columbia St SW. Get the latest information, ask your questions and share your ideas. For more information contact expansion@olympiafood.coop or 357-1106 ext 17.
Spring Detox and Movement Retreat 2010
May 14th, 15th and 16th
Do you feel bogged down by rich foods, your responsibilities and daily stress? Do your creaky joints and sore back keep you from being physically active? Does your body feel stagnant and stiff when you wake up each morning? Do you want to gently cleanse your body, without feeling hungry? Do you want more flexibility?
Do you want to reduce pain in your hips, knees, shoulders or wrists? Do you want to get away from your busy and hectic life?
During this retreat, you will be guided by Rachel Friedman to activate your joints and find joy in moving your body. Four movement sessions during the weekend will support the detox process and activate your body to release toxins. You will breathe out toxins and release them through your skin. Gentle twisting, bending, arching and waving your body will assist your organs to process and expel toxins.
In addition, you will be cleansed and energized by organic, naturally raw meals that you will prepare with Ava Waits, Holistic Nutrition Counselor. This detox is a creative way to cleanse, and you will be involved in artistic food preparation. Unlike most cleanses, you will not need to feel hungry for it to work. You’ll get in touch with your body and learn to love and appreciate every piece of nourishment that goes into it.
What’s on the menu? (Menu subject to change based on food availability.) The plans are for some delicious meals, made with raw, uncooked ingredients: Falafel, created with sprouted seeds and seasonings, on a bed of tomato, cucumber lettuce and tahini. Superfood smoothies with plenty of raw chocolate. Fruit crisp topped with candied nuts.
Why use raw, uncooked ingredients?
- There are no additives (fake colors, preservatives) or processed ingredients in raw food meals. Your body will not need to process these harsh ingredients, and can focus on the detox process instead.
- When you cook your food, you lose up to 50% of the protein content, and up to 70% of vitamins and minerals. When nutrients are kept intact, you will feel satisfied sooner, and become less prone to overeating.
- Cooked foods lose nearly 100% of their enzymes (these help repair our DNA and RNA) and phytonutrients (some help prevent breast & prostate cancer, while others support our eyes).
- Foods also lose up to 80% of their vitamin C content when they are heated above 118 degrees F. All of our meals during the weekend will be kept at low temperatures to ensure that you receive optimal nutrition.
If you’ve avoided cleansing because you don’t want to feel hungry for days at a time, then this is the place for you!
This is the first time that Ava and Rachel are teaming up for an event like this. In celebration of this partnership, we are offering an extremely tasty deal for the entire weekend. This retreat is only $280. May 14th, 15th and 16th. Friday evening through midday Sunday.
What’s Included:
- Organic, living raw meals to cleanse toxins from your body
- 4 movement sessions using GYROKINESIS ® and yoga
- 2 nights of shared accommodations at our relaxing retreat center, located on 7 beautiful acres on Johnson Point Road in NE Olympia
- Opportunities to purchase sessions of massage and other healing modalities during the retreat
- Opportunities to hike throughout the beautiful property, or relax in the yard next to the lovely waterfall
Short lectures, recipe handouts and information to use at home
To register, you can pay by cash or check at Motion in Balance Studio (219 Legion Way SW, Suite 203-A). After you sign up, you will be sent a welcome packet to prepare for your relaxing weekend with us. You will receive an outline of the weekend and a health history form to fill out so we can be sure to accommodate your specific needs. You will also be sent information on how to prepare for the detox on the days before your weekend away.
This event is limited to 10 people to ensure each of you receive one-on-one guidance with Ava and Rachel. For more information contact Motion in Balance Studio at 556-2619.
Flamenco: Arte Y Paz
Friday, May 14th, 8 pm
It’s high time to order your tickets for Flamenco: Arte Y Paz on Friday, May 14th at 8 pm at The Vault Nightclub (425 Franklin St SE). Voice: Vicente Griego, guitar: Ricardo Diaz, dance: Savannah Fuentes and Veronica Barrera. 21 and over please. The Vault has open seating, so come early for the best seats. For more information and tickets go to www.brownpapertickets.com.
Capital City Marathon
Sunday, May 16th, 7 am
The Capital City Marathon involves three courses: marathon, half-marathon and 5-mile run. The marathon starts at 7 am, the half-marathon at 7:45 am and the 5-mile run at 8 am. Registration is at Sylvester Park (Legion and Capital Way). For more information visit www.capitalcitymarathon.org.
Sunday Sweep
Sunday, May 16th, 10 am to 12 pm
Sunday Sweeps are informal litter cleanups the third Sunday each month from 10 am until 12 pm in downtown Olympia. Bring supplies (gloves, bags, brooms, etc). Meet in the parking spaces behind Archibald Sisters. Spend a couple hours picking up litter, socializing and having fun! For more information call Daniel at 943-2707.
Funding for Nonprofits Workshop
Thursday, May 20th, 9 am to 12 pm
Volunteers may work for free, but nonprofits still have day to day business expenses. Join The Volunteer Center for the second class in a four-part series of seminars on how to sustain a skills-based volunteer program and learn more about how to fund your organizations needs. This workshop is at The Olympia Center, 222 Columbia St NW.
This workshop is put on by Next Chapter, a program of The Volunteer Center of Lewis, Mason and Thurston Counties in a collaboration with NonProfit Solutions NW and Centerpoint Institute. This series of workshops is designed to create collaborations between nonprofit organizations and skills-based volunteers to enhance community services.
The second workshop in the series, “Funding,” will help participants find and manage funding for their nonprofit’s sustainable skills-based volunteer program. The class will discuss: budget requirements and fund development within your organization.
Each individual session is $35. Payment may be processed online by clicking on “Donate Now” at www.volunteer.ws. Also register online at www.volunteer.ws by clicking on “Training Registration.” For more information contact Linda at the Volunteer Center at 455-0220 or linda@volunteer.ws. Scholarships are available, please contact Linda directly.
