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	<title>Olympia Downtown Association</title>
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	<link>http://downtownolympia.com</link>
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		<title>Washington Center construction update</title>
		<link>http://downtownolympia.com/2013/05/17/washington-center-construction-update-3/</link>
		<comments>http://downtownolympia.com/2013/05/17/washington-center-construction-update-3/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 17 May 2013 18:22:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>oda</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://downtownolympia.com/?p=5609</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[May 20 to 24, 2013: We’ll continue the concrete work for the curb in the alley. The rest of the roof scaffolding will go up. Holes on the alley side will be patched to prepare for application of waterproofing for<p class="readmore"><a href="http://downtownolympia.com/2013/05/17/washington-center-construction-update-3/">Read More <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a></p>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>May 20 to 24, 2013:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>We’ll continue the concrete work for the curb in the alley.</li>
<li>The rest of the roof scaffolding will go up.</li>
<li>Holes on the alley side will be patched to prepare for application of waterproofing for new siding.</li>
<li>Demolition continues on the Washington Street side.</li>
<li>The wall near Drees will be pressure washed and prepped for application of moisture-resistant paint.</li>
<li>We’ll start waterproofing the alley wall and start installing metal studs for the siding.</li>
<li>We are working on getting signage to guide visitors to the WCPA main entrance and to the Box Office.</li>
<li>This week and next week (week of May 27) will see fewer working days, since we have 3 non-work days (WCPA events) and the Memorial Day holiday.</li>
</ul>
<p>For real-time project updates visit the <a href="https://twitter.com/OlyProjects" target="_blank">City of Olympia Twitter</a>.</p>
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		<title>Summer swim lessons</title>
		<link>http://downtownolympia.com/2013/05/17/summer-swim-lessons/</link>
		<comments>http://downtownolympia.com/2013/05/17/summer-swim-lessons/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 17 May 2013 17:34:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>oda</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Member News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://downtownolympia.com/?p=5602</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[YMCA swim lessons are a great way to introduce your child to the water or perfect their swimming skills. With summer’s heat and fun, water-related activities just around the corner, now is the time for your child to learn how<p class="readmore"><a href="http://downtownolympia.com/2013/05/17/summer-swim-lessons/">Read More <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a></p>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>YMCA swim lessons are a great way to introduce your child to the water or perfect their swimming skills. With summer’s heat and fun, water-related activities just around the corner, now is the time for your child to learn how to be safe in the water. The YMCA offers summer swim lessons in two or four-week sessions at convenient morning and evening times. You can register online at <a href="http://www.southsoundymca.org" target="_blank">www.southsoundymca.org</a>.</p>
<p>Give us a call at (360) 357-6609 or visit our website at <a href="http://www.southsoundymca.org" target="_blank">www.southsoundymca.org</a>.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Public service announcement for your neighborhood</title>
		<link>http://downtownolympia.com/2013/05/17/public-service-announcement-for-your-neighborhood/</link>
		<comments>http://downtownolympia.com/2013/05/17/public-service-announcement-for-your-neighborhood/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 17 May 2013 17:32:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>oda</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://downtownolympia.com/?p=5600</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Puget Sound Energy is now offering FREE Home Energy Assessments including up to 50 FREE CFL bulbs installed! Lower your power bill instantly by calling Energy Efficiency First to schedule.  Puget Sound Energy is calling its FREE home energy assessment<p class="readmore"><a href="http://downtownolympia.com/2013/05/17/public-service-announcement-for-your-neighborhood/">Read More <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a></p>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><b>Puget Sound Energy is now offering <i>FREE Home Energy Assessments</i> including up to 50 FREE CFL bulbs installed! Lower your power bill instantly by calling Energy Efficiency First to schedule.  </b></p>
<p>Puget Sound Energy is calling its FREE home energy assessment a “HomePrint Assessment,” a word play on helping you reduce your carbon footprint.  At <a href="http://www.qualityrcss.com/special-pricing" target="_blank">Energy Efficiency First</a>, we have trained and experienced energy auditors on staff to provide the PSE HomePrint Assessment to you.</p>
<p><b>What it is:  </b><b>A FREE</b> overview of your home to provide a better understanding of your home’s basic energy consumption.  We review insulation levels, doors and windows, your heating and cooling system, the major appliances, the lighting, and more.  The assessment includes useful and cost-effective ways to improve your home’s comfort and efficiency.</p>
<p><b>What you get</b></p>
<ul>
<li>On-site installation of free ENERGY STAR® compact fluorescent light bulbs (up to 50, a $250 value).</li>
<li>High-performance low flow showerheads* (*up to 2 per qualifying home).</li>
<li><i>Written Assessment:</i><i>  </i>A summary of energy-saving recommendations, plus information on: PSE energy-efficient product rebates and other helpful energy efficiency tips.</li>
</ul>
<p>You may be motivated to make your home more energy efficient because you want to do your part for the planet.  But, as a utility customer, you’re probably equally interested in reducing the amount of your power bill.  The PSE assessment helps you start doing both immediately because we leave behind energy saving devices, such as the compact fluorescent bulbs and <span style="text-decoration: underline;">the low flow shower heads</span>.  We also provide do-it-yourself energy saving tips.  If your home needs help from a professional, we’ll tell you that, too.</p>
<p>Our professional energy auditors evaluate your home’s structure as a system.  We determine what is needed to maximize energy efficiency, comfort, and building durability, and to ensure the healthiest possible indoor air quality.</p>
<p>When you schedule a HomePrint Assessment through Energy Efficiency First, there is no obligation or expectation that you will do more.</p>
<p>To schedule, <a href="mailto:contactus@qualityrcss.com?subject=Schedule%20a%20FREE%20HomePrint%20Assessment">e-mail</a> us or call us at (360) 236-9684.</p>
<p>When you call, feel free to ask us about the Thurston Energy full diagnostic energy audit and the $200 instant rebate available to Thurston County residents.  <a href="http://www.qualityrcss.com/home-energy-audits">Energy Efficiency First</a> is a Thurston Energy partner and also offers these <a href="http://www.qualityrcss.com/home-energy-audits">more comprehensive home energy evaluations</a>.</p>
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		<title>Washington Center construction update</title>
		<link>http://downtownolympia.com/2013/05/10/washington-center-construction-update-2/</link>
		<comments>http://downtownolympia.com/2013/05/10/washington-center-construction-update-2/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 10 May 2013 18:32:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>oda</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Member News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://downtownolympia.com/?p=5553</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[May 13 to 17, 2013 All of the scaffolding is installed on the Washington Street side, and demolition continues. Scaffolding in the alley is now completed and covered with the netting, demolition of the siding continues. Work on the south<p class="readmore"><a href="http://downtownolympia.com/2013/05/10/washington-center-construction-update-2/">Read More <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a></p>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>May 13 to 17, 2013</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>All of the scaffolding is installed on the Washington Street side, and demolition continues.</li>
<li>Scaffolding in the alley is now completed and covered with the netting, demolition of the siding continues.</li>
<li>Work on the south side (near Drees) is beginning. Wall will be pressure washed and prepped for installation of moisture-resistant paint.</li>
</ul>
<p>Below is a current picture of the Washington Center for the Performing Arts with all of the scaffolding, netting, and lights up on the alley side of the building.</p>
<p><a href="http://downtownolympia.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/WashingtonCenter.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5555" alt="Washington Center - click to enlarge." src="http://downtownolympia.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/WashingtonCenter.jpg" width="576" height="768" /></a></p>
<p>For real-time project updates visit the <a href="https://twitter.com/OlyProjects" target="_blank">City of Olympia Twitter</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Lawsuit against Visa/MasterCard</title>
		<link>http://downtownolympia.com/2013/05/10/lawsuit-against-visamastercard/</link>
		<comments>http://downtownolympia.com/2013/05/10/lawsuit-against-visamastercard/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 10 May 2013 18:00:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>oda</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://downtownolympia.com/?p=5550</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There is a substantially large case against Visa/MasterCard currently that all retail businesses accepting cards from 2004 forward are involved in whether they know or not. &#8220;Every business of any kind that has accepted a Visa or MasterCard credit or<p class="readmore"><a href="http://downtownolympia.com/2013/05/10/lawsuit-against-visamastercard/">Read More <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a></p>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There is a substantially large case against Visa/MasterCard currently that all retail businesses accepting cards from 2004 forward are involved in whether they know or not.</p>
<p>&#8220;Every business of any kind that has accepted a Visa or MasterCard credit or debit card for payment since January 1, 2004 is a member of the class of plaintiffs in this antitrust case. It doesn’t matter if you have or have not received an official notice about the settlement – if you accepted Visa or MasterCard cards for payment at any time since January 1, 2004 you are part of the class. This litigation was filed to deal with the way that Visa and MasterCard each centrally fix swipe fees for their own member banks – and those banks don’t compete on the fees.  This price-fixing has made swipe fees the fastest-growing operating expense for U.S. merchants, the second-highest operating expense (behind only labor), and a crushing drag on business.&#8221;</p>
<p>For more information visit <a href="http://merchantsobject.com/opt-out-object/" target="_blank">http://merchantsobject.com/opt-out-object/</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Marchetti Wines receives awards</title>
		<link>http://downtownolympia.com/2013/05/10/marchetti-wines-receives-awards/</link>
		<comments>http://downtownolympia.com/2013/05/10/marchetti-wines-receives-awards/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 10 May 2013 17:38:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>oda</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Member News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://downtownolympia.com/?p=5547</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Marchetti Wines received two awards for their wines this month. The first was for the annual LeMay Family Collection Fundraiser in Tacoma. We received a gold medal for our 2010 Cabernet Franc. Last weekend at Fishtale&#8217;s annual SLURP (Pacific Coast<p class="readmore"><a href="http://downtownolympia.com/2013/05/10/marchetti-wines-receives-awards/">Read More <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a></p>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Marchetti Wines received two awards for their wines this month.</p>
<p>The first was for the annual LeMay Family Collection Fundraiser in Tacoma. We received a gold medal for our 2010 Cabernet Franc. Last weekend at Fishtale&#8217;s annual SLURP (Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association) fundraiser, we won Runner Up for &#8220;Best Wine&#8221; just behind conglomerate Chateau St. Michelle.</p>
<p>Marchetti Wines is located in the New Caldonia Building at 116 5th Ave SE, Suite E. For more information visit <a href="http://www.marchettiwines.com/" target="_blank">http://www.marchettiwines.com/</a>.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Summer sports</title>
		<link>http://downtownolympia.com/2013/05/08/5545/</link>
		<comments>http://downtownolympia.com/2013/05/08/5545/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 08 May 2013 22:34:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>oda</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Member News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://downtownolympia.com/?p=5545</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[YMCA Youth Sports are a great way to keep your child active, engaged and having fun this summer! Kids in preschool through 8th grade can sign up for track, baseball, soccer, lacrosse and volleyball with practice starting the week of<p class="readmore"><a href="http://downtownolympia.com/2013/05/08/5545/">Read More <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a></p>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>YMCA Youth Sports are a great way to keep your child active, engaged and having fun this summer! Kids in preschool through 8<sup>th</sup> grade can sign up for track, baseball, soccer, lacrosse and volleyball with practice starting the week of July 8. Try your hand at a new sport or keep working on your skills while meeting new friends. Registration is open through June 12; sign up now to avoid the late fee. Online registration is available at <a href="http://www.southsoundymca.org" target="_blank">www.southsoundymca.org</a>.</p>
<p>Give us a call at 357-6609 or visit our website at <a href="http://www.southsoundymca.org" target="_blank">www.southsoundymca.org</a>.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Downtown Ambassadors job opening</title>
		<link>http://downtownolympia.com/2013/05/03/downtown-ambassadors-job-opening/</link>
		<comments>http://downtownolympia.com/2013/05/03/downtown-ambassadors-job-opening/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2013 22:36:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>oda</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://downtownolympia.com/?p=5527</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It is my pleasure to announce that the Olympia Downtown Ambassador program is hiring a Team Leader to help manage day-to-day Ambassador and Clean Team operations in our Downtown. Attached, you will find the job description, and I hope you&#8217;ll<p class="readmore"><a href="http://downtownolympia.com/2013/05/03/downtown-ambassadors-job-opening/">Read More <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a></p>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It is my pleasure to announce that the Olympia Downtown Ambassador program is hiring a Team Leader to help manage day-to-day Ambassador and Clean Team operations in our Downtown.</p>
<p>Attached, you will find the job description, and I hope you&#8217;ll help us by forwarding this throughout your networks, helping us to find the best qualified individual for this critical job.</p>
<p>Thank you and please contact me directly if you have any questions about this position, or the Ambassador Program.</p>
<p>Thank you.</p>
<p>Rob Richards<br />
Program Manager<br />
Olympia Downtown Ambassadors<br />
Capital Recovery Center<br />
360.292.0565</p>
<p><a href="http://downtownolympia.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Team-Leader-Job-Description.pdf">Team Leader Job Description</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>Washington Center construction update</title>
		<link>http://downtownolympia.com/2013/05/03/washington-center-construction-update/</link>
		<comments>http://downtownolympia.com/2013/05/03/washington-center-construction-update/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2013 18:31:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>oda</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Member News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://downtownolympia.com/?p=5511</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[May 6 to 10, 2013 No loud work between 9 am and noon on May 9 for Ballet Northwest performances. We continue to remove the siding on Washington Street to get ready for new siding. We will complete the scaffolding<p class="readmore"><a href="http://downtownolympia.com/2013/05/03/washington-center-construction-update/">Read More <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a></p>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>May 6 to 10, 2013</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>No loud work between 9 am and noon on May 9 for Ballet Northwest performances.</li>
<li>We continue to remove the siding on Washington Street to get ready for new siding.</li>
<li>We will complete the scaffolding in the alley so we can remove the siding from the upper areas of the building.</li>
<li>Final work on the south side (near Drees) includes prepping and painting the wall.</li>
<li>Loading trucks can cause a lot of damage, so we will pour concrete curb in the alley to protect the new siding.</li>
</ul>
<p>For real-time project updates visit the <a href="https://twitter.com/OlyProjects" target="_blank">City of Olympia Twitter</a>.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Olympia theater announces free summer youth program</title>
		<link>http://downtownolympia.com/2013/05/03/olympia-theater-announces-free-summer-youth-program/</link>
		<comments>http://downtownolympia.com/2013/05/03/olympia-theater-announces-free-summer-youth-program/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 03 May 2013 18:27:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>oda</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Member News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://downtownolympia.com/?p=5507</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Olympia, Wash. – May 2, 2013 – Today, Harlequin Productions, a professional theater company in downtown Olympia, announces the launch of its Kickstarter campaign. Funds from the project will be used to underwrite a one-of-a-kind classical acting program, the Conservatory<p class="readmore"><a href="http://downtownolympia.com/2013/05/03/olympia-theater-announces-free-summer-youth-program/">Read More <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a></p>]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong></strong>Olympia, Wash. – May 2, 2013 – Today, Harlequin Productions, a professional theater company in downtown Olympia, announces the launch of its Kickstarter campaign. Funds from the project will be used to underwrite a one-of-a-kind classical acting program, the Conservatory for Young Actors, which teens 12-19 years old attend for free in the summer. Visitors can sponsor the project by visiting: <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/harlequincya/conservatory-for-young-actors-0" target="_blank">http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/harlequincya/conservatory-for-young-actors-0</a>.</p>
<p>“We’ve always wanted to do this – to teach the art of classical acting to the next generation,” said Scot Whitney, Artistic Director. “This is about talent and commitment, and about recognizing and nurturing those abilities.”</p>
<p>The Conservatory for Young Actors, which formally launched in January 2013, is an intensive 6-week summer experience for young people 12-19 years old. Through comprehensive theatrical training, students in this program develop valuable collaboration and leadership skills. They explore essential concepts such as interpersonal dynamics, the importance of process, and the value of respect. Whether future actors or future community leaders, exposure to the power of theater allows these kids to be more prepared for and engaged in the process of creating a healthy future for themselves and their communities.</p>
<p>“Harlequin allowed me to explore acting in an intensive yet supportive environment,” said former Harlequin student, Reesa Nelson. “It was amazing to work with instructors whose on-stage work I had previously admired and I was inspired to pursue further opportunities in the theater world, graduating magma cum laude from Central’s Theatre Arts program last spring.”</p>
<p>By launching on Kickstarter, Harlequin is giving its audience and fans the ability to sponsor their project in return for some exclusive rewards (and a tax-receipt). Contributors receive a variety of t-shirts, stickers, tickets to the final student production and Harlequin shows &#8212; even the opportunity to watch a show from the Director’s Box, complete with refreshments. Want to support the Conservatory? Check out the campaign at <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/harlequincya/conservatory-for-young-actors-0" target="_blank">http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/harlequincya/conservatory-for-young-actors-0</a>.</p>
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