The Grief We Hold

Blackbirds carry tear filled carnations

wrapped with green fern leaves, twisting

together memories floating among laced

flowers as words trickle like blessed

waters through summer rivers. Carved

stones, on sheltered ground, comforts

fallen names whispered into cyclic breaths

of remembrance. And peace brought forth

within small moments honor timeless dimensions

where love for those lost nourish all the life that follows.

—Ashly McBunch

Community Spotlight – September Through October 2024

Open Book Club: Offsite Event at The Brotherhood 119 Capitol Way N– September 3 & October 1- 7-8:30pm Come and talk about whatever you’ve been reading and hear about what others are reading in a casual bar environment (21+only) with other book appreciators. Meets every first Tuesday in the back left corner of The Brotherhood Lounge

10 Ways to Age in Place -Olympia library 313 8th Ave SE – September 5 4:30-5:45pm
Most people plan on staying their homes as they age. Find out what you need to know. Presented by Lewis Mason Thurston Area Agency on Aging

Listen Here: A Lunch Break Story Time for Adults – Olympia library 313 8th Ave SE –September 6 12-1 pm In-person or via Zoom Register for event

Automotive Basics Workshop – Olympia library 313 8th Ave SE – September 7 2-:4:30 pm Learn the basics of vehicle maintenance from the mechanic team at Busy Bee Automotive. Click to register.

2 Films for Palestine – A Benefit for the Middle East Children’s Alliance – Olympia Film Society 206 5 Ave SE Olympia – September 8 6pm doors 7 pm first film Olympia fFlm Society, Palestinian Action of South Sound and the Rachel Corrie Foundation for Peace and Justice present 2 films: Imprisoning a Generation (50 minutes) and Returning to Zarnouqa (14 minutes) with Q&A with the director to follow. $10 suggested donation (no one turned away for lack of funds)

Tenants’ Rights Workshop – Olympia library 313 8th Ave SE – September 10 6:30-7:45 pm Join us for a special presentation about tenants’ rights in Olympia and WA State. Learn how to protect your rights from the legal experts at Northwest Justice Project.

Cover Crops in the Garden – Community Court Garden 909 8th Ave SE Olympia-September 12 5-7 pm. Join the Thurston Conservation District for a hands on workshop to learn more about the benefits of cover crops in the home garden. Register on the website https://www.thurstoncd.com/education/upcoming-events/

Lantern Lights the Library:Live Music – Olympia library 313 8th Ave SE –
September 13 7-9pm Come experience local music and get loud at the library. Thank you to Lantern Records

OlyEcosystems 10 year anniversary celebration – West Bay Woods – Rogers & Dickinson St. West Olympia near the Westside Food Coop
September 14 1-4pm We will celebrate our 10-year anniversary and first 500 acre conservation milestone in the West Bay Woods where it all began. Treats provided.

South Sound Sierra Club monthly meeting – Olympia Center, 222 Columbia St NW Olympia – 3rd Tuesday September 17 5:30 meet & greet 6pm -program. Hope springer, Recycling & Waste reduction Specialist with Thurston County Solid Waste will answer questions about what can be recycled

Places We Call Home: Claudia Castro Luna -Olympia library 313 8th Ave SE- September 18 6:30-8:30pm Join us for an evening exploring the rich tradition and tapestry of Latino poetry with WA State Poet Laureate (2018-21) Claudia Castro Luna. Refreshments provided. Stay for a hands on poetry writing exercise.

Stream Team Fall Events –Visit Stream Team info:

Salmon Stewards Tumwater Falls at Brewery Park Field Training – September 7
McLane Creek Trail Maintenance – McLane Creek Nature Trail – September 13 9am-12:30pm
Nisqually Watershed Festival Booth Volunteer – September 28 10am-4pm

2024 Washington Low Income Housing Alliance Lunch & Learn Series –
Equity, Racial Justice, and Culture September 19, October 17 and November 14
11:30 am-1pm Register at https://www.wliha.org/24Lunch%26Learn

50 Years of Interfaith Works – Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd – September 21 4-7 PM Join us for a time of storytelling through interactive audio exhibits as we celebrate 50 years of Interfaith Works. Hors d’oeuvres, Desserts, and Beverages will be served. Event Tickets—$100 Faith/Spiritual Community Leader Event Tickets—$50 If the ticket price is out of range for you, please get in touch!
https://www.interfaith-works.org/events.html

Death Cafe – Olympia library 313 8th Ave SE – September 23 5:30-6:30 pm
At a Death cafe, people, often strangers, gather to eat cake, drink tea and discuss death. A Death Cafe is a group directed discussion of death with no agenda, objectives or themes. It is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counseling session.

Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation registration open for Fall classes.
Check website for activities and classes

Tumwater Falls Fest –Tumwater Falls@ Brewery Park 110 Deschutes Way SW Tumwater September 28 10am-4pm Enjoy the sounds of local musicians, children’s activities and demonstrations. Local artists and local food options. Explore the scenic half-mile loop trail along the Deschutes River and welcome the return of wild salmon.

Energize Olympia Workshop – Olympia library 313 8th Ave SE – September 30 6:30-7:30pm The City of Olympia is launching Energize Olympia – a new program to connect Olympia residents to discounted ductless heat pump installations through a group purchase program. Come learn about the program at this free workshop.

Discovery Speaker Series Olympia library 313 8th Ave SE – October 3 6:30-7:45pm –
Join Puget Sound Estuarium for our Discovery Speaker Series every last Thursday of the month learn about current environmental research or sustainability projects.

Olympia Fall Arts Walk October 4 (6-10pm) October 5 (12-6 pm)
Artists, makers and performers will showcase art of all forms at more than 100 neighboring business locations in downtown Olympia. Live performances. 5 block downtown street closure to create a pedestrian-friendly space

Harvest Festival South Union Grange Hall (10030 Tilley Rd SW #860, Olympia 98512)
October 5 10-3pm Come join Thurston Conservation District and friends as we celebrate the harvest. This family friendly event will feature pie baking contest, cider pressing, soil test drop-off and information, native bulb and seed sale pick-up, kids arts & crafts activities, food trucks, live music and more! https://www.thurstoncd.com/harvest-festival/

Medicare and You:The Who, What, How and Why about Medicare and Medicaid
Olympia library 313 8th Ave SE October 7 10:30-11:30 am – The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is providing a free workshop about Medicare and Medicaid information, enrollment options and other services.

Permaculture Rising Grow Your own Produce Workshop Series-Online with Zoom
Wednesday, September 4: Putting Up the Harvest
Wednesday, October 9: Garlic, Cover Crops, and Compost
Wednesday, November 6: Nourishing Soups, Wildlife in the Garden, Planning for the Coming Year

Indigenous Peoples’ Day – Squaxin Park 2600 East Bay Drive NE – October 14
Time to be determined – Speakers, performances, education, food https://www.olympiawa.gov/community/events___activities/index.php