Mary Ellen Psaltis

Fall is in the air at the Olympia Farmers Market. The apples are crisp, and hearty vegetables are abundant. The arts and crafts are lovely and often useful. The Famers Market evolves with the seasons, and adventure will find you as you walk the aisles. Grab a sweater and see what awaits you.

Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and many other seasonal celebrations are upon us. Rather than get frazzled, consider getting help from Olympia’s Board & Brush. The creative art studio has an incredible number of gift ideas for home décor, and activities for having a sensational time with family and friends. If you need a place to hold a personal or professional event, Board & Brush has the space and ability to make your time memorable and stress-free.

The Child Care Action Council (CCAC) may not sound familiar to you, but you have probably heard about several of its many activities. CCAC is the agency that manages Block Fest,

Have you ever thought about being a foster parent? It’s a significant decision. Kid Sense LLC understands your concerns. The Kid Sense staff is committed to caring and supporting the children while providing the best possible support and guidance to its foster parents in Thurston County along the way.

The Child Care Action Council (CCAC) may not sound familiar to you, but you have probably heard about several of its many activities. CCAC is the agency that manages Block Fest, ECEAP (Early Childhood Education & Assistance Program) Preschool, Kaleidoscope Play and Learn groups, and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, to name a few. Its services focus on accessible child care, professional development for child care providers, and supporting parents and communities engaging with early learning.

After eight years of service, Peter retired from his volunteer position as the Community Involvement Coordinator at The Community Kitchen in Olympia. Operating through Catholic Community Services (CCS), The Community Kitchen serves nutritious lunch and dinner meals on Monday through Saturday throughout the year.

Where you were on January 18, 1991? History was in the making in the library at The Evergreen State College when the local, and not-yet-famous band Nirvana performed for an anti-Gulf War benefit concert. Founder and lead singer Kurt Cobain ended the concert with the live debut of “Endless Nameless” and violently took a hammer to the left-handed Memphis Stratocaster replica guitar, doing it serious damage. The remains of that guitar from that auspicious evening are on auction at Hake’s, a source to find all manner of Americana and collectables at auction.

A cancer diagnosis changes everything. Amy Rowley was 42 when she heard her diagnosis: invasive ductal carcinoma or more clearly, breast cancer. It was unexpected and unwelcome. Amy had optimal resources, including health care, a loving husband, nearby parents and two daughters. She had flexible employment and friends. That made the situation more tenable, but still complicated and challenging.

Do you have extra stress through the holidays? You’re not alone. Cary Hamilton is a licensed mental health counselor, child mental health specialist, and the owner of Olympia Therapy. She confirms this season is a trying time for children and their parents. Additionally, this year has brought extra challenges around the recent election cycle.

Time flies when you are savoring pizza from La Gitana. It was 14 years ago when the first location opened in Yelm. The Olympia pizzeria opened a year later. You are invited to join the anniversary celebrations with pizza parties at both locations on December 2-4, 2024. When dining inside at either location you can enjoy a large pizza for 50% off! La Gitana was voted best pizza, the Gold Medal Winner, in the Best of South Sound for 2024. It is a testament to the quality and consistency that keeps regulars coming back for more.