Columnists | The JOLT News Organization, A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization

Close up of hands working on pottery wheel at a workshop

Art for everyone at the Arbutus Folk School

When I was growing up my art teacher (shout out to Sister Madeline!) told us that everyone is an artist just that some of us must work harder than others to discover the medium that reveals our … more

By Mary Beth Harrington, CVA | 7/25/23

Group of friends playing music and hanging out.

Social Connection and Health: Your Life Depends on It!

In the last column , I shared evidence supporting the effect of happiness and joy on health. While researching that piece, I came across references to the importance of CONNECTION as a unique … more

By Debra L. Glasser, M.D. | 7/25/23 | 2 comments

TJ Johnson, founder of Urban Futures Farm, stands before squash and several other crops.

Summer gets a second season

The last of the lettuce has gone to seed and turned bitter in our hot, sunny weather. Only the chickens like it now. The garlic has also been harvested, leaving more bare and idle ground. Summer … more

By Jill Severn | 7/21/23 | 1 comment

Bird Watching – A History

Recently I was asked how the hobby of bird watching began. Of course, people in every time, country and culture have paid attention to birds, if only to understand how to exploit them for food by … more

By George Walter | 7/20/23 | 1 comment

Kathleen the early bird shares morning memories

I love early morning appointments for personal services. And by personal services, I mean places like nail and hair salons. I am not sure why, but it seems like everyone is in a better mood early on. … more

By Kathleen Anderson | 7/19/23

People sitting on grass and enjoying sunshine at an outdoor summer event

‘All the world’s a stage,’ and enjoying Shakespeare and music nonprofit efforts

I hope everyone is having a fun and safe summer. One of my fondest memories of summer is attending a Shakespearean play and listening to free concerts in the park on a hot summer evening. The … more

By Mary Beth Harrington, CVA | 7/18/23 | 2 comments

"Solutions come through conversations in a relationship."

New baby overwhelm and husband

Dear Lexis, I just had a baby and I'm feeling kind of abandoned by my husband. I've got a baby attached to me basically 24/7 but when my husband gets home from work I basically have to … more

By Alexis Rae Baker | 7/17/23 | 1 comment

Willys MB Jeep, ready for action with Dave Gaston, at Rainier Patriotic Days, July 1, 2023.

Honoring WWII vets with a Willys MB Jeep

Whether he’s driving a “speedy” 40 miles per hour on the freeway or matching the traffic flow as he pulls his vehicle on a trailer, Dave Gaston of Littlerock, Washington, is on the … more

By Shirley Stirling | 7/14/23 | 1 comment

Summer in the flower garden

Standing by a spectacular bed of lilies near his front door, a friend said “This year my garden is finally everything I want it to be.” What an enviable satisfaction! Most of us have … more

By Jill Severn | 7/14/23 | 1 comment

Bird Watching at the Port of Olympia

Earlier this week, a friend and I decided to look around for birds in downtown Olympia, and particularly around the Port (see map for specific locations mentioned). We were pleasantly surprised. … more

By George Walter | 7/13/23 | 1 comment

Making connections by writing a column -- and meeting a delightful handicrafter

Writing a column is a lonely profession. Whether you do it at home or in an office setting, ultimately you are alone, listening to the little voice inside your head, and staring at a blank computer … more

By Kathleen Anderson | 7/12/23

Image of a man playing a guitar with a happy soft expression on his face.

Joy and Health: What’s Joy, Optimism and Happiness Got to Do with It?

In my last column, we discussed how mental and physical health are inextricably linked, as there is extensive scientific research on how negative emotions impact the body. Returning … more

By Debra L. Glasser, M.D. | 7/11/23 | 2 comments

Lakefair and Lake Run summer nonprofit fun

I know the last couple of days have not felt too much like summer, but remember it can always be worse! Have you seen the map of the high temperatures across the country? I recall the first summer we … more

By Mary Beth Harrington, CVA | 7/11/23

Elements cannot mix AFTER all

Since Pixar’s first film in the 1990s, when they introduced us to another mean storytelling style through Toy Story, the company engaged the audience with its unique storytelling. Up until … more

By Yongma Lee | 7/10/23 | 1 comment

"It's usually worth sticking with it. You may not see your own progress yet."

When sticking to a project and process

Dear Lexis, How do you know when you should quit a project vs when to stick it out? Thanks, Wondering in Lacey Dear Wondering, That is a tricky one, but generally speaking, I would recommend that you … more

By Alexis Rae Baker | 7/10/23

Rishi Sharma operating his camera. July 3, 2023.

Rishi Sharma preserves the stories of WWII

It’s a race against time, a race that a young man has run relentlessly for seven years. He continually seeks out, thanks, and conducts video interviews, oral histories, with World War II combat … more

By Shirley Stirling | 7/7/23 | 1 comment

Science and the gardener

A couple of weeks ago, George Walter and I teamed up on a column about the damage slugs do in gardens , and their value as food for birds. We quickly discovered that slugs are a hot topic that … more

By Jill Severn | 7/7/23 | 1 comment

Washington’s Mountain Woodpeckers

Thanks to the cartoon character Woody Woodpecker, the woodpecker family of birds is well-known, at least superficially. They make their living primarily by harvesting insects and other invertebrates … more

By George Walter | 7/6/23 | 2 comments

Death Cafe discussion of people in a group setting with a Death Doula (people who assist people who are dying, and their families, to navigate the challenges that accompany the transition at the end of life). Location was at the Lacey Senior Center.

What’s a Death Doula?

I firmly believe in lifelong learning. But I must confess when Danny Stusser asked me to go to a Death Café to get material for my column, I was dumbstruck. What on earth is a … more

By Kathleen Anderson | 7/5/23 | 3 comments

“If you can say to your partner ‘I like me better when I’m with you’ you’re probably doing well.”

Are you in a healthy relationship?

Dear Lexis, How do you know if you’re in a healthy relationship? Thanks, Wondering in Tumwater Dear Wondering, I’m assuming that you’re … more

By Alexis Rae Baker | 7/3/23