Summer roundup! Books, music, veggies, Bigs and more

Mary Beth Harrington, CVA

Summer is finally here! Okay, maybe just for today. As I write this column it is sunny and the high will be 74 degrees however rain is forecasted (again!) for the weekend. I’ll happily take 74; I will be traveling to Texas this weekend where it has already hit the 100s (yes that is plural). Still, I am in the mood for summer and thankfully, so is the nonprofit news.

Summer Library News

• Summer has always meant taking time to read so I urge you to join me and the Timberland Regional Library (TRL) to Read, Explore, Create, and Learn your way through summer. The Summer Library Program runs June 1 - August 31 at ALL 29 locations throughout Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston counties. (Full disclosure: I am a member of the TRL Board of Trustees. Even if I were not, I would still promote our libraries.)

To discover all the fun activities and in-person programming go to www.trl.org ALL ages (not just the kids) can receive a FREE book for participating and earn a second book by completing an activity log.

• Get more than a book at the library. While you are picking up your free book check out (pun intended) the Library of Things! TRL is one of ten library districts in the state to offer the new Check Out WA Kits, which include binoculars, pamphlets, and one Check Out Washington Discover Pass. 30 kits have been distributed and are circulating between the 29 TRL library locations. For a full description of the kits go to https://www.trl.org/library-things

Olympia Indie Music History Project

The Olympia Heritage Commission is launching a two-year project to document, preserve and present the history of Olympia's late 20th-century “Indie” independent music scene with a focus on the 1980s to the early 2000s.

The city is currently seeking a research consultant or historian to support research and documentation. If you are interested, bids are due next Monday, June 13. A description of the work and the timeline along with instructions to bidders is available here.  

Fresh fruits and vegetables

Since we moved to the area, we have made it a point to go to a local farmers' market every week and to eat whatever is in season. We also participate in a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, which provides fresh vegetables from a local farm every week. (Thanks to this we now know about kohlrabi). You can learn more about CSA programs here.  

In the meantime, check out these local farmer’s markets. In addition to locally grown fruits and vegetables most also offer local arts and crafts, music, food trucks and you may even catch a Yoga session.

• Lacey Township Farmers Market – Open Fridays 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. from May 27 to October 14 
• Olympia Farmers Market - Open Thursday - Sunday, 10 a.m, to 3 p.m. from April through October. It is also open November through March but limited days and hours. 

• Saturday Market at the West Central Park (West Olympia) – Open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May through October. 

• Tenino Farmers Market – Open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. from May to September 
• Tumwater Farmers Market – Open Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

• Yelm Farmers Market - Open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 28 through Oct. 29

Virtual volunteer orientation for Big Brothers Big Sisters

Have you ever considered being a Big Brother or Big Sister? If so, join a virtual volunteer orientation on June 8 -- that's tomorrow -- from 5:30 – 6:00 pm and learn more about volunteering in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.  Sign up here. 

Puget Sound Estuarium programs in full swing

• Pier Peer at Boston Harbor Marina - Have you ever wondered what mysterious creatures live below the pier at Boston Harbor Marina? As part of their Pier Peer Program, Puget Sound Estuarium-trained biologists use underwater lights to attract spectacular estuary creatures to safely scoop up and observe, while their volunteers help you discover, identify, and learn more about what you’ve found. From octopus to anemones, from sea stars to sea slugs, you never know what you will encounter! For more details and additional dates register here. 
• Tie-Dye and Free Admission Day at the Estuarium at Puget Sound Estuarium In celebration of Pride Month, the Puget Sound Estuarium is offering Free Admission on Sunday, June 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come to the Estuarium to tie-dye t-shirts and learn about marine creatures that exemplify the beauty of diversity. T-shirts will be for sale but feel free to bring your own from home. If you buy an Estuarium t-shirt or tote, the tie-dying is free. If you want to bring your own items from home (a shirt, a pair of socks, etc.), the cost is $3 to dye one item or $5 for two.

Madison Mad Dash is Back!

The Madison Mad Dash is an annual 5k and 2.5k race at scenic Capitol Lake in downtown Olympia. This event is a fundraiser for the Madison Elementary PTO, which provides enrichment opportunities for students and crucial support to teachers. The fast, flat lap or two is great for experienced runners, walkers, and newcomers alike. To register and for more details go here. 

Soliciting your ideas

If you know of a nonprofit that is doing something great, celebrating a success, needs some outstanding volunteers, or hosting an event, let me know! This column (aside from a little education) celebrates nonprofits! 

Mary Beth Harrington, CVA (Certified Volunteer Administrator) lives in Tumwater. She travels the country speaking at conferences and to individual organizations articulating issues facing nonprofits. Send your ideas to her at  MaryBeth@theJOLTnews.com