Although being a small business owner now is more difficult than ever, our community is stepping up to do what we can to help our local businesses. The Olympia Downtown Alliance has created the Love Oly Shop & Dine Week 2020  campaign to bring more business to locally-owned restaurants and shops.  “We have an amazing […]

This fall, schools in Thurston County have decided to open with a distance-learning model, and families are faced with the difficult task of providing both childcare and education support at times when children would otherwise be in school. This is a widespread issue for families as we head into this new school year. That’s why the […]

While the beloved Olympia Harbor Days festival won’t be able to operate normally this Labor Day Weekend, never fear! Working within Washington State coronavirus health guidelines, the South Sound Maritime Heritage Association (SSMHA) has re-engineered the festival to make it fun, interactive, and safe for all attending. “While we want to continue our 47-year-long Harbor […]

How often do people consider if the homeless person sleeping in an exposed area is an adolescent? Or when was the last time a homeless adolescent had a decent meal? “Homeless Backpacks provide weekend food to homeless students,” founding board member of Homeless Backpacks, Kelly Wilson, says. Homeless Backpacks serves over half a dozen school […]

For some businesses and organizations, their mission statements or slogans are catchy phrases they use for marketing. At Olympia Federal Savings (OlyFed), though, they take it one step further as they live up to their motto, “Here for You. Here for Good.” every day through their actions and deeds. Under the direction of President and […]

Uplift Tacoma is a way to make creative lemonade out of adversity’s lemons. Sharing music, visual arts, performances and creative activities can offer inspiration and support in tough times. That’s the goal of Tacoma’s Office of Arts & Cultural Vitality in launching an initiative labeled Uplift Tacoma, according to Amy McBride, arts administrator for the […]

In 1920, after a decades-long battle, the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified, granting women the right to vote. This August marks the National Suffrage Centennial, and to celebrate, the Washington State Historical Society (WSHS) is launching the virtual Suffrage Special Whistle Stop Tour. Women in Washington won the right to vote […]

Harbor History Museum is pleased to host “Summer Expressions,” an exhibit of artwork from four of the most accomplished women painters of Washington. Artwork on display is by Judy Perry, Jeannie Grisham, Patsy O’Connell, and Janice Taylor. “We are excited to feature these beautiful works of art in our Lobby. The paintings blend bold color […]

Saint Martin’s University and Saint Martin’s Abbey are celebrating their joint 125th anniversary throughout this year.  The university plans to  host a virtual celebration to commemorate this milestone anniversary on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020: The Saint Martin’s University 125th Anniversary Celebration. Alumni, friends of the university and community members are welcome and encouraged to participate […]

How’s your zebra? Kids in Metro Parks summer camps know all about taking care of their zebras as a fun way to consider safety measures and social distancing. After all, zebras need their space. All over Tacoma, children are enjoying safe social interaction in a variety of summer camp programs. The coronavirus can’t kill the […]

Washington State Historical Society’s annual juried exhibition, IN THE SPIRIT Contemporary Native Arts, is celebrating its fifteenth anniversary this year! The gallery has opened in the virtual realm as of July 16, and Washington State History Museum hopes to install the exhibition in their galleries later this summer when museums are reallowed to reopen. The […]

In 1955, the dedicated women of the Tacoma Orthopedic Association (TOA) realized their goal when the first standalone children’s hospital in the region– Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital–opened its doors for care. Then, in 1987, the need for more space and more services drove the hospital to move its inpatient services into a new wing at […]

Looking for a unique new restaurant and brewery to try this fall? Talking Cedar is a brand new distillery, brewery, and restaurant in Grand Mound. This beautiful facility encompasses 35,000 square feet and is owned and maintained by the Chehalis Tribe. Talking Cedar has partnered with Heritage Distilling Company, a highly awarded craft distillery in […]

Much has changed in the past few months, but one thing that will never change is O Bee’s commitment to the South Sound community. As a not-for-profit credit union, O Bee is guided by the principle of “people helping people.” After careful consultations with medical experts, O Bee has decided to reopen all of their […]

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Sound Family Medicine has created a variety of visit options for their patients. Everyone has different health statuses and comfort levels, and Sound Family Medicine wants to ensure each person has safe access to everyday care that they need. If you need to visit, Sound Family providers are ready […]

Each year the Washington Center for the Performing Arts in Olympia Washington awards a scholarship to a graduating high school senior from Thurston County, who plans to study and pursue a career in the arts. The scholarship was endowed by former Washington Center Board President Sally Anacker, who believes the arts exist to enrich our […]

Cooking legend Jacques Pépin has impressed culinary enthusiasts for years with his wisdom and years of experience as a celebrity chef. Born in 1935 in Bourg-en-Bresse, France, near Lyon, Pépin always found the kitchen to be a place of both comfort and excitement. He helped in his parent’s restaurant, Le Pélican, and subsequently worked in […]

Tacoma Annie Wright School827 N Tacoma Ave253.272.2216Aw.org Bellarmine Preparatory School2300 S Washington St253.752.7701bellarmineprep.org Charles Wright Academy7723 Chambers Creek Rd W253.620.8300charleswright.org Life Christian School1717 S Union Ave253.756.5317wherelifehappens.org Puyallup All Saints Catholic School504 2nd Street SW253.845.5025allsaintspuyallup.org Cascade Christian Schools811 21st St E253.841.1776Cascadechristian.org Northwest Christian Academy904 Shaw Rd253.845.5722Nwchristianschool.org Gig Harbor Gig Harbor Academy6830 32nd St. NW253.265.2150Gigharboracademy.org Harbor Montessori […]

Cultivate your child’s inner chef, scientist, athlete and explorer. There is no better time than summer in the Pacific Northwest to introduce them to new activities, inspire independence, encourage team work and instill confidence. Luckily, there is no shortage of summer camps and other kid-friendly activities in our area that will help your young ones […]

Thea Foss had a mind of her own, and the pioneer Norwegian immigrant became the model for dozens of women who work on the Tacoma waterway that bears her name. Thea, born in 1857, arrived first in Minnesota, where she and Andrew married. By 1889 both had moved to Tacoma, where Andrew worked as a […]