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

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

Morning glories, also known as bindweed, are invasive, fast-growing, difficult to control and pretty.

Impatience and the gardener

Editors note: Jill is under the weather today, so we're republishing a previous article to enjoy. this article was originally published under the title "The impatient gardener" July 8, 2022. … more

6/30/23 | 1 comment

Max with his mom Katy Savolskis and his nurse Jovie Valascoi June 23, 2023.

Meet Max, a local boy fighting cancer, helped by a loving community

Sure, we often hear or read public announcements that blood or plasma is needed, but here’s a story from our own Bloodworks Northwest with a REAL LIFE example of why our donations are extremely … more

By Shirley Stirling | 6/30/23 | 2 comments

Warbling Vireo - Sings while hidden in leafy trees

“See me, Vireo”

Vireos are relatively common songbirds in Thurston County in the summer. There are 15 vireo species in North America, of which we have four. Only one of them is here year-round. Vireos are smallish … more

By George Walter | 6/29/23 | 2 comments

Two kinds of celebrations of life packed into one day

I had a very eye-opening day last week. The day began with a joint birthday party for my five-year-old great grand-daughter, Prairie, and her two-year-old brother Willow. The party was held at … more

By Kathleen Anderson | 6/28/23 | 1 comment

Photo of professional female counselor helping depressed man

It’s a Fine Line that Separates Mental and Physical Health… (if there is a separation)

This week I would like to share one of my favorite health topics, the fine line that separates (if there is a separation) mental and physical health. When practicing general internal medicine, I … more

By Debra L. Glasser, M.D. | 6/27/23 | 2 comments

What is AmeriCorps and other national service opportunities, summer blood donations needed

Spring and summer are when Serve Washington, with AmeriCorps, steps up recruitment for people to serve as AmeriCorps members in the upcoming service year. Most AmeriCorps programs begin in the fall. … more

By Mary Beth Harrington, CVA | 6/27/23

Garage repairs in progress. Spring 2023.

Helping Joy stay in her home

“I am living in a nightmare. And I just have to keep working on it. It’s gonna take a long time. It used to be nice and it will be nice again.” Joy [not her real name] was talking … more

By Shirley Stirling | 6/26/23 | 1 comment

"Impatience is the door that stands between you and the life you want"

My working through impatience

Dear Lexis, As someone who reads your column, I’m curious what you consider your greatest challenge in life, and why you think it’s important to work on that fault. Thanks, … more

By Alexis Rae Baker | 6/26/23 | 2 comments

Slugs and snails, gardens and birds

This week we are combining two columns to address how gardeners might address one of the many pests their gardens face, slugs and snails, and how the choices gardeners make might impact our avian … more

By George Walter and Jill Severn | 6/23/23 | 4 comments