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

This weekend we were warned of poor air quality due to forest fire smoke migrating to us from fires in the eastern parts of the state. What can we do about it? We 'can't stop it, but we do have … more

By Debra L. Glasser, M.D. | 10/18/22 | 1 comment

Close-up of people putting the garbage into the big black bags outdoors

All about becoming the change you wish to see in the world – now and local

Have you ever wanted to ‘make a difference? Well, you get that opportunity every year! Make a Difference Day is celebrated on the fourth Saturday of October, which is this next Saturday, … more

By Mary Beth Harrington, CVA | 10/18/22

“Most things work, but only if you are willing to put in the work.”

Is it worth the risk – taking the chance on a coach

Hey Lexis, What are your thoughts on coaches? Are they worth the cost? Thanks, Looking in Tumwater Dear Looking, I believe there is the potential for value in a coach, but it … more

10/17/22

What’s under the Swiss chard and green onions is more important to worms and many insects than the plants.

Biodiversity in the garden

Bee-friendly gardens have been in the spotlight for the past several years, and now the focus has widened to focus on a bigger idea: biodiversity in our gardens. The state’s Fish and … more

By Jill Severn | 10/14/22 | 1 comment

A few words about giving

Human kindness has no age limit. Young, old and in-between can participate. Random acts of kindness may go unrecognized but not unappreciated. And it has been my personal experience that those who … more

By Kathleen Anderson | 10/12/22

Parks to revive, local art of many stripes to enjoy, and coming out support

I know, the weather is perfect. You need to get your home prepped for the coming rain. There’s football and BASEBALL PLAYOFFS to watch for the first time in 19 years. However, if you can stand … more

By Mary Beth Harrington, CVA | 10/11/22

"Habits can be fickle things, but you have to stick with them if you really want to see results."

Implementing habits

Dear Readers, This month has been a very interesting month for me. Angus and I started implementing some new habits, and it’s been curious how immediately we’ve started to see results. … more

By Alexis Rae Baker | 10/10/22

Pelagic Birds – Part 3

This week we conclude our 3-part series on pelagic birds, commonly called seabirds. Liam Hutcheson is again my co-author. There is a family of seabirds in coastal, and offshore Washington waters … more

By George Walter and Liam Hutcheson | 10/7/22 | 1 comment

English Ivy buds and flowers now, in the fall; berries come in the spring.

A civics lesson about English Ivy

An opinionated reader writes that “the geologic record suggests to me that all species are initially ‘invasive’ and that all species eventually become extinct. Himalayan … more

By Jill Severn | 10/7/22 | 4 comments

This is my favorite season

October is my favorite month of the year. I enjoy the moderate weather, the beautiful colorful leaves that adorn the trees, the shorter days and longer nights and all the holiday festivities that … more

By Kathleen Anderson | 10/5/22 | 1 comment

Hurricane victims and how you can help, Indigenous People’s Day, Arts, and Harvest Festival

Last week, Hurricane Ian obliterated communities in Florida. As of today, according to CNN, at least 102 people have been reported killed by the hurricane in Florida – 55 of them in Lee County, … more

By Mary Beth Harrington, CVA | 10/4/22

Compound effect

Dear Lexis, What is the best tool you’ve ever heard of for changing your life? Thanks, Curious in Olympia Dear Curious, That’s a great question, and I would say that the … more

By Alexis Rae Baker | 10/3/22 | 1 comment

Parasitic Jaeger - can be found in South Puget Sound

Pelagic Birds – Part 2

This week we will continue our series on pelagic birds, commonly called seabirds. Liam Hutcheson is again my co-author. One of the most delightful birds to see out on the ocean are the Storm … more

By George Walter and Liam Hutcheson | 9/29/22 | 1 comment

Catching up about gender and sexuality

I recently discovered a “new” newsletter from AARP called The Ethel, a free, weekly lifestyle newsletter inspired by AARP's amazing founder, Ethel Percy Andrus. And I must say I … more

By Kathleen Anderson | 9/28/22 | 1 comment

Spooktacular giving and understanding the business of nonprofit

I was in a store and noticed that Halloween decorations were merging with the Thanksgiving décor, followed closely by the Christmas onslaught. For the nonprofit sector, the holiday season is … more

By Mary Beth Harrington, CVA | 9/27/22

Rubus laciniatus is another invasive, non-native blackberry species, but it’s much less common and invasive than Himalayan blackberries.

Himalayan blackberries are on the march

Yesterday a friend pointed out something I had never noticed: This is the time of year when Himalayan blackberry bushes – one of our most common invasive species – send out long, arching … more

By Jill Severn | 9/23/22 | 2 comments

A Laysan albatross in the foreground (Phoebastria immutabilis) flying with sooty shearwater (Ardenna grisea).

Pelagic Birds – Part 1

Pelagic Birds – Part 1 September and October are fairly boring months for local bird watching. So, as a change of pace, we are writing over the next few weeks about, and providing … more

By George Walter | 9/22/22

Rising to the challenge in age old conundrum of living fully

Fairy tales can come true It could happen to you If you’re young at heart Carolyn Leigh/Johnny Richards Ever wonder what could come next? Do you ever feel like your creative flow … more

By Kathleen Anderson | 9/21/22

STEM to STEAM, get your science and art on as well as your adventure with the local nonprofits events and volunteer opportunities

It’s a busy time of the year. The autumnal equinox arrives Thursday, also called the September equinox or fall equinox. College and Pro Football are in full swing. Hockey preseason starts this … more

9/20/22

A look at the world through rose-colored glasses.

For your own good, don't focus on the bad

Dear Lexis, I was reading through some of the comments on your previous posts and I just wanted to reach out because I feel like there are some things that need to be addressed. You tend to see … more

9/19/22