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

This is a male Rufous Hummingbird, which migrates here each year.

The more we know about hummingbirds, the more they amaze us. They are so different in body, size, and behavior from all other birds, and they’re willing to come right to our window feeder to … more

By George Walter | 8/4/22

Fun ways to get involved with several local nonprofit orgs

Is it just me or is the summer flying by faster than usual? When I visit with folks about supporting nonprofits, everyone assumes that money is the primary need for most nonprofits. While … more

By Mary Beth Harrington, CVA | 8/3/22

My life at 90 … degrees

Wow! Another record bites the dust – six consecutive days of 90+ degrees of heat. My family is one of the lucky ones with air conditioning. That being said it was still hot – particularly … more

By Kathleen Anderson | 8/2/22

Dating strategies that don't necessarily require a computer

Dear Lexis, Help me out, please. I'm 58, no kids, divorced with an income, not a slob, not perfect but fair all around. Don't like dating sites. Would you like to coach me (haha) right? Hope to … more

By Alexis Rae Baker | 8/1/22

There’s no perfect way to water

There are many ways to water a garden: standing over plants or grass with a hose and a gentle spray nozzle every evening dragging hoses around and placing a sprinkler using an oscillating … more

By Jill Severn | 7/29/22 | 2 comments

Nighthawks and Swifts

There are two species of migratory, insect-eating birds that I look up to, mainly because they are only seen when flying in the sky above me. The legs and feet of both species are weak and used … more

By George Walter | 7/28/22 | 2 comments

My State of the World report

We are now a little over halfway through 2022, which is when I like to look at where we have been and are headed. According to an article in Forbes Personal Finance section, Social Security … more

By Kathleen Anderson | 7/27/22

How to be cool this weekend -- and support nonprofit programs here

The other day I met someone who was in the process of moving to Texas from here. I am a bit ashamed of myself because I involuntarily asked them in a more accusatory manner than intended “why … more

By Mary Beth Harrington, CVA | 7/26/22

Roses and stories

This week Gary Ritchie led a one-person tour of the Centennial Rose Garden on the grounds of the Schmidt Mansion in Tumwater. The stroll among the roses was prompted by the garden reaching its … more

By Jill Severn | 7/22/22

The dead trees at the Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area in Olympia mark the Cormorant rookery.

Cormorants

There are huge numbers of Double-crested Cormorants now nesting along the east side of Woodard Bay. The parents are visiting their chicks, now hatched and issuing a steady loud chorus of begging … more

By George Walter | 7/21/22 | 4 comments

Snow, in July, for families affected by dementia

I called my sister, who lives in Phoenix, the other day to wish her a happy birthday. She was diagnosed several years ago with Alzheimer’s Disease and has steadily gone downhill in the past … more

By Kathleen Anderson | 7/20/22

This is your midsummer nonprofit roundup

Lots of local nonprofit news this week, so let's get right to it! Make Your Vote Count! Did you get your Thurston County ballot? The primary election ends on Tuesday, August 2, so it's a good … more

By Mary Beth Harrington, CVA | 7/19/22

Will I find love?

Dear Lexis, It's been years since my last relationship. The relationships have never been serious either and I'm starting to wonder if I will ever find someone to spend my life with. I used to … more

By Alexis Rae Baker | 7/18/22

A mid-July to-do-if-you-feel-like-it list

The summer solstice has passed, and so has the fourth of July. In a couple of days, even Lakefair will be over. (And whether you love Lakefair or not, what a welcome sign of semi-normal life it … more

By Jill Severn | 7/15/22 | 2 comments

Nisqually River Birds

Until the pandemic, the Nisqually Land Trust provided annual raft trips down the Nisqually River each year in late July, when it’s sunny and warm and the river is still fairly high. These … more

By George Walter | 7/14/22

A diverse group of individuals comes to my house, making demands

Summer has finally arrived. Lakefair starts today and I am reminded of what one of my co-workers at the Olympia Host Lions Burger Den told me two years ago when we were outside, baking in the sun, … more

By Kathleen Anderson | 7/13/22

The other nature center with 'Nisqually' in its name

Last week, my husband and I were scouting places to “put in” and “take out” our kayaks when we ended up at the Luhr’s Landing Access Area at the Nisqually Reach Aquatic … more

By Mary Beth Harrington, CVA | 7/12/22

Time to talk about bias, bullying and stereotyping

Dear Readers, Today I want to talk about an uncomfortable subject, bias. This includes things like racism, sexism, ageism, bias against sexual preferences or religion, and pretty much any other … more

By Alexis Rae Baker | 7/11/22

The impatient gardener

Years ago, I finally gave up hating morning glories – possibly the world’s most persistent weed. I had to work at it but, eventually, reason prevailed over frustration. I still try to get … more

By Jill Severn | 7/8/22 | 1 comment

Some wetland birds

Some Wetland Birds By George Walter This past weekend I realized something – no matter where I go, there are birds sharing my world with me. What a joy I felt! We walked on the Chehalis … more

By George Walter | 7/7/22