The JOLT News Organization, A Washington Nonprofit Organization

“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

ABC’s ‘Alaska Daily’ mixes the right amount of drama with just a little storytelling about the news business

Last night I stayed up late to watch the first episode of “Alaska Daily,” the new dramatic series on KOMO TV, channel 4 or 104, Seattle’s ABC affiliate. So far it features the … more

By Danny Stusser | 10/10/22 | 3 comments

This was part of the Ensign Road Homeless Encampment on October 3, 2022, with tents and debris spread across sections of the field next to the road. Another periodic cleanup is scheduled for October 6, 2022.

The trend in dealing with homelessness is improving

So much in life is determined by the trend, the direction we are heading in, and paying attention over time illuminates how we are doing. Climate change is like that, it happens very slowly, … more

By Pat Cole | 10/10/22 | 1 comment

"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

Oxalis corniculata, a troublesome little weed lurking under and in between its neighbors.

Gardeners’ burnout

At this time of the year, most gardeners are getting tired of gardening and beginning to look forward to the cozier indoor pursuits of shorter days and darker evenings. I think our gardens might … more

By Jill Severn | 9/30/22 | 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

The JOLT invites both letters and readers' comments about topics of specific interest to people in Thurston County communities.

Another deal with Weyerhaeuser? Residents here need answers first.

Dear JOLT Readers: According to an article in The Olympian, the Port of Olympia is dragging its feet on getting substantial public input for its next contract with Weyerhaeuser when it expires … more

9/29/22 | 5 comments

One site under consideration for a new airport is shown above. Olympia Regional Airport is partly visible on the left edge of the image.

Ready for a major airport south of Yelm Highway?

In less than two weeks, the State will choose one of three sites they want to create an airport the size of SeaTac. A location near Rainier in Thurston County is one of them. The State … more

9/28/22 | 13 comments

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