Next Meeting:

• Tuesday, August 12, 2025

  • Time: 6:30PM

  • Location: Gloria Dei Lutheran Church (1515 Harrison Ave NW, Olympia, WA 98502)

  • Topics:

SWONA Summer Picnic – Volunteers & Donations Needed

Our annual picnic is happening Sunday, August 24 at West Central Park, and we need your help.

Sign up to volunteer or donate items:
Volunteer & Donation Sign-Up Sheet

• Tab 1: Volunteer roles
• Tab 2: Needed items (feel free to add your own)

Key volunteer details:

• Please sign up by August 15
• Volunteer meetings (choose one):
  • Sunday, August 18 at 6 PM – Westside Tavern
  • Tuesday, August 20 at 6 PM – Westside Tavern
• Day-of volunteers will receive a badge and a GMRS radio, and should be available for their full shift
• Stay informed: Join the Picnic Planning WhatsApp Group

Hidden Creek Garden – A New Opportunity

Cathy from Hidden Creek Community Church is preparing to step back from managing the 5,000 sq ft garden she's maintained for 13 years. The garden has supplied fresh produce for the church's Wednesday food bank.

She has generously offered to donate nearly all of the garden’s infrastructure—raised beds, trellises, irrigation, tools, greenhouse, and more. We’ve reached out to GRuB and the City of Olympia to explore relocating the garden to Decatur Woods Park or another nearby space.

This would preserve a long-standing food access effort while expanding it into our neighborhood. We’ll share volunteer opportunities once plans are confirmed.

New SWONA Committees

We’re launching new committees to support ongoing neighborhood efforts and reduce reliance on just a few individuals. Join to help plan, strategize, and make a lasting impact.

Food Access & Sustainability Committee

Focus: Community garden, gleaning, and food distribution efforts

• View Community Garden, Gleaning, and Free Food Pantry Map
• To join the committee: contact us to be added to the WhatsApp group

Emergency Preparedness Committee

Focus: Block Captain program and other emergency planning

• To join the committee: contact us to be added to the WhatsApp group

Emergency Preparedness Events

CERT Training – Fall 2025
Tuesdays in September + simulation weekend Oct 4–5
CERT Training Info

Emergency Preparedness Expo
Saturday, September 20, 2025 – The Olympia Center
Emergency Preparedness Expo Info

Outreach & Events Coordinator – Help Wanted

We thank Zach for his incredible contributions to SWONA, especially launching the WhatsApp group. As he moves on, we’re seeking a new Outreach & Events Coordinator.

Ideal candidate: social media savvy, experienced in content creation, excited to promote neighborhood initiatives. We're also considering forming an Outreach & Events Committee to support this role.

Possible tasks include:

• Managing TikTok, Facebook, and Bluesky
• Coordinating with local groups like Experience Olympia
• Event planning and promotion
• Supporting collaboration with other neighborhood associations

Other Non-SWONA Upcoming Events

Blood Drive – Sunday, August 24
Held at Gloria Dei Lutheran, same day as the picnic. Appointments required.
S ign Up to Donate 

Climate Challenge Series Kickoff – August 21
Topic: Reducing Your Transportation Footprint & EV Ownership
Location: Good Shepherd Church, 1601 North St SE
Time: 6:30–8:30 PM

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Monthly Mini-Meetings

In addition to our quarterly meetings, SWONA hosts more informal monthly “mini meetings” to keep momentum going on neighborhood projects and help neighbors stay connected.

Meetings begin at 6:30pm. Locations are currently TBD, and will be shared as soon as they're confirmed.

2025 Mini Meeting Dates:

• Tuesday, August 12 - Gloria Dei Lutheran Church (1515 Harrison Ave NW, Olympia, WA 98502)
• Wednesday, October 15 - Location: Vic's Pizza (233 Division St NW, Olympia, WA 98502)
• Monday, November 17 - Location: Vic's Pizza (233 Division St NW, Olympia, WA 98502)

These meetings are a great way to stay engaged and contribute to projects like the community garden, gleaning initiative, and emergency preparedness. All are welcome!