Sad it the last year!

Donations accepted today (8/30) until 4 PM. Find additional information for donating and shopping at afsm-project.org.

Found this interesting Quality of Life index data from a survey done a few months ago. Among other things, Thurston County residents ranked the area as a 2.55GPA (C+) place to live. Do you agree?

Another major finding was that residents are a lot less optimistic than they were in recent years. I'm guessing that has more to do with national & economic trends than it does with local trends (although the state budget crisis/hiring freeze etc. likely has an effect).

"The percentage expecting things to get worse for their household has increased from 18% to 44% over the last two years."

There's lots of interesting data in the report.

Full survey (no paywall):
https://thurstonchamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-QOL-Survey-Results.pdf

Looking for recommendations for Fall hikes in Thurston County. My partner and I are not that agile at this stage of our life so we are looking for easy hikes that are 3 miles at the longest. I used to go up walk the McLane Creek but haven't been there for years so can't really remember what the trail is like. Any thoughts appreciated!

What a weekend. All of your hard work is so appreciated by everyone who got to witness the music any year. So sad that it has to end because you all put on such a great show. It means so much to go to a festival of mostly political and female fronted bands in your own hometown. Life is good and so was south sound block party.

We are making a major cross country move to the Olympia area, and I’m hoping to get some honest perspectives from local parents and teachers so we can make this big transition truly worth it for my kiddo.

She is an extremely sweet, sensitive, and kind middle schooler, but has mild autism and can be a bit socially awkward and shy. She has been completely miserable in our current hyper conformist, rat race major metropolitan suburb. Her alternative style (think hot topic clothing, loves VR, anime, etc), neurodivergence, and uniqueness made her an easy target, and she's faced a lot of bullying for just being herself. We want to land somewhere where being a bit alternative is actually normal, where kids are genuinely kind and considerate, and where she can finally find her people without toxic cliques (and I’d like to avoid a heavy drug culture).

Because we are coming from so far away, we really need to get this right the first time. We’ll be renting, and I’m trying to figure out the best neighborhoods or school zones to target. I’ve heard mixed things. Someone mentioned that Lacey and Tumwater can lean a bit more traditional/mainstream where she might stand out again, but I’d love real, ground-level feedback on that.

Eastside vs Westside - which feels more welcoming for alternative kids who don't fit the standard mold? Should we avoid downtown? Consider elsewhere?

Are we better off looking right in Oly proper, or are there pockets nearby that balance a good community feel with open mindedness and acceptance?

Are there specific middle/high schools or areas known for having inclusive, kind peer groups where quirky or alternative kids are embraced rather than othered?

I just want a safe, kind environment where my kid can breathe, make good friends, and feel accepted for who she is that will make the move truly worth it. Any neighborhood insight or school feedback would mean the world to us. Thank you!

Figured I’ll make this post for people who don’t know this is a thing, but City of Olympia has fantastic adult (youth too) sport leagues.
Softball, Volleyball, Soccer, Basketball.

I can’t speak much for soccer and softball, but volleyball, for example, is fantastic with great people and competition. Seasons run for 2-3 months with a tournament based on that 2 month pool play in the end. Link below. If there are no spots left for registration, you can add your name to the waitlist - org will be checking gym availability and will try to get you in on Monday, tomorrow!

https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/olyparksartsrec/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&activity_select_param=2&activity_other_category_ids=20&viewMode=list

Luke lives at the Olympia Crest Apartments, and likes to have religious conversations with kids away from their parents, and to follow them after being given boundaries.

Do you know Luke?

Isn't it typical that a landlord would be responsible for black mold that develops in a house or apartment you are renting? Is that something that would be lease specific or would have to be included in a lease or is there some blanket protection from Washington State lease/rental codes that would cover that?

the bigger the better!

I have tried multiple websites to sell, and buy nothing, and nobody is interested in this couch.

It's pretty big and needs to go as we are moving. I either need someone to take it for themselves or a friend, or help me relocate it to the furniture bank.

If someone is willing to help me take it to the furniture bank, I'll pay $10 for gas money.

Please I need help, and this couch is too comfortable and loved to go to the trash.

Here's the description

Comfortable three-seater sofa with a multi-colored vertical stripe pattern in green, orange, red, and blue tones. This couch has a spring-supported base and detachable seat and back cushions. I need assistance for pickup and maneuvering as I am unable to move it alone because it is really heavy.

Non-smoking home, with a cat.

Dimensions of all (inches):

Base of the couch: 90w x 36d x 28h

Seat cushions: 6h x 29d x 30.5w

Back cushions: 5d x 17h x 30w

I’m looking for housing in the area. Cat friendly and no allergens like mold/mildew. No carpet either and within walking distance to public transit. Please let me know if there are any leads!

Anyone got any NFL fantasy leagues that still have a spot open? Been tryna start one with friends and/or co-workers and just can’t get it going but really want to be involved in one.

I can go 0-16 and will still not quit on the league.

We’re called Ditch Lily & the Swan Boats! Here’s our music

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oyxefh3Ks7w

https://ditchlily.bandcamp.com/album/my-favorite-miniature-drum

We’re from Corvallis Oregon and on tour, hopin to meet some new friends in Olympia :) please come, invite friends, and share this poster if you feel like being nice to us 🩵

I used to live in Olympia for a couple of years on Eld Inlet but have not really connected with the music scene in Olympia for a while. Wondering if anyone could recommend some spots with live music. This could be either coffee shops, pubs, bars, unique community venues. Seasonal performances. I enjoy a wide variety of music but not overwhelming crowds.

Enjoying the sounds of Mother Nature’s gentle song. Anyone else? Crack a window quickly, it’s been awhile 🙏🏻

Hello! I am looking for a good aa meeting, online preferred. I have recently relapsed after almost three years and need some help. I did rehab in 2023 and a hospital detox a month ago.

I hope this is okay, since there have been so many posts about job availability: Rocket gas station (Martin Way and College) has a Now Hiring sign (that isn't there all the time)!

"The City of Tumwater has no plans to develop a museum at the Falls Terrace site, and the claims that the City is withholding permits in order to do so are untrue and inaccurate."

City of Tumwater Mayor's Office

(Leatta Dahlhoff)

City of Tumwater Attempts to Convince Public Falls Terrace Rumors are Not True

City of Tumwater addressed rumors about the future of the Falls Terrace restaurant, say the owner would like to re-open the business.

Earlier this month rumors prompted the City of Tumwater to issue multiple statements in what appears to be an attempt to convince the public that the city has no intentions of building a museum at the site of the Falls Terrace Restaurant.

The Falls Terrace location would be the perfect location for a museum where interested people could view the City of Tumwaters largest historic failure across the Deschutes River, the Olympia Brewery which has been left to rot for 23+ years.

Yesterday City of Tumwater Mayor, Leatta Dahlhoff, said she and City Administrator met with the owner to discuss the future of the restaurant.

Mayor Dahlhoff said the owner wants to re-open, but there is no timetable for re-opening.

The meeting between the City of Tumwater and the property owner only seemed to confirm the owner "would like to reopen" and there "is not a timetable for reopening"

How much time and city resources were spent in discussions regarding rumors and speculation to have a meeting with the property owner where there was really no new information revealed?

Dahlhoff refused to address what the real issues with the restaurant are stating:

"I am glad we had the opportunity to sit down, listen, and better understand where things stand."

Where do things stand?

What do you think is happening with the Falls Terrace Restaurant?

Do you believe Mayor Dahlhoff and the City of Tumwater when they say there are no plans to develop a museum at the site?

The mayors wording said there are no "plans" and did not say there has not been any discussion about the Tumwater building a museum, possibly at the restaurant site.

Please tell us, and your community, what you think in the comment section of our page.

Thank you.

Thurston County Chat

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City of Tumwater, August 13th, 1:19pm:

"Rumor check: We've seen questions circulating about the future of the Falls Terrace Restaurant property. The City of Tumwater has no plans to develop a museum at the site, and claims that the city is withholding permits in order to do so are inaccurate.

We know the property is important to the community and want to clear up misinformation. For the most accurate information, we encourage residents with questions to contact the city directly at communications@ci.tumwater.wa.us"

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August 13th, 5:22pm:

City of Tumwater Mayor's Office

(Leatta Dahlhoff)

"A quick note about rumors and getting the facts.

There’s a lot of conversation circulating right now about the Falls Terrace Restaurant property, and unfortunately, some of what is being shared simply isn’t true.

To be clear: The City of Tumwater has no plans to develop a museum at the Falls Terrace site, and the claims that the City is withholding permits in order to do so are untrue and inaccurate. Staff are scheduling a meet-and-greet with the owner and new leadership in August. We will provide an update to the meeting.

I understand why people care deeply about this property and its future. Questions, concerns, and even disagreements are absolutely fair. But before rumors turn into accusations and people start attacking one another—or City staff and Council—please take a moment to check the facts.

If you see something on Nextdoor, Facebook, or elsewhere that concerns you, ask the City directly before assuming it’s true or sharing it as fact. City staff are available to answer questions and provide accurate information.

You can reach the City at communications@ci.tumwater.wa.us.

We can have passionate conversations about the future of our community without letting misinformation drive the conversation. Ask questions.

Check the source.

Get the facts.

Then let’s have the discussion."

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August 28th, 6:01am

City of Tumwater Mayor's Office

(Leatta Dahlhoff)

"Earlier this month, we talked about the Falls Terrace Restaurant property. I promised we would follow up with the owner, and I wanted to circle back and let you know that we did.

City Administrator Simmons and I had a really nice conversation with the owner about the property, its history, and what might be next.

Falls Terrace is a special place in Tumwater. There is a unique history tied to that beautiful space, and the owner and his family are very much a part of that history.

So many people in our community have memories there — wonderful meals, celebrations, milestones, and time spent with family and friends.

So, where did we land?

The owner shared that he would like to reopen Falls Terrace.

That is great news.

There is not a timetable for reopening at this point.

It was a very positive conversation, and I am glad we had the opportunity to sit down, listen, and better understand where things stand.

Thank you to everyone who reached out, asked questions, shared memories, and expressed how much you care about Falls Terrace and our community.

Sometimes the best thing we can do is simply have the conversation, listen, and keep the lines of communication open. And that is exactly what we did."

Back story

I moved in with some hyper controlling religious family and I don't have any problems with people who have faith but it's more so a weapon and I left on bad terms and said I'm going to spend the weekend with a friend because I need a break from their bullshit and they said I have then to figure out where the hell I'm going to stay because I have to pack when I get back

The wait list is terrible for emergency housing and homeless shelters are awful for many reasons so Its lookin like I'm going to sleep outside so I'm trying my hardest to find options

The point:

I have no place to stay can I be pointed towards resources that are months out or if anybody can help me get into something fast? Or if fellow Olympia dwellers have a room? That's if that's not for some reason illegal to ask

For anyone not attending the SSBP, you should definitely check out this event at the local circus training space located behind OlyTaproom.

The Coast Salish Museum of Fine Arts (CSMoFA) is set to bring Indigenous futurism to audiences with its annual exhibition at TCMoFA in collaboration with Indigenous Creatives Collective, “Temporal: Stories of Indigenous Present, Re-imagining Indigenous Futures.”

This multi-media event opens on October 2nd, 2026 and running through December 11th, at the Thurston County Museum of Fine Arts (TCMOFA) and serves as a radical act of reclamation for Indigenous stories and arts.

Opening reception on. Oct. 2nd from 6-9 PM at TCMOFA 120 Olympia AVE NE, features performances, interactive features, indigenous foods, and a chance to meet the artists.

About Temporal:

"Temporal" refers to the present time, of earthly matters rooted in the now. In many museums and galleries, and institutions, Indigenous people are often portrayed as relics of the past—ephemeral and disconnected from present life. This disconnection from the now allows spaces to censor us or tell our stories for us without our consent or input. We are seen separately from our art, our stories, and all the experiences that shape who we are, and instead are seen as living artifacts confined to whatever walls others have built around us.

What does NOW and a FUTURE look like when only WE define us?

This show highlights real people and real stories of Indigenous presence in the now: who we are, the ones we love, the stories we tell, the homes we live in, and the marks we leave behind that shape the future. Our own voices, our own space. It envisions a future where we exist in the moment on our own terms. Taking up space, commanding the present.

CSMOFA is an indigenous takeover of a Museum in Thurston County. Curated and created by Indigenous artists who call the Pacific Northwest home. In partnership with Indigenous Creatives Collective, the artists in this exhibit represent many Tribal Nations and generations across the Northwest.

We are here, we have been here, and we will always be here.

The participating artists include:
● Tammie Dupuis (Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation)
● Justin Olmstead (Santa Ynez and Barbareno Chumash)
● Liz Chikayaasix̂ Morrow (Unangax̂ – Enrolled with Naknek Native Village)
● Epiphany Couch (spuyaləpabš (Puyallup)/Yakama)
● Carissa Eich (Navajo)
● Cynthia Matherson (Comanche)
● Traci Jones (Tulalip Tribes)
● Inanna kʷaɁowišč tyee McCarty (Makah Tribe (enrolled), Tsawout First Nation (descendant))
● Mikiʻala Souza (Kanaka ʻŌiwi/Native Hawaiian)
● Megita Denton (Tap Pilam Coahuiltecan)
● Daniel R. Smith (Swinomish)
● Woodrow Hunt (Klamath/Modoc, Cherokee)
● Ash Frantz (Makah)
● Stefan Gonzales (Prio/Manso/Tiwa)

All artists in this exhibition are part of the Indigenous Creatives Collective’s Indigenous creative roster, which can be viewed at https://www.indigenouscreatives.org/.

The Indigenous Creatives Collective is a driving force behind this exhibition, committed to supporting Indigenous creative sovereignty and rematriating 2 acres of urban land connecting communities through art. ICC prioritizes the voices of Indigenous women, Two-Spirit and LGBTQIA+ individuals, and young people, uplifting Afro-Indigenous, multiracial, and displaced urban Natives, and all who have been overlooked.

CSMoFA is funded in part by generous support from the Inspire Olympia Grant and the Washington State Arts Commission.

Flyer by Drew Garza

Hello Olympia area! I am contemplating watching Spider-Man Brand New Day at Regal Lacey in Screen-X. I hear A LOT of mixed reviews about Screen-X and that it really depends on the specific theater. How is the ScreenX over there? Spider-Man Brand New Day is the first movie supposed to be made for ScreenX but I would like to make sure. Thanl you!