the community guide - thurston nov/dec 2009

Holiday Gift Guide 2009Gifts For Everyone

HarlequinProductionsA Community Theater

Capital MedicalCenter5-Star Ratings

Thurston l November/December 2009

community matters4 HarlequinProducts: ACommunityTheater

business highlight12 CapitalMedicalCenter:5-StarRating

holiday gift guide16 GiftsforEveryOccasion

Lifestyles20 MakinganImpactForever

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DearReaders,

3November/December 2009 The Community Guide

4 The Community Guide November/December 2009

ommunity Theater has been around

for thousands of years and has been the center for

community connection throughout history. Today, theater is still a vital

part of our communities. It provides a place for people to connect, express their personalities and provide entertainment on a local level. In Olympia, we are blessed with one of many production companies that have a passion for the arts and a strong bond to our community.

In 1991, Harlequin Productions was started as a nonprofit by Scot and Linda Whitney with a $400 investment. Linda started working in graphics and over the years, became more involved in set design for theater. Scot was a filmmaker and started producing and directing theater. They came together to share their passion and create a unique theater experience in Olympia. At that time, there were no theater groups that were interested in producing the kind of work they loved. “We firmly believe in programming projects that we have a passion for and that we are drawn to,” explains Scot.

Their projects range from new works to Shakespeare, musicals, comedies and dramas that highlight the current struggles and joys of daily life. Linda continues, “Our audience loves the mix of material. It works for us as well. It allows us to choose whatever we feel is an interesting and relevant project.”

Scot and Linda’s philosophy is that you have to have passion for your work. If you bring that passion to the forefront of any project, it will show. “Theater is far more than entertainment. It is a part of being human,” Scot explains. In the world that is dominated by impersonal television and internet, theater allows the audience to connect with the emotions and actions of a character and help them understand what it is like to be human. You feel the energy that is being created on stage and are front and center in the changing sets, lighting, human interactions

By Michele McGeheePhotos By torstudios.com


and human connections. It is

an adventure each and every night. Scot and Linda work

as a team, leapfrogging the directing responsibilities. Normally, it is

about 2 years out that they start queuing up the projects and wait for the right match for casting opportunities. They are constantly searching for the right play and the right actors to perform in them. Casting can take months. What do they look for in filling a role? Scot explains, “It’s different all the time. Sometimes, we know who we want as soon as we read the script. At other times, I might have a vision of the role, but during the audition an actor or actress may bring the role to life in a way that I never could

have expected, and I know that we have found our match. “

There are many facets of putting together a play. You have business, production, set designs, costume design,

lighting and engineering to name a few. These teams approach each project

as a unique challenge, while planning and managing the entire season as a whole. From the

outside, it seems overwhelming. When a play is selected, the design team provides

conceptual ideas on inspiration boards that are presented to the director. Based on their interpretation of the play, the director will select the designs that meet his desired vision of the play.

Additionally, there are production meetings along the way. The entire design and production staff come together to discuss planning, materials and design issues. The teams mesh on the visual interpretation and presentation of the story, so that the individual teams can move the production forward. Scot and Linda are constantly working on the productions. They research, design, manage and juggle, creating a unique and impressive production.

Rehearsals are normally four weeks long, six days a week. Not all of the actors are called every day, but the average actor


rehearses approximately 100 hours in preparation for opening night. “Rehearsals are crucial to a successful production. Since we have the luxury of owning our own theater, we are able to rehearse onstage, with the set, for two full weeks before opening night. This gives the actors a leg up on how to work the show.”

“We are fortunate to work with a superior level of talented people: designers, carpenters, welders, painters, actors, and stage crew. It’s kind of a miracle to me. I look at my life and wonder how I got here. I get to tell any story that I want to and have a small army of incredibly gifted, talented, bright and lovely human beings who are as eager and excited about the prospect as I am. With every production we embark on an adventure to discover the essence of that story and how we may interpret it,” explains Scot.

When asked what vision the future holds for Harlequin Productions, Scot replies, “I would never have guessed that we would have come to where we are. But there is always room to grow and learn. As long as the community wants us, we are more than happy to keep the vision alive.”

Harlequin has a tremendous amount of community support and as a small community, we are very lucky to have a theater of this caliber. They started with just $400 and had faith that it would work out. “We grew quickly, and within seven years we were able to buy the State Theater. Then we had to reinvent

ourselves. There were times when we thought it was all over. But the community rallied behind us and we wound up in better shape than we’d ever been in. We recently completed a million dollar capital campaign—in the middle of a difficult economic downturn. We owe everything to our audience and want to thank them every chance we get.”

If you have never visited Harlequin Productions, you are in for a real treat. Stardust opens on November 27 and runs through January 2. It has become a holiday tradition for many people in the South Sound and this year, it is an all new episode filled with hot jazz, cool blues, sizzling swing and warm holiday magic. TCG

To learn more and order tickets online, visitwww.harlequinproductions.com or call the box office at 360-786-0151.

If you are looking for a unique gift that keeps on giving, consider season tickets; a gift that continues to give throughout the year.


Capreseskewersmakes about 25 skewers

These make a great QUICK yummy appetizer and there is NO COOKING REQUIRED! It is a wonderful addition to any holiday party.

InGredIenTs: •1—8ouncecontainerfresh,marinatedmozzarellaballs •1—8ouncepackagecherryorgrapetomatoes •25paperthinslicescuredspecialtymeat,suchas Capicola,Bresola,ProscuittoorSalami •25freshbasilleaves •25shortskewers(decorativeonesarenicetouse!) •Oliveoil,orusetheoilfromthemozzarellaballswhaT To do:

Threadoneeachontoskewers:mozzarellaball,specialtymeat,basilleaf,andacherrytomato.Arrangeonplatter,drizzlewitholiveoil.Ifdesired,placeabowlofoliveoil(can be flavored with basil or use the oil from the mozzarella balls)onplatterwithskewersforserving.

ChoCoLaTe raspberry TruffLe bITesmakes about 48 truffle bites, or 24 brownies

This is originally fromBon Appetit, I have made a few adjustments. I love this recipe!

brownIe: •6oz.unsweetenedchocolate •12T.unsaltedbutter •½cupseedlessraspberryjam •4eggs •2cupssugar •1½t.vanilla • ¼ t. salt • 1 cup ap flour

ToppInG:•½cupwhippingcream•¼cupseedlessraspberryjam•1T.butter•8oz.bittersweetorsemisweetchocolate,chopped•freshraspberriestogarnish

To make brownIe:Preheatovento350.Linea13x9Pyrexwithparchment,

overhangedges.Butterparchment.Combinechocolate,butterandjaminheavysaucepan.

Stiroverlowheatuntilsmoothandmelted.Removefromheat.Whiskinsugar,theneggs.Addvanillaandsalt.Stirin flour, just until combined but thoroughly mixed. Spread intopreparedpan.Bakeuntilafewmoistcrumbsattachtotoothpick,30minutes.Checkat25minutesandbesuretonotoverbake.

Meanwhile,maketopping:Combinecream,jamandbutterinmediumsaucepan.Bringtosimmer,justuntilmelted.Removefromheat,addchocolate.Stiruntilsmooth.

Spreadtoppingoverbrownieonceremovedfromoven.Letstandatroomtemperatureuntilcool,thenwrapandrefrigerateovernight.

Whenreadytoserve,liftoutbrownieasonepiece(usingparchment)andplaceoncuttingboard.Useaverysharpknifetotrimedges,wipingknifewithhottowelstokeepclean.Cutintosmallbite-sizepieces.Topeachwithafreshraspberrytoserve.Youcanalsouseminipastrycases(likemuffin cups, but smaller) to hold the truffle bites.

by Chef sara myron

Recipesyou can clip

& keep

deliciousRecipesfor the holidays

To contact sara, visit her website at www.mychefsara.com or call her at 253-225-4452

Photos ByPJ Indahlof PayhotoGraPhy


madeLeIne CookIesmakes about 48 truffle bites, or 24 brownies

Adapted from Bon Appetit and compliments of Chef Sara Myron.

InGredIenTs: •2largeeggs •2/3cupsugar •1teaspoonvanillaextract •1/2teaspoongratedlemonpeel •1pinchsalt • 1 cup all-purpose flour •10tablespoonsunsaltedbutter,melted,cooledslightly •powderedsugar

whaT To do: Preheat oven to 375°F Generously butter and flour pan for large madeleines (about 3x1 1/4 inches). Using electric mixer, beat eggs and 2/3 cup sugar in large bowl just to blend. Beat in vanilla, lemon peel and salt. Add flour;

beatjustuntilblended.Graduallyaddcooledmeltedbutterinsteadystream,beatingjustuntilblended.Spoon1tablespoonbatterintoeachindentationinpan.Bakeuntilpuffedandbrown,about10-16minutes.Cool5minutes.

Gently remove from pan. Repeat process, buttering and flouring pan before each batch. (Can be made 1 day ahead.). Dustcookieswithpowderedsugar


Join thousands of Americans on Thursday, November 19, 2009 as

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Smokeout offers you the chance to quit for good. For more

information on tobacco cessation tools, tips and assistance in your

community, contact your local American Cancer Society office at

(253) 272-5368.

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Medical technology is constantly improving, providing healthcare professionals with more effective and powerful diagnostic and treatment

tools. And it is important to know that your local hospital is at

the leading edge of this technology and patient care. At Capital Medical Center, they support a full range of medical services and diagnostic facilities with the latest medical technology.

As a 110-bed full-service hospital, with one general family practice clinic, they serve all of Thurston and surrounding counties. They provide a comprehensive range of medical services and high quality care. They are a forward thinking,

innovative hospital where trust, teamwork and technology come together to make a positive difference in the health of our community and region. Their Joint Commission accreditation powerfully demonstrates their commitment to meet the highest national standards for quality and safety.

A unique strength of their hospital is the strategic relationship that they have developed with Capital Medical Center’s physicians. This partnership between the hospital and the medical staff provides new resources for

Ranked #1 in Washingtonfor Overall Orthopedic Services

Capital Medical Center, a member of Capella Healthcare’s family of hospitals, is a 110-bed hospital, serving all of Thurston and surrounding counties. Built in 1985, Capital Medical Center is accredited by the Joint Commission and the College of American Pathologists. The hospital has been awarded the Excellence through Insight Award twice for overall inpatient satisfaction.


continual growth. It strengthens their ability to expand hospital services and to add new medical specialties that meet the needs of Olympia and surrounding communities.

Recently, Capital Medical Center was ranked #1 in Washington for Overall Orthopedic Services (2010). In addition, they rank among the top 10% in the nation for Overall Orthopedic Services for the 4th year in a row (2007-2010) by HealthGrades, the leading independent healthcare ratings organization, as part of a national study of patient outcomes in the nation’s 5,000 nonfederal hospitals.

Capital’s outstanding quality of care in orthopedics was further acknowledged when it was named Recipient of the HealthGrades Orthopedic Surgery Excellence Award and the Joint Replacement Excellence Award, both for the 4th straight year (2007-2010). In achieving these distinctions, Capital was also ranked among the top 10% in the nation for Joint Replacement for the 4th year in a row (2007-2010).

Joseph Sharp, Chief Executive Officer, said, “Capital Medical Center is very proud of achieving the honor of #1 ranked hospital in Washington for Overall Orthopedic Services. Our orthopedic surgeons along with each employee at Capital Medical Center have contributed to the success of our orthopedic program. This award is truly a team effort. We take pride in our mission to provide high-quality care to the community we serve.”

Over the years, Capital Medical Center maintains an environment that focuses on excellence in orthopedic services to include a joint and spine care program involving a team of orthopedic surgeons, nurses, educators, and therapists. They attribute the success to their “patient team” approach to education, treatment and recovery expectations.

Capital Medical Center’s commitment to delivering quality care to the Olympia region was noted in its 5-Star ratings and rankings in Orthopedic Services. TCG

´´´´´5-Star Rated for Overall Orthopedic Services 4 years in a row (2007-2010)´´´´´ 5-Star Rated for Joint Replacement 4 years in a row (2007-2010)´´´´´ Ranked among the Top 5 in WA for Joint Replacement 2010´´´´´ 5-Star Rated for Spine Surgery 5 years in a row (2006-2010)´´´´´ 5-Star Rated for Total Knee Replacement 4 years in a row (2007-2010)´´´´´5-Star Rated for Total Hip Replacement 4 years in a row (2007-2010)´´´´´5-Star Rated for Back & Neck Surgery with Spinal Fusion 8 years in a row (2003-2010)

If you are looking for an outstanding facility for your healthcare, take a look at Capital Medical Center.The proof is in the ratings.

´´´´´ 5-Star Ratings


If you are going to a hospital or are looking for nursing care facility, be a wise consumer and do your research.

A wide variation in quality exists among American hospitals, according to the twelfth annual HealthGrades Hospital Quality in America study. Patients were 80 percent less likely to experience a major complication in 5-star rated hospitals when compared with 1-star rated hospitals across a range of procedures studied such as knee replacement and hip replacement surgeries. Top-performing hospitals also dramatically outperformed the national average, with patients experiencing, on average, 61 percent fewer in-hospital complications among the procedures studied.

HealthGrades is the leading healthcare ratings organization, providing ratings and profiles of hospitals, nursing homes and physicians to consumers, corporations, health plans and hospitals. Millions of consumers and hundreds of the nation’s largest employers, health plans and hospitals rely on HealthGrades’ independent ratings, consulting and products to make healthcare decisions based on the quality of care.

More information on today’s HealthGrades study, including the complete methodology, can be found at www.healthgrades.com.

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Handling fee applies. Terms and conditions apply (including an administrative feeof $2.95 per month beginning in the thirteenth month after the month of cardpurchase, and additional fees which may apply) and are available at Simon GuestServices, on-line at www.simongiftcard.com, and in materials which accompanyeach card. The card can be used at any merchants that accept Visa® debit cards.

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The best gifts are always those that have been chosen with care and accompanied by love. While it’s easy to get caught up in the frenzy of holiday shopping and

overspend, with a dash of advance planning and a sprinkling of creativity, it is possible to celebrate everyone on your holiday list without going overboard.

Planning ahead, shopping from a list and watching out for sales are three key holiday savings strategies. Start by creating a list of the people you will be buying or making gifts for during the holiday season. This is a master list that you can update throughout the year as you shop. Alongside each name, note the person’s interests, hobbies, likes and dislikes, past gifts and gift ideas for the current year. How much detail you keep is up to you. Carry the list with you whenever you shop, all year round. In so doing, you can purchase gift items when you see them -- and when they are on sale. Not only are you getting the best deals by shopping year-round, but you can avoid a year-end money crunch.

Whether shopping online or in person, be sure to check with one or more Internet price-comparison sites on the Internet, such as PriceGrabber.com, Yahoo! Shopping, DealTime.com or NexTag.com. Another money-saving strategy is to stick with homemade and semi-homemade gifts. Such gifts are both relatively inexpensive and can also add a welcome personal touch to holiday giving.

• Gift baskets and gift sets can be put together to match just about everyone’s tastes and interests. Be on the lookout for inexpensive baskets, boxes and other interesting containers, which can be filled with a merry mix of items, such as a sampler of herbal teas, scented candles or bath soaps.

Holiday Gift Guide

Holiday Gifts on a Budget

A set of golf balls and tees can be the perfect inexpensivegift for the golfer in the family.

• For the “duffer,” a set of golf balls, a few tees and a pair of knee-high argyle socks makes a practical and amusing gift.

• Artists of every age will appreciate an assortment of drawing or painting supplies “wrapped” in a hand decorated paint can. (New, unused paint cans are available at many home centers.)

• If you’re a good cook or baker, share some of your favorite recipes and package them in an interesting food tin.

• Instead of giving already-baked goods, combine the dry ingredients of your favorite cookies in decorated mason jars and add a festive tag with mixing and baking instructions.


For many people, the best thing about the holiday season isn’t the gifts under the tree or the extra days off from school or work. While those things are nice, the chance

to spend quality time with family and friends is what many people find most attractive about the holiday season.A big part of that enjoyment involves visiting family and friends for holiday gatherings. A good guest always knows what to bring to make the host or hostess’ job a little easier. When planning your next holiday visit, consider the following gift giving tips.Make it yourself

Bringing a homemade gift everyone can enjoy shows the host how much you appreciate his or her throwing the party. Make it practical

Holiday gatherings are about family, friends and food. Guests often like to catch up on the last year over a good

beverage as well. Bring a bottle of sparkling wine so you, your fellow guests and your hosts can sit relax and share a few laughs. If you feel funny bringing just wine, make it Italian style and bring something to serve with the wine. Make it sweet

The holidays are one of the rare occasions when nearly everyone lets their guard down and fulfills their need for sweets. Provide a helping hand

If you’re late responding to an RSVP and the rest of the guests have all already agreed to bring something along, the host or hostess could still no doubt use a helping hand. Rather than volunteering to bring an extra dish or bottle of wine, volunteer to come over early and help set things up or stay late and help clean once all the guests have departed.

Giving the Host a Helping Hand

Gift Giving Etiquette for Holiday Party Guests

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Holiday gift-giving can be extremely stressful for even the most experienced shoppers. Deciding how much to spend, which brands to choose and what size to get are enough to frazzle

those fragile holiday nerves. This year make your own!People love receiving handmade gifts, so making gifts for your

family and friends is a winning situation for everyone. By making your own gifts you avoid the holiday shopping crowds, save money and get the satisfaction of knowing that you are giving a little piece of yourself with each handmade gift.

Below are several ideas for holiday gifts that can be made in a weekend:Southern Chalet Birdhouse

Who doesn’t love watching birds in the backyard? A birdhouse is simple to make and requires very little time and very few supplies, but it can provide countless hours of enjoyment for the recipient. And the options for customizing this project are endless — let your imagination run wild!

Bring Treasured Memories and BIG SavingsSimple Handmade Gifts

A handmade gift like this Southern Chalet Birdhouse can save shoppers money and put a smile on a loved one’s face this holiday season.


Chattahoochee ChairThis is a great one for the gardener in your life — build a Chattahoochee (or Adirondack) chair so they can sit outside and enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of their labor. This project can be accomplished in a weekend, but seeing the recipients’ reaction will stay with you forever. Sweet Dog Suite

If Fido could tell you what he’s really thinking, he would beg you not to give him another sweater for Christmas this year. Give your pooch a well-deserved new “home-away-from-home” by building a new dog house. This is a great project because the whole family can get involved — spending a weekend with your family building your four-legged child an awesome new pad will be a gift everyone can enjoy.

Once you decide on a project, do your homework when it comes to choosing building products. The market is flooded with options right now, but which one is right for you? For strength, durability, beauty and the best environmental choice, choose pressure-treated Southern Pine. Every project listed above can be completed using pressure-treated Southern Pine, and you won’t break the bank in the process. The preservative in the wood works to prevent moisture and insect infiltration, and it can be stained and painted for a true custom touch. TCG

A handmade gift like these wooden adirondacks will make a lasting impression, not to mention a

relaxing place to sit and enjoy the outdoors.

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Makingan

ImpactForever

Throughout the South Sound and across the nation, ordinary people are showing extraordinary generosity. Perhaps inspired by Bill Gates’ and Warren Buffet’s examples, more

and more baby boomers are choosing to make charitable gifts with a lasting impact.

Even in the face of current economic challenges, people remain focused on helping those less fortunate. Many are going even further, exploring how they can not only support today’s needs, but those of future generations. By creating a legacy gift--one that is designed to maintain its value and impact over time—many people are planning to pass on their values and serve the causes important to them.

Create Your Unique LegacyThe stories below show that people from all walks of

life--with different income levels, professions and interests--are becoming meaningful philanthropists. Their thoughtful legacies reflect what matters to them and will make a difference today and forever.

Honor Family values“You don’t have to be Bill Gates to get involved in

philanthropy,” says Merritt Long, co-founder with his wife, Marsha, of the Learning Seed Foundation, “That’s a myth!” In the Longs’ case, they established a foundation to assist deserving young people in attaining college educations. Their foundation honors “the faith and belief that our parents had in the two of us, and the sacrifices they made so that we could go to college

and be in the position we are today to start a foundation,” said Merritt. The Longs are both retired state agency directors who do not consider themselves wealthy. But, the couple says they are inspired by “the kids who feel so good when they discover there are people outside of their own family who really believe in them and want to support their future success.”

The children of the man known as “the most trusted man in America,” Walter Cronkite, chose to create a fund honoring his renowned integrity when the historic newscaster passed away in July. His children established the Walter and Betsy Cronkite Fund for Fair Play to memorialize their parents’ lives and values. The new fund will help support some of the causes that the Cronkites were passionate about during their lives. The new fund is part of the Austin Community Foundation in Austin, Texas. Cronkite attended the University of Texas at Austin and was a reporter for the campus newspaper while there.

Celebrate a Loved one “My husband and I were at the stage in our life where

giving traditional Christmas presents no longer made sense,” recalls Mary Williams. “Instead, I decided to establish a scholarship fund in his name as my gift.” Her husband, former Thurston County Sheriff Dan R. Montgomery, was delighted that the focus of the fund was for students pursuing professions in law enforcement.

“I’m so glad Dan was involved in the initial selection process and met the young man who received the first scholarship,” Williams says. “Just a month later, Dan had a


stroke and passed away,” Williams recalls with obvious affection for Dan. “Setting up the fund was easy,” she adds. “I just had to say what was on my mind and what the scholarship parameters would be. The Community Foundation took care of the rest.”

Setting an example for the Children Through our charitable giving “our kids have seen that

it’s really possible to do things in the community and that even young people can make a difference,” says Carol Vannerson, mother of two teens. Her family established a charitable fund through The Community Foundation that benefits numerous causes throughout the greater Olympia area. “My husband and I hope our fund serves as an inspiration to our children,” she adds.

Retired Microsoft executive Kimberly Ellwanger, now an Olympia resident, echoes those sentiments. She has created a fund to benefit women and children’s charities. “I hope my daughter will take over advising the fund when I no longer can and that she will continue to support the causes and values that are important to our family,” said Kimberly. She added,” Setting up a charitable fund causes you to “think about how you want to benefit the community and what kind of legacy you want to leave.”

Supporting the Community that Supported Us“We felt very, very strongly about supporting the

community,” says Lynn Brunton, donor and charitable fund holder. “My husband practiced medicine here for 30 years and the community always supported us,” she adds. The Bruntons originally considered setting up a foundation privately but decided against it “because there’s so much paperwork involved.”

“As we looked at The Community Foundation, we learned it would help us do what we wanted through professional management and an enthusiastic board to monitor and allocate the money throughout the community,” Brunton says. Lynn was on the visioning committee that formed The Community Foundation of South Puget Sound in 1989. She says the group was motivated by “What we wanted our community to look like in 25 years. And, what can happen with a successful community foundation.”

How to Begin Your Legacy The most important reason people make a legacy donation

is because they are generous and committed people with a passion for specific causes and their communities. “A lot of people associate the word “legacy” with the wealthy,” says Jean Chatzky author of the “Talking Money” syndicated column. “But the truth is, a legacy plan has little to do with money. Instead, the focus is on your values and how you would like them played out by future generations.”

That sentiment is echoed by Norma Schuiteman, executive director of The Community Foundation of South Puget Sound, based in Olympia. “We are here to help you do the charitable giving that most honors your values, family memories or whatever is important to you in the community,” she said. Norma urges people to contact her “just to brainstorm about what they might want to do.” Having set up many funds, Schuiteman can outline a wide variety of options for prospective donors.

Community foundations work with individuals, families, attorneys, and estate and financial planners to tailor gift plans to honor donor wishes. Today there are more than 700 community foundations across the United States, 26 in Washington State, and collectively these hold nearly $44.8 billion in assets nationwide. As public charities, community foundations help set up and supervise donor gifts to ensure that fund distributions are for legitimate charitable purposes. These foundations administer the details, freeing donors to focus on their philanthropic goals---causes as diverse as education, the environment, public health or the arts. Community foundations pool gifts, both large and small, to meet local needs, build the community’s capacity to help itself, and improve the quality of life for all the community’s residents. TCG

About the Community Foundation

of South Puget Sound Founded in 1989, The Foundation is a public charity

dedicated to helping individuals, families and businesses realize their philanthropic goals. The Foundation currently stewards close to $4 million in assets within 80 separate charitable funds supporting a wide variety of causes. The Foundation guides donors setting up endowments, scholarships, and other funds to help communities within Thurston, Mason and Lewis counties meet challenges over changing times. Donors trust The Foundation to monitor current and emerging regional needs and to identify organizations capable of meeting these needs. The Foundation distributes donors’ charitable gifts among local nonprofits providing important services that strengthen the community—both now and in the future. For further information please visit www.thecommunityfoundation.com or call us at 360.705.3340.

Additional Resources:www.inpsiredlegacies.org, www.cof.org,www.leavealegacy.org, www.thecommunityfoundation.com,www.thecommunityfoundation.com


NOvEMBERNovember 21st Spaghetti Feed & Auction: A group of SPSCC college students are holding a Spaghetti Feed & Auction to benefit Rebuilding Together Thurston County. 5:30pm, Tumwater High School, 700 Israel Road SW, Tumwater. For more information, contact: Heather Milton 360-259-1174 [email protected]

November 22ndLowell Cordas Gardening Class: “Plan it ... Then Plant It!” is a series of free classes to help you plan your landscape in time for next spring’s planting taught by Lowell Cordas of Lowell’s Tools. This month’s class is on Landscape Design. 1pm, The Barn Nursery, 9510 Old Hwy 99 SE, Olympia. For more information, contact: 360-943-2826 thebarnnurseryolympia.com

November 25thBarb’s Family and Friends Thanksgiving Meal: Barb’s Family and Friends are at Top Foods in Lacey every Saturday and Sun-day 1-5pm accepting donations for their holiday meals program. Noon-6pm. For more information, contact: Matt Grate 360-754-2868

November 26th to December 3rdChristmas Forest 2009: The festivities include public viewing dates, a Santa breakfast, the Gala Dinner and Auction, a holiday senior breakfast, and a special scrapbooking workshop. Pro-ceeds benefit the St. Peters Providence mission to provide health services to those in need. Visit the website for complete schedule. Red Lion Hotel, 2300 Evergreen Park Drive, Olympia. For more information, contact: 360-493-7981. [email protected]. www.providence.org/giving

November 27th – 28thLacey Holiday Bazaar: Featuring over 150 select crafters spe-cializing in handcrafted holiday treasures and gourmet treats! Donations of non-perishable food items for the Thurston County Food Bank will gladly be accepted at the door. Friday noon-5pm & Saturday 9am-5pm, St. Martin’s Marcus Pavilion, Lacey. For more information, contact: Lacey Parks and Recreation. 360-491-0857. www.ci.lacey.wa.us

November 27th to January 2ndHarlequin Presents “A Stardust Homecoming”: The 15th in the Stardust Club series of swinging holiday musicals, features an all-new installment of 1940s music, comedy, and romance., Thursdays-Saturdays 8pm, Sundays 3pm, The State Theater, 202 4th Ave, Olympia. For more information, contact: Harlequin Productions 360-705-3375 harlequinproductions.org

December 3rdCity of Lacey “Lighting of the Christmas Tree”: Enjoy the ceremony with caroling, hot cocoa and coffee, and a visit from Santa aboard the Santa Mobile. 6-6:30pm, St. Martin’s University Marcus Pavilion, Lacey. For more information, contact: Lacey Parks and Recreation 360-491-0857. www.ci.lacey.wa.us

December 4thSigning Santa: Presented by the Signing Santa Organization and Lacey Parks & Recreation, this program brings deaf and hard of hearing children and their families, friends, and the community together. 6:30-9pm, Nisqually Middle School, 8100 Steilacoom Rd SE, Lacey, Cafeteria. For more information, contact: Lacey Parks and Recreation 360-491-0857. www.ci.lacey.wa.us

December 5thOlympia Toy Run: The Olympia Toy Run is a motorcycle parade and fundraiser for the Salvation Army Toy-n-Joy Program. Motor-cyclists may enter by donating at least one toy per rider or a cash donation of $10 for one rider, $15 per couple. For more informa-tion, contact: Joe Sullivan 360-413-9608. www.olytoyrun.com

December 10th – 20thOlympia Little Theatre presents “A Christmas Carol”: A twist on one of the most popular and enduring Christmas stories of all time! Thur thru Sat 7:55pm, Sunday 1:55pm, Olympia Little Theatre, 1925 Miller Ave., Olympia. For more information, contact: Olym-pia Little Theater 360-786-9484. www.olympialittletheater.org

December 18th – 20thThe Nutcracker Ballet: A family tradition from a professional ballet company. Tickets on sale online at olytix.com. Reserve your seats today! SPSCC Minnaert Center, 2011 Mottman Rd. SW, Olympia. For more information, contact: box office (360) 753-8586, [email protected], www.studiowest-danceacademy.com

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the community guide - thurston nov/dec 2009

Documents

theater groups

community guide4

community connection

unique theater experience

linda whitney

new works

thousands of years

programming projects