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oly fed ceo is ‘here for you, here for good
ENROLLING IN SCHOOL IN THURSTON COUNTY
BY JULIE LEYDELMEYER
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Parents have more options than ever before in choosing an academic environment that best fits the needs of their student. In Thurston County, there are 60 public primary schools, 17 public high schools, and 19 private schools that are approved by the Board of Education. Eight school districts provide primary and secondary education to the majority of Thurston County’s students. These districts range in size from rural Griffin, with about 650 students, to the more urban North Thurston Public Schools, which had more than 15,000 students during the 2018-2019 school year. Because every child is unique in learning style, personality and talents, school districts offer a variety of learning environments to fit the needs of every child, as well as choice enrollment. This means parents can apply, on a space-available basis, to the school that is the right fit for their child. If a brick and mortar school isn’t the best option for your child, consider an online school or homeschool.
Find Your Thurston County School District
Interactive Map arcg.is/2eARebk
Griffin School District griffinschool.us
Olympia School District osd.wednet.edu/
Rainier School District rainier.wednet.edu
Rochester School District rochester.wednet.edu/
Tenino School District teninosd.org
Tumwater School District tumwater.k12.wa.us
Yelm School District ycs.wednet.edu/
AFTER YOU ARRIVE AT YOUR NEW HOME:
• Together with your child, walk around the grounds and buildings of the new school before the first day to learn where everything is located.
• Talk to the principal of the new school. Ask about how the school helps children adjust to their new school, such as a buddy system.
• Talk to the school counselors. Inform them that your child is adjusting to a new home, in addition to a new school.
• If your child needs additional support or has special needs, talk to the teachers or staff about the programs and facilities to accommodate these.
• If you haven’t already, look into extracurricular activities (associated with the school or not) to give kids the opportunity to meet new friends.
• Get a copy of school guidelines. Your children may be used to different rules about dress codes, makeup, locker use, PE class, and the like.
• Help your child have the right clothes and equipment, such as a sports uniform on sports day. Before buying uniforms, you may want to find out which items are most comfortable or popular among other students.
• Make sure your child knows how to get to and from school— for example, the best walking route, where bus stops are, or where you’ll pick up and drop off.
• Introduce yourself to your new neighbors. Perhaps your child can meet some classmates before the first day at the new school.
• Visit the after-school care facilities if your child will be using them.
• If possible, get a copy of your child’s weekly timetable so the whole family knows what’s happening and what your child needs each day.
• Learn as much as you can about your child’s new school to help them feel more comfortable. Kids are most focused on fitting in, so knowing what that means to your child can help.
GIVING BACK IN THURSTON CO.
BY JULIE LEYDELMEYER
A great way to quickly learn about your new community and meet new friends is to get involved with a nonprofit organization. Every community offers numerous opportunities to support these worthwhile causes. Finding organizations that are meaningful to you will make the experience most rewarding.
These four questions can help you find your perfect nonprofit match:
• Do you have a passion? By identifying what motivates you, such as sports or outdoor pursuits, environmental or conservation issues, working with children, or assisting the elderly, you’ll start to narrow down the list.
• How much time can you give? Figure out how many hours per week or month you’d like to contribute to an organization. If you have schedule limitations, check to see if the organization can work around those.
• What do you bring or want to acquire? It’s important to know how you’d like to contribute to an organization. Are you interested in providing leadership, planning events, or being a social media guru? Volunteering is also a way to get practical training and experience to help your career. • How do you want to serve? Consider whether you prefer working one-on-one, such as mentoring a teen or helping an adult learn to read, or working in a group, such as helping to renovate a home or coordinating fundraising activities.
Once you’ve had a chance to consider your ideal organization, start exploring what’s available. If you worked with a nonprofit in your previous community, there’s a good chance you’ll find a local chapter in Thurston County too. Three consortiums support a variety of community nonprofits and the lists of their member organizations are a good resource.
• South Sound Partners for Philanthropy celebrategiving.org • The Community Foundation thecommunityfoundation.com • United Way of Thurston County unitedway-thurston.org
Want to get involved but don’t feel you have the time as you get settled? Consider attending a fundraising event. Events are a fun way to meet like-minded people, raise funds for the cause, and give you a feel for the organization.
SOUTH SOUND SUCCESS STORY COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
BY HILLARY RYAN
Heidi Duncan of Duncan Insurance, Olympia
It could be that some superheroes come into being from a toxic spider bite, but other superheroes are just born into their roles as descendants of “do-gooders” before them. That’s the case with Heidi Duncan of Duncan and Associates Insurance Brokers, based in Olympia.
From the time she was young, little Heidi dreamed of following in her father’s footsteps and becoming an insurance agent. When other kids set their sights on becoming a doctor, professional ice skater or architect, Heidi was interested only in insurance.
Her father, Russ Duncan, founded Duncan Insurance 50 years ago. When Heidi was 3 1/2 years old, she started going to work with her dad to give her mom a break with her newborn brother. Her first job was to pick staples out of the carpet, but that soon progressed to more complex tasks. By kindergarten she was using the office typewriter like a pro.
Heidi knows exactly when she knew that she wanted to be an insurance agent. When she was 4 or 5, the phone rang at home in the middle of the night, awakening everyone in the Duncan household. It was a client. His house had just burned down and he was calling his insurance agent for help. Heidi’s father leapt to action. He let his client know that he was completely taken care of and that he would be there for him every step of the way.
The superhero was revealed. Russ Duncan demonstrated to his daughter how important it is to take care of people in stressful times. It should be no surprise that when Heidi turned 18, she was one of the youngest people in Washington state ever to take and pass the insurance agent licensing exam.
Since then, she has been working diligently to help her clients. “Listening to the needs of my clients and helping them understand all the options available to them is the center of all our work,” notes Heidi. “Our agency may be small, but we have a huge range of expertise and since we operate like a family, we work to provide seamless wraparound insurance coverage.”
Being available to clients for emergencies continues to be a cornerstone of Duncan and Associates Insurance Brokers. “We are like financial first responders,” says Heidi Duncan. “We provide calm and comforting expertise for people who are dealing with major issues. We want to be superheroes.”
DUNCAN AND ASSOCIATES
800.228.8291 duncanins.com
A MAKING YOUR HOUSEHome
Tips to transform a house into a home with decor and furniture from the heart
*Your entry is the initial introduction to your home and sets the stage for you and your guests. Place a cozy rug or floor mat inside the door to define the entry and give an immediate sense of personality. A reclaimed wood bench, umbrella stand or coat rack, and luscious candles complete the welcoming picture. *Be creative with your space. Move items at an angle, layer different rugs, and add a wall of photos and memories. Use your imagination to make the space warm, inviting and as unique as you are.
*Try to bring nature inside. Although the Northwest is overflowing with the beauty of nature, we all know that during our wet, gloomy weather we may stay inside for much of the time. Visit your local nursery to get tips on what kind of plants will work for your space, the amount of light available, and your lifestyle. *Incorporate different elements such as wood, metal, glass and greenery throughout each room to bring warmth and life to your spaces. Mirrors not only provide style and function but also lighten up a room and help create movement.
The HeART of the Home
CABINETS BY TRIVONNA
BY DANA PETHIA
Cabinets by Trivonna of Olympia pride themselves on a design experience that is uniquely customized to their individual client’s dreams and wishes.
Trivonna brings to life an artful design plan built around their customer’s needs and budget. We’ve all discovered that the ‘heart of the home’ isn’t just for the cook anymore.
“The kitchen has become a gathering place meant for entertaining guests and gathering family alike,” states Trivonna.
Navigating the myriad of decisions on textiles and design options can be daunting. Trivonna has created a design studio offering a nurturing environment that helps clients realize their best kitchen design.
Many of us have already discovered our kitchens to be the center of the home in more ways than one. Often our kitchen plays host not only to baking and cooking, but to child and adult art, science and sewing projects, and even Dad’s auto repair, fishing and tackle shop.
Whatever your kitchen design dream, creating a work of art and functional space built for you and your family is what Cabinets by Trivonna does beautifully. Be sure to visit their creative space and showroom in Olympia and realize your dream kitchen fulfilled soon.
For Additional Information
CABINETS BY TRIVONNA
cabinetsbytrivonna.com
Getting Settledinto a New Home by Kelly Lenihan
After the last box is moved into your new home, you might think the hardest part of moving is over. And you’re right, but there are still things to take care of before you can relax completely.
Get Your Utilities Set Up You don’t want to arrive at your new place, late at night, and find that the lights don’t work. Before you move, arrange for the utilities to be set up there. Make sure all of your services are up and running so you can check your electronics and appliances. Check Major Appliances If you moved major appliances, such as a range, dishwasher, washer or dryer, check to make sure nothing was damaged during the move. This is particularly important if the mover prepared your appliances for the move. Your insurance policy may have a limited time in which to make a claim. Since these are big-ticket items, you want to make sure they’re all working. Check all Boxes and Furniture
Make sure all boxes and furniture arrived and that nothing is damaged. If you’re missing something or you find damage, contact the mover and your insurance company to submit a claim. It’s important to do this immediately after moving in or the insurance company may not reimburse you. Save Receipts Keep all receipts and documentation related to your move in one file and store the file in a safe, secure place. Make sure you have your bill of lading and payment receipt. You may be able to claim your move on your next tax return, and you’ll need all the necessary receipts to make your claim. Make Sure You’re Getting Your Mail Check with the post office about mail forwarding. Update all important files and documents with your new address and notify everyone who needs to know about your move.
Holy Lamb Organics—Natural Bedding Made Locally
by Leah Grout
Holy Lamb Organics has been making natural bedding products locally by hand in the small town of Oakville, Washington for 18 years. The South Sound community can access a “touch and feel” experience in Olympia. The company’s retail showrooms are the only all-natural bedding stores between Seattle and Portland, according to owners Jason and Mindy Schaefer.
The showroom is a great way for customers to experience the products. “We’re excited to be part of the downtown Olympia neighborhood—it is a great fit for our business,” says Mindy Schaefer.
Holy Lamb Organics’ manufacturing plant is located in what was once Oakville’s historic Little Bit General Store, which served the community in eastern Grays Harbor County for over 85 years. Built in 1902, the building also includes a showroom that is open to the public.
According to the Schaefers, Holy Lamb Organics bedding is handmade using the highest quality materials and forward-thinking design and innovation. Made in the USA, the products are natural and certified organic. The Schaefers add that replacing the bedding of an allergy sufferer with natural products can reduce or eliminate the effects of allergies.
Besides promoting health and well-being, the Schaefers’ vision is to strengthen the local economy using sustainable and ecological practices in their manufacturing and selling. “We bring distinctive, comfy, healthy goods to the marketplace without ever compromising our commitment to sustainability and the environment.”
The Schaefers’ showroom has become a welcome space for the community. They invite you to the showroom to experience the difference all-natural bedding offers.
HOLY LAMB ORGANICS
113 Thurston Ave NE, Olympia holylamborganics.com
Olympia 222 Market
222 Capitol Way N 360.352.1175 222market.com
Archibald Sisters
406 Capitol Way S 800.943.2707 archibaldsisters.com
Belleza Ropa
101 Capitol Way N 360.352.ROPA (7672) bellezaropa.com
Capital Mall & Promenade
625 Black Lake Blvd 360.754.8017 shoppingcapitalmall.com
Compass Rose
416 Capitol Way S 360.236.0788 compassroseshop.com
Courtyard Antiques
705 4th Ave E 360.352.3864 courtyardantiquesolympia.com
Debra Van Tuinen
429 4th Ave W Olympia, WA 98502 360.402.6517 vantuinenart.com
Drees of Olympia
524 Washington St SE 360.357.7177 dreesofolympia.com
Lost and Found
2316 4th Ave E 253.298.8514 lostandfoundcrafts.com
Olympia Bed Store
113 Thurston Ave NE 360.819.4293 olympiabedstore.com
Panowicz Jewelers
111 Market St NE, Ste 104 360.357.4943 panowicz.com
Lacey Linnea’s Unique Boutique
6715 Martin Way E 360.789.1112 facebook.com/linneasdreamlacey
Merle Norman Cosmetics
3925 8th Ave SE, Ste F 360.491.4911 merlenormancosmeticsolympia. com
Wood Shed Furniture
6127 Martin Way E 360.491.0700 woodshedfurn.com
Centralia Gracie’s Boutique
120-A S Tower Ave 360.623.1586 facebook.com/graciesfashions
Celebrating 71 years
PANOWICZ JEWELERS
by Nate Peters
Photo by Elements Photography
Even after seven decades, Panowicz Jewelers still holds true to its founding: a legacy of quality, integrity and value. Founded in 1948 by Anton Panowicz Sr., the local, family-owned jewelry store recently celebrated its 71st anniversary serving the Olympia community.
“Retail has to be about outstanding customer service and care,” says Rob Panowicz, son of the late founder. “We continue to cater to our customers and put them first in all aspects of the business.”
“As a store, we genuinely care about our customers,” echoes Leslie Panowicz, general manager. “One of our favorite aspects of this business is being a part of clients’ special moments that they will remember for the rest of their lives.”
She said customers will often come into the store and recount a memory when her grandfather or father helped them choose a ring that was perfect for the occasion and fit within their budget. “These memories are so special and help us remember our roots,” Leslie said.
Indeed, adds Rob Panowicz, a unique quality of his team is the longevity of tenure and the services they provide. With two goldsmiths and two certified gemologists on staff, Panowicz Jewelers is able to offer many services in-store that other retailers would often need to outsource.
Panowicz Jewelers prides itself on its history while also remaining contemporary in both variety and selection of merchandise. You don’t need to travel to a big city to find that special piece of jewelry, says Leslie. “Panowicz is on par with the larger, upscale corporate jewelry stores with quality and selection. We can also custom order jewelry to fit your occasion.”
To stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends, Leslie Panowicz travels nationally and internationally to Antwerp, Belgium and Thailand. She hand-selects diamonds in order to offer the best value and quality in the Puget Sound. She says it’s all part of continuing the 70-plus year legacy of serving the community’s jewelry needs.
PANOWICZ JEWELERS
111 Market St NE, Olympia panowicz.com
