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Hey Olympia, hope your week’s off to a good start! In today’s edition: Theater funding boost, a walk-off Mariners win, and an estuary history stroll + fun things to do for free & local fundraisers worth checking out this week.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Theater funding gets a boost: Olympia is marketing a former landfill near Black Lake Boulevard at Highway 101, and $752,000 from a future sale will bolster the Washington Center for the Performing Arts endowment -- read the full story.
A clutch Seattle finish: Randy Arozarena’s solo homer and Cal Raleigh’s walk-off single lifted the Mariners to a 4-3 win over the Twins on Sunday, sealing a dramatic finish that energized Seattle -- catch the walk-off finish.
Statewide aid milestone reached: Washington’s Class of 2026 set a record with 46,168 completed college aid applications, surpassing the state’s 46,000 goal after a months-long campaign led by Gov. Bob Ferguson and partners -- see the application record.
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
Watch your credit card balance drop. Here's a rare one: this card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, and you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. On top of that, every purchase earns at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories as high as 5%. Spend a little early on and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting too -- take a look.*
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with Lemonade*. Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Salty weekend reset: Set on a split cove, Tolmie State Park is prime for beach exploring, swimming, clamming and crabbing, and even scuba at an underwater park with an artificial reef. Birdwatch the saltwater marsh, wander forested trails, then let the Sound set your mood for the week.
Wood-fired weeknight upgrade: Since 2011, Stone Creek Wood Fired Pizza has been perfecting blistered, bubbly pies on the westside, with classics like Margherita, pepperoni, Hawaiian and more. Expect a cozy, handmade vibe too... those tables were built by Randy, which somehow makes the slices taste even better.
Live tunes, smoky bites: When your week needs a pick-me-up, The Pig Bar brings the music and the mood, with South Bay BBQ just next door. Think slow-smoked brisket, ribs, and chicken backing a room that’s built for lingering with friends, not just grabbing one and bailing.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
Shop for new floors without ever needing to leave the house: No showroom, no second-guessing. All from the comfort of your own home. Empire Today® has flooring experts that will bring you samples and provide you with a free in-home estimate. Trusted and backed by over 3 million satisfied customers and over 65 years of quality service. *Check out their current offers today →
Stiff necks start on flat pillows: You've slept on both arms, both sides, stacked two pillows, thrown one on the floor, and the stiffness keeps finding you, because every position ends on the same pillow that can't hold your neck. This one can: shaped to keep your neck in line however you sleep, with gentle traction through the night. If it doesn't earn its spot in 30 nights, it goes back free. *Take the 30-night test, 50% off →
Home insurance premiums jumped 12% last year alone: That's on top of years of increases that have outpaced inflation. Before you blindly renew with your current insurer, a free comparison tool matches your home with top-rated insurers so you can see quotes side by side, in about two minutes. Some homeowners find hundreds in savings, and if you don't find a better policy, you stay put knowing you checked. *See your options →
The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →
The upgrades that make your home feel new again start here: You don't need a full remodel to fall back in love with your space. New fixtures, a fresh coat of paint, updated hardware, the small changes that make a room feel different. It's all in one place, so a weekend is all it takes to give a tired room a fresh start. *Shop the refresh → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Free events worth checking outFree things to do in the coming days and weeks. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🎤 Lacey In Tune: Eric Ode @ Huntamer Park | Tuesday (8/4) at 6:30 PM – Bring the kids, the grandkids, and your inner six-year-old to Huntamer Park for Lacey in Tune with Eric Ode, a free, family-friendly pick-me-up. He’s an award-winning children’s troubadour spinning stories, skits, and catchy tunes with puppets and props. Big laughs, low effort, golden memories.
🎤 Lacey In Tune: Platinum Soul @ Huntamer Park | Wednesday (8/5) at 12:00 PM – Nothing beats a free summer groove at Huntamer Park when Platinum Soul brings the funk for Lacey in Tune. Seasoned pros, sing-along hits, and a lawn turned dance floor make it family friendly, date-night approved, and mildly hazardous to your 'I don't dance' stance.
🎬 Lacey In Tune: 13 Til Midnight & Zootopia 2 (PG) @ Huntamer Park | Friday (8/7) at 7:00 PM – Grab your lawn chair and head to Huntamer Park for a Taylor Swift fix with 13 Til Midnight, then let Zootopia 2 handle bedtime stalling. Food trucks keep the adults fed, the kids sugared, and everyone pleasantly distracted, which absolutely counts as quality time.
🍿 Summer Family Movie Days @ Lacey Timberland Library | Saturday (8/8) at 4:00 PM – Looking for a summer outing with AC, popcorn, and no ticket drama? The library’s family movie afternoons serve The Dark Crystal for your inner ’80s kid, The Big Bad Fox for giggles, and The Water Horse for wide-eyed wonder. Beats arguing over streaming passwords, too.
🎭 Free Mask Distro @ Decay - Diverse Events & Creative Arts Yard | Saturday (8/8) at 4:00 PM – Second and fourth Saturdays call for a quick pit stop at DECAY, where the vibe is friendly and the masks and rapid tests are free. Chat up the crew for fit tips and brand recs, then stop pretending that dusty bulk-pack was a good idea.
📖 Stories in the Park, Stories in the Dark @ Squaxin Park | Saturday (8/8) at 7:00 PM – An evening under the cedars at Squaxin Park means one thing, stories. The South Sound Story Guild tellers are spinning tales for free, park-bench style, with campfire vibes minus the smoke, and just enough night sounds to make you feel ten again. ✨ Upcoming local fundraisers🛍 Rummage Sale Fundraiser @ Yauger Park | Sunday (8/9) at 9:30 AM – Skip cleaning your own garage and rummage through ours instead, as Red Rose Volunteers host a fundraiser with a classic rummage sale and booths from local artists. Expect cold drinks, pre-packaged snacks, and that smug glow of doing good without breaking a sweat.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — Olympia report Weather forecastToday — High: 82°F — Low: 59°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 82. Northeast wind 3 to 8 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 59. North northeast wind 3 to 8 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 88°F — Low: 60°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 88. Later: Clear, with a low around 60. This house is wildThis custom rambler offers 2,443 sq ft of easy one-level living on 10 gated, level acres with serious room to roam. Inside, the open layout features a chef-style kitchen with high-end appliances, granite island, and tile finishes, plus a spacious primary suite. Outside, two garages, a shop, and fenced acreage add extra versatility.
Take a peek inside → |
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