September 18, 2025 Meeting Minutes

09/22/2025 13:43

SWONA Quarterly Meeting

Date: September 18, 2025
Location: SWONA Meeting (Neighborhood Association)
Attendance: Approximately 30 neighbors, guests, and speakers

Main Topics Discussed

1. Emergency Preparedness Presentation (Special Guest: Cherie Carey, Thurston County Emergency Management)

a. Introduction and Overview

  • Cherie Carey (Emergency Management, Thurston County) provided a comprehensive session on personal and neighborhood preparedness.
  • Serves unincorporated Thurston County and partners with Olympia city on emergency public education.
  • Context: Region faces various hazards—wildfire smoke observed even the night of the meeting.

b. Definitions and Context

  • Emergency: Incident handled locally with available resources.
  • Disaster: Overwhelms local resources; triggers escalations—neighborhood > county > state (WA State Division of Emergency Management) > federal (FEMA).
  • Examples: Flood, earthquake, volcanic eruption, wildfire, mass violence.

c. Hazards in Thurston County

  • Hazard Mitigation Plan: County-wide, multi-jurisdictional, updated in 2024. Available on county website.
  • Hazards discussed (not comprehensive):
    • Flooding (most common, annual)
    • Earthquake (notable: 2001 Nisqually, $4 billion damages, no deaths)
    • Tsunami (threat observed elsewhere in state)
    • Volcanic activity (Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens)—risk is ash, lahar (hot fast mudflow), evacuees
    • Wildfires (increased frequency, largest: Rainier fire, 26 acres; no homes/residents lost)
    • Dam failure
    • Civil disturbances/mass violence—current specific prep for 2026 World Cup events (Seattle, local fan zone)
    • Severe weather (windstorms cause ~44% of power outages)
    • Air quality (smoke events)
  • Notably, no major county flooding in 2025, which is unusual.

d. Personal Preparedness

  • Planning Scenarios: What to take if you have 10 or 30 minutes to evacuate.
  • Key Steps to Personal Preparedness:
    • Make a plan: understand risks, needs assessment (new state brochure available).
    • Know your neighbors and share resources (generator, water, food).
    • Backup communications: Write down contacts, consider out-of-area contact, texting preferred over calls during emergencies.
    • Reunification plans: Family assembly points (school, church, etc.) if home unreachable.
    • Evacuation routes: Familiarize with alternate routes; main path may be blocked.
    • Pets: Include in plans.
    • Essential tools: Working smoke alarms, escape plans, emergency kits.

e. Evacuation Levels & Alerts

  • Thurston County uses Ready, Set, Go (Level 1–3) model:
    • Level 1 (Ready): Be aware/prepare; check emergency kit; check on neighbors.
    • Level 2 (Set): Be set to evacuate; higher likelihood and may want to leave early.
    • Level 3 (Go): Immediate evacuation advised; info sent about evacuation centers if possible.
  • Importance of situational awareness and not relying solely on official alerts (alerts can be delayed).

f. Alert Systems & Information

  • TCAlert: County’s emergency notification system—text, call, email. Highly encouraged to sign up. https://www.smart911.com/smart911/ref/reg.action?pa=tcwa
  • Other alerts: National Weather Service (e.g., red flag), and community-run channels (Thurston County Blog and News Scanner, Watch Duty) were discussed—official platforms are most accurate/trusted, but third party sources can be rapid.
  • County presence on social media for updates and education.
  • Discussed need to verify info and know one’s trusted sources.

g. Building Emergency Kits & Resources

  • Goal: Be able to sustain two weeks independently (recommended).
  • Kit customization: Water (1 gal/person/day), non-perishable food, flashlight/batteries, weather radio, first aid, cash (small bills), clothes/shoes, hygiene items, pet supplies, backup for prescription meds and glasses, documents (preferably both physical and digital copies), photos/videos for insurance proof.
  • Rotate supplies (especially medications).
  • Pet policies: Most county shelters are pet-friendly but require leashes/crates.
  • Insurance advice: Understand coverage, avoid unscrupulous contractors, use licensed professionals. Recovery centers set up for aid after large disasters.

h. Sheltering in Place

  • Sometimes safer to stay home (hazmat spill, during pandemics, some storms).

i. County Programs & Training Opportunities

  • Preparedness Expo: Olympia Center, Saturday, September 20, 2025, 10AM–1PM. First 150 attendees get emergency kits.
  • Community Emergency Response Team (CERT): Neighborhood-focused multi-session program (search/rescue, first aid, utilities, fire extinguisher, etc.). Fall session started in September, spring session planned for April 2026. Training limited to 25 people/session; info via county website.
  • Medic One: Free CPR/AED classes (1.5-hour sessions, multiple times/week).
  • Prepare in a Year: Gradual stepwise approach to preparedness (booklets available).
  • Online resources: County dashboard for river/flooding status; Public Works travel impact pages; WSDOT app for statewide camera/road closures.

j. Neighborhood Emergency Preparedness Committee Update

  • Newly formed SWONA committee held inaugural meeting prior day.
  • Plans to formalize block captain system (16 GMRS radios purchased for captains).
  • Map Your Neighborhood tool being adopted.
  • Discussion on “Help” signs for use in emergencies—templates downloadable or potentially bulk-printed pending budget.
  • Emphasis on committee-driven approach, sharing responsibilities, and continuity planning.

k. Q&A and Community Discussion

  • Topics: School reunification plans (several schools are designated shelters), resource pamphlets availability, utility of “Help” signs, training for block captains/committee members.
  • Interest in possibly arranging a dedicated CERT session for local neighborhoods if there is enough demand (25 participants).
    • Reach out to Cherie to schedule

2. Immigration & Immigrant Support Initiatives

a. Protecting Vulnerable Neighbors

  • Handout provided on state/local resources, Olympia action groups, and opportunities, focusing on immigrants’ rights and emergency preparedness.
  • Training on bystander intervention and civil response to aggression announced:
    • Date: September 26, 2025
    • Location: Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd
    • Details: Advance registration, sliding scale $10–$20

b. Hidden Creek Community Church Initiatives

  • Cathy Nielsen presented on efforts to support immigrants:
    • Food bank (Wednesdays), multi-ethnic and multi-lingual services.
    • New partnership with Immigrant Connection, nationwide church-based program.
      • Plans to establish the first certified legal paperwork assistance site in WA within 9–12 months; would offer low-cost legal support (hundreds, not thousands, of dollars).
      • Only 33 US legal sites, none in WA; would serve primarily low-income clients.
    • Funding need: Church covering infrastructure, seeking donations for $8,000 initial training cost.
    • Legal security: Safety protocols in place; concerns about ICE addressed (no history of issues).
    • Volunteer opportunities: Will arise post-certification, especially for bilingual support.
    • Ongoing food bank: Monetary and non-perishable food donations accepted via church website.

c. Resource Sharing & Networking

  • Connections suggested with other local support organizations (Strengthening Sanctuary, WISEN, City Gates Ministries).
  • WhatsApp community group offered increased coordination.

3. Neighborhood Food Access & Sustainability Initiatives

a. Community Garden Efforts

  • Grant-funded garden box project in partnership with city; committee formed to manage logistics and distribution.
  • Donation of garden infrastructure (raised beds, greenhouse, fencing) from Hidden Creek Church (Cathy Nielsen).
  • Site selection:
    • Decatur Woods Park: City staff “soft no” due to future playground expansion, but neighborhood is still pursuing as prime option.
    • Angela Bowen Conservancy (10th between Plymouth and Rogers): Possible, previously dormant beds; ongoing discussions with property managers.
    • Other locations (e.g., 9th & Fern pocket park, Caton Way, various city parcels, private property with apple trees)—ownership and suitability being explored.

b. Action on Garden Infrastructure

  • Call for volunteers: Targeting weekend of October 11, 2025 for moving and storing donated beds/greenhouse. Storage location at committee member's home until permanent site determined.
  • Multiple local resources with vehicles and trailers identified for the move.

c. Sustainability, Distribution, and Collaboration

  • Commitment to sustainable, community-driven food access; seeking collaboration with local churches and organizations for distribution and maintenance.
  • Eyes on federal grant funding lapsing October 1, 2025, and community vulnerability due to possible economic/layoff effects.

4. Neighborhood Clean-Up and Beautification

a. Block Adoption & Clean-Up Initiative

  • Proposed by Shawn Sandquist (absent): System for block-by-block adoption for regular trash/graffiti removal and sidewalk leaf cleanup.
  • Community interest expressed; committee will be formed.
  • Issues flagged: Illegal dumping of furniture/mattresses (especially after storms/rain).
  • Discussion of the need for city cooperation—proposing monthly free dump passes or neighborhood dumpsters, to be raised with Coalition of Neighborhood Associations (CNA).

b. Dog Waste Issues

  • Uneven maintenance of dog-waste bag stations at Decatur Park.
  • Suggestion for guerrilla refills (residents bringing extra bags).
  • Idea to formalize and post reminders in WhatsApp group.

c. Beautification Projects

  • Noted concern about untended yards and proliferation of weeds.
  • Past work parties discussed (e.g. at 9th & Fern, pocket parks); opportunities to revive these community efforts and dovetail with block adoption system.

5. Cider Press/ Fall Event & Harvest

  • Event date: Sunday, September 21, 2025 (Noon–4 PM)
  • Community apple gleaning to supply apples—effort ongoing, volunteers coordinated for tree picking and drop-off (Saturday at Hidden Creek, 10 AM).
  • Cider press borrowed from Cathy; single press to be used.
  • Additional apple donations and baked goods for fundraiser (Doctors Without Borders this year, future causes TBD).
  • Supplies to be purchased as needed; encourage attendees to bring mason jars for cider.
  • Weather: Rain possible, canopies/shelters planned.

6. Leadership and Organizational Structure

a. Leadership Transitions

  • Vice President: Stu stepping down end of year (baby due September 26).
  • Secretary: Taylor stepping down due to travel demands of new job.
  • Treasurer: Grace open to transition if we could find someone with an accounting background in the neighborhood that would be interested in stepping into the treasurer role.
  • December 2025 meeting planned for voting on new board members.
  • Emphasis on committee-driven, shared workload, roles less rigid; responsibilities: attending CNA meetings, facilitating committees, general administrative support, communications.
  • Encouragement for wider participation and recruitment (specifically, neighbor-to-neighbor outreach, block captains, committee involvement).

b. Communication Tools

  • WhatsApp: Highly effective, used for all initiatives and event coordination.
  • Nextdoor and social media: Less effective due to nature of discussions.
  • Mailing lists consistently updated for meeting/event notifications.

7. General Announcements and Housekeeping

  • “Help” signs available for emergency use—distributed at meeting, downloadable on county website.
  • Materials from Emergency Management and Hidden Creek available at meeting for pickup.

Action Items

Emergency Preparedness

  • Neighborhood members to:
    • Sign up for TCAlert.
    • Write down and/or memorize emergency contacts.
    • Begin (or review) personal/family emergency kits—bring questions to next committee or general meeting.
    • Distribute “Help” signs and preparedness pamphlets within the community.
    • List of block captains and coverage areas to be circulated on WhatsApp.
    • Emergency Preparedness Committee: Recruit further volunteers, clarify block captain system, coordinate use of newly-acquired GMRS radios.

CERT Training

  • Interest list for neighborhood-specific CERT session to be relayed to Cherie Carey.
  • Community to coordinate with Emergency Management for possible spring/special CERT session (April 2026).

Garden Beds & Food Initiative

  • Confirm garden bed/greenhouse relocation date (target: weekend of October 11th).
  • Volunteers to coordinate logistics for transport/storage.
  • Continue outreach to city council and property managers for permanent site selection:
    • Angela Bowen Conservancy contact follow-up.
    • Explore city-owned parcels west of Hidden Creek, strip by the apple tree, and other suggested parcels.
  • Food Access Committee to coordinate with Hidden Creek and Thurston Conservation District for possible garden expansion and integration with food bank.

Apple Gleaning and Cider Press Event

  • Saturday, September 20: Volunteers meet at Hidden Creek at 10 AM for apple gleaning.
  • Event Sunday, September 21; set up before noon (shelters, cider press, baked goods).
  • Communicate further logistics through WhatsApp group.

Cleanup/Beautification Committee

  • Form committee based on expressed interest.
  • Develop plan for block adoption, reporting of dumped items, and potential city negotiation for free garbage disposal.
  • Item for next CNA meeting: Suggest city consider monthly free/discounted dump coupons for official neighborhood groups.
  • Dog-bag refill reminder to be shared on WhatsApp; consider signage.

Immigration Support

  • Cathy Nielsen (Hidden Creek) to update interested parties on legal support project as it certifies.
  • Virginia to ensure action group contact and resource flyers are distributed, especially for immigrant neighbors.
  • Circulate WISEN “know your rights” training info.
  • Hidden Creek to connect with Strengthening Sanctuary as additional resource.

Neighborhood Leadership

  • Recruitment of interested members for VP, Secretary, (and possibly Treasurer) for December vote.
  • Continue promoting committee-based structure for manageability and shared responsibility.

Follow-up Points

  • CERT Training: Confirm with county on possibility of neighborhood-dedicated session; gauge further interest.
  • Garden Site: Progress report on site selection at October/November meetings, update on greenhouse/bed relocation and storage.
  • Block Captains: Update and circulate current volunteer list and coverage gaps.
  • Neighborhood Beautification: Progress report from new cleanup committee; feedback on block adoption model with possible feedback from CNA/city.
  • Immigrant Support: Hidden Creek to share milestones as legal paperwork project moves forward.
  • Leadership: Prepare for officer nominations and elections in December 2025.
  • Apple Event: Report back at next meeting on event participation and fundraising success (Doctors Without Borders).

Notable Dates & Events

  • Preparedness Expo: September 20, 2025, 10AM–1PM, Olympia Center
  • Apple Gleaning: September 20, 2025, 10AM, Hidden Creek
  • Cider Press/Fall Event: September 21, 2025, 12–4PM, neighborhood park
  • Garden bed move: Target weekend October 11, 2025
  • By-stander/Civil Intervention Training: September 26, 2025, Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd

End of Summary

For further details or to volunteer, consult SWONA’s WhatsApp groups, contact committee leaders, or refer to distributed printed/online materials.

 

 

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