REMINDER: Volunteer training this Saturday 1-4pm, 701 Franklin St. SE. Also, please check out our update below to find out more about what we are needing! Thank you so much for being part of this program. We really couldn't do this without you!!

Submitted by Thurston County:
Thurston County Areas to Stay Cool Updated 7/1/2015 5:10 PM 

Lacey Timberland Library 500 6th Ave SE, Lacey, WA 98503 
Monday 10 am - 6 pm 
Tuesday 10 am - 6 pm 
Wednesday 10 am - 7 pm 
Thursday 10 am - 7 pm 
Friday 10 am - 5 pm 
Saturday 10 am - 5 pm (Closed July 4) 
Sundays and Holidays 

Lacey Senior Center 6757 Pacific Ave SE, Lacey, WA 98503 
Regular hours Monday-Friday 8 am - 4 pm 
The public may call 360-407-3967 for more information. 

Olympia Senior Center Lobby 222 Columbia Street NW 
Regular hours Monday-Friday 9 am - 4:30 pm (Closed July 3 due to holiday observance) 
The public may call 360-586-6181 for more information 

First Christian Church – Olympia 701 Franklin Street SE 
Daily 10 am – 5 pm 

Olympia Timberland Library 313 8th Avenue SE 
Monday/Tuesday 11 am – 8 pm 
Wednesday/Thursday 11 am – 7 pm 
Friday/Saturday 10 am – 5 pm (Closed July 4th) 

Tenino Quarry Swimming Pool – 
Opens July 5 at Noon 
300 W Park Ave, Tenino WA 98589 Shaded porch area and some shade at pool 
Admission: $4/person general admission; $2/person for individuals living within Tenino School District Wednesday-Sunday 12 noon - 7 pm 

Tenino Fire District 12 187 S Hodgden St SE, Tenino WA 98589 
Daily 8 am – 5 pm 

Tenino Timberland Library 172 Central Avenue W 
Tuesday/Wednesday 10 am – 6 pm 
Thursday/Friday 10 am – 5 pm 
Saturday 10 am – 4 pm (Closed July 4) 
Closed Sunday/Monday 

Tumwater Timberland Library 7023 New Market Street 
Monday/Tuesday 10 am – 7 pm 
Wednesday-Friday 10 am – 6 pm 
Saturday 10 am – 5 pm (Closed July 4th) 
Closed Sunday 

Tumwater Old Town Center 215 N 2nd Avenue SW 
Monday-Thursday 8 am – 6:30 pm 
Friday 8 am – 2:30 pm 

Yelm Timberland Library 210 Prairie Park Street 
Tuesday – Thursday 10 am – 8 pm 
Friday 10 am – 6 pm 
Saturday 10 am – 5 pm (Closed July 4th) 
Sunday Closed 

Yelm Public Safety Building 206 McKenzie Avenue 
Monday-Friday 7:30 am – 4:30 pm 

McLane Black Lake Fire Station 91 125 Delphi Road 
1 pm – 9 pm on days with temperatures expected to be 95 or above 

Chehalis Tribe Elder Center 
Daily until 8 pm (through July 6) 

Tribal Community Center 420 Howanut Road, Oakville 
Wednesday/Thursday – until 6:30 pm 
Sunday 1 pm – 8 pm 
Closed Friday/Saturday/Monday

When a cooling center is not available, there are still a few tips that can help you beat the heat at home and stay safe.

HOT WEATHER TIPS
Keep a cool head and remember the basics: drink plenty of fluids; avoid the sun and stay in the shade; use sunscreen even if you’re outside for only a few minutes.

Find cooler air in public places. Shopping centers, movie theaters, libraries and community centers are typically air conditioned, so go out, have fun and find some cooler air.

Take it easy and avoid heatstroke. Don’t over-exert yourself with heavy duty yard work or strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.

NEVER leave children or pets in a hot car.

Keep pets cool, too. Check on your outdoor pets frequently and make sure they have shelter from the sun and plenty of water.

The heat can be hard on the young and the elderly. Check on relatives and neighbors who may be more sensitive to hot weather—young children, infants, seniors and people with chronic illnesses are most at risk during extreme hot weather.

For additional safety tips on how to beat the heat, download the Thurston County Medic One pamphlet at www.co.thurston.wa.us/medic1/documents/Heat-injury-pamphlet.pdf.
The high temperatures and dry conditions also increase the risk of wildfires, and Thurston County residents are reminded that a countywide outdoor burn ban is currently in place. For more details about the burn ban restrictions, go to the county’s homepage and click on the “Countywide Burn Ban” link.

County officials also remind residents that there are restriction on the sale and discharge of fireworks in the county. But with the current heat and dry conditions, residents are urged to keep this holiday season safe and sane and enjoy the region’s professional fireworks shows this year instead. To learn more, go to the county’s homepage and click on the “Fireworks restrictions and safety tips” link.

As temperatures climb this weekend, keeps tabs on weather conditions and hot weather tips and information with the Thurston County Emergency Management Division social media—find us on Facebook at ThurstonEM, or on Twitter at @ThurstonEM.

 

Last week we lost a former shelter guest and all around beautiful human, Chris Fabrizio. 

Chris passed away last week. He had recently been living in a good home in Lakewood with people that cared very much for him. We have been told that he died in the hospital with his family present to say goodbye. Chris was 55 years old. One year Chris ran the LA marathon and made it over halfway! He also had a subtle and hilarious sense of humor. For a few days in a row he donned a blue sash as a belt (because we didn't have one to offer him) with white, flowing pants and made everyone smile with his pirate-y spirit. 

Chris had a fierce and beautiful life force. He overcame many challenges and it was a true struggle for him to get the help he needed most days. With an open heart and an open ear Chris would talk deeply and honestly about his struggles and his wishes for the future. Many people worked very hard to get him placed in an adult family home in Lakewood over the past few months. He was happy there and was so glad to be off the streets, getting the support he desired. Chris died with dignity, surrounded by love. We know that he is now pain free and not suffering anymore.  


So often the deaths of people experiencing homelessness go unnoticed. May Chris's life and all the lives of people living on the streets remind us that every person deserves to be celebrated, honored and seen both in life and in death. 

Rest in peace, Chris--you will be missed.