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Milk and Honey Road — October Community Update
October Community Update from Milk and Honey Road — printing, directory, arts event & more.  ·  View in your browser  

Milk and Honey Road LLC

October Community Update

From Hannah E. Bracken, Managing Member — Olympia–Lacey, WA

A paved path winding through green parkland and tall trees under an overcast sky in Olympia, Washington

Fall in Olympia — the road we’re building on, together. Photo: Hannah Bracken

Hello neighbors,

October is shaping up to be a building month here at Milk and Honey Road. We’re in production, in partnership, and out in the community — here’s what’s coming up:

1 · In Print

The Alternatives Issue 02 — with Minuteman Press

A large commercial offset printing press with stacks of paper in a print shop

We’re working with David at Minuteman Press in Lacey (8410 30th Ave NE) to print our next newsletter-format book, The Alternatives. I shared the cover and issue files this week, and we’re choosing between three finishes in person at the shop: classic saddle-stitch (two staples on the spine), coil bind, and perfect bind (the glued, bookstore-style finish).

I’ll be stopping by this week to see samples and lock in a quote — with a note that the shop is closed Monday, Oct. 12 for Indigenous Peoples’ Day, so we’re keeping lead time in mind. This print run is the backbone for broader neighborhood distribution — more on that below.

2 · New Project

Olympia Community Newsletter + Local Directory

Shoppers browsing vendor stalls under canopies at the Olympia Saturday Market

We’re putting together a Community Newsletter for Olympia that includes a directory of local providers, makers, and contractors, to be distributed directly into neighborhoods. Last week I started outreach to market sellers and local businesses to join the list — a way to expand your network and reach customers and clients in the community you might not reach otherwise.

Want to be listed? Reply to this email and I’ll send the submission details. The goal is simple: find more clients, make more connections, and keep dollars and relationships local.

Reply to join the directory

3 · Content Partnership

Reviving the Olympia Arts Community

A four-piece band performing live on stage with guitar, drums, bass and violin under bright stage lights

In partnership with Jared Wade — and building on our work with Glenda — we’re combining our energy toward one single event that brings our goals together: live music + talent show, community-first, and paid for the artists involved.

Jared confirmed he’s excited to put the music together for the show and support the vision as we move forward. My aim is to finalize the date by mid-October and get the holding fee paid so we can start on the real details. Done right, this becomes a paid event that gives everyone a paycheck at the end of the month — and a network that helps the Arts Community in Olympia actually thrive.

More to share once the date is locked. Musicians, performers, and venues — I’d love to hear from you.

Get involved in the show

4 · Behind the Scenes

CRM Software + Live Demo

A small team reviewing a CRM dashboard with charts and contact lists on a large monitor

Wellness Living — live demo. We’re evaluating CRM software tools to better manage contacts, partners, and community outreach as these projects grow, including an upcoming live demo with Wellness Living.

To fill in before sending: Wellness Living demo date/time + RSVP link. Forward me the invite and I’ll drop it in here: [Date/time to confirm]

Also in the lab this week: Givebutter’s “The Spread” playbooks from their recent livestream launch — new AI tools for nonprofits, a redesigned email editor and contact profiles, smarter filters, event flows, and a fresh 30-day Givebutter Plus trial. We’re testing which of these tools fit a community newsletter and directory workflow best.

5 · Community Connections

Co-op, Women in Business & Board Leadership

A volunteer arranging apples at a community food program with shelves of groceries behind her

Olympia Food Co-op / Free Store: After a few reschedules on cashier training with Treavor and Kaia, I’ve reached out to Chie about volunteering on the west side and working the Free Store — I think that’s a better fit, and I’ll keep you posted. My fall availability is generally Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri, 9am–2pm.

Two women recording a business podcast together with professional microphones

Washington Center for Women in Business (Thurston EDC): I reached out to the WCWB team this week about their no-cost podcast for women-owned businesses — recorded in office with full editing and social promotion. The October WCWB news also announced a new Women Presidents Organization (WPO) Thurston County chapter, Lacey Makers Space connections, and their BEST business training series. Lots of good doors opening for women-led businesses here.

Board leadership: Following up on a board seat inquiry with Craig Thomas at Boardsi this week — exploring where board service can support the community work above.


Thank you for being part of this road. If you’re a maker, provider, contractor, artist, or neighbor who wants in on the directory, the show, or the next issue of The Alternatives, just reply — I read everything.

With gratitude,
Hannah

Hannah E. Bracken
Managing Member, Milk and Honey Road LLC
Olympia–Lacey, WA Region
mhroad.com  |  allnaturalbeauty.blog

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