New Olympia shop sells romance novels, plants and has flower-arranging workshops
“Keep the romance going” is how business owner Angela Scott puts it.
Scott, the former longtime owner of bridal business Weddings with Joy, who later sold it to owner Courtney Foreman (who recently relocated to Lacey), is back in business again, she announced.
Working with business partner Amy Smith, the two have opened Romantic Roots at 3003 Pacific Ave. SE in a building that Scott has owned for years.
Given the romantic history of Weddings with Joy, Romantic Roots sells romance and fantasy novels, as well as plants, flowers and gift items.
Workshops on terrarium building and flower arrangement also are under consideration, and a book club, too, Scott said.
“While weddings may no longer be fitted here, love will always live in this space,” said Scott in a statement. “Romantic Roots carries that history forward – through stories, growth, and shared experiences.”
The grand opening is set for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 14.
On tap for Saturday:
- Author meet-and-greets and book signings with Baley Noal, Meredith Rose, and K.M. Mohr.
- Beyond Bold Mobile Coffee by South Bay Coffee Co.
- Custom permanent jewelry by Dandy Links.
- Quilted book and Kindle covers by Eccentric Emerald Crafts.
- Hourly raffles and giveaways throughout the day.
- Swag bags while supplies last.
- Mini-cakes and treats from Celebrity Cake Studio.
Local nonprofit finds new radio station partner
When longtime downtown Olympia radio station KXXO was acquired and converted to a Spanish-language format in the fall, it ended a relationship between the nonprofit The Little Red Schoolhouse and the station, which had played a key fundraising role for the nonprofit supplier of backpacks and other school supplies.
KXXO created a lot of media awareness and helped get out the word about the schoolhouse, said development director Lynsi Polanco at the time.
“I’m sure there’s a media outlet out there somewhere that would love to hitch their wagon to it,” said Polanco about the schoolhouse.
Well, that moment has arrived because the schoolhouse and KGY Media Group, which operates FM stations KGY and KAYO in the Olympia area, is the nonprofit’s new media partner, the two organizations announced this week.
“The Little Red Schoolhouse annual Radio Day fundraising event is slated for Friday, August 14th, 2026, continuing the long-established tradition on the 2nd Friday in August,” a news release reads.
“The Little Red Schoolhouse makes an especially positive impact in our community. The organization’s project of collecting backpacks, school supplies and raising funds to ensure students throughout Thurston County have what they need to thrive in the classroom, is a legacy that must continue for many years to come,” said KGY Media Group general manager Nick Kerry in a statement. “I’m excited 96.9 KAYO & 95.3 KGY will keep the Radio Day tradition on local radio.”
“Little Red Schoolhouse is proud to announce their new collaboration with KGY, and we are so pleased to welcome them to our committee,” said Little Red Schoolhouse co-chair Debbie Haddock in a statement.
Longtime business owner died in February
Business owner James Edward Phegley, better known as Jim, Jimmy, Dad, Grandpa or the Commish to those who knew him best, and who co-founded The Office Tavern on Mottman Road 43 years ago, died Feb. 9, according to his wife, Mitzie, and his obituary. He was 88.
Before he died, Jim remained active at the business by regularly rolling up the quarters that customers spent to play the pool tables, said Mitzie. The two were married for 60 years, she said.
Prior to The Office, Jim worked for the Olympia Brewing Co. for 17 years and then he built and opened the tavern, initially with business partner John Heelan, who would later depart to open O’Blarney’s Irish Pub near Lacey.
“He loved visiting with the customers, he loved socializing,” said Mitzie about her husband. He frequently could be found at the end of the bar, working on the New York Times’ crossword puzzle with a felt tip pen, she said.
Jim also liked to get to the business early – 6:30 a.m. – to get the day started. There was a time when he cooked and she waited tables, she said.
“An infamous golfer and member of the Olympia Golf and Country Club, Jim put in a strong 3-year run as Santa at the Santa breakfast, and hit not one, but TWO holes in one,” the obituary reads. “Jim was a devoted Husky Football season ticket holder for 39 seasons. Both of his children attended and graduated from UW.”
People news
Chief Financial Officer Colleen Oczkewicz has been selected to receive the YMCA Women of Excellence Award from the National Women’s Leadership Resource Network, the South Sound YMCA announced.
South Sound YMCA operates two locations in Olympia – Plum Street and the Briggs YMCA – as well as the relatively new Shelton YMCA.
“The Women of Excellence Award recognizes outstanding women across the YMCA movement who champion positive change, inspire others, and create meaningful, measurable impact through their leadership,” a news release reads.
“Simply put, we are a better YMCA because of Colleen,” said Kyle Cronk, President & CEO of the South Sound YMCA, in a statement. “Her commitment to our mission and her ability to support and uplift others exemplify the very best of the YMCA movement.”
If you know of a retailer, restaurant, coffee shop or other business that is opening, closing, expanding, remodeling, or changing its focus, send an email to reporter Rolf Boone at rboone@theolympian.com.
