What’s Happening for March 5

Tuesday

League of Women Voters forum on water: The second gathering in the group’s “Where’s the Water?” series addresses how to provide water in Thurston County for both people and fish. Speakers will be Maia Bellon, director of the state Department of Ecology; George Walter, environmental program supervisor for the Nisqually Indian Tribe; and Marc Daily, executive director of the Thurston Regional Planning Council. Starting at 6 p.m. at The Olympia Center, 222 Columbia St. NW, Olympia.

Thurston Chamber’s March Morning Mixxer: PrimeLending will host the gathering at 7:30 a.m. at 606 Columbia St. NW, Suite 106, Olympia. It will provide breakfast treats from Wagner’s Bakery, and L&E Bottling will provide a coffee bar for the networking event. Free to attendees.

Wednesday

14th annual Empty Bowls Project: The Shelton Arts Commission will host a three-night creative effort to fight hunger. From 5-7 p.m. at the Shelton Civic Center, 525 W Cota St., Shelton, the public is invited to create a one-of-a-kind ceramic bowl. Instruction and materials provided free of charge, for all ages and skill levels. Bowl makers will return March 13 to decorate the bowl and on March 20 there will be a Soup & Bread Fundraising Dinner where the bowls will be sold for donations. Last year’s event raised over $1,900 for The Saint’s Pantry Food Bank.

First-person tours of the Governor’s Mansion: In honor of Women’s History Month, Governor’s Mansion Foundation docents will lead guided tours while dressed in character at 2 and 2:20 p.m. Figures spotlighted on the 40-minute tour include the state’s first woman governor, Dixy Lee Ray, and first ladies Lizzie Hay, Alma Lister, Margaret Martin, Evelyn Langlie, Mabel Wallgren, Lois Spellman and Nancy Evans. Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance at https://apps.des.wa.gov/Mansion/Mansion.aspx. Adult tour guests must present photo identification and all visitors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. No cameras, umbrellas, strollers, food/drink allowed on the tour; accessible to wheelchairs and walkers. Visitors must walk a 200-yard incline to the entrance. Tours will also be offered 1 and 1:20 p.m. March 13 and 2 and 2:20 p.m. March 27. Information: 360-902-8880.

Thursday

Talk about race: Theresa Powell, senior director for diversity and inclusion at the state Department of Social and Health Services and principal advisor to the department’s secretary on equity, diversity and inclusion, will discuss ways to increase understanding and promote positive outcomes when standing up to racism. 7-9 p.m. at the Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 2315 Division St. NW, Olympia.

Panorama Republicans talk: Guest speaker Caleb Heimlich, Washington State Republican Party Chairman, will discuss political challenges the party faces and strategies for future success. 2 p.m. in the Quinault Auditorium on the Lacey Panorama campus, 1751 Circle Lane SE, Lacey.

Friday

Brewery archives fundraiser: Photographer and brewery historian Paul Bialas will discuss and sign copies of his new book “The Olympia Brewing Company,” from 12-3 p.m. at the historic Schmidt House, 330 Schmidt Place SW, Tumwater. Admission is $100; for donations of $150 or more, attendees will receive an autographed copy of the book and audio CD. Proceeds will benefit the Olympia Tumwater Foundation, which maintain archives of the Olympia Brewing Company and the founding Schmidt family. To register, go to www.obee.com/book.

Saturday

Firefighters’ annual Crab Feed: South Bay Firefighters Association will host the 41st annual Crab Feed from 2-7 p.m. at the Boston Harbor Fire Station, 5046 Boston Harbor Road NE, Olympia. Dinner includes crab, bread, coleslaw, spaghetti, soft drinks and coffee. Tickets are $30 per person for full meal or $10 for spaghetti meal (no crab) at South Bay Fire Station, 3506 Shincke Road NE, Olympia. Some tickets may also be available at the door on the day of the event.

Benefit concert for Olympia Fellowship of Reconciliation: Folk singer and storyteller Tom Rawson of Orcas Island and the Olympia Raging Grannies will perform at 7:30 p.m. at New Traditions Cafe, 300 Fifth Ave. SW, Olympia. Tickets are $15 or $10 for students and those with low income. Get yours from OlyFOR in advance at 360-561-3627 or at New Traditions at 360-810-3860. Information: http://www.tomrawson.com

Sunday

Women’s history tours of Bigelow House Museum: The Olympia Historical Society & Bigelow House Museum will offer special women’s history tours of the Bigelow House Museum, 918 Glass Ave. NE, Olympia, on Sundays in March in honor of Women’s History Month. Visitors will learn about the women who lived in and visited the 1860s-era Bigelow House, including its most famous visitor, Susan B. Anthony. Tours will be 1-4 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and students, $2 for those under 18 and $15 for a family. Free for members. Information: olympiahistory.org.

Monday

Tumwater University for community members: This program brings residents together in an informal classroom-style setting for two evenings of education and engagement. It will be held at City Hall, from 6-9 p.m. on two consecutive Monday evenings, March 11 and 18. Faculty is comprised of members of local government, elected officials, and city staff. Courses will cover the State of the City, Getting to know the fire and police departments, planning and zoning, budgeting and taxes, water quality, housing and homelessness. There also will be a group service project from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. March 23 where Tumwater U grads will plant native plants along the Deschutes River riparian corridor. Register online at http://www.ci.tumwater.wa.us or email David La Garde at volunteer@ci.tumwater.wa.us.

Outdoor skills for families: The Mountaineers Club of Olympia is hosting this three-part class to help families with children ages 5-14 to gain confidence in getting outside into nature safely and successfully. The two Monday evening interactive classes address clothing, gear, animal safety, maps, first aid, and more. The last class is a supervised practice hike to ensure your confidence. Dates are March 11 and 18 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. March 23. Class is $30 for members (kids free with paying adult) and $60 for non members. Register at www.mountaineers.org/OlympiaFamilyOutdoor.