What’s Happening events calendar for Jan. 26, 2020 in Olympia

Sunday

Winter Twig Identification with Native Plant Salvage Foundation: Join local plant experts to discover the subtle beauty and learn the secrets to identifying 25 local shrubs and trees without their leaves. Two sessions of this 2-1/2-hour field class will be conducted, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1 to 3:30 p.m., at a west Olympia nature trail. Cost is $20, but scholarships also available. Advanced registration is required by visiting www.nativeplantsalvage.org/winter-twig-id Information: info@nativeplantsalvage.org.

A presentation on DispatchHealth: First United Methodist Church of Olympia, 1224 Legion Way SE, will host this information session on DispatchHealth, which is bringing back the house call and reducing unnecessary trips to the emergency room. The free session will run from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Great Hall in the lower level of the church. DispatchHealth accepts most insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid. In addition, an affordable flat fee is available for uninsured patients.

Slow Food Greater Olympia annual meeting: The meeting will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Woodard Lane Co-Housing Community Center, 1620 Woodard Ave NW, Olympia, and will include a potluck meal and the presentation of the organization’s manifesto. For the potluck, bring a dish that highlights at least one ingredient from the South Sound region, and label it with an ingredients list so people can monitor for allergies and preferences. Free, but please RSVP at https://www.facebook.com/events/447690935927205/

Monday

The Thurston County Veterans Advisory Board: The advisory board is hosting a listening session from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at the Lacey Community Center, 6729 Pacific Ave. SE, to hear about the unmet needs of Thurston County’s veterans and their families, and what services they need or are missing. All are welcome. Light refreshments will be available.

Wednesday

History Talks! on Lacey’s Role in Radio History: Longtime broadcaster Dick Pust will discuss how one of the first radio stations in the nation got its start in Lacey at 5:30 p.m. at the Lacey City Hall Council Chambers, 420 College St. SE. Illustrated with historical images, Pust will share how radio helped shape the lives of local residents. Pust, who spent more than 50 years in local broadcasting, will share his recollections, including Hollywood icon Bob Hope’s visit to Lacey in the 1970s. Free.

Caring for Kids Kiwanis Breakfast: The Olympia Kiwanis Club is hosting its annual Caring for Kids Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. in the Worthington Conference Center at Saint Martin’s University in Lacey. Attendees will learn about the programs that Olympia Kiwanis sponsors and the impact that they have on local children and families. The event is free, but email your RSVP to attend@OlympiaKiwanis.org.

Yashiro Japanese Garden Volunteer Work Party: From 9:30 a.m. to noon, join staff and stewards to weed and rake the fallen leaves in the park at 1010 Plum St. SE, Olympia. Meet at the side entrance to the park. Parking is available at the Lee Creighton Justice Center, 900 Plum St. SE. Visit http://volunteer.olympiawa.gov/ for more information and to register in advance for the work party.

Friday

2020 Thurston County Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year celebration: The Youth of the Year will be announced at celebration and reception at 7 p.m. at South Puget Sound Community College’s Lacey Campus, 4220 Sixth Ave SE. The event also will honor some of the most inspiring Club teens in Thurston County, who will share personal stories. The event is open to the community; however, registration is suggested. Visit tinyurl.com/BGCTCYOY2020 to reserve a spot.

Friday and Saturday

Under the Sea Family Dance: The annual Family Dance (formerly known as Father-Daughter Dance) will take place from 6-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Capital High School, 2707 Conger Ave. NW, Olympia. The events are the major fundraiser for the Capital High School Class of 2021 senior trip. The theme is Under the Sea, featuring face painting, games, ice cream and a DJ. The cost is $40 for a couple plus $15 for each additional guest. Professional photos are an additional $20. For more information or to pre-order tickets, visit http://www.chspo.org/

Saturday

Rummage sale for Santo Tomas: Annual rummage sale to benefit projects in Thurston County’s sister community of Santo Tomás, Nicaragua will be 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lincoln Elementary School’s gym, 21st and Washington, Olympia. All kinds of treasures will be available for a donation. Donations of great stuff accepted between 4 and 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, but please call ahead to check against list of acceptable items: Maureen at 360-464-5264 or email TSTSCA@gmail.com.

Want to submit a community event for inclusion in What’s Happening? Send it 10 days or more in advance, written in the format you see above, to news@theolympian.com. Pictures are appreciated.