What’s Happening events calendar for Jan. 30, 2020 in Olympia

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.

Bohemian Rhapsody Sing-Along: The Washington Center for the Performing Arts will host its annual movie musical sing-along and costume contest at 7:30 p.m. Witness the Oscar-winning movie on the big screen while belting out Queen’s hits with your friends and family. Lauren O’Neill will emcee. Tickets are $17 with $3 service fee. Information: https://www.facebook.com/events/2220792024624483/

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.

Nisqually Reach Nature Center visits WET Science Center: Join Nisqually Reach Nature Center to discover and touch Puget Sound creatures at the WET Science Center, 500 Adams St. NE, Olympia. Explore the crazy defense mechanisms and wild feeding habits of sea creatures during a 2 p.m. interactive presentation. Create beautiful ocean-themed jewelry all day. Free. Information: https://www.facebook.com/events/431476841067992/

Olympia Oshogatsu: Olympia-Kato Sister City Association and River Ridge High School Band will hold the Olympia Oshogatsu from noon to 4 p.m. at River Ridge, 350 River Ridge Drive SE. This Japanese New Year’s celebration is free and open to the community. The event includes the River Ridge Taiko Ensemble, Saint Martin’s University Soran Bushi dance ensemble, calligraphy painting by Chiyo Sanada, mochi pounding, Japanese puppet shows by River Ridge Japanese-language students, information booths, and kids’ activities and crafts. Calligraphy artwork created in performance by Chiyo Sanada will be raffled off at the end of the event. All proceeds will support Olympia-Kato Sister City Association and River Ridge Taiko Ensemble. Information: https://www.nthurston.k12.wa.us/Page/24204

Orca Recovery Work Party: The Thurston Conservation District is hosting a work party from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 701 West Bay Drive NW, Olympia, to restore the Garfield Nature Trail, a critical runoff area near Budd Inlet. Come prepared with sturdy shoes and a reusable water bottle to remove invasive plants. Water, coffee, snack, tools, and gloves will be provided. Parking available at West Bay Park across the street. Visit https://forms.gle/TQ1481NhmeERyFjs8 to register in advance.

Monday

Olympia Timberland Library reopens: The freshly remodeled Olympia library will open for business at 11 a.m. Free.

Free federal income tax return preparation and filing services: AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers will kick off their tax help workshops at McLane Black Lake Fire Department. Tax-Aide volunteers will be available from 4 to 8:30 p.m. every Monday by appointment at the fire department, 125 Delphi Road NW, Olympia, through April 13. Appointments can be made in advance either online, by stopping by the site, or by phone. Most of the seven other Tax-Aide sites in Thurston County operate on a first-come, first served or walk-in basis. Tax-Aide volunteers will help taxpayers of all ages and income levels; AARP membership is not required. To find the locations and hours of a site near you, to find out what returns they can prepare, what documents you must bring, and to schedule an appointment, visit https://taxaidewa20.org/.

Tuesday

Thurston/Olympia Public Power campaign kickoff: Former U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich will help kick off a 2020 campaign to bring public power to Thurston County at 7 p.m. at the Olympia Center, 222 Columbia St. NW. Information: http://powertothepublic.org/ or info@powertothepublic.org

Tuesday and Thursday

Lewis County Strategic Plan information sessions: The Lewis County Commissioners are inviting the community to attend one of two upcoming informational sessions to learn about the county’s strategic planning effort and to weigh in on Lewis County’s future needs. The meetings are planned for 4 p.m. Tuesday and 5:30 p.m. Thursday. Residents also can participate in the Vision 2025 survey at https://lewiscountywa.gov.

Wednesday

Lacey South Sound Chamber Business Awards: The Lacey South Sound Chamber hosts its annual awards ceremony from 11:30 to 1:30 p.m. at Indian Summer Golf & Country Club, 5900 Troon Lane SE, to recognize businesses and organizations for their achievements, community contributions, and milestones. Tickets are $35 online or $40 at the door. Information: http://business.laceysschamber.com/events/details/business-awards-02-05-2020-3655

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.