What’s Happening events calendar for Feb. 3, 2020 in Olympia

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/.

Lecture by author Dolen Perkins-Valdez: The South Puget Sound Community College Artist & Lecture Series will feature author and educator Dolen Perkins-Valdez at 7:30 p.m. at the Minnaert Center for the Arts at its Olympia campus, 2011 Mottman Road. SW. Perkins-Valdez is best known for her best-selling debut novel “Wench,” an intricate Civil War-era story that explores the moral complexities of slavery. Her lecture is titled “Love in the Time of the Civil War.” Tickets are available through The Washington Center for the Performing Arts, www.washingtoncenter.org, for $15 or less. The lecture is free for SPSCC students, staff, and faculty.

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

Thurston County public hearing on amendments to Preliminary Plat Extensions: The Thurston County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing at 3 p.m. to accept public testimony on proposed amendments to the county development code. The proposal would make non-phased subdivision projects eligible for a one-time, three-year extension. Current code limits those projects to a one-time, one-year extension. Phased subdivision projects would be eligible for a two-year extension for each phase of the project (up to a maximum of 10 years). The hearing will be at the Thurston County Courthouse, Building 1, Room 280, 2000 Lakeridge Drive SW, Olympia. Information: https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/planning/Pages/devcode-plat-extensions.aspx.

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

Capital City Newcomers monthly meeting and luncheon: The event runs 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Pellegrinos Event Center, 5757 Littlerock Road, Tumwater. The program speaker will be Dean Jones, owner of Encore Chocolates and Teas. Reservations required. Cost for luncheon is $17. For information or reservations, contact Anita Rose at 360-709-0707 or ukrose@gmail.com.

Mission Creek Nature Park Volunteer Work Party: From 9:30 a.m. to noon, volunteers and city staff will be restoring habitat by planting about 150 native plants and spreading mulch in this neighborhood park at 1700 San Francisco Ave. NE. Meet just inside the park. Street parking available. Visit http://volunteer.olympiawa.gov/ for more information and to register for the work party.

Thursday

History Talks at the Schmidt House: Josiah Pollock, a historian with the Fort Nisqually Living History Museum, will talk about the Cowlitz Farm in Lewis County at noon at the Schmidt House, 330 Schmidt Place SW, Tumwater. The farm helped feed the Hudson’s Bay Company and supply their contract with the Russian American Company. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and close at capacity. Free. but donations are welcome. Information: Contact Don Trosper at 360-786-8117 or history@olytumfoundation.org, or visit www.olytumfoundation.org.

Thurston Climate Action Team meeting: Alan Nasser, professor emeritus from The Evergreen State College, and Randy Mandell, from Modern Monetary Revolution, will discuss “Modern Monetary Theory: How we Pay for A Green New Deal for Climate Change” at 7 p.m. at the Olympia Center, 222 Columbia St. NW, Olympia. Free.

Friday

Presentation on homelessness by Quality of Life Reno: QOL-Reno was formed to address growing issues around homelessness their Nevada city. At 7 p.m. at Jefferson Middle School, 2200 Conger Ave NW, Olympia, representatives from that organization will give a public presentation on the progress they are making, the revelations they are having, and the similarities between the issues in Reno and Olympia. Free.

Saturday

City of Lacey ADU workshop: Lacey residents are invited to a free Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) workshop from 10 a.m. to noon at Lacey City Hall Council Chambers, 420 College St. SE. Attendees will learn about Lacey’s new pre-approved, customizable ADU plans, available to residents at no charge. The workshop will include a series of short presentations, followed by the opportunity to talk to subject matter experts one-on-one. If you are unable to attend, you can watch the presentations live on the City of Lacey Facebook page or on YouTube at ci.lacey.wa.us/YouTube. Information: ci.lacey.wa.us/ADU or contact Jessica Brandt at jbrandt@ci.lacey.wa.us or 360-438-2637.

AAA Cruise Show: AAA Travel is offering free presentations, travel tips and special booking benefits at its 2020 AAA Cruise Show at the Capital Event Center, 6005 Tyee Drive SW, Tumwater. The show is for those new to cruising or exploring options for their next vacation Admission is free; members and non-members are welcome. Attendees will have access to special on-board benefits for select sailings and a 15% off discount for all travel gear, accessories and luggage. Doors open at 8 a.m., and the show runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Information: AAA.com/CruiseShows

Olympia Center Winter Concert: The Olympia Peace Choir will put on a concert at 11 a.m. at the Olympia Center, 222 Columbia St. NW. Free and family friendly.

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