What’s Happening events calendar for Feb. 17, 2020 in Olympia

Monday

Thurston County Offices closed for Presidents’ Day holiday: While county offices and the courts will be closed Monday, the county’s Waste and Recovery Center (WARC) in Lacey will be open from 7 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. County parks – Burfoot Park, Frye Cove Park, Kenneydell Park, Deschutes Falls Park, and the Off-Leash Dog Park at the WARC – will be open during regular park hours. Intercity Transit will provide full-service operations on Presidents Day, but neighboring transit agencies may have a different holiday schedule. Check with them before making a connecting trip Monday.

Timberland Libraries closed: All branches are closed for the Presidents’ Day holiday.

Free federal individual income tax return preparation: The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers will be at McLane Black Lake Fire Department Station 91 headquarters, 125 Delphi Road NW, Olympia, from 4 to 8:30 p.m. every Monday by appointment through April 13. They will prepare and e-file individual federal income tax returns. To schedule an appointment, visit their website at taxaidewa20.org or call 360-670-0286.

Tuesday

Founders Day Reception and Silent Auction: The Capitol Furnishings Preservation Committee will host this annual event to benefit the historic furnishings in the State Capitol. This year’s program will include a review of the latest restoration project and highlight the ratification of the federal 19th Amendment which extended voting rights to women. The event runs 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Governor’s Mansion on the Capitol Campus. To register, visit http://www.washingtonhistory.org/support/heritage/CapitolFurnishings/

Wednesday

Public meeting on proposed trail improvements in LBA Woods: The Olympia Parks Department is proposing trail improvements at LBA Woods (the woodsy portion of LBA Park in southeast Olympia). City staff took comments from the first round of public engagement and has a proposed trail plan to share. Residents are welcome to comment on the plan at the meeting from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in Room 207 at City Hall, 601 Fourth Ave. E. The presentation and survey also will be available online at Engage Olympia starting on Feb. 20.

Thurston Planning Commission public hearing on Critical Area Determination: The Thurston County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. in the Thurston County Courthouse Complex, Building 1, Room 152, 2000 Lakeridge Drive SW, Olympia, to accept public comment on proposed amendments to Title 24, Critical Areas, of the Thurston County Code. The purpose of the proposed amendments is to lengthen the time frame a critical area determination is valid. Currently, a critical area determination is valid for one year. The proposed amendments would provide consistency with other common application types, clarifying the process for citizens and providing more flexibility for property owners to plan for future permitting. Information: www.ThurstonPlanning.org.

Thurston County Mainstream Republicans: State Rep. Drew MacEwen (R-35th District) will be the speaker. MacEwen is the Assistant Minority Floor Leader, ranking minority member on the Commerce & Gaming Committee and assistant ranking minority member of the Appropriations Committee. He will review what has happen in the 2020 Legislative Session at noon at the River’s Edge Restaurant at the Tumwater Golf Course, 4611 Tumwater Valley Drive. Admission is $3 per person. RSVP to Dorothy at 360-456-2992 or borckgretchen@gmail.com.

Thursday

Medicare 101 presentation: This free workshop will be from 10 a.m. to noon at the Olympia Senior Center, 222 Columbia St NW. Whether you are new to Medicare or want a refresher course, this class can help. No registration necessary, however space is limited. Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors will provide free and confidential help with Medicare choices. For questions about the program or Medicare, call 360-586-6181 ext. 134. SHIBA staff and volunteers are trained by the state Office of the Insurance Commissioner.

History talk on George Washington of Centralia: Schmidt House history talks will host “George Washington of Centralia,” presented by local authors Brian Mittge and Kerry MacGregor Serl, who wrote a book about the son of a slave who became the father of Centralia. The talk is at noon; doors open at 11:30 a.m. and close at capacity. The talk is free, but donations are welcome. The book will be on sale and authors signing after their talk. The Schmidt House is at 330 Schmidt Place SW, Tumwater. Information: Contact Don Trosper at 360-786-8117 or history@olytumfoundation.org.

Breadmaking the Pioneer Way: As part of its on-going program called Pioneer University, Tumwater Historical Association will offer a talk and demonstration on pioneer era breads and breadmaking processes. The program will take place at 5 p.m. at the Tumwater First Baptist Church, 405 X St. SE, and will be led by Beverly York, long-time living history presenter and member of THA.

Harry Truman’s Historic Holiday: State Capitol tour guide Steve Jones offers a lighthearted look at President Harry Truman’s June 1945 historic vacation in Olympia during at lecture series event hosted by the Olympia Country & Golf Club, 3636 Country Club Road, Olympia. The free, public event begins with a 5:30 p.m. social hour, followed by Jones’ 6 p.m. presentation complete with tales of Russian spies, late-night poker games and presidential shenanigans, illustrated with photos from the Truman Library archives. Please register in advance by contacting Heather Wilson at heather@olygolfclub.com.

Friday

Grand Opening & Dedication Ceremony for new Mason Clinic: The community is invited to this program at 1 p.m. that will include remarks and speeches, a dedication of the 60,000-square-foot facility, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, refreshments, a photo booth, guided tours, and the unveiling of a custom art piece. Mason Clinic is located at 1701 N. 13th St. in Shelton, and is connected to Mason General Hospital on the same campus. Parking for the event will be located at the hospital’s main and emergency entrances. Please RSVP to the Mason Health Development Office at 360-427-3623 or email foundation@masongeneral.com. Starting Feb. 24, Mason Clinic will be open for primary care, orthopedic, walk-in and laboratory services. Information: www.masongeneral.com.

Saturday

Black History Month lecture: The Olympia Historical Society and Bigelow House Museum are co-sponsoring a special program with the Olympia Heritage Commission, “Blacks in Thurston County: A Historical Perspective,” presented by Dr. Thelma Jackson and Ed Echtle at 1:30 p.m. in Rooms 101-102 of the Olympia Center, 222 Columbia St. NW. Free to the public. Information at olympiahistory.org.

Sunday

Harstine Island Community Club hosts salmon program: State climatologist Nick Bond will explore the past, present, and possible future conditions for salmon in our state and share lessons on how local communities have accomplished important work to support salmon runs, at 1:30 p.m. at the Harstine Island Community Hall, 3371 E. Harstine Island Road N., Shelton. Free.

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