What’s Happening events calendar for Feb. 18, 2020 in Olympia

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.

Monday

Public meeting on EPA Brownfield Initiative: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provided grant money to assess potentially contaminated properties, known as “Brownfield,” that are planned for reuse or redevelopment. Brownfield sites can include properties that are vacant or are underutilized sites that may be impacted by contamination. A $600,000 EPA Brownfield Grant was awarded to Port of Olympia, Olympia’s Metropolitan Parks District and the City of Olympia. At this public meeting, discussion will be encouraged on directing EPA grant funds to Brownfield sites in and around Olympia that could be viable for redevelopment. The meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. in Room 100 of The Olympia Center, 222 Columbia St NW. Information: 360-753-8591 or mreid@ci.olympia.wa.us

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.