What’s Happening events calendar for Feb. 22, 2020 in Olympia

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.

Coastal wolves program: Coastal wolves and their adaptability will be the program from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the WET Science Center, 500 Adams St. NE, Olympia. Wolf Haven International experts will speak at 2 p.m., and there will be wolf-related crafts all day. Free.

Kids Love Comics event: Join Danger Room Comics from 1-4 p.m. at the Olympia Timberland Library for this event celebrating comics for kids. Kids, teens, and families will have the opportunity to meet cartoonist and picture book creator Vera Brosgol (creator of “Be Prepared,” “Anya’s Ghost,” “Leave Me Alone!” and “The Little Guys”), hear her talk about her creative process, and get books signed. Frank Hussey of Danger Room Comics will present comics in Reader’s Theater format. Information: https://events.trl.org/events/kids-love-comics-featuring-vera-brosgol

Books, Brownies & Beans: Thousands of used books, DVDs, games and more will be for sale at this one-day used book sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 2315 Division St. NW. Enjoy brownies and coffee for sale, live music, and books, books, books. Prices are deeply discounted starting at around $1. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own tote bags. Proceeds will be used to benefit Olympia’s homeless population. Parking is accessible both from the entrance on Division Street or from the cul-de-sac entrance on East End Street.

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

Zine workshop: Are you working on a zine for the Washington State Zine Contest? Head to the Olympia Timberland Library, 313 Eighth Ave. SE, from 4 to 7 p.m. to start or maybe even finish your zine. The library will provide paper, books and magazines to cut up, typewriters, and other supplies. Library staff will demonstrate a one-page mini zine structure for those interested, but otherwise this is a self-guided workshop for all ages and skill levels. Information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1033044837078990/

Rep. Jim Walsh to host a telephone town hall: The Aberdeen Republican invites 19th District constituents to the telephone town hall, which is similar to a call-in radio show, beginning at 6 p.m. Walsh will answer questions and provide an update of the legislative session. To participate, constituents can call anytime during the hour-long program. Dial 360-209-6593, press * (star key) to ask a question. Information: contact Walsh’s office at 360-786-7810.

Wednesday

Mission Creek Nature Park Volunteer Work Party: From 9:30 a.m. to noon, volunteers and staff will be restoring habitat at this neighborhood park by pulling English ivy and Himalayan blackberry. The park is at 1500 Fir St NE. The group will assemble just inside the park. Street parking available. Visit http://volunteer.olympiawa.gov/ for more information and to register for the work party.

South Puget Sound New Horizons Band: The South Puget Sound New Horizons Band is pleased to present its free winter concert, Bridging the Atlantic, at 10 a.m. at the Land Yacht Harbor Harmony Hall, 9101 Steilacoom Road SE. The program will include Ravel’s Pavane, the March of the Parachutists, and Mozart’s Allegro from Symphony No. 10. The concert also features pieces from Germany, Spain, and Italy. The concert’s final piece is the moving Rhosymedre.

Thursday

Community presentation on the Yelm Highway Community Park Master Plan: Using information gathered from a previous community meeting and online survey, the design team developed three conceptual layouts for the future community park. Come see these preliminary designs and provide feedback to staff and the designers from 6 to 7:15 p.m. at Olympia City Hall, 601 Fourth Ave. E. If you can’t make the meeting, the conceptual designs and survey also will be available online at Engage Olympia through March 22.

35th District lawmakers to to hold town hall meeting in Shelton: Reps. Dan Griffey and Drew MacEwen will hold a town hall meeting from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Oakland Bay Junior High School, 3301 N. Shelton Springs Road, Shelton. The lawmakers will provide an update on the ongoing legislative session and then invite constituents to voice their concerns, share ideas, and ask questions. Residents with questions are invited to contact Rep. Griffey’s office at 360-786-7966 or via email at dan.griffey@leg.wa.gov. To contact Rep. MacEwen’s office, call 360-786-7902 or email him at drew.macewen@leg.wa.gov.

Friday

Adult Swim – Mad Hatter’s Gin & Tea Party: Fall down the rabbit hole at this 21-and-older-only event from 7-10 p.m. at the Hands On Children’s Museum, 414 Jefferson St. NE. Play a few rounds of Crazy Croquet, share a curious cup of tea with friends, or “Drink Me” a Dillinger’s cocktail as you explore the Wonderland of the museum. DJ Mia Ohms will offer beats for dancing, you can go through the looking glass in the Optical Illusion Photo Booth, or join the Mad Hatter and make your own hat or fascinator. Tickets are $24 in advance at https://bit.ly/2QYaXCz or $28 at the door.

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.