What’s Happening events calendar for March 2, 2020 in Olympia

Monday

Introduction to the 2020 Census: The Census will impact federal funding for local communities and representation in congress for the next 10 years, so it’s important that everyone gets counted once, and in the right place. The offical count begins March 12. Learn how you can be a part of the nationwide effort at this sesssion from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Olympia Timberland Library, 313 Eighth Ave. SE.

Free Federal Individual Income Tax Return Preparation: Head to the McLane Black Lake Fire Department Station 91 Headquarters, 125 Delphi Road NW, to get tax filing help from AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers. They offer free help with federal returns from 4 to 8:30 p.m. every Monday through April 13. To schedule an appointment, go to taxaidewa20.org or call 360-670-0286. There are seven other Tax-Aide sites in Thurston County open on different days and hours. Most sites operate on a first-come, first served or walk-in basis. The McLane Black Lake Fire Department, ROOF Community Services and Yelm Timberland Library sites, however, ask that taxpayers schedule appointments in advance. Taxpayers of all ages and income levels are welcome; an AARP membership is not required.

Tuesday

“Medicare 101” workshop: Whether you’re new to Medicare or want a refresher course, this class can help! No registration necessary, however space is limited for the workshop from 1-3 p.m. at the Virgil Clarkson Senior Center, 6757 Pacific Ave., Lacey. The Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors provide free and confidential help with Medicare choices. SHIBA staff and volunteers are trained by the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner. Information: call 360-586-6181, ext.134

Wednesday

Lacey South Sound Chamber March forum: Lacey City Manager Scott Spence will be the speaker at the gathering from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Saint Martin’s Worthington Center, 5300 Pacific Ave SE, Lacey. Spence is slated to talk about the state of Lacey. Admission is $10 for a sitting fee (available to those who do not want a meal), $20 per person through online registration, and $30 per person at the door. Information: https://www.facebook.com/events/2640029782894923/

Thursday

League of Women Voters’ “Where’s the Water II”: Join the Thurston County LWV from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at The Olympia Center, 222 Columbia St. NW, a free public forum on water, “Where’s the Water – II: What are the Impacts of Sea Level Rising in Thurston County?” The forum will feature the Squaxin Island Tribe Sea Level Story Map. There also will be a presentation on the status of the Chehalis Basin Strategy. This will add to the body of knowledge gained at the 2019 Where’s the Water Forums. Free and open to the public.

Campaign finance law discussion: Dave Ammons, chair of the state Public Disclosure Commission, will discuss how the state agency monitors and enforces state political campaign finance laws. The program will take place at 2 p.m. in the Quinault Auditorium at Panorama, 1751 Circle Lane SE, Lacey: Information: doddsbpan@gmail.com

Rental housing community meeting: Are you a renter or a landlord in Olympia? Join a conversation convened by the Olympia City Council’s Land Use and Environment Committee about reducing tenant-landlord conflicts and improving access to and stability of rental housing in Olympia. The committee wants to hear about residents’ experiences. The meeting will be from 6-8 p.m. at Washington Middle School, 3100 Cain Road SE, Olympia.

Saturday

Lacey Cultural Celebration: This free family event celebrates all the cultures of the community. Enjoy music and dance from around the world on two performance stages. Experience traditions from other lands through demonstrations and displays. Sample exotic flavors and artwork from food and craft vendors. Hands-on craft activities for the kids, too. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Saint Martin’s University, 500 Abbey Way SE, Lacey. Information: www.ci.lacey.wa.us/events

Career Exploration Day for middle and high school students: More than 1,000 Thurston County eighth- through 12th-grade students are planning to attend Find Your Future career exploration day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Tumwater High School, 700 Israel Road SW. Admission is free. Students who preregister can select their top three career choices and the Find Your Future Committee will assign them to two. Parents will simultaneously attend sessions financing college, trends in employment, and planning. Students will hear directly from professionals working in their careers of choice, and each session will have a Q&A period. Information: thurstonchamber.com or call 360-357-3362.

Benefit concert for Olympia’s Fellowship of Reconciliation: Folksinger and storyteller Tom Rawson, singer Piper Josephine and Olympia’s Raging Grannies will perform at 7:30 p.m. at New Traditions Cafe, 300 Fifth Ave. SW, Olympia. Tickets are $20, or $12 for students and those with low income. Get tickets from FOR members, from New Traditions, or call 360-252-0684 or email fsilsby970@gmail.com

Sunday

Prisoner to talk about incarceration and injustice: Dawud al-Malik is one of the longest-incarcerated, then-freed, prisoners in Washington state history, having spent almost 50 years locked up. He was sentenced to death by hanging in 1966 but was released to the general prison population in 1972. He has maintained his innocence throughout and his case is being reviewed. He will speak from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 2200 East End. St. NW, Olympia. Information: https://www.facebook.com/events/617023035751018/ or faithinactionministry@ouuc.org

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.