What’s Happening calendar for March 11
Wednesday
The Olympian’s Best of South Sound awards: The Thurston County Chamber and The Olympian will co-host the eighth-annual awards ceremony for Best of South Sound winners from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Little Creek Casino, 91 State Route 108, Shelton. Readers have voted online for their favorite businesses in over 80 categories. Admission, which includes lunch, is $35 for general admission, $25 for prepaid Chamber members, and $30 for members at the door. Reservations are strongly advised. At 10:30 a.m., before the awards ceremony, the Chamber will host the Best of South Sound EXPO, a tradeshow-style format featuring the top three nominees from each category. Information: 360-357-3362 or thurstonchamber.com
Neighborhood meeting on Kaiserwood Subdivision: Neighbors of a proposed 16.9-acre, 30-home subdivision at 2100 Kaiser Road NW are invited to an informational meeting co-hosted by the city of Olympia and developer Michael Torrance at 5:30 p.m. at the Council Chambers at City Hall, 601 Fourth Ave. E. Preliminary plat approval was granted in 2008, but has expired. The public comment period ends at 4 p.m. March 20. Information: Nicole Floyd at 360-570-3768 or nfloyd@ci.olympia.wa.us
Thursday
History Talks at Schmidt House presents “Women Who Dared”: The noon hour history talk at the Schmidt House, 330 Schmidt Place, will feature former history teacher and author Dorothy “Dot” Wilson, who will discuss the first young non-native women to come to the Northwest. The talk will begin at noon; doors open at 11:30 a.m. and close at capacity. Free, but donations welcome. Information: Don Trosper at 360-786-8117 or history@olytumfoundation.org.
Saturday
Pie Fest: Senior Services for South Sound and the Thurston County Food Bank will hold Pie Fest from noon to 3 p.m. at the Olympia Senior Center, 222 Columbia St. NW. Pie slices will be sold at $3 per slice, and a limited supply of gluten-free and sugar-free pie slices will be available. The competition will offer prizes in two categories: Youth (15 and younger) and Bakers (16 and over). There will be live music and raffles. To enter, review rules and fill out the entry form, which is also available at the Olympia and Lacey senior center reception desks. Return your entry sheet with two pies at the event before 10 a.m. Information: call 360-586-6181.
Arbor Day at Percival Landing: Join city of Olympia for Arbor Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Percival Landing. The city will offer free native tree, shrub and wildflower seed giveaways, advice from arborists, kids art activities and more.
Harmony Sweepstakes A Cappella Festival: This event presented by Masterworks Choral Ensemble brings together top a cappella talent from around the Pacific Northwest for a concert and competition. The winning group will compete at the National Finals. The 2019 champs, The Baudboys, will host. Music begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia. Tickets are $26 for general admission, with discounts for youth, seniors and military.
PNW Chapter of International Coleman Collectors Club: The 15th annual display of vintage Coleman lanterns, stoves, lamps, coolers, and more will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Best Western Plus Lacey, 8326 Quinault Drive NE. Most known for camping equipment and other outdoor activity gear, Coleman also produced military items such as canteens, stoves and mess kits, as well as obscure items such as inflatable vests used by the Navy. Do you have a non-working Coleman item? Bring it in and club members can show you how to get it operating again. Some collectors may have a few sales items. The event is family-friendly with numerous giveaways of new Coleman items. Also a raffle for a new Coleman ice chest.
Meet the trees of Washington: It’s called the Evergreen State for a reason. Join the Capitol Land Trust for a presentation about trees and forests as you sort leaves and identify the native trees of the state at the WET Science Center (LOTT), 500 Adams St. NE, Olympia. Nature-related activities will be happening from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free.
A Celebration of Peace Through Music: The 100-voice Olympia Peace Choir will gather with choirs from around the Puget Sound a Peace Festival at 7 p.m. at the Minnaert Center for the Arts at South Puget Sound Community College, 2011 Mottman Road SW, Olympia. Guest choirs include the SPSCC Chorus and Vashon’s Free Range Folk Choir. As a service to the Olympia community, all Peace Choir performances are free and family-friendly.
Monday
Thurston County chapter of International Association of Near Death Studies: Dr. Mary Neal, an orthopaedic spine surgeon, drowned while kayaking on a South American river, but was revived. Join this group for a recording of Neal’s near-death experience, followed by discussion, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at the Lacey Timberland Library, 500 College St SE. Free and open to the public. Information: email Jackie Huetter at thurstoncountyiands@gmail.com
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.