Local

What’s happening around Thurston County this week

By The Olympian staff

Updated November 10, 2022 10:20 AM

Sunday, Nov. 6

Giants Of The Salish Sea — Humpbacks and Gray Whales: John Calambokidis from Cascadia Research Collective will speak at 2 p.m. Nov. 6 at the Puget Sound Estuarium, 309 State Ave. NE, Olympia. Calambokidis is a Senior Research Biologist and one of the founders of Cascadia Research Collective, a non-profit research organization based in Olympia. Some of his recent research has included examining the whales’ feeding behavior and vocalizations. His work has been covered on shows by National Geographic, Discovery Channel, BBC, and others. Standard admission costs apply: $8/family, $5/individuals, $3/youth (18 and under), free with EBT. Masks are required, and COVID-19 protocols will be in effect.

Monday, Nov. 7

Get ready for Medicare Open Enrollment: The Olympia Timberland Library will host a free, unbiased presentation on Medicare, provided by staff from the Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) and sponsored by Senior Services for South Sound. The presentation, which will run from 3 to 4:30 p.m., will cover Medicare A, B, C, and D, Medicare benefits and options, help paying for Medicare, and how to avoid becoming a victim of fraud. More information about SHIBA can be found on the state Insurance Commissioner’s website. The library is at 313 Eighth Ave. SE.

14th Annual Native American Art Exhibition: “A Weaver’s Choice - Coast Salish Wool Weavings,” curated by Selena Kearney, is opening at the Leonor R. Fuller Gallery at South Puget Sound Community College in Olympia on Monday, Nov. 7, with an opening reception at 6 p.m. Nov. 11. In this exhibition, Kearney — in collaboration with the Paimārire Studio at The Evergreen State College — presents Coast Salish wool weavers and their processes. The exhibition highlights the stories and kinship embedded in the art form. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, through Dec. 9; admission is free. An artist talk is scheduled for 5 p.m. Nov. 19.

“Of The Earth” is a Coast Salish wool weaving by Susan Pavel. Courtesy of the Leonor R. Fuller Gallery at SPSCC

Wednesday, Nov. 9

History Talks! The Pig War -- Great Britain vs. the United States: In 1859, the United States and Great Britain stood on the brink of war for the third time in less than a century, and it all started over the shooting of a wayward pig that had uprooted a neighboring farmer’s potatoes. For 12 years, the U.S. Army and the Royal Navy faced off on San Juan Island in Washington Territory, daring each other to make the first move. The cast of characters involved in this saga is a veritable who’s who of 19th century historical celebrity. Hosted by the Lacey Museum, Washington state historian Erich R. Ebel recounts the story of The Pig War, otherwise known as The Bloodless War or The War That Wasn’t, at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, in person at Lacey City Hall in Council Chambers or online. Registration is required for the online event only.

Thursday, Nov. 10

Grand opening of Intercity Transit Administrative and Operations Facility: IT is hosting the grand opening of its new operations facility at 510 Pattison St. SE, Olympia, from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10.

American flags placed with names on the Washington State Vietnam Veterans Memorial flutter with the breeze on the Capitol Campus Monday, May 30, 2022, in remembrance of Memorial Day. Steve Bloom sbloom@theolympian.com

Friday, Nov. 11

Veterans Day ceremony in the Capitol: The annual public observance will run from 11 a.m. to noon in the Capitol Rotunda in the Legislative Building on the Capitol Campus. The American Legion Band will perform outside the State Reception Room. At approximately noon, a rifle salute will be performed on the north steps of the Legislative Building.

Tribute to Washington State Vietnam Veterans: The Sacajawea Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will partner with the U.S. Department of Defense on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, to pay tribute to Washington state Vietnam Veterans with a commemoration pinning ceremony at 12:30 p.m. at the Vietnam War Memorial on the Capitol Campus in Olympia. The ceremony will honor living U.S. veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time during the period of Nov. 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975, with a lapel pin as a lasting memento of the nation’s thanks. DAR members will read the names of veterans who are listed as killed in action (KIA) or missing in action (MIA). The Sacajawea Chapter of the DAR covers Thurston and Lewis counties.

Northwest Trek Veterans Appreciation Days: To honor veterans, the 725-acre wildlife park will offer free admission Nov. 11-13 to all who are currently serving or have honorably served in the U.S. military. Immediate family members receive half-off general admission. Offer is not valid on online purchases or special tours (Wild Drives, Keeper Adventure Tours). Discounted and free admission offered at the admission window. Proof of military service is required. The park is at 11610 Trek Drive E., Eatonville. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For the first time Ever, the new Wild Drive tour will allow the public to drive their own vehicles through the Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. Starting May 27, small caravans will be led an experienced naturalist who can be heard in real time via an app. The social distancing tour will keep the public safe during the pandemic. Northwest Trek Wildlife Park Courtesy

Saturday, Nov. 12

Winter Fest 2022: Join the Lacey South Sound Chamber for the second annual festival that will offer shopping, savoring and sipping with local vendors, artisans, and restaurants. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, at the Lacey Community Center, 6729 Pacific Ave. SE, Olympia.

PFLAG Olympia Holiday Bazaar & Fundraiser: PFLAG Olympia will host this event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1925 Boulevard Road SE, Olympia. Light refreshments, raffles, door prizes, and vendors will support local LGBTQIA2+ community artists, organizations, and craftspeople, and their allies.

Woman’s Club of Olympia Holiday Bazaar: The Woman’s Club of Olympia will host this event, which includes its famous bake sale, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, at the Abigail Stuart House, 1002 Washington St. SE, Olympia.

Fall into Christmas Bazaar: Tumwater United Methodist Church at 1401 Lake Park Drive SW will host this bazaar from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12. It will offer handcrafted and holiday gift items, holiday baked goods, homemade candies, jams/jellies, jewelry, cosmetics, stocking stuffers, gift baskets, and items for the kitchen, pets and children. Guests also can participate in a raffle. For more information, call 360-753-8804.

The exterior of the Washington Center for the Performing Arts was renovated eight years ago. Now the center is raising money to renovate the public spaces inside. The Olympian

Sunday, Nov. 13

Washington Center Reopening Celebration: The Washington Center for the Performing Arts will unveil $8.8 million in renovations to the public with this event from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13 at the center, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia. The center has undergone interior redesign and added new stage equipment and technology. Center staff will offer guided tours throughout the event, and there will be door prizes, music, videos, and more.

Want your event listed in What’s Happening? Email information to news@theolympian.com at least 10 days in advance. Note “What’s Happening” in the subject line.

This story was originally published November 6, 2022 at 5:00 AM.