What’s happening this week around Thurston County
Sunday, Feb. 5
Symphony concert to introduce new conductor: Music director Alexandra Arrieche’s first subscription concert with the Olympia Symphony Orchestra at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5. Called “Mosaic for Heaven’s Floor,” the concert’s title references Jean Sibelius description of writing his Symphony No. 5 in E-flat Major, which is on the program. Also on the program: a 2019 piece called Eve’s Lament “Oh Flowers, That Never Will Grow” by Lera Auerback, who wrote it for Arrieche’s mentor, Marin Alsop; and Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18, which will be performed by Arrieche’s longtime friend and colleague, pianist Michael Sheppard. Tickets are $15 to $65. The center is at 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia.
New opera company premieres: Olympia Opera Theatre has formed, and will offer its first performance at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5, at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1601 North St. SE, Olympia. The concert will feature opera’s most beloved tunes. The new troupe’s mission is to provide immersive and non-traditional opera experiences for a modern audience. There is no admission fee for Sunday’s concert, but donations are encouraged.
Tuesday, Feb. 7
Thurston County public hearing on Wireless Communication Facilities Code amendment: The public is invited to comment at the Board of County Commissioners’ public hearing at 5:30 p.m Tuesday, Feb. 7, on the Wireless Communication Facilities Code amendment. The proposed code amendments are intended to meet federal laws and simplify code language. Amendments include changes to the Definitions (Thurston County Code 20.03), Special Use (TCC 20.54) and a replacement of the existing Wireless Communication Facilities and Antenna Support Structures chapter (20.33 TCC). The hearing will be in Room 110 at the Atrium Building, 3000 Pacific Ave. SE, Olympia, or online. People also can submit written or emailed comments no later than noon Tuesday, Feb. 7. Send email comments to Amelia Schwartz at Amelia.Schwartz@co.thurston.wa.us or mailed comments to Thurston County Community Planning and Economic Development, Attention: Amelia Schwartz, Associate Planner, 3000 Pacific Ave. SE, Olympia, WA 98501. Find more information about the proposal on the Wireless Communications project webpage.
Wednesday, Feb. 8
History Talks — Revealing Records in the Washington State Archives: Learn tips and tricks for using the State Archives in Olympia at this talk at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8. Jewell Lorenz Dunn, who works in the eesearch department at the Washington State Archives, specializing in genealogy and property research, will talk about searching for family history, property records, or photos, maps or clippings, and how to access and use state and local collections. Go to the talk in person at Lacey City Hall Council Chambers, 420 College St. SE, or join online. Registration required for online attendance only. The event is free. For more information, email museum@ci.lacey.wa.us
The Future of Higher Education with Saint Martin’s University president: At 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8, Jennifer Bonds-Raacke, president of Saint Martin’s University, will keynote the Thurston Chamber’s February Forum. She will share challenges and opportunities for higher education in the United States and provide an update on the state of Saint Martin’s University. The forum will be in the Norman Worthington Conference Center at Saint Martin’s, 5300 Pacific Ave. SE, Lacey. Cost, which includes a buffet lunch, is $30 for chamber members with online pre-registration; $35 for non-members with pre-registration; $35 for members at the door; and $40 for non-members at the door. Register in advance on the Chamber website.
Thursday, Feb. 9
Americana/roots concert at New Traditions: Newberry & Verch bring their fiddle and banjo original songs and some step dancing to New Traditions at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9. Tickets are $26, or $18 for those with low income. Desserts and drinks will be available at the venue at 300 Fifth Ave. SW, Olympia.
Saturday, Feb. 11
SSAG Artisan Market: Join the South Sound Artisan Guild from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Capital Mall in Olympia for its indoor handcrafted artisan market in the Grand Courtyard by the food court. One-of-a-kind merchandise will be offered by local artists, authors, craftsmen, and creators. The mall is at 625 Black Lake Blvd. SW.
Puget Sound, We Love You: Celebrate Valentine’s Day with fun art projects expressing your love for Puget Sound and all the amazing creatures living in it at the WET Science Center, 500 Adams St. NE, Olympia. Activities are available 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is always free.
Chocolate and Wine Festival at Medicine Creek Winery: Bring your Valentine — or someone else you like — to Medicine Creek Winery’s 16th annual Chocolate & Wine Festival from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11 and Sunday, Feb. 12. A $25 ticket will get you a glass of wine and all you can eat chocolates, plus live music by Pump House. The winery is at 947 Old Pacific Highway SE, on a farm in the Nisqually Valley. Buy tickets in advance on Eventbrite.
Would you like to have your event included in our weekly What’s Happening listing? Email the details to news@theolympian.com at least 10 days before the event.