What’s happening this week around Thurston County
Tuesday, Feb. 18
Olympia Indivisible rally at congresswoman’s office: At 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, Olympia Indivisible members will gather at the Lacey office of U.S. Rep. Marilyn Strickland to protest “the unfolding unconstitutional and illegal dismantling of foundational federal agencies and programs, and to deliver to the Representative and her staff a letter urging her to respond to this unprecedented crisis with bold leadership and consistent, unflinching and outspoken opposition.” Established in 2017, Olympia Indivisible is a volunteer-run pro-democracy group of more than 1,000 civic activists in Congressional District 10, one of hundreds of Indivisible chapters in the country.
Saving Legacy Forests in the South Sound: The South Sound Group of the Sierra Club of Washington State is hosting this presentation by Lynn Fitz-Hugh, executive director of the Friends of Trees Action group of Restoring Earth Connection, and Vanessa La Valle of the League of Women Voters of Thurston County who is finishing her master’s degree in environmental studies at The Evergreen State College. The event begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday at The Olympia Center, 222 Columbia St NW. Admission is free. Find more information at Feb.SoSoSC.org
An evening with former Secretary of State Sam Reed: The Olympia Historical Society & Bigelow House Museum hosts Sam Reed and author John C. Hughes in this conversation about Reed’s three-terms as Washington’s Secretary of State. Hughes is author of the recently published biography titled “Mr. Mainstream: Sam Reed’s Half Century of Public Service and Civility.” Book copies will be available for purchase and signing. The event will be at Traditions Fair Trade/Soul Cafe, 500 Fifth Ave. SW in downtown Olympia. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the program begins at 7 p.m. The program is open to the public with free admission, though a $5 donation is suggested. Beverage service will be available. For more information, go to Olympiahistory.org or email olyhistory@gmail.com.
Wednesday, Feb. 19
Evergreen’s Unsoeld Seminar Series hosts Dr. Mary Virginia Orna: The Evergreen State College’s Willie Unsoeld Seminar Series is presenting “March of the Pigments: A Colorful Trek through History,” featuring renowned pigment chemist Dr. Mary Virginia Orna. The event will start at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 19, in Lecture Hall 1 in Purce Hall on Evergreen’s Olympia campus. Orna is a chemist, historian of science and professor emerita of the College of New Rochelle in New York where she taught for 40 years. A pioneer in the field of color and pigment chemistry, she works at the interface of art and archeology, using chemistry tools to investigate them. The author of many books and papers on the subject, Orna’s book titled “March of the Pigments: Color History, Science and Impact” was published in 2022. After the presentation, there will be a book sale and signing. This event is open to the public, and admission is free. Seating is limited, so early arrival is recommended.
Friday, Feb. 21
SPSCC Theatre Collective presents Small Mouth Sounds: The South Puget Sound Community College Theatre Collective presents Small Mouth Sounds at the Minnaert Center for the Arts Black Box from Feb. 21 to March 2. The play follows six city-dwellers seeking refuge from their chaotic lives by embarking on a silent retreat in the woods. Infused with tender humor, the play explores how we confront life’s biggest questions when words are not an option. The cast includes Kimberlee Wolfson, Sara Thiessen, Debe Eden, Mike Gregory, Jae Pack, Jeremy Holien, as well as SPSCC student Chloe Swanson. Admission is a suggested $12 donation at the door. SPSCC students, staff, and faculty are admitted for free. More information, including performance dates and times, is available on the college’s Arts & Entertainment Calendar.
Saturday, Feb. 22
Experience the arts of Vietnam at Tolmie State Park: On Saturday, immerse yourself in the rich cultural traditions of Vietnam with this special event hosted by State Parks’ Folk & Traditional Arts Program and Arbutus Folk School at Tolmie State Park, 7730 61st Ave NE, Olympia, on the shores of the Nisqually Reach. The Hướng Việt Performance begins at 2 p.m., providing the captivating sounds of Vietnam. The live performance takes place at the lower kitchen shelter. Seating is limited, so arrive early!
2nd Annual Ramadan Lunch & Learn: Join ASHHO for an enriching afternoon in preparation for the holy month of Ramadan. This special event from noon to 4 p.m. is open to everyone and is a way to learn, share and connect with the spirit of this sacred time. Whether you observe Ramadan, are curious to learn more, or want to celebrate community, this event is for you. Learn how to support Muslims during Ramadan, share family traditions and customs that make Ramadan special, experience the spirit of Ramadan through acts of charity and good deeds, enjoy lunch included with your RSVP. ASHHO Cultural Community Center is at 5757 Littlerock Road SW, Tumwater (across from Tumwater Costco). Admission is free, but donations are appreciated and you should RSVP.
“Cider and Songs of the Salish Sea” concert: Musician Darleen Marie Muhly Simmons, also known as Otterbewitched, will perform at 6 pm Feb. 22 at The Cider Barrel, 168 Fourth Ave. W, Olympia. Admission is $10-20 suggested, but no one turned away for lack of funds.
Sunday, Feb. 23
Concerto competition winners perform with Olympia Chamber Orchestra: The Olympia Chamber Orchestra (OCO) and the Olympia Music Teachers Association (OMTA) have a longstanding tradition of fostering young musical talent. Each year, OMTA hosts a concerto competition for young pianists in the region. The winners of the two advanced divisions are selected to perform their chosen concerti with the full accompaniment of OCO. Pianist Chloe Song will perform George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and pianist Phoebe Goh will perform Johann Nepomunk Hummel’s Piano Concerto No. 1, first movement with the orchestra, two pieces in vastly different styles. The orchestra will also perform Domenico Cimarosa’s Overture from his opera Il Matrimonio Secreto (The Secret Wedding) and Charles Gounod’s Symphony No. 1. This concert takes place at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23 at the Capital High School Performing Arts Center, 2707 Conger Ave NW, Olympia. Tickets are $25 general admission, with discounts for families, youth, students, seniors and military, and can be purchased at OlympiaChamberOrchestra.org.
Heaven on a Half Shell -- Washington state’s Oyster Odyssey: Get to know the Pacific Northwest’s most beloved bivalve: the oyster. In this Humanities Washington talk, author David George Gordon discusses three species— the Olympia, Eastern, and Pacific oysters— along with the people who have cultivated these delicacies for many generations. In addition to being the principal author of “Heaven on the Half Shell: The Story of the Oyster in the Pacific Northwest”, Gordon, who lives in Tacoma, is a former science writer for Washington Sea Grant and has written 22 books on topics ranging from slugs and snails to sharks, gray whales, and Sasquatch. His presentation will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Harstine Island Community Club, 3371 E Harstine Island Road N, Shelton.
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This story was originally published February 15, 2025 at 12:00 PM.