What’s happening this week around Thurston County

Sunday, April 16

Ethiopian Education Fund film night fundraiser: The Ethiopian Education Fund will host a screening of the film “Lamb” by Yared Zeleke, about a young boy in Ethiopia, at 7 p.m. Sunday, April 16, at the Capitol Theater, 206 Fifth Ave. SE, Olympia. After the screening, stay for a discussion of the non-profit Ethiopian Education Fund, which enables disadvantaged youth and young adults in rural Ethiopia to receive an education by providing scholarships to youth, especially girls, to attend primary, secondary, and post-secondary school. The organization currently supports 42 students and are looking to expand. Tickets are $12 general admission and $8 for Olympia Film Society members.

Tuesday, April 18

Welcome to Medicare Zoom Presentation: At 1 p.m. Tuesday, the Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) will provide an introduction to options for new Medicare beneficiaries that will cover Parts A and B; Medicare Advantage Plans; Part D Prescription Plans; Medicare Supplements; and programs available to limited income beneficiaries. Email or call to get a Zoom link to register: jrich@southsoundseniors.org or 360-586-6181 ext. 134. A registration link will be sent to you. Senior Services for South Sound is the local SHIBA program, sponsored by the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner.

StoryOly -- My Happy Place: The general public (21+) is invited to tell a personal true story on stage based on the monthly theme. Each teller is rated by a group of three volunteer judges selected from the audience the night of event. The winner of each monthly slam wins a cash prize, StoryOly Tee Shirt and qualifies to participate in the StoryOly season finale, The Grand Slam. Stories must be true, eight minutes or less in duration. The event takes place from 7-9 p.m. at the Brotherhood Lounge, 119 Capitol Way N., Olympia. Admission is $5-15 at the door, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds; half of the door proceeds benefit the Northwest Abortion Action Fund.

Friday, April 21

2nd Hand Safari Community Garage Sale: The Thurston County Fair Foundation is hosting this huge garage sale from noon to 4 p.m. Friday, April 21 and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 22, at the Thurston County Fairgrounds, 3054 Carpenter Road SE, Lacey. Vendors will offer new and used items and antiques. The event is free to attend and all of the profits go into efforts to enhance the fairgrounds.

Capital City Chorus & Chorale Presents “The Sacred and the Profane”: Capital City Chorus and Chorale will present their spring concert featuring Carl Orff’s profane “Carmina Burana” with two pianos, percussion and local performance soloists. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 21, and 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 22-23, at the Capital High School performing arts center, 2707 Conger Ave. NW, Olympia. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.

Saturday, April 22

Wildfire Ready Neighbors local kickoff: Hotter and dryer conditions are increasing wildfire risk west of the Cascades. That’s why Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz, along with Thurston County residents and fire and conservation districts, are introducing the Wildfire Ready Neighbors program in Thurston County to help build community resilience before wildfire season. The kick-off event will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 22, at 14202 Mima Road SW, Olympia, in the Bordeaux Ranch community, which has sustained wildfire damage in the past. Wildfire Ready Neighbors connects residents with a free custom plan, experts, resources, and tools to take action to prepare for wildfire.

South Sound Studio Tour: 21 local artist studios featuring the work of over 37 artists will be open to the public from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 22-23. For a map and information about participating artists, see the website. Admission is free and tour is self-guided.

BIG Home and Garden Show: The Olympia Master Builders will again host this a one-stop shop for local home and garden vendors. The show is at Saint Martin’s University’s Worthington Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. There also will be a Lego Brick Building Competition for kids on Saturday. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for teens and those 12 and younger are admitted free. For more information, visit the OMB website.

Author talk on Maritime Washington: Historian Chuck Fowler and Erich R. Ebel will be at Browsers Bookshop at 4 p.m. Saturday, April 22, to discuss their new book, “Exploring Maritime Washington.” They will guide participants through the cultural and nautical history of the Maritime Washington National Heritage Area. The book store is at 107 Capitol Way N., Olympia.

Rise Above Plastics: For Earth Day, the WET Science Center in downtown Olympia is tackling plastic products that are polluting the oceans. Learn how to decrease plastic pollution through hands-on activities and crafts. Activities run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the center, 500 Adams St. NE, Olympia. Admission is free.

Emma’s Revolution at New Traditions: Known for fearless, truth-telling lyrics, Emma’s Revolution is the award-winning activist duo of Pat Humphries and Sandy O. The duo are in their 20th year performing together. Catch them at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 22, at New Traditions, 300 Fifth Ave. SW, Olympia. Admission is $25, or 18 for those with low incomes.

30th Annual Mineral Lake Fishing Derby: This event, hosted by the Mineral Lake Lions Club and the American Legion Storm King post 171, is happening Saturday and Sunday, April 22 & 23, at Mineral Lake, about an hour’s drive south from Tacoma on state Highway 7. This is family friendly event, with a special trout pond and prizes for kids. There will be vendors, food trucks and a beer garden for the adults. Most activities will be at the Mineral Lake Lions Den Campground. For more information visit the Fishing Derby website.

Sunday, April 23

Olympia Symphony Orchestra presents “Olympians & Titans”: Music Director Alexandra Arrieche concludes her first season with this finale at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 23, at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia. The music, chosen with the theme “Beyond Dreams,” will include the “Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon” Cello Concerto performed by Nathan Chan, and Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 in D major “Titan.” Tickets are $65 to $15, with a $4 service fee.

Downtown birding tour: The Puget Sound Estuarium will lead a Bird Walk starting at 9 a.m. at the estuarium, 309 State Ave. NE, Olympia. No birding experience required. The walk will be two hours and cover approximately two miles. Please bring binoculars. The Bird Walk also includes a tour of our Estuarium facility. Admission is $15 for adults but those 12 and younger can attend for free. Register on the estuarium website.

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.