What’s happening this week around Thurston County

Tuesday, Feb. 20

35th District lawmakers telephone town hall: Rep. Dan Griffey, R-Allyn, and Rep. Travis Couture, R-Allyn, are inviting 35th Legislative District residents to join them for an upcoming telephone town hall where they will provide an update on the 2024 legislative session, listen to constituent concerns and answer questions. The town hall will run from 6-7 p.m. Tuesday. To participate, call 360-226-0858. For more information, contact the representatives directly: Griffey at 360-786-7966 or Dan.Griffey@leg.wa.gov; Couture at 360-786-7902 or Travis.Couture@leg.wa.gov.

Welcome to Medicare Zoom Presentation: This virtual meeting at 1 p.m. Tuesday is an introduction to options for new Medicare beneficiaries. It covers Parts A and B, Medicare Advantage Plans, Part D Prescription Plans, Medicare Supplements and programs available to limited-income beneficiaries. To get a link to register, email jrich@southsoundseniors.org or call and leave a message at Senior Services SHIBA program at 360-586-6181 ext. 134. A registration link will be sent to you.

Wednesday, Feb. 21

Welcome to Medicare presentation at The Olympia Center: This in-person presentation taking place at 4 p.m. Wednesday at 222 Columbia St. NW is an introduction to options for new Medicare beneficiaries. It covers Parts A and B, Medicare Advantage Plans, Part D Prescription Plans, Medicare Supplements and programs available to limited-income beneficiaries. For more information, email Jrich@southsoundseniors.org or call and leave a message at Senior Services SHIBA program at 360-586-6181 ext. 134.

Thursday, Feb. 22

City of Olympia open house on Yelm Highway Community Park: This open house will happen at 6 p.m. Thursday at The Olympia Center, Multipurpose Room A, 222 Columbia St. NW. A presentation will begin at 6:15 p.m., then participants can stay until 7:30 p.m. to view site plans and talk with the staff and design team. The master plan for the community park was initially finalized in September 2022 and included a site of a future Olympia School District secondary school. In November, the city learned that the school district no longer needs the site for a school, so the city needs to update the master plan so the park uses the entire site. The park design team has modified the master plan design to include an additional soccer field, added pickleball courts, a larger dog park, and more walking paths. Construction is slated to being in fall 2025. If you cannot make the in-person open house, you will be able to view the recorded presentation on the Engage Olympia webpage.

Thurston County Elections observer training: The Thurston County Auditor’s Elections Division is offering observer training for the March 12 Presidential Primary Election. The training will be held over Zoom at 5:30 p.m. Thursday. Ballot processing is monitored on site by trained observers appointed by the Republican and Democratic parties as well as independent observers. Observer training covers election procedure and observer policy. Training is mandatory for observers appointed by their political party, but the training is also open to the public. Register for the training on Zoom or contact Thurston County Elections at elections@co.thurston.wa.us or 360-786-5408.

Saturday, Feb. 24

Public art installation for Ukraine: Feb. 24 is the two-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. An art installation featuring 24 Ukrainian flags will be erected from 11 am to 7 p.m. at Heritage Park next to Capitol Lake on The Mound. A speakers program will begin at 2 p.m. The installation will be illuminated after sundown. Artist David Sederberg says the intention is to inspire conversation and action through peaceful imagery and words on the importance of maintaining, supporting, and defending democracy at home and abroad.

Dutch over cooking demonstration: This free event is happening from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the McLane Grange, 931 Delphi Road SW, Olympia. It will be led by members of the Northwest Dutch Oven Society. Those who already use Dutch ovens to cook are invited to cook with the group or bring a dish to add to a group feast at 2 p.m. For questions or additional information, email nwdos@hotmail.com

Rube Goldberg Machines: Explore the whimsical world of physics and engineering by creating a Rube Goldberg Machine, a complex chain reaction to complete a simple task. The WET Science Center will have all the supplies you need to tinker. Activities run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the center, 500 Adams St. NE, Olympia. Admission is free.

Ballet Northwest Pas de Deux: Ballet Northwest presents six principal dancers from Pacific Northwest Ballet in Seattle for this one-time only performance of famous duets from some of the world’s best known ballets. The program will include duets from Swan Lake, Don Quixote, Giselle, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and others. The program begins at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St SE, Olympia. Tickets are $40 for students and youth and $45 for adults, plus a $4 service fee. Get tickets at the box office, at 360-753-8586 or order online at www.washingtoncenter.org.

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. Please put What’s Happening in the subject line.