What’s happening this week around Thurston County
Saturday, Nov. 18
Toilets Through the Ages and Treatment Plant Tour: Toilet technology has evolved far from Roman troughs and chamber pots! Learn how sewer science has progressed through human history. After a 1 p.m. presentation, take a tour of LOTT’s Budd Inlet Treatment Plant to see how wastewater is cleaned. Tour participants must be 10 or older and wear closed-toe, closed-heel shoes. Related crafts and activities all day at the WET Science Center, 500 Adams St NE, Olympia. Admission is free.
Last day of the season for Olympia’s Saturday Drop-off Site: If you have fall leaves, yard debris, scrap metal, or additional recycling to dispose of, bring them to the site at 1000 10th Ave. SE between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18. The site will then close until March 2. Glass and cardboard recycling will remain available 24/7 at the site. There is no fee for recycling or scrap metal disposal. The cost for yard and wood waste varies, depending on volume and the type of material. Customers are required to unload their own vehicles, so bring only what you can physically handle.
Sunday, Nov. 19
Seattle Pro Musica at St. John’s: Seattle Pro Musica presents “A Celtic Winter: music from Ireland, Scotland, and Wales” at 3 p.m. Sunday as part of the St. John’s Concert Series at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 114 20th Ave SE, Olympia. The concert will feature works by Judith Weir, James MacMillan, Tarik O’Regan, Paul Mealor, and more, sung in Welsh, Gaelic, and English. Suggested donation is $20 per person though all are welcome. Proceeds support the St. John’s music program.
Monday, Nov. 20
Public hearing on proposed 2024 salaries for elected officials: The Thurston County Citizens’ Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials will hold a public hearing at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 20, to receive testimony on the proposed 2024 salaries for Thurston County elected officials. The hearing will be in The Atrium, Room 110, 3000 Pacific Ave. SE, Olympia with an option to participate remotely. The Salary Commission will accept written comments until noon Monday. Written comments may be submitted in person at 3000 Pacific Ave SE, Room 241; mailed to Ruth Elder, Thurston County Human Resources, 3000 Pacific Ave SE, Olympia WA 98501; or emailed to ruth.elder@co.thurston.wa.us. The Citizens’ Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials sets the salaries of the Thurston County Commissioners and makes a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners regarding the salaries of the elected Assessor, Auditor, Clerk, Coroner, Prosecuting Attorney, Sheriff, and Treasurer. The County Commissioners approve the elected officials’ salaries but the Citizens’ Commission submits the Commissioners’ salary directly to the Auditor.
Tuesday, Nov. 21
Public hearing on aligning Thurston County’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and budget process: The Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21, to receive public testimony on a code change to align the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and budget process. The hearing will be in Suite 110, 3000 Pacific Ave. SE, Olympia. Those wishing to testify should appear in person or virtually. Written or emailed comments will be accepted until noon Tuesday at Andrew.Boughan@co.thurston.wa.us or mailed to Thurston County Community Planning & Economic Development, Attn: Andrew Boughan, Associate Planner, 3000 Pacific Ave. SE, Olympia. The amendment clarifies Thurston County’s process for minor amendments to the CIP by establishing the board as the only reviewer of minor amendments to the CIP needed to align with new projects and new intra-year budget requests.
Welcome to Medicare Zoom Presentations: Virtual meetings are planned for 1 p.m. Tuesday and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday to offer 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. This session will also be helpful for current beneficiaries who are evaluating their options for 2024. 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.
StoryOly on “Spur of the Moment: StoryOly, the live monthly oral storytelling competition, will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21, at The Brotherhood Lounge. 119 Capitol Way N., Olympia. Cost is $5-15 at the door, but no one turned away for lack of funds. The general public (21 and older) 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 the event. The winner of each monthly slam wins a cash prize, a StoryOly Tee Shirt and qualifies to participate in the StoryOly season finale, The Grand Slam, which will take place in September. Stories must be true, 8 minutes or less in duration. Judges are asked to rate each teller on their ability to tell a good story.
Chess Club: Come to Gabi’s Olympic Cards & Comics, 4230 Pacific Ave. SE, Lacey, from 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21, and enjoy one of the worlds oldest games! All ages and skill levels are welcome. This a brand new club, and Gabi’s is hoping to help grow the local chess community and help everyone improve. Beginners welcome. Boards and pieces will be provided, but feel free to bring your own.
Friday, Nov. 24
Holidays in the Northwest Market: Over 80 crafters, vendors and food trucks will offer shopping in all three buildings (the Expo Center, Heritage Hall, and Sokolik Building) of the Thurston County Fairgrounds, 3054 Carpenter Road SE, Lacey. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25. Admission is free. Photos with Santa will be available.
Harlequin Productions’ “A Christmas Carol”: Harlequin’s Artistic Director Aaron Lamb has adapted “the greatest ghost story ever told” and added new designs and effects for 2023. Charles Dickens’ tale is fresh yet familiar. It stars Terry Edward Moore as Ebenezer Scrooge, with Teri Lee Thomas, Samantha Chung, Scott C. Brown, Nathan Rice, Victoria Austin, Xander Layden, Izumi Huff, Zoey Matthews, Larry “LJ” Bevan, and Ami “AJ” Matthews. The play runs through Christmas Eve at the State Theater, 202 Fourth Ave. E., Olympia. Tickets are $57 for general admission, $53 for seniors and military, and $33 for students and youth.
The Nutcracker, presented by Studio West Dance Theater: Kick off the holidays Thanksgiving weekend with Studio West Dance Theatre’s Nutcracker at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia. Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26, and 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 27. Clara’s Nutcracker Party will happen 1 hour before the matinees on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets range from $18-$34 (plus $4 Washington Center fee).
Saturday, Nov. 25
O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy: Fans of Monty Python, Mr. Bean, and Dr. Seuss — grab your teacups! Reminiscent of classic British pantos, and blending physical comedy, quick-witted wordplay, and cleverly crafted interactive elements, this holiday production stars British legends James & Jamesy (aka Aaron Malkin and Alastair Knowles). Catch a show at 3 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Minnaert Center for the Arts at South Puget Sound Community College in Olympia. Tickets are $75 to $35; get them at ochristmastea.com, or call 360-596-5333.
Lincoln Winter Market: Catch this holiday market for artists and makers to share their wares starting at 11 a.m. Saturday at Lincoln Elementary School, 2168 Washington St. SE, Olympia.
Sunday, Nov. 26
WSECU LoveOly WinterFest: The Olympia Downtown Alliance once again hosts this street festival downtown to kick off the holiday season. Activities are planned for noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, many near the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Washington Street. There will be horse-drawn carriage rides, snow, live music from local high school groups and the Olympia Symphony Quartet, activities for kids and families, storytelling, a hot chocolate station, gift vendors, visits with Santa, and a seasonal “tree” lighting at twilight.
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.
