The Grief We Hold

Blackbirds carry tear filled carnations

wrapped with green fern leaves, twisting

together memories floating among laced

flowers as words trickle like blessed

waters through summer rivers. Carved

stones, on sheltered ground, comforts

fallen names whispered into cyclic breaths

of remembrance. And peace brought forth

within small moments honor timeless dimensions

where love for those lost nourish all the life that follows.

—Ashly McBunch

Community Spotlight – April 20 to May 31, 2024

Charles Mitchell and the Puget Sound Underground Railroad. Olympia Center—April 20. 1 pm. When 13 years old, Mitchell escaped enslavement in Olympia in 1860 by traveling by steamer from Olympia to Victoria, B. C. via the Puget Sound Underground Railroad. Author Dr. Lorraine McConaghy will offer an illustrated program followed by a moderated community discussion. For more information email info@olyaha.org

Water Superheroes! WET Science Center, Olympia—April 20. 10 to 4. How can you help the Earth for Earth Day? Become a water superhero! Create your own identity, make crafts, and play games to learn ways to save water and protect the planet. Family friendly. https://www.wetsciencecenter.org/event/water-heroes/

Earth Day 2024 Stewardship Event. Squaxin Park, Olympia (formerly Priest Point Park) – April 20. 10 to 1. Restoration event. Meet at Shelter #2. Arrive early to park. School with most student volunteers will win cash for their school. https://volunteer.olympiawa.gov/need/detail/?need_id=905709

Earth Day Work Party. Wonderwood Park, Lacey—April 20. 10 to 1. Mulching and light weeding. Tools, gloves and refreshments provided. First and second prizes for schools with most volunteers. Check-in by 32nd Ave SE parking lot. https://cityoflacey.org/events_list/earth-day-work-party-2/

Earth Day Celebration. Tenino City Park – April 20. 9:30 to 1. Students and other volunteers clean up Tenino parks. School prize of $1,500 for school with most volunteers. Free tee-shirts, lunch. Information booths. Registration at event—under 18 only with parent. https://www.cityoftenino.us/community/page/earth-day-2024

Volunteer Work Party. Tumwater Historical Park – April 20. 10 to 1. Mulch plant beds and light weeding. Light refreshments, tools, water, and gloves provided. Rain or shine! https://www.ci.tumwater.wa.us/departments/parks-recreation-department/classes-programs-sports/special-events/earth-day-events/earth-day-registration-form

Interfaith Earth Day Service. Decatur Woods Park, Olympia—April 21. 1 to 2:15. Celebrate our precious and endangered species through songs, poems, and sharing. All faiths and the non-faithful are invited. Sixth-graders will talk about endangered species whose masks they have created. Mild rain is okay. If it pours, the backup is Temple Beth Hatfiloh’s Social Hall.

Healthcare Not Warfare Town Hall. The Olympia Center–April 25^.5:30 PM. Working people are urged to join this non-partisan, educational event to take on the hard questions about America’s healthcare system and share their healthcare stories. Thurston – Lewis – Mason Central Labor Council and health groups. https://www.tlmlabor.org

Spring Arts Walk. Downtown Olympia—April 26-27. Olympia Arts Walk is a semi-annual community event celebrating the arts. For the full schedule including music, food, and seeing and making art, see https://www.artswalkoly.com/events

Luminary Procession. Downtown Olympia— April 26. 8:30 pm. For details on participation and procession route, https://oly-wa.us/procession/

Procession of the Species. Downtown Olympia– April 27. 4:30. For details, https://oly-wa.us/procession/

Monthly Grief Walk. Scatter Creek, Rochester—April 28. 11 to 1:30. Simply walking together, being under the trees, and doing reflective activities leads to release, relief, and rootedness. Free and food and outdoor gear are provided. Besides frequent events, registration is now open for summer experiences for teens. Wild Grief. https://www.wildgrief.org/

March and Solidarity Gathering for International Workers Day. Downtown Olympia. May 1. 5:30 pm. 4^th Ave and State Ave NW, Olympia to begin march across 4^th Ave. Bridge. May 1. 6:30 pm. Solidarity Night at New Traditions, Olympia. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the history of the Haymarket Martyrs of 1886 and the International Workers Day their arrests and execution inspired. South Sound Labor School. Thurston-Lewis-Mason Labor Council. https://www.tlmlabor.org

History Talk: Generationally-Linked Archaeology in Our Region. Schmidt House, 330 Schmidt Pl SW, Tumwater—May 2. 11:45 to 1:00. Free. https://olytumfoundation.org/schmidt-house/

Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Festival 2024. South Puget Sound Community College, Lacey Campus – May 11. 11 to 4. Performances, food vendors, arts and crafts, resource tables, and free activities for the entire family. https://www.apicsouthpugetsound.org/aanhpi-heritage-month-celebration

Olympia Peace Choir Concert. St. John’s Episcopal Church—May 11. Combined Choir Community Concert. The choir is dedicated to using the power of song to create peace and promote social justice and environmental stewardship. https://theolympiapeacechoir.org/

Sea Stroll. Puget Sound Estuarium, Olympia. May 12, July 12, and Sept. 8. Learn how the cultural and ecological history of Olympia’s historic shoreline intertwine during our Sea Stroll tours! 2.25 hours long. Adults $15.00. Kids free. https://pugetsoundestuarium.org/

Annual Mother’s Day 5K & Kids 1 Mile Run. Hands on Childrens Museum, Olympia —May 12. Pets, strollers, friends, and family are highly encouraged! Join us as we celebrate moms and raise money to support families and survivors in our community! Family Support Center of South Sound. Contact maijag@fscss.org to register.

A Soulful Sunday Afternoon – Benefiting Burundians. New Traditions, Olympia. May 19. 3:00 – 5:00 PM Jazz, and opportunity to meet humanitarian Prosper Ndabishurive. Free but call 360-705-2819 to reserve your seats or table. Donations benefit JRMD. www.jrmd.org

Chibi Chibi Con. The Evergreen State College. May 25. A student-produced and free convention for anime and gaming. Craft booths, cosplay, games, film, contests, and so on. https://chibichibicon.wordpress.com/