Coming events

Use now and save for future reference:
COMING EVENTS

Mid-July to Early August 2016

(Mostly in Olympia WA, with some in Tacoma, Seattle, and elsewhere)

Also see thorough calendars in Olympia FOR’s newsletters at www.olympiafor.org

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  Events with FOR in the left margin are sponsored by the Fellowship of Reconciliation.
  
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  All phone numbers are in area code (360) unless specified otherwise.
  
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  All addresses are in or near Olympia WA unless specified otherwise.
  
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  The Olympia FOR’s website -- www.olympiafor.org – includes the last several years’ worth of newsletters, including descriptions of our TV programs. You can watch our TV programs through our website’s TV Programs page.
  
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  If you’d like to receive future issues of our newsletter on paper by postal mail – and/or electronic copies by e-mail – contact [e-mail] or [phone].
  

EVERY WEEK:

Every Monday through Friday from 5:00 to 6:00 am: “Democracy Now” with Amy Goodman on TCTV cable channel 22 in Thurston County. (For a number of years the Olympia FOR has provided financial support for TCTV’s airing of “Democracy Now.”)

Every Mon through Fri from 9:00 to 10:00 am: Amy Goodman’s “Democracy Now,” KAOS 89.3 FM

FOR Every Monday at 1:30 pm: Olympia FOR’s program on TCTV, cable channel 22 in Thurston County – or watch it at any time on your computer through www.olympiafor.org: JULY’s program focuses on the annual tribal canoe journey. Our guests will be active in the 2016 Paddle to Nisqually, which will arrive in Olympia at the end of July. AUGUST: “How Science and Art Explain the Carbon Cycle and Climate.” -- See descriptions and watch the programs through www.olympiafor.org/tv_programs.htm or watch on TCTV. Info: Glen Anderson 491-9093 [e-mail]

Every Monday through Friday from 4:00 to 5:00 pm: “Democracy Now” with Amy Goodman on TCTV cable channel 22 in Thurston County. (For a number of years the Olympia FOR has provided financial support for TCTV’s airing of “Democracy Now.”)

Every Monday through Friday from 5:00 to 5:30 pm: Free Speech Radio News on KAOS 89.3 FM

Every Monday at 5:00 pm: Veterans for Peace airs a locally produced program on TCTV. Info: Dennis Mills 867-1487 [e-mail] and www.vfp109rcc.org

FOR Every Wednesday from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm: Peace Vigil in NW corner of Sylvester Park (at Legion & Capitol Way) has persisted since March 5, 1980. Please come for all or part of the hour to witness in a friendly way for peace and nonviolence. We provide plenty of signs. Info: glen@ olympiafor.org 491-9093 www.olympiafor.org/vigils.htm

FOR Every Wednesday at 5:00 pm: Olympia FOR’s program on TCTV, cable channel 22 in Thurston County – – or watch it at any time on your computer through www.olympiafor.org: JULY’s program focuses on the annual tribal canoe journey. Our guests will be active in the 2016 Paddle to Nisqually, which will arrive in Olympia at the end of July. AUGUST: “How Science and Art Explain the Carbon Cycle and Climate.” -- See descriptions and watch the programs through www.olympiafor.org/tv_programs.htm or watch on TCTV. Info: Glen Anderson 491-9093 [e-mail]

Every Wednesday at 5:00 pm: Hear “Talk Nation Radio” on KAOS-FM 89.3: This 29-minute radio program offers politically progressive programs through the Pacifica Network. Info: http://davidswanson.org/talknationradio

Every Thursday from 12:00 to 1:00 pm: Kim Dobson’s “Parallel University” on KAOS 89.3 FM interviews knowledgeable, interesting experts on peace, social justice, the environment, progressive politics, and other alternative viewpoints. Info: Kim Dobson. 951-4382, [e-mail] and https://www.facebook.com/pages/Parallel-University-Radio-Show/148750248532028) See list of current and past topics and guests. Listen locally at 89.3 FM or at www.kaosradio.org

Every Thursday from 4 to 5 pm: Cop Watch volunteers invite you to connect with local efforts to monitor police behavior: Cop Watch’s concerned citizens are available to hear your stories and strengthen local efforts. Come to Traditions Café, 5^th & Water, Olympia.

Every Thursday at 8:00 pm: Veterans for Peace airs a locally produced program on TCTV. Info: Dennis Mills 867-1487 [e-mail] and www.vfp109rcc.org

FOR Every Thursday at 9:00 pm: Olympia FOR’s program on TCTV, cable channel 22 in Thurston County – or watch it at any time on your computer through www.olympiafor.org: JULY’s program focuses on the annual tribal canoe journey. Our guests will be active in the 2016 Paddle to Nisqually, which will arrive in Olympia at the end of July. AUGUST: “How Science and Art Explain the Carbon Cycle and Climate.” -- See descriptions and watch the programs through www.olympiafor.org/tv_programs.htm or watch on TCTV. Info: Glen Anderson 491-9093 [e-mail]

Every Friday from 8:30 to 10:30 am: The Housing Justice Project can help low-income tenants: From 8:30 to 10:30 am Thurston County Volunteer Legal Services presents the Housing Justice Project at the Thurston County Superior Courthouse, Bldg. 2, 2000 Lakeridge Drive SW, Olympia. They offer landlord/tenant advice for the tenants, unlawful detainer docket representation, and help for mobile home owners with complaints about rules violations, notices from landlords or park owners and mobile home eviction cases. Call 705-8194 for information or to schedule an appointment. For immediate legal information call toll-free [phone] between 9:15 am and 12:15 pm Monday through Friday.

FOR Every Friday from 4:30 to 6:00 pm: Peace Vigil at Percival Landing’s south end, 4^th & Water, downtown. Please join us for whatever length of time you can. We provide plenty of signs. The Artesian Rumble Arkestra street band joins us at 5:00 with lively music to support our vigil! The Olympia FOR has sponsored this since November 1998. Info: 491-9093 [e-mail] www.olympiafor.org/vigils.htm and www.oly-wa.us/artesianrumble

Every Friday from 5:00 to 6:00 pm: “Women in Black” Silent Vigil for Peace on the south side of W 4^th Ave near the fountain. Women only. Please wear all black. They provide a few signs. Since 1988 “Women in Black” has been a loose network of women worldwide opposed to war and violence. Info: Rosemary Barnhart 866-7589 [e-mail]

Every Friday night: Pier Peer at Boston Harbor: Look under the water at night! Pier Peer at Boston Harbor Marina is a nighttime underwater lighting event. The starting time varies by season. Peer below the waters of south Puget Sound and discover the lives of mysterious and beautiful creatures. Jellyfish, colorful sea slugs, predatory worms, seals chasing squid, and more visit us at the underwater lights. Learn about the animals of Puget Sound and see them like you never have before! Please bring your own flashlight (one per person is ideal), wear non-slip shoes and dress for the weather. $10/person age 12 or older. Each between child 6 and 11 must be accompanied by an adult. Bring a life vest for your child if you have one or use one the marina has available. It’s at Boston Harbor Marina, 312 73rd Ave NE, Olympia 98506. Sponsor: South Sound Estuary Association. Info: 915-0773 [e-mail] www.sseacenter.org You must sign up in advance at www.sseacenter.org/pier-peer If any Friday’s event is canceled due to weather or low registration, all registered participants will be notified by email and offered a space at an upcoming event.

FOR Every Saturday from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm: Peace Vigil in Centralia on the edge of Washington Park at Locust & Pearl in downtown Centralia. Sponsor: Lewis County’s “Fire Mountain” FOR chapter. Info: June Butler 748-9658 or Larry Kerschner 880-4741 [e-mail]

Every Saturday from 1:00 to 3:30 pm: Vigil for immigrants’ rights at the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma: Join with other concerned people for the weekly vigil at the Northwest Detention Center (1623 East J St.), Tacoma, from 1:00 to 3:30 pm. This privately owned, profit-making prison for immigrants provides poor care and is part of the systemic injustice in U.S. immigration policy. Participants bring coffee, sandwiches, juice and special snacks and toys for children. Info: Nancy Farrell [e-mail]

Every Saturday at 2:00 pm: Veterans for Peace airs a locally produced program on TCTV. Info: Dennis Mills 867-1487 [e-mail] and www.vfp109rcc.org

Every Sat and Sun: The South Sound Estuarium, a marine life discovery center, 309 State Ave NE, Olympia, is open from 11 am to 4 pm every Saturday and Sunday. Regular admission $5 for a family, $3 per individual adult, $1 for children 17 and younger, and free for association members. Also, you may schedule group visits during the week by appointment only. Info: Leihla 888-0565 www.sseacenter.wordpress.com

 Calendar items on specific dates begin on the next page …

SPECIFIC DATES

Register now for Sat-Wed Aug 13-17: Learn how to build BioSand Filters: Gather at beautiful Quaker Cove Camp at Anacortes (Skagit County) WA to learn this practical way to help people in other nations who lack safe drinking water. This year’s graduates of the training have been to or are planning to go to Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and Guatemala, and we expect others will go to Ghana and Sierra Leone. Cost: $395. Partial scholarships are available. Info: www.friendlywater.net. Info: [phone] or [e-mail]

FOR Now through Thursday July 28: “Nisqually Canoe Journey” -- Olympia FOR’s July TV program with two Nisqually tribal members who are very active in this special event airs at 5:00 pm WED JULY 20 and 27, 9:00 pm THURS JULY 21 and 28, and 1:30 pm MON JULY 25 on TCTV cable channel 22 in Thurston County for Thurston County’s cable subscribers. Also you can watch it anytime now or in the future through Olympia FOR’s website and read a very thorough summary and much more information at www.olympiafor.org/tv_programs.htm

Now through Thursday August 18: Ads on Metro buses alert Seattle’s people to the nearby dangers of nuclear weapons: 14 Seattle Metro downtown buses are displaying the following paid advertisement: “20 MILES WEST OF SEATTLE IS THE LARGEST CONCENTRATION OF DEPLOYED NUCLEAR WEAPONS IN THE US.” The ads show maps of the nearby (Bangor, Kitsap County) navy base, home port for 8 of the Navy’s 14 Trident nuclear powered submarines. More than 1,300 nuclear warheads are deployed there. The bus ads are an effort by Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action (www.gzcenter.org), a grassroots organization next to the Trident base that has worked since 1977 to nonviolently oppose nuclear weapons. Ground Zero member, Rodney Brunelle, said of the bus ad campaign, “We hope to generate a measure of citizen interest, and to begin a public discussion of nuclear weapons in the Puget Sound region. In this election year the danger of nuclear weapons ought to be a topic of discussion.” Leonard Eiger, a spokesperson for Ground Zero, reports that the U.S. now spends more on nuclear weapons programs than during the height of the Cold War, and that the U.S. plans to spend an estimated $1 trillion dollars over 30 years for rebuilding the nation’s nuclear facilities and modernizing nuclear weapons. See more information at www.gzcenter.org, including upcoming events, including the annual Interfaith Peace Walk through our region led by Bainbridge Island Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple from Sunday July 24 to Tuesday August 9; the Ground Zero Peace Fleet with the historic anti-nuclear sailboat Golden Rule meeting the Navy’s war ships in Seattle’s Elliott Bay on Wednesday August 3; the annual From Hiroshima to Hope event at Seattle’s Green Lake on Saturday August 6 commemorating the victims of the Hiroshima bombing 71 years ago; the annual Ground Zero Hiroshima/Nagasaki Commemoration on Sunday-Monday August 7-8 at Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action with a vigil and nonviolent civil resistance at entrance to Bangor; and the Boats by Bangor event on Tuesday August 9 – a flotilla of small boats, the Golden Rule and other sailboats in the waters of Hood Canal out past the perimeter of Naval Base Kitsap Bangor. See info and updates at www.gzcenter.org

Tues-Sat July 19-23: “Friendly Water for the World” offers training in building ferro-cement rainwater catchment systems that can serve poor foreign areas without safe drinking water: It will be at the Yelm WA home of Friendly Water Technical Advisor Wayne Medrud. Some folks will be learning for the first time; others will be practicing for work to be done abroad. If you’d like to come from out-of-town and need a place to stay, please contact us. Cost: $100 whether you come for one day or five (because all the costs are in materials.) Bring your own lunch. Info and registration: www.friendlywater.net or [e-mail] [phone]

Wed July 20: “The Imperative of Nuclear Disarmament and New Priorities in an Increasingly Dangerous World” -- This conference call begins at 6:00 pm Pacific Daylight Time. Call [phone] and enter participants’ code 495518. The U.S. is building extremely dangerous new nuclear weapons, pushing NATO’s weapons and troops to Russia’s borders, and provoking Russia into a new nuclear weapons arms race. Politicians are ignoring the dangers or actually provoking them, so ordinary people must avert nuclear war. This conference call will feature three nationally respected experts. It is co-sponsored by People Demanding Action (PDA) and PDA’s End War & Occupation team. Progressive Democrats of America: http://pda.nationbuilder.com/ RSVP at this link:


FOR Wed July 20: “Confronting the Climate Crisis”: Olympia FOR’s vigorous group meets on the third Wednesday of each month from 6:30 to 8:30 at the Olympia Center, 222 Columbia St. NW, downtown. Info: [phone] [e-mail] www.olympiafor.org/Climate_Crisis.html

Wed-Sat July 20-23: Principles of Community Organizing Training: Join community organizers and grassroots leaders in the Western Organization of Resource Councils' Principles of Community Organizing Training Session in Billings, Montana. WORC is conducting only one of these nationally-recognized trainings this summer. This interactive workshop covers a range of skills and topics for community organizers and leaders of grassroots community groups. Tuition for this workshop is $100 for approved members of WORC’s member organizations and $500 for non-WORC participants. Tuition does not include travel, meals, or lodging. Application through www.worc.org or www.tinyurl.com/h9tjtk8

FOR Thurs July 21: Global Days of Listening: Participate in this monthly worldwide conversation for peace: The opportunity in Olympia is at the home of Chuck Schultz and Rozanne Rants very early this morning (5:30-8:30 am), which is from 5 to 8 pm Kabul, Afghanistan time. The Afghan Peace Volunteers’ #Enough! Campaign was launched during the GDoL conversation on Sept. 21, 2015, the International Day of Peace. The #Enough! Campaign is a multi-year/24/7 project that connects projects of the Afghan Peace Volunteers: their ongoing Street Kids School of Kabul and The Duvet Project, which are in their 2nd and 4th years of operation, respectively. Info: Doug Mackey [phone] [e-mail] Chuck Schultz [phone] [e-mail] and www.globaldaysoflistening.org

Thurs July 21: Native Plant Walk and Native Plant Salvage: Gather at McLane Creek Nature Trail (lower trail head) for our monthly plant walks series starting at 5:30 p.m. All ages and levels of experience are welcome! Register by emailing [e-mail] or just show up with some friends. Info: www.nativeplantsalvage.org/monthly-plant-walks and WSU Extension & Native Plant Salvage Foundation [phone] www.nativeplantsalvage.org

Thurs July 21: If the military ships supplies through the Port of Olympia, local peace folks want to say no and be ready to take nonviolent actions. A planning meeting will occur at 5:30 pm at the Olympia Center, 222 Columbia Street NW.

Fri July 22: Reduce suicide among military veterans: Participate in today’s Veteran Suicide Awareness March: It begins at 12:00 noon on the steps of the Washington State Capitol Building. More than 22 veterans per day commit suicide, so the sponsoring non-profit organization, Twenty22Many (pronounced 22-too-many), confronts the veteran suicide crisis through common fellowship that encourages holistic healthcare solutions for their members. This July 22^nd Twenty22Many and their supporters are marching to bring awareness to the suicide crisis while providing a message of hope. The march begins at the Capitol steps with a brief press conference and a simple message that includes supporting medicinal cannabis therapies for qualified patients who are still suffering from the traumas of war. They welcome all who want to spread the message of hope. This is a family friendly event. Info: [phone] and [phone] and [e-mail]

Fri July 22: Community Forum: “Are We Bigger than Bernie? Actions, Ideas and Projects for 2016! Tonight’s community forum follows up on the June 27 discussion about "What does the current shape of the 2016 Presidential elections mean for economic & social justice?" Tonight’s forum will emphasize social movement building and its relationship to the elections. We’re hoping to generate discussion, thoughtful engagement and create a space for people to listen to one another. 7:00-9:00 pm at Traditions Fair Trade Café, 5^th & Water SW, downtown Olympia. Info: Peter Bohmer [e-mail]

Sat July 23 to Sun July 31: Golden Rule anti-nuclear sailing ship visits Olympia (and other nearby ports before and after this): In 1958 four anti-nuclear Quaker activists sailed the Golden Rule toward the Pacific Ocean’s Marshall Islands with the intention of nonviolently interfering with atmospheric nuclear bomb testing. They felt like they had no choice but to use this Gandhian style non-violent direct action. When the crew was arrested in Honolulu, the public outcry was huge all over the world. The atmospheric nuclear tests stopped later that year. In 1963 President Kennedy signed the Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty with the USSR and UK. The Golden Rule was inactive for decades, but was rebuilt and re-launched in 2015. Now it is sailing along the Pacific coast to educate people about nuclear weapons, nuclear power, uranium mining, and other nuclear dangers – and positively urging a nuclear-free, peaceful, sustainable world. It will visit Olympia and other ports in our region from mid-July to early August. It has strong support from some members of Veterans for Peace. Info: www.VFPGoldenRuleProject.org

Sun July 24 to Tues August 9: Annual Interfaith Peace Walk led by Bainbridge Island Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple, coming through our area to the Trident nuclear submarine base. See info and updates at www.gzcenter.org

Fri July 29: Golden Rule anti-nuclear sailing ship – public info event in downtown Olympia at 7:00 pm at Traditions Café, 5^th & Water, downtown: See info in the July 23 listing above. Info: www.VFPGoldenRuleProject.org

Sat July 30 and the following week: Support Northwest Native Canoe Journeys that land at Port of Olympia on Saturday July 30, and participate in the following week’s talks, celebrations and ceremonies at Nisqually Reservation. Everyone is welcome to many of the activities, and the Nisqually Nation invites volunteers to help in several ways. Look for the landing at the Port of Olympia’s NorthPoint location, 1675 Marine Drive NE. Olympia, WA 98501. Info: www.paddletonisqually.com Also, Interfaith Works of Thurston County is supporting. See www.interfaith-works.org/event/the-paddle-to-nisqually Also, see the Olympia FOR’s July 2016 TV program, which is about the Canoe Journey and features Nisqually guests. Watch on the “TV Programs” part of www.olympiafor.org at any time now or in the future, and also on TCTV cable channel 22 in Thurston County three times a week during July (Mondays 1:30 pm, Wednesdays 5:00 pm, and Thursdays 9:00 pm).

FOR Mon Aug 1: “How Science and Art Explain the Carbon Cycle and Climate.” -- Olympia FOR’s August TV program debuts at 1:30 pm this afternoon on TCTV cable channel 22 in Thurston County. We have already posted it to our website, www.olympiafor.org See description and watch the program through www.olympiafor.org/tv_programs.htm and watch programs three times a week this month (every Monday at 1:30 pm, every Wednesday at 5:00 pm, and every Thursday at 9:00 pm) on TCTV cable channel 22 in Thurston County WA. Info: Glen Anderson 491-9093 [e-mail]

FOR Tues Aug 2: Olympia FOR’s book discussion group meets at 6:00 pm on the first Tuesday of each month, with a different topic each month. For tonight, read a book about any treaty or treaties – and plan to spend a few minutes summarizing the book you read. Meet at 6:00 pm at the home of Jim Bellinger, 1515 Tullis St NE, just a bit north of San Francisco Street NE. Info: [phone], [e-mail]

Wed Aug 3: Peace Fleet meets the Navy’s parade of war ships in Seattle’s Elliott Bay near Pier 66 at 12 noon in a water-based nonviolent protest against the glorification of weapons of war at Seattle’s Seafair festival. Other activists will meet on land near at Piers 62/63 on the Seattle waterfront at the same time for a nonviolent demonstration against weapons of war. This will be the 15th year for this event sponsored by the Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action. Everyone is welcome to join in. See info and updates at www.gzcenter.org

Thurs Aug 4: Nuclear weapons film, poem, discussion: Bernie Meyer is hosting this WAKE-UP CALL about the Original Child Bomb, from its beginning to now. Enjoy snacks and social time from 6:30 to 7:00 pm, followed by a powerful, creative 57-minute film documentary “Original Child Bomb” about Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and Thomas Merton’s poem with the same title that inspired the film. Traditions Café, 5^th & Water, downtown Olympia. Info: Bernie Meyer [phone] [e-mail]

Fri Aug 5: Interfaith Amigos visit Olympia with a unique blend of spiritual wisdom and humor: After the Shabbat service at 6:00 pm (to which everyone is invited), enjoy hearing Imam Jamal Rahman, Rabbi Ted Falcon, and Pastor Dave Brown openly address the usual taboos of interfaith dialogue – the “awkward” parts of each tradition – in order to create a more authentic conversation. 7:30 pm at Temple Beth Hatfiloh, 201 8^th Ave SE (corner of Washington Street SE), in downtown Olympia. This is sponsored by Unity of Olympia in cooperation with Temple Beth Hatfiloh and Rabbi Seth Goldstein and Interfaith Works of Thurston County. Info: 943-5757

Sat Aug 6: The annual From Hiroshima to Hope event at Seattle’s Green Lake on Saturday August 6 commemorates the victims of the Hiroshima bombing 71 years ago. See info and updates at www.gzcenter.org

Sun Aug 7: Brunch to benefit Media Island: This month learn about and support the Olympia Zine Fest: The DIY Zine Fest will take place in Olympia on Sat-Sun Oct 1-2. This will be an opportunity to meet some of the organizers and to learn more about what they are planning. On the first Sunday each month Media Island International (MII) hosts a benefit brunch from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm to raise visibility and funds for a local non-profit organization. Enjoy a simple, tasty brunch for a worthy cause each month, and donate a voluntary amount rather than a fixed price. Media Island is at 816 Adams Street SE (just east across Adams Street from Olympia's downtown library). If you need a handicap entrance, use the alley behind it, accessible from 9th Ave SE. Info: 352-8526 [e-mail]

Sun Aug 7: Veterans for Peace (Olympia’s Chapter 109) invites veterans and others to their monthly meeting at their NEWEST LOCATION, the POWER office, 309 5th Ave, SE, downtown Olympia, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Their new office is at a different location, Suite 207 of the Security Building, 203 4th Ave East, downtown Olympia.Info:: Dennis Mills 867-1487 [e-mail] and www.vfp109rcc.org

Sun-Mon Aug 7-8: The annual Ground Zero Hiroshima/Nagasaki Commemoration at Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action will feature a vigil and nonviolent civil resistance at entrance to the Trident nuclear submarine base at Bangor in Kitsap County. See info and updates at www.gzcenter.org

Sun-Tues Aug 7-9 in Seattle: Just Sustainability: Hope for the Commons Conference: Seattle University’s biennial conference occurs August 7-9. Just Sustainability will feature keynote addresses and presentations by practitioners and researchers on the social, environmental and economic aspects of sustainability. From eco-footprint workshops to tours of the Beacon Hill Food Forest, Just Sustainability will highlight how we can work together to ensure the well-being of all people while caring for our common home. Seattle University Piggott Auditorium, 901 12th Ave. Seattle 98122 Info: www.seattleu.edu/cejs/conference-just-sustainability Register: www.regonline.com/Register/Checkin.aspx?EventID=1804166

Tues Aug 9: A flotilla of small boats, the Golden Rule and other sailboats will gather in the waters of Hood Canal out past the perimeter of Naval Base Kitsap Bangor. See info and updates at www.gzcenter.org

Tues Aug 9: Thurston County’s chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW) also serves adjacent Mason, Lewis and Grays Harbor counties: 5:30-7:00 pm at Traditions Café, 5^th & Water, downtown Olympia. Visitors are welcome! Info: Linda 357-7272 [e-mail]

FOR Wed Aug 10: Everyone is invited to Olympia FOR’s annual Potluck Picnic (5:30 pm) and stay for our Steering Committee meeting (6:30 pm) in the Rose Garden Kitchen area of Priest Point Park. Go north on East Bay Drive NE, continue onto Boston Harbor Road NE, and turn right to enter the park. Info: [phone] [e-mail]

Thurs Aug 11: Thurston Climate Action Team (TCAT) invites you to learn how to make your home more energy-efficient, save money, and reduce greenhouse gas pollution: TCAT and the Thurston Economic Development Council collaborate to form Thurston Energy. Thurston Energy’s Wayne Ballew will lead a panel of professionals for tonight’s informational session, 7:00-9:00 pm at Traditions Fair Trade Café, 300 5th Avenue SW, downtown Olympia. Info: [e-mail] and www.thurstonclimateaction.org

FOR Fri Aug 12: A special activity is being planned for this afternoon’s peace vigil at Percival Landing: The vigil runs from 4:30 to 6:00 as always, and this special activity is being planned for part of that time. Info: [phone] [e-mail]

Tickets are on sale now for Fri Aug 12: Dinner, entertainment and more to benefit the Rachel Corrie Foundation’s upcoming Arab Festival (Sat. Oct. 8 downtown): From 5:30 to 8:30 tonight enjoy a lively and culturally rich evening featuring a delicious Middle Eastern dinner, no-host bar, live music, guest entertainment, raffles and prize giveaways. You can also shop for amazing gifts including exclusive hand-crafted Palestinian embroidery, delicious Canaan Fair Trade products, and more. Tonight’s event will occur from 5:30 to 8:30 pm at 1751 Circle Lane SE in Panorama City, Lacey (just east of Olympia). Info: www.rachelcorriefoundation.org and [phone]. Tickets ($30-$40) are available online, over the phone, by mail, and in person. All proceeds from this event will directly benefit Shuruq III: The Olympia Arab Festival, which the Foundation will hold on Saturday, October 8, 2016 from 11 am to 5pm at The Olympia Center, 222 Columbia Street NW, downtown.

Fri-Sat Aug 12-13: Northwest Community Coalition for Police Accountability Summer Gathering: A variety of organizations in the NW that work for racial justice, police accountability, human rights, civil liberties, etc. are gathering again in Portland, Oregon. Here is a great opportunity to connect with the Northwest Community Coalition for Police Accountability. In order to strengthen our regional solidarity and develop a long-term, strategic framework, a Summer Gathering of activists will held in at Portland State University in Portland, Oregon, on Fri-Sat Aug 12-13. More information and registration here Please share and invite your friends. 

Sat Aug 13: Citizens Climate Lobby Meeting: This non-profit, non-partisan, grassroots advocacy organization focuses on national policies to address climate change. In order to generate the political will necessary for passage of our Carbon Fee and Dividend proposal we train and support volunteers to engage elected officials, the media and the public. 9:30-11:30 am at the Olympia Center, 222 Columbia St NW, downtown Olympia. Info: Stuart Chisholm [e-mail] and David Foutch [e-mail] and www.citizensclimatelobby.org/chapters/WA_Olympia

Sat Aug 13: “Active Peace: A Mindful Path to a Nonviolent World” – Scott Brown, author of this book, speaks at 4:00 pm today at Last Word Books, 111 Cherry Street NE, downtown Olympia. In this book, peacemaker and psychologist Scott Brown, M.A., answers the big question of, “Why do we do so much violence to ourselves, others, and the Earth?” He recognizes that “separateness” is the root cause and weaves together some ways to move beyond separateness into the lived experience of interrelatedness. He is not a mere armchair philosopher but is actually engaged in substantive peacemaking. Info: www.4ActivePeace.com and [phone]. He is co-host Restoration Dialogues, http://www.4activepeace.com/resources/podcastsinterviews

Register now for Sat-Wed Aug 13-17: Learn how to build BioSand Filters: Gather at beautiful Quaker Cove Camp at Anacortes (Skagit County) WA to learn this practical way to help people in other nations who lack safe drinking water. This year’s graduates of the training have been to or are planning to go to Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and Guatemala, and we expect others will go to Ghana and Sierra Leone. Cost: $395. Partial scholarships are available. Info: www.friendlywater.net. Info: [phone] or [e-mail]

FOR Tues August 23: Attend the quarterly meeting of the Olympia FOR’s Committee for Alternatives to the Death Penalty at 7:00 pm at a comfortable, convenient location in West Olympia. We educate ourselves and plan activities toward abolishing this atrocity. Info: Emily Hammargren 352-0695 [e-mail] or Glen Anderson 491-9093 [e-mail]. See much info about the death penalty at www.olympiafor.org/death_penalty.htm

For events happening in the greater Olympia area see the Olympia FOR’s newsletters at www.olympiafor.org and calendar items posted at http://www.olympiafor.org/calendar_of_coming_events.htm