Orca Books welcomes Olympia Simon Calcavecchia, author of the new picture book "Stuck in the Mud. Book one in The Adventures of Frank and Mustard", a delightful story about two buddies who use their wits, and the help of their friends, to get out of a sticky situation. The book is illustrated by local artist Arturo Alvarez.

This is a FREE event, great for kids age 4-8!

About the author:

In 2002, Simon Calcavecchia moved to Australia to follow his dream of playing rugby. After his third game of the season, he was injured in a scrum leaving him with c5/6 quadriplegia. Several years after the injury, Simon graduated from The Evergreen State College with a bachelor's degree in liberal arts. After graduating, he spent most of his time volunteering with preschool children, which partly inspired him to write The Adventures of Frank and Mustard.

Simon continues to inspire others by following his dreams and living a life of passion regardless of his disability. The stories of Frank and Mustard are based on his personal experiences. They are meant to inspire children and adults to never give up.

ThurstonTalk recently posted a great article about Simon and the Frank and Mustard series here: http://www.thurstontalk.com/2016/07/09/simon-calcavecchia/

Love board games? Join us at the Tumwater Timberland Library on Wednesday, August 10 for an exciting new experience! We’re located at 7023 New Market St SW, accessible via Intercity Transit route 12/13.  Call 360-943-7790 for more information.

I haven't given up on OlyBlog... but pretty much all my spare time between now and November 8th is committed to working to pass I-732. (In case you hadn't heard, it's an initiative to help slow climate change and make the tax system fairer.)

You can learn more about it in this CNN piece, on PBS, or on Audubon Washington's endorsement page. (We now have a local campaign Facebook page too, at http://www.facebook.com/carbonthurston/)

And if you'd like to do your bit to help pass it, you could email me...

Best wishes,
Thad

Come join us at the Olympia library for a night warped and wonderful music, plus a reading!  All library programs are free and open to the public.  Call 360-352-0595 with any questions.

Join us at the Olympia Timberland Library, where Paige Orwin will discuss her new SF/Fantasy novel, The Interminables.  All library programs are free and open to the public.  Copies of the book will be available to buy.  Feel free to call 360-352-0595 with any questions.

Savor hand-crafted cocktails with native plant infusions created by Katie Rains and enjoy live music by Daven Tillinghast. $25 tickets include entry, hors d'oeuvres and a drink of your choice. Nonalcoholic drinks available. Event sponsored by The Brotherhood Lounge and many others!

Visit nativeplantsalvage.org to register!

Forests, Farms, Fish & Fun!

August 13, 2016

Save the date for the Capitol Land Trust's 16th Annual Summer Gala & Auction!

August 13, 2016
5 PM to 9 PM
Ralph and Nancy Munro’s Triple Creek Farm in west Olympia

Come celebrate what the conservation of Forests, Farms and Fish does for our community, and what educational opportunities and fun in nature can do for children and adults.  Event proceeds will benefit conservation and outreach programs. A special Fund-a-Need will support the proposed Inspiring Kids Preserve.   Contact capitollandtrust.org to sign up.

SATURDAY June 25th at 3pm: Kris Hermes will talk about his new book, "Crashing the Party: Legacies and Lessons from the RNC 2000." This is a FREE event at Orca Books, 509 4th Ave E.

Over the past fifteen years, people in the United States—and dissidents in particular—have witnessed a steady escalation of the National Security State, including invasive surveillance and infiltration, indiscriminate police violence, and unlawful arrests. These concerted efforts to spy on Americans and undermine meaningful social change are greatly enhanced by the coordination of numerous local, state, and federal agencies often operating at the behest of private corporations. Normally associated with the realities of a post-9/11 world, Crashing the Party shows how these developments were already being set in motion during the Republican National Convention (RNC) protests in 2000. It also documents how, in response, dissidents confronted new forms of political repression by pushing legal boundaries and establishing new models of collective resistance.

My friend and mentor Paul Enns produced this cool video called Paul & Brian Ride the Bus (to get a beer.) It is part of the Drive Less, Go More effort at Panorama to encourage public transit. It is a fun and entertaining show about how we took the bus to Three Magnets Brewery for beer and sandwiches.  There are also good tips on the bus apps and planning trips.

https://vimeo.com/170495070