Raindancer Wild Bird Rescue will introduce their education bird, a peregrine falcon, while discussing the natural history of birds and the conservation issues facing birds and their habitats.

Traditions Fair Trade, 300 Fifth Ave. SW, Olympia
Dr. Guy McPherson, Conservation Biologist, is internationally known for his synthesis of research on abrupt climate change— as fueled by irreversible, self reinforcing feedback loops triggered by human CO2 emissions. He is a leading expert on the risk of near-term human extinction due to abrupt climate change and will be speaking about our collective response to Earth’s newest phase of accelerated warming. Free and open to the public. Donations welcome.

Come join us at the library for this unique program!  All library programs are free and open to the public.

Harlequin Productions Presents The Last Five Years
A Musical about the Highs of Love and the Lows of Loss
On August 18, Harlequin Productions opens The Last Five Years, an award-winning musical by multi Tony-award winning composer Jason Robert Brown. The show runs until September 10 at the State Theater in downtown Olympia. Tickets are available now at harlequinproductions.org.
The Last Five Years features only two actors and tells the story of the rise and fall of a five-year relationship between Jamie and Cathy, played by musical theater veterans Aaron Lamb and Katherine Strohmaier. The two take turns singing songs, telling the story from their point of view. However, Jamie begins his story at the beginning of the relationship and each song moves him forward in time, while Cathy begins at the end of the relationship and each song moves her backward in time. “This unique storytelling technique adds great nuance to the story,” said Harlequin Artistic Director Linda Whitney. “Add in Jason Robert Brown’s breathtaking musical score, and the result is a powerful story of love and loss and a poignant examination of modern-day relationships.”
This is the third musical Harlequin is staging this season, something that has never happened in the company’s 25-year history. It is a special commemoration of Harlequin’s silver anniversary season.

Harlequin Productions Presents The Last Five Years
A Musical about the Highs of Love and the Lows of Loss
On August 18, Harlequin Productions opens The Last Five Years, an award-winning musical by multi Tony-award winning composer Jason Robert Brown. The show runs until September 10 at the State Theater in downtown Olympia. Tickets are available now at harlequinproductions.org.
The Last Five Years features only two actors and tells the story of the rise and fall of a five-year relationship between Jamie and Cathy, played by musical theater veterans Aaron Lamb and Katherine Strohmaier. The two take turns singing songs, telling the story from their point of view. However, Jamie begins his story at the beginning of the relationship and each song moves him forward in time, while Cathy begins at the end of the relationship and each song moves her backward in time. “This unique storytelling technique adds great nuance to the story,” said Harlequin Artistic Director Linda Whitney. “Add in Jason Robert Brown’s breathtaking musical score, and the result is a powerful story of love and loss and a poignant examination of modern-day relationships.”
This is the third musical Harlequin is staging this season, something that has never happened in the company’s 25-year history. It is a special commemoration of Harlequin’s silver anniversary season.

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.