Now Open through October 18: The Hoh River Story, acclaimed Washington State nature photographer Keith Lazelle uses his keen artistic eye to capture the dramatic beauty of the Hoh River, one of only a few virtually intact and pristine rivers in the contiguous United States. Accompanying the lush visuals and informative text are nature sounds by Emmy-award winning sound recordist Gordon Hempton that will immerse visitors in an audio experience of one of America’s last great rivers. In the Washington State History Museum’s new traveling environmental photography exhibit, Fast Moving Water. :Organized by the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Seattle, and the Hoh River Trust, Fast Moving Water: The Hoh River Story presents 14 framed color photographs of the Hoh River ecosystem. Visitors will follow the story of the Hoh River, from its rich history and cultural significance, to the remarkable tale of cooperation among environmentalists, local communities, tribes, and government to protect and preserve the river.

June 30, Tue., 5:00 pm: The Capitol Visitor Center will close; part of budget cutting by General Administration. Visitor information is still available inside the Leg Building, Room 111, next to the Gift Shop near the southeast building entrance.

July 1, Wed.: Beginning July 1, 2009, parking fees for the Capitol Campus will include a sales tax or leasehold excise tax, depending on the type of parking space. This change is the result of a Revenue ruling that parking fees are subject to taxes. However, the amount currently paid by our parking customers will remain the same for now. General Administration is absorbing the taxes this fiscal year.

July 1, Weds.: Your July 2009 FTE News Magazine will be available online today, with delivery beginning in Lacey and West Olympia on Wednesday; Thursday in Olympia and Tumwater. Due to changes in Postal Regulations and increased postal costs plus saving the environment, the FTE News Magazine will no longer be mailed to state offices. Please inform your co-workers to view online 24/7 at www.ftemag.com

July 3, Fri.: A State Holiday. All state offices will be closed.

July 4, Sat.: National Independence Day observed.

July 8, 4 to 7 p.m.- The Volunteer Center of Lewis, Mason and Thurston Counties is hosting a Summer of Service starting with a Kick Off Party at Heritage Park in Olympia. This free event is open to the public and includes face-painting, ice cream, beach party atmosphere and the opportunity to sign up for Summer of Service community projects. Here's the Summer of Service schedule of events:

" Aug. 1, Volunteer Green Day: Multiple environmentally focused projects with organizations including the Nature Conservancy, Tumwater Falls Park, Woodland Trails Greenway Association and more.

" Sept. 11, Volunteer Education Day: Multiple creative projects supporting the work of our region's educators. Many of these activities are family and youth friendly.

" June 22 - Sept. 11: Dozens of Summer of Service projects hosted by local nonprofit and public agencies including Wolf Haven, Capital Land Trust, Hands On Children's Museum and others. Anyone who has a service project they would like added to the list or would like information on creating a service project of their own, should contact the Volunteer Center at 360-741-2622. The full list of Summer of Service volunteer activities will be available at the Summer of Service Kick Off Party and on our Web site at www.volunteer.ws

July 11, Sat., 9:00 - 3:00: Tumwater Pet Fair and Trade Show at The Hampton Alzheimer’s Special Care Center, 1400 Trosper Road in Tumwater. All Pets welcome but must be on a leash. Family fun with a Bonce House, Petting Zoo, Food Booths, Exhibits, Pet Adoptions, KidsZone area with Games, Crafts and Activities. Admission $1.00 or One Pet Food Item Donation. All proceeds benefit the South Sound Alzheimer’s Council. Food & Supply donations for Thurston County Animal Services. www.TumwaterPetFair.wordpress.com

July 11, Sat. 10 am to 8 pm: FREE All-Day family friendly Wolf Haven Annual Festival. Live bands, Root Beer Garden (with Olympic Mountain Ice Cream from Shelton),wildlife artists, eco-friendly vendors, food, and lots of kid fun activities. For more information or to make camping or Art Show reservations, visit www.WolfHaven.org or call (800) 448-9653 Ext.217.

posted by FTEmag.com Staff at 12:01 AM