Leadership Thurston County (LTC) is now accepting applications for a few remaining spaces in the Class of 2010, which begins September 25, 2009. Now in its 16th year, LTC provides a comprehensive, 10-month program for participants to meet influential community leaders and learn first-hand about some of the economic, social and cultural issues facing Thurston County. Over 300 people from businesses, government agencies and non-profit organizations have graduated from the program. There is a $1,500 cost for the year. For information, call Patti Grant at 360.357.8515, go to the LTC website www.LeadThurstonCounty.com or email LTC@ThurstonChamber.com

Now through Sept. 27, Do the Puyallup, Celebrate the Big Fantastic. Details at www.thefair.com Exclusively at The Fair, Kids Pak and Fair Paks, with over $50.00 savings on food and fun at the fair with offers only available with Pak purchases. Kids Pak is $10.00 each; Fair Pak is $15.00 each.

Sept.14, Mon., Noon WA State Capitol Museum presents Mima Mounds and the Development of South Puget Sound Prairies with Tim Walsh, Chief Hazards Geologist, Department of Natural Resources. Come learn more about our area's fascinating geology! The Mima Mounds are enigmatic features first described in the prairies of the southern Puget Lowland region. In Western Washington they can be found on terraces created at the end of the last glaciations, about 16,000 years ago. The name has been applied to mounds in other geologic settings elsewhere, although it is not clear that all mounds form in the same way. Many theories have been proposed to explain their origins. Tim Walsh's talk will focus on the geologic setting of mounds in Washington and what they might tell us about rapid climate change. State Capital Museum, 211 – 21st Ave SW, Olympia, (360) 753-2580. www.washingtonhistory.org

Suggested donation for each lecture is $2. WSHS members are free! You are welcome to bring lunch. Coffee and tea will be served. Doors open at 11 AM, one hour in advance of the program. Seating is on a first come, first serve basis.

Sept. 15, Tue. 11:30 am - 1:00 pm: Olympia CFD Charity Fair at the East Capitol Campus lawn.

NOTICE: EVENT DATE CHANGE

Sept. 16, Wed., 6 am - 1 pm: Department of Labor and Industries Annual Flower Arrangement and Plant Sale at 7273 Linderson Way SW, Tumwater in the Rotunda has been changed. Everyone is welcome to order in advance or come to the L&I Rotunda. Last year, many people pre-ordered, then come pick up their flower arrangements to take to friends or colleagues.

All proceeds go to the Combined Fund Drive. Prices are reasonable and quality is high. Come enjoy a colorful, artistic benefit. Pre-order multiple arrangements for friends or colleagues, by noon on Monday 9/14/09 contact Kelvin Hoang at hoak235@Lni.wa.gov Tell him when you'll arrive at L&I, so he can have your flowers ready for you.

Sept. 16, Wed., 11:30 am - 1:00 pm: Tumwater CFD Charity Fair at the Tumwater Farmer’s Market at Israel Road and Capitol Blvd. Also an opportunity to buy some fresh produce and excellent food and drink at the market.

Sept. 17, Thur., 1:00-4:30 pm: The Thurston County Fall Prevention Awareness Fair, will be held at the Lacey Community Center, 6729 Pacific Ave. SE, in Lacey. Demonstrations of Yoga and tai-chi, Balance exercises plus Fall Risk screening will be available. For more information go to http://www.fallsfreewashington.org/

Sept. 19 & 20, Sat. 10:00 am till 6:00 pm & Sun., 10:00 am till 4:00 pm: Home & Garden Show at the SW WA Fairgrounds in Chehalis. Over 80 vendor booths are expected to fill the Grandstand commercial area, the Expo Bldg., and the Floral Bldg. Ed Hume is scheduled to speak on Fall gardening topics on Sunday afternoon. Also, Susy Kyle will host organic farming displays and cooking demonstrations both days. Show hours are Saturday, and Sunday. Parking and admission for the show, and for all speakers are FREE. For more information on this event, call (360) 740-2655 or go online at: www.southwestwashingtonfair.net

Sept. 23, Wed., 11:00 - 2:00: Tumwater Farmers Market at Israel Road and Capitol Blvd, in Tumwater. www.tumwaterfarmersmarket.org

Sept 23, Wed., 6 – 8:30 p.m.: Expand your culinary talents by attending cooking classes with classically trained French Chef Thierry Liot..Soufflé Secrets Revealed. Chef Thierry shares France's best kept soufflé secrets while demonstrating classic techniques in making three savory and sweet French egg dishes. The soufflé's comeback is an economical and delicious answer for dinner with: Crab and Gruyère Cheese Soufflé, a traditional Ham and Cheese Mashed Potato Soufflé (yes, pommes de terre) and a Chocolate Dessert Souffle with Crème Anglaise for his grand finale! Class is $45 and includes complementary wine pairing. For reservations call 360.754.1448. For information on other Bayview School of Cooking classes and activities, visit www.BayviewSchoolofCooking.com or Bayview or Ralph's Thriftway in Olympia for a spring cooking school brochure

Sept 24, Thur., 12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m., Toastmasters Open House, DOT/DOC Building (Edna Lucille Goodrich Building), Room 1034, Tumwater. The Stately Speakers invite you to attend our club Open House and see how you can benefit from Toastmasters. We can help you communicate more effectively, improve your presentation skills, and gain self confidence, all in a friendly, supportive environment. Guests are always welcome! For more information about Stately Speakers, please visit our website at stately.freetoasthost.net or contact our Club President, Palmer Higa, at palmer.higa@comcast.net

Sept. 25, Fri., 5:00 PM: Mark your calendars!!! SPS Habitat for Humanity 3rd Annual Blueprints and Blue Jeans fundraiser. At the Worthington Center at St Martin's University. A fun evening of games, prizes, good food (barbecue with all the "fixins"). Look for some great items on the silent auction and a few bigger items on the live auction. And finally we'll have The Doors, one of the most enjoyable parts of the evening and an opportunity to win a fabulous prize. (Don't know about The Doors? You'll just have to come see what that's all about - it's become one of the most enjoyable parts of the evening!) As our biggest fundraiser of the year, this event is important to our bottom line and we hope you'll be able to support it in whatever way is best for you. Go to: www.spshabitat.org/events/blueprints

Do plan to come - we'd love to see YOU there! Call 360-239-1386

Sept. 26, Sat., 8:30 am-12:00 pm: The Wyatt Holliday Foundation will hold its inaugural "Exceptional Families 3K Walk & Roll" event in Tacoma to bring families in the community together to show support for children with varying special needs. Owen Beach at Point Defiance Park in Tacoma will be the site for the walk, featuring scenic views of Puget Sound waters. The promenade walkway is flat and paved, allowing easy access for participants of all abilities. Wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, and service animals are all welcome. Online registration is available at www.wyattshouse.org Pre-registered participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt and goodie bag.

Sept. 26, Sat., 8:30 am - 1:00 pm: Clean Up Downtown Olympia - The Olympia Downtown Association is seeking volunteers to ready the downtown for Arts Walk XXXIX. Litter pick up, Sweep, Paint, and Weeding. Meeting location is 107 Franklin St. NE, between 4^th and State Streets. Wear your grubbies! Contact Vida by September 18 to receive a FREE lunch. Call (360) 357-8948 or e-mail odaevent@tss.net

Sept. 26, Sat., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Emergency Preparedness Expo at Saint Martin's University in Lacey. Call 360-754-3360 for more information.

Sept. 26, Sat., 11:00 am - 3:00 pm.: Health & Fitness Fair, Anytime Fitness Tumwater, 5743 Littlerock Rd., (360) 352-2600. Featuring 7 local health & Fitness practitioners offering FREE 30-minute seminars: Massage and What It Can Do For Your Health, Nutrition & Wight Training, Weight Loss & the Cardiovascular Health of Women, Organic Health Care with Wellness Oils, Acupuncture and How It Helps Pain & Digestive Problems, Warm Up & Recovery - The Missing Link, and Uncompromised Skincare. For more information call Sorem Family Chiropractic, PS at (360) 923-1717.

Sept. 28, Mon., Noon: The WA State Capitol Museum presents Getting to Know Some Nisqually Pioneers, Dr. Tim Ransom, Expert Local Historian. While conducting research for a book on the history of the Braget Farm and family in the Nisqually Valley, historian Tim Ransom has gotten to know a number of early denizens of the area-some previous owners of the land, others neighbors, still others just passers through. The stories of these folks provide us with snapshots of times and places that are quickly receding from our memory as the generations pass. Tim Ransom in this program will share a few of these stories, illustrated by the documents – photographs, journals, letters and legal papers – that he uncovered by hard work and a significant amount of good fortune. State Capital Museum, 211 – 21st Ave SW, Olympia, (360) 753-2580. www.washingtonhistory.org Suggested donation for each lecture is $2. WSHS members are free! You are welcome to bring lunch. Coffee and tea will be served. Doors open at 11 AM, one hour in advance of the program. Seating is on a first come, first serve basis.

Sept. 30, Wed.: Deadline for ads, articles and insertions for the FTE News Magazine at: FTEmag@comcast.net

Sept. 30, Wed. 11:00 - 2:00: Tumwater Farmers Market at Israel Road and Capitol Blvd, in Tumwater. www.tumwaterfarmersmarket.org Fresh local produce for your dinner table and more!

Oct. 1, Thur., 11:30 am - 1:00 pm: The 2009 Public Sector Employees Campaign and Recognition Kick Off Event will be held on Thursday, October 1, from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center, 800 Convention Place, in downtown Seattle. There are parking garages but there is also South Sound Link from park and rides to the Westlake Center in downtown Seattle. Handicapped Parking: There are 16 disabled parking spaces located at the end of Aisle F on the Blue level of our Main garage. Use the adjacent blue ramp to enter the Convention Center from the parking structure you will be on Level 3. An accessible elevator is on your right side adjacent to Room 310. If you need oversized parking please call our Parking Manager at (206) 694-5020.

Oct. 2, Fri., 5:30 pm: Caregiver of the Year Nomination forms are due to the Senior Action Network: P.O. Box 12212 Olympia, WA. 98508-2212 or email them to planningforltc@aol.com Tickets to the Caregiver Recognition Dinner may be purchased for $25. You may download a nomination form or order your tickets at www.Senior-Action.net, or contact Carol Shawver - Olympic West Retirement Inn at 360- 943-9900 or Cyndi Lounsbury - Bamford Long Term Care Financial Services @360-528-8726

Oct. 2, Fri., 5 - 10pm : OLYMPIA ARTS WALK XXXIX in downtown Olympia. A unique and stimulating community event. Free maps at participating businesses and Olympia Parks & Recreation Commission.

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

Oct. 7, Wed., 11:00 - 2:00: Tumwater Farmers Market at Israel Road and Capitol Blvd, in Tumwater. www.tumwaterfarmersmarket.org Fresh local produce for your dinner table and more!

Oct. 14, Wed., 11:00 - 2:00: Tumwater Farmers Market at Israel Road and Capitol Blvd, in Tumwater. www.tumwaterfarmersmarket.org Fresh local produce for your dinner table and more!

Oct. 17, 5:30 pm: Big Brothers Big Sisters of SW WA Catch the Spirit, 2009 Dinner Auction at the Lucky Eagle Casino in Rochester. Call (360) 943-0409 or go to www.swwabigs.org

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.

Oct. 21, Wed., 11:00 - 2:00: Tumwater Farmers Market at Israel Road and Capitol Blvd, in Tumwater. www.tumwaterfarmersmarket.org Fresh local produce for your dinner table and more!

Oct. 23. Fri., Born to Be Wild, Boys and Girls Club of Thurston County Auction & Party at the Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound. Tickets are $75.00 until Sept. 18. Call (360) 956-0755 for Special Room Rate, information and to Reserve tour spot!

Oct. 28, Wed., 11:00 - 2:00: Last day for the 2009 Tumwater Farmers Market at Israel Road and Capitol Blvd, in Tumwater. www.tumwaterfarmersmarket.org Fresh local produce for your dinner table and more!

posted by FTEmag.com Staff at 12:01 AM