Dec. 16 and 17 (Wed & Thur) Holiday tours of the Governor’s Mansion are being offered on Morning and afternoon times are available. Reservations are required. There are 12 tours given each day and each tour lasts 60 minutes. To make a reservation, please call General Administration’s Capitol Tour Office at (360) 902-8880.

Tour guidelines:

All individuals 18 and over must have photo ID.

25 is the maximum number of spaces available per time slot.

Reservations are made on a first-come basis.

Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Cameras, backpacks, umbrellas, strollers, food and beverages are not permitted.

The mansion is accessible to wheelchairs and walkers. Visitors must walk a 200-yard incline up to the entrance. For more information about the mansion: www.wagovmansion.org/

Dec. 15, Tues., 8 AM – 4PM: "Managing in a Public and Political Environment" with Senator Jim Kastama. Explore the political systems of the state with a seasoned veteran. Find out how to manage effectively in today's highly political environment and get an insider's perspective on the upcoming legislative session. Register online at www.campusce.net/SPSCC/Course/Course.aspx?c=136 or call 360-596-5752. For other upcoming professional development opportunities, visit www.hawksprairie.org

Dec. 16, Wed., noon – 1 PM: "60 Minute Solutions – Restoring Vintage Photos". Enjoy a delicious lunch and pick up tips on how to preserve and restore those old family and travel photos with just a scanner and some basic software. Register online at www.campusce.net/SPSCC/course/course.aspx?

C=263&pc=64&mc=&sc= or call 360-596-5752. Join us every month for lunch and a new topic! Visit www.hawksprairie.org for more information.

Dec. 19, Sat., SAVE THE DATE: Meet Seattle Sounders FC Keeper Kasey Keller and Support your local Food Bank! Olympia Nissan and Olympia Chrysler Jeep (A division of the Bruce Titus Automotive Group ) is bringing local hero, Kasey Keller to Olympia to assist with a Food Drive for the needy in Thurston County. With your Food donation, which will in turn be donated to the Thurston County Food Bank, you’ll have the opportunity to meet Kasey and have your Photo taken with him. Saturday, December 19th, 2009

12:30- 2:00 at Olympia Nissan, 2:00-3:30 at Olympia Chrysler Jeep Mitsubishi

Bruce Titus Automotive Group, is bringing local hero Kasey Keller to Olympia to assist with a non-perishable food drive for the Thurston County Food Bank. With your food donation, you’ll have the opportunity to meet Kasey Keller, get his autograph, and have your photo taken with him!

Olympia Auto Mall at 2220 Carriage Drive SW, Olympia, WA 98502

Dec. 19, Sat., 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.: The Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia Brass Choir will be presenting an Italian Christmas concert of traditional and not so traditional music at the First Christian Church, 701 Franklin St SE, Olympia. From 17th century Monteverdi brass fanfares to Dominic the Italian Christmas Donkey, there will be something for everyone. The 16-member brass ensemble will feature the Two Tenors, story telling, audience sing-along, and local arranger, Mark Thome’s rendition of Gesu Bambino and Song of the Bagpipers. Call to purchase tickets at (360) 561-2056. $5.00 std/sr (65+), $10 adult, $25 family. Visit www.studentorchestras.org for more information.

Dec. 21, Mon., 7:30 pm: Messiah Sing-Along at the Washington Center, 512 Washington St SE, Olympia. Come to sing or come to listen to Handel's glorious masterpiece! A true community event with guest conductors and soloists and members of Evergreen Christian Community Choir, Masterworks Choral Ensemble, Olympia Chamber Orchestra, Olympia Symphony, Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia, Opera Pacifica, and featuring the audience as the chorus! Selections of the work will be performed. Admission is FREE and vocal scores will be available for purchase. For more information visit www.studentorchestras.org or call (360) 561-2080

Dec. 25, Fri.: Christmas Day. A State Holiday. - All State Offices are Closed.

Dec. 26-Jan. 2, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.: 14th Annual Model Train Festival. Every floor of the History Museum will hold model trains during this festival. This event, included in the price of History Museum admission, celebrates the golden age of railroads with eight model train displays and fun for all ages. The History Museum has expanded its operating hours to be open every day of the week, and one additional hour per day, to accommodate the popularity of this seasonal festival. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, $6 for students and military with valid ID, children age 5 and below are free, and members are free. For more information, please visit our Web site, WashingtonHistory.org, or call 1-888-BE THERE

Dec. 30, Wed.: Deadline for ads, articles and insertions for the January 2010 FTE News Magazine at: FTEmag@comcast.net

Jan. 1, 2010, Thur.: New Years. A State Holiday. All state offices are closed.

Jan. 6, Wed.: Your January 2010 issue of the FTE News Magazine will be available online today, with delivery beginning in Tumwater, Lacey, and West Olympia 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

posted by FTEmag.com Staff at 12:01 AM