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January 2026

Happenings

Thank you, Gary! A Fond Farewell

Rose authority Gary Ritchie has been taking care of the rose garden at the Schmidt House since it was dedicated here in 1989 (Washington’s centennial year). Gary is now retiring from active volunteering with us, and we will miss him terribly! However, we have a strong group of volunteers who will continue to care for the roses, and Gary promises to remain available for the occasional consultation.

Here’s a letter that Gary recently sent to our rose volunteers. We join with Gary in extending our heartfelt thanks to the friends of the garden.

Dear Friends,

With the new year upon us and my retirement looming I am remembering all of you very fondly and cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed knowing you and appreciate your faithful service to the Centennial Rose Garden over the past years. During that time I believe we together have breathed new life into the garden with many dozens of new bushes and other amenities to bring the garden back to its maximum beauty and health.

My New Year's hope is that you will all continue to love and care for the garden that has meant so much to so many good people over the years.

I will remain no farther than an email away, so if you want to keep in touch about the garden or anything else, please don't be bashful about dropping me a line.

Happy New Year to you and your families.

Gary

Birds on the Move

Every December, local volunteers go outside—rain or shine—to count our local birds. This "Christmas Bird Count" helps the National Audubon Society track trends in bird population. Are certain birds declining? Are birds from other regions moving to Puget Sound? Can these trends be attributed to climate change?

In December 2020, Kim Gale Adelson wrote an article about local birds for the Thurston County Historical Journal. To read her interesting and timely story, click here.

The City of Lacey graciously posts past issues of the Journal on its website here. You can browse through 25 back issues online; an index is included, and the issues are keyword-searchable.

January 8 History Talk:

The Friendly People: The Story of the Griffin/Steamboat Area, from Early Native Peoples to Modern Times

Join us each month for a free hour-long talk on social or natural history, each presented by a recognized expert. Doors open at 11:30. First-come, first-seated until we reach capacity.

January 8 Talk

On Thursday, January 8, local historian and author Steve Lundin will talk about his book titled The Friendly People: the Story of the Griffin/Steamboat Area, From Early Native Peoples to Modern Times. Steve has thoroughly researched the history of the area, going back to early Lushootseed people (who became the Squaxin Island Tribe) through settlement by Euro-Americans to stories about local schools, industry, and organizations. 

Where: Schmidt House, 330 Schmidt Place SW, Tumwater

When: Noon, Thursday, January 8, 2026

Cost: Free! Donations are gratefully accepted.

Doors open at 11:30.

For more information, contact Karen Johnson at 360-890-2299 or karen@olytumfoundation.org.