Kent-area communitiy calendar | Jan. 4

Events

Coffee with the Chief: 10 a.m. Jan. 18, Kent Senior Center, 600 W. Smith St. The Kent Police Department invites the public to meet with Chief Ken Thomas and members of the command staff and talk about important events taking place in the community. Members of the Neighborhood Response Team and the Community Education Unit will also be available to answer questions. Contact John Pagel at 253-856-5884 or jpagel@kentwa.gov for more information.

34th annual Tacoma RV Show: Jan. 19-22, Tacoma Dome, 2727 E D St. Show hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Thursday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Northwest RV dealers showcase the latest and most fuel-efficient motor homes, fifth-wheels, toy haulers and travel trailers. Presented by Boeing Employees Credit Union. Tickets: $12 general admission, $6 for military personnel with ID, and free to children 16 and under. Get $2 off discount coupons at otshows.com/shows/trv/

34th annual Tacoma Home & Garden Show: Jan. 26-29, Tacoma Dome, 2727 E D St. Show hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Thursday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Featuring more than 500 exhibitors from throughout the region. Spotlighting services and products, gardens, the popular Vintage Market, “how-to” seminars and more. Free parking. Admission: $12 for adults and free to children 16 and under. Weekday discount coupons available at otshows.com/ths/.

You, Me, We: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Jan. 27, ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St. Free family festival highlights community services in Kent. More than 50 different community organizations and businesses on hand. Prize drawings, food and interactive games, entertainment on the main stage.

Benefits

Sleep Train’s Pajama Drive for Foster Kids: Through Feb. 26. Donations of new PJs in all sizes – infant to teen – can be dropped off at any Sleep Train store. For more information, visit sleeptrainfosterkids.org.

Rock ‘n Roll Sing-along and Deli Bingo: 11:30 a.m. Jan. 11, Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St. Benefit for the Kent Parks Deli and Café. Featuring rock ‘n roll entertainer Andy Burnett. Lunch tickets at $5 go on sale at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 11. Admission will be by ticket number for lunch, which includes made-to-order deli sandwiches, homemade soup, tossed green salad, homemade dessert and beverage. Cash, checks or credit cards are accepted and tax-deductible receipts will be issued upon request. For more information, call 253-856-5164.

Denali Federal Credit Union Clothing Drive: Through Jan. 31. All donations go to the Kent Area Council PTSA Clothing Bank. Needed: new and gently used clothes and new (in the package) socks, tennis shoes and underwear (not white) for students K-12. Drop-off locations in Kent: Denali Federal Credit Union, 19802 62nd Ave., Suite 101; IBEW 46, 19802 62nd Ave. S., Suite 105; Kent Chamber of Commerce, 524 W. Meeker St., Suite 1; Kent School District, 2033 SE 256th St.; Kent Downtown Partnership, 202 W. Gowe St., A; Down Home Catering, 211 First Ave. S.; Enlighting Struck Design, 22737 72nd Ave. S, No. 101; Central Avenue Mini Storage, 1407 Central Ave. S. For more information, call 253-234-6287.

Passport to Hope Benefit Dinner: 5 p.m. Feb. 25, Maplewood Greens Banquet Hall, 4050 Maple Valley Highway, Renton. Q Missions, a local nonprofit organization that provides support for veterans and their families, hosts fundraiser. Comedian Drew Lynch performs. Raffle and silent auction. All proceeds will help facilitate veteran peer support, building projects and education. Tickets available at eventbrite.com listed under QMissions. $75 per person for general admission or a table for $750, VIP tables are $1,000. For more information, visit qmissions.org or facebook.com/qmissions.

Health

Kent4Health Free ShoWalks: 9-11 a.m. Each Monday and Wednesday (Nov. 14-May 31). Free indoor walking at ShoWare, 625 W. James St. Open to all ages and modalities. Two levels for walking and stairs for extra cardio. Monthly health screenings. Great for caregivers and rehabilitation. Sign in when you arrive. For more information and a schedule, visit kent4health.com.

Bloodworks Northwest drives: 9-11 a.m., noon-3 p.m. Jan. 12, Recreational Equipment, 6750 S. 228th St.; noon-2 p.m., 3-6 p.m. Jan.13, LDS Church, 24419 94th Ave. S. (Kent 94th Street Building); 9-11 a.m., noon-3 p.m. Jan. 15, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Gurudwara Sahib Ji, 24440 132nd Ave. SE; 1-3 p.m., 4-7 p.m. Jan. 24, Kent United Methodist, 11010 SE 248th St. Appointments can be made by calling 1-800-398-7888, or visit www.bloodworksnw.org.

TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly): 6:45 p.m., Thursdays, Swanson Court Clubhouse, 12200 SE 207th St., Kent, near Kentridge High School. Nonprofit weight loss support group. Cost: $32 to join and $8 monthly. For more information, call 253-709-5098 or visit www.tops.org or www.whywelovetops.com.

Alzheimer’s Association: Meetings on the second Wednesday of the month, from 2:30-4 p.m., at Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St. Caring for someone with memory loss? Do you need information and support? Family caregiver support groups provide a consistent and caring place for people to learn, share and gain emotional support from others who are also on a unique journey of providing care to a person with memory loss. For information Susan Dailey at 206-471-2351, or www.alzwa.org.

Clubs

Soroptimist International of Kent-Covington: Program meetings from 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m., on the fourth Monday of each month, September-May, Covington Library, 164th and Kent-Kangley Road. Lunch provided, suggested donation $10. No reservation needed. Contact President Jo Ladd Clark at 253-854-1895.

South King County Alliance for Retired Americans: Monthly meetings at 1 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month, Kent Senior Center, 600 E. Smith St. Meetings open and free to the public. For more information, contact Pat Paulsen at 206-400-7149.

Autism Social Skills Group: 6-8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. N. FEAT (Families for Effective Autism Treatment) of Washington, a nonprofit organization, brings social group opportunities for teens with autism to Kent. Looking for teens with autism as well as peer mentor volunteers. To volunteer, register or to learn more, visit www.featwa.org.

Rotary Club of Kent: Join the local Rotary Club of Kent every Tuesday for its weekly meeting and luncheon at Down Home Catering in historic downtown Kent, 211 1st Ave. S. For more information go to: www.kentrotary.com

Kent Evening Toastmasters: 7 p.m., Wednesdays, Kent Commons, Interurban Room, 525 Fourth Ave N. Are you interested in practicing and improving your public speaking skills? Boosting your self-confidence? Making yourself heard in that weekly meeting at work? Come practice your oratory skills with a friendly and informative group of people. With members ranging from beginners to experts, Kent Evening Toastmasters welcomes people of all skill levels. For more information, visit www.kenteveningtoastmasters.net.

Autism Support Group: 6:30-8:30 p.m., second Wednesday of the month, Kent Covenant Church, main conference room, 12010 SE 240th St. Share resources and encouragement. Childcare available with 72-hour advance reservations by calling Fabiana Steele at 253-631-0222, ext. 325. For more information, visit www.kentcov.org.

NAMI Support Groups: 6:30-8 p.m., every second and fourth Tuesday of the month, 515 W. Harrison St., Kent. Friends and family support group for family members and friends who are affected by mental illness. Free. For more information, call 253-854-6264 (NAMI) or email namiskc@qwestoffice.net, or visit www.nami.org.

Network

The Kent Chapter of Business Network, Int’l (BNI): Meets every Wednesday morning at 7 at the Old Country Buffet, 25630 104th SE, Kent. Chapter is growing. Currently have 38 members. Do you want excellent, personal, word of mouth referrals for your business? Then come join us. For more information, contact Dr. Allan McCord at 253-854-3040.

Libraries

Kent Public Library: 212 2nd Avenue N., Kent. 253-859-3330. Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday; 1-5 p.m., Sunday. Library events include:

CHILDREN & FAMILIES

The Legend of the Three Kings: 3 p.m. Jan. 6. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. The performance is completely in Spanish. Local author and actress, Nora Girón-Dolce tells the story of one of the most endearing traditions: The Three Kings’ visit. We will serve the traditional “rosca de Reyes” (Kings’ Cake) and hot chocolate. Bring your cards and take pictures with them.

Family Pajama Story Times: 6:30 p.m. Jan. 10, 17, 24 and 31. All ages welcome, ages 5 and younger with adult. Stories, songs and fun. Social Time with blocks, balls and bubbles takes place right after Story Time.

Toddler Story Times: 10:15 a.m. Jan. 11, 18 and 25. Ages 2 to 3 with caregiver. Stories, songs and fun. Stay for a brief play time afterward.

Preschool Story Times: 11 a.m. Jan. 11, 18 and 25. Ages 3 to 5 with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

Infant and Young Toddler Story Times: 10:30 a.m. Jan. 12, 19 and 26. Ages newborn to 2 1/2 with adult. Stories, songs and fun. Social Time with balls, blocks and bubbles takes place right after Story Time.

Kaleidoscope Play & Learn: 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. (Spanish only), Jan. 6, 13, 20 and 27. Newborn to age 5 with caregiver. Have fun singing songs, telling stories, reading books, creating art and playing. Play & Learn is in English, and the facilitator is bilingual in English and Spanish.

Fun with Bricks: 10:30 a.m. Jan. 21. Family program, ages 6 and younger with adult. Have fun building with plastic bricks. Create around a theme or build what you like. You bring the ideas and the library will supply the building materials.

Kids Movie of the Month: 3:30 p.m. Jan. 27. “Charlotte’s Web”. Family program, all ages welcome with adult.

TEENS

Teen Zone: 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Middle and high school ages. Hang out, study, play video games, listen to your music, learn how to use library apps to get free books, music or videos … you decide.

Study Zone: 1:30 p.m. Sundays; 3:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Grades K-12. No Study Zone Jan. 16. Drop in for homework assistance from trained volunteer tutors.

Explore Snap Circuits: 2 p.m. Jan. 7. Ages 9 to 15. The Snap Circuits kits use building blocks with snaps to build different electrical and electronic circuits in a variety of projects with different levels of difficulty.Registration required,

ADULTS

YWCA Support Services for Veteran Families: 10 a.m. Jan. 5, 19. Ask at the library for details.

Multi-Service Center Drop-in: 3-5 p.m. Jan. 6. Multi-Service Center (MSC) representatives will be on-hand to answer questions about their services. MSC offers people pathways out of poverty through support and resources in education, employment, housing, energy assistance, food, and clothing. They also provide statewide advocacy for elderly and disabled residents of long term care facilities.

After Lunch Book Club: 1 p.m. Jan. 11. “One Child” by Mei Fong.

Stress Relief Workshops: 2 p.m. Jan. 15, Tips and Tools to Help You Survive a Busy Life; 2 p.m. Jan. 22, Qigong; 2 p.m. Jan. 29, Taichi. Stress has been shown to actually shrink the brain and can lead to chronic disease. Gift yourself this New Year and learn lifelong tools to manage stress in this three-part series with Integrative Health Coach, Hansie Wong, MD.

English as a Second Language Classes: 6 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays. No class on Jan. 16. Learn English grammar, reading, writing, and conversation skills with an experienced instructor.

Talk Time Class: 5-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays. No class on Jan. 3. Practice speaking English with other English language learners. Classes are free, join anytime.Registration not required.

Sign Up for ORCA Lift: 10 a.m.-noon, Jan. 30. Drop in to register for ORCA Lift, a new, reduced fare on Metro buses, Sound Transit Link light rail, and more. Income-qualified riders, ages 19 and older, can save 50 percent or more. To see if you qualify, check orcalift.com or call Multi-Service Center at 253-838-6810. Please bring ID and income verification documents. Your income must be at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. No appointment needed.

Citizenship Application Help: Please contact the library for dates/times, 253-859-3330.

Job Readiness Program: 10:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Tuesdays; 3 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. Thursdays. The library is here to help you get a free email account, start a résumé, start an online job search, or navigate the job application process! Librarians are available to provide 45-minute one-on-one assistance. Register online or at 253-859-3330. Strongly recommended that you bring a flash/USB drive.

Congressman Adam Smith, Mobile Office Hours: 10 a.m. Jan. 17. Staff members will be available to answer questions about federal agencies, such as the Social Security Administration, resources to help with loan modulations and avoiding foreclosures, assistance with immigration services and information on federal grants.

SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives): Free counseling for small businesses. Please call 206-553-7320 for appointments.

Computer Classes: Registration required beginning two weeks before the class, 253-859-3330. • One-on-One Computer Help, 5-7 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays; • Microsoft Excel Level 1, 7 p.m. Jan. 5; • Microsoft Excel Level 2, 7 p.m. Jan. 12; • Computer Basics, 7 p.m. Jan. 19; • Microsoft Word Level 1, 7 p.m. Jan. 26.

Entertainment

SHOWARE CENTER

625 W. James St., Kent. 253-856-6777. Order at www.tickets.showarecenter.com. Events include:

The Harlem Globetrotters: 7 p.m. Feb. 17, 20. Star-studded roster will have fans on the edge of their seats to witness the ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry and one-of-a-kind family entertainment that thrills fans of all ages. Ticket prices start at $27.50.

Bret Michaels’ Belated Valentine’s Mega Bash: 8 p.m. Feb. 23. Features an all-star lineup of the best bands from the ’80s, including Warrant and Firehouse. Ticket prices start at $39.

SPOTLIGHT SERIES

Spotlight Series is presented by the Kent Arts Commission and Kent Parks, Recreation and Community Services. Purchase at kentarts.com, by calling 253-856-5051 or in person at the Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. N. Hours for phone and in-person sales are Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. The box office is closed on Sunday.

The Peking Acrobats: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 27, Kentwood Performing Arts Center, 25800 164th Ave. SE, Covington. The Peking Acrobats perform daring maneuvers atop a precarious pagoda of chairs; are experts at trick-cycling, precision tumbling, somersaulting and gymnastics; and defy gravity with amazing displays of contortion, flexibility and control. Masters of agility and grace, they push the envelope of human possibility. Tickets: $28 general, $25 senior, $15 youth

The Irish Rovers with We Banjo 3: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21, Kentwood PAC. In 2017, The Irish Rovers celebrate 50 years of music and one final world tour. These international ambassadors of Irish music consistently charm audiences with their rollicking and rousing performances. Joining The Irish Rovers are special guests, We Banjo 3, an award-winning quartet from Galway, Ireland. Tickets: $30 general, $28 senior, $15 youth

International Guitar Night: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 25, Kent-Meridian PAC. North America’s premier traveling guitar festival. Each tour, a new cast of guitar luminaries come together for a special evening of solos, duets and quartets that highlight the virtuosity and diversity within the world of acoustic guitar. Tickets: $28 general, $25 senior, $15 youth

Seattle Rock Orchestra performs Led Zeppelin I & II: 7:30 p.m. March 10, Kentwood PAC. Seattle Rock Orchestra (SRO) was born out of the desire to marry the unabashed performance energy of rock ‘n ‘roll with the broader palette of musical nuances treasured in classical music. SRO is a 50-plus piece orchestra with strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, choir and a rotating cast of guest vocalists. SRO celebrates and perpetuates the orchestral tradition while exploring the rich history of rock and pop music. Tickets: $28 general, $25 senior, $15 youth

Kahulanui: 7:30 p.m. March 17, Kent-Meridian PAC, 7:30 p.m. In Hawaiian, Kahulanui means “the big dance.” These “Kings of Swing” create a danceable blend of traditional Hawaiian music and the Big Band Swing that servicemen imported to the Aloha State during World War II. The nine-piece band’s energy and dynamic performances borrow from this sound, keeping Hawaiian Swing vibrant and alive in Hawaii today. Tickets: $25 general, $22 senior, $15 youth

Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem “American Spiritual” featuring guest performance by Rainier Youth Choir: 7:30 p.m. April 1, Kent-Meridian PAC. Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem are a melting pot of American folk melody and style. “American Spiritual” leads audiences in a bona fide revival. This charismatic quartet draws from 200 years of roots music to find songs that uplift and connect. Tickets: $25, $22 general, $15 youth

ELSEWHERE

Live music, Tuesday night dances: 7:30 p.m., Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St. Open to all ages. Cover charge: $4 at the door for all ages, dancers and listeners. Program schedule: • Kings of Swing Big Band, first Tuesdays, 7:45-9:30 p.m. Refreshments by Radcliffe Place served during break at 8:30 p.m. • Randy Litch Ballroom, second and fourth Tuesdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Refreshments provided by The Weatherly Inn and Farrington Court, served while supplies last until 8:45 p.m. • Andy Burnett Rock ‘n Roll, third and fifth Tuesdays, 7:30-9:15 p.m. Refreshments provided by Stafford Suites and Judson Park, served while supplies last until 8:45 p.m. For more information, call 253-856-5164 or visit kentwa.gov/SeniorActivityCenter/

No Experience Necessary Square Dance: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Kent Meridian Grange, 15422 SE 272, Kent. Featuring Wayne Easton, caller. Learn basic square dance moves from experienced dancers. Watch experienced square dancers perform mainstream moves. Drop in or call. Casual attire. No charge. 206 935-0856, wagonwheelsquaredanceclub@facebook.com.

Auditions

“Seussical:” 7 p.m. Jan. 5 and Jan. 10, Performing Arts Building, main campus of Green River College, 12401 SE 320th St., Auburn. Open auditions for ages 16 and above for Heavier Than Air Family Theatre Co.’s upcoming production. Dr. Seuss’ best-loved characters meet head-on in this fantastical frolic and unforgettable musical caper. Informal, read-through type group audition. A song from the show will be provided and no advance preparation is necessary. Comfortable shoes and clothes to move in are recommended. Community actors with strong singing and dancing skills are encouraged to attend. Rehearsals are every Tuesday and Thursday from 7 to approximately 9:30 p.m. beginning Thursday, Jan. 12, with performances scheduled for March 24, 25, 31 and April 1. Children’s roles will be cast by invitation from Heavier Than Air Musical Theatre Camp participants. For more about the theater group, visit heavierthanair.com.

Music

Maple Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra: Taylor Creek Church, 21110 244th Ave. SE, Maple Valley. MVYSO boasts a playing group for every level, from beginning strings to string ensemble. For more information, call 425-358-1640 or visit www.mvyso.org.

Rainier Youth Choirs: RYC has four leveled groups based on age and ability (grades 2 through 14). Call 253-315-3125 to schedule an audition. For more information, visit www.rainieryouthchoirs.org.

Galleries, studios

Centennial Center Gallery: 400 W. Gowe St., Kent. Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. Closed weekends and holidays. For more information, call 253-856-5050 or visit artscommission@kentwa.gov.

Third Thursday Art Walk: 4-7 p.m., Rusty Raven Studio, 212 First Ave. S., Kent. Designed around the idea of creating a rich and diverse artistic experience in downtown Kent. Free kids art activity every month. Have your map initialed by the artist at each stop and be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift certificate from a participating businesses. One entry per person and must go to every stop to qualify. For more information, contact Lyra Penoyer at 253-813-6976 or kdpadminassistant@kentdowntown.org, or visit www.facebook.com/events/1530632470566958/

Museums

Greater Kent Historical Society: 855 E. Smith St., historic Bereiter House, Kent. Hours: noon-4 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday, and by appointment. Admission: suggested $2 donation; no tickets are required for entrance. Parking is available behind the house off East Temperance Street. GKHS is a nonprofit organization that promotes the discovery, preservation and dissemination of knowledge about the history of the greater Kent area. www.gkhs.org.