Kent-area community calendar | March 1

Events

6th annual Wedding & Event Show: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. March 4, Green River College, Student Union Building, Grand Hall, 12401 SE 320th St., Auburn. Vendors, food tastings, entertainment and resources. Free admission. For more information, call 253-333-6010 or visit Facebook (The Wedding & Event Show-formerly My Wedding My Way).

Kent Kids’ Arts Day: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. March 11, Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. N. One of King County’s longest-running, hands-on art festivals. Featuring 15 different hands-on art projects for ages preschool to fourth grade. Stage entertainment provided by students from Kent School District elementary and middle school students. Feature performance by Casper Babypants at 2:30 p.m. Admission: $10 kids; adults and children under 2 free.

Evergreen Stamp Club Spring Show: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 16, Kent Commons Recreation Center, 525 Fourth Ave. N. Twenty stamp dealers. Free stamps for kids. Free entry. For more information, visit stamps.org/Evergreen-Stamp-Club

Benefits

Mattress Firm’s Pajama Bowl for Foster Kids: 11 a.m. April 2, Acme Bowl, 100 Andover Park W., No. 100, Tukwila. Gather your team of 4 to 5 people and sign up at pajamabowl.com. Participants will help raise funds for “little wishes” programs that help ensure local foster kids can participate in extracurricular activities like joining a sports team, learning a musical instrument or attending a field trip. The minimum fundraising amount is $250 ($50 per person).

Collectibles Sale and Dinner Auction: 1-5 p.m. sale; 5:30-8 p.m. dinner auction, April 22. Real Life Church, 26201 180th Ave. SE, Covington. What do you collect? Complete your collection with one-of-a-kind objects. Sale benefits eight nonprofit organizations in South King County: Vine Maple Place; Eileen & Callie’s Place; KentHOPE; Union Gospel Mission; The Hug Machine; Young Life; Catalyst House; and Willow’s Place. Admission: $5 sale, $30 dinner auction. For more information, contact Willow’s Place 253-852-0800.

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: 8:30-10 a.m., 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., March 3, Kent School District, 12033 SE 256th St.; 9-11 a.m., noon-3 p.m., March 6, West Coast Paper Company, 23200 64th Ave. S.; 1-4 p.m. March 8, Novinium, 22820 Russell Road. Appointments can be made by calling 1-800-398-7888, or visitbloodworksnw.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.

Southeast King County Parkinson’s Disease support group: Meets on the third Tuesday of the month, 10:30 a.m., St. John The Baptist Catholic Church, 25810 156th Ave. SE, Covington. Group’s monthly lunches are on the first Tuesday of the month at the Auburn Senior Activity Center, 808 Ninth St. SE, Auburn. For more information, contact Stephanie Lawson at 206-579-5206.

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.

Programs

Tire Rack Street Survival: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. March 5, Pacific Raceways, 31001 144th Ave. SE. Teen driver safety program hosted by Northwest Region SCCA. Students receive a classroom session and hands-on driving lessons in a controlled environment on an advanced driving course. Open to licensed and permitted drivers ages 15-21. Forms, schedules and more information can be found at streetsurvival.org. Cost is $75 per student, and some insurance companies offer premium discounts to graduates.

Network

The Kent Chapter of Business Network, Int’l (BNI): 7 a.m., every Wednesday, Golden Steer Steak n’ Rib House, 23826 104th Ave. SE, Kent. Chapter is growing. Do you want excellent, personal, word of mouth referrals for your business? Then come join us. For information about BNI Northwest or how to join a chapter call 425-391-6830, or 800-286-0508, or visit bninw.com.

Kent Chamber of Commerce Luncheons: 11:30 a.m., first Wednesday of the month, Golden Steer Steak n’ Rib House, 23826 104th Ave. SE, Kent. Open networking. Bring your business cards for the card exchange and prizes. Cost: $20 chamber members pre-paid; $25 members day of the event; $30 non-members. For registration and more information, visit kentchamber.com.

Volunteer

City of Kent: 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays. Selected sites. City looking for volunteers of all ages and abilities to help remove invasive weeds, plant trees and shrubs and spread mulch at some of its most popular parks this fall. Tools and staff supervision are provided. Register to volunteer by noon three days before each event at KentWA.gov/ComeVolunteer. For more information, contact Desireé Kennedy, volunteer coordinator with Kent’s Parks, at 253-856-5114.

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

Toddler Story Times: 10:15 a.m. March 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29. Ages 2 to 3 with caregiver. Stories, songs and fun. Stay for a brief play time afterward.

Preschool Story Times: 11 a.m. March 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29. Ages 3 to 5 with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

Infant and Young Toddler Story Times: 10:30 a.m. March 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30. 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), March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31. 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.

Family Pajama Story Times: 6:30 p.m. March 7, 14, 21 and 28. 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.

Fun with Bricks: 10:30 a.m. March 18. 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.

Dr. Seuss Celebration: 2 p.m. March 18. Ages 3 and older with adult. Join us for an afternoon of Seussical fun. We’ll listen to your favorite stories, test your knowledge of Seuss trivia, pin the eggs on the ham, and receive a cool take-home craft.

Kids Movie of the Month: 3:30 p.m. March 24. “The Lorax”. Family program, all ages welcome with adult.

TEENS

Teen Zone: 3:30 p.m. March 1, 8 and 29. 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. Drop in for homework assistance from trained volunteer tutors.

Explore Snap Circuits: 2 p.m. March 4. 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.

Financial Aid: Help with FAFSA/WASFA: 3-7 p.m. March 1. For teens and adults. Need help paying for college? Get free assistance applying for financial aid and complete the FAFSA or WAFSA with trained AmeriCorps volunteers.

Poetry Awakens, Unlock Your Inner Poet: 3:30 p.m. March 15. Middle and high school ages. Digging For Roots and From These Roots author Kiana Davis shares her poetry and stories of how poetry helped her overcome barriers she faced growing up in poverty. Kiana Davis engages with guided introspective poetry activities. She uses poetry prompts with themes of class, identity, gender norms, equity and social justice. Join us for a lively hands on workshop.

Kent Youth, Let’s Talk About It: 3:30 p.m. March 22. Middle and high school ages. Middle and high school ages. We are forming a Youth Council and would like to hear your ideas. Snack, do a craft, organize for change or just come by for a chat.

ADULTS

YWCA Support Services for Veteran Families: 10 a.m. March 2, 16 and 30. Ask at the library for details.

Sign Up for ORCA LIFT: 3-5 p.m. March 3. Bring ID and income verification documents.

Free Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification Tests: 1:30 p.m. March 5. Improve your résumé by earning an MOS Certification! Tests available for Word 2013, Excel 2013, Access 2013, PowerPoint 2013, or Outlook 2013. Read prep materials at: kcls.org/blogs/post/get-started-with-mos-certification/. Online registration for this test date opened Feb. 19. You may register for up to two tests per day; each test is 50 minutes long beginning every hour from 1:30-3:30 p.m.

After Lunch Book Club: 1 p.m. March 8. New members are always welcome.

English as a Second Language Classes: 6 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays. Learn English grammar, reading, writing, and conversation skills with an experienced instructor. In-person registration required on March 23 at 5 p.m. Space is very limited.

Talk Time Class: 5-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Practice speaking English with other English language learners. Classes are free, join anytime.Registration not required.

Kent Friends of the Library Meeting: 1 p.m. Feb. 9.

Citizenship Classes: 7 p.m. Tuesdays. Learn how to become a U.S. citizen. Study for the naturalization test, including civics and government questions, reading and writing English, and practicing your interview skills. Classes are free, join anytime.

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. March 21. 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.

AARP Tax Aide: Mondays and Saturdays, by appointment. Get free individualized tax preparation assistance provided by trained AARP volunteers. No age or income limits. Please bring picture I.D., documented proof of Social Security Number, and last year’s return as well as any current tax documents. No complex or business returns. Please pick up the AARP intake form at the Information Desk. Appointments are required. To schedule your appointment, please visit the Kent Library Information Desk or call 253-859-3330.

Learn to Code Workshop, HTML, CSS & JavaScript: 1 p.m. March 25. No prior knowledge needed. For an advance look at lessons and to register, visit goo.gl/YPwbab. Bring a laptop, install Atom text editor and Google Chrome.

Computer Classes: Registration required beginning two weeks before the class, 253-859-3330. • One-on-One Computer Help, 5-7 p.m., Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays; • Microsoft Excel Level 1, 7 p.m. March 2; • Computer Basics, 7 p.m. March 9.

Everyone Talks About It

Beating Burnout and Stress: 7 p.m. March 9. Presented by Miriam Dressler, Director of Learning & Education, Bloom Early Education. Are you exhausted? Feeling stressed? In this practical workshop with the dynamic Miriam Dressler, learn simple and smart ways to beat burnout and stress and help you manage and enjoy your life.

Diplomatic Security, A Global Force: 2 p.m. March 11. Presented by Brent Barker, retired Special Agent, Diplomatic Security Service. Brent Barker will provide an inside perspective on the role of the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security missions in the U.S. and internationally and the potential effect of a governmental transition.

Entertainment

SHOWARE CENTER

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

SPB50 – A Grand World Tour: 6 p.m. March 11. S. P. Balasubramanian is a popular Indian film playback singer who has won the Guinness World record for recording the highest number of songs. He has garnered six national awards and has recorded more thab 40,000 songs in various Indian languages. Tickets: $29-$249.

The Rock & Worship Roadshow: 7 p.m. March 17. Christian music favorites Steven Curtis Chapman, Francesca Battistelli, and Rend Collective, along with Passion, Family Force 5, and Jordan Feliz. A pre-show Party will take place before each show with artists Urban Rescue and Derek Minor. Tony Wolf joins The Roadshow as the event’s guest speaker, and Carlos Whittaker hosts the evening’s festivities. No tickets required. $10 donation at the door.

Banda MS: 8 p.m. April 2. Banda Sinaloense MS is an award-winning regional Mexican group from Mazatlan, Sinaloa. It was founded in 2003 as a 15-member band by tuba player Sergio Lizárraga and his brother, clarinettist Alberto Lizarraga. Tickets: $52-$102.

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.

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.

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.