Kent-area community calendar | March 15

Events

Spring Recycling Event: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. March 18, Hogan Park, 24400 Russell Road, Kent. Residents invited to bring those items that are not easily recycled at the curb, including appliances and scrap metal, toilets, propane tanks, reusable household goods, tires, bulky yard debris and Styrofoam. For more information, visit www.KentWA.gov.

Campaign event: 5-7 p.m. March 18, Golden Steer Steak n’ Rib House, 23826 104th Ave. SE, Kent. Jim Berrios’ campaign kickoff for Kent mayor. Saxophonist Darren Motamedy performs. Please RSVP to joshsdad@comcast.net or call 253-350-1811.

20th annual Cherry Blossom Festival: 5:30-9 p.m. March 24, Kentlake High School Performing Arts Center, 21401 SE 300th St., Kent. Honoring Japanese culture and language and celebrating exchange programs with sister schools. Welcoming students and staff from Abuno, Kitano, and Tomioka high schools in Osaka, Japan. Opening ceremony, with games, activities, demonstrations, performances and competitions, highlighting Japanese culture and traditions. Open to the public. Tickets: $5 pre-sale at each school building for students; $7 at the door for general admission. Children under 12 are free with an adult admission. All proceeds support school ASB programs and Japanese exchange programs.

Campaign event: 6-8 p.m. March 30, Down Home Catering, 211 First Ave S. Join Kent City Council member Dana Ralph, neighbors, family and friends for a strategic, visioning session and mayoral campaign event. Gathering will entertain thoughts, hopes and vision for the city. Public welcome.

Mayor’s State of the City: 11:30 a.m. April 5, ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St., Kent. Mayor Suzette Cooke, in her final city address, will discuss the city’s obstacles and accomplishments over the past 12 years and touch upon goals for the future. Tickets: $30, includes lunch; $20 chamber members; $25 at the door. Register at kentchamber.com or by calling 253-854-1770. If unable to to attend, mayor’s address will be carried live on Comcast Cable Channel 21 or online at KentTV21.com.

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 at is 253-852-0880.

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. March 16, Recreational Equipment, Kent, 6750 S. 228th St.; 12:30-3 p.m. March 22, Flow International, 23500 64th Ave. S.; 1-4 p.m. March 23, Food Services of America, 18430 E. Valley Highway; 1-3 p.m., 4-7 p.m. March 28, Kent Covenant Church, 12010 SE 240th St.; 1-2:30 p.m., 3:30-7 p.m. April 5, Amazon Kent Bf15, 20526 59th Place S.; 8:30-10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. April 19, Centerpoint Corporate Park, Mount Adams Room, 20809 72nd Ave. S.; 9:30-11 a.m., noon-3 p.m. April 20, Hexcel Corporation, 19819 84th Ave. S.; 7:30-10 a.m., 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., April 21, Starbucks Kent Roasting Plant, 18411 77th Place S.; 1-3 p.m., 4-7 p.m. April 25, Kent Lutheran Church, Fellowship Hall, 336 2nd Ave. S.; 8-10 a.m., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. April 26, city of Kent, 400 W. Gowe Ave. 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. Note: No meeting March 27; library is closed. April 24 program returns to the library. Speakers will be Susan and Charles Roth, ambassadors for the Road Scholar program. Road Scholar, originally founded in 1975 as Elderhostel, is a not-for-profit organization that inspires adults to learn, discover and travel while deepening understanding of the world’s people, places, cultures, history and environments. Lunch provided, suggested donation $10. No reservation needed. RSVP at sikentcovington@soroptimist.net. For more information, 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

Spring Community Police Academy: 7-9 p.m. Thursdays, for 10 weeks, starting March 30, through June 1, Birch Creek Apartments Family Center, 13111 SE 274th St., Kent. Hosted by the Kent Police Department. Two Saturday sessions (April 22 and May 13), which will include optional tours of the Kent Correctional Facility (Kent jail) and Valley Communications Center (911 facility) as well as presentations from detective and evidence units. After attending the first four classes, participants are also eligible for a ride-along with a Kent Police officer. There is no cost for participating in the academy. It is open to any adult 18 years or older that lives, works, or has an interest in the city of Kent and its police department. Applications are available at KentWA.gov/CommunityPoliceAcademy.

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 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 22 and 29. Ages 3 to 5 with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

Infant and Young Toddler Story Times: 10:30 a.m. March 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 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 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 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.

ADULTS

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

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.

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.

Entertainment

SHOWARE CENTER

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

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.

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

“Seussical”: 7 p.m. March 24. Runs Fridays and Saturdays through April 1, Green River College, 12401 SE 320th St., Auburn. Heavier Than Air Family Theatre Co. brings Dr. Seuss’ best-loved characters to life. For tickets and information call 253-833-9111, extension 2400, or visit heavierthanair.com.

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

“Hairspray The Musical:” 6-9:30 p.m. March 26, 27, Auburn Avenue Theater, 10 Auburn Ave. Auburn Community Players production. Callbacks are March 29, from 7 to 10 p.m., also at the theater. Please arrive early to fill out an audition form and get your picture taken. Performers are 14 and older. As a note, the role of Tracy Turnblad has already been cast. Performance dates are 7 p.m. June 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17 and 2 p.m. June 4, 11, 18. Those wishing to audition, please call Jim Kleinbeck at 253-804-5057 or email at jkleinbeck@auburnwa.gov to schedule an audition time. Please bring a resume, list of conflicts, and prepare a song in the style of the show (no more than 32 bars). No headshot required as photos will be taken at sign-in.

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.

23rd annual Kent Student Art Walk: March 13-24. Students’ art work on display throughout downtown Kent and the Kent Station shopping center. Nearly 30 downtown businesses and Kent Station serving as art galleries, displaying students’ paintings, sketches and sculptures in lobbies and windows during regular business hours. Student art also on display at the Centennial Center Gallery, 400 W. Gowe St., from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Visit KentArts.com for more details or call 253-856-5050.

ALSO:

Opening reception: 5-7 p.m. March 16, Centennial Center Gallery. For the artists, families and fans.

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. For more information,visit gkhs.org.

PROGRAMS

Easter Bonnet Tea: Noon-5 p.m., with 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. seatings, April 15. A prize for the most interesting, outrageous and creative hat. Cost: $15 per person. Children over the age of 12 welcome. Reserve a spot by calling the museum at 253-854-4330 or stop by with payment. All proceeds support the Greater Kent Historical Society.

Syrian Refugees in Greece: 6-9 p.m. April 12. Enjoy dinner and watch a presentation by local volunteer Dea Drake, who worked at the refugee Camp Moria in Greece last year. $20 per person. For reservations, call the museum at 253-854-4330 or stop by with payment. Proceeds support the Greater Kent Historical Society.