Kent-area community calendar | March 30

Events

Vietnam War 50th anniversary commemoration ceremony: 11 a.m. April 1, Tahoma National Cemetery, Main Flag Pole Assembly Area, 18600 SE 240th St., Kent. Honoring the service, sacrifice and enduring achievements of Vietnam veterans during the event. Each Vietnam veteran will receive a lapel pin during a pinning ceremony. Keynote speaker is Jim Martinson, a Vietnam veteran who lost both of his legs above the knee in Da Nang in 1968. He started racing wheelchairs in 1976 and has competed in numerous road races and track events. Parking limited. Plan to walk to and from the ceremony.

Quota Cares Western Days: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. April 1, Reber Ranch, 28606 132nd Ave SE, Kent. Quota International of Kent Valley hosts free, fun-filled event for children with special needs, and their families. Activities include pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, arts and crafts, maze race and other activities. Free hot lunch will be provided. For more information, visit quotakentvalley.com.

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.

Easter

Egg Hunt: 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. April 15, Riverview Community Church, 4135 S. 216th St., Kent. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. for the first hunt; registration begins at 12:30 p.m. for the second hunt. 16,000 eggs filled with candy, popcorn, cotton candy, carnival bouncer, 18-foot inflatable slide, pictures with the Easter Bunny, balloon animals, face painting and raffles for Easter baskets, candy and gifts cards. Free. For children birth to sixth grade. For more information, call 253-872-8881, email riverviewkids@riverview.cc, or visit www.riverview.cc

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 253-852-0800.

Plant Sale: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. May 20, Bereiter House, 855 E. Smith St., Kent. Get plants to fill in the bare spots in your garden. Divide, pot and label your extra plants and bring them down to share. Bring your neighbors. All proceeds benefit the Greater Kent Historical Society. Free admission.

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: 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

KBAC Action Up Meeting: 3-5:30 p.m. April 1, Kent Commons, 220 Fourth Ave. S., Kent. Kent Black Action Commission hosting. Agenda highlights that will be discussed: new partnership with Girls Who Code; Juneteenth celebration; membership; African American Cultural Exhibit; African American History Reading Club; current events; and civic engagement. To join the effort or to learn more, visit kentblackactioncommission.com.

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: April 24 program: 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.

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.

Library

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. April 5, 19 and 26. Ages 2 to 3 with caregiver. Stories, songs and fun. Stay for a brief play time afterward.

Preschool Story Times: 11 a.m. April 5, 19 and 26. Ages 3 to 5 with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

Infant and Young Toddler Story Times: 10:30 a.m. April 6, 20 and 27. 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 31, April 7, 14, 21 and 28. 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. April 4, 18 and 25. 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. April 15. 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. April 14. “The Secret Life of Pets”. Family program, all ages welcome with adult.

Arabic Story Time: 10:30 a.m. April 22. Ages 2 and older with adult. Learn the Arabic alphabet and words through stories and songs.

TEENS

Teen Zone: 3:30 p.m. April 5 and 26. 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. April 11. 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.

Teens & Friends Poetry Coffee House and Open Mic: 2 p.m. April 29. Middle and high school ages. Teens, invite your friends and family! Come for open mic poetry and short prose readings. Read your own work, a favorite piece or the work of a friend. Coffee, treats and a welcoming atmosphere provided.

ADULTS

Refugee and Immigrant Youth Advisory Council – First Community Meeting: 3:30 p.m. April 12. Middle and high school ages. Student leaders from Kent Meridian High School want to hear from you! Students and community members will meet to share ideas about how to make Kent a better place to live for all. We will be joined by special guests from King County Metro to share information about the Orca Lift program.

Kent Youth-Let’s Talk About It: 3:30 p.m. April 19. Middle and high school ages. Snack, do a craft, organize to change our world or just come by for a chat. We are forming a Youth Council and would like to hear your ideas.

YWCA Support Services for Veteran Families: 10 a.m. April 13 and 27. Ask at the library for details.

Sign Up for ORCA LIFT: 10 a.m..-noon, April 12. Drop in to register for ORCA LIFT, a 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. Please bring ID and income verification documents.

Hello 4Culture: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. April 18. 4Culture, King County’s cultural funding agency, will be holding office hours at the Kent Library. They will be on hand to talk to you about their resources. Bring your questions, ideas and plans.

After Lunch Book Club: 1 p.m. April 12. 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.

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.

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.

KNOW YOUR HISTORY

Breaking Through the Wall of Slavery, An Introduction to African American Genealogy: 2 p.m. April 2. Presented by Genealogist Janice Lovelace, Ph.D. Many African-American researchers struggle to break through the brick wall of slavery. This presentation looks at techniques to identify emancipated slaves and their prior slave-owners through the use of land, probate, census and court records.

Bagging a Live One, Connecting With Cousins You Never Knew You Had: 2 p.m. April 23. Presented by Genealogist Mary Kircher Roddy. Mary will show you how to find distant relatives, perhaps ones you never knew existed. You will come away with the skip tracing skills to target specific people and to find their contact details.

Everyone Talks About It

Sharing Stories-Healing Communities, Personal Stories of Those Impacted by Opiate Use Disorder: 2 p.m. April 8. In partnership with King County Department of Community & Human Service, Heroin & Prescription Opiate Addiction Task Force. The power of healing is held within the frame of the personal story. As we seek to heal individuals, families and communities suffering burdens borne of the opioid crisis, these stories can touch and meld hearts together in understanding and compassion. Join the conversation to understand how communities can best meet the needs of individuals suffering from opioid use disorder, provide support and paths to life-long recovery.

Entertainment

SHOWARE CENTER

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

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.

Newsboys – Love Riot Tour: 7 p.m. April 7. Grammy-nominated and platinum-selling band performs their hit songs. Tickets: $39-$99

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.

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

Rainier Chorale “Omaggio!” Masterworks Concert: 2-3 p.m. April 2, Kent United Methodist Church, 11010 SE 248th St., Kent. Celebrating the contributions of the chorale’s artistic director, Ron Bayer, who is in his 20th season. In celebration of the milestone, the Rainier Chorale has commissioned a work by critically acclaimed composer David C. Dickau. Advance tickets: $18 for general admission, $16 for seniors, students, and $10 for 11-and-under. An additional $2 will be charged for tickets at the door. To order, call 206-835-8888 or visit rainierchorale.org/tickets.

“Sister Act”: 7 p.m. shows, 2 o’clock matinees, April 20-May 6, Kentlake Performing Arts Center, 21401 SE 300th St., Kent. Kentlake High School spring musical directed by Pam Cressey (her last show as she is retiring). When Deloris Van Cartier sees her boyfriend murder a snitch, she must hide out in a convent where she finds herself at odds with the rigid lifestyle and Mother Superior. Using her worldly talents, Deloris is able to inspire the church choir and breathe new life into the church. Filled with soulful gospel, funky ’70s music, outrageous dancing, and a truly moving story, Sister Act features original music by celebrated composer Alan Menken. Tickets: $10-$12. Cash at the door or tickets online at brownspapertickets.com.

Conductor’s Choice 2: Love, Passion, and Defiance: 2:30 p.m. April 30, Performing Arts Center. 702 Fourth St. NE, Auburn. Nikolas Caoile guest conducts the Auburn Symphony Orchestra. Program includes: Mendelssohn’s Overture to “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” written for the Shakespeare play of the same name; Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5; and Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2, featuring award-winning pianist Daniel Lebhardt. Tickets: $35 general, $28 seniors, $10 students. Reserved seats are available in advance online at auburnsymphony.org or by phone at 253-887-7777, and will also be available at the door. Box office opens 60 minutes prior to the concert and the house opens 30 minutes prior. A free pre-concert lecture begins at 1:45, hosted by Caoile and Dave Beck.

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

“Jack & the Giant”: 7 p.m. April 4, 6, Performing Arts Building, main campus, Green River College, 12401 SE 320th St., Auburn. Adult auditions for Heavier Than Air Family Theatre Co.’s upcoming production. For ages 16 and above. Informal, read-through type group audition. A song from the show will be provided and no advance preparation is necessary. Community actors with strong singing and dancing skills are encouraged to attend. Comfortable shoes and clothes for movement are recommended. Rehearsals are every Tuesday and Thursday from 7-9:30 p.m. beginning April 11, with performances June 23, 24, 30 and July 1. Children’s roles will be cast by invitation from Heavier Than Air Musical Theatre Camp participants. For more information, 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. For more information,visit gkhs.org.

PROGRAMS

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.

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.