Kent-area community calendar | Nov. 16

Events

Third annaul Thanksgiving International Dinner: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Nov. 18, Kent Parks Community Center, inside Kent Phoenix Academy Building, 11000 SE 264th St., Kent. Presented by KPCC in partnership with Youth WAV & GEM. Inviting families, especially parents of children, to third annual feast. Traditional American items along with a taste of Kent inspired by local restaurants from different cultural backgrounds. Hoping to feed 400 families. Please RSVP Tye at tiambiawhitfield@yahoo.com.

Kent Has Talent: 7 p.m. Nov. 18, Kent-Meridian Performing Arts Center, 10020 SE 256th St. Evening of live entertainment including dancing, singing and more from the community’s most talented performers. Tickets $20. Proceeds benefit the Kent Community Foundation, supporting education and the cultural arts in the greater Kent area. Presented by Bowen Scarff Ford Lincoln. For more information, visit kentcf.com.

Kent Commons Holiday Bazaar: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec.2; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 3, Kent Commons Community Center, 525 Fourth Ave. N. Featuring more than 100 vendors with a variety of handcrafted gifts. Food and musical entertainment. Presented by the city of Kent. For more information, call 253-856-5000 or visit KentWA.gov.

Kent Winterfest: 1-7:30 p.m. Dec. 3, Town Square Plaza and Kent Station, downtown Kent, corners of Smith Street and 2nd Avenue. Winterfest is a gift from the Kent Lions to the community. Winterfest includes cookie decorating, a Christmas storytime teading, appearance by Santa for the tree lighting ceremony, live choral groups; plus, free popcorn, hot cider, and hot chocolate. For more information, contact the Lions at 253-852-5466, kentlions@gmail.com, or find the group on Facebook.

34th annual Christmas Rush Fun Run: 9:50 a.m. (10K run start); 10 a.m. (5K run/walk starts), Dec. 10, Hogan Park, 24400 Russell Road, Kent. Certified and chip-timed by BuDu Racing. Race-day highlights include prize drawings and awards for the top-five finishers in each age group, special activities and vendor booths. Early entry fee is $10 or $25 with a technical T-shirt before Dec. 2. Week of race entry fees are $20 or $35 with a technical T-shirt. Online registration is available at active.com. Registration forms are also available at the Kent Commons and many Puget Sound athletic stores. Avoid the lines on race day. Pick up shirts and bibs at RoadRunner Sports at Kent Station, from 3-7 p.m. Dec. 7. Race-day registration and packet pickup available near the start/finish line at 8 a.m.

Benefits

Suits for Soldiers Open House: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 18, Rosa Payan Insurance Agency, 409 Third Ave. S., Suite B, Kent. Agency and other participating Farmers Insurance agencies collecting gently used professional attire through Nov. 30. By donating gently used professional attire, the public can help veterans be prepared for their interviews. Donations can be dropped off at the Rosa Payan Insurance Agency’s open house and other Farmers locations. Call 253-854-2066 or email agentrosap@gmail.com to locate the nearest dropoff location.

Kent/Covington Ugly Holiday Sweater Run: 10 a.m. Dec. 10, Kentwood High School, 25800 164th Ave. SE, Covington. Choose between two 5K courses, stroller friendly and regular. Raising money for Kent’s Pediatric Interim Care Center. PICC primarily nurses babies born with drug addictions through withdrawals. Money will be providing beds, diapers, formula, wipes, hand sanitizers, etc. Registration fee: $20 with a T-shirt, $10 without. T-shirts are not guaranteed in your size if you don’t register by Monday, Nov. 21. Register online at kent.k12.wa.us/KW.

Sleep Train’s Toy Drive for Foster Kids & Photo Contest: Through Dec. 18. Donate new, unwrapped gifts at any Sleep Train. Visit sleeptrain.com to find your nearest store. Also enter Sleep Train’s annual photo contest. Snap a picture while donating and post it on Instagram with #SleepTrainSecretSanta in the caption or upload it to woobox.com. One grand prize winner will receive a holiday sleep essentials prize package, including an iPad mini.

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: 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.

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.

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.

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

Family Pajama Story Times: 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays. 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. Wednesdays. Ages 2 to 3 with caregiver. Stories, songs and fun. Stay for a brief play time afterward.

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

Infant and Young Toddler Story Times: 10:30 a.m. Thursdays. No session on Nov. 24. 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. Nov. 18 and 25. (Spanish only). 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.

Kids Movie of the Month: 3:30 p.m. Nov. 25, “Zootopia”. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Rated PG, 108 minutes.

Fun with Bricks: 10:30 a.m. Nov.26. Family program, ages 6 and younger with adult. Have fun building with plastic bricks. You bring the ideas and the library will supply the building materials.

TEENS

Teen Zone: 3:30 p.m. Nov. 22. 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.

Teen Zone Technical Tuesday: 3:30 p.m. Nov. 29. Drop in and get techy with Idea X Kits, play video games, hang out with friends or study. Each monthly session will feature a different project, tool or experiment.

ADULTS

English as a Second Language Classes: 6 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays. Learn English grammar, reading, writing, and conversation skills with an experienced instructor.

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 (closed Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24). 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.

STARS Workshop, Building a Theme Across the Learning Centers: 10:30 a.m. Nov. 19. Presented by Miriam Dressler. Making lesson plans fun and interesting, while still meeting early education learning objectives, can be challenging when you have to make it all up from scratch. This workshop demonstrates how to use children’s books to develop a theme and link learning from one area to the next. Provides 2 STARS credit hours in Curriculum and Learning Environments.

Drop-In to Learn about eBooks: 10 a.m. Nov. 26. Get started with KCLS eBooks. Bring your eReader, tablet, phone or just your questions.

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 p.m., Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; • Microsoft Word Level 1, 7 p.m. Nov. 17

Entertainment

SHOWARE CENTER

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

Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith: 7 p.m. Nov. 19. Multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning artists unite for a Christmas tour with Jordan Smith, winner of “The Voice” The tour will help benefit Operation Christmas Child, known for distributing more than 135 million shoeboxes of Christmas gifts to children in need in 150 countries. Tickets start at $42.

Hometown Holiday: 8 p.m. Dec. 7. Star-studded event, presented by 100.7 The Wolf, features Hunter Hayes, Josh Turner, Tyler Farr, and Maddie & Tae. Intimate winter concert showcases some of the best new and rising country stars playing alongside some of their well-established peers. The unique “guitar-pull” style puts all favorite country acts on stage together. Tickets priced at $35, $45 & $65. A limited number of premium tickets available for $101 and VIP for $137. Four-pack of reserved tickets is $120 (select sections only). For more information, visit seattlewolf.com or wolfhometownholiday.com.

Bret Michaels, Rock The Arena Tour: 6:45 p.m. Dec. 9. Tour features an all-star lineup of the best bands from the ‘80s, including Warrant, Dokken and LA Guns. Tickets: $39-$99.

SPOTLIGHT SERIES

Spotlight Series is presented by the Kent Arts Commission and Kent Parks, Recreation and Community Services and partially funded by 4Culture, WESTAF, National Endowment for the Arts, Washington State Arts Commission, and a variety of business and individual sponsors. Tickets may be purchased online 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.

Magical Strings 30th Annual Celtic Yuletide Concert: 3 p.m. Dec. 4, Kent-Meridian PAC. The Boulding Family’s musical celebration of the holiday season is a treasured tradition in Kent. Once again, Pam and Philip Boulding are joined by their children, grandchildren and guests for an afternoon of enchanting Yuletide music, Irish step dancing, drumming and storytelling. Tickets: $25 general, $22 senior, $15 youth

Windham Hill Winter Solstice: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9, Kent-Meridian PAC. Celebrate the winter solstice and its warm traditions with a concert of acoustic music drawn from the multi-platinum selling Winter Solstice series as well as the artists’ many solo releases. Tickets: $32 general, $30 senior $15 youth

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.

“A Christmas Story, The Musical”: 7 p.m. Dec. 1, 2, 3,8, 9, 10; 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday, Kentlake High School Performing Arts Center, 21401 SE Falcon Way, Kent. Kentlake High School Drama Club presents classic story based on the iconic 1983 movie. It is the classic account of Ralphie Parker’s hilariously desperate quest to ensure that the most perfect of gifts ends up under his tree this Christmas – a Red Ryder Carbine-Action BB Gun. All the cherished moments are here – the Old Man’s leg lamp, the tongue-stuck-on-a-flagpole, the pink bunny suit, the Santa slide, and all of Ralphie’s extravagant daydreams. Performed by the cast of Kentlake high school, middle and elementary school age children from the Kent community and Kent School District. Tickets: $12.00 general admission, $10 seniors, ASB and children under 12 and can be purchased at the door or online at brownpapertickets.com. For more information, visit kentlakedrama.com.

“Fiddler on the Roof”: 7 p.m. Dec. 9, 10, 16, 17; 2 p.m. Dec. 10, 11, 17, Green River College, main campus, Performing Arts Building, 12401 SE 320th St., Auburn. Presented by Heavier Than Air Family Theatre Co. Rich in history and steeped in tradition, Fiddler on the Roof tells the story of a tight-knit community in Czarist Russia determined to protect its way of life from a changing world. All tickets $10 advance purchase, $12 at the door (if available). For more information, call 253-833-9111 or visit heavierthanair.com.

Rainier Chorale “Winter Solstice” Holiday Concert: 2-3:30 p.m. Dec. 11, Kent United Methodist Church, 11010 SE 248th St., Kent. Chorale presentd a collection of winter and holiday works, including two contrasting favorites: Morten Lauridsen’s ethereal and moving O Magnum Mysterium, and G. F. Handel’s rousing Hallelujah Chorus. Christmas carol sing-along. Please bring a nonperishable food item to benefit the Kent Food Bank. 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. Info: 206-835-8888, information@rainierchorale.org, or rainierchorale.org.

Erwilian: 10th Annual Holiday Concert: 7-9:30 p.m. Dec. 17, New Hope Presbyterian, 19800 108th Ave. SE, Kent. Celebrate the sounds of the season with an evening of instrumental Christmas music performed on more than 50 acoustic instruments. Music ranging from traditional to lesser-known carols as well as original compositions, all featuring the signature Erwilian sound. The award-winning acoustic ensemble from Seattle will be joined by some special guests including award-winning guitarist George Varghese and Minneapolis-based flautist Bevani. Cost: $15 advance, $20 at the door. Tickets available at erwilian.com.

A Celtic Christmas with Abigail Lennox and The Beggar Boys: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Dec. 17, Kent Lutheran Church, 336 Second Ave. S. Warm up your holiday season as The Beggar Boys bring traditional Christmas music from Ireland, Scotland and Wales to the Pacific Northwest. The ethereal vocals of singer Abigail Lennox blend with fiddles, whistle, and guitar to create the Beggar Boys’ signature blend of traditional songs and tunes and powerful originals, called “lush and revealing” by the Boston Globe. This festive program will also feature Larry Young’s dramatic storytelling and live Irish step dancing performed by students from Seattle’s Tara Academy of Irish Dance. Tickets: $20 general, $15 seniors (65 and older), under 12 free. Info: beggarboys.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.

PROGRAMS

Christmas Open House: 1-4 p.m. Dec. 4. The public is invited for a good, old-fashioned, holiday celebration at the Bereiter House. See the house decorated for Christmas. Enjoy refreshments, live music and enjoy the festive museum.

Kent Chronicles, Conversations About the Vietnam Conflict: 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Dec. 10. Marianne Jacobs, anthropology professor at Green River College, who served as a nurse in Vietnam, is guest speaker. “The Story of Marianne Jacobs” shares details of the operational plan for medical assistance by the Armed Forces for the conflict.