Kent-area community calendar | Aug. 12

Events

Kent Farmers Market: 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturdays, June 6-Sept. 26. Fresh produce, flower, vendors. Kent Lions program. For more information, visit www.kentfarmersmarket.com.

Experience Historical Kent: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Aug. 15; 1:30-4:30 p.m., Aug. 16, throughout the city of Kent. Celebration features special exhibits and bus and walking tours of the city’s oldest homes, businesses and cemeteries.  Schedule of events, Aug. 15: • Greater Kent Historical Museum and Mill Creek Neighborhood Historic Home and Garden Walking Tour, 855 E. Smith St., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. every half-hour. Turn-of-the-century and Great Depression-era homes. Tours start at the museum. • Neely-Soames Historic Homestead Annual Open House, 5311 S. 237 Place (along the Green River Trail) 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tour the grounds and get a glimpse of the way residents lived in 1885. • Soos Creek Botanical Garden and Heritage Center, 29308 132nd Ave. SE, Auburn, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Hundreds of objects and photographs detailing the settling of the rugged Soos Creek Plateau, art walk, and entertainment by the Old Time Fiddlers Association. • Historic Downtown Walking Tours, Corner of Second Avenue North and Meeker Street, 10-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-2 p.m. Each walk is limited to the first 25 people. • Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum, 5917 South 196th St., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Special free admission this day only to the nation’s primary resource for historical information on hydroplane racing. • 28th Annual Classic Ford Show and Mustang Roundup, 1157 Central Ave. N., 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free spectator admission and awards for 40-plus classes of cars. Aug. 16: • Historic Cemeteries Bus Tour, 1:30-4:30 p.m. A docent will accompany guests on this informative tour of Kent’s historic cemeteries. While the tour is free, registration is required at kentwa.gov/Bustourregistration2015 for transportation planning. For more details, call 253-854-4330 or visit KentWA.gov/ExperienceHistoricalKent.

Tahoma National Cemetery Spirit of 45 Ceremony: 2 p.m. Aug. 16, Tahoma National Cemetery, main flag pole assembly area, 18600 SE 240th St, Kent. International tribute commemorates the 70th Anniversary of the end of World War II. To honor all military members who served during World War II. Brief presentations from WWII veterans. Parking limited. Visitors should plan on walking to and from their parking spot to the ceremony. Parking is available for disabled passengers and drivers with a shuttle to and from the ceremony assembly area. For more information, call 425-413-9614.

SOAKS: 5-8 p.m. Aug. 20, Kent Station, Ramsay Way. Summer’s Over Almost at Kent Station (SOAKS) is a free family event, featuring activity booths, a bouncy house, gyroscope, an obstacle course sponsored in part by Clowns Unlimited, and the Road Runner Sports’ Adventure Run. Communities in Schools of Kent hosts its third annual Fill the Bus school supply drive. Participants receive raffle tickets for every activity. The Adventure Run map will be revealed at 6:30 p.m. at which time everyone is welcome to walk, jog or run to as many checkpoints on the map as they wish, collecting raffle tickets at each stop, until returning to the Kent Station Plaza by 7:45 p.m. More than $3,000 in raffle prizes will be announced and the $1 beer garden will be open. Agave Cocina & Cantina hosts a family friendly after-party where more raffle tickets and prizes will be given. For more information, visit www.kentstation.com.

Sixth annual Hops & Crops Music and Beer Festival: Noon-6 p.m. Sept. 12, Mary Olson Farm, 28728 Green River Road SE. 21-and-up event features a beer garden with 30-plus craft brews and ciders from local breweries, live music, tours. All proceeds from the event support educational programming at the farm. Barbecue and snacks available for purchase.Reber Ranch presents the festival. Tickets: $15 pre-sale, $20 at the gate. Taster admission includes taster mug and five tokens. $10 designated driver/no taste admission. Purchase tickets at the festival or online at wrvmuseum.org/hopsandcrops.html

Kent Chamber of Commerce Business Expo: 3-7 p.m. Oct. 20, ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St. Featuring 90 business booths, more than 10 restaurants for the Taste of Kent; do-it-yourself presentations, games and prizes; and giveaways. Network and create business connections. Free and open to the public.

Benefits

Sleep Country’s School Supply Drive for Foster Kids: Now through Sept. 6. Donations of new school supplies can be dropped off at any Sleep Country store. For more information or to find the nearest location please visit the store locator at www.sleepcountry.com or call 888-887-5337. Store hours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Cash donations can also be made online and Sleep Country representatives will shop on your behalf. All contributions are distributed among Sleep Country’s foster care partner organizations. For more information, visit www.sleepcountryfosterkids.org.

Bake sale to benefit the Goy family: 10 a.m., Aug. 15, Panther Lake Community Church, 10630 SE 204th St., Kent. Anatoliy Goy and his sons, Daniel, 9, and Alex, 7, were killed in a car accident in southwest Washington on June 20. Daniel and Alex were students at Kent’s Springbrook Elementary School. The boys’ mother, Mariya Goy, and brother, Andrey, 11, were injured in the accident. Bakers and buyers are needed for the benefit. For more information, call 253-234-1193.

Kent Senior Lunch Program Dessert Concert: 6 p.m. Aug. 20, Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St. Proceeds benefit the Kent Parks Deli and Cafe. Rock ‘n Roll Choir SilverSounds Northwest performs nostalgic tunes. Co-sponsored by Stafford Suites. Theme is “Get your Kicks … “ based on the Rock ‘n Roll song “Route 66”. Other ‘50s and ‘60s era music will be featured. Advanced tickets are available for any size donation beginning July 14 in person at the center or with MasterCard/Visa by calling 253-856-5150.

MSC Helps Luncheon: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 22, Emerald Downs, 2300 Emerald Downs Drive, Auburn. Fundraising luncheon benefits programs at the Multi-Service Center, a nonprofit agency that offers people pathways out of poverty through support and resources in education, employment, housing, energy assistance, food and clothing. Guest speaker is Alfie Alvarado, director of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs. Cost: $100 suggested donation. Contact: Le Ann Taylor or Sarah Villian at 253-835-7678 or rsvp@mschelps.org.

Health

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 $7 monthly. For more information, call 253-709-5098 or visit www.tops.org or www.whywelovetops.com.

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.

Gamblers Anonymous: For meeting times and locations, call toll free the Gamblers Anonymous Hotline 1-855-222-5542. Visit www.gawashington.org or www.gamblersanonymous.org for additional information.

Clubs, programs

Open House, Glover Empower Mentoring (GEM): 6:30-8:30 p.m. Aug. 26, Kent Library, 212 Secondnd Ave. N. GEM is a mentoring for young men in Kent and South King County. For more information, visit gementoring.wix.com/gementoring or email gempowermentoring@gmail.com.

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.

Camps

RYC Jungle Cruise Summer Choir Camp: Aug. 17-20, First Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 19800 108th Ave. SE, Renton. Rainier Youth Choirs present camp for singers entering grades three through eighth grade, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. Educational clinics, fun activities and group rehearsals. Free community concert on Aug. 20. Camp is funded in part by the City of Kent Arts Commission. Cost: $85 per student. Camp fees cover daily lunch, clinic materials and a camp T-shirt. For more information, visit www.RainierYouthChoirs.org.

Faith

Greater Things Ministry: 9-11 a.m., Sundays in August, gazebo at Burlington Park, on Railroad Avenue North between East Meeker and East Smith streets in Kent. Free breakfast. Open to the community. Call Pastor Danny at 253-335-4727 for more information.

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

Play & Learn: 10:30 a.m. Aug. 14, 21 and 28. Kaleidoscope Play & Learn is an organized play group for newborns to age 5 and people who take care of them. Have fun learning while we play, sing songs and create art.

Kid’s Movie of the Month: 3:30 p.m. Aug. 28 Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Enjoy a family friendly film with a light snack.

Be a Hero to Your Kids, Take your children to a KCLS library this summer: Kids who learn all summer go back to school with stronger learning skills. That’s why KCLS libraries provide free events and learning activities that enhance skills, increase curiosity and inspire creativity. Based on STEM curriculum, with reading and art added, summer learning builds smarter kids while they’re having fun. And it’s free. For details, visit any KCLS library or kcls.org/kids/summer.

Infant and Young Toddler Story Times: 10:30 a.m. Aug. 13. Ages newborn to 2 1/2 with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

Spanish Story Times: noon, Aug. 15. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

Summer Free Lunch Program: noon, Monday, Tuesdays and Wednesdays through Aug. 26. Ages 18 and younger. Come and receive a free lunch from United Way.

TEENS

Study Zone-Summer Sessions: 3 p.m. Wednesdays. Grades K-12. Drop in to the Study Zone for math, reading and basic study skills.

Teen Zone: Game On!: 3 p.m. Aug. 18. Middle and high school ages. Play video games in the library.

Ponte el Ritmo/Get Your Rhythm On: 2 p.m. Aug. 19. All ages welcome. Play and sing along with the Savani Latin Jazz Quartet in a hands-on, participatory rhythm workshop for families. Be sure to bring your clapping hands and dancing feet!”

Teen Movie: 3 p.m. Aug. 25.Middle and high school ages.Contact the library for movie title.

Unmask 2015 Teen Summer Learning Program: Teens, enter to win a Samsung Galaxy “7 Tab. Entries accepted until Aug. 31. More details and entry forms available at your KCLS Library.

ADULTS

Drop-In to Learn about eBooks: 10 a.m. Aug. 29. Get started with KCLS eBooks! Bring your eReader, tablet, phone or just your questions.

English as a Second Language Classes: 5:30 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays. Learn English grammar, reading, writing, and conversation skills.  Registration required. Please contact the library for details, 253-859-3330.

Job Readiness Program: 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays; 3 p.m. Thursdays. Theh 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 one-on-one assistance on a drop-in, first come, first served basis. Strongly recommended that you bring a flash/USB drive.

Talk Time Class: 5 p.m. Tuesdays. Practice speaking English with other English language learners.

Citizenship Classes: 7 p.m. Tuesdays. Learn how to become a United States Citizen.

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. • Computer Basics, 7 p.m. Aug. 13; • Word I, 7 p.m. Aug. 27

Kent Friends of the Library Meeting: 1 p.m. Aug. 13. The Friends support the library through fundraising, volunteerism and sponsorship of programs and services. If you would like to get involved, please join us at the meeting.

Mobile Office Hours for Congressman Adam Smith: 10 a.m. Aug. 18. Smith’s staff members are able to assist constituents with Federal Agency issues such as Social Security, Internal Revenue Service, State Department and, provide housing and financial support resources and help with federal agency questions.

Entertainment

SHOWARE CENTER

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

The Legends Football League Cup:  3 p.m. Aug. 23, championship. Tickets: $10-$50.

Marco Antonio Solis: 8 p.m. Aug. 30. World renowned singer and song writer and former lead singer of Los Bukis, a group he formed as a teenager. Popular in Mexico, throughout Latin America, Spain and the United States, Solis has more than 30 entries on Billboard’s Hot Latin Tracks. Tickets: $65-$175.

Seattle Rock-A-Thon 2015: noon, Sept. 5. A 12-hour mega concert, featuring: Candlebox; Filter; Drowning Pool; Dokken; Pat Travers; Missing Persons; Girl on Fire; Divide The Day; Valora; Sin Circus; Kings of Spade; Aury Moore Band; Paul Hernandez Trio; Beyond Today; Alive She Cried; Home Wreckr; Vial 8; Girls love Rockets; and Chasing OZ. Tickets: $25-$100.

The Experience, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly: 7 p.m. Sept. 19. A night of R&B and soul. Special guests: R&B Diva KeKe Wyatt, Kelly Price, and local favorite Mycle Wastman. Known for their hits “Happy Feelin’s”, “Can’t Get Over You” and other hit singles, Maze and Beverly have put their stamp in the R&B/Soul music for over three decades. Tickets: $49.50-$119.

ELSEWHERE

Live music ballroom dances: 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday, Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St. Open to all ages. Cover charge: $4 at the door for all ages, dancers and listeners. Refreshments served at 8:30 p.m. Program schedule: • First Tuesday: 17-member Big Band Kings of Swing, 7:45 to 9:30 p.m. Refreshments by the Lakeshore or Radcliffe Place; • Second Tuesday: Randy Litch, ballroom dance music, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Refreshments by the Weatherly; • Third Tuesday: Andy Burnett, rock ‘n roll music, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Refreshments by Stafford Suites; • Fourth Tuesday: Randy Litch, ballroom dance music, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Refreshments by Farrington Court; • Fifth Tuesday (when occurring): Randy Litch, ballroom dance music, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Refreshments by Judson Park. For more information, call 253-856-5150 or visit kentwa.gov/SeniorActivityCenter/

“Annie”: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 13, 14, 15; 2 p.m. Aug. 15, Kentridge Performing Arts Center, 12430 SE 208th St. At the Ridge Theatre (ART) presents one of the best-loved family musicals. Tickets: $10. Proceeds are awarded to the actors in the form of college scholarships. ART, a nonprofit community theater, celebrates its 15th year, with more than $300,000 in scholarships awarded. Tickets can be purchased online at www.showtix4u.com and at the door. For more information, visit attheridgetheatre.org

KENT SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Thursdays at the Lake, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Lake Meridian Park, 14800 SE 272nd St. (shuttle bus service available)

Gypsy Soul: Aug. 13. Anchored by Cilette Swann’s crystal-clear, haunting voice and Roman Morykit’s superb multi-instrumental musicianship, Gypsy Soul stirs the soul and moves the spirit with a sound that ranges from Americana heartland rock to country, blues, R&B and soul.

ELSEWHERE

Rock The Green: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 3, Green River College, 12401 SE 320th St., Auburn. Inaugural festival celebrates region’s natural resources. Green River Coalition presents live music and beer garden. Main stage performances include: Tim Noah; Dana Lyons; The Kevin Jones Band; Chick Buser; Howling Rain; The Community Players. Free admission. 253-333-6010, Greenriver.edu/rockthegreen

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.

Reunions

Kentridge High School Class of ‘85, 30-year reunion: 7-10 p.m. Aug.14, Guardian Cellars, 144th Ave. NE, E600, Woodinville. Wine, beer and a taco truck – what could be more fun? Join your 1985 classmates for an evening of memories. Spouses/dates are welcome. Donations accepted. Email your RSVP to KR85rsvp@gmail.com. www.facebook.com/events/1596779690609644/. Also: 5-10 p.m. Aug. 15, The Thirsty Fish, 9041 Holman Road NW, Seattle. First 90 classmates only please due to capacity. $20 admission. No refunds. Register at PayPal.com or KRclassof85@yahoo.com. Include maiden name please. www.facebook.com/events/745419402231618/

The Greater Kent Area Annual Reunion: 1-4 p.m. Aug. 16, Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St. Formerly known as Kent Old-Timer’s Reunion. Short program begins at 1:30 p.m., featuring a tribute to longtime residents who have given their time and service to the community. Honorees are Marvin Eckfeldt, Kenneth and June Iverson, and Jack and Shirley Meredith. Opportunity to visit classmates and friends and browse in the display room to view school annuals, newspaper clippings and other memorabilia.

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.

Michael Tolleson Savant Art Center: 205 1st Ave. S., Kent. Art studio and autistic art mentoring center. To learn more about the center and its programs, call 253-850-5995, visit www.MichaelTollesonArtist.com or email michaeltollesonartist@gmail.com. The center also can be found on Facebook.

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

Experience Historical Kent: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Aug. 15; 1:30-4:30 p.m., Aug. 16, throughout the city of Kent. Celebration features special exhibits and bus and walking tours of the city’s oldest homes, businesses and cemeteries. • Enjoy walking tours in the Mill Creek Neighborhood and view turn of the century and great depression era homes kept in character from 72-106 years old. • Take as stroll with local historian Eric Reitan around historic downtown and hear stories from the past.  • Wander through Neely-Soames Historic Homestead and get a glimpse of the way residents lived in 1885. • Visit the nation’s only public museum dedicated solely to powerboat racing with vintage hydroplanes spanning seven decades. • View more than 200 classic Fords and Mustangs at the annual Bowen Scarff Ford and Lincoln show. • Admire old objects and photographs detailing the settling of the rugged Soos Creek Plateau at the Soos Creek Botanical and Heritage Center, Native American storytelling, flute music, Old Time Fiddlers, and work by local artisans. For more details, call 253-854-4330 or visit KentWA.gov/ExperienceHistoricalKent.

RELATED PROGRAM

Soos Creek Botanical Garden and Heritage Center: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 29308 132nd Ave. SE, Auburn. Historical displays, music and an art walk. Phil and Vivian Williams, of the Washington Old Time Fiddlers Association, performs at 11 a.m. Gary Stroutsos, master of the Native American Flute, plays at 1 p.m., transporting listeners to a time before settlers arrived. Enjoy painters, photographers, potters and jewelry artisans, displaying and selling their work at the Garden’s Art Walk. Stroll the 23-acre garden and see sculptures on display from Green River College. Visit the Demonstration Vegetable Garden. Hike down to Soos Creek and look for the many Eagle Scout projects along the way. Admission free. For more information, visit www.sooscreekbotanicalgarden.org.