Kent-area community calendar | Aug. 24

Events

41st Kent Farmers Market: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays,  through Sept. 24,  Town Square Plaza, near the Kent Station at the corner of Second and Smith streets. Features vendors offering a variety of fresh locally grown farm-based foods, hand-crafted items and entertainment. Volunteers with the Kent Lions and Foundation operate the market. For more information, visit kentfarmersmarket.com.

“Our Place in the March”: 2-5 p.m. Aug. 27, Burlington Green Park, West Meeker and Railroad Avenue North. Kent Black Action Commission presents a tribute to the 53rd anniversary of the historic March on Washington, D.C., when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his “I have a dream” speech. Program included a replay of King’s speech, voter’s registration, speakers and music. For more information, visit kentblackactioncommission.com, or contact: Richard Johnson, 253-631- 7944; or Gwen Allen-Carston, 253-486- 9029.

7th annual Hops & Crops Music and Beer Festival: Noon-6 p.m. Sept. 10, Mary Olson Farm, 28728 Green River Road SE, Auburn. 21 and up event features a beer garden with 30-plus craft brews and ciders from local breweries. Live music performances showcase the eclectic Northwwest music scene with bands representing roots, indie-pop, neo-soul and funk. Guests can bring a camp chair or blankets to sit back and enjoy the music, take a tour of the historic farmhouse, learn more about hops at the Hops Craze exhibit or try their hand at classic lawn games. All proceeds from the event support educational programming at farm. Tickets: $15 online before Sept. 1, $20 at the gate, includes taster mug and five tokens; $10 designated driver admission available at the gate only. Purchase tickets at the festival or online at: wrvmuseum.org/hopsandcrops.html

Benefits

Kent Parks Deli and Café: 6:15-8 p.m. Aug. 25, Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St. Proceeds to help offset expenses for the center’s weekday senior lunch program. SilverSounds NW, an adult choir with more than 50 vocalists, performs a rock and roll concert. Desserts compliments of Stafford Suites. Tickets available with any-size, tax-deductible donation at the center, or by phone at 253-856-5150 with a Visa or MasterCard. For more details, visit KentWA.gov/SeniorActivityCenter.

Kent Downtown Partnership Golf Tournament: 1:30 p.m. Sept. 8, Riverbend Golf Complex, 2019 W. Meeker St., Kent. Fee: $100 per player, which includes one round of golf, a cart, dinner and beverages. Four players are allowed per team. Register as a team or you can be assigned to a team. Players are encouraged to wear a Hawaiian-themed outfit. Prizes will be awarded. Proceeds benefit the KDP, a nonprofit membership group that serves and promotes the downtown area. To sign up or for more information, email Barbara Smith at barbaras@kentdowntown.org or call 253-813-6976.

Scramble for Safe Families Golf Tournament: 1 p.m. Sept. 17, Washington National, 4330 SE Husky Way, Auburn. Proceeds benefit the Jennifer Beach Foundation in its efforts to provide education, advocacy and assistance to victims of child abuse and domestic violence. Fee: $125 per player (before Aug. 1) or $135 thereafter; foursomes $500 (before Aug. 1) or $540 thereafter. Fee includes one round of golf, a cart and dinner. Be an event sponsor, sponsor a hole, donate items for the silent auction or raffle and golfer goody bags. For more information, email jnbfoundation@outlook.com, call Rhonda at 206-550-6487, or visit jnbfoundation.org.

Fall Plant Sale: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 23, 24, Soos Creek Botanical Garden, 29308 132nd Ave. SE, Auburn. Growing selection of perennials, trees and shrubs propagated from the garden. Choose from a wide variety of Japanese Maples. Plan some extra time to stroll through the beautiful garden. Proceeds support the garden. Free admission. www.sooscreekbotanicalgarden.org

Walk for the Babies: 9 a.m.-noon, Oct. 1, Kent Station, 417 Ramsay Way. Pediatric Interim Care Center recruiting registrants and donors for its annual 5K walkathon to raise funds for the care of drug-affected infants in PICC’s Newborn Nursery. The event starts in front of Duke’s at 9 a.m., with on-site registration, packet pick-up, and face painting. Starting flag is at 10:30. The route will go past PICC on 4th Avenue and then complete a loop on the Interurban Trail, ending back at Duke’s for a chowder feed, family fun, and prizes. To register or donate go to the events page at picc.net or call PICC at 253-852-5253. Registration fee is $25 for adults, $15 for seniors and students, kids 10 and under free. To learn more, visit www.picc.net.

Kent 24th CROP Hunger Walk: 1 p.m. Oct. 2. Community event sponsored by Church World Service and hosted by Kent Lutheran Church. The 5.5-mile walk starts at 1 p.m. and takes participants through downtown Kent and along the Green River and Interurban trails, ending at the church, 336 Second Ave. S. Sign up to walk, or donate to a walker or team at crophungerwalk.org/kentwa.

Health

Kent4Health Free Trail Walks: 6-7:30 p.m. Each Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning (June 1-Sept. 28). Each walk highlights various parks. Open to all ages and modalities. Up to 3-mile roundtrip self-guided walks; volunteers on site during walk hours; marked paved or compact trails. Sign in when you arrive. For more information and a schedule, visit kent4health.com.

Bloodworks Northwest drives: 8-10 a.m., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 31, BECU Kent corporate office, 20610 68th Ave. S.; 9-11:30 a.m. Sept. 8, DSHS, 1313 W. Meeker St.; 1-4 p.m. Sept. 8, Food Services of America, 18430 E. Valley Highway; 1-3 p.m. Sept. 7, Novinium, 22820 Russell Road; 9-11 a.m., 11:45 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 10, LDS Church, 24419 94th Ave. S. 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.

Faith

Soul’d Out presents Community Field Day: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 27, Kent-Meridian High School, 10020 SE 256th St., Kent. Presented by Soul’d Out Christian Center International. Food, fun, crafts and games. Free clothes, free barbecue at noon, prizes and more. Sign up for dance and a 3-point contest.

Church in the Park: 1 p.m. Sept. 3, West Fenwick Park, 3808 Reith Road S., Kent. Presented by Preach the Word Christian Center. Day of Food, family, music, worship, raffle with prizes, giveaways, community events, patrons and sponsors.  Petty Haque of LegalShield will discuss the importance of will preparation and how to be proactive against identity theft. Shamso Issak of Living Well Kent will talk about healthier lifestyles and better living. Patrons and sponsors welcome to participate. For more information, contact Pastor Brian M. Jackson (206-478-0937), Pastor Jacquie Jackson (206-478– 0936) or Minister Danny Mack (206-436-9941).

Programs

Spring Community Police Academy: 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 7-Nov. 9; Saturday sessions and optional tours Oct. 1, 22. Classes at Kent Police/Fire Training Center, 24611 116th Ave. SE, Kent. Classes offer straightforward, candid information regarding daily and specialized operations of the police department, while defining the agency’s role in the community. No cost for participating. Open to adults 18 years or older who lives, works, or has an interest in the city of Kent and its police department.  Space is limited and pre-registration is required. For security reasons, applicants must pass a background check. Persons with a felony conviction or recent misdemeanor conviction are not eligible to participate. Applications being accepted at KentWA.gov/CommunityPoliceAcademy.

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.

Chili Cookoff: 5-7 p.m. Sept. 14, Kent Masonic Hall, 805 E. Smith St. Kent Chamber of Commerce presents meet and greet for the business community. Participate in the contest and compete for the coveted apron. Register at kentchamber.com, info@kentchamber.com or call 253-854-1770.

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. and 12:30 p.m. Aug. 26. 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.

Kids Movie of the Month: 3:30 p.m. Aug. 26. “The Incredibles.” Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Enjoy a family friendly film with a light snack.

Free Summer Lunch Program: noon-1 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Free lunch for children and teens ages 1 to 18. Feed your body and your brain while you read this summer. In partnership with the Des Moines Food Bank and United Way AmeriCorps members.

TEENS

Study Zone-Summer Session: 3 p.m. Wednesdays. Drop in for math, reading and basic study skills.

Game On!: 3 p.m. Aug. 30. Middle and high school ages. Play video games at the library.

ADULTS

Drop-In to Learn about eBooks: 10 a.m. Aug. 27. Get started with KCLS eBooks! Bring your eReader, tablet, phone or just your questions.

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.

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. 25; • One-on-One Computer Help, 5 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Entertainment

SHOWARE CENTER

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

Casting Crowns featuring Hannah Kerr: 7 p.m. Oct. 2. Night of worship and Christian rock music. Tickets: $22-$77.

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, beginning Sept. 13, 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

Reunions

Kent-Meridian High Class of 1951: 1-4 p.m. Aug. 25, Meridian Valley Country Club, 24830 136th Ave. SE, Kent. 65th class reunion. Cost: $25, lunch included. For more information, contact Marilyn Ballard by mail at 207 T St. NE, Auburn, WA 98002-5107, or reunion chairman Bill Anderson at 253-939-7665.

Kent-Meridian High School Class of ‘76: 4:30 p.m.-midnight, Sept. 17, DoubleTree Suites by the Hilton, 16500 Southcenter Parkway, Tukwila. 40-year reunion. Cost: $65 per person. For more information or to register, visit www.Diadem76.reunionmanager.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.