Kent-area community calendar | Dec. 3

Events

Kent Winterfest: 3:30-9 p.m., Dec. 6, Town Square Plaza, downtown Kent. Produced by the Kent Lions and Foundation. Events include: Santa’s House, live music, cookie and ornament decorating. Christmas card making at Down Home Catering starting with registration at 1 p.m. followed by a holiday reading at the Kent Library read by the Kent Library children’s librarian. Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke will present Santa with a key to the city, and the Kent Station Santa House will be open at that time for the remainder of the season. Local choirs and school bands will perform. Christmas tree lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Free. For more information, visit www.kcdays.com/winterfest.

32nd annual Christmas Rush Fun Run: Dec. 13, Hogan Park at Russell Road, 24400 Russell Road, Kent. 10K run starts at 9:50 a.m., the 5K run/walk at 10. Race day includes prize drawings and awards for the top five finishers in each age group, special activities and vendor booths. Early entrance fee: $10 or $25 with a technical T-shirt before Dec. 5. Week of race entrance fees: $20 or $35 with a technical T-shirt. Participants age 13 and under run for $5. Register online at www.active.com. Registration forms 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 between 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 10. Race day registration and packet pick up is also available near the start/finish line at 8 a.m. For more information, call 253-856-5050 or visit www.kentwa.gov.

Wreaths Across America: 9-10 a.m. Dec. 13, Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 SE 240th St., Kent. Green River Composite Squadron honors those who have served. As a key partner in the nationwide Wreaths Across America program, CAP annually adorns memorials and veterans’ graves with evergreen wreaths to ensure the sacrifices of our nation’s soldiers are never forgotten. Your $15 donation places a wreath on the grave of a fallen hero this winter, and a portion of that gives back to our local squadron​. For more information, visit ww.grcscap.com/fundraising/waa

Benefits

“Toy ‘N’ Joy” drive: Nov. 16-Dec. 13, Bartell Drugs, 12946 SE Kent-Kangley Road, Kent. Bartell Drugs partners with the Salvation Army to provide holiday gifts for children in need by collecting new, unwrapped toys. Toy donations accepted at Bartell Drugs locations throughout King and Pierce counties. Options: • Choose a “gift request tag” from the “Toy ‘N’ Joy” display in the store and return the gift to the donation barrel with the tag affixed to it. • Donate new, unwrapped gifts appropriate for children up to 14 years-of-age. For more information, visit www.bartelldrugs.com.

Kent Commons Holiday Bazaar: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Dec. 5; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 6, Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Avenue N. City of Kent bazaar features more than 100 vendors with handcrafted gifts, musical entertainment, food and beverages. Free admission. For more information, visit www.kentwa.gov/kentcommonsholidaybazaar/

Kentridge Booster 1 Green Planet Recycling Fundraiser: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 6, Kentridge High School parking lot, 12430 SE 208th St. Bring your unwanted electronics and metals to a free recycling event. Cash donations benefit the Kentridge Booster Club sports and activities.

Concert for Camp: 7-9:30 p.m. Dec. 9, Emerald Queen Casino, 2024 E. 29th St., Tacoma. Benefit for Kent Parks Summer Resident Camp at Camp Waskowitz scholarship fund. Camp celebrates over 35 years of enriching lives. Featuring comedian Dwight Slade and The Coats. Admission: $20. Must be 21 and older. Cash-only event. Buffet available for $12.95. For more information, visit vimeo.com/50999126 or www.emeraldqueen.com.

New Year’s 2k/5k Fun Run and Walk: 10 a.m. Jan. 1, Meridian Valley Country Club, 24830 136th Ave. SE. Walk or run the scenic cart paths of the country club. Leashed pets welcome. Coffee, hot cocoa and snacks provided. Warm, dry buildings will be open for gathering and watching. Net proceeds donated to the American Lake Veterans Golf Course in Lakewood. Cost: $20 for 2K and under 18; $25 for 5K and over 18. Registration available at the country club’s front desk or online at Active.com.

Health

ShoWalk: 9-11 a.m., Mondays and Wednesdays, ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St., Kent. Outdoor walking enthusiasts can get out of the dark and the rain by participating in ShoWalk.  Presented by Kent4Health and sponsor Transdev Services, Inc., ShoWalk is a free indoor walking opportunity. ShoWalk continues through May 20. While there is no charge to participate, registration is appreciated at www.webreg.KentWA.gov or at the door on walk days.  More information is available at www.Kent4Health.com or by calling 253-856-4968.

Puget Sound Blood Center drives:  8-10 a.m., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 10, City of Kent, 400 W. Gowe Ave.; 8-10 a.m.. 10:45 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 10, Kent-Meridian High School, small gym, 10020 SE 256th St.; 9-11 a.m., noon-3 p.m. Dec. 22, Centerpoint Corporate Park, Mount Baker Room, 20809 72nd Ave. S., Kent; 9-11 a.m., noon-3 p.m. Dec. 23, Recreational Equipment, Smith Commons, 6750 S. 228th St.; 1-3 p.m., 4-7 p.m. Dec. 30, Kent United Methodist, Fellowship Hall 11010 SE 248th. For more information, call 253-945-8667 or please visit www.psbc.org.

Family Health & Fitness Night: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 4, Daniel Elementary School, 11310 SE 248th St. Hosted by the Hope Heart Institute and Molina Healthcare. The event will teach students and their families about healthy eating, active living and heart health. Evening includes dinner, games, prizes and health tips. For ways to get involved, please contact Carlee Donnelly at cdonnelly@hopeheart.org

TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly): 6 p.m., Thursdays, Swanson Court Clubhouse, 12200 SE 207th St., Kent, near Kentridge High School. Nonprofit weight loss support group. 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

Kent Evening Toastmasters: 7 p.m., Wednesdays, The Lodge, Arbor Village Retirement Center, 24004 114th Place SE, Kent. 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.

Volunteers

Soos Creek Park habitat restoration: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 6. Meet at Gary Grant Park in Kent on the north side of 208th Street, just east of 132nd Street. To reach the work site, volunteers can walk a few hundred yards on the trail south of the 208th Street parking lot. The Sierra Club South King County Group and Rainier Audubon Society – in coordination with King County Parks – host. Focus of the event is to do some basic weeding and mulching around native plantings. Tools, drinks and snacks provided, but volunteers are asked to bring their own work gloves – some will on hand – and dress for the work and weather. For more information, please contact Mark Johnston at markjtn@earthlink.net.

Reunions

Highline College Nursing’s 50th Anniversary Celebration: 5-7 p.m. Dec. 13, Highline College, 2400 S. 240th St., Des Moines. See how the program has grown and talk to students during an open house. Reconnect with classmates, faculty and staff, and community partners and toast to 50 years at the celebration reception and dinner. Admission: $10. For more information, contact Madison Gridley at 206-592-3312 or mgridley@highline.edu or visit alumni.highline.edu/events/

Highline College Annual Alumni Reception: 6-8 p.m. Dec. 16, Highline College 2400 S. 240th St., Des Moines, Building 8. Reconnect with classmates, retirees and faculty and staff for an evening of memories, games, prizes, food and fun. Admission: $10. For more information, contact Madison Gridley at 206-592-3312 or mgridley@highline.edu or visit alumni.highline.edu/events/

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:

TEMPORARY CLOSURE

Staff training: 10 a.m. Dec. 4. The library will be closed in the morning for staff training. It opens at 12:30 p.m.

CHILDREN & FAMILIES

Play & Learn: 10:30 a.m. Dec. 5, 12, 19 and 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.

Preschool Story Times: 11 a.m. Dec. 10. Ages 3 to 5 with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

Infant and Young Toddler Story Times: 10:30 a.m. Dec. 11. Ages newborn to 2 1/2 with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

Spanish Story Time: Noon, Dec. 6, 13. Family program. Ages 2 and older. Family program, all ages welcome with adult.

Kids Movie of the Month: 3:30 p.m. Dec. 26. Family program, all ages welcome. Enjoy a family friendly film with a light snack.

Family Pajama Story Times: 7 p.m. Dec. 9. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

Holiday Story Time: 3:30 p.m. Dec. 6. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Come to the library for holiday stories, songs and fun. Afterward, join the Kent Lions Club and Foundation as well as the City of Kent outside for the Santa Parade at 4:30 p.m. and the annual tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. Beverages and assorted goodies will be served at the Town Square Plaza prior to the lighting.

Eli Rosenblatt Music Concert: 2 p.m. Dec. 13. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Eli Rosenblatt brings world-music, language, movement and imagination together in a high-energy mix to create exciting interactive performances for children and families of all ages.

TEENS

Teen Zone, Writers Club: 3:30 p.m. Dec. 16. Monthly meeting to share inspiration, fun exercises and creative work time.

Teen Zone, Movie Time: 3:30 p.m. Dec. 23. Call the library to find out what’s showing.

Teen Zone, Manga Club: 3:30 p.m. Dec. 9. Fun discussions and other Manga related activities – new topics and activities each month.

Gingerbread House Party: 2 p.m. Dec. 20. Build your own gingerbread house on a graham cracker base. Decorate with candy doodads, icing and cookie pieces. A special event for ages 8 to 20. Supplies are provided. Please register.

ADULTS

Talk Time: 5 p.m. Tuesdays. Improve your speaking and listening skills in this English conversation group.

Citizenship Class: 7 p.m. Tuesdays. Get help with the citizenship interview process, including civics and government questions, reading and writing English and practicing your interview skills. Registration not required.

English as a Second Language (ESL): 6 p.m.  Mondays, Wednesdays. A formal class to learn English grammar, reading, writing and conversation skills.

Drop-In to Learn about eBooks: 7 p.m. Dec. 18; 10 a.m. Nov. 22, 29, Dec. 20, 27. Get started with KCLS eBooks! Bring your eReader, tablet, phone or just your questions.

Friends of the Kent Library Meeting: 1 p.m. Dec. 11. Discover how to support your library.

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 each class, 253-859-3330. • Internet Level 1, 7-8:30 p.m. Dec. 4; • Computer Basics, 7-9 p.m. Dec. 9; • One-on-One Assistance, 3-5 p.m. Dec. 10; • Microsoft Word Level 1: 7-9 p.m. Dec. 17

Erwilian in Concert: 2 p.m. Dec. 7. Erwilian performs mostly traditional acoustic music from lively jigs to hauntingly sweet melodies. Enjoy this seasonal treat.

After Lunch Book Bunch: 1 p.m. Dec. 10. “The Invisible Gorilla” by Christopher Chabris

MAKE 2014: All ages. Unleash your creativity and strengthen your science and technology skills at the same time with KCLS’ MAKE events, the new fall season of STREAM-based programs. If you can imagine something, you can learn to make it at the library. Follow your curiosity and explore the latest computer technologies. Try your hand at animation and special effects. Create a robotic puppet and learn basic physical engineering. MAKE programs will show you how in supportive, hands-on workshops.www.kcls.org/make

Entertainment

SHOWARE CENTER

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

100.7 The Wolf – Hometown Holiday: 8 p.m. Dec. 10. Starring Randy Houser, Lee Brice, David Nail, Craig Morgan. Special acoustic concert with music from some of countries biggest stars. Tickets: $38.50-$114.

1964 The Tribute: 8 p.m. Dec. 11. Tribute band brings back the sound of the legendary. Tickets: $20-$75.

HOT 103.7 – Hot House Party: 8 p.m. Dec. 12. Featuring Bobby Brown, Tony! Toni! Toné!, Ginuwine and Rob Base. Tickets $48.50, $70.50 (reserved seats) and $114 (premium seats), which include the best floor seats, pre-party and after party in the club lounge with appetizers and cash bar, souvenir laminate and chance to take a photo with some of the artists performing.

KENT ARTS COMMISSION SPOTLIGHT SERIES

Tickets at kentarts.com, by calling 253-856-5051 or 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.

The Four Bitchin’ Babes present “Jingle Babes!”: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5, Kent-Meridian PAC. Original tour de force musical comedy theatre troupe. These accomplished musician-actress-comediennes fill the stage with whimsical songs, hilarious shtick, and luscious girl group harmonies. Tickets: $25 general, $25 senior, $15 youth

Magical Strings 28th Annual Celtic Yuletide Concert: 3 p.m. Dec. 7, Kent-Meridian PAC. The Boulding Family’s musical celebration of the holiday season is a treasured tradition in Kent. Pam and Philip Boulding are joined by their children, grandchildren and guests for an afternoon of enchanting Yuletide music. Tickets: $22 general, $20 senior, $15 youth

Marc Cohn: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 22, Kentwood Performing Arts Center, 25800 164th Ave. SE, Covington. After winning a Grammy for his soulful ballad “Walking in Memphis,” Cohn solidified his place as one of this generation’s most compelling singer/songwriters, combining the precision of a brilliant tunesmith with the passion of a great soul man. Tickets: $28 general, $25 senior, $15 youth

Broadway’s Next Hit Musical!: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 6, Kent-Meridian PAC. Every song is fresh. Every scene is new. Every night is different. It’s all improvised and it’s all funny. The New York Times calls Broadway’s Next H!T Musical “Hilarious!” Master improvisers gather made up song suggestions from the audience and create a full blown improvised musical – complete with memorable characters, witty dialogue, and plot twists galore. Tickets: $25 general, $22 senior, $15 youth

“Fairy Tales & Fantasy” presented by BYU Theatre Ballet: 7 p.m. March 12, Kentwood PAC. Selections from classic ballets such as Romeo & Juliet, Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Don Quixote, and more bring magical stories, beautiful music, and graceful dance to the stage for all ages to enjoy. Tickets: $22 general, $20 senior and $15 youth

Schoolhouse Rock Live! performed by Childsplay: 1 p.m. March 21, Kent-Meridian PAC. A pop culture phenomenon returns to the musical stage! Academic subjects will never seem boring again when presented through mega-hits like “Conjunction Junction,” “Just a Bill,” and “Interplanet Janet.” Schoolhouse Rock explodes onto the stage with songs you loved updated for a whole new generation. Childsplay is a professional company of adult actors who teach and perform for young audiences and families. Tickets: $10 general, $10 senior, $10 youth

Masters of Soul: 7:30 p.m. April 7, Kentwood PAC. A celebration of the legendary songs and performers that defined Motown and soul music. The show features the incredible harmonies and smooth moves made famous by recording acts like The Temptations, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, The Four Tops, Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Jackson Five, Martha Reeves The Vandellas, Stevie Wonder, Barry White, The Commodores and many more. Tickets: $25 general, $22 senior, $15 youth

ELSEWHERE

“Oliver!”: 7 p.m. Dec. 12, 13, 19, 20; 3 p.m. Dec. 13, 14, 20, Green River Community College, Performing Arts Building, 12401 SE 320th St., Auburn. Heavier Than Air Family Theatre presents the award-winning musical that vividly brings to life Charles Dickens’ timeless characters with its ever popular story of the orphaned boy who asked for more. Tickets: $10 advance, $12 at the door. For more information, call 253-833-9111, ext. 2400, or visit www.heavierthanair.com. Live music: Reds Wine Bar @ Craft Beers, 321 Ramsay Way No. 110 Kent Station, across from the parking lot. Tuesday jazz jam (6-9 p.m.); Thursday bluegrass jam (6-10 p.m.); Saturday rotating local musicians (8-11 p.m.); Sunday open mic (4-7 p.m.). 253-277-1852, www.redswinebar-kent.com.

Ring Out, Wild Bells: 3 p.m. Dec. 13, Kent United Methodist Church, 11010 SE 248th St. Rainier Youth Choirs’ annual holiday concert and a “cookie mingle” that follows. Tickets: advance $12 adults; $10 seniors/students; $5 children under 12 (at door $15/$12/$7). For more information, call 253-315-3125, email info@rainieryouthchoirs.org or visit www.RainierYouthChoirs.org.

Home for Christmas: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13; 2 p.m. Dec. 14, Kent United Methodist Church, 11010 SE 248th St. Rainier Chorale’s annual holiday concert. Christmas carol sing-along, accompanied by organ and acoustics. Tickets: $20 general admission, $18 for seniors/students, $12 for 11-and-under. Order online through www.brownpapertickets.com.

ChoralSounds’ “Shining Night”: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13; 2 p.m. Dec. 14, Highline Performing Arts Center, 401 S. 152nd St, Burien. Christmas show includes dozens of singer and audience favorites from past years. Family friendly and features bright costuming, creative choreography and festive sets. Tickets: $20-25 (17 and under free with a paid adult ticket). www.northwestassociatedarts.org or 206-246-6040

Kent Valley Figure Skating Club Winter Recital: 6:15-9:15 p.m. Dec. 21, Kent Valley Ice Center, 6015 S. 240 St., Kent. Enjoy the holiday season at the annual ice skating extravaganza. Free. www.kentvalleyfsc.org

CHANCEL ARTS AT KENT LUTHERAN

Jazz: 8-10 p.m. Jan. 24, Feb. 21, March 21,  Kent Lutheran Church, Fellowship Hall, 336 Second Ave. S., downtown Kent. Jazz for listening and dancing. Centerpiece Jazz Band from Music Center Northwest in Seattle performs. Admission: $12.50 adults, $5 senior citizens in groups of 10. Refreshments and drinks available. For more information, call Fergus Prestbye at 253-520-1033.

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: 25524 74th 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.

EVENTS

Painting for charity: 6-8 p.m. Dec. 12, Starbucks’ new Evenings bistro store, 26910 Maple Valley Highway, Suite J. Meet-and-greet with Michael Tolleson at 6 p.m., followed by a live painting demonstration at 7. Artwork created live during the event will be donated to a local charity that focuses on children with autism. The event also will feature live music.

Museums

Greater Kent Historical Society: 855 E. Smith St., historic Bereiter House, Kent. Hours: noon-4 p.m., Tuesday-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.kenthistoricalmuseum.org

EVENTS

Christmas Open House: 1-5 p.m. Dec. 7. Please come celebrate the holiday season at the Historic Bereiter House. Open to the public. Refreshments will be served.