Kent-area community calendar | Dec. 9

Events

Wreaths Across America: 9 a.m. Dec. 12, Tahoma National Cemetery, main flag pole assembly area, 18600 SE 240th St., Kent. Holiday wreath-laying ceremony to honor and remember the nation’s veterans. Civil Air Patrol, veterans service organizations and citizens coordinating the event to honor veterans of each branch of the military, the Merchant Marine as well as prisoners of war and those still missing in action. Public is welcome. For more information, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.

33rd annual Christmas Rush Fun Run: 9:50 a.m. Dec. 12, Hogan Park at Russell Road. Features a 10K run (starts at 9:50) and 5K run/walk (10 a.m.). Entry fee: $20 or $35 with a technical T-shirt. Online registration available at 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 on Dec. 9, from 3 to 7 p.m. 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.

“Colorstruck”: 7 p.m. Dec. 12, Kent-Meridian High School, East Wing Auditorium, 10020 SE 256th St. Institute for Community Leadership invites the public to a funny, deeply serious event dealing with race in America today. Don Lacy, a playwright and comedian from Oakland, Calif., performs. Free to the public. Limited seating. For seating, call 253 508 3250 or email info@icleadership.org.

“Bag It”: 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., Dec. 21, Kent Regional Library, 212 Second Ave. N. Learn more about a drive in Kent to ban plastic bags by watching the documentary. The 2010 movie exposes the effects of plastic bags and other plastic consumer merchandise, on land ecosystems, the marine environment and the human body. Free admission. Refreshments provided. People are asked to bring their own reuseable cup for beverages. Bag Busters – People for a Plastic Free Kent continues to gather signatures in an effort to get a city ordinance to ban single-use plastic bags. For more information, go to bagbusters.org.

Benefits

Toys for Joy:  Through Dec. 18. Toy collection barrels at fire stations throughout Kent and Covington. The Kent Regional Fire Authority, Kent Firefighters Local 1747, and the Kent Firefighters Foundation organizing the toy drive. New, unwrapped toys are collected, sorted, wrapped and delivered to local food banks and outreach programs for distribution to needy families in the community. Nonperishable food and monetary donations also accepted. For further information on the program and to get involved in a wrapping party, please call the Toys for Joy hotline at 253-856-4485, beginning Nov. 23.

Sleep Train’s Toy Drive for Foster Kids and  Secret Santa photo contest: Through Dec. 13. Donate new, unwrapped gifts at any Sleep Train. Snap a photo while you’re donating in store and share it on Instagram with #SleepTrainSecretSanta in the hashtag or upload to the contest Facebook page (Sleep Train). Most requested items include sporting equipment, art supplies, gift cards, action figures, baby dolls and electronics.

Health

Kent4Health ShoWalk: 9-11 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays through May, ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St. Free indoor walking. Open to all ages and modalities; two levels for walking and stairs; 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:  9-11 a.m., noon-3 p.m. Dec. 16, CenterPoint Corporate Park, 20809 72nd Ave. S.;  8-10 a.m., 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Dec. 16, 400 W. Gowe Ave.; 1-3 p.m., 4-7 p.m., Dec. 29, First Christian Church of Kent, 11717 SE 240th St. 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 $7 monthly. For more information, call 253-709-5098 or visit www.tops.org or www.whywelovetops.com.

Alzheimer’s Association: Starting in January, 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.

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

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.

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. (Spanish only) Dec. 11, 18. 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.

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

Spanish Story Times: Noon, Dec. 12. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

Kid’s Movie of the Month: 3:30 p.m. Dec. 18. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Enjoy a family friendly film with a light snack.

Fun With Bricks!: 10:30 a.m. Dec. 19. 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.

Gingerbread Houses: 1 p.m. Dec. 22. Ages 6 and older with adult. Decorate a gingerbread house and take it home to share with your family. All supplies provided, just bring your imagination. Registration required beginning Dec. 8.

New Year Celebrations from Around the World Workshop: 10:30 a.m. Dec. 29. Presented by Live Paint and Cindy Arnold. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Through storytelling, cultural artifacts, music and art children will explore New Year celebrations from China, Japan, Russia, Peru and Ireland and create pretend firecrackers to take home.

Happy Noon Year’s Eve Party: 11 a.m. Dec. 31. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Kick off the New Year with a midday celebration of songs, stories, crafts, resolutions and balloons.

TEENS

Study Zone: 1:30 p.m. Sundays; 3:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, when school is in session. Students K-12. Drop in for homework assistance from trained volunteer tutors. Study Zone will be on holiday break starting Dec. 15.

Hands-On Science, Electronics: 3:30 p.m. Dec. 17. Ages 7 to 14. Learn how electricity flows by building basic projects with Elenco Snap Circuit kits. Please register online.

Farolitos de Colores Art Workshop: 2 p.m. Dec. 19. Presented by ArtMaranth School of Arts. Children and teens welcome. A Farolito is a lantern used during the wintertime to adorn a house in many Latin American countries. Learn to create your own multi-colored, tri-dimensional lantern. Please register online or by calling the library, 253-859-3330.

Foam Sword Battle: 2 p.m. Dec. 30. Children and teens welcome. Grab your friends and come to the library for medieval group combat. Foam sword play emphasizes sportsmanship, athleticism and strategy. Please register.

Game On!: 3:30 p.m. Dec. 15. Play video games at the library.

Kick-Up: 7 p.m. Dec. 16; Jan. 20. Ages 16 to 25 are welcome to grab a slice of free pizza and be connected with local agencies who want to help you. In partnership with Auburn Youth Resources.

Teen Movie: 3:30 p.m. Dec. 22. Middle and high school ages. Enjoy a fun movie showing and a free snack.

ADULTS

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

English as a Second Language Classes: 6 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays through Dec. 9. Learn English grammar, reading, writing, and conversation skills.  Registration required. Please contact the library for details, 253-859-3330.

Talk Time Class: 5-6:30 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. • Microsoft Word Level 1, 7-9 p.m. Dec. 10.

Mobile Office Hours for Congressman Adam Smith: 10 a.m. Dec. 15. Congressman Adam Smith’s Office will be hosting mobile office hours to make their services more convenient and accessible to you.

After Lunch Book Bunch: 1-2:15 p.m. Dec. 9. New members always welcome.

Erwilian Holiday Concert: 1 p.m. Dec. 12. Enjoy a seasonal treat at the library. Erwilian is an award-winning acoustic ensemble with a distinct sound rooted in both traditional and contemporary folk, showcasing instruments ranging from a celesta, harp, and hammered dulcimer to orchestra chimes.

Job Readiness Program: 10:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Dec. 15, 22 and 29; 3 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. Dec. 10, 17. 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.

Sign up for ORCA LIFT: 5-7:30 p.m. Dec. 16. What is ORCA LIFT? It’s a new, reduced fare. Income-qualified* riders, ages 19 and older, can save 50 percent or more on: Metro buses, Sound Transit Link light rail, Kitsap Transit buses, King County Water Taxi, Seattle Streetcar. Drop in to register with Multi-Service Center’s Intake Specialist. if you qualify, check www.orcalift.com or call Multi-Service Center at 253-838-6810. Your income must be at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Please bring ID and income verification documents.

Kent Friends of the Library: 1-3 p.m . Dec. 10. 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.

Entertainment

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/

“Mary Poppins”: 7 p.m. Dec. 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, Green River College Performing Arts Building, 12401 SE 320th St., Auburn. Heavier Than Air Family Theatre Co. presents classic story. For the first time in the community theatre’s 40 year history, cast members will literally soar to new heights in this high flying musical. For ticket information, call 253-833-9111 x2400 or visit heavierthanair.com.

Holiday concert: 7 p.m. Dec. 12, Kentlake High School Performing Arts Center, 21401 SE 300th St., Kent. Maple Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra performs. Admission is a suggested $10 donation. The concert is being sponsored in part by 4Culture. For more information, visit www.mvyso.org.

A World for Christmas concert: 3 p.m. Dec. 12, Kent United Methodist Church, 1101 SE 248th St. Rainier Youth Choirs’ ninth annual holiday concert features all six choirs with dozens of old and new holiday selections, including a sampling of its February concert’s special guest band, Erwilian. Alumni are invited to join the choir on perennial favorites, “Carol of the Bells”, and “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch”. RSVP to info@rainieryouthchoirs.org. Admission: $5-$12 in advance; $7-$15 at the door. www.RainierYouthChoirs.org.

Rainier Chorale Holiday Treasures: 7:30-9 p.m. Dec. 12, 13, Kent United Methodist Church, 11010 SE 248th St, Kent. Featuring familiar songs and carols, including “The Shepherds’ Chorus” from Amahl and the Night Visitors, and a contemporary arrangement of “In Dulci Jubilo” by Matthew Culloton. Also performing will be the jazz quartet, Voices4. Advance ticket prices: $18 general admission; $16 for seniors, students; $12 for 11 and under. Additional $2 will be charged for tickets at the door. www.rainierchorale.org

The Twelve Days of Christmas on Ice: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 20, Kent Valley Ice Centre, 6015 S. 240th St. Evening of figure skating. Special guest appearance by former Olympian Paul Askham and his partner, Heidi Seidenberg. Admission: $5 adults; $3 students and seniors 60 and older. www.kentvalleyfsc.org

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.

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