Kent-area community calendar | Jan. 13

Events

Coffee With the Chief: 8 a.m. Jan. 20, Maggie’s restaurant, 307 W. Meeker St., Kent. Public invited. Talk to Chief Ken Thomas and members of the command staff about important events taking place in the community in an informal and relaxed setting. Neighborhood Response Team and the Community Education Unit members also will answer questions.

Tech Expo: 6-8:30 p.m. Jan. 21. ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St. Kent School District and The Boeing Co. present the event. Featuring students and teachers highlighting technology integration in district classrooms, along with booths from local business sponsors displaying how technology is vital in the real world. Free admission.

Tacoma RV Show: Jan. 21-24, Tacoma Dome, 2727 E. D St. Show hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 24. Northwest RV dealers showcase the latest and most fuel-efficient motor homes, fifth-wheels, toy haulers and travel trailers. Presented by the Boeing Employees Credit Union. Admission: $12 general admission, $6 military personnel with ID, and free to children 16 and under. Get $2 off discount coupons online at www.otshows.com.

Islamic Open House for Friends and Neighbors: 3-7 p.m. Jan. 23, Kent Senior Center,600 E. Smith St. Fellowship, guest speakers, question-and-answer session, dinner and dessert. Purpose of the seminar is to bring a better understanding and and dispel any myths about Islam. Free. www.islamiccenterofkent.org

29th annual Washington Sportsmen’s Show: Jan. 27-31, Washington State Fair Events Center, 10 Ninth Ave. SW, Puyallup. Hours: noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday-Friday (Jan. 27-29); 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 30); 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday (Jan. 31). Large lineup of attractions for fishing, hunting, boating and camping enthusiasts, including top Northwest pro staffers sharing their expertise. Wilderness survival and outdoor safety expert Brett Stoffel shares survival basics, signaling and equipment needs during multiple seminar theater presentations. More than 150 free “how to” seminars presented by top experts in multiple theaters. Admission: $12 for adults; $5 juniors (6-16); children 5 and under free. $18 two-day passes available. Free parking. For information on online ticket purchases and discounts, visit www.thesportshows.com.

Healthy Hiring Job Fair: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Jan. 27, Green River College, Lindbloom Student Center, 12401 SE 320th St., Auburn. For all health science and childhood development businesses seeking part-time or full-time employees. For more information on booth availability and sponsorships, contact Dustin Henderson at 253-833-0700, dustin@auburnareawa.org, or Julius Caesar Robinson at jcrobinson@greenriver.edu.

Kent School District Beyond High School Event: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 3, Kent-Meridian High School, main gymnasium, 10020 SE 256th St., Kent. More than 70 participants representing colleges, universities, military branches and apprenticeships. Informative breakout sessions covering topics such as the college search process, SAT/ACT, scholarships/FAFSA/WAFSA application, college-bound program information, NCAA rules and regulations, applying for highly selective schools, and a question amd answer panel for parents seeking post-secondary information for their student. Contact Betsy Schelien in the Kent-Meridian Counseling Office at 253-373-4029 for additional information.

Northwest Flower & Garden Show: Feb. 17-21, Washington State Convention Center, 800 Convention Place, Seattle. Hours: 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday (Feb. 17-20), 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday (Feb. 21). America the Beautiful is the theme. 28th annual event celebrates the National Parks Service Centennial and famous American landmarks. More than 20 display gardens and other feature attractions. More than 100 free seminars for newbie and veteran gardeners alike; shopping for diverse and unusual products in the marketplace and its 350 vendors; media personalities battling it out for their favorite charities in the Garden Wars, and other displays. New food and beverage options, including a selection of craft beers and regional wines. Admission: early bird $17; adult (at the door) $22; youth (13 to 17 years) $5; and children (12 and under) free. For more information or to buy tickets, visit www.gardenshow.com.

36th annual Camera Show & Swap: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. April 9, Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. N. Puget Sound Photographic Collectors Society hosts. Approximately 150 tables of all things photographic. All kinds and sizes of cameras, images, accessories and miscellaneous items. Approximately 20 display tables of unusual or vintage items from members collections. Vendor available for $30. See  Puget Sound Photographic Collectors Society for addition information, including table rental.

Benefits

Sleep Train’s Pajama Drive for Foster Kids: Now through Feb. 28. Donations can be dropped off at any Sleep Train store. All donations go to Sleep Train’s local nonprofit foster organizations for distribution to children in need. You can drop off new pajamas in all sizes – infant to teen – at any Sleep Train store; donate online at www.sleeptrainfosterkids.org, and Sleep Train will shop for donations on your behalf; or host your own drive at work, school or church – additional information at bit.ly/1xCFUu8. For more information on the drive and the Foster Kids program, visit www.sleeptrainfosterkids.org. To find the nearest location, visit the store locator at www.sleeptrain.com or call 1-800-378-BEDS (2337).

Kent Parks Deli and Café karaoke bingo: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 10, Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St. Fundraiser offers lunch to patrons who contribute any amount (cash, check, credit card) to help defray costs of the center’s lunch program. $5 fee includes lunch, optional karaoke group sing-alongs and bingo games. Gift card bingo prizes valued from $25 to $150 provided by Talbot Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare. Purchase tickets at the center or by phone at 253-856-5150 during weekdays. For more information, visit Kent50plus.com.

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: 1-4 p.m. Jan. 13, 18430 E Valley Highway; 9-11:30 a.m. Jan. 13, Valley Communications Center, 27519 108th Ave. SE;  9-11 a.m., noon-3 p.m. Jan. 14, Recreational Equipment, 6750 S. 228th St.; 9-11 a.m., 11:45 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 19, Hexcel Corporation, 19819 84th Ave. S; 1-3 p.m., 4-7 p.m. Jan. 19, River of Life Fellowship, 10615 SE 216th. 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.

Volunteers

KentHOPE Volunteer Training: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Jan. 25, Real Life Church, 26201 180 Ave. SE, Covington. Learn how trauma affects the brain and impacts those living homeless. Learn how to better engage with Women and Children’s Day Center guests. Training is for those who are volunteering, as well as those who would like to know more about KentHOPE before they serve. Volunteers provide meals, transportation, staff the clothing room, teach life skills and build one on one relationships with guests. To learn more, contact Sheila Chandler or Gloria Peterson at 253-480-2325 or  info@kenthope.org or visit kenthope.org/volunteer.

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.

Free income tax preparation: Jan. 13-April 21, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Highline College Outreach Center, 23835 Pacific Highway S., Kent, Wash.), building 99, room 251. Community members can get their taxes done for free, thanks to a partnership between United Way of King County and Highline College. Households that make less than $62,000 are eligible, as long as tax returns do not involve business taxes, rental income, or sale of property or stocks. Participants will need to bring the following: • Social Security cards/individual tax identification numbers (ITINs) and birthdates for everyone named on the return; • photo ID; • all tax statements, such as W-2 forms, 1099 forms and SSA-1099 forms. Bringing bank account numbers, routing numbers and a copy of last year’s tax return is also highly recommended. For a participant jointly filing with a spouse, both must be present to e-file. No appointment is necessary. Those who arrive first will be served first. Services are provided by IRS-certified volunteers. For questions or more information, visit uwkc.org/taxhelp or call 800-621-4636.

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) Jan. 15, 22 and 29. 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. Jan. 14, 21 and 28 Ages newborn to 2 1/2 with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

Spanish Story Times: Noon, Jan. 16, 23 and 30. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

Family Pajama Story Times: 6:30 p.m. Jan. 19 and 26. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Stories, songs and fun. Wear your pajamas.

Preschool Story Times: 11 a.m. Jan. 20 and 27. Ages 3 to 5 with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

Kid’s Movie of the Month: 3:30 p.m. Jan. 29. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Enjoy a family friendly film with a light snack.

Fun With Bricks!: 10:30 a.m. Jan. 23. 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.

Monday Maker Mayhem: 3:30 p.m. Jan. 25. Ages 5 to 14, ages 8 and younger with adult. Drop in to build with bricks, sample simple science experiments, play games, read, and more.

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.

Game On!: 3:30 p.m. Jan. 19. Play video games at the library.

Kick-Up: 7 p.m. 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. Jan. 27. Middle and high school ages. Enjoy a fun movie showing and a free snack.

ADULTS

Drop-In to Learn about eBooks: 10 a.m. Jan. 30. 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. No class on Jan. 18. 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 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.

Computer Classes: Registration required beginning two weeks before the class, 253-859-3330. • Internet Level I, 7 p.m. Jan. 14; • Computer Basics, 7 p.m. Jan. 21; • Microsoft Word Level 1, 7 p.m. Jan. 28.

Mobile Office Hours for Congressman Adam Smith: 10 a.m. Jan. 19. 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 p.m. Jan. 13. New members always welcome.

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.

Get Organized for the New Year: 2 p.m. Jan. 31. Relax and enjoy organizing. Lauren Williams, a Professional Organizer, will help you think outside the box to get something into the box. She presents practical and entertaining advice to get you organizing and de-cluttering during her  “Organizer on the Road Show.”

Introduction to Tai Chi: 2 p.m. Jan. 23. Presented by Hansie Wong, Integrative Health Coach Learn fundamental Tai Chi principles and movements in this introduction. Often described as “meditation in movement,” Tai Chi can reduce stress and calm the mind while increasing flexibility, balance, muscle strength and energy through slow movements. This workshop will involve active participation so please wear loose, comfortable clothing.

Entertainment

SHOWARE CENTER

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

Disney Live!: 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., Jan. 16. Join Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and the comical duo of Donald and Goofy as 25 of your favorite Disney characters surprise and captivate at every turn of the knob. Tickets: front row $65; VIP floor $42; premium $32; reserved $20.

Les Schwab Kent Shootout: 4 p.m. Jan. 28. High school basketball showcase. Lineup: 4 p.m., Kentridge vs. Kent-Meridian girls; 5:30 p.m., Kent-Meridian vs. Kentridge boys; 7 p.m., Kentlake vs. Kentwood girls; 8:30 p.m., Kentwood vs. Kentlake boys

Harlem Globetrotters, 90th Anniversary Tour: 7 p.m. Feb. 12. A star-studded roster will have fans on the edge of their seats to witness the ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry and one-of-a-kind family entertainment that thrills fans of all ages. Ticket prices: $25.50-$130.50

8th annual Rock & Worship Roadshow: 7 p.m. Feb. 18. Christian music favorites Newboys, Jeremy Camp and Mandisa perform, with Danny Gokey, Family Force 5, and Audio Adrenaline. Pre-show artists include Citizen Way, with speaker Shaun Groves. General admission $10; VIP ticket $50, includes a Q&A with Camp, Mandisa and other artists, early entranace for premium seating, with tour T-shirt and 40-song digital download from New Release Today. For more information, call 888-483-0018, visit eventbrite.com or theroadshowtour.com.

SPOTLIGHT SERIES

Kent Arts Commission’s 2015-2016 Spotlight Series. Tickets may be purchased 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.

International Guitar Night: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 29, Kent-Meridian Performing Arts Center, 10020 SE 256th St. Brian Gore invites a new cast of guitar luminaries to join him for an evening of solos, duets, and quartets that highlight the virtuosity and diversity within the world of acoustic guitar. On this tour, Gore will be joined by three of Europe’s leading acoustic guitarists: gypsy jazz legend Lulo Reinhardt, contemporary fingerstyle innovator Mike Dawes, and multi-genre showman Andre Krengel. Tickets: $28 general, $25 senior, $15 youth

Antics “Sneaker Suites”: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 5, Kent-Meridian PAC, Los Angeles-based hip-hop dance theater company Antics creates multimedia urban dance performances that incorporate spoken word, theater, and film. “Sneaker Suites” utilizes the expressiveness and virtuosity of street dance, as well as provocative poetry to tell the stories of sneakers: of those who make them, those who wear them, and those who dance in them. Tickets: $20 general, $18 senior, $15 youth

“A Fiddler’s Feast” : 7 p.m. Feb. 26, Kent-Meridian PAC. Bringing two acclaimed duos together to share the stage. Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas, along with Jay Ungar and Molly Mason deliver everything from Scottish dance music to a wide range of American roots genres, and tunes ranging from poignant to sizzling. Tickets: $28 general, $25 senior and $15 youth

Al Stewart: 7:30 p.m. March 18, Kentwood PAC, 25800 164th Ave SE. Covington. By the time he was 22, Al Stewart had met the Beatles and played John Lennon’s guitar, opened for The Rolling Stones, shared an apartment with Simon & Garfunkel, recorded for Jimmy Page, and spent a year playing guitar for Yoko Ono. Stewart came to stardom as part of the folk revival of the late ‘60s and ‘70s. He is best known for his No. 1 hit “Year of the Cat” from the platinum album of the same name, and his follow up album “Time Passages”, which also went platinum. Tickets: $28 general, $25 senior, $15 youth

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/

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