Kent-area community calendar | Jan. 28

Events

You Me We 2015: 6-9 p.m. Jan. 30, ShoWare Center, 625 W. Jame St., Kent. A festival of free family fun. A celebration of local talent and the many youth and teen resources available in Kent. Doors open at 6 p.m. with Kent youth and teen performers starting at 6:30. Activities include: interactive booths; Journey to Wellness; hands-on art activities; face painting; bounce houses; $1 hot dogs and $1 soda. Event organized by a collaboration of community groups including youth groups, sports and scouting organizations, churches, local businesses and service clubs. Admission is free. Kent Food Bank accepting food donations. For more information, visit www.YouMeWeKent.com

Beyond High School: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 4, Kentwood High School, main gymnasium, 25800 164th Ave. SE, Covington. Kent School District hosts annual event, with more than 70 representatives from universities, community colleges, technical colleges, military branches and apprenticeship programs available. Explore post high school options. Free. For more information, email Scott Leick at scott.leick@kent.k12.wa.us

7th annual Roger Newton R/C Model Show: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Feb. 7, Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum, 5917 S. 196th St., Kent. Six R/C clubs attending with hundreds of models on display. Remembering Roger “The Czar”  Newton, the father of R/C unlimited racing. Sponsored by the Unlimited News Journal. Admission free to museum members, $5 for nonmembers. Doors open at 10. Pizza lunch available for purchase. Questions can be emailed to info@thunderboats.org. For more information, visit www.hydromuseum.org

Greater Seattle Postcard and Paper Show: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Feb. 7-8, Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. N. Approximately 15-20 dealers from throughout the Pacific Northwest and California displaying thousands of old postcards, paper collectibles and ephemera. Included will be postcards, stamps, advertising trade cards, cigar labels, valentines, scrap, travel brochures, photographs, stereographs, aviation, auto, railroad, ship, movie memorabilia, and Western Americana. Free appraisals. Admission: $5. For more information, visit www.postcardshows.com

27th Northwest Flower & Garden Show: Feb. 11-15, Washington State Convention Center, 800 Convention Place, Seattle. Show hours: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Showcase of gardens big and small, more than 110 free seminars, a lineup of exhibitors in the marketplace. Admission: Early bird online tickets can be purchased up to the day before the show opens by visiting www.gardenshow.com. Prices range from $17 for adults (regular $22 the week of the show or at the door); $15 per person for group advance purchases (minimum of 20 tickets online or at the door); $31 for single 2-day pass; $70 for single 5-day pass; and $5 for youth (ages 13-17). Children 12 and under are free. For more information, call 253-756-2121 or visit www.gardenshow.com

Kent Police Community Meeting: 7 p.m. Feb. 12, Kent Elementary School, 24700 64th Ave. S. Hear about crime trends, prevention and department programs. Police officials will give a special presentation about the evolution of the police vehicle. Free to the public. For more information, call 253-856-5878 or visit kentwa.gov.

Kent Kids’ Arts Day: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. March 7, Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. S. More than 15 different hands-on art projects lead by professional artists. Performances by local school groups, food and a full day of creativity. Admission: $10. For more information, visit www.kentarts.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., 10:45 a.m.-2 p.m. Jan. 30, Kentridge High School, 12430 SE 208th St. For more information, call 253-945-8667 or please visit www.psbc.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

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, 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.

GRCC LECTURE SERIES

Women of Islam: 6 p.m. Feb. 3, Green River Community College, Kent campus, 417 Ramsay Way, Suite 112. A panel of Muslim women will address their personal experiences. They will discuss the rights and status of women in Islam, and shed light on how colonialism has played a major role in the modern day deceptions of Muslim women. Members fee: $20; non-members $29. For more information, contact Darla Abraham at 253-833-9111 or dabraham@greenriver.edu.

America’s Calamity, The Great Depression: 1:30-3:30 p.m. Feb. 19, Green River Community College, Kent campus, 417 Ramsay Way, Suite 112. Discovering some interesting facts about the Wall Street crash of 1929 and the resulting collapse of the American economy, massive factory closings and spiraling unemployment. Learn how the Dust Bowl conditions in the 1930s ruined the lives of millions of American farmers. How did the country recover? What are the lessons derived from these hard times? Members fee $20; non-members $29. For more information, contact Darla Abraham at 253-833-9111 or dabraham@greenriver.edu.

Volunteers

Volunteer training workshop: 10 a.m.-noon, Jan. 31, River of Life Fellowship church, 10615 SE 216th St., Kent. KentHOPE Women & Children’s Day Center supervisor Merri O’Brien leads an overview of serving those who are homeless, with a focus on the challenges of mental health and domestic violence. Question and answer session. Open to all current volunteers, potential volunteers, and those who are curious to learn more about homelessness in the Kent area. Please register by email at info@kenthope.org. There will be light refreshments. For more information, go to kenthope.org

Faith

SuperBowl Sunday with Soul’d Out Kent: 9:30 a.m. Feb. 1, Soul’d Out Christian Center, 10020 SE 256th St., Kent. Sunday service, and come sporting your favorite team jersey. For more information, visit www.souldoutkent.org.

Soul’d Out Kent – Soul Winning Conference: 8 a.m. Feb. 24, First Christian Church,11717 SE 240th St., Kent. Free admission. Breakfast provided. For more information, visit www.souldoutkent.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: Through April 18, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 4-8 p.m. and Saturdays, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Highline Outreach Center, 23835 Pacific Highway S., Kent), Building 99, room 251. Highline, United Way of King County host free tax preparation services to the public. Households that make less than $60,000, with tax returns that do not involve business taxes, rental income, or sale of property or stocks, are eligible for this free service. Participants will need to bring their Social Security card/ITIN letters for everyone on the return, photo ID, and all tax statements, such as W-2 forms, 1099 forms or SSA-1099 forms. Bringing bank account numbers, routing numbers and a copy of last year’s tax return is also highly recommended. Those participants filing returns with spouses must both be present to e-file. No appointments are necessary. 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

Family Pajama Story Times: 7 p.m. Feb. 3, 10, 17 and 24. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Stories, songs and fun. Wear your pajamas.

Preschool Story Times: 11 a.m. Feb. 4, 11, 18 and 25. Preschool ages with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

Infant and Young Toddler Story Times: 10:30 a.m. Feb. 5, 12 and 19. Ages newborn to 2 1/2 with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

Play & Learn: 10:30 a.m. Feb. 6, 13, 20 and 27. 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.

Spanish Story Times: Noon, Feb. 7, 14, 21 and 28. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

Family Story Times: 1 p.m. Feb. 7, 14, 21 and 28. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

Northwest Coast Ceremonial Button Blanket Workshop: 2 p.m. Feb. 14. Presented by Live Paint and Cindy Arnold. Ages 3 and older with adult. Hear the Kittitas tale, Days and Nights, and learn why Button Blankets are important to Northwest Coastal tribes. Create your own version of the blanket with collage techniques.

Kids Book Swap: 1:30-3 p.m. Feb. 18. Ages 5 to 12 with adult. Swap books you’ve read, outgrown, or no longer want. Select as many books as you bring. Snacks will be provided.

Kids Movie of the Month: 3:30 p.m. Feb, 27. Family program, all ages welcome. Enjoy a family friendly film with a light snack.

TEENS

Teen Zone, Game On: 3:30 p.m. Feb. 3. Middle and high school ages. Play video games at the library.

Teen Zone, Manga Club: 3:30 p.m. Feb. 10. Middle and high school ages. Fun discussions and other Manga related activities – new topics and activities each month.

Teen Zone, Writers Club: 3:30 p.m. Feb. 17. Middle and high school ages. Monthly meeting to share inspiration, fun exercises and creative work time.

Study Zone: 1:30 p.m. Sundays; 3:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. No Study Zone on Feb. 13-22. Grades K-12. Drop in for homework assistance from trained volunteer tutors.

Teen Zone, Movie Time: 3:30 p.m. Feb. 24. Call the library to find out what’s showing.

Robot Garage: 2:30 p.m. Feb. 28. Presented The Museum of Flight. Middle and high school ages. Work with a team to build a robot and take part in a robot task challenge. Registration required online or call 253-859-3330.

ADULTS

Talk Time: 5 p.m. Tuesdays. Practice speaking English with other English language learners. Classes are free. Join anytime.

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.  Classes are free. Join anytime.

English as a Second Language (ESL): 6 p.m.  Mondays, Wednesdays. No class Feb. 16. Learn English grammar, reading, writing, and conversation skills with an experienced instructor. Classes are free.Registration required..

SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives): Free counseling for small businesses. Please call 206-553-7320 for appointments.

AARP Tax Help: 4:30 p.m. Feb. 2, 9 and 23; Feb. 7, 14, 21 and 28, during library open hours. Free individualized tax preparation assistance provided by trained AARP volunteers. No age or income limits. Please bring picture I.D., documented proof of Social Security Number, and last year’s return as well as any current tax documents.Please register.

Decorate Cookies & Cupcakes for Valentine’s Day: 2 p.m. Feb. 8. Presented by Melanie Silva. Ages 12 and older. Learn the “how to” of baking, icing and decorating cupcakes and shortbread cookies for your special valentine. Please register.

After Lunch Book Bunch: 1 p.m. Feb. 11. Contact the library for book title.

Kent Friends of the Library Meeting: 1 p.m. Feb. 12. Discover how you can support your library.

Beyond Ancestry.com, Searching for Your Ancestors Online: 2 p.m. Feb. 21. Presented by Claudia Breland, Genealogist. Ancestry.com is one of the largest genealogy databases, and they have the advertising dollars to make themselves known. However, there are many other online resources (most of them free) that can supplement your family’s information and fill in the missing pieces.

Drop-In to Learn about eBooks: 10 a.m. Feb. 28. Get started with KCLS eBooks. Bring your eReader, tablet, phone or just your questions.

Computer Classes: Registration required beginning two weeks before each class, 253-859-3330. • One-on-One Assistance, 3 p.m. Feb. 4, 18; • Internet Level 1, 7 p.m. Feb. 5; • Computer Basics, 7 p.m. Feb. 10; • Microsoft Word Level 1, 7 p.m. Feb. 11; • Microsoft Excel Level 1, 7 p.m. Feb. 24.

Mind Matters: While your brain is not a muscle, it does need care, feeding and exercise to keep it in top shape. The 2015 King County Library System adult series, Mind Matters, offers free programs, classes, tips and reading suggestions to stay sharp. www.kcls.org/mindmatters

Entertainment

SHOWARE CENTER

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

Harlem Globetrotters: 2 p.m., 7 p.m. Feb. 14. The Globetrotters will face a great challenge this year, as the infamous Washington Generals are more determined than ever to beat the them. The Generals, the last team to beat the Globetrotters, are now coached by a former member of that 1971 team. Tickets: $25-$125.

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.

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

CHANCEL ARTS AT KENT LUTHERAN

Jazz: 8-10 p.m. 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.

ELSEWHERE

Shrek The Musical’: 7 p.m. March 27, 28, April 3; 3 p.m. March 28, 29, April 4, Green River College, Performing Arts Building, 12401 SE 320th St., Auburn. Presented by Heavier Than Air Family Theatre. Everyone’s favorite ogre, and unlikely hero, finds himself on a life-changing journey with a wisecracking Donkey and feisty princess. This hilarious stage version is based on the Oscar-winning film. Tickets: $10 advance, $12 at the door. For more information, call 253-833-9111 or visit www.heavierthanair.com.

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