Kent-area community calendar | March 5

Events

Fourth annual My Wedding My Way: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., March 7, Green River College, Lindbloom Student Center, 12401 SE 320th St. Auburn. Hosted by Green River College Events Center,. More than 50 vendors specializing in wedding services. Entertainment will include DJs, drawings, a man cave, food samples, wine and hard cider tasting. Free admission. Free parking. For more information, call 253-333-6010 or email schdoffice@greenriver.edu

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

Cultural Grooming and Sex Trafficking: 7-8:30 p.m. March 9, Kent Senior Center, 600 E. Smith St. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Free. Washington Engage and local coalitions a invite the public to a community forum to explore the vulnerabilities of youth to trafficking in the community. Keynote speaker is Dr. Carolyn West, an award-winning author and associate professor of psychology at the University of Washington, Tacoma. Learn about the adverse effects cultural grooming has on children and youth, as well as adults, the difference between empowerment and exploitation, and what parents and concerned citizens can do to address these issues. To register, visit www.WAengage.com. For more information, contact SWKCAT@waengage.com.

Puget Sound Boat Show: March 12-15, Tacoma Dome, 2727 E D St. Show hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Northwest boat dealers showcase the latest boat lines and models. Area experts share tips in seminars. Admission: $12 for general admission, free to children 16 and under. Get $2 off discount coupons online at www.otshows.com. For more information, call 253-756-2121 or visit www.otshows.com.

Quota International’s Annual Western Days: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. March 14, Reber Ranch, 28606 132nd Ave SE, Kent. Western-theme event for children with special needs, and their families. Activities include pony rides, a roping contest, face painting, tractor rides, an animal petting zoo, arts and crafts. A hot dog lunch is included with this free event. www.quotakentvalley.com

Benefits

Pawsitive Futures 2015: 5:30 to 9 p.m. March 14, Swedish Club, 1920 Dexter Ave. N., Seattle. Benefit and 10th birthday celebration for Pawsitive Alliance, a volunteer driven organization working to help end the euthanasia of adoptable dogs and cats in Washington by increasing shelter adoptions, supporting spay and neuter programs, and improving pet retention. Dinner buffet, raffles, auctions and other fun activities, including a dessert dash and booze grab. Tickets: $60. Funds raised support the alliance’s mission. Visit www.pawsitivealliance.org to learn more about the event and to purchase tickets.

Clothing & Textile Drive: 5-7 p.m. March 16, 19640 SE 272nd St., Covington. Donate to the Rainier Youth Choirs. Accepted items: all clothes; shoes (paired); towels; sheets; blankets; backpacks/duffle bags; quilts; curtains/drapes; purses; belts (synthetic, leather); table clothes; place mats; stuffed animals. Drive cannot take glass, breakables, electronics, pet beds, bed pillows, carpeting, uniforms, or hotel linens or items previously for sale at a thrift store. All items must be kept dry, please place in tightly tied plastic bag. For more information, email info@rainieryouthchoirs.org

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:  1-4 p.m. March 5, Columbia Distributing, Inc., 20301 59th Place S; 9-11:30 a.m. March 5, DSHS, 1313 W. Meeker; 8:30-10:30 a.m., 11:15 a.m.-2:30 p.m. March 6 (make an appointment), Boeing Kent Space Center, Cafeteria 18-25, 212th and West Valley Highway. 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.

Medicare and colorectal cancer prevention seminar: 2-4:30 p.m. March 12, Mercy Housing’s Appian Way Apartments, 25818 26th Place S., Kent. Mercy Housing Northwest, Korean Women’s Association, and Cornerstone Medical Services, in partnership with the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner’s Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) program and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, provide the seminar in English and Spanish. Learn how to enroll in Medicare and whether you qualify for extra financial assistance. You can also get valuable information on preventing and getting screened for colorectal cancer.  Complimentary early dinner will be served. Open to the public, especially seniors, those with disabilities, and caregivers. RSVP to Mattye Berre-Evans at 253-627-1516 or mberryevans@mercyhousing.org. If you can’t attend the events but have questions about Medicare or possible fraud, call the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner’s Insurance Consumer Hotline at 1-800-562-6900 and ask to speak with a SHIBA representative in your local area or visit www.insurance.wa.gov/shiba. If you would like to receive colorectal cancer screening at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, please call 855-557-0555 or visit www.seattlecca.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

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 Golden Steer @ Benson Center, 23826 – 104th Ave. 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.

Kohl’s Bike Helmet Fitting and Giveaway with Seattle Children’s Hospital: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. March 28, Renton Community Center, 1715 SE Maple Valley Highway, Renton. Offering free bike helmet fittings and giveaways. www.makesurethehelmetfits.org

Rich/Poor in America, the Widening Gap: 9-11 a.m. March 19, Green River College, Kent campus, 417 Ramsay Way, Suite 112. Names and terms like Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush, “Occupy Wall Street”, the Tea Party, Congressional gridlock, and controversial Supreme Court decisions come to mind when the Rich/Poor divide is mentioned. The inequality of wealth has become a major division between Democrats and Republicans, and has been used to explain the slowness of the U.S. coming out of the 2007-2008 Great Recession. Take this course to better understand the implications of this radical redistribution of wealth. Members fee $20; non-members $29. For more information, contact Darla Abraham at 253-833-9111 or dabraham@greenriver.edu.

Faith

Easter at The ShoWare: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, April 5, ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St. Enjoy the best in gospel music, dance and relevant and timely preaching. Everyone is welcome. www.easteratshoware.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.

47th District Democrats monthly meeting: 7-9 p.m. first Wednesday of the month, Auburn IAM Hall, 201 A St. SW, next to the Auburn Transit Station. Diverse group welcomes the public to join them to meet candidates and leaders in the community to discuss topics, pass resolutions and just have a great time. Free. For more information, visit wa47thdems.org or find us on Facebook.

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. March 10, 17, 24 and 31. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Stories, songs and fun. Wear your pajamas.

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

Infant and Young Toddler Story Times: 10:30 a.m. March 12, 19 and 26. Ages newborn to 2 1/2 with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

Play & Learn: 10:30 a.m. March 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, March 7, 14, 21 and 28. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

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

Read Across America Magic Show: 2 p.m. March 8. Presented by Jeff Evans. Ages 4 and older with adult. The Cat in the Hat isn’t the only one who likes to play tricks. Evans celebrates the fun and amazing things that happen when you open a book.

Eli Rosenblatt Music Concert: 3 p.m. March 14. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Enjoy this lively combination of world music, language, movement, and imagination that will enchant children and families of all ages.

TEENS

Study Zone: 1:30 p.m. Sundays; 3:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Grades K-12. Drop in for homework assistance from trained volunteer tutors.

Teen Zone, Game On: 3:30 p.m. March 31. Play video games at library.

Teen Zone, Manga Club: 3:30 p.m. March 10. Fun discussions and other Manga related activities – new topics and activities each month!

Teen Zone, Writers Club: 3:30 p.m. March 17. Monthly meeting to share inspiration, fun exercises and creative work time.

Button Up, Code & Crafternoon: 3:30 p.m. March 20. Celebrate Teen Tech Week by creating with tech inspired images – make a fun button to wear.

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

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. Learn English grammar, reading, writing, and conversation skills with an experienced instructor. Classes are free. Registration required in the library at 5 p.m. March 26; classes start March 30.

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. March 9, 16, 23 and 30; 10 a.m. March 7, 14, 21 and 28. 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. Appointments are required, in person or by calling 253-859-3330.

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

Internet Sleuthing: 6:30 p.m. March 12. Presented by Kim Ositis, assistant law librarian, Public Law Library of King County. Become your own private detective. Learn how to skip trace to find free, reliable background information, research criminal history and court records, look up information on professionals and businesses, investigate social media and learn important information about your privacy. This is a unique opportunity to discover resources you never knew existed from an expert on skip tracing. Please register at www.kcls.org or call 253-859-3330.

Effective Resumes: 2 p.m. March 21. This skill enhancing workshop will help you develop resume writing skills and offers essential tips to build an effective resume. Learn what makes a good resume, your resume type, keywords, mistakes to avoid, and more! Leave with the skill set to write a winning resume.

Spring Mushroom Hunting, Where Are Your Morels: 2 p.m. March 22. This should be a bumper year for morels. Puget Sound Mycological Society President Marian Maxwell will detail what you need to know specific to Spring mushroom hunting in the Pacific Northwest, including types of mushrooms, where to hunt, permits, cooking and preservation. You will go home with recipes for morels and spring porcini and learn where you can go to have your mushrooms identified for free.

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

Computer Classes: Registration required beginning two weeks before the class, 253-859-3330. • Internet Level I, 7 p.m. March 5; • Microsoft Word Level 1, 7 p.m. March 11; • Computer Basics, 7 p.m. March 18; • Microsoft Excel Level I, 7 p.m. March 25; • One-on-One Assistance, 3-5 p.m. March 6, 9, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20.No appointment necessary, half hour assistance provided on a drop-in basis.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:

Legends of Hip Hop ft. Salt-N-Pepa: 8 p.m. March 14. Featuring Salt-N-Pepa, Kwame, Kool Moe Dee, Monie Love and Chubb Rock. Tickets: $37-$127.

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.

“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

Classical concerts: 3 p.m. March 15, Kent Lutheran Church, Fellowship Hall, 336 Second Ave. S., downtown Kent. First of three Spring Chancel Arts classical concerts with the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra.  Tickets: $12.50 at the door or in advance from www.brownpapertickets.com.

Jazz: 8-10 p.m. 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. Featuring the music of such legendary artists as Count Basie and John Coltrane. 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.

Norwegian Male Chorus: 3 p.m. April 12, Kent Lutheran Church, Fellowship Hall, 336 Second Ave. S., downtown Kent. Performance is open to the community. Scandinavian refreshments follow.  Tickets: $5, at the door.

ELSEWHERE

Kent Senior Center Bluegrass Jam and Concert series: Noon-5 p.m. third Saturday of the month, Kent Senior Center, 600 E. Smith St. Admission: generous donation to support the program. For more information, call 253-856-5150 or 253-939-5594.

“Seussical Jr.”: 7 p.m. March 12, 13; 5 p.m. March 14, Sunrise Elementary, 22300 132nd Ave. SE, Kent. Mustang Musical Theatre presents the show that follows the adventures of Horton, an elephant. Admission: $5

Rainier Youth Choirs Untraveled Worlds Concert: 2 p.m. March 15, Kent United Methodist Church, 11010 SE 248th St., Kent. Eclectic program with new arrangements from many cultures and several well-loved choral gems with lots of percussion and special accompaniments, including Seattle recording artist Wes Weddell. RYC is a nonprofit, community-based program that provides instruction for singers in grades 2-14. Tickets: advance, $12 adults, $10 seniors/students (12 and older), $5 children younger than 12; at the door $15/$12/$7. Ticket prices are listed as a suggested minimum donation amount. For more information, contact RYC at 253-315-3125, info@rainieryouthchoirs.org or www.RainierYouthChoir.org.

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.

“Into the Woods”: 7 p.m. April 15-18 and April 22-25, Kentlake High School Performing Arts Center, 21401 SE Falcon Way, Covington. Kentlake Drama Department production. James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim take everyone’s favorite storybook characters and bring them together for a timeless yet relevant piece and rare modern classic. Tickets: $10 adults, $8 students with ASB card, seniors and under 12 years of age. Buy at the door or order at kentlakedrama.com or www.brownpapertickets.com.

Seniors

Bunco 4 HOPE: 6-9 p.m. March 28, Kent Senior Center, 600 E. Smith St. Bunco is an easy game to play; no experience needed. Meet new people while having a good time, eating snacks (provided), drinking soda or wine (for sale) and maybe winning a great prize. A portion of proceeds benefit Kent HOPE, helping the homeless in the community. Cost: $20. For more information, contact Nicole Ferrer at 253-951-6408 or n.ferrer@yahoo.com, or visit facebook.com/siofkent

Auditions

“9 to 5, The Musical”: 6-9:30 p.m. March 16, Auburn Ave Theater, 10 Auburn Ave. Auburn Community Players production. Performers 16 and older. Please arrive early to fill out audition form and get your picture taken. Bring a resume, a list of conflicts for April-June, and a prepared musical theater song, 16-32 bars, no a cappella. Bring sheet music in correct key. Accompanist will be provided. Callbacks are 7-9:30 p.m. March 18. The show run is 7:30 p.m. June 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 and 2 p.m. June 14. For more information, contact Jim Kleinbeck at 253-804-5057.

Reunions

Kentlake Class of 2005: 7-11 p.m. June 27, Tavern Hall, 505 Bellevue Square, Bellevue. 10-year reunion. Ticket information: http://klhs2005.weebly.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