Kent-area community calendar | March 6

Events

75th Annual Seattle Kennel Club Dog Show: March 7-9, CenturyLink Field Event Center, 800 Occidental Ave. S., Seattle. Approximately 2,000 dogs expected to vie for Best in Show. Educational booths, demonstration events, Meet the Breed introductions, agility and obedience competitions each day. Show hours: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. each day. Admission: adults $14, children under 4 free, children 4-14 $7 and seniors over 62 $12. Only dogs entered in the show events will be admitted on the premises. For more information, visit www.seattlekennelclub.org/

My Wedding My Way Wedding Show: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. March 8, Green River Community College, 12401 SE 320th, Auburn. For brides and grooms-to-be looking to do it themselves, or who want their special day to be offbeat, funky, eco-chic or traditional with a twist. Hands-on workshops, vendors, live band performances and fashion shows. More than 40 retailers scheduled to attend. Information: Patty Sherman, psherman@greenriver.edu, 253-333-6012, or www.greenriver.edu.

Community awareness meeting: 7 p.m. March 13, Panther Lake Elementary School, 10200 SE 216th St. The Kent Police Department invites the public. The focus of the meeting is to bring police leadership and community members together to address community crime concerns and introduce resources that Kent Police can provide to assist community members in making their neighborhoods safer and more secure. Kent Police Chief Ken Thomas and agency administrators will answer questions about department operations and community safety concerns. Members of the department’s Neighborhood Response Team and the department’s Community Education unit will be present to answer questions and take input regarding specific issues or concerns within the community. There will be a special presentation by one of the police department K9 officers, and the police department volunteers. For more information, visit www.kentwa.gov/police.

Shelley Irish’s Visionary Art and Sacred Décor: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. March 29, Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. N. Shelley Irish sells her inspired and original oil paintings, prints and fine craft alongside other artists and healers at the Emerald Spiral Psychic Fair. Chakra rainbows, alter art, beaded angels and other works. Free. www.gallerysati.com

Sixth annual Kent International Festival: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and 7-10 p.m. May 31, ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St., Kent. “Learn from Each Other” is a celebration of cultural diversity. Generations walking together, ethnic food, cultural and crafts booth, cheer hand carried float contest and new festival finale in the evening. Free admission. For more information, visit www.kentinternationalfestival.com.

Easter

Egg Hunt: 10:30 a.m. April 19, Riverview Community Church, 4135 S. 216th St., Kent. More than 10,000 eggs, popcorn, cotton candy, carnival bouncer, 18-foot inflatable slide, pictures with the Easter Bunny and face painting. Free. For children up to fifth grade. For more information, call 253-872-8881, email riverviewkids@rcckent.org or visit www.rcckent.org.

Benefits

Community Garage Sale: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. March 15, Lake Fenwick Estates, 24849 46th Ave. S., Kent. Public invited. Enjoy shopping, eating and taking a tour of the apartment community. 253-859-9090, www.lakefenwickapts.com.

King County Fundraising Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. April 3, Emerald Downs, third floor, 2300 Emerald Downs Drive, Auburn. Celebrate the Washington Women’s Employment & Education (WWEE) inclusion in The Shriver Report: A Woman’s Nation Pushes Back from the Brink. WWEE graduate Julie Kaas is guest speaker. Free. Register by emailing Karrie Nevin at karrien@wwee.org.

Rainier Christian School’s annual live auction and dinner: 6 p.m. April 5, Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave N., Kent. Celebrating “50 Years of Investing in the RCS Story.” Silent and live auctions, dinner by Longhorn catering. Proceeds support Christian education in South King County. Purchase your tickets online at RainierCSD.org.

Health

Kent4Health presents ShoWalk: 9-11 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, 625 W. James St. Free indoor walking. Register at the door or call 253-856-4968.

Cascade Regional Blood Center drives:  For more information, call 1-877-242-5663 or visit www.crbs.net/home.

Puget Sound Blood Center drives:  9-11 a.m., noon-3 p.m. March 10, Green River Community College – Kent Campus, 417 Ramsay Way; 9-11 a.m., 11:45 a.m.-3 p.m. March 12, Kent Phoenix Academy, 11000 SE 264th St.;  10 a.m.-noon, 1-4 p.m. March 12, Kent School District, 12033 SE 256th St.; 12:30-2:30 p.m., 3:30-6:30 p.m. March 13, Kent Lutheran Church, 336 2nd Ave. S.; 1-4 p.m. March 19, Columbia Distributing, Inc., 20301 59th Place S.; 9-11:30 a.m. March 19, DSHS Children’s Services, 1313 W. Meeker; 1-3 p.m., 4-7 p.m. March 25, River Of Life Fellowship, 10615 SE 216th; 8-10 a.m., 10:45 a.m.-2 p.m. March 28, Kentridge High School, 12430 SE 208th St.; 12:45-2:45 p.m., 3:45-6:45 p.m. March 31, St. James Episcopal Church, 24447 94th Ave. S.; 9-11 a.m., noon-3 p.m. April 1, Hexcel Corporation, 19819 84th Ave. S. 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

Car seat safety classes: 5-7 p.m. March 24, Fire Station 46, 3521 S. 170 St., SeaTac. The Kent Fire Department Regional Fire Authority offers free classes to the public. The department instructors are certified, experienced car seat technicians. Space limited; registration recommended. To register, please call 253-856-4415.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Discussed: 7 p.m. March 10, Lifetree Café, Community Room, First Christian Church, 11717 240th St. SE, Kent. The program, The program, Wounded Warriors: When War Comes Home, will explore post-traumatic stress disorder in the lives of military veterans and provide helpful resources and strategies for coping with PTSD. Program is free. Snacks and beverages available. For questions about Lifetree may be directed to Bob Brooks at 206-653-6532 or pastorbob@kentdisciples.org. More information is available at Lifetreecafe.com.

American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Kent: 6:30-8 p.m., March 27, April 24, May 22, Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St. Team meetings. Open to anyone who has been on a relay team or would like to know more about the relay. Relay For Life enables a community to come together to celebrate those who have survived cancer, support those who are fighting it, and remember those who have been lost. This year’s Relay For Life of Kent is May 30-31 at Kent-Meridian High School’s French Field. To become a community sponsor, contact Lance Goodwin at lgoodwin@RFLKent.org or 253-740-2363. Visit www.RFLKent.org for additional information and team registration. Follow the relay at www.Facebook.com/RFLKent.

Kent Black Action Commission Action Up Meeting: 3-6 p.m., every fourth Saturday from September through June. November and December meetings are on the third Saturday, Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. N. Welcome all who live, work, or attend school in Kent or the South King County region to join us. For more information, call 253-852-0614 or visit www.kentblackactioncommission.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.

Leadership seminars, workshops: Noon-2 p.m. Saturdays, Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Room 1, 310 3rd Ave. S., Kent. Parents encouraged to attend and participate with their children. Topics to be discussed: leadership; advocacy within the school system; college readiness; job readiness, preparation skills; community service; public speaking and presentation skills; accounting class; robotics; mathematics, reading and writing. Free. If you have any questions, please call the parish office at 253-859-0444, ext. 14, or Antonio M. Morales at 915-252-7874. Fore more information, email moralesantoniom@gmail.com.

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.

Valley Mothers of Multiples Club: First Christian Church of Kent, 11717 SE 240th St. Free. Inviting new and established parents/guardians of multiple order children to attend monthly meeting for support, resources and social activities. Club has monthly speakers and group sharing sessions. 425-445-7845. www.valleymomc.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.

Kent Chamber President’s Gala: 5 p.m. April 11, ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St., Kent. Celebrating the Business Leadership Excellence Awards. Dinner, silent and live auctions, games, wine raffle. Repubic Services is presenting sponsor. Single $75 early reservation; $85 late registration; $650 for table of eight. For tickets and more information, contact the Kent Chamber of Commerce at 253-854-1770 or info@kentchamber.com.

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. March 7, 14, 21, 28. Kaleidoscope Play & Learn is an organized play group for newborns to age 5 and their parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, nannies, brothers and sisters, and other people who take care of them. Have fun learning together while we play, sing songs and create art.

Spanish Story Time: Noon, March 8, 15, 22, 29. Family program. Ages 2 and older. Please join Miss Xiomara for an interactive Story Time in Spanish that includes Early Literacy fun with books, songs and finger plays. Speakers of all languages welcome.

Kids Movie of the Month: 3:30 p.m. March 28. Family program, all ages welcome.

Infant & Young Toddler Story Time:  10:15 a.m. March 13, 20, 27. All ages welcome, ages 5 and younger with adult.Stories, catchy tunes, puppets, finger plays and fun.

Family Story Time: 11 a.m. March 6, 13, 20, 27; 7 p.m. March 4, 11, 18, 25. Family program, all ages welcome with adult.

Preschool Story Time: 11 a.m. March 2, 19, 26. Ages 3 to 5 with adult. Come for an alphabet adventure that will feature stories, finger plays, songs and a simple craft activity for your preschooler.

The Doctor’s In the House: 10:30 a.m. March 8. Presented by Eric Ode. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Come for a celebration of rhyme and rhythm, song and silliness.

Study Zone: Grades K-12. Drop in for free homework help from trained volunteer tutors. Call the library for current hours.”

TEENS

Teen Zone, Manga Club!: 3 p.m. March 11. Love manga, graphic novels and anime? Join the Kent Manga Club! This month learn Multi Media Fusion with the KCLS Tech Lab. Make your own animations and experiment with style.

Bollywood Dance Show: 2 p.m. March March 16. Presented by Seattle Bollywood. Bollywood Dance is a combination of classical and folk dances from India performed with a fun Bollywood flair that tells a story.

Teen Zone, Writers Club!: 3:30 p.m. March 18. Monthly meeting to share inspiration, fun exercises and creative work time.

SAT Prep Classes: 1 p.m. March 22, 29, April 5, 12, 19, 26. Contact the library for details.

Visual Storytelling Workshop: 10 a.m. March 22. If you are a refugee between the ages of 15 and 25, make your “voice” heard. By using visual art to answer your choice of questions, you are telling your story of being forced to flee your native land, living in exile and resettling in a foreign culture. To reserve a seat and art supplies, please call the Jewish Family Service in Kent, 253-850-4065. Teen Zone: Movie Time: 3:30 p.m. March 25. Ask at the library for movie title.

Teen Zone, Movie Time: 3:30 p.m. March 25. Call the library to find out what’s showing.

ADULTS

Computer Class: Registration required beginning two weeks before the class, 253-859-3330.  • Introduction to Computers, 7 p.m. March 11; • Internet Level I, 7 p.m. March 13; • Excel Level I, 7 p.m. March 25.

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

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.

AARP Tax-Aide: March 8 ,15, 22, 29, during library open hours; 4:45-9 p.m. March 10, 17, 24, 31. 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. Registration required.

After Lunch Book Bunch: 1 p.m. March 12. “Apologize, Apologize” by Elizabeth Kelly. New members are always welcome.

Drop-In to Learn about eBooks: 10 a.m. March 22, 29; 7 p.m. March 20, 27. Library staff are here to get you started with KCLS eBooks. Bring your eReader, tablet, phone or just your questions.

Opening the County, The History of Military Road: 2 p.m. March 30. Presented by Karen Meador. What is known in South King County as Military Road is, in fact, part of the Fort Steilacoom-Fort Bellingham Road constructed under the supervision of the U.S. Army, which included a number of future Civil War generals, in the late 1850s. Although the name has changed outside South King County, the route remains largely unchanged from the six-foot-wide wagon road constructed on the eve of the Civil War. As a wagon road carved out of the wilderness over 150 years ago, Military Road encouraged settlement and commerce throughout its length, a legacy that continues today.

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

Start to Fitness: If you’re resolved to begin the New Year with a more active, healthy lifestyle, it’s easy to get started at your library. Throughout 2014, find ideas, inspiration and tips on simple ways to add more movement and healthy options to your life through the new adult series, Start to Fitness. www.kcls.org/fitness

Entertainment

SHOWARE CENTER

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

Stayin’ Alive – Bee Gees Tribute: 8 p.m. March 7. Offering fans the full sights and sounds of the Bee Gees playlist and singing their blockbuster hits. Concert to benefit Music Aid Northwest: Ticket prices: $30-$60.

SPOTLIGHT SERIES

Tickets for the Kent Arts Commission’s 2013-2014 Spotlight Series are on sale now.  Tickets may be purchased online at www.kentarts.com, by calling 253-856-5051 or in person 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. Box office is closed on Sunday.

“Stuart Little” by Dallas Children’s Theater: 11 a.m. March 8, Kent-Meridian PAC, 10020 SE 256th St.,  Kent. Great for ages 5 and up. Based on the Award Winning Book by E.B. White, Stuart Little tells the story of a most unusual mouse and his ordinary New York family. Stuart’s life is a series of adventures and misadventures with a variety of colorful characters. All the charm, wisdom, and joy of the classic novel are brought to life as Stuart learns to survive in his super-sized world and discovers the true meaning of family, loyalty, and friendship. Sponsored by Pete and Pat Curran through Kent Parks Foundation. Tickets: $10 general, $10 senior, $10 youth

Alpin Hong: 7:30 p.m. March 21, Kent-Meridian PAC. Back by popular demand, Alpin Hong returns to Kent after an overwhelmingly successful 2013 residency and concert. Alpin’s combination of humor, emotion and dazzling technique brings audiences of all ages to their feet. This year Alpin will build on his relationship with Kent School District students and incorporate them into his final performance. Sponsored by Pete and Pat Curran, and the Kent Parks Foundation. Tickets: $25 general, $22 senior, $15 youth.

Harlem Gospel Choir: 7:30 p.m. April 5, Kentwood PAC. From the heart of Harlem in New York City, the Harlem Gospel Choir travels the world and is loved for its joyous, foot-stomping, hand-clapping blues, jazz, and gospel spirituals. They have performed for Nelson Mandela and Pope John Paul II, and have shared the stage with such legendary artists as Bono, Sinead O’Connor, Lyle Lovett, Diana Ross and many others. Sponsored by Pete and Pat Curran through Kent Parks Foundation. Tickets: $28 general, $25 senior, $15 youth.

ELSEWHERE

Sixth annual Highline Classic Jazz Festival: 2:30-10:30 p.m. March 8, Sound Event Center, 23660 Marine View Drive, Des Moines. A lineup of 14 bands playing on three separate stages. Musicians perform several styles of jazz. The experience includes concerts, dancing, food, drink and an opportunity to mingle with the musicians. Proceeds support the nonprofit Burien Arts Association. EJ’s Catering serving dinner, at $16. Two no-host wine bars and a coffee bar. Tickets $40 for adults, $35 for seniors (65 and over) and free for youth 18 and under. Sold at Burien Arts Gallery, 826 SW 152nd St. Tickets are also available at Brown Paper Tickets, www.brownpapertickets.com/event/553955. For more information visit www.highlineclassicjazz.com.

“The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley Jr.”: 7 p.m. March 20-21, 5 p.m. March 22, Sunrise Elementary School, 22300 132nd Ave. SE. Sunrise PTA Mustang Theatre presentation. Stanley Lambchop is your ordinary, everyday, run-of-the-mill 10-year-old: normal mom and dad, normal little brother, normal life. That’s just the problem … for Stanley, life is too normal. He wants to travel the world, do something amazing, something no one’s ever seen before. Careful what you wish for, Stanley! Tickets are $5 per person at the door. Children under 5 are free.

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.

Honk!: 7 p.m. March 21, 22, 28, 29; 3 p.m. March 22, 29, Green River Community College, Performing Arts Building, 12401 SE 320th St., Auburn. Heavier Than Air Family Theatre production. A poultry tale in a musical based on Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Ugly Duckling”. Honk!’s charm, humor and message of tolerance is perfect for a family audience. Tickets: $10 advance, $12 at the door. www.heavierthanair.com

Tolstory: 7 p.m. April 4, 5, 11, 12; 2 p.m. April 6, 13, Des Moines Beach Park Auditorium, 22030 Cliff Ave. S. Breeders Theater’s spring production written by T.M. Sell with music by Nancy Warren. Tolstory is a little bit Tolstoy and a tiny bit Toy Story, as four Russian nesting dolls narrate the life of Katarina Karenin, your typical Russian infant/teen/young woman/older woman. Tickets $20. Available at www.brownpapertickets.com, and through the Des Moines Field House Recreation Office, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 1000 S. 220th St. Credit card purchases may be made by phone by calling the city Parks and Recreation Department at 206-870-6527, weekdays, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Galleries, studios

Centennial Center Gallery:  400 W. Gowe St., Kent. Exhibit (Jan. 10-28) Ricardo Campagnoli, oil and acrylic painting. 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.

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