Kent-area community calendar | May 11

Events

Team Up 2 Clean Up Kent: 8 a.m.-noon, May 14. Third annual citywide litter cleanup event. The city of Kent, Kent Chamber of Commerce, Kent Downtown Partnership, Kent Station, Republic Services, the Lions Club and Down Home Catering invite the community. Residents, civic groups, schools, youth organizations, businesses, families and those in need of community-service hours are encouraged to get involved with this citywide effort. Volunteers can pick up free gloves and trash bags and get directions to “hot spots” – areas that need the most attention – by meeting at one of three locations: • Trinity Community Church parking lot, 3807 Reith Rd. (West Hill); • Kherson Park, 307 W. Gowe St. (downtown); • Golden Steer Steak & Rib House parking lot, 23826 104th Ave. SE (East Hill). Trash bags can also be dropped off at the same locations that day until noon. Individuals and groups interested in participating register by 5 p.m. May 11 at KentWA.gov/TalkingTrash. For additional information, contact Hungerford at ghungerford@kentwa.gov or 253-856-5549.

Khalsa Day, Sikh Heritage Celebration: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. May 21, ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St, Kent. Local Sikh community shares their heritage, culture, history, music, dance, contributions, exhibitions, food, with the public. Free guided tours available, beginning at 10:30 a.m.

King County Community Service Area program town hall: 7-9 p.m. May 23, Neuwaukum Grange Hall, 38402 180th Ave. SE, Auburn. Residents of unincorporated King County can meet with officials, learn about small grant opportunities for their community and be informed about county work in their community during a town hall-style open house. King County Councilmembers Reagan Dunn and Peter von Reichbauer, Chief of Operations Rhonda Berry and Sheriff John Urquhart will be among the expected guests.

The Kent International Festival: All day, June 6, ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St. Celebrating cultural diversity represented in the Kent community and South King County. The festival showcases the region’s ethnic dance, musical performances, native attire, cultural booths and authentic cuisine. kentinternationalfestival.com.

Benefits

23rd annual Kent Kiwanis Crab and Spaghetti Feed: 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. seatings, May 21, Kent Senior Center, 600 E. Smith St. All-you-can-eat feast includes hot crab, spaghetti, salad, garlic bread, soft beverages and dessert. Beer and wine are available for an additional fee. Proceeds benefit programs for children and seniors. Tickets: $40 adults; $30 seniors ages 60 and older; $30 ages 13-18; $15 for ages 6-12; $5 for ages 2-5 and free for children under 2. For tickets and reservations, call Vivian Bruns at 253-839-3941. For more information, visit www.facebookcom/Kiwanisclubofkent/

Communities in Schools of Kent 14th annual Breakfast for the Kids: 7-9 a.m. May 19, Kent Phoenix Academy gym, 11000 SE 246th St. Event is free but RSVP is required. For reservations, email ciskent.org or Angela Stave at astave@ciskent.org.

Pediatric Interim Care Center 12th Annual Luncheon: 11:25 a.m.-1:25 p.m. May 20, ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St. Steve Raible, the “Voice of the Seahawks” and KIRO TV News Anchor, is keynote speaker. Michelle Esteban, anchor/reporter for KOMO TV, is host. All proceeds are dedicated to the care of newborns withdrawing from prenatal drug exposures at PICC. No charge to register. Suggested minimum donation of $50 or more is appreciatedat the luncheon. www.picc.net/events.html

Tea party: Noon and 1:30 p.m. May 22, Neely Mansion, 12303 SE Auburn-Black Diamond Road, Auburn. Renton South King Retired School Employees Association raising funds for active school employees for classroom supplies and special projects. Entertainment provided throughout the sessions with tours of the mansion and newly renovated furoba, or bathhouse, by docents of the Neely Mansion. Cost: $15 per person with advance purchase tickets available for either session. To order tickets, contact Tina Underdahl at 425-228-9448 or tinaunder@comcast.net. Visit Renton South King Retired School Employees Association on Facebook for more information.

The Wild West: 5-9 p.m. June 3, ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St., Kent. Kent Downtown Partnership’s annual dinner auction. Costume contest, dessert dash, 50/50 raffle, trips to Hawaii and Cabo and other prizes. Tickets: $65 until May 16, $75 after. For tickets and reservations, call 253-813-6979 or downtownkentwa.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: Noon-3 p.m. May 12, Recreational Equipment, 6750 S. 228th 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 $8 monthly. For more information, call 253-709-5098 or visit www.tops.org or www.whywelovetops.com.

Alzheimer’s Association: 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.

Clubs

Soroptimist International of Kent-Covington:  Program meetings from 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m., on the fourth Monday of each month, September-May, Covington Library, 164th and Kent-Kangley Road.  Lunch provided, suggested donation $10.  No reservation needed.  Contact President Jo Ladd Clark at 253-854-1895.

South King County Alliance for Retired Americans: Monthly meetings at 1 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month, Kent Senior Center, 600 E. Smith St. May 12 program: a representative of the Attorney General’s office to discuss identity theft. Meetings open and free to the public. For more information, contact Pat Paulsen at 206-400-7149.

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.

Women’s Club  of Federal Way: Meets at 11 a.m. on the third Wednesday of each month, Twin Lakes Golf and Country Club, 3583 SW 320th St.,Federal Way. May 18 program:  Club’s annual charitable contributions to be given to FUSION, Federal Way Caregiving Network, and Reach Out Winter Shelters.  And magic champion Michael Budd performs perfect tricks. Newcomers welcome. Cost $15.  Call 253-927-2766 for reservations.

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.

Programs

Soos Creek Botanical Garden Red Barn Program: 12:30-2 p.m. May 18, Soos Creek Botanical Garden and Heritage Center, 29308 132nd Ave. SE, Auburn. Master Gardener Marcia Dillon presents the program, Growing Tomatoes in the Pacific Northwest. Free. Donations welcome. The garden is open 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. For more information, visit sooscreekbotanicalgarden.org.

Free Tasting Station, Boosting Your Pets’ Immune System: 2-5 p.m. May 14, Kent Mud Bay, 10457 SE 240th St., Kent. Free samples of treats, supplements and foods known to boost the immune system. May is Pet Cancer Awareness Month. Free. For more information, visit mudbay.com.

Seattle Humane MaxMobile Pet Adoption: 4-7 p.m. June 9, Kent Mud Bay, 10457 SE 240th St. Cats and possibly dogs from Seattle Humane Society available for adoption. Stop by and see the bright yellow bus full of adoptable animals. Free. For more information, visit seattlehumane.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. May 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.

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

The Alphabet Soup Show: 10:30 a.m. May 12. Presented by Eric Ode. Ages 2 to 4 with adult. Singing the alphabet is a tasty recipe for fun! Join us as we sing songs and enjoy stories, puppets and poems with this award-winning children’s author, songwriter and poet.

Fun With Bricks: 10:30 a.m. May 14. Family program, all ages welcome 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.

The Science of Art, Circles and Circuits: 3:30 p.m. May 23. Presented by KidsQuest Museum. Ages 6 years and older with adult.Create your own contraption that moves and draws using simple circuits, offset DC motor, markers and recycled materials. Be prepared to change and modify to create new patterns for your contraption to draw. It’s circuitry and art all rolled into one. Registration begins two weeks prior.

Kids Movie of the Month: 3:30 p.m. May 27. “Finding Nemo”. Family program, all ages welcome, ages 5 and younger with adult.Rated G, 100 minutes.

TWEENS & 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. After-school snacks provided 3:30-4:30 p.m. by Food Lifeline and Americorps Vista volunteers.

Game On!: 3:30 p.m. May 17 and 31. Middle and high school ages. Play video games at the library.

Kick-Up: 7 p.m. May 18. Ages 16 to 25 are welcome to grab a slice of free pizza and be connected with local agencies who want to help you.

Teen Movie: 3:30 p.m. May 24. “Star Wars – The Force Awakens”. Middle and high school ages. Enjoy a fun movie showing and a free snack.

ADULTS

Drop-In to Learn about eBooks: 10 a.m. May 28. 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 May 30. Learn English grammar, reading, writing, and conversation skills. In-person registration required.

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.

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.

After Lunch Book Bunch: 1 p.m. May 11. “The Sandcastle Girls” by Chris Bohjalian. Contact the library for book title.

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. • Internet Level I, 7 p.m. May 12; • Microsoft Excel Level I, 7 p.m. May 19; • One-on-One Computer Help, 5 p.m. Mondays. Library closed May 30.

Sign up for ORCA Lift: 10 a.m.-noon, May 20. Income-qualified riders, 19 and older, can save 50 percent or more on Metro, Sound Transit and more. Drop in to register with Multi-Service Center’s Intake Specialist. See if you qualify at www.orcalift.com or call MSC at 253.838.6810. Your income must be at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Please bring ID & income verification documents.

Citizenship Application Assistance: 1 p.m. May 12. One-on-one assistance with the N-400 Application for Naturalization, Green Card and other citizenship-related issues. Provided by the staff of ReWA (Refugee Women’s Alliance). Please call for an appointment, 253-859-6197.

EVERYONE’S TALKING ABOUT IT

Introduction to Tai Chi: 2 p.m. May 14. Presented by Hansie Wong, Integrative Health Coach. Learn fundamental Tai Chi 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. If you’ve attended before, come back for a review and more practice.

Mindful Tech, How to Bring Balance to Our Digital Lives: 7 p.m. May 31. From smart phones to Facebook, digital technologies have transformed the way we learn, entertain ourselves, socialize and work. Despite their usefulness, the technologies have led to information overload and stress. In this talk, based on his new book, “Mindful Tech: How to Bring Balance to Our Digital Lives”, David M. Levy will describe the methods he’s developed over many years of research and teaching to help people develop a healthier and more effective relationship with their digital devices and apps.

Entertainment

SHOWARE CENTER

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

Legends Football League: 7 p.m. May 14, Seattle Mist vs. Chicago Bliss. Ticket prices: $15-$65.

Ladies Night Out, Vol. 7: 7:30 p.m. May 28. All White Affair (white attire not required). Concert lineup: Tevin Campbell; El Debarge; Lovers LN (ft. Wingo of Jagged Edge, Chauncey of Blackstreet & RL formerly of Next); All 4 One; Silk; Domino; Ruff Endz. Special guest: The Eriam Sisters. Hosted by Chris Thomas (the Mayor of Rap City). Ticket prices: $32-$99.

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. ; • second and fourth Tuesday: Randy Litch, ballroom dance music, 7:30-9:15 p.m.; • third and fifth Tuesday: Andy Burnett, rock ‘n roll music, 7:30-9:15 p.m. Refreshments by Stafford Suites. Complimentary refreshments are provided for a donation (first Tuesday by The Lakeshore and Radcliffe Place; second Tuesday by the Weatherly Inn; third Tuesday by  the Stafford Suites; fourth Tuesday by Farrington Court; fifth Tuesday by Judson Park). Cost is $4 at the door and all dances are open to dancers of all ages. For more information, call 253-856-5164 or visit kentwa.gov/SeniorActivityCenter/

“Hairspray”: 7 p.m. May 11-14; 2 p.m. May 14, Kentridge Performing Arts Center, 12430 SE 208th St., Kent. Kentridge cast presents musical. It’s Baltimore circa 1962 and Tracy Turnblad has dreams as lofty as her hairdo. She just wants to dance on the Corny Collins show. When her dreams come true, she boldly brings her friends and family along as she uses her sudden stardom to dethrone the reigning mean girl, win the affections of dreamy Link Larkin and integrate the local TV network. Family-friendly show won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Tickets: $10 at the door or purchase online after April 20 at www.Showtix4U.com.

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella”: 7 p.m. May 12, 13, 14; 2 p.m. May 14, Kent-Meridian Performing Arts Center, 10020 SE 256th, Kent. Tickets: $10 at the door, $8 if purchased in advance from the high schools cashier. All seats are general admission.

Knot Quite Write Players: 1:15 p.m. May 16, Kent Senior Activity Center, Social Hall Stage, 600 E. Smith St. Center’s Readers Theater troupe presents its spring presentations. Two plays, “The Journey” and “The Mystery Thing”, both by Drena Heizer, are performed with special permission from ArtAge Publications Senior Theatre Resource Center. The third play, “Your Call is Important to Us”, and fourth play, “In Plain Sight”, were written by Linda DeVange and Susan Jarrett respectively, KQWP members. Tickets: $1 and go on sale at 12:30 p.m. the day of each show. Doors open at 1 p.m. For more information, contact Helena Reynolds at 253-856-5150.

Green River College Spring Concert: 6-11:30 p.m. May 20, Green River College, Lindbloom Student Union, 12401 SE 320th St., Auburn. Far East Movement, an electronic pop-rap group based in Los Angeles, brings its vibrant fusion of electronic dance music and hip hop. The Staxx Brothers, a Seattle-based band, and special guest DJ Don Havi also perform. Tickets: $20 for the public and available at www.greenriver.edu/campus-life. Green River students can purchase tickets for $5 online or $10 at the door.

Rainier Youth Choirs “A World of Colors” Concert: 3-4:30 p.m. May 21, Kent United Methodist Church, 11010 SE 248th. Audiences will enjoy familiar favorites such as “Blackbird” by Lennon & McCartney, “Rainbow Connection,” “Light of a Clear Blue Morning,” “Birth of the Blues”, and other “colorful” songs. All six ensembles will perform. RYC Family Picnic follows the concert at nearby Morrill Meadows Park nearby. Cost: $5-$12 in advance; $7-$15 at the door. www.raineiryouthchoirs.org

Auditions

“The Lion, Witch & the Wardrobe”: May 28, 29, St. James Church, 24447 94th Ave. S., Kent. A play based on the well-known children’s book by C.S. Lewis. Sign up for times at SurveyMonkey.com, “Narnia Auditions” or on www.stjameskent.org. Performances on Aug. 20, 21. Net proceeds benefit the Outreach Program at St. James. For more information, call 253-852-4450 or visit stjameskent.org.

Reunions

Kent High School 70th reunion: 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. May 12, Mitzel’s restaurant, 22330 84th Ave. S., Kent. Class of 1946 celebration. Please bring photos and stories to share. To RSVP or for more information, contact Harold Botts at 253-639-1700.

Kent-Meridian Class of ’66: Aug. 12-14. 50th high school reunion. Schedule: • Friday, Aug. 12 – 2 p.m., golf tournament ($65, $82 with cart, prizes included); 6 p.m. cocktails and 7:30 p.m. barbecue, Fairwood Country Club, 17070 140th Ave. SE, Renton ($22.50 per person; • Saturday, Aug. 13 – 11:30 a.m., tour and nostalgic brown bag lunch, Kent-Meridian High School, 10020 SE 256th St. ($6 per person); 6 p.m. cocktails and 7 p.m. reunion banquet and dinner, Fairwood Country Club ($35 per person); • Sunday, Aug. 14 – 9:30 a.m. service, Panther Lake Community Church, 10630 SE 204th St., Kent. Times are approximate. Optional tax-deductible gift to KM66 Fund to support reunion, newsletters, memory book. Please mail check payable to: “Sherry Moon”. Optional tax-deductible gift to K-M High School (supports group’s goal of $1,966). Please mail check payable to: “Friends of KM Fund.” Register and send payments to: Sherry (Moon) Klein, 46821 290th Ave. SE, Enumclaw, WA 98022. For more information, email srklein@skynetbb.com or Evelyn (Iversen) McMahan at danevie@comcast.net.

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.

Third Thursday Art Walk: 4-7 p.m., Rusty Raven Studio, 212 First Ave. S., Kent. Designed around the idea of creating a rich and diverse artistic experience in downtown Kent. Free kids art activity every month. Have your map initialed by the artist at each stop and be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift certificate from a participating businesses. One entry per person and must go to every stop to qualify. For more information, contact Lyra Penoyer at 253-813-6976 or kdpadminassistant@kentdowntown.org, or visit www.facebook.com/events/1530632470566958/

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.

PROGRAMS

Inter-nations and cultural exhibits: Iraq through Saturday, followed by a Sikh nation display (May 18-21) and one focused on the African continent (May 25-June 4). Admission is a suggested $2 donation.