Kent-area community calendar | May 15

Events

Spring WBCA Antique Bottle & Collectible Show: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. May 17, Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. N, Kent. The Washington Bottle & Collectors Association presents its spring Antique Bottle, Insulator & Collectible Show & Sale. Great old bottles, jars, glassware, insulators, advertising collectibles, breweriana, photos, pottery and much more. Early buyer admission $5 on May 16; fREE admission on May 17.

“Her Choice, Our Choice!”: 11 a.m.–2 p.m. May 20, Highline Community College, Student Union; Building 8, Mount Constance Room. HCC Women’s Programs, in partnership with the Southwest King County Coalition Against Trafficking (SWKCAT), host a forum to raise awareness about human trafficking. Learn more about the issue from two perspectives, the victim and the buyer, and how the community can end sex trafficking. Free. Lunch provided. Reservations may be made at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/670020.

National Public Works Week (May 19-23): 1-4 p.m. May 20, parking lot between City Hall and Centennial Center at 400 W. Gowe St. Residents can learn about public services firsthand. Free event featured climb-on displays of public works equipment, including a backhoe, excavator and snowplow. Other highlights include interactive and informational displays in the Centennial Center lobby. For more information about how Kent’s Public Works employees work to serve residents, visitors and businesses every day, visit KentWA.gov.

“Rape For Profit”: 6:30 p.m. May 20, Kent-Meridian High School Performing Arts Center, 10020 SE 256th St., Kent. Southeast King County Coalition Against Trafficking presentation. Documentary sheds light of human trafficking in the Seattle area. Kent Police Det. Lovisa Dvorak to appear and discuss the trafficking situation in the area. Parental guidance advised. Co-sponsored by the Kent Covenant Church. Event is free but seating is limited to 350. Reserve your seat at www.brownpapertickets/event/662273.

17th annual Kentwood High School Trade Show: 6-8 p.m. May 21, Kentwood High School, 25800 164th Ave. SE, Covington. Marketing students display their skills as they promote a wide variety of companies such as Starbucks, Jersey Mikes, Gravity Sports, and more than 80 others. Local companies also on display. For more information, contact Austin Reynaud at 206-734-7399 or austin.reynaud81695@gmail.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.

Benefits

Breakfast For The Kids: 7:30-9 a.m. May 22, Kent Phoenix Academy gymnasium, 11000 SE 264th St., Kent. Proceeds benefit Communities In Schools of Kent continuing services in the Kent School District. Last year’s breakfast raised more than $24,000 for CISK, a nonprofit agency supporting programs for at-risk students. Kent Schools Superintendent Edward Lee Vargas is guest speaker. Other speakers include Sen. Joe Fain (R-Auburn, District 47). The Windermere Foundation, Umpqua Bank, Wells Fargo Bank, Omaha Woodmen Life Insurance Society Chapter 35, Kiwanis Club of Kent, Kent Station, WCP Solutions, Kent Police Employee Benevolent Association, and Kent Lions Club are sponsors. The Golden Steer is catering the event. The event is free but registration is being take online. For reservations and sponsorship opportunities, call 253-867-5637 or email Katie Adams at kadams@ciskent.org. Free, but please order tickets at www.eventbrite.com/e/breakfast-for-the-kids-2014-tickets-9561058383. For more information, visit kent.ciswa.org or www.facebook.com/ciskent.

St. George International Food Fair: 1-8 p.m. June 7, Maple Valley Community Center, 22010 SE 248th St. Sponsored by St. George Episcopal Church. Admission $10 adults, $20 family. For more information, call 425-432-5481, email admin@saintgeorgemv.org or visit midd.me/LSTQ

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:  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.

Faith

The Acclamation Ringers: 3 p.m. May 18, Kent Lutheran Church, 336 Second Ave. S. The handbell choir, a volunteer group, has been an integral part of worship services at the church for more than 30 years. Refreshments available for purchase during intermission. Tickets are available at the door for $12.50, or in advance through www.brownpapertickets.com.

“Salute to Mothers”: 11:15 a.m.-1:15 p.m. May 21. Golden Steer Restaurant, 23826 104th Ave. SE, Kent. Monthly luncheon sponsored by Stonecroft Christian Women’s Connection. Enjoy the food, an uplifting program and the opportunity to meet new friends. Free child care available by reservation. Cost: $16.50. Information: 425-235-1047.

“Life Is Good”:  11:15 a.m.-1:15 p.m. June 18. Golden Steer Restaurant, 23826 104th Ave. SE, Kent. Monthly luncheon sponsored by Stonecroft Christian Women’s Connection. Enjoy the food, an uplifting program and the opportunity to meet new friends. Free child care available by reservation. Cost: $16.50. Information: 425-235-1047.

“Snap, Crackle and Pop”: 11:15 a.m.-1:15 p.m. July 16, Golden Steer Restaurant, 23826 104th Ave. SE, Kent. Monthly luncheon sponsored by Stonecroft Christian Women’s Connection. Enjoy the food, an uplifting program and the opportunity to meet new friends. Free child care available by reservation. Cost: $16.50. Information: 425-235-1047.

Volunteers

Team Up 2 Clean Up Kent: 8 a.m.-noon, May 17. 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). Residents, neighborhood and faith-based organizations, civic groups, schools, youth organizations, businesses and families are encouraged to get involved. Volunteers can pick up free gloves and trash bags and get directions to the “hot spots” by meeting at 8 a.m. at one of three three locations. Trash bags can also be dropped off at the same locations that day until noon. This event is sponsored by the City of Kent in partnership with the Kent Chamber of Commerce, Kent Downtown Partnership, Kent Station and Republic Services. Please register by 5 p.m. May 14 at KentWA.gov/TalkingTrash. For additional information, contact Gina Hungerford at ghungerford@kentwa.gov or 253-856-5549.

Camps

Resident Camp at Waskowitz informational meetings: 6:30-7:30 p.m. June 11, July 9, Kent Commons, 525 4th Avenue N. Opportunity for parents and campers to meet the camp director and staff. Kent is one of the few cities to offer a summer resident camp for boys and girls entering the fifth, sixth or seventh grade this fall. The Aug. 4-8 camp, now in its 35th year, offers a wide spectrum of activities and professional management. Eighty-five percent of the camp counselors return. The camp, at the base of Mount Si in the Cascade foothills, is four miles east of North Bend. It is nestled in the woods on 360 acres of land. Cost for the camp is $320, which includes transportation, cabin accommodations, supervision and all meals, field trip and camp shirt. Scholarship monies are available for Kent residents on free-and-reduced lunches. For more information or to register, please call 253-856-5030 or visit www.kentwa.gov.

Clubs, programs

Coping With Guilt Explored: 7 p.m. May 19, Lifetree Café, Community Room, First Christian Church, 11717 240th St. SE, Kent. The program,  Unburdened: Letting Go of Guilt, features a screening of the award-winning short film, Unburden. The film is the story of a woman who accidentally injures her infant daughter and the woman’s journey to resolve her guilt. 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., 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.

Community garden p-patch: Season runs April 1-Oct. 26, corner of James Street and 64th Avenue South. Gardeners may rent a 20-by-20-foot plot for the season for $45 plus a refundable $25 deposit. There are 44 plots available, assigned on a first-come, first-served basis once the rental fee has been paid. Returning gardeners are allowed a maximum of two plots per household. Open registration. For more information, call 253-856-5110.

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.

Speed Networking: 5-7 p.m. June 19, Meridian Valley Country Club, 24830 136th Ave. SE, Kent. Presented by the Kent Chamber of Commerce. Free to chamber members, $20 for nonmembers. Register at www.kentchamber.com, by calling 253-854-1770 or by email at info@kentchamber.com.

Reunions

Kent-Meridian Class of 1959: 5 p.m. Aug. 15, 16, Hilton Garden Inn, 1800 NW Gilman Blvd., Issaquah. 55th reunion. Events on Friday and Saturday. Contact Reunions Unlimited at 360-866-8842 or www.reunionsunlimited.com for details and to pay.

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. May 16, 23 and 30. 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, May 17. 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. May 30. Family program, all ages welcome.

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

Family Story Time: 11 a.m. May 15. Family program, all ages welcome with adult.

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

Early Literacy Parties in Spanish: 6:30 p.m. May 15, 22, 29, June 5. Series of free workshops in Spanish for families to learn about Early Literacy and how to prepare their children for Kindergarten. www.kcls.org/fiestas/

TEENS

Teen Zone, Writers Club: 3:30 p.m. May 20. Monthly meeting to share inspiration, fun exercises and creative work time.

Teen Zone, Movie Time: 3:30 p.m. May 27. Call the library to find out what’s showing.

ADULTS

Computer Class: For a list of classes and to register for a class please call the library, 253-859-3330.

English as a Second Language (ESL): 6 p.m. Mondays. No class on May 26. 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.

Drop-In to Learn about eBooks: 10 a.m. May 24, 31; 7 p.m. May 22, 29. Library staff are here to get you started with KCLS eBooks. Bring your eReader, tablet, phone or just your questions.

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

Start to Fitness, 40 Years in the Outdoors: 7 p.m. May 20. Authors of the bestselling “Wilderness Navigation”, father and son team Bob Burns and Mike Burns will present an entertaining evening of good stories and decades of mountain adventures as seen through the lives and lens of these two Pacific Northwest outdoorsmen. www.kcls.org/fitness

Entertainment

SHOWARE CENTER

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

Reebok CrossFit Games Northwest Regional: 9 a.m. May 16, 17, 18. Semifinal round for the CrossFit Games season.  The ultimate proving grounds of the fittest athletes on Earth. Tickets: $50 (three-day pass); $20 (general admission); kids under 12 free.

Sonu Nigam – Klose to My Soul:  8 p.m. May 30. Sonu Nigam is an Indian singer whose songs have been featured mainly in Hindi and Kannada movies. He has also sung many songs in other languages. Tickets: $39-$500.

ELSEWHERE

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.

Theater camp

Heavier Than Air Family Theatre: Five-week camp begins June 23 and runs Monday through Thursday each week, Performing Arts Building, Green River Community College, 12401 SE 320th St., Auburn. For youth ages 3-17. Opportunity to experience the entire musical theatre experience, from the audition process to final performances. Camps culminate in live stage performances complete with costumes, music and choreography. Times, dates and cost vary by age group. For details and a registration form, visit www.heavierthanair.com.

Auditions

Ensemble Ballet Theatre company auditions: 11:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. May 18, Dance Expressions studio, 23730 Maple Valley Black Diamond Road SE, Maple Valley. Dancers between the ages of 8 and 18 invited. Fee: $10. Contact: Kimberly Wooten, misskim@ebtballet.org, 1-877-328-8771. Schedule: 11:30 a.m.-noon, 8-14-year-olds, registration; noon-1:30 p.m., 8-14 ballet audition class; 1-1:30, 11-14 registration; 1:30-3:30, 11-14 ballet/pointe audition class; 3:30-4, 15-18 registration; 4-6:30, 15-18 ballet/pointe audition class. For more information: www.ebtballet.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: 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.

EVENTS

Monthly Open House and Community Art Club: noon-2 p.m. May 17. Featuring a step-by-step group art project taught by Kerri McKeighen. For ages 10 and older. 3D painting projects available for younger students. By donation. Suggested donation: $5. Hosting the event in partnership with Aryal’s Gymnastics, which will have open gym with trampoline, bars, and mats available for all students. $3 for gym members; $5 for nonmembers.

 

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