Kent-area community calendar | May 6

Events

Downtown Kent Wine Walk: 6-9 p.m. May 8. Registration at 5:30 p.m. at Down Home Catering, 211 First Ave. S. Twelve wineries participating. Tickets: $25 per person and available at downtownkentwawinewalk.brownpapertickets.com/. For more details, call Kent Downtown Partnership at 253-813-6976 or email kdpadminassistant@kentdowntown.org.

Junior Olympics: 9 a.m. May 9, French Field, Kent-Meridian High School, 10020 SE 256th St., Kent. Cascade Division track and field competition begins at 9 a.m., the Olympic Division starts at 1 p.m. City of Kent Parks, Rec and Community Services supporting the event.

Career Fair: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. May 14, Green River College, Lindbloom Center, 12401 SE 320th St., Auburn. Thirty-plus employers from the area on campus to recruit, interview to fill hundreds of job openings in the South King County area. Please bring resumes. For more information, contact Julius Caesar Robinson, GRC employment specialist, at 253-833-9111, ext. 6053.

WBCA Spring Antique Bottle & Collectible Show: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. May 16, Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. N., Kent. Great antiques – bottles, insulators, pottery, collectibles, postcards, photos and more. Early-buy admission: $5, 1-5 p.m. May 15; free on May 16. www.wbcaweb.org

National Public Works Week: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. May 18, ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St., Kent. Free event offers the public a chance to meet the people who provide services. Climb into the machines that do the heavy lifting, experience hands-on educational displays, join an interactive scavenger hunt, explore career opportunities. Kent Public Works Department presents the event. For more information, call 253-856-5600 or visit www.kentwa.gov/PWW.

Have You Looked in Your Kid’s Backpack?: 6:15 p.m.-7:30 p.m. May 20, East Hill Elementary School, 9825 S. 240th St., Kent. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. Presented by the city of Kent, Kent School District, Kent Police and other partners. For parents, or any mentor of youth, and students sixth grade to high school seniors. Learn about youth drug/alcohol trends and resources, recognizing signs, what to do and how to prevent. Featured speakers from the Kent Police Department, and Eric Munson from Heidi’s Promise. Pizza and resource tables, presentations, awards ceremony for Above The Influence Project (KentPoliceYB.com). Free children/activity room. Please RSVP by May 13 at KentDFC.com

Relay For Life of Kent: 6 p.m. May 29, French Field, Kent-Meridian High School, 10200 SE 256th St. Raising funds for the American Cancer Society. Survivors Lap begins at 6:30 p.m. For more information, to participate or to donate, visit www.rflkent.org.

Seventh annual Kent International Festival: 9:30 a.m. May 30, ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St., Kent. Full day of entertainment, food and fun that celebrates Kent’s cultural diversity. Generations of Cultural Diversity opening parade; singing, dancing and music on main stage; nine local restaurants represent an exotic food court; cultural booths; and hand-held float building contest. Free admission. www.kentinternationalfestival.com.

Fourth Annual Juneteenth Festival (150 years): 10 a.m.-8 p.m. June 20, Morrill Meadows Park, 10600 SE 248th, Kent. Juneteenth commemorates the day, June 19, 1865, when Americans of African descent learned of their freedom, in Texas. Speakers, vendors, food, activities. For more informatin,visit www.kentblackactioncommission.com.

Benefits

May Tea:  Seatings at 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.  May 9, Neely Mansion, 12303 SE Auburn Black Diamond Road, Auburn, off Highway 18.  Enjoy spring delicacies, music and tour the 1884 Neely Mansion and grounds.  Cost $15 per guest.  Reservations required. 253-850-2777 or www.neelymansion.org.

23rd annual Dungeness Crab and Spaghetti feed: Seatings at 5 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. May 16, Kent Senior Center, 600 E. Smith St. Fundraiser for the Kiwanis Club of Kent. Proceeds benefit programs for children and seniors. 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. Tickets: $40 for adults; $30 for seniors ages 60 and older; $30 ages 13-18; $15 for ages 6-12; $5 for ages 2-5 and free for children under age 2. For tickets and reservations, call Vivian Bruns at 253-839-3941 or Bill Stewart at 253-852-5504.

Tools for Recovery: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. May 25, Tahoma High School, parking lot, 18200 SE 240th, Kent. Honor a veteran and support conservation efforts in your community by donating a new or used garden tool to the Veterans Conservation Corps. The VCC is a behavioral health program of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, which has helped create jobs in the environmental sector for hundreds of veterans. The King Conservation District, the sponsor of the tool drive, will accept donations of shovels, wheelbarrows, rock rakes, watering cans, hoses, gloves, seeds, clippers, pruners and/or garden supply store gift cards.

Volunteers

Team Up 2 Clean Up Kent: 8 a.m.-noon, May 16. City of Kent, Kent Downtown Partnership, Kent Station, Republic Services, Lions Club and Down Home Catering invite the community to participate in a citywide litter cleanup event. 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 “hot spots” – the areas that need the most attention – by meeting at 8 a.m. at one of three locations: • Trinity Community Church parking lot, 3807 Reith Road (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.

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.

Kent4Health 1-Mile Generations Walk: 9:25-9:55 a.m. May 30, ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St., Kent. Walk, which starts and finishes at ShoWare, kicks off the Kent International Festival. Public is invited to wear cultural attire and/or decorate an umbrella for the festive occasion. Join the Chinese Lions, mayor, elected officials and festival goers for a walk through the streets of Kent. Decorated umbrellas will be invited on stage after walk for a photo op and snack ticket. Free event. www.kentinternationalfestival.com, info@kent4health.com

Bloodworks Northwest drives:  Noon-2 p.m., 3-7 p.m. May 15, LDS Church, 24419 94th Ave. S.;  12:30-3:30 p.m. May 21, Expeditors International, 21318 64th Ave. S.; 8:30-11 a.m. May 21, Flow International, 23500 64th Ave S.; 8:30-10:30 a.m., 11:15 a.m.-2:30 p.m. May 26, Tahoma High School, 18200 SE 240th St.; 9-11 a.m., noon-3 p.m. May 28, 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 $7 monthly. 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 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.

Film screening, “Chosen”: 7-8 p.m. May 26, Kent Library, 212 Second Ave. N. Hear the true story of two All-American teenage girls tricked into trafficking. Eighteen-year-old Brianna was an honor-roll student, cheerleader and worked at a local café. Thirteen-year-old Lacy was an active member of her youth group, and a volunteer in her community. The 20-minute video is designed to equip preteens and teens to protect themselves and others from being trapped in the horrific and violent sex industry. Film screening serves Spencer Willden’s Eagle Project for Boy Scouts of America Troop 331.

Soos Creek Botanical Garden Red Barn Program: 12:30-1:30 p.m. May 13, Soos Creek Botanical Garden, Red Barn, 29308 132nd Ave. SE, Auburn. Topic: Sustainable Vegetable Gardening. Ladd Smith, co-owner of In Harmony Sustainable Landscapes, covers organic landscaping topics. Program includes basic vegetable gardening, building raised beds, soil preparation, using Northwest varieties of seeds and plant starts, watering practices, pest control and more. Free. www.sooscreekbotanicalgarden.org

Camps

Resident Camp at Waskowitz informational meetings: 6:30-7:30 p.m. May 13, June 10, July 8, 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. 3-7 camp, now in its 36th 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.

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.

Speed Networking: 5-7 p.m. May 12, Kent Meridian Country Club, 24830 136th Ave. SE, Kent. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres, no host bar. Cost: Free for Kent Chamber members, $20 for non-members. Register to attend: www.kentchamber.com. For more information, call 253-854-1770 or email info@kentchamber.com.

Kent Downtown Partnership Annual Dinner Auction: 5-9 p.m. June 5, ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St., Kent. Theme is Kent: On the Right Track!, with a focus on Kent’s 125th anniversary. Attendees are encouraged to wear vintage clothing from the 1890s and forward. A silent auction will start the evening, followed by dinner, awards and the live auction. Cost: $65. For more information, contact Lyra Penoyer, at 253-813-6976 or kdpadminassistant@kentdowntown.org, or visit kdpdinnerauction.bpt.me/

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. May 12. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Stories, songs and fun. Wear your pajamas.

Preschool Story Times: 11 a.m. May 13. Preschool ages with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

Infant and Young Toddler Story Time: 10:30 a.m. May 14. Ages newborn to 2½ with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

Spanish Story Times: Noon, May 9 and 16. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

Play & Learn: 10:30 a.m. May 8, 15, 22 and 29. 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.

Family Story Times: 1 p.m. May 9 and 16. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

Kid’s Movie of the Month: 3:30 p.m. May 29. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Enjoy a family friendly film with a light snack.

Amazement Magic Show: 2 p.m. May 31. Presented by Jeff Evans. The magician brings his show of clean comedy and amazing magic to the Kent Library. He was named “Seattle’s Funniest Magician” and has received ParentMap Magazine’s “Golden Teddy Award” for Best Live Entertainment the last two years. Experience the fun yourself and see why.

TEENS

Study Zone: 1:30 p.m. Sundays; 3:30 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. No Study Zone on May 24 and 25. Grades K-12. Drop in for homework assistance from trained volunteer tutors.

Teen Zone, Movie Time: 3:30 p.m. May 26. Call the library to find out what’s showing.

Teen Zone, Manga Club: 3:30 p.m. May 12. Middle and high school ages. Fun discussions and other Manga related activities.

Teen Zone, Writers Club: 3:30 p.m. May 19. Middle and high school ages. Monthly meeting to share inspiration, fun exercises and creative work time.

Write Your Novel Now, Writing Workshop: 2 p.m. May 23. Presented by Karen Finneyfrock. Middle and high school ages. Do you have an idea for a novel you haven’t been able to get on paper? Are you working on a writing project that keeps getting longer and longer? Learn to create a log line for your stories, work with the elements of a scene and create complex characters with flaws while outlining major plot points.

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 on May 25. Learn English grammar, reading, writing, and conversation skills with an experienced instructor. Classes are free.

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

Drop-In to Learn about eBooks: 10 a.m. May 30,. 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.  • Microsoft Word Level 1, 7 p.m. May 14; • Computer Basics, 7 p.m. May 21; • Microsoft Excel Level I, 7 p.m. May 28; • One-on-One Assistance, 3 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

After Lunch Book Bunch: 1 p.m. May 13. New members are always welcome.

Resume & Cover Letter Workshop: 2 p.m. May 16. Join a Human Resources professional with 20-plus years of recruiting experience for a workshop, which will cover the elements of a good resume, what to include and not to include, cover letter content, and references. The instructor will be available after the one-hour presentation for some one-on-one resume review. Please bring your current resume, if available.

Mind Matters, Ukulele Workshop for Absolute Beginners & the Uke-Curious: 2 p.m. May 17. Discover how to play the ukulele in minutes. Learn from popular musicians Kate Power and Steve Einhorn how to tune, play chords, strum, pick and accompany yourself on songs. Registration required to reserve a limited number of loaner ukuleles.

Mobile Office Hours for Congressman Adam Smith: 10 a.m. May 19. Congressman Smith’s staff members are able to help constituents with Federal Agency issues such as Social Security, Internal Revenue Service, State Department and, provide housing and financial support resources and help with federal agency questions.

Mind Matters, “Ginny Ruffner: A Not So Still Life” (film): 7 p.m. May 19. A world-renown artist at 39, Ginny was in a near-fatal car accident, leaving her in a coma for five weeks, confined to a hospital bed for five months and requiring a wheelchair for five years. By her extraordinary determination to walk and talk again, Ginny transformed a potentially tragic accident into a career of even more imaginative creations. This film has inspired all audiences to think about ways to transform their lives, regardless of who they are or their physical challenges.

Sign Up for Orca Lift’s Reduced Fares: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. May 30. Drop in to register for Orca Lift, a new, reduced fare on Metro buses, Sound Transit Link light rail, and more. Income-qualified riders, aged 19 and over, can save 50 percent or more. To see if you qualify, check www.orcalift.com or call Multi-Service Center at 253-838-6810. Please bring ID and income verification documents.

Job Readiness Program: 10:30 a.m.-noon, Tuesdays; 3-4:30 p.m. Thursdays. Do you need help starting the online job application process? 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 one-on-one assistance on a drop-in, first come, first served basis. Strongly recommended that you bring a flash/USB drive.

Entertainment

SHOWARE CENTER

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

Sesame Street Live “Let’s Dance!”: 6:30 p.m. May 19; 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. May 20. Get up and get moving with Elmo, Abby Cadabby and everyone’s favorite Sesame Street friends when Sesame Street Live visits Kent. Hosted by two live performers, “Let’s Dance!” offers an up close, interactive experience. The audience is invited to dance with their favorite Sesame Street friends on the floor. Tickets $15 and $22. A limited number of $32 Gold Circle seats and $62 Sunny Seats – featuring premium show seating and a pre-show meet and greet with two Sesame Street Live friends, including Elmo – are also available. For information online, please visit sesamestreetlive.com.

Seattle Mist: 8 p.m. May 29. Legends Football League formerly Lingerie Football League) game between the Mist and the Los Angeles Temptation. Tickets: $10-$55.

Theresa Caputo: 7 p.m. June 7. Psychic and star of the hit TLC show, “Long Island Medium,” will give interactive readings to audience members throughout the show and will also share personal stories about her life and her gifts. Purchasing a ticket does not guarantee a reading. Tickets are $39.75, $49.75, $59.75 and $89.75 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, April 10 at showarecenter.com, the ShoWare Box Office, or call 866-973-9613.

Stayin’ Alive – Bee Gees Tribute:  8 p.m. June 26. Offering fans the full sights and sounds of the Bee Gees playlist and singing their blockbuster hits. Tickets: $20-$75.

1964 The Tribute: 8 p.m. June 28. Show is an accurate re-creation of a Beatles Concert Live from songs, voices, instruments, suits, haircuts, down to the Beatle boots. Tickets: $20-$75.

CHANCEL ARTS AT KENT LUTHERAN

May concert: 3 p.m. May 17, Kent Lutheran Church, Fellowship Hall, 336 Second Ave. S., downtown Kent. Program:  Federal Way Harmony Kings sing the close harmony of traditional barbershop quartet music and feature within the group three such quartets, The Town Squires, Harmony Knights and Generation Gap. Tickets at the door or in advance from www.BrownPaperTickets.com at $12.50 for adults, $5 for seniors in groups of 10 and students with ID, $5. Intermission will feature free coffee and snacks.

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.

“Bring It On, the Musical”: 7 p.m. May 8, 9; 2 p.m. May 9, Kentridge High School Theatre, 12430 SE 208th St. Musical explores the challenges and unexpended friendships through the extreme competition of cheerleading. Tickets: $10 and $15. showtix4u.com or www.kent.k12.wa.us/KSD/KR/.

“A Streetcar Named Desire”: 7 p.m. May 13-16, Kent-Meridian Performing Arts Center, 10020 SE 256th St, Kent. K-M Drama presents Tennessee Williams’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play. The play tells the story of a culture clash between two symbolic characters – Blanche DuBois, a pretentious, fading relic of the Old South, and Stanley Kowalski, a rising member of the industrial, urban immigrant class. The two mix like oil and water in this American theatre classic. Tickets available at the door for $10.

Annual Spring Concert: 7 p.m. May 29, Green River College, Lindbloom Center, 12401 SE 320th St, Auburn. Featuring alternative Pop band Echosmith, Seattle-based musician and Kent native Tess Henley and Carson Henley, and special guest Javier Dunn. Tickets: $20 online at www.greenriver.edu/campus-life or $25 at the door. Green River students can purchase tickets for $10 online or $15 at the door.

Out of the Blue Rainier Youth Choirs Concert: 2 p.m. May 31, Kent United Methodist Church, 11010 SE 248th St., Kent. Final RYC 2014-15 “Imagine” season concert features more than 100 local youth. Businesses and community members can help RYC cover costs for concert sheet music by sponsoring a song for $50. Song sponsors will be listed in the concert program. Tickets (purchased in advance): $12 adults, $10 seniors/students (12 & older), $5 children younger than 12. If not sold out, $15/$12/$7, respectively, at the door. Ticket prices are listed as a suggested minimum donation amount. www.RainierYouthChoirs.org

“Charlotte’s Web, The Musical”: 7 p.m. June 12, 13, 19; 3 p.m. June 13, 20. Green River College, Performing Arts Building, 12401 SE 320th St. Presented by Heavier Than Air Family Theatre. Musical adaptation of E.B. White’s beloved story, an affectionate pig befriends a spider who reminds us to open our eyes to the wonder and miracle often found in the simplest things. Tickets: $8 advance, $10 at the door. 253-833-9111, www.heavierthanair.com

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