Kent-area community calendar | Nov. 11

Events

36th annual Boeing Employees Model Railroad Club Swap Meet: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 14, Kent Commons, Fourth Avenue North and James Street. 200-plus tables of trains of all scales, tinplates, artifacts, photos, videos, books and more. Operating HO modules, test tracks. Admission: $8 adults, 15 and under free. www.bemrrc.com

Seattle Christian Schools K-12 Open House: 7-9 p.m. Nov. 17, 18301 Military Road S., SeaTac. Discover how Seattle Christian Schools can equip your child academically and spiritually. Meet faculty and administrators, visit classrooms, tour the campus, receive a comprehensive curriculum overview. No RSVP needed. Contact Fran Hubeek, admissions coordinator, at 206-246-8241. Applications are being accepted for the 2016-17 school year. www.seattlechristian.org

Benefits

Sleep Train’s Toy Drive for Foster Kids and #SleepTrainSecretSanta photo contest: Now through Dec. 13. Donate new, unwrapped gifts at any Sleep Train. Snap a photo while you’re donating in store and share it on Instagram with #SleepTrainSecretSanta in the hashtag or upload to the contest Facebook page (Sleep Train). Most requested items include sporting equipment, art supplies, gift cards, action figures, baby dolls and electronics.

Kentwood High School Choir Fourth Annual Holiday Boutique: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 14, Kentwood High School, 25800 164th Ave. SE, Covington. Support choir program. Enjoy crafters and unique gifts in three gyms, a Seahawks-themed photo booth, free massages, henna art, food, main stage entertainment and strolling minstrels. Free admission. Find Kentwood Holiday Boutique on Facebook.

PEO Holiday Marketplace & Bazaar: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 14, First Presbyterian Church of Kent, 9425 S. 248th St. Bake sale, homemade items, plant sale, raffle baskets, new and gently used items. Free admission. www.kentfirst.net

Habit Burger Grill Fundraiser: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Nov. 15, 12900 SE Kent Kangley Road, Kent. The Habit will donate 100 percent of all proceeds to Northwest Harvest. Open to the public and provides a sneak peek into what the restaurant will offer guests when it officially opens its door. www.habitburger.com

Habit Burger Grill Fundraiser: 5-7 p.m. Nov. 15, 12900 SE Kent Kangley Road, Kent. The Habit will donate 100 percent of all proceeds to the Girl Scouts of Western Washington. Open to the public. www.habitburger.com

Operation Christmas Child: Nov. 16-23, Eastridge Baptist Church, 12520 SE 240th St., Kent. The annual Samaritan’s Purse project spreads joy to millions of children around the world by filling shoeboxes with fun toys, school supplies, hygiene items and notes of encouragement. Anyone can drop off a gift-filled shoebox to send to a child overseas. Dropoff times: Nov. 16: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.; Nov. 17: 1 p.m.-3 p.m.; Nov. 18: 1 p.m.-3 p.m.; Nov. 19: 1 p.m.-3 p.m.; Nov. 20: 5 p.m.-7 p.m.; Nov. 21: 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m.; Nov. 22: 1:30 p.m.-4 p.m.; Nov. 23: 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Learn more at samaritanspurse.org.

Holiday Bazaar & Kid’s Craft Fair: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 21, Emerald Park Elementary,11800 SE 216th St. Sponsored by the PTSA. More than 40 commercial and handmade gift item vendors. Also featuring student vendors from the elementary school with their creations to sell. epptsa@gmail.com.

Holiday Sing and Sale: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 21, Panther Lake Community Church, 10630 SE 204th St., Kent. Shop for items handcrafted by local artisans, estate items, holiday and baked goods while enjoying live music provided by members of Jet Cities Chorus, a chapter of Sweet Adelines International. www.jetcities.org

Big Give: 9 a.m.-noon, Nov. 21, Riverview Community Church, 4135 South 216th St., Kent. Church to give a helping hand to those in the community. 500 turkey meals as well as hats, gloves, socks and bibles will be given away. www.rcckent.org

Hope For Families: 11:30 a.m. Dec. 3, Golden Steer Steak ‘n Rib House, 23826 104th Ave. SE. Presented by Willows Place and HomeStreet Bank. Support struggling families. Free lunch if you bring any new or gently used donation of: sleeping bags and blankets; gloves; hats; socks; jackets all sizes; or cash or check donations made payable to: Willows Place, 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization #27-3846934. Please call Sally Goodgion at 253-852-0880 or email to catalysttravel@hotmail.com with RSVP, no later than Dec. 1.º

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:  1-3 p.m., 4-7 p.m. Nov. 16, St. James Episcopal Church, 24447 94th Ave. S.; 12:30-2 p.m., 3-6:30 p.m. Nov. 17, River of Life Fellowship, 10615 SE 216th; 10 a.m.-noon, 1-4 p.m. Nov. 27, Kent Station, 417 Ramsay Way; 1-3 p.m., 3:45-7 p.m. Nov. 30, Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 310 Third Ave. S. 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.

Clubs, programs

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.

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.

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. Nov. 13, 20, 27, Dec. 4. 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 Pajama Story Times: 6:30 p.m. Nov. 17,  24, Dec. 1. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

Preschool Story Times: 11 a.m. Nov. 18, 25, Dec. 2. Ages 3 to 5 with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

Infant and Young Toddler Story Times: 10:30 a.m. Oct. 22 and 29. Ages newborn to 2 1/2 with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

Spanish Story Times: Noon, Nov. 14, 21, Dec. 5. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

Kid’s Movie of the Month: 3:30 p.m. Nov. 27. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Enjoy a family friendly film with a light snack.

Fun With Bricks!: 10:30 a.m. Nov. 21. Family program, ages 6 and younger 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.

TEENS

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

Game On!: 3:30 p.m. Nov. 17, Dec. 1. Play video games at the library.

Kick-Up: 7 p.m. Nov. 18, Dec. 16; Jan. 20. Ages 16 to 25 are welcome to grab a slice of free pizza and be connected with local agencies who want to help you. In partnership with Auburn Youth Resources.

Teen Movie: 3:30 p.m. Nov. 24. Middle and high school ages. Enjoy a fun movie showing and a free snack.

Chocolate Gift Making for the Holidays: 1:30 p.m. Nov. 15. Join pastry chef Laurie Pfalzer to learn how to make chocolate gifts for the Holidays. You’ll learn how to make dark chocolate ganache which we will turn into beautiful, hand-rolled truffles.

DNA and Genealogy: 2-3:30 p.m. Nov. 21. Genealogists have been researching using paper records for centuries, and new technology has only made it better. With DNA testing becoming available and affordable, opportunities await for those seeking answers to questions about their heritage.

ADULTS

Drop-In to Learn about eBooks: 10 a.m. Nov. 28, 30, Dec. 26. 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. Learn English grammar, reading, writing, and conversation skills.  Registration required. Please contact the library for details, 253-859-3330.

Job Readiness Program: 3-3:45 p.m., 3:45-4:30 p.m. Nov. 12, 19, 26, Dec. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; 10:30-11:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m.-noon Nov. 17, 24, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29. Librarians are available to provide 45-minute one-on-one assistance. Get an email account, start a résumé, start an online job search, or navigate the job application process. Please bring a USB drive. Register online or call 253-859-3330.

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 United States Citizen.

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. • Microsoft Excel Level I, 7 p.m. Nov. 12. • Internet Level I, 7 p.m. Nov. 19.

Mobile Office Hours for Congressman Adam Smith: 10 a.m. Nov. 17, Dec. 15. Congressman Adam Smith’s Office will be hosting mobile office hours to make their services more convenient and accessible to you.

After Lunch Book Bunch: 1-2:15 p.m. Nov. 18. New members always welcome.

DNA and Genealogy: 2 p.m. Nov. 21. Genealogists have been researching using paper records for centuries, and new technology has only made it better.

STARS, Talking to Parents about Limiting Technology Use: 1 p.m. Nov. 22. Talking to parents about their child’s use of technology can be challenging. How do you approach parents when you believe their child is spending too much time on screens or viewing inappropriate things? How do you engage in conversations about expectations for parents using their own technology when in the child care or preschool setting? Provides 2 STARS credit hours in Professional Development and Leadership.

Sign up for ORCA LIFT: 5-7:30 p.m. Dec. 7, 16. What is ORCA LIFT? It’s a new, reduced fare. Income-qualified* riders, ages 19 and older, can save 50 percent or more on: Metro buses, Sound Transit Link light rail, Kitsap Transit buses, King County Water Taxi, Seattle Streetcar. Drop in to register with Multi-Service Center’s Intake Specialist. if you qualify, check www.orcalift.com or call Multi-Service Center at 253-838-6810. Your income must be at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Please bring ID and income verification documents.

Kent Friends of the Library: 1-3 p.m . Dec. 10. The Friends support the library through fundraising, volunteerism and sponsorship of programs and services. If you would like to get involved, please join us at the meeting.

Entertainment

SHOWARE CENTER

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

Disney On Ice presents ‘Frozen’:  7 p.m., Nov. 11-16; 3:30 p.m. Nov. 11, 13, 14, 15; 11:30 a.m. Nov. 14, 15. Enter a fantastical winter wonderland beyond imagination as Disney On Ice presents 12 shows of “Frozen” Tickets: $30-$75.

Hometown Holiday: 8 p.m. Dec. 9. Presented by The WOLF 100.7. Country artists include Chris Young, Justin Moore, Frankie Ballard, Kip Moore, Canaan Smith, with special guest Cam. Tickets: $37-$42 reserved; $79 floor.

SPOTLIGHT SERIES

Kent Arts Commission’s 2015-2016 Spotlight Series. Tickets may be purchased 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.

The Second City “Holidazed and Confused”: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3, Kent-Meridian PAC. For over 50 years, The Second City has performed social and political satire in the form of scripted sketches, music, and improvisation. Their alumni are a veritable “Who’s Who” of comedy including Bill Murray, John and Jim Belushi, Mike Myers, Steve Carell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Tina Fey, John Candy, Stephen Colbert, and so many more. This boisterous holiday revue features original songs, brand new sketches, and some classic favorites. Tickets: $30 general, $28 senior, $15 youth.

Magical Strings 29th Annual Celtic Yuletide Concert: 3 p.m. Dec. 6, Kent-Meridian PAC. The Boulding Family’s musical celebration of the holiday season is a treasured tradition in Kent. Pam and Philip Boulding are joined by their children, grandchildren, and guests for an afternoon of enchanting Yuletide music. The Bouldings perform on Celtic harps, hammered dulcimers, whistles, strings, percussion, and harp-like instruments from around the world.  Guests add Irish step dancing, drumming, and storytelling. Tickets: $25 general, $22 senior, $15 youth.

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. Refreshments by the Lakeshore or Radcliffe Place; • Second Tuesday: Randy Litch, ballroom dance music, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Refreshments by the Weatherly; • Third Tuesday: Andy Burnett, rock ‘n roll music, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Refreshments by Stafford Suites; • Fourth Tuesday: Randy Litch, ballroom dance music, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Refreshments by Farrington Court; • Fifth Tuesday (when occurring): Randy Litch, ballroom dance music, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Refreshments by Judson Park. For more information, call 253-856-5150 or visit kentwa.gov/SeniorActivityCenter/

“Mary Poppins”: 7 p.m. Nov. 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21; 2 p.m. Nov. 7, 14, 21, Kentlake High School Performing Arts Center, 21401 SE 300th St., Covington. Student cast presents classic musical. Admission: $8, $10 and 12$. Order at www.brownpapertickets.com.

“Love, Lies and Therapy”: 7 p.m. Nov. 11-13, Kent-Meridian Performing Arts Center, 10020 SE 256 St., Kent. Kent-Meridian Drama presents its fall show composed of four short plays that explore the subject of love, lies and marriage counseling with humor, cutting satire and a little heartache. Tickets: $8, available at the door beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $8, available at the door beginning at 6:30 p.m.

“The Addams Family”: Nov. 11-21. 7 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; 2 o’clock matinees on both Saturdays, Kentridge Performing Arts Center, 12430 SE 208th St., Kent. Student cast presents Broadway musical sensation. Tickets may be purchased at www.showtix4u.com or at the door.

“Impressions of Italy”: 7 p.m. Nov. 20, First Christian Church, 11717 118th Place SE, Kent; 4 p.m. Nov. 22, St. Matthew Episcopal Church, 123 L St. NE, Auburn. Auburn Symphony Orchestra chamber concert series season opener. Brittany Boulding (violin); Michael Lim (violin); Joyce Ramee (viola); Eileen Swanson (viola); Brian Wharton (cello); and Olga Ruvinov (cello) play a spirited program, including Tchaikovsky’s “Souvenir de Florence” String Sextet op. 70 in D Minor, and Brahms’ Quintet No. 2 in G Major, op. 111. Tickets: Festival seating, $18 adults, $10 students. Call 253-887-7777 or purchase at auburnsymphony.org

Time Travel Concert: 7 p.m. Nov. 21, Auburn Riverside High School Theater, 501 Oravetz Road SE, Auburn. Travel through musical time with the Maple Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra. The journey will take you through different musical periods. A special grand finale piece will have you leaving the concert with a smile. Students will be in costume. Admission is a suggested $10 donation per person.425-433-6009, www.mvyso.org.

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.

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