Kent-area community calendar | Nov. 12

Events

Seattle Christian Schools K-12 Open House: 7-9 p.m. Nov. 18, 18301 Military Road South, 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 and co-curricular activities summary. Free. No RSVP needed. For more information, contact Fran Hubeek, admissions coordinator, at 206-246-8241 or visit www.seattlechristian.org.

Kent Winterfest: 3:30-9 p.m. Dec. 6, Town Square Plaza and Kent Station, downtown Kent, corners of Smith Street and Second Avenue. Produced by the Kent Lions and Foundation. Events include: • holiday reading, 3:30 p.m. at the Kent Library. • Santa Parade, 4:30 p.m., starts at the Kent Station and ends at Town Square Plaza. Local school bands, Miss Cornucopia and floats will escort Santa Claus to Town Square Plaza for the official Christmas tree lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Free. For more information, visit www.kcdays.com/winterfest.

32nd annual Christmas Rush Fun Run: Dec. 13, Hogan Park at Russell Road, 24400 Russell Road, Kent. 10K run starts at 9:50 a.m., the 5K run/walk at 10. Race day includes prize drawings and awards for the top five finishers in each age group, special activities and vendor booths. Early entrance fee: $10 or $25 with a technical T-shirt before Dec. 5. Week of race entrance fees: $20 or $35 with a technical T-shirt. Participants age 13 and under run for $5. Register online at www.active.com. Registration forms also available at the Kent Commons and many Puget Sound athletic stores. Avoid the lines on race day; pick up shirts and bibs at RoadRunner Sports at Kent Station between 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 10. Race day registration and packet pick up is also available near the start/finish line at 8 a.m. For more information, call 253-856-5050 or visit www.kentwa.gov.

Wreaths Across America: 9-10 a.m. Dec. 13, Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 SE 240th St., Kent. Green River Composite Squadron honors those who have served. As a key partner in the nationwide Wreaths Across America program, CAP annually adorns memorials and veterans’ graves with evergreen wreaths to ensure the sacrifices of our nation’s soldiers are never forgotten. Your $15 donation places a wreath on the grave of a fallen hero this winter, and a portion of that gives back to our local squadron​. For more information, visit ww.grcscap.com/fundraising/waa

Benefits

Benson Hill Cooperative Preschool Multi-family Garage Sale: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 14; 9 a.m.-noon, Nov. 15, First Christian Church of Kent, 11717 SE 240th St. Raising money to support the school. bensonhillcoop.org.

“Toy ‘N’ Joy” drive: Nov. 16-Dec. 13, Bartell Drugs, 12946 SE Kent-Kangley Road, Kent. Bartell Drugs partners with the Salvation Army to provide holiday gifts for children in need by collecting new, unwrapped toys. Toy donations accepted at Bartell Drugs locations throughout King and Pierce counties. Options: • Choose a “gift request tag” from the “Toy ‘N’ Joy” display in the store and return the gift to the donation barrel with the tag affixed to it. • Donate new, unwrapped gifts appropriate for children up to 14 years-of-age. For more information, visit www.bartelldrugs.com.

Shop with a Cop: 6-9 p.m. Nov. 20, Down Home Catering, 211 First Ave S., Kent. Fundraising dinner. Suggested donation: $30 per person. Proceeds will go to pay for economically disadvantaged children to shop for themselves and their family with a Kent Police officer at Target. Kent resident Bailey Stober is the event organizer. Other supporters of the event include Kent Police Chief Ken Thomas, Kent Police Cmdr. Jarod Kasner, Kent City Council President Dana Ralph and Kent Youth and Family Services executive director Mike Heinisch. Please RSVP by Nov. 16 to baileystober@hotmail.com.

Big Give: 9 a.m.-noon, Nov. 22, Riverview Community Church, 4135 S. 216th St., Kent. The church will be handing out 400 complete family-sized meals, socks and hats. Free haircuts. For more information, visit www.rcckent.org.

Kent Commons Holiday Bazaar: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Dec. 5; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 6, Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Avenue N. City of Kent bazaar features more than 100 vendors with handcrafted gifts, musical entertainment, food and beverages. Free admission. For more information, visit www.kentwa.gov/kentcommonsholidaybazaar/

Health

ShoWalk: 9-11 a.m., Mondays and Wednesdays, beginning Nov. 3, 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.

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

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.

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. Nov. 14, 21, 28. 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.

Preschool Story Times: 11 a.m. Nov. 19, 26. Ages 3 to 5 with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

Infant and Young Toddler Story Times: 10:30 a.m. Nov. 13 and 20. Ages newborn to 2 1/2 with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

Spanish Story Time: Noon, Nov. 15, 22, 29. Family program. Ages 2 and older. Family program, all ages welcome with adult.

Kids Movie of the Month: 3:30 p.m. Nov. 28. Family program, all ages welcome. Enjoy a family friendly film with a light snack.

Family Pajama Story Times: 7 p.m. Nov. 18 and 25. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

TEENS

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

Foam Sword Party: 2 p.m. Nov. 22. Grab your friends and come to the library for medieval group combat. Foam sword play emphasizes sportsmanship, athleticism and strategy. Foam Swords are safe for all participants capable of light physical activity. Space is limited, please register to ensure a place.

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

ADULTS

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. Registration not required.

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

Drop-In to Learn about eBooks: 7 p.m. Nov. 20; 10 a.m. Nov. 22, 29. Get 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.

Computer Classes: Registration required beginning two weeks before each class, 253-859-3330. • Word Level 1, 7-9 p.m. Nov. 18; • Computer Basics, 7-9 p.m. Nov. 19.

Medicare Made Clear: 11 a.m. Nov. 13. Medicare Open Enrollment (Oct. 15-Dec. 7) is the time to review changes to your plan. This year, the changes will be significant. Learn how Medicare works, what it covers, what product types and prescription drug plans are available. We’ll talk about advantages and disadvantages and look at what’s changing in 2015. At conclusion, you will be able to make an informed evaluation of what best suits your medical and financial needs.

STARS Workshop, Fabulous Felt Board Fun: 6:30 p.m. Nov. 13. Presented by Nancy Stewart. Discover how to combine music, children’s books and felt board learning activities to enrich your early childhood classroom. Please bring fabric scissors, other supplies will be provided. Provides two credit hours in Curriculum and Learning Environments. Please register.

Mushroom Hunting in the Northwest: 2 p.m. Nov. 15. Learn how to forage for mushrooms in the Northwest, a mushroomer’s paradise. Mushrooming is tremendous fun and Puget Sound Mycological Society President Marian Maxwell will explain the basics including mushrooms to look for, toxins and dangers, mushroom hunting seasons, permits required, cooking and where to hunt.

MAKE 2014: All ages. Unleash your creativity and strengthen your science and technology skills at the same time with KCLS’ MAKE events, the new fall season of STREAM-based programs. If you can imagine something, you can learn to make it at the library. Follow your curiosity and explore the latest computer technologies. Try your hand at animation and special effects. Create a robotic puppet and learn basic physical engineering. MAKE programs will show you how in supportive, hands-on workshops.www.kcls.org/make

Entertainment

SHOWARE CENTER

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

Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate!: 7 p.m. Nov. 12-17; 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. Nov. 15, 16. It’s one colossal party on ice, with all your favorite Disney friends. Join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as they celebrate a Very Merry Unbirthday Party with Alice and the Mad Hatter.  Tickets: $22-$72.

1964 The Tribute: 8 p.m. Dec. 11. Tribute band brings back the sound of the legendary. Tickets: $20-$75.

HOT 103.7 – Hot House Party: 8 p.m. Dec. 12. Featuring Bobby Brown, Tony! Toni! Toné!, Ginuwine and Rob Base. Tickets $48.50, $70.50 (reserved seats) and $114 (premium seats), which include the best floor seats, pre-party and after party in the club lounge with appetizers and cash bar, souvenir laminate and chance to take a photo with some of the artists performing.

AUBURN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CHAMBER SERIES

Old World Masters: 7 p.m. Nov. 21, The First Christian Church of Kent, 11717 SE 240th, Kent. Four members of the Auburn Symphony Orchestra perform: Dvorak, String Quartet in F Major (The American Quartet); Haydn, String Quartet in D Major (The Lark); Mozart, String Quartet in B Flat Major (The Hunt). The concert is sponsored in part by the Kent Arts Commission. Festival seating: $17 adults, $10 students. Call 253-887-7777 or purchase online at www.auburnsymphony.org

KENT ARTS COMMISSION SPOTLIGHT SERIES

Tickets 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 Four Bitchin’ Babes present “Jingle Babes!”: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5, Kent-Meridian PAC. Original tour de force musical comedy theatre troupe. These accomplished musician-actress-comediennes fill the stage with whimsical songs, hilarious shtick, and luscious girl group harmonies. Tickets: $25 general, $25 senior, $15 youth

Magical Strings 28th Annual Celtic Yuletide Concert: 3 p.m. Dec. 7, 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. Tickets: $22 general, $20 senior, $15 youth

Marc Cohn: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 22, Kentwood Performing Arts Center, 25800 164th Ave. SE, Covington. After winning a Grammy for his soulful ballad “Walking in Memphis,” Cohn solidified his place as one of this generation’s most compelling singer/songwriters, combining the precision of a brilliant tunesmith with the passion of a great soul man. Tickets: $28 general, $25 senior, $15 youth

Broadway’s Next Hit Musical!: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 6, Kent-Meridian PAC. Every song is fresh. Every scene is new. Every night is different. It’s all improvised and it’s all funny. The New York Times calls Broadway’s Next H!T Musical “Hilarious!” Master improvisers gather made up song suggestions from the audience and create a full blown improvised musical – complete with memorable characters, witty dialogue, and plot twists galore. Tickets: $25 general, $22 senior, $15 youth

“Fairy Tales & Fantasy” presented by BYU Theatre Ballet: 7 p.m. March 12, Kentwood PAC. Selections from classic ballets such as Romeo & Juliet, Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Don Quixote, and more bring magical stories, beautiful music, and graceful dance to the stage for all ages to enjoy. Tickets: $22 general, $20 senior and $15 youth

Schoolhouse Rock Live! performed by Childsplay: 1 p.m. March 21, Kent-Meridian PAC. A pop culture phenomenon returns to the musical stage! Academic subjects will never seem boring again when presented through mega-hits like “Conjunction Junction,” “Just a Bill,” and “Interplanet Janet.” Schoolhouse Rock explodes onto the stage with songs you loved updated for a whole new generation. Childsplay is a professional company of adult actors who teach and perform for young audiences and families. Tickets: $10 general, $10 senior, $10 youth

Masters of Soul: 7:30 p.m. April 7, Kentwood PAC. A celebration of the legendary songs and performers that defined Motown and soul music. The show features the incredible harmonies and smooth moves made famous by recording acts like The Temptations, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, The Four Tops, Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Jackson Five, Martha Reeves The Vandellas, Stevie Wonder, Barry White, The Commodores and many more. Tickets: $25 general, $22 senior, $15 youth

CHANCEL ARTS CONCERTS

Starry Night String Quartet: 3 p.m. Nov. 23, Kent Lutheran Church, 336 2nd Ave. S. Featured performers: Sharyn Peterson, violin; Blayne Barnes, violin; Leslie Johnson, viola; and Mannfried Funk, cello. Peterson has been featured with several symphonies in the Northwest and is concertmaster/director of the orchestra, which frequently accompanies dance and choral organizations. An intermission provides refreshments, including free coffee. General admission is $12.50 at the door or from www.BrownPaperTickets.com or 253-520-1033. $5 for students with ID and seniors in groups of 10. For more information, www.chancelarts.com for more information.

ELSEWHERE

“The Twilight Zone:” 7 p.m. Nov. 12, 13, 14, Kent-Meridian Performing Arts Center stage, 10020 SE 256th St., Kent. The Kent-Meridian Drama Department cast, under the direction of Jay Thornton, performs three episodes, “The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street”, “Time Enough At Last” and “Living Doll”. Tickets, $6 for adults and $3 for 12 and under, available at the door.

“Little Shop of Horrors”: 7 p.m. Nov. 12-15 and Nov. 19-22; 3 p.m. Nov. 15, 22, Kentridge Performing Arts Center, 12430 SE 208th St. Award-winning Kentridge Players present comedy horror rock musical about a hapless florist shop worker who raises a plant that feeds on human blood and flesh. Tickets are $8-$10 and available at http://www.kent.k12.wa.us/Page/1641 beginning Nov. 1. For more information, contact director Jennifer Grajewski at Jennifer.grajewski@kent.k12.wa.us or 253-653-2626

“Oliver!”: 7 p.m. Dec. 12, 13, 19, 20; 3 p.m. Dec. 13, 14, 20, Green River Community College, Performing Arts Building, 12401 SE 320th St., Auburn. Heavier Than Air Family Theatre presents the award-winning musical that vividly brings to life Charles Dickens’ timeless characters with its ever popular story of the orphaned boy who asked for more. Tickets: $10 advance, $12 at the door. For more information, call 253-833-9111, ext. 2400, or visit www.heavierthanair.com. 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.

Ring Out, Wild Bells: 3 p.m. Dec. 13, Kent United Methodist Church, 11010 SE 248th St. Rainier Youth Choirs’ annual holiday concert and a “cookie mingle” that follows. Tickets: advance $12 adults; $10 seniors/students; $5 children under 12 (at door $15/$12/$7). For more information, call 253-315-3125, email info@rainieryouthchoirs.org or visit www.RainierYouthChoirs.org.

Kent Valley Figure Skating Club Winter Recital: 6:15-9:15 p.m. Dec. 21, Kent Valley Ice Center, 6015 S. 240 St., Kent. Enjoy the holiday season at the annual ice skating extravaganza. Free. www.kentvalleyfsc.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.

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