Kent-area community calendar | Nov. 25

Events

Public hearing on clean air maintenance plan: 6:30 p.m. Oct. 30, Kent Commons, Mill Creek Room, at 525 Fourth Ave. N.. The Washington Department of Ecology seeks public comment on the proposal. Kent and parts of Seattle and Tacoma, formerly listed as air-quality problem areas, would continue to meet a clean-air standard for airborne particles at least through 2020, under a proposed plan drawn by state and local agencies. Comments by Nov. 4 also may be sent to: email: AQComments@ecy.wa.gov; or letter: Department of Ecology; P.O. Box 47600; Olympia, WA 98504-7600; ATTN: Laurie Hulse-Moyer. The proposed plan is available at www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/air/sips/plans/maintenancesip.htm.

Kent Lions Club: 6 p.m. Nov. 2, Auburn Golf Course, 29630 Green River Road SE. Celebrating 75 years in the Kent community. Come share your memories about Kent Cornucopia, Winterfest and other service projects brought to the community by the Kent Lions.   Cost: $40 per person or $70 per couple for dinner and program.  Contact lionpatty@gmail.com for tickets.

Fall Antique Bottle, Insulator & Collectible Show: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 16, Kent Commons, Green River Room, 525 Fourth Ave. N. Old bottles, glassware, insulators, advertising collectibles, breweriana, photos, pottery and more. Early buyer admission $5 from 1-5 p.m. Nov. 15. Free admission Nov. 16. For more information, email wbcaweb@gmail.com.

Veterans Day Remembrance: 11 a.m. Nov. 11, Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 SE 240th St.,  Kent. Keynote Speaker is Rear Admiral Bette Bolivar, U.S. Navy Commander of Navy Region Northwest. Also speaking is Congressman Dave Reichert (R-Auburn), 8th District. The U.S. Navy Band conducted by Chief Petty Officer Nate Bissell, performs. It marks the first time a military band will be playing at the cemetery. The Allrego Women’s Ensemble led by Kathy Lundberg also will perform. Parking at the cemetery is limited. More parking available at Tahoma High School.

Kent’s 31st annual Christmas Rush Fun Run: 9:50 a.m. (10K), 10 a.m. (5K), Dec. 7, Russell Road Park, 24400 Russell Road, Kent. Registration open. Early entrance fee: $10 or $25 with a technical T-shirt before Nov. 29. Week of race entrance fees: $20 or $35 with a technical T-shirt. Participants age 13 and under run for $5 and receive a finisher medal courtesy of the Tab Wizard. Online registration is available at Active.com. Registration forms are 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, 3-7 p.m. Dec. 4. 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.

Benefits

Holiday Shopping Fair: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 26, Kentlake High School, 21401 SE Falcon Way, Kent. Vendors include: Arbonne; doTerra; Grace Adele Purses; Healing NRG Massage; Jamberry Nails; Longaberger Baskets; Made With Love; Origami Owl; Partylite; Pink Zebra; Scentsy; Stella and Dot; Tastefully Simple; Tomboy Tools; Tupperware; Vault Denim; Velata Fondues; and others. For more information, contact Barry Smith at 253-373-4962 or barry.smith@kent.k12.wa.us.

Dancing with the Stars Kent: 5:30-10 p.m. Oct. 26, Lindbloom Center, Green River Community College, 12401 SE 320th St. Auburn. The Kent Parks Foundation and Arthur Murray Dance Studios presentation. Proceeds benefit the return of pianist Alpin Hong for a Spotlight Series concert and educational assemblies at the Kent School District. Additional funds will supply new tools for the Green Kent program. General admission is $30, dinner tickets are $100. For tickets and more information, visit www.kentparksfoundation.org.

Fall Festival/Trunk or Treat: 4:30-7 p.m. Oct. 27, Riverview Community Church, 4135 S .216th St., Kent. Carnival with games, popcorn, cotton candy, and face painting. Come dressed in your favorite costume and visit the Trunk or Treat. Free. Pizza and hot dogs on sale. Visit www.rcckent.org or call the church office (253-872-8881) for more information.

Quota International of Kent Valley’s dinner auction: 5:30-10 p.m. Nov. 1, Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. N. Live and silent auctions, a dessert dash, raffle, and heads or tails. Items up for bid include vacation packages to the Caribbean and Cancun, group wine tastings, theater tickets and sports teams’ tickets and items.Proceeds will help local, national and international needs, with an emphasis on women and children, and the deaf and hard of hearing communities. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased at the door. For more information, visit www.quotakentvalley.com.

Holiday Craft Market: Nov. 1-2, Kent Senior Center, 600 E. Smith St. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Large creative gift boutique hosted by the city of Kent. Juried show features 70 booths of handcrafted gifts. Event includes free onsite parking, Figgy Pudding Café and Bake Sale, hourly door prizes, live Christmas entertainment. Major event co-sponsors are Stafford Suites, SHAG Housing and Regence BlueShield. Proceeds benefit senior center programs and services. For more information, call 253-856-5150.

Sunrise Elementary School PTA Autumn Craft Fair: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 2, Sunrise Elementary School, 22300 132nd Ave. SE, Kent. Local artisans selling their items – handbags, wood crafts, jewelry and more. For more information, contact sunrisecraftfair@gmail.com

Julefest Christmas Bazaar: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 2, Zion Lutheran Church, 25105 132nd Ave. SE, Kent. Norwegian needlework, ornaments, quilts, wall hangings, children’s items, garden decor, bake sale, lunch. Demonstrations of traditional Scandinavian foods and crafts. Proceeds benefit local food banks and mission quilts and health kits. For more information, contact the church office at 253-631-0100.

26th annual Holiday Affair Craft Bazaar: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 2, Martin Sortun Elementary School, 12711 SE 248th St. Featuring more than 65 table spaces of handcrafted items. More information: 253-639-8852 or martinsortuncraftbazaar@yahoo.com.

Novemberfest Bazaar: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 9, Lutheran Church of the Cross, 23810 112th Ave. SE, corner of 112th and SE 240th, Kent. Quality crafts and gifts, tasty homemade goodies and coffee.

Health

Second Annual Optimal Health 4 You Talk Series: 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Nov. 9, Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Avenue N. Kent4Health presents a free presentations by local health practitioners on chlosterol, staying active in the winter, fighting winter doldrums and nutrition. www.kent4health.com

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.

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.

Memory screenings: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 19, Weatherly Inn’s Lake Meridian facility, 15101 SE 272 St., Kent, on Kent-Kangley, close to Highway 18. Part of National Memory Screening Day, an annual initiative of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. Qualified healthcare professionals from Weatherly Inn and the Franciscan Health System will administer free, confidential memory screenings and provide educational materials about memory concerns, brain health and caregiving. For more information about National Memory Screening Day, call (toll free) 866-232-8484 or visit www.nationalmemoryscreening.org. To learn more about Weatherly Inn, visit www.weatherlyinn.com.

Clubs, programs

Ghost Hunt: 7 p.m. Oct. 28, Lifetree Café, Community Room, First Christian Church, 11717 240th St. SE, Kent. A team of paranormal investigators confronts the unknown in an exclusive film. Program is free. Snacks and beverages are available. 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.

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 Convenant Church, main conference room, 12010 SE 240th St. Share resources and encouragment. 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 ermail 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

Volunteers

Green Kent Day projects: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 26. All are welcome and no experience is necessary for participation in restoration and tree-planting projects. Volunteers are needed at the Green River Natural Resources Area, 21250 Russell Road S., and Morrill Meadows Park at 10600 S.E. 248th St. Registration is required at KentWA.gov/ComeVolunteer.

Faith

Soul’d Out Christian Center Party Service: 10 a.m. Sundays, Kent-Meridian High School, East Wing Auditorium,10020 SE 256th St., Kent. Join us at “The Hot Spot.”  Weekly services. www.souldoutkent.org.

Chancel Arts at Kent Lutheran Concert: 3-5 p.m. Oct. 27, Kent Lutheran Church, 336 2nd Ave S., Kent. Musician Nathan Jensen performs. Advance tickets are available at www.brownpapertickets or at the door. For more information: call 206-954-7602.

Renton-Kent Christian Women’s Connection Luncheon: 11:15 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 20, Golden Steer Restaurant, 23826 104th Ave. SE. Lloyd Gillis speaks on the topic, Out from Under the Law. Special feature: Norm Hummel from Union Gospel Mission and Jerry Goodman, Special Music. Monthly luncheons are on the third Wednesday of the month. Come and bring a friend. Nursery available with reservation. Cost: $16.50. For more information, contact Mary Barlow at 425-227-8312 or dougbarlow2@comcast.net.

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.

Health Insurance Enrollment Event: 1-5 p.m. Nov. 9, Kent Memorial Park Building, 850 N. Central Ave., Kent. Learn more about new affordable health insurance options. Assistance  available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese and Somali. Legal immigrants need to supply a passport or green card. For more information or to find additional enrollment events in your community, visit www.kingcounty.gov/coverage or call 1-800-756-5437.

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. Oct. 25, Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29. 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.

Family Story Time: 7 p.m. Oct. 29, Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26; 11 a.m. Oct. 31, Nov. 5, 12, 19. 26. All ages welcome, ages 5 and younger with adult.

Spanish Story Time: Noon, Oct. 26, Nov. 9, 16, 23, 30. Family program, all ages are welcome. 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.

Preschool Story Time: 11 a.m. Oct. 30, Nov. 6, 13, 20, 27. Ages 3 to 5 with adult.Come on an alphabet adventure that will feature stories, finger plays, songs and a simple craft activity for your preschooler.

Infant and Toddler Story Time: 10:15 a.m. Oct. 31, Nov. 7, 14, 21. Newborn to age 2 1/2 with adult. Early literacy fun with simple stories, songs and rhymes.

Kids Movie of the Month: 3:30 p.m. Oct. 25, Nov. 29. Family program, all ages welcome.

Oath Ceremony of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: 2 p.m. Oct. 28. Support our newest citizens as they take an oath of allegiance to complete their naturalization process.

Hallo-wee, A Halloween Celebration for Lil’ Punkins: 7 p.m. Oct. 29. Bring your young child for storytelling that is rib-tickling and not-too-spooky fun to celebrate Halloween. Wear your costumes.

Día de los Muertos: Noon, Nov. 2. Celebrate and learn about this traditional Latin American holiday with special Día de los Muertos stories, crafts and refreshments.

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

TEENS

Teen Zone, Game On!:  3:30 p.m. Oct. 29, Nov. 12. Time for games and other fun activities.

Teen Zone, Movie Time: 3:30 p.m. Oct. 22, Nov. 26.

Masks of Nature with Nature Consortium: 2-4 p.m. Oct. 26. Create a mask for the wilder you.

Manga Club: 3:30 p.m. Nov. 5. Discuss and enjoy manga with other teens! New topics and activities monthly.

Teen Zone, Writer’s Club: 3:30 p.m. Nov. 19. Meet to share inspiration and creative work time. New exercises and topics each month.

Creating a Graphic Novel Presented by Elizabeth Guizzetti: 2 p.m. Nov. 23. Ages 12 and older. Learn how graphic novels are written and produced from this independent comic book author and artist. Topics will include developing ideas, character design, plotting, storyboarding and more. All supplies included. Space is limited, please call the library to register.

ADULTS

Computer Class: Registration required beginning two weeks before the class, 253-859-3330. • Introduction to Computers: 7 p.m. Nov. 6; • Internet for Seniors, 10 a.m. Nov. 8; Internet Level 1: 7 p.m. Nov. 14; • Microsoft Word Level 1: 7 p.m. Nov. 19.

English as a Second Language (ESL): 6 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. No class Nov. 11. 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.

eReader Demonstrations: 10 a.m. Oct. 26, Nov. 23, 30; 7 p.m. Oct. 31, Nov. 21.  Drop in to learn how to download KCLS eBooks to your eReader or computer. Look at some of the more popular eReaders and find out how to get started at home.

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.

Oath Ceremony of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: 2 p.m. Oct. 29. Support our newest citizens as they take an oath of allegiance to complete their naturalization process.

After Lunch Book Bunch: 1 p.m. Nov. 13. “Telegraph Avenue” by Michael Chabon.

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

Affordable Health Care Signup: 6 p.m. Nov. 4, 1 p.m. Nov. 16. Presented by Public Health-Seattle and King County. One-on-one assistance for those enrolling in the new Exchange (Washington Health Plan Finder), www.wahealthplanfinder.org. Registration not required, first come, first serve. Contact the library for details.

Create Compelling Female Sleuths: 1 p.m. Nov. 9. If you are a reader who enjoys female characters with attitude and the ability to match wits with anyone, or if you are a writer interested in the process of creating strong and vivid characters, join mystery authors Jeanne Matthews and Joyce Yarrow for a lively conversation and Q & A.

The Role of Social Media; LinkedIn & Twitter in the New Job Search: 2 p.m. Nov. 9. Learn to use LinkedIn and Twitter social media venues to develop key relationships with hiring managers.

Seniors

Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St. 253-856-5150 or webreg.ci.kent.wa.us. Hours: Monday (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.); Tuesday (8:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Wednesday (8:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Thursday (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.); Friday (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.); Saturday (closed except for special events); Sunday (closed).

Knot Quite Write Players: 10-11 a.m. and 1-2 p.m. Nov. 4, Kent Senior Activity Center, Room 6, 600 E. Smith St. Senior center Reader’s Theater troupe performs such skits as Santa Flunks Retirement”, by Drena Heizer; “The Pie Ladies Make Bail”, by Sherry Piros; and “A word from our sponsor Commercials”. One-dollar tickets on are sale in person or by phone at 253-856-5150.

Entertainment

SHOWARE CENTER

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

Cage Warrior Combat 9: Nov. 2. Mike “300” Hayes will battle Jeff “The Snowman” Monson in the main event; at least 12 other bouts. Tickets $102, $77, $67, $47 and $37 (military section and a no-alcohol family section).

Lamb of God with Killswitch Engage: 7 p.m. Nov. 11. Heavy metal concert. Lamb of God and Killswitch Engage join forces for a fall tour. Tickets $28.50 for reserved seats, $33 general admission floor seats.

Disney On Ice, Rockin’ Ever After: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13, 14, 15, 17, 17; 7:30 p.m. Nov. 18; 11:30 a.m. Nov. 16, 17; 3:30 p.m. Nov. 16, 17. Musical showcase, a rockin’ remix of royalty. Tickets go on sale Oct. 15.

Pretty Lights, Analog Future Tour: 7 p.m. Nov. 22. American electronic music artist performs. Tickets: $32.75-$32.75

Country duo Florida Georgia Line: Dec. 14. Sold out.

SPOTLIGHT SERIES

Tickets for the Kent Arts Commission’s 2013-2014 Spotlight Series are on sale now.  The performing arts series brings exceptional entertainment to Kent.

Magical Strings 27th Annual Celtic Yuletide Concert: 3 p.m. Dec. 8, Kent-Meridian PAC, 10020 SE 256th St.,  Kent.  The Boulding Family’s musical celebration of the holiday season features Celtic music, Irish dancing and storytelling.  Tickets: $22 general, $20 senior, $15 youth

ELSEWHERE

Breeders Theater presents ‘Blood Pudding’: 7 p.m. Nov. 1, 2; 2 p.m., Nov. 3, Des Moines Beach Park Auditorium, 22030 Cliff Ave. Written by local playwright and author T.M. Sell. The play is a satire on vampire and current affairs. A failing company brings in a new CEO, a turnaround specialist who happens to be from Romania. Tickets $20, and available at www.brownpapertickets.com. Tickets also are available from the City of Des Moines at the Des Moines Field House Recreation Office, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., either in person at 1000 S. 220th St., Des Moines, or by credit card at 206-870-6527.

Durang It!: 7 p.m. Nov. 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, Kent-Meridian High School Performing Arts Center, 10020 SE 256th St, Kent. K-M Drama’s fall play is a collection of sketches written by master comedic playwright, Christopher Durang. Tickets available at the door for $10. www.kent.k12.wa.us

“Young Frankenstein”: 7-9 p.m. Nov. 13-16 and Nov. 20-23, Kentlake Performing Arts Center, 21401 SE Falcon Way, Kent. Mel Brooks’ musical adaptation of his classic comedy film comes to life on the Kentlake stage. All tickets $10 at the door or at www.brownpapertickets.com. For more information, please contact 253-373-4659.

“Scrooge the Musical”: 7 p.m. Dec. 13, 14, 20, 21; 3 p.m. Dec. 14, 15, 21, Performing Arts Building, Green River Community College, 12401 SE 320th St., Auburn. Heavier Than Air Family Theatre performs classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation into a new man through his night of ghostly visits, only with a melodic, musical twist. Tickets: $10 advance, $12 at the door. To order tickets or obtain more information, visit www.heavierthanair.com.

Galleries

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.

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.

PROGRAM

The Life of Christopher Columbus: 7-9 p.m. Oct. 30 at the Kent Historical Museum, 855 East Smith St. The public is invited for a discussion on the great explorer with guest speaker Hilda Meryhew. Tickets are $10 for members, $12 for non-members and $5 for students. Call 253-854-4330 for reservations.