Kent-area community calendar | Oct. 14

Events

Community meeting with Kent Police: 7 p.m. Oct. 15, Panther Lake Elementary School, 10200 SE 216th St., East Hill. Police leadership and community members address community crime concerns, introduce Kent Police resources that can help the community make their neighborhoods safer. Police Chief Ken Thomas and department personnel will answer questions about department operations and take input regarding specific issues within the city. More information can be found at www.kentwa.gov/police or by calling 253-856-5883.

Domestic Violence Awareness, Education and Prevention Event: 1-2:30 p.m. Oct. 16, Grace Community Church, 1302 Auburn Way S., Auburn. Denise Brown, sister of the late Nicole Brown Simpson, is keynote speaker. Because of the potential graphic nature of the event, children under the age of 13 are restricted. No daycare will be available. Proceeds from the event support survivors of domestic violence. Seating is limited. Register for the free event at www.auburnwa.gov/dv, Registration closed Oct. 10. For more information, call 253-261-6536 or visit dvadvocate@auburnwa.gov.

Kent Chamber of Commerce Business Expo: 3-7 p.m. Oct. 20, ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St. Featuring 90 business booths, more than 10 restaurants for the Taste of Kent; do-it-yourself presentations, games and prizes; and giveaways. Network and create business connections. Free and open to the public.

Hawktoberfest: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 24, Burlington Green Park, Railroad Avenue North, between Smith and Meeker streets. Car show from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., beer garden from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sea Gals and other guests to appear. Register your Hawk-themed vehicle at the corner of Railroad and Meeker, beginning at 7:30 a.m. Registration fee: $20. For more information, call 253-813-6976 or visit www.downtownkentwa.com.

Voter Participation Campaign: 6-8 p.m. Oct. 24, Kent Commons, 525 4th Ave. N. Kent Black Action Commission hosts a get-out-the-vote meetup, an open forum to discuss pressing political issues in the community. Open to the public. Cake and ice cream will be provided. www.facebook.com/KentBlackActionCommission

Light the Night, Halloween Alternative: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 31, 10615 SE 216th St. Kent. Free family friendly and safe Halloween alternative open to the community. Activities for all ages, including carnival style games, glow maze, bounce toys, photo booth and candy. For more information, contact Jennifer Braham at 253-347-5576 or jenniferb@riveroflifefellowship.org

29th Annual Holiday Craft Market: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 6; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 7, Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St. City hosts large creative gift boutique. Juried show has more than 70 booths of handcrafted gifts. Figgy Pudding Café, bake sale, hourly door prizes compliments of the Craft Market artists, and live entertainment. Free onsite parking. For more information, call 253-856-5162.

Benefits

Quota International’s Holiday Magic Dinner & Auction: 5-10 p.m. Oct. 17, Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. N. Live and silent auction, dessert dash and raffle. Proceeds to go local, national and international beneficiaries, including Children’s Therapy Center, the Highline School District’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing educational programs and a college scholarship (ASL fields). Cost: $50. To register or to obtain more information, visit www.quotakentvalley.com.

MSC Helps Luncheon: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 22, Emerald Downs, 2300 Emerald Downs Drive, Auburn. Fundraising luncheon benefits programs at the Multi-Service Center, a nonprofit agency that offers people pathways out of poverty through support and resources in education, employment, housing, energy assistance, food and clothing. Guest speaker is Alfie Alvarado, director of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs. Cost: $100 suggested donation. Contact: Le Ann Taylor or Sarah Villian at 253-835-7678 or rsvp@mschelps.org.

Kent Kiwanis Tailgate Party: 4-7:30 p.m. Oct. 22, 211 First Ave. S., Kent. Food and drank, football pool, raffles. Proceeds benefiting Kiwanis Children’s Cancer Program. Free. For more information, email jamesredbeard@jrbmultimedia.com.

The One Thing Experience: 5:45 p.m. Oct. 24, Renton Pavilion Event Center, 233 Burnett Ave. S. Renton. Fundraising dinner for Kent Youth and Family Services as it celebrates its 45th anniversary. Registration opens at 5:45 p.m., followed by a social hour at 6 and dinner and a Jet City Improv performance at 7 p.m. Cost: $50 per person. Event sponsorships available. Space is limited to the first 300 guests. Please RSVP by Oct. 19 at yfsonething2015.brownpapertickets.com

Riverview Fall Festival: 5-7 p.m. Oct. 25, Riverview Community Church, 4135 S. 216th St., Kent. Family event includes trunk or treat, face painting, popcorn, cookie walk, carnival games and candy. Come dressed in your costume. Corn dogs and pizza slices on sale for $1. Free admission. www.rcckent.org

Kent Guild Artisans’ Festival: 3-8 p.m. Nov. 2; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 3, Meridian Valley Country Club, 24830 136th Ave. SE, Kent. Benefitting Seattle Children’s Hospital. Arts and crafts marketplace filled with unique holiday gifts, home decorations, treasures and thoughtful gifts for that special person on your list. Wine tasting on Monday evening only. Free. For more information, contact Karen Zink at 206-890-5235 or karenzink@comcast.net.

Fundraising Wine Dinner: 4:30-9 p.m. Nov. 2, Paolo’s Italian Restaurant, 23810 104th Ave. SE, Kent. Proceeds support Ventimiglia Cellars, a boutique winery that was completely lost during the Chelan fires. Cost: $150 per person, includes an auction. If you have a donation to the auction, please call Kim at 253-709-5050.

28th annual Holiday Craft Bazaar: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 7, Martin Sortun Elementary, 12711 SE 248th St. SE, Kent. Featuring more than 60 tables of handcrafted items for gift-giving needs this holiday season. Admission is free. msecraftbazaar@gmail.com

19th annual Sunrise PTA Fall Craft Fair: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 7, Sunrise Elementary School, 22300 132nd Ave. SE, Kent. Wide selection from more than 50 vendors and local artisans. sunrisecraftfair@gmail.com

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

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:  9-11 a.m., 11:45 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 15, Hexcel Corporation, 19819 84th Ave. S.; 10 a.m.-noon, 1-4 p.m. Oct. 21, Kent School District, board room, 12033 SE 256th St.; 9-11 a.m., noon-3 p.m. Oct. 21, Centerpoint Corporate Park, Mount Adams Room, 20809 72nd Ave. S.; 8-10 a.m., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 21, city of Kent, 400 W. Gowe Ave.; 12:30-3:30 p.m. Oct. 27, Expeditors International, 21318 64th Ave. S;  8:30-11 a.m. Oct. 27, Flow International, 23500 64th Ave. S.; 1-3 p.m., 3:45-7 p.m. Nov. 3, Kent United Methodist Church, 11010 SE 248th. Appointments can be made by calling 1-800-398-7888, or visit www.bloodworksnw.org.

Town Hall on Alzheimer’s: 2:30-4 p.m., Oct. 23, Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St. Alzheimer’s Association Washington State Chapter helps residents learn about the draft of the Washington State Plan to Address Alzheimer’s to be given to the Legislature in 2016. The draft plan is meant as a guide to help and resources for more than 100,000 individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias in Washington. For more information, visit alzwa.org or call the Alzheimer’s Association at 206-363-5500.

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

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.

Volunteers

Fall community projects: 9 a.m.-noon, Oct. 17, Arbor Day at Riverview Park; Oct. 24, fourth annual Green Kent Day at the Green River Natural Resources Area; Oct. 31, Springwood Park, 12700 SE 274th St., Kent. All events are Saturday mornings,  rain or shine. Tools, staff and light refreshments provided. Volunteers encouraged to bring their own personal water bottles to refill from a cooler and reduce landfill waste. Register to volunteer by noon three days before each event at KentWA.gov/ComeVolunteer. For more information, contact Victoria Andrews at 253-856-5113.

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. Oct. 16, 23 and 30. 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. Oct. 20 and 27. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

Preschool Story Times: 11 a.m. Oct. 21 and 28. Ages 3 to 5 with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

Infant and Young Toddler Story Times: 10:30 a.m. Oct. 15, 22 and 29. Ages newborn to 2 1/2 with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

Spanish Story Times: Noon, Oct. 17, 24 and 31. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

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

Fun with Bricks: 10:30 a.m. Oct. 17. Family program, all ages welcome 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

Game On!: 3:30 p.m. Oct. 20. Middle and high school ages. Play video games at the library.

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.

Teen Movie: 3:30 p.m. Oct. 27. Middle and high school ages. Enjoy a fun movie showing and a free snack.

ADULTS

Drop-In to Learn about eBooks: 10 a.m. Oct. 31. 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: 3-4:30 p.m. Oct. 15, 22 and 29; 10:30 a.m.-noon, Oct. 20 and 27. TLibrarians 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.

After Lunch Book Bunch: 1 p.m. Oct. 14

Sign up for ORCA LIFT: 5-7:30 p.m. Oct. 19. Income-qualified* riders, ages 19 and older, can save 50 percent or more on transit including Metro buses and Sound Transit Link light rail. Register with Multi-Service Center’s intake specialist. *See if you qualify at orcalift.com or call MSC at 253.838.6810. Income must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Bring ID & income verification documents.

Mobile Office Hours for Congressman Adam Smith: 10 a.m. Oct. 20. Congressman Smith’s Office assists constituents with Federal Agency issues such as Social Security, IRS, State Dept., housing/financial support resources, and federal agency questions.

Job Seekers Wanted: 1 p.m. Oct. 23. Join Neighborhood House for an informational session on their job seeker services, such as job referrals, that connect you directly with local employers, support completing applications, writing resumes and cover letters, preparing for interviews, and much more.

Confused About Medicare?: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Oct. 26. Come for this live streamed presentation by Dr. Nancy Fisher, our region’s Chief Medical Officer for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Open enrollment starts Nov. 1.

Computer Classes: Registration required beginning two weeks before the class, 253-859-3330. • Computer Basics, 7 p.m. Oct. 15; • Internet Level I, 7 p.m. Oct. 22; • Email Level 1, 7 p.m. Oct. 29

MIND MATTERS

Before Ultron, Artificial Intelligence in Movies: 7 p.m. Oct. 29. Seattle Weekly film critic Robert Horton explores some of the most memorable manifestations of artificial intelligence, from the paranoid computer of 2001: A Space Odyssey and the perfect child of A.I. – Artificial Intelligence to the different personalities in Her and Avengers: Age of Ultron.

Entertainment

SHOWARE CENTER

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

Third Day: 7 p.m. Oct. 23. Christian rock band performs, part of its Lead Us Back Tour. Evening of worship and music also features Brandon Heath and Warren Barfield. Third Day formed in Georgia in the 1990s. Ticket prices: $15 to $75.

All Time Low: 6 p.m. Oct. 28. American rock band performs, part of its Back to the Future Hearts Tour. The Maryland-based band formed in 2003 has sold more than 1.2 million albums worldwide and recently released its sixth album, “Future Hearts.” Sleeping With Sirens and One Ok Rock also will perform. Doors open at 5 p.m. Ticket prices: $29.50-$35.

Godsmack: 8 p.m. Nov. 3. Rock band Godsmack performs. Boston-based band will be joined by special guest Red Sun Rising. Godsmack recently released the album 1000hp

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.

Kenny Endo Contemporary Ensemble: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16, Kent-Meridian PAC, 10020 SE 256th St. Kent. Kenny Endo blends Taiko with rhythms influenced by his jazz background and by collaborations with musicians from around the world. With roots firmly grounded in Japanese tradition, he stretches the genre by incorporating funk, jazz, Afro-Cuban, and Hawaiian elements. For his 40th anniversary, Kenny will embark on a nationwide tour with his Kenny Endo Contemporary Ensemble. Tickets: $27 general, $25 senior, $15 youth

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/

Piano Concert: 6:30-8 p.m. Oct. 17, Riverview Community Church, 4135 S. 216th St., Kent. Brian Greutman, music pastor at the church and a classically trained pianist, presents a concert to release his new piano CD of original compositions. Concert features piano compositions inspired by the Psalms. Stories, door prizes and fun for the family. The Riverview Band also performs. Free. www.rcckent.org

Rainier Youth Choirs Friends and Family Concert: 7 p.m. Oct. 19, First Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 19800 108th Ave. SE, Kent. Free concert launches RYC’s Explore, Dream, Discover season, and marks the beginning of the choirs’ ninth season serving K-12 singers in the Kent, Covington, Issaquah, Maple Valley, Renton and Black Diamond areas. Concert includes a wide variety of musical styles, including contemporary, a cappella, classic, Motown and diverse multicultural selections. Other season performances: • 3 p.m. Dec. 12 – A World for Christmas, Kent United Methodist Church, 11010 SE 248th St., Kent; • 7 p.m. Feb. 6 –  A World of Song, First Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 19800 108th Ave SE, Kent; • 3 p.m. May 21 – A World of Colors, Kent United Methodist Church. Tickets for the concerts can be purchased at www.rainieryouthchoirs.org or at the door for any performance.

Kentridge Chatelaines Dance Showcase, Turn It Up: 2 p.m.,  7 p.m., Oct. 24, Kentridge High School Performing Arts Center, 12430 SE 208th St. Tickets: Premium $10; general admission $8.

“Mary Poppins”: 7 p.m. Nov. 5, 6, 7, 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.

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