Kent community calendar | Dec. 12

Events

Wreaths Across America Remembrance Ceremony: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 14, Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 SE 240th St., Kent. Public invited to support Green River Composite Squadron, Civil Air Patrol, and fellow veterans for Wreaths Across America. For more information, call 253-332-5505 or email bretteaster.cap@gmail.com.

KentHOPE open house: 1-4 p.m. Dec. 14, KentHOPE Day Center, 9009 Canyon Drive, Kent. Celebrating the grand opening of its day shelter for homeless women and children. The community at-large welcome to tour the center. Light refreshments will be served. Donations of nonperishable food items will be accepted to stock the cupboard. Parking is available at the school where a free shuttle will operate. The day center is also on the Metro Transit Route 169. To learn more, visit www.KentHOPE.org.

Benefits

Christmas on Ice: 5:15-8:15 p.m. Dec. 22, Kent Valley Ice Centre, 6015 S. 240th St., Kent. Inaugural Kent Valley Figure Skating Club Christmas Spectacular. Enjoy a night of great skating, a dessert table, gift basket raffle and a special visit from a very special seasonal friend. Please bring a canned good for donation to the Kent Food Bank and receive a free raffle ticket. Cost: $8 adults, $4 youth and seniors, children under 5 free. Ticket sales at the door. For more information, call 253-850-2400, ext. 83, email kentvalleyfsc@gmail.com or visit www.kentvalleyfsc.org.

Health

Cascade Regional Blood Center drives:  For more information, call 1-877-242-5663 or visit www.crbs.net/home.

Puget Sound Blood Center drives:  8:30-11 a.m. Dec. 16, Flow International, 23500 64th Ave S.; 12:30-3:30 p.m. Dec. 16, Expeditors International, 21318 64th Ave. S.; 8-10 a.m., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 18, City of Kent, bus parked outside of Centennial Building, 400 W. Gowe Ave. 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.

Clubs, programs

Overcoming Hardship  Explored: 7 p.m. Dec. 16, Lifetree Café, Community Room, First Christian Church, 11717 240th St. SE, Kent. The program, titled “Overcoming Hardship: A Father and Son Beat the Odds” features a film of Patrick Henry Hughes and his father. The younger Hughes was born without eyes or the ability to extend his limbs. Though in a wheelchair, Hughes performed in the University of Louisville marching band, his father pushing his wheelchair through every practice and performance. 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.

Cultural Awareness Conversations Community Meeting: 6-8 p.m. Jan. 16, Kent-Meridian High School, library, 10020 SE 256th St., Kent. Kent East Hill Revitalization Project hosts meeting. Public welcome. KEHR’s stakeholder/community meetings are held in the library at 6 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month.

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 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.

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

Faith

Children’s Christmas Musical, “Night Shift Before Christmas”: 7 p.m. Dec. 13, Calvary Chapel South, 1340 W. Smith St., Kent. Children, first- through sixth-graders, present a musical with upbeat music, dance and drama. Free. 206-947-6338, carolccfw@comcast.net

Chancel Arts at Kent Lutheran: 3-5 p.m. Dec. 15, Kent Lutheran Church, 336 Second Ave. S., Kent. Christmas spectacular. KLC’s Festival Choir joins Seattle Illumni Men’s Chorus, featuring operatic tenor Chris McCafferty and the KLC Bell Ringers. Sean Haley will be at the Hutchings/Plaisted pipe organ. Seating is limited. Cost: $12.50. Tickets are available from www.brownpapertickets.com or at the door. For more information, contact Sean Haley at 206-660-1199 or sean@kentlutheran.org, or visit www.chancelarts.com.

Christain Women’s Connection: 11:15 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Dec. 18, Golden Steer Restaurant, 23826 104th Ave. SE, Kent. Home for the Holidays. Speaker: Victoria LaMar of Lake Stevens. Special feature: Bob Lowenstein with a Christmas medley on harmonica and special holiday music. Bring a gift for the food bank. Cost: $16.50. For more information, call Marlene at 425-235-1047.

An Old Fashioned Christmas: 6:50-9:50 p.m. Dec. 24, New Beginnings Christian Fellowship, 19300 108th Ave. SE, Kent. A Christmas eve musical and dessert auction. 425-282-6220, www.thenbcf.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. Dec. 13, 20, 27. 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.

Spanish Story Time: Noon, Dec. 14. 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.

Kids Movie of the Month: 3:30 p.m. Dec. 27. Family program, all ages welcome.

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

Caspar Babypants, Baby Beatles Concert: 10:30 a.m. Dec. 19. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Join this popular children’s performer for a tribute to the Beatles. This concert for preschool children and their parents also includes a mixture of folk songs and nursery rhymes mixed with original songs. Free tickets available at the Information Desk 30 minutes before the program.

Jingle Bell Rock, A Puppet Variety Show for the Holidays: 2 p.m. Dec. 26. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Presented by Clay Martin’s Puppet Theater. This holiday show features Frosty the Snowman and favorite holiday music including Sleigh Ride, selections from The Nutcracker Suite, and, of course, Jingle Bell Rock. There will be a magic show by Father Christmas along with variety acts by Rudolph the Reindeer and the ever-popular Punch & Judy. A holiday show for the whole family.

TEENS

Everybody Loves a Holiday Movie: 1:30 p.m. Dec. 21. Call the library to find out what’s showing.

Teen Zone, Writer’s Club: 3:30 p.m. Dec. 17. Meet to share inspiration and creative work time. New exercises and topics each month.

Study Zone: Grades K-12. Drop in for free homework help from trained volunteer tutors. Contact the library for dates and times. The holiday break begins Dec. 20.

FAFSA Workshop: 3-5 p.m. Jan. 28. Confused about how to fill out the online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)form? Come get assistance filling the form out and your questions answered using our mobile TechLab van. Make sure to bring important paperwork with you.

ADULTS

Computer Class: Registration required beginning two weeks before the class, 253-859-3330.

English as a Second Language (ESL): 6 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. A formal class to learn English grammar, reading, writing and conversation skills. Register for the next class is 5 p.m. Dec. 19 in the library.

Talk Time: 5 p.m. Dec. 17. Improve your speaking and listening skills in this English conversation group.

eReader Demonstrations: 10 a.m. Dec. 21, 28; 7 p.m. Dec. 19, 26.  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. Dec. 17. Get help with the citizenship interview process, including civics and government questions, reading and writing English and practicing your interview skills.

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

Free In-Person Assistance, Washington Health Benefit Exchange Signup: 1 p.m. Dec. 14. 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.

Entertainment

SHOWARE CENTER

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

1964 The Tribute, Herman’s Hermits: 8 p.m. Dec. 12. Ticket prices: $30-$70.

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

Men’s basketballl: 7:10 p.m. Dec. 19. Seattle University vs Norfolk State. Tickets: $10-$30.

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

California Guitar Trio + Montreal Guitar Trio: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 24,  Kent-Meridian PAC, 10020 SE 256th St.,  Kent. Featuring six virtuoso guitarists from four countries (Japan, Canada, Belgium, and U.S.), California Guitar Trio and Montreal Guitar Trio unite into one unique six-by-6-string ensemble. Steel stringed-guitars blend naturally with nylon-stringed guitars on original compositions and new arrangements of progressive rock, world, jazz and classical music. Tickets: $25 general, $22 senior, $15 youth .

ELSEWHERE

“A Gift Best Shared” concert: 7 p.m. Dec. 13, Maple Valley Presbyterian Church, 22659 Sweeney Road SE, Maple Valley. Maple Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra presents holiday music. Jam Club makes its debut. Donations accepted at the door. For more information about this concert or MVYSO programs, please visit www.mvyso.org or call 425-433-6009.

“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.

Christmas on Ice Exhibitions: 2-3 p.m. Dec. 14, Kent Station, 417 Ramsay Way. A preview of the Kent Valley Figure Skating Club’s Christmas on Ice Show. Off ice jumps, spins and artistry with a chance to win two free tickets to the show. For more information, call 253-850-2400, email kentvalleyfsc@gmail.com or visit www.kentvalleyfsc.org.

“Home for the Holidays” Concert: 3-5:30 p.m. Dec. 14, First Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 19800 108th Ave. SE, Kent. Holiday concert presented by Rainier Youth Choirs, a community choral music education and performance program for young singers. Bring nonperishable food items for the Kent Food Bank and be entered in a drawing for a basket full of fun. Concert tickets: $12 for adults, $10 for seniors/students if purchased advance (available online at www.RainierYouthChoirs.org) or $15/$12 at the door. Singers in grades 4-14, who wish to join RYC in January, can schedule a private, informal audition through Dec. 19 by contacting RYC at 253-347-0180 or ryc@rainierchoralarts.org. For more information, visit www.rainieryouthchoirs.org.

Rainier Chorale “Christmas Voices” Holiday Concert: 2 p.m. Dec. 15, Kent United Methodist Church, 11010 SE 248th St., Kent. Features music of the masters, traditional favorites, and even a bit of humor, a festival of Seattle area choirs. Tickets: $20 general admission, $18 seniors, students, $12 for 11-and-under. For more information, contact Jenny Bygland at 253-852-3900, ext. 102, or jbygland@kentmethodist.com, or visit www.rainierchorale.org.

Bronn and Katherine Journey’s 32nd annual Christmas Concert: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21, Auburn Performing Arts Center, 206 E St. NE. The Journeys and their friends present a casually elegant evening featuring music that celebrates the joy of the Christmas season. Ticket prices range from $14-$24. Group rates also available. To order, visit http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/490788

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. Events: • Celebrate New Year’s Eve ‘Sinatra’­­ Style, 7 p.m.-midnight. Live Sinatra music all night by two bands: Katie King and The Eric Verlinde Trio. The evening includes dinner, appetizers, dancing, party favors, desserts and a midnight champagne toast. Dinner will be served throughout the night. Black tie optional. Ticket pre-sale price is $45. Tickets at the door $60. Call about group rates. Stop in to purchase your tickets or pay by phone at 253-277-1852 or call Christine directly at 425-306-3457.

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.