Kent-area community calendar | Feb. 1

Events

Greater Seattle Postcard and Paper Show: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Feb. 18; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 19, Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. N. Dealers from throughout the Pacific Northwest, California and Utah will display hundreds of thousands old postcards, paper collectibles and ephemera. Included will be postcards, advertising trade cards, cigar labels, valentines, scrap, travel brochures, photographs, stereographs, aviation, auto, railroad, ship, movie memorabilia, Western Americana and other items. Free appraisals of all old paper collectibles. Admission: $5, good for both days. For more information, visit postcardshows.com.

Emergency Preparedness Meeting: 7-8:30 p.m. Feb. 21, Kent Senior Center, Room 6, 600 W. Smith St. Learn about the March CERT training, how we can work with the Emergency Management and the city of Kent and receive hands-on applications. Featured speaker is Kimberly Behymer, from Puget Sound Regional Fire. Open to all Scenic Hill residents. No previous training required.

40th annual Green River Glass Show & Sale: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Feb. 25, Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. N. Thirty-five vendors displaying 200 tables of glassware, jewelry, china, pottery and collectibles, from early to mid-20th century for sale. Glass repair available on site. Free glass ID (2-piece limit). Admission: $3 admission. Proceeds benefit local charities.

6th annual Wedding & Event Show: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. March 4, Green River College, Student Union Building, Grand Hall, 12401 SE 320th St., Auburn. Vendors, food tastings, entertainment and resources. Free admission. For more information, call 253-333-6010 or visit Facebook (The Wedding & Event Show-formerly My Wedding My Way).

Kent Kids’ Arts Day: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. March 11, Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. N. One of King County’s longest-running, hands-on art festivals. Featuring 15 different hands-on art projects for ages preschool to fourth grade. Stage entertainment provided by students from Kent School District elementary and middle school students. Feature performance by Casper Babypants at 2:30 p.m. Admission: $10 kids; adults and children under 2 free.

Benefits

Sleep Train’s Pajama Drive for Foster Kids: Through Feb. 26. Donations of new PJs in all sizes – infant to teen – can be dropped off at any Sleep Train store. For more information, visit sleeptrainfosterkids.org.

Passport to Hope Benefit Dinner: 5 p.m. Feb. 25, Maplewood Greens Banquet Hall, 4050 Maple Valley Highway, Renton. Q Missions, a local nonprofit organization that provides support for veterans and their families, hosts fundraiser. Comedian Drew Lynch performs. Raffle and silent auction. All proceeds will help facilitate veteran peer support, building projects and education. Tickets available at eventbrite.com listed under QMissions. $75 per person for general admission or a table for $750, VIP tables are $1,000. For more information, visit qmissions.org or facebook.com/qmissions.

Health

Kent4Health Free ShoWalks: 9-11 a.m. Each Monday and Wednesday (Nov. 14-May 31). Free indoor walking at ShoWare, 625 W. James St. Open to all ages and modalities. Two levels for walking and stairs for extra cardio. 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: 8:30-10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Feb. 15, Centerpoint Corporate Park, 20809 72nd Ave. S.; 1-3 p.m., 4-7 p.m. Feb. 20, Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 310 Third Ave. S.; 9-10:30 a.m., 11:15 a.m.-3 p.m., Feb. 20; 6:30-8:30 a.m., 9:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Feb. 21; 1-3 p.m., 3:45-7 p.m., Feb. 22, Exotic Metals, 5411 S. 226th St.; 8:30-10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Feb. 23, BECU Kent Corporate Office, 20610 68th Ave. S.; 8-10 a.m., 11 a.m.-2 p.m., March 1, city of Kent, 400 W. Gowe Ave.; 8:30-10 a.m., 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., March 3, Kent School District, 12033 SE 256th St.; 9-11 a.m., noon-3 p.m., March 6, West Coast Paper Company, 23200 64th Ave. S.; 1-4 p.m. March 8, Novinium, 22820 Russell Road. Appointments can be made by calling 1-800-398-7888, or visitbloodworksnw.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 $8 monthly. For more information, call 253-709-5098 or visit www.tops.org or www.whywelovetops.com.

Alzheimer’s Association: Meetings on the second Wednesday of the month, from 2:30-4 p.m., at Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St. Caring for someone with memory loss? Do you need information and support? Family caregiver support groups provide a consistent and caring place for people to learn, share and gain emotional support from others who are also on a unique journey of providing care to a person with memory loss. For information Susan Dailey at 206-471-2351, or www.alzwa.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.

Clubs

Soroptimist International of Kent-Covington: Program meetings from 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m., on the fourth Monday of each month, September-May, Covington Library, 164th and Kent-Kangley Road. Lunch provided, suggested donation $10. No reservation needed. Contact President Jo Ladd Clark at 253-854-1895.

South King County Alliance for Retired Americans: Monthly meetings at 1 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month, Kent Senior Center, 600 E. Smith St. Meetings open and free to the public. For more information, contact Pat Paulsen at 206-400-7149.

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): 7 a.m., every Wednesday, Golden Steer Steak n’ Rib House, 23826 104th Ave. SE, Kent. Chapter is growing. Do you want excellent, personal, word of mouth referrals for your business? Then come join us. For information about BNI Northwest or how to join a chapter call 425-391-6830, or 800-286-0508, or visit bninw.com.

Kent Chamber of Commerce Luncheons: 11:30 a.m., first Wednesday of the month, Golden Steer Steak n’ Rib House, 23826 104th Ave. SE, Kent. Open networking. Bring your business cards for the card exchange and prizes. Cost: $20 chamber members pre-paid; $25 members day of the event; $30 non-members. For registration and more information, visit kentchamber.com.

Library

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

Family Pajama Story Times: 6:30 p.m. Feb. 7, 14, 21 and 28. All ages welcome, ages 5 and younger with adult. Stories, songs and fun. Social Time with blocks, balls and bubbles takes place right after Story Time.

Toddler Story Times: 10:15 a.m. Feb. 8, 15 and 22. Ages 2 to 3 with caregiver. Stories, songs and fun. Stay for a brief play time afterward.

Preschool Story Times: 11 a.m. Feb. 8, 15 and 22. Ages 3 to 5 with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

Valentine Crafting Fun: 4 p.m. Feb. 2. Ages 3 to 10 with adult. Come to the library and make Valentine’s Day cards for someone special. All materials and snacks provided by the Friends of the Kent Library.

Infant and Young Toddler Story Times: 10:30 a.m. Feb. 2, 9, 16 and 23. Ages newborn to 2 1/2 with adult. Stories, songs and fun. Social Time with balls, blocks and bubbles takes place right after Story Time.

Kaleidoscope Play & Learn: 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. (Spanish only), Feb. 3, 10, 17 and 24. Newborn to age 5 with caregiver. Have fun singing songs, telling stories, reading books, creating art and playing. Play & Learn is in English, and the facilitator is bilingual in English and Spanish.

Fun with Bricks: 10:30 a.m. Feb. 18. 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.

Kids Movie of the Month: 3:30 p.m. Feb. 24. “Finding Dory”. Family program, all ages welcome with adult.

The Indigenous Art of Molas: 1 p.m. Feb. 21. Ages 3 and older welcome with adult. The Kuna (Guna) people of Isla San Blas create colorful textiles and clothing using bright satin fabric combining patterns of birds, sea life, flowers and insects. Create your own pattern using paper crafting. All supplies provided. Registration required.

TEENS

Teen Zone: 3:30 p.m. Feb. 1, 22. Middle and high school ages. Hang out, study, play video games, listen to your music, learn how to use library apps to get free books, music or videos … you decide.

Study Zone: 1:30 p.m. Sundays; 3:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. No Study Zone on Feb. 20. Grades K-12. Drop in for homework assistance from trained volunteer tutors.

Explore Snap Circuits: 2 p.m. Feb. 4. Ages 9 to 15. The Snap Circuits kits use building blocks with snaps to build different electrical and electronic circuits in a variety of projects with different levels of difficulty.Registration required.

Financial Aid: Help with FAFSA/WASFA: 3-7 p.m. Feb. 1, 8, 15 and 22. For teens and adults. Need help paying for college? Get free assistance applying for financial aid and complete the FAFSA or WAFSA with trained AmeriCorps volunteers.

The Chemistry of Love!: 3:30 p.m. Feb. 8. Middle and high school ages. It’s the love month. What is the chemistry of love and how does it impact our choices? Join us for an informal presentation, information on health and happiness resources and some hot chocolate.

Kent Youth, Let’s Talk About It: 3:30 p.m. Feb. 15. Middle and high school ages. Snack, do a craft, write a love letter or just come by for a chat. We are forming a Youth Council and would like to hear your ideas.

ADULTS

YWCA Support Services for Veteran Families: 10 a.m. Feb. 2 and 16. Ask at the library for details.

DIY Paper Flower Workshop: 2 p.m. Feb. 11. Ages 10 and older. Join paper craft expert Emily Mallory to learn how to make a beautiful bouquet, using paper! Take home your own Valentine bouquet to keep or give away. Please register.

Multi-Service Center Drop-in: 3-5 p.m. Feb. 3. Multi-Service Center (MSC) representatives will be on-hand to answer questions about their services. MSC offers people pathways out of poverty through support and resources in education, employment, housing, energy assistance, food, and clothing. They also provide statewide advocacy for elderly and disabled residents of long term care facilities.

After Lunch Book Club: 1 p.m. Feb. 8. “An Officer and a Spy” by Robert Harris.

English as a Second Language Classes: 6 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays. No class on Jan. 16. Learn English grammar, reading, writing, and conversation skills with an experienced instructor.

Talk Time Class: 5-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Practice speaking English with other English language learners. Classes are free, join anytime.Registration not required.

Kent Friends of the Library Meeting: 1 p.m. Feb. 9.

Citizenship Classes: 7 p.m. Tuesdays. Learn how to become a U.S. citizen. Study for the naturalization test, including civics and government questions, reading and writing English, and practicing your interview skills. Classes are free, join anytime.

Job Readiness Program: 10:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Tuesdays; 3 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. Thursdays. The library is here to help you get a free email account, start a résumé, start an online job search, or navigate the job application process! Librarians are available to provide 45-minute one-on-one assistance. Register online or at 253-859-3330. Strongly recommended that you bring a flash/USB drive.

Congressman Adam Smith, Mobile Office Hours: 10 a.m. Feb. 21. Staff members will be available to answer questions about federal agencies, such as the Social Security Administration, resources to help with loan modulations and avoiding foreclosures, assistance with immigration services and information on federal grants.

AARP Tax Aide: Please contact the library for dates and times. Get free individualized tax preparation assistance provided by trained AARP volunteers. No age or income limits. Please bring picture I.D., documented proof of Social Security Number, and last year’s return as well as any current tax documents. No complex or business returns. Please pick up the AARP intake form at the Information Desk. Appointments are required. To schedule your appointment, please visit the Kent Library Information Desk or call 253-859-3330.

Computer Classes: Registration required beginning two weeks before the class, 253-859-3330. • One-on-One Computer Help, Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 5-7 p.m.; • Internet Level 1, 7 p.m. Feb. 2; • Microsoft Excel Level 1, 7 p.m. Feb. 9; • Computer Basics, 7 p.m. Feb. 16; • Microsoft Word Level 1, 7 p.m. Feb. 23.

Everyone Talks About It

89th Academy Awards Preview Party: 7 p.m. Feb. 23. We all love a good party, especially the Oscars. In anticipation of the Academy Awards airing on Feb. 26, film historian Lance Rhoades will share highlights and controversies from previous ceremonies, discuss the current nominees and offer his own Oscar predictions.

Parenting, Positive Guidance Strategies: 2 p.m. Feb. 26. Parenting is a busy job and handling challenging behaviors is one of the things that can keep you busy. In this workshop with Miriam Dressler, founder and co-owner of Bloom Early Education, look at five proven techniques that will help you handle all kinds of behaviors, from preschoolers to teenagers.

Entertainment

SHOWARE CENTER

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

The Harlem Globetrotters: 7 p.m. Feb. 17, 20. Star-studded roster will have fans on the edge of their seats to witness the ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry and one-of-a-kind family entertainment that thrills fans of all ages. Ticket prices start at $27.50.

Bret Michaels’ Belated Valentine’s Mega Bash: 8 p.m. Feb. 23. Features an all-star lineup of the best bands from the ’80s, including Warrant and Firehouse. Ticket prices start at $39.

SPOTLIGHT SERIES

Spotlight Series is presented by the Kent Arts Commission and Kent Parks, Recreation and Community Services. Purchase at kentarts.com, by calling 253-856-5051 or in person 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 Irish Rovers with We Banjo 3: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21, Kentwood PAC. In 2017, The Irish Rovers celebrate 50 years of music and one final world tour. These international ambassadors of Irish music consistently charm audiences with their rollicking and rousing performances. Joining The Irish Rovers are special guests, We Banjo 3, an award-winning quartet from Galway, Ireland. Tickets: $30 general, $28 senior, $15 youth

International Guitar Night: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 25, Kent-Meridian PAC. North America’s premier traveling guitar festival. Each tour, a new cast of guitar luminaries come together for a special evening of solos, duets and quartets that highlight the virtuosity and diversity within the world of acoustic guitar. Tickets: $28 general, $25 senior, $15 youth

Seattle Rock Orchestra performs Led Zeppelin I & II: 7:30 p.m. March 10, Kentwood PAC. Seattle Rock Orchestra (SRO) was born out of the desire to marry the unabashed performance energy of rock ‘n ‘roll with the broader palette of musical nuances treasured in classical music. SRO is a 50-plus piece orchestra with strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, choir and a rotating cast of guest vocalists. SRO celebrates and perpetuates the orchestral tradition while exploring the rich history of rock and pop music. Tickets: $28 general, $25 senior, $15 youth

Kahulanui: 7:30 p.m. March 17, Kent-Meridian PAC, 7:30 p.m. In Hawaiian, Kahulanui means “the big dance.” These “Kings of Swing” create a danceable blend of traditional Hawaiian music and the Big Band Swing that servicemen imported to the Aloha State during World War II. The nine-piece band’s energy and dynamic performances borrow from this sound, keeping Hawaiian Swing vibrant and alive in Hawaii today. Tickets: $25 general, $22 senior, $15 youth

Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem “American Spiritual” featuring guest performance by Rainier Youth Choir: 7:30 p.m. April 1, Kent-Meridian PAC. Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem are a melting pot of American folk melody and style. “American Spiritual” leads audiences in a bona fide revival. This charismatic quartet draws from 200 years of roots music to find songs that uplift and connect. Tickets: $25, $22 general, $15 youth

ELSEWHERE

Live music, Tuesday night dances: 7:30 p.m., Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St. Open to all ages. Cover charge: $4 at the door for all ages, dancers and listeners. Program schedule: • Kings of Swing Big Band, first Tuesdays, 7:45-9:30 p.m. Refreshments by Radcliffe Place served during break at 8:30 p.m. • Randy Litch Ballroom, second and fourth Tuesdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Refreshments provided by The Weatherly Inn and Farrington Court, served while supplies last until 8:45 p.m. • Andy Burnett Rock ‘n Roll, third and fifth Tuesdays, 7:30-9:15 p.m. Refreshments provided by Stafford Suites and Judson Park, served while supplies last until 8:45 p.m. For more information, call 253-856-5164 or visit kentwa.gov/SeniorActivityCenter/

No Experience Necessary Square Dance: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Kent Meridian Grange, 15422 SE 272, Kent. Featuring Wayne Easton, caller. Learn basic square dance moves from experienced dancers. Watch experienced square dancers perform mainstream moves. Drop in or call. Casual attire. No charge. 206 935-0856, wagonwheelsquaredanceclub@facebook.com.

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.

Third Thursday Art Walk: 4-7 p.m., Rusty Raven Studio, 212 First Ave. S., Kent. Designed around the idea of creating a rich and diverse artistic experience in downtown Kent. Free kids art activity every month. Have your map initialed by the artist at each stop and be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift certificate from a participating businesses. One entry per person and must go to every stop to qualify. For more information, contact Lyra Penoyer at 253-813-6976 or kdpadminassistant@kentdowntown.org, or visit www.facebook.com/events/1530632470566958/

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.