Kent-area community calendar | May 3

Events

Puget Sound Bonsai Association Spring Show: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 13, 14, Pacific Bonsai Museum, 2515 S. 336th St., Federal Way. Introduce mom and the whole family to bonsai, the art form of growing trees in pots. The event features a diverse collection of beautifully shaped and artistically presented trees created by PSBA members, and displayed at the Pacific Bonsai Museum, a cultural gem featuring world-class bonsai from around the globe elegantly displayed in a woodland setting. Free and open to the public. Admission by donation. PSBA, formed in 1973, is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to the education of its members and the general public in the art and culture of bonsai. For more information, visit psba.us and pacificbonsaimuseum.org.

Downtown Kent Wine Walk: 5:30-9 p.m. May 19, 200 First Ave. S. Presented by Kent Downtown Partnership. Fine wines. Cost: $25 per person, includes wine glass and 12 tasting tickets.

Benefits

Spring plant sale: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 12, 13, Soos Creek Botanical Garden, 29308 132nd Ave. SE, Auburn. Check out selections of perennials, trees and shrubs propagated from the garden. Choose from a variety of Japanese Maples and veggie starts. Soos Creek Botanical Garden & Heritage Center is open to the public Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and pairs the experience of strolling amid inspirational, mature gardens with the local history of the Soos Creek Plateau. Donations welcome. For more information visit Sooscreekbotanicalgarden.org.

Spring plant sale: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. May 20, Bereiter House, 855 E. Smith St., Kent. Get plants to fill in the bare spots in your garden. Divide, pot and label your extra plants and bring them down to share. Bring your neighbors. All proceeds benefit the Greater Kent Historical Society. Free admission.

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: 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.

Clubs

KBAC Action Up Meeting: 3-5:30 p.m. May 13, Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. N. Kent Black Action Commission meeting features a conversation with Deborah Jacobs, director of the newly-formed Office of Law Enforcement Oversight for King County. Juneteenth planning will also be discussed. Looking for volunteers for event set-up and breakdown, food service, registration table staff, general support and voter registration staff. For more information, contact KBAC’s Richard Johnson at 253-631-7944 or ajrj01@msn.com. To join the effort or to learn more, visit kentblackactioncommission.com.

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. RSVP at sikentcovington@soroptimist.net. For more information, 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.

Volunteer

Team Up 2 Clean Up Kent: 8 a.m.-noon, May 13. The city of Kent, the Kent Downtown Partnership, Kent Station, Republic Services, and the Lions Club invite the community to participate in litter cleanup event.Residents, neighborhood and faith-based organizations, civic groups, schools, youth organizations, businesses and families are encouraged to get involved. Volunteers can pick up free gloves and trash bags and get directions to “hot spots” – the areas that need the most attention – by meeting at 8 a.m. at either: • Kherson Park, 307 W. Gowe St.; or Golden Steer Steak & Rib House, 3826 104th Ave. SE. Trash bags can also be dropped off at the same locations that day until noon. Individuals and groups must register by 5 p.m., Friday, May 12 at KentWA.gov/TalkingTrash.

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

Toddler Story Times: 10:15 a.m. May 3, 10 and 17. Ages 2 to 3 with caregiver. Stories, songs and fun. Stay for a brief play time afterward.

Preschool Story Times: 11 a.m. May 3, 10 and 17. Ages 3 to 5 with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

Infant and Young Toddler Story Times: 10:30 a.m. May 4 and 11. 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), May 5, 12, 19 and 26. 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.

Family Pajama Story Times: 6:30 p.m. May 9 and 16. 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.

Fun with Bricks: 10:30 a.m. May 13. 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. May 26. “The BFG”. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Rated PG; 118 minutes.

Arabic Story Time: 10:30 a.m. May 6 and 20. Ages 2 and older with adult. Learn the Arabic alphabet and words through stories and songs.

Bee Hive Jive Show: 4 p.m. May 9. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Presented by Lisa Taylor, Urban Farmer. Join the Garden Critter puppets in a music and movement-filled nature adventure in a bee hive! You will be amazed to learn how bees construct their homes, work together to gather food and raise their teeny-tiny bee babies.

TEENS

Teen Zone: 3:30 p.m. May 24 and 31. 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 May 18 and 29. Grades K-12. Drop in for homework assistance from trained volunteer tutors.

Papercrafts Workshop: 3:30 p.m. May 10. Middle and high school ages. Already an artist or not – experiment with paper and media to create your own project and designs. All supplies provided.

Kent Youth – Let’s Talk About It: 3:30 p.m. May 17. Middle and high school ages.Snack, do a craft, organize to change the world 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. May 11 and 25. Support Services provides rapid rehousing for homeless veterans.

After Lunch Book Club: 1 p.m. May 10. Books are available at Check Out Services. New members are always welcome.

English as a Second Language Classes: 6 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays. Learn English grammar, reading, writing, and conversation skills with an experienced instructor. In-person registration required on March 23 at 5 p.m. Space is very limited.

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.

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. No program on May 18. 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.

Quilling, Papercraft Workshop: 2 p.m. May 13. Ages 12 and older. Quilling is the art of coiling and twisting paper strips to create images. In this fun workshop, learn how to make the basic shapes that are the building blocks for quilled designs! You will take home a quilled magnet, to give as a gift (just in time for Mother’s Day) or to keep. All supplies provided. Registration required. Sponsored by the Friends of the Kent Library.

Hello 4Culture: 10 a.m. May 16. King County’s cultural funding agency will be available to talk about their resources.

RISE (Resources to Initiate Successful Employment): 2 p.m. May 11 and 25. RISE (through DSHS) offers assistance in obtaining employment by providing services such as comprehensive case management, job experience, and more.

Computer Classes: Registration required beginning two weeks before the class, 253-859-3330. • Microsoft Word Level 1, 7-9 p.m. May 4; • Microsoft Excel Level 1, 7-9 p.m. May 11; • Computer Basics, 7-9 p.m. May 18; • One-on-One Computer Help, 5-7 p.m. Tuesdays.

Congressman Adam Smith – Mobile Office Hours: 10 a.m. May 16. Staff members will be available to answer your questions.

EVERYONE’S TALKING ABOUT IT

Real Boy, Free Preview Screening and Discussion: 2 p.m. May 21. By Shaleece Haas. Indie-Len’s Pop-Up Film Series. The coming-of-age story of Bennett, a trans teenager with dreams of musical stardom. During the first two years of his gender transition, as Bennett works to repair a strained relationship with his family, he is taken under the wing of his friend and musical hero, celebrated trans folk singer Joe Stevens.

FIRST STEP IDEA SESSION

From Idea to Startup: 6:30 p.m. May 10. Have an idea? Need an idea? Wonder if it will make a good business? Join Kerrie Carbary, Center for Inclusive Entrepreneurship (CIE), for an idea session and take your first step to starting your own business. To register for this workshop, call CIE at 425-243-7366 or register online at cie-nw.eventbrite.com.

Starting a Cottage Food Business: 6:30 p.m. May 17. Have people told you that you’re an amazing cook and you should open your own food business? Kerrie Carbary, Center for Inclusive Entrepreneurship (CIE), will discuss getting a Cottage Food production license so you can sell your baked goods, candies, herbs, roasted nuts or jams and jellies. This workshop will show you the steps to starting a home based food business. To register for this workshop, call CIE at 425-243-7366 or register online at cie-nw.eventbrite.com.

Entertainment

SHOWARE CENTER

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

Kent Chamber, President’s Gala & Leadership Awards: 5 p.m. May 5. Join more than 400 business and community leaders at the annual awards program. Tickets: $75 per person. Register, more information at http://bit.ly/2nFdnHm and kentchamber.com.

Legends Football League: 7 p.m. May 20, Seattle Mist vs. Denver Dream. Tickets: $15 – $65

Maxwell: 8 p.m. June 20. R&B singer performs with special guests Common and Ledisi. Tickets: $56, $66, $76 and $96.

ELSEWHERE

“Sister Act”: 7 p.m. May 4, 5, 6.; 2 o’clock matinees, April 29, May 6, Kentlake Performing Arts Center, 21401 SE 300th St., Kent. Kentlake High School spring musical directed by Pam Cressey (her last show as she is retiring). When Deloris Van Cartier sees her boyfriend murder a snitch, she must hide out in a convent where she finds herself at odds with the rigid lifestyle and Mother Superior. Using her worldly talents, Deloris is able to inspire the church choir and breathe new life into the church. Filled with soulful gospel, funky ’70s music, outrageous dancing, and a truly moving story, Sister Act features original music by celebrated composer Alan Menken. Tickets: $10-$12. Cash at the door or tickets online at brownspapertickets.com.

“The Wiz”: 7 p.m. May 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12 and 13, with 1:30 matinees on May 6 and 13, Kentridge High School Performing Arts Center, 12430 SE 208th St., Kent. Kentridge Players present a super-charged musical that puts a modern spin on the classic “Wizard of Oz” tale. Jennifer Grajewski directs the musical, with choreography from Eia Waltzer and vocal direction from Aaron Norman. Tickets are $10 each for reserved seating; $5 for seats at the family matinees. Tickets can be purchased at www.showtix4u.com. For more information, contact Grajewski at 253-653-2626 or email at Jennifer.Grajewski@kent.k12.wa.us.

Knot Quite Write Players Spring Presentations: 1:15 p.m. May 8, 15, Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St. Plays are: “The Elevator Misadventures” by Drena Heizer; “Bank Withdrawal Symptoms” by Jim Gustafson; “Millie in The Middle” by Susan Jarrett; “Now Hear This” by Dory Kaiser. Admission: $1 payable at door starting at 12:30 p.m. Seating begins at 1 p.m. based on ticket numbers. For more information, call the senior center at 253-856-5150.

“Voir Dire”: 7 p.m. May 10, 11, 12, 13, Kent-Meridian Performing Arts Center, 10020 SE 256th St. Kent-Meridian Drama presents Joe Sutton’s jury room drama, a play about how race, gender and personal experience color an individual’s interpretation of the facts and what it means to be a “peer.” Recommended for ages 13 and older (strong language). Admission: $8.

The Whateverly Brothers: 6-8 p.m. May 12, Magic Flavors, inside Save-U-More, 23636 104th Ave. SE, Kent. Dan Roberts, Chris Glanister and Rob Kneisler, all seasoned folk music collectors, performers and multi-instrumentalists, have delighted audiences for nearly a decade with their varying repertoire, shimmering harmonies, striking arrangements and offbeat humor.

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. For more information,visit gkhs.org.