First Avenue shops host block party

Visitors are invited to downtown Kent for the annual First Avenue Block Party 4 to 9 p.m. Sept. 12 between Gowe and Titus streets.

The event includes a wine garden, jewelry-making demonstrations and opportunities to meet the merchants and check out what First Avenue in Kent has to offer. There will also be live music throughout the evening, provided by Debra Page, Eduardo Mendonca and local band Grey Sky Falling.

Kent Chamber offers open house

The Kent Chamber of Commerce will play host to an Open House and Membership Appreciation event 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 16 at the chamber office, 524 W. Meeker St., Suite 1.

Attendees can enjoy hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine, while viewing the remodeled office. The event is free and open to the public.

Registration is requested. For details, visit www.kentchamber.com.

Hospice volunteers needed

Group Health is seeking individuals in the South King County area to serve as hospice volunteers, offering practical and emotional support to terminally ill patients and their families.

Volunteer training sessions will take place Oct. 6 through 8 in Bellevue. Anyone interested in attending the training should apply by Sept. 19. For details and application materials, call 425-556-6372 or 888-954-2509.

Book sale coming up at library

The Friends of the Kent Regional Library will present their annual book sale Sept. 19 through 21 at the library, 212 Second Ave. N. Sale hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 19 and 20, and 1 to 4 p.m. Sept. 21. Books cost 50 cents; videos, audio books and DVDs are $1 each. Proceeds benefit library programs sponsored by the Friends. For details, call 253-859-3330.