Kent-area community calendar | Aug. 19

Events

Kent Farmers Market: 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturdays, June 6-Sept. 26. Fresh produce, flower, vendors. Kent Lions program. For more information, visit www.kentfarmersmarket.com.

SOAKS: 5-8 p.m. Aug. 20, Kent Station, Ramsay Way. Summer’s Over Almost at Kent Station (SOAKS) is a free family event, featuring activity booths, a bouncy house, gyroscope, an obstacle course sponsored in part by Clowns Unlimited, and the Road Runner Sports’ Adventure Run. Communities in Schools of Kent hosts its third annual Fill the Bus school supply drive. Participants receive raffle tickets for every activity. The Adventure Run map will be revealed at 6:30 p.m. at which time everyone is welcome to walk, jog or run to as many checkpoints on the map as they wish, collecting raffle tickets at each stop, until returning to the Kent Station Plaza by 7:45 p.m. More than $3,000 in raffle prizes will be announced and the $1 beer garden will be open. Agave Cocina & Cantina hosts a family friendly after-party where more raffle tickets and prizes will be given. For more information, visit www.kentstation.com.

Washington State Fair: Sept. 11-27, 110 Ninth Ave., SW, Puyallup. Gate hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday. Concerts, rides, food, vendors, rodeo, animal exhibits, art and culture, interactive fun, special attractions. Admission: $12.50 adults; $9 students (ages 6-18) and seniors (62 and older); kids 5 and under free. Pre-fair discounts available online through Sept. 10. Parking: $10 Monday-Friday; $12 Saturday, Sunday. For more information: www.thefair.com or 24-hour hotline at 253-841-5045.

Sixth annual Hops & Crops Music and Beer Festival: Noon-6 p.m. Sept. 12, Mary Olson Farm, 28728 Green River Road SE. 21-and-up event features a beer garden with 30-plus craft brews and ciders from local breweries, live music, tours. All proceeds from the event support educational programming at the farm. Barbecue and snacks available for purchase.Reber Ranch presents the festival. Tickets: $15 pre-sale, $20 at the gate. Taster admission includes taster mug and five tokens. $10 designated driver/no taste admission. Purchase tickets at the festival or online at wrvmuseum.org/hopsandcrops.html

Downtown Wine Walk: 6-9 p.m. Sept. 18, Down Home Catering, 211 1st Ave. S, Kent. Presented by the Kent Downtown Partnership. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. at Down Home Catering. Hosting 12 wineries in 12 downtown shops. Tickets: $25 per person and available at downtownkentwinewalk0815.brownpapertickets.com. For more details, contact Kent Downtown Partnership, 253-813-6976, or kdpadminassistant@kentdowntown.org.

Surviving Domestic Violence – Then and Now 25 Years Later: 6-8 p.m. Sept. 30, Federal Way City Hall, Council Chambers, 33325 8th Ave. S. Presented by the City of Federal Way Domestic Violence Task Force. Host: Lana Matthew, chair, Federal Way DV Task Force. Speakers: Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell; Police Chief Andy Hwang; Beth Hollis, victim/survivor; Laron Burris, batterer treatment; Mac Macdonald, author, “Lighting your own Fuse” and actor, “Apocalypse – 1979”. Refreshments will be served.

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.

Benefits

Sleep Country’s School Supply Drive for Foster Kids: Now through Sept. 6. Donations of new school supplies can be dropped off at any Sleep Country store. For more information or to find the nearest location please visit the store locator at www.sleepcountry.com or call 888-887-5337. Store hours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Cash donations can also be made online and Sleep Country representatives will shop on your behalf. All contributions are distributed among Sleep Country’s foster care partner organizations. For more information, visit www.sleepcountryfosterkids.org.

Kent Senior Lunch Program Dessert Concert: 6 p.m. Aug. 20, Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St. Proceeds benefit the Kent Parks Deli and Cafe. Rock ‘n Roll Choir SilverSounds Northwest performs nostalgic tunes. Co-sponsored by Stafford Suites. Theme is “Get your Kicks … “ based on the Rock ‘n Roll song “Route 66”. Other ‘50s and ‘60s era music will be featured. Advanced tickets are available for any size donation beginning July 14 in person at the center or with MasterCard/Visa by calling 253-856-5150.

Kent Friends of the Library Annual Book Sale: Sept. 18, 19, 20, Kent Library, 212 Second Ave N. Hours are: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, Saturday; 1-3 p.m. Sunday (bag sale). Proceeds support library programs for children, teenagers and adults. Books are $1 each. Multimedia and children’s materials are also available.

GKHS Dinner Gala: 5:30-9 p.m. Oct. 3, Kent Senior Center, 600 E. Smith St. Major fundraiser for the Greater Kent Historical Society. Program features filmmaker Steve Edmiston with “Tales of Adventure from Old Military Road,” with a focus on the Nike missile bases on Kent’s West Hill. Evening also includes dinner by the Golden Steer, a gift basket raffle, wine raffle and desert dash. Cost: $65 before Sept. 1, $75 after Sept. 1. For more information, email ctyofknt@msn.com or visit gkhs.org/dinner-gala/.

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 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.

Health

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

Open House, Glover Empower Mentoring (GEM): 6:30-8:30 p.m. Aug. 26, Kent Library, 212 Secondnd Ave. N. GEM is a mentoring for young men in Kent and South King County. For more information, visit gementoring.wix.com/gementoring or email gempowermentoring@gmail.com.

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.

Faith

Greater Things Ministry: 9-11 a.m., Sundays in August, gazebo at Burlington Park, on Railroad Avenue North between East Meeker and East Smith streets in Kent. Free breakfast. Open to the community. Call Pastor Danny at 253-335-4727 for more information.

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. Aug. 21 and 28. 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.

Kid’s Movie of the Month: 3:30 p.m. Aug. 28 Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Enjoy a family friendly film with a light snack.

Be a Hero to Your Kids, Take your children to a KCLS library this summer: Kids who learn all summer go back to school with stronger learning skills. That’s why KCLS libraries provide free events and learning activities that enhance skills, increase curiosity and inspire creativity. Based on STEM curriculum, with reading and art added, summer learning builds smarter kids while they’re having fun. And it’s free. For details, visit any KCLS library or kcls.org/kids/summer.

Summer Free Lunch Program: noon, Monday, Tuesdays and Wednesdays through Aug. 26. Ages 18 and younger. Come and receive a free lunch from United Way.

TEENS

Study Zone-Summer Sessions: 3 p.m. Wednesdays. Grades K-12. Drop in to the Study Zone for math, reading and basic study skills.

Ponte el Ritmo/Get Your Rhythm On: 2 p.m. Aug. 19. All ages welcome. Play and sing along with the Savani Latin Jazz Quartet in a hands-on, participatory rhythm workshop for families. Be sure to bring your clapping hands and dancing feet!”

Teen Movie: 3 p.m. Aug. 25.Middle and high school ages.Contact the library for movie title.

Unmask 2015 Teen Summer Learning Program: Teens, enter to win a Samsung Galaxy “7 Tab. Entries accepted until Aug. 31. More details and entry forms available at your KCLS Library.

ADULTS

Drop-In to Learn about eBooks: 10 a.m. Aug. 29. Get started with KCLS eBooks! Bring your eReader, tablet, phone or just your questions.

English as a Second Language Classes: 5:30 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: 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays; 3 p.m. Thursdays. Theh 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 one-on-one assistance on a drop-in, first come, first served basis. Strongly recommended that you bring a flash/USB drive.

Talk Time Class: 5 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.

Computer Classes: Registration required beginning two weeks before the class, 253-859-3330. • Word I, 7 p.m. Aug. 27

Entertainment

SHOWARE CENTER

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

The Legends Football League Cup:  3 p.m. Aug. 23, championship, Seattle Mist vs. Chicago Bliss. Tickets: $10-$50.

Marco Antonio Solis: 8 p.m. Aug. 30. World renowned singer and song writer and former lead singer of Los Bukis, a group he formed as a teenager. Popular in Mexico, throughout Latin America, Spain and the United States, Solis has more than 30 entries on Billboard’s Hot Latin Tracks. Tickets: $65-$175.

Seattle Rock-A-Thon 2015: noon, Sept. 5. A 12-hour mega concert, featuring: Candlebox; Filter; Drowning Pool; Dokken; Pat Travers; Missing Persons; Girl on Fire; Divide The Day; Valora; Sin Circus; Kings of Spade; Aury Moore Band; Paul Hernandez Trio; Beyond Today; Alive She Cried; Home Wreckr; Vial 8; Girls love Rockets; and Chasing OZ. Tickets: $25-$100.

The Experience, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly: 7 p.m. Sept. 19. A night of R&B and soul. Special guests: R&B Diva KeKe Wyatt, Kelly Price, and local favorite Mycle Wastman. Known for their hits “Happy Feelin’s”, “Can’t Get Over You” and other hit singles, Maze and Beverly have put their stamp in the R&B/Soul music for over three decades. Tickets: $49.50-$119.

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/

ELSEWHERE

Rock The Green: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 3, Green River College, 12401 SE 320th St., Auburn. Inaugural festival celebrates region’s natural resources. Green River Coalition presents live music and beer garden. Main stage performances include: Tim Noah; Dana Lyons; The Kevin Jones Band; Chick Buser; Howling Rain; The Community Players. Free admission. 253-333-6010, Greenriver.edu/rockthegreen

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

ELSEWHERE

“Legacy of Heart Mountain”: 12:30-2:30 p.m. Sept. 20, White River Buddhist Temple, 3625 Auburn Way N. Full screening of award-winning documentary, which uses vivid imagery and survivor interviews to tell the story of Japanese Internment during World War II. Program includes slides from the Heart Mountain Incarceration Camp in Wyoming, personal reflections with Amy and Lilly Kato who were raised at Heart Mountain, and a question and answer session. Suggested $10 donation at the door. RSVP by calling the Greater Kent Historical Society Museum, 253-854-4330, or emailing ctyofknt@msn.com.