Kent-area community calendar | Dec. 31

Events

Christmas Tree Recycling: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 3, Service Club Ballfields, 14608 SE 288th St., Kent. Boy Scout troops collecting and recycling Christmas trees in neighborhoods around Kent for a suggested donation of $5.  To ensure pickup, trees must be placed outside by 8 a.m. Saturday morning. If you prefer to deliver your tree yourself, scouts will help unload the trees and accept your donation. Trees with tinsel and/or flock cannot be accepted. If you would like to mail your donation, send it to: Attn: Christmas Tree Drive, P.O. Box 5094, Kent, WA  98064. For more information, contact the Kent Lions & Foundation at 253-852-5466 or check the city’s community calendar at KentWA.gov.

“Coffee with the Chief”: 9 a.m. Jan. 7, Golden Steer restaurant, 23826 104th Ave. S.E. Get-together with Kent Police Chief Ken Thomas and other police department members. Come join the chief to discuss police and community issues. No RSVP is necessary.

Benefits

New Year’s 2k/5k Fun Run and Walk: 10 a.m. Jan. 1, Meridian Valley Country Club, 24830 136th Ave. SE. Walk or run the scenic cart paths of the country club. Leashed pets welcome. Coffee, hot cocoa and snacks provided. Warm, dry buildings will be open for gathering and watching. Net proceeds donated to the American Lake Veterans Golf Course in Lakewood. Cost: $20 for 2K and under 18; $25 for 5K and over 18. Registration available at the country club’s front desk or online at Active.com.

Kent Parks Deli & Cafe 20th anniversary celebration: 11:45 a.m. Jan. 9, Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St. Fundraiser.Turn back the clock to 1995 lunch prices: $3.50. Discounted lunch tickets go on sale at 8:30 a.m. Jan. 9 for the first 80 guests. Limit one per person. Call 253-856-5150 for more information.

Health

ShoWalk: 9-11 a.m., Mondays and Wednesdays, ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St., Kent. Outdoor walking enthusiasts can get out of the dark and the rain by participating in ShoWalk.  Presented by Kent4Health and sponsor Transdev Services, Inc., ShoWalk is a free indoor walking opportunity. ShoWalk continues through May 20. While there is no charge to participate, registration is appreciated at www.webreg.KentWA.gov or at the door on walk days.  More information is available at www.Kent4Health.com or by calling 253-856-4968.

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

Puget Sound Blood Center drives:  9-11 a.m., noon-3 p.m. Jan. 6, Hexcel Corp., 19819 8th Ave. S.; 9-11 a.m., noon-3 p.m. Jan. 7, Aegis of Kent, 10421 SE 248th St.; noon-2 p.m., 3-6 p.m. Jan. 16, LDS Church, 24419 94th Ave. S. For more information, call 253-945-8667 or please visit www.psbc.org.

TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly): 6 p.m., Thursdays, Swanson Court Clubhouse, 12200 SE 207th St., Kent, near Kentridge High School. Nonprofit weight loss support group. 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

Conversation About Race:  7 p.m. Jan. 12. An open conversation about racial understanding. The program, What Your Black Friend Wants You to Know: The Conversation About Race No One Is Having, includes a film featuring honest insights from black Americans about their experience with race. Admission to the 60-minute event is free. Snacks and beverages are available. Lifetree Café is a place where people gather for conversation on life and faith in a casual coffeehouse-type setting. For more information, contact Bob Brooks at 206-653-6532 or pastorbob@kentdisciples.org, or www.Lifetreecafe.com.

Rotary Club of Kent: Join the local Rotary 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, 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.

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.

GRCC LECTURE SERIES

Nigeria’s Religious and Economic Strife: 9-11 a.m. Jan. 21, Green River Community College, Kent campus, 417 Ramsay Way, Suite 112. Through the lecture and discussion, you’ll begin to understand Nigeria’s turbulent history since its independence from Britain in 1960. Members fee: $20; non-members $29. For more information, contact Darla Abraham at 253-833-9111 or dabraham@greenriver.edu.

Women of Islam: 6 p.m. Feb. 3, Green River Community College, Kent campus, 417 Ramsay Way, Suite 112. A panel of Muslim women will address their personal experiences. They will discuss the rights and status of women in Islam, and shed light on how colonialism has played a major role in the modern day deceptions of Muslim women. Members fee: $20; non-members $29. For more information, contact Darla Abraham at 253-833-9111 or dabraham@greenriver.edu.

America’s Calamity, The Great Depression: 1:30-3:30 p.m. Feb. 19, Green River Community College, Kent campus, 417 Ramsay Way, Suite 112. Discovering some interesting facts about the Wall Street crash of 1929 and the resulting collapse of the American economy, massive factory closings and spiraling unemployment. Learn how the Dust Bowl conditions in the 1930s ruined the lives of millions of American farmers. How did the country recover? What are the lessons derived from these hard times? Members fee $20; non-members $29. For more information, contact Darla Abraham at 253-833-9111 or dabraham@greenriver.edu.

The Effect of Technology on Society: 10 a.m.-noon, March 4, Green River Community College, Kent campus, 417 Ramsay Way, Suite 112. Technology and society are changing at an ever-increasing pace. Kirk J. Davis will present an entertaining and engaging presentation on changes happening in society caused by accelerated improvements in technology. How are relationships, business, medicine and culture being impacted? Members fee $20; non-members $29. For more information, contact Darla Abraham at 253-833-9111 or dabraham@greenriver.edu.

Rich/Poor in America, the Widening Gap: 9-11 a.m. March 19, Green River Community College, Kent campus, 417 Ramsay Way, Suite 112. Names and terms like Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush, “Occupy Wall Street”, the Tea Party, Congressional gridlock, and controversial Supreme Court decisions come to mind when the Rich/Poor divide is mentioned. The inequality of wealth has become a major division between Democrats and Republicans, and has been used to explain the slowness of the U.S. coming out of the 2007-2008 Great Recession. Take this course to better understand the implications of this radical redistribution of wealth. Members fee $20; non-members $29. For more information, contact Darla Abraham at 253-833-9111 or dabraham@greenriver.edu.

Volunteer

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service: 1-3 p.m. Jan. 19. Meet at Kent Lions Skate Park on West Smith Street near the Park & Ride. Honor Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy by doing a quick two-hour litter cleanup along the Interurban Trail and downtown Kent. Wear gloves and dress warmly. Limited pick sticks and trash bags will be available. Pre-registration is encouraged: www.kentwa.gov/ComeVolunteer

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.

South Sound Chamber of Commerce Legislative Coalition: 7:30-9 a.m. Jan. 9, Emerald Downs, 2300 Emerald Downs Drive, Auburn. Breakfast, preview of 2015 legislative priorities. Register at business.auburnareawa.org.

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. Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30. 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.

Kids Movie of the Month: 3:30 p.m. Jan. 30. Family program, all ages welcome. Enjoy a family friendly film with a light snack.

Family Pajama Story Times: 7 p.m. Jan. 6, 13, 20 and 27. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Stories, songs and fun. Wear your pajamas.

Preschool Story Times: 11 a.m. Jan. 7, 14, 21 and 28. Preschool ages with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

Infant and Young Toddler Story Times: 10:30 a.m. Jan. 8, 15, 22 and 29. Ages newborn to 2 1/2 with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

Spanish Story Times: Noon, Jan. 10, 17, 24 and 31. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

Family Story Times: 1 p.m. Jan. 10, 17, 24 and 31. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

TEENS

Teen Zone, Game On!: 3:30 p.m. Jan. 6. Play video games at the library.

Teen Zone, Manga Club!: 3:30 p.m. Jan. 13. Fun discussions and other Manga related activities – new topics and activities each month.

Teen Zone, Writers Club!: 3:30 p.m. Jan. 20. Monthly meeting to share inspiration, fun exercises and creative work time.

Count Us In, Survey of Homeless Teens: 7 p.m. Jan. 22. Homeless teens and young adults will be surveyed in the library to tell the story of homelessness in King County and help our community understand the scope of the issues teens face.

Study Zone: 3:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; 1:30 p.m. Sundays. No Study Zone on Jan. 4 and 19. Grades K-12. Drop in for homework assistance from trained volunteer tutors.

Teen Zone, Movie Time: 3:30 p.m. Jan. 27. Call the library to find out what’s showing.

ADULTS

Talk Time: 5 p.m. Tuesdays. Practice speaking English with other English language learners. Classes are free. Join anytime.

Citizenship Class: 7 p.m. Tuesdays. Get help with the citizenship interview process, including civics and government questions, reading and writing English and practicing your interview skills. Registration not required.  Classes are free. Join anytime.

English as a Second Language (ESL): 6 p.m.  Mondays, Wednesdays. No class Jan. 19. A formal class to learn English grammar, reading, writing and conversation skills.

Drop-In to Learn about eBooks: 7 p.m. Jan. 22, 29; 10 a.m. Dec. 27, Jan. 24, 31. Get started with KCLS eBooks! Bring your eReader, tablet, phone or just your questions.

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 each class, 253-859-3330. • One-on-One Assistance, 3 p.m. Jan. 7, 21. Do you need extra help on the computer? A KCLS volunteer instructor can give you one-on-one assistance. No appointment necessary, assistance provided on a drop-in basis. • Internet Level I, 7 p.m. Jan. 8. Learn how to browse the Internet, type addresses, understand basic Internet vocabulary and use search engines. Prerequisite: ability to use the mouse. Registration required. • Excel Level I, 7 p.m. Jan. 13. Learn how to perform calculations using formulas, copy formulas with the fill handle and use Autosum for quick addition. Prerequisite: Ability to use the mouse and keyboard. Registration required. • Microsoft Word Level 1, 7 p.m. Jan. 14. Learn basic skills for entering, correcting and revising text on a computer. Prerequisite: ability to use the mouse and keyboard. Registration required. • Email Level 1, 7 p.m. Jan. 27. Learn basic email vocabulary. Create an account using Gmail, Yahoo or Hotmail. Compose and send messages. Prerequisite: Ability to use the mouse and keyboard, basic understanding of the Internet. Registration required.

After Lunch Book Bunch: 1 p.m. Jan. 14. Contact the library for book title.

Mind Matters, Start the New Year with meditation: 7 p.m. Jan. 15. Join Ajili Hodari, who has been practicing meditation for more than 30 years, for meditation techniques designed to make your dream of finding inner peace a reality. Mr. Hodari is a practitioner of Jyoti meditation. While your brain is not a muscle, it does need care, feeding and exercise to keep it in top shape. • Introduction to Yoga, 2 p.m. Jan. 25. Never taken a yoga class before? No problem. Daniela Cawthorn will show you the basics in this introductory session. The 2015 King County Library System adult series, Mind Matters, offers free programs, classes, tips and reading suggestions to stay sharp. It’s YOUR mind. KCLS can help you take care of it. www.kcls.org/mindmatters

Financial Coaching Workshops:  Presented by Greg Hollmann, Multi-Service Center Financial Coach. Start your New Year off right by improving your financial fitness. • Financial 101, 6:30 p.m. Jan. 21. To create long term wealth for your retirement, you must have a system. Learn basic strategies to help build reserves of cash to protect you from emergencies while providing funds for real opportunities. Here is your opportunity to ask questions of a financial advisor who has nothing to sell. • Take Charge of Your Credit, 6:30 p.m. Jan. 28. Take the fear out of credit reports. From renting apartments to purchasing cars, everyone needs credit.

Entertainment

SHOWARE CENTER

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

Disney Live! Pirate & Princess Adventure:  1 p.m. Jan. 17. Show features your favorite characters from Disney Junior’s hit series, “Sofia the First and Jake and the Never Land Pirates.”  Tickets: $20-$65.

MLK, Jr. Celebration featuring T.I.: 8 p.m. Jan. 18. celebrating Marting Luther King, Jr. Day with the King of the South, T.I. Hosted by Eddie Francis with music by DJ Supa Sam. Cash Out, Mila J and Snootie Wild also perform. Tickets: $29-$129.

KENT ARTS COMMISSION SPOTLIGHT SERIES

Tickets at kentarts.com, by calling 253-856-5051 or 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.

Marc Cohn: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 22, Kentwood Performing Arts Center, 25800 164th Ave. SE, Covington. After winning a Grammy for his soulful ballad “Walking in Memphis,” Cohn solidified his place as one of this generation’s most compelling singer/songwriters, combining the precision of a brilliant tunesmith with the passion of a great soul man. Tickets: $28 general, $25 senior, $15 youth

Broadway’s Next Hit Musical!: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 6, Kent-Meridian PAC. Every song is fresh. Every scene is new. Every night is different. It’s all improvised and it’s all funny. The New York Times calls Broadway’s Next H!T Musical “Hilarious!” Master improvisers gather made up song suggestions from the audience and create a full blown improvised musical – complete with memorable characters, witty dialogue, and plot twists galore. Tickets: $25 general, $22 senior, $15 youth

“Fairy Tales & Fantasy” presented by BYU Theatre Ballet: 7 p.m. March 12, Kentwood PAC. Selections from classic ballets such as Romeo & Juliet, Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Don Quixote, and more bring magical stories, beautiful music, and graceful dance to the stage for all ages to enjoy. Tickets: $22 general, $20 senior and $15 youth

Schoolhouse Rock Live! performed by Childsplay: 1 p.m. March 21, Kent-Meridian PAC. A pop culture phenomenon returns to the musical stage! Academic subjects will never seem boring again when presented through mega-hits like “Conjunction Junction,” “Just a Bill,” and “Interplanet Janet.” Schoolhouse Rock explodes onto the stage with songs you loved updated for a whole new generation. Childsplay is a professional company of adult actors who teach and perform for young audiences and families. Tickets: $10 general, $10 senior, $10 youth

Masters of Soul: 7:30 p.m. April 7, Kentwood PAC. A celebration of the legendary songs and performers that defined Motown and soul music. The show features the incredible harmonies and smooth moves made famous by recording acts like The Temptations, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, The Four Tops, Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Jackson Five, Martha Reeves The Vandellas, Stevie Wonder, Barry White, The Commodores and many more. Tickets: $25 general, $22 senior, $15 youth

CHANCEL ARTS AT KENT LUTHERAN

Jazz: 8-10 p.m. Jan. 24, Feb. 21, March 21,  Kent Lutheran Church, Fellowship Hall, 336 Second Ave. S., downtown Kent. Jazz for listening and dancing. Centerpiece Jazz Band from Music Center Northwest in Seattle performs. Admission: $12.50 adults, $5 senior citizens in groups of 10. Refreshments and drinks available. For more information, call Fergus Prestbye at 253-520-1033.

Auditions

“Shrek The Musical”:  7 p.m. Jan. 6, 8. Green River Community College, Performing Arts Building, main campus, 12401 SE 320th St. Heavier Than Air Family Theatre’s production. Open audition for ages 16 and above. Informal, read-through type group audition. A song from the show will be provided and no advance preparation is necessary. Community actors/actresses with strong singing and dancing skills are encouraged to attend. Rehearsals are every Tuesday and Thursday from 7 to approximately 9:30 p.m. beginning Thursday, Jan. 15, with performances scheduled March 27, 28, 29 and April 3 & 4, 2015. Children’s roles will be cast from Heavier Than Air Musical Theatre Camp participants on an alternate date. For more information, contact Joe Baker at 253-833-9111 or visit www.heavierthanair.com.

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., 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. www.kenthistoricalmuseum.org