Kent-area community calendar | Feb. 19

Events

Seattle Home Show: Feb. 15-23, CenturyLink Field Event Center. 800 Occidental Ave S, Seattle. Show hours: noon-8 p.m. weekdays; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $12.00 adults, $8.00 seniors (60 and older), $3.00 juniors (7-15), under 7 free. E-tickets available at www.SeattleHomeShow.com and include $1 show parking. E-tickets are sponsored by BECU and Aqua Quip.

37th Green River Depression Glass Show and Sale: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 22, Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Avenue N. Thirty-five vendors will fill 200 sale tables featuring glass, jewelry and collectibles from early to mid-20th century, including depression, elegant and 1950s, 60s and 70s glassware, pottery, china, and kitchenware. The Green River Depression Glass Club will display a beautiful collection of vintage perfume bottles. Special guests will be Randy and Debbie Coe, authors of many books on American Glassware. Randy will provide free glassware identification (limit two items) for show attendees. Admission is $3, with the door proceeds benefiting local chapters of American Diabetes Association, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and American Lung Association.

75th Annual Seattle Kennel Club Dog Show: March 7-9, CenturyLink Field Event Center, 800 Occidental Ave. S., Seattle. Approximately 2,000 dogs expected to vie for Best in Show. Educational booths, demonstration events, Meet the Breed introductions, agility and obedience competitions each day. Show hours: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. each day. Admission: adults $14, children under 4 free, children 4-14 $7 and seniors over 62 $12. Only dogs entered in the show events will be admitted on the premises. For more information, visit www.seattlekennelclub.org/

My Wedding My Way Wedding Show: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. March 8, Green River Community College, 12401 SE 320th, Auburn. For brides and grooms-to-be looking to do it themselves, or who want their special day to be offbeat, funky, eco-chic or traditional with a twist. Hands-on workshops, vendors, live band performances and fashion shows. More than 40 retailers scheduled to attend. Information: Patty Sherman, psherman@greenriver.edu, 253-333-6012, or www.greenriver.edu.

Benefits

Bright Lights of Broadway: 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Feb. 14, Carco Theatre, 1717 Maple Valley Highway, Renton. Benefit for the Tahoma High School 2014 Grad Night. Tickets: www.BrightLightsOfBroadway.org or 206-619-6527.

Community Garage Sale: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. March 15, Lake Fenwick Estates, 24849 46th Ave. S., Kent. Public invited. Enjoy shopping, eating and taking a tour of the apartment community. 253-859-9090, www.lakefenwickapts.com.

Rainier Christian School’s annual live auction and dinner: 6 p.m. April 5, Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave N., Kent. Celebrating “50 Years of Investing in the RCS Story.” Silent and live auctions, dinner by Longhorn catering. Proceeds support Christian education in South King County. Purchase your tickets online at RainierCSD.org.

Health

Kent4Health presents ShoWalk: 9-11 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, 625 W. James St. Free indoor walking. Register at the door or call 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 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 19, CenterPoint Corporate Park, 20809 72dn Ave. S, Kent; 1-7 p.m. March 4, Kent United Methodist, 11010 SE 248th, Kent. 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

Car seat safety classes: Noon-2 p.m. Feb. 22, Fire Training Center, 24523 116 Ave. SE, Kent; 5-7 p.m. March 24, Fire Station 46, 3521 S. 170 St., SeaTac. The Kent Fire Department Regional Fire Authority offers free classes to the public. The department instructors are certified, experienced car seat technicians. Space limited; registration recommended. To register, please call 253-856-4415.

God and Gays: 7 p.m. Feb. 24, Lifetree Café, Community Room, First Christian Church, 11717 240th St. SE, Kent. The program, God and Gays: An Hour of Civil Conversation, features the filmed stories of Jeff Chu, author of “Does Jesus Really Love Me? A Gay Christian’s Pilgrimage in Search of God in America”, and Christopher Yuan, author of “Out of a Far Country.” Yuan, now HIV positive and a professor at Moody Bible Institute, shares his story of finding a Christian faith and wrestling with his sexuality as a gay man. Program is free. Snacks and beverages available. For questions about Lifetree may be directed to Bob Brooks at 206-653-6532 or pastorbob@kentdisciples.org. More information is available at Lifetreecafe.com.

American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Kent: 6:30-8 p.m., March 27, April 24, May 22, Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St. Team meetings. Open to anyone who has been on a relay team or would like to know more about the relay. Relay For Life enables a community to come together to celebrate those who have survived cancer, support those who are fighting it, and remember those who have been lost. This year’s Relay For Life of Kent is May 30-31 at Kent-Meridian High School’s French Field. To become a community sponsor, contact Lance Goodwin at lgoodwin@RFLKent.org or 253-740-2363. Visit www.RFLKent.org for additional information and team registration. Follow the relay at www.Facebook.com/RFLKent.

Kent Black Action Commission Action Up Meeting: 3-6 p.m., every fourth Saturday from September through June. November and December meetings are on the third Saturday, Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. N. Welcome all who live, work, or attend school in Kent or the South King County region to join us. For more information, call 253-852-0614 or visit www.kentblackactioncommission.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.

Leadership seminars, workshops: Noon-2 p.m. Saturdays, Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Room 1, 310 3rd Ave. S., Kent. Parents encouraged to attend and participate with their children. Topics to be discussed: leadership; advocacy within the school system; college readiness; job readiness, preparation skills; community service; public speaking and presentation skills; accounting class; robotics; mathematics, reading and writing. Free. If you have any questions, please call the parish office at 253-859-0444, ext. 14, or Antonio M. Morales at 915-252-7874. Fore more information, email moralesantoniom@gmail.com.

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.

Valley Mothers of Multiples Club: First Christian Church of Kent, 11717 SE 240th St. Free. Inviting new and established parents/guardians of multiple order children to attend monthly meeting for support, resources and social activities. Club has monthly speakers and group sharing sessions. 425-445-7845. www.valleymomc.org

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. Feb. 21, 28. Kaleidoscope Play & Learn is an organized play group for newborns to age 5 and their parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, nannies, brothers and sisters, and other people who take care of them. Have fun learning together while we play, sing songs and create art.

Spanish Story Time: Noon, Feb. 22, March 3. Family program. Ages 2 and older. Please join Miss Xiomara for an interactive Story Time in Spanish that includes Early Literacy fun with books, songs and finger plays. Speakers of all languages welcome.

Kids Movie of the Month: 3:30 p.m. Feb. 28. Family program, all ages welcome.

Infant & Young Toddler Story Time:  10:15 a.m. Feb. 20, 27, March 6. All ages welcome, ages 5 and younger with adult.Stories, catchy tunes, puppets, finger plays and fun.

Family Story Time: 11 a.m. Feb. 20, 27, March 6; 7 p.m. Feb. 18, 25, March 4. Family program, all ages welcome with adult.

Preschool Story Time: 11 a.m. Feb. 19, 26, March 5. Ages 3 to 5 with adult.Come for an alphabet adventure that will feature stories, finger plays, songs and a simple craft activity for your preschooler.

Ponte el Ritmo (Put Your Rhythm On): 2 p.m. Feb. 19. Presented by Elsita Savani and Jeff “Bongo” Busch. Ages 5 and older with adult. A hands-on, call-and-response rhythm and song workshop highlighting instruments from Cuba and Brazil. Be ready to clap and dance along with the beat.

Lego Fun: 2 p.m. Feb. 21. Ages 5 to 12 with adult. Bring your friends and play with Legos at the library! Create your own design or get ideas from library books that will be on display at the program.

TEENS

Teen Zone: Movie Time: 3:30 p.m. Feb. 25. Ask at the library for movie title.

ADULTS

Computer Class: Registration required beginning two weeks before the class, 253-859-3330.

English as a Second Language (ESL): 6 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. A formal class to learn English grammar, reading, writing and conversation skills.

Talk Time: 5 p.m. Tuesdays. Improve your speaking and listening skills in this English conversation group.

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.

AARP Tax-Aide: Feb. 22, March 1, during library open hours; 4:45-9 p.m. March 3. Basic income tax assistance from trained volunteer tax counselors. Registration required.

Drop-In to Learn about eBooks: 10 a.m. Feb. 22; 7 p.m. Jan. 30, Feb. 20, 27. Library staff are here to get you started with KCLS eBooks. Bring your eReader, tablet, phone or just your questions.

The World of Miro: 2 p.m. Feb. 16. Presented by Art Historian, Susan Olds. In February the Seattle Art Museum presents a major exhibit of paintings by the surrealist artist Joan Miró. A preview of the exhibit, get an introduction to the artist’s early life, artistic influences, association with the surrealists, experiments in abstraction and cubism, automatic drawing, creation of his unique constellation series and development of his later body of work.

A Symphony of Spring Ephemerals: 1 p.m. Feb. 23. Presented by Susie Egan. Learn about the earliest wildflowers to unfurl during the warmth and light of early spring. This is a delightful presentation with many beautiful photos of these wonderful spring ephemerals.

SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives): Free counseling for small businesses. Please call 206-553-7320 for appointments.

Start to Fitness: If you’re resolved to begin the New Year with a more active, healthy lifestyle, it’s easy to get started at your library. Throughout 2014, find ideas, inspiration and tips on simple ways to add more movement and healthy options to your life through the new adult series, Start to Fitness. www.kcls.org/fitness

Seniors

Social Security Administration program: 4-5 p.m. March 6, Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St. SSA demonstrates a new program introducing My Social Security, a personal online account that is a valuable source of information beginning during one’s working years and continuing when Social Security benefits are received. Previously it was announced an SSA educational briefing as part of the “Elvis at The Place” event, which begins at 5 pm. Due to increased interest, organizers have expanded this to include workshops for the public from 4 to 5 p.m. There is no charge to attend SSA training sessions; however, space is limited and advanced reservations are required. Please call 253-856-5164 for more information or reservations.

Entertainment

SHOWARE CENTER

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

Stayin’ Alive – Bee Gees Tribute: 8 p.m. March 7. Offering fans the full sights and sounds of the Bee Gees playlist and singing their blockbuster hits. Concert to benefit Music Aid Northwest: Ticket prices: $30-$60.

SPOTLIGHT SERIES

Tickets for the Kent Arts Commission’s 2013-2014 Spotlight Series are on sale now.  Tickets may be purchased online at www.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. Box office is closed on Sunday.

“Churchill” starring Edmund Shaff: 7 p.m. Feb. 21, Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St. Powerful one-man play paints a fascinating portrait of one of history’s most powerful men. It is April of 1955 and Sir Winston Churchill agonizes in his wartime bunker below London whether to resign as prime minister. He reviews his eventful career, filled with history-changing events and people, glorious speeches, pithy comments, funny stories, and all the wit and wisdom that has made Churchill an imperishable legend. Shaff has acted in numerous plays, on and off Broadway. He has appeared in more than a dozen feature films, at least 50 TV shows, and more than 150 commercials. He recently made guest appearances on “Desperate Housewives” and “Mad Men.” Sponsored by Bob Lynch and Dianne Brace, co-sponsored by Judy Woods. Tickets: $10 general, $10 senior, $10 youth. For tickets and information: KentArts.com

“Stuart Little” by Dallas Children’s Theater: 11 a.m. March 8, Kent-Meridian PAC, 10020 SE 256th St.,  Kent. Great for ages 5 and up. Based on the Award Winning Book by E.B. White, Stuart Little tells the story of a most unusual mouse and his ordinary New York family. Stuart’s life is a series of adventures and misadventures with a variety of colorful characters. All the charm, wisdom, and joy of the classic novel are brought to life as Stuart learns to survive in his super-sized world and discovers the true meaning of family, loyalty, and friendship. Sponsored by Pete and Pat Curran through Kent Parks Foundation. Tickets: $10 general, $10 senior, $10 youth

Alpin Hong: 7:30 p.m. March 21, Kent-Meridian PAC. Back by popular demand, Alpin Hong returns to Kent after an overwhelmingly successful 2013 residency and concert. Alpin’s combination of humor, emotion and dazzling technique brings audiences of all ages to their feet. This year Alpin will build on his relationship with Kent School District students and incorporate them into his final performance. Sponsored by Pete and Pat Curran, and the Kent Parks Foundation. Tickets: $25 general, $22 senior, $15 youth.

Harlem Gospel Choir: 7:30 p.m. April 5, Kentwood PAC. From the heart of Harlem in New York City, the Harlem Gospel Choir travels the world and is loved for its joyous, foot-stomping, hand-clapping blues, jazz, and gospel spirituals. They have performed for Nelson Mandela and Pope John Paul II, and have shared the stage with such legendary artists as Bono, Sinead O’Connor, Lyle Lovett, Diana Ross and many others. Sponsored by Pete and Pat Curran through Kent Parks Foundation. Tickets: $28 general, $25 senior, $15 youth.

ELSEWHERE

Threads of the Past dessert show: 7 p.m. Feb. 28, First Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 19800 108th Ave. SE, Kent. Evening of entertainment, desserts and raffle baskets raises money for the Kent and Covington community-based Rainier Youth Choirs, a nonprofit, choral music education and performance program. Voices 4, an adult vocal jazz quartet that carries on the tradition and repertoire of great swing vocal groups, will perform some jazz favorites. Tickets $25, with proceeds supporting the RYC program. Seating is limited. Purchase at ainieryouthchoirs.org. If you would like to support Rainier Youth Choirs with a donation, contact RYC at 253-347-0180 or ryc@rainierchoralarts.org.

Nat King Cole Remembered: 7 p.m. March 1, Kent-Meridian Performing Arts Center, 10020 SE 256th St. Darrell Cole’s tribute to the legendary singer and artist. Opening for Darrell Cole is Dee Smith with music of the 1950s and 1960s crooners like Bing Crosby, Dean Martin and Perry Como. The tribute also plays at 2 p.m. March 2 at the Carco Theatre, 1717 SE Maple Valley Highway, Renton. Tickets $10-$25. Order at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/555974

Sixth annual Highline Classic Jazz Festival: 2:30-10:30 p.m. March 8, Sound Event Center, 23660 Marine View Drive, Des Moines. A lineup of 14 bands playing on three separate stages. Musicians perform several styles of jazz. The experience includes concerts, dancing, food, drink and an opportunity to mingle with the musicians. Proceeds support the nonprofit Burien Arts Association. EJ’s Catering serving dinner, at $16. Two no-host wine bars and a coffee bar. Tickets $40 for adults, $35 for seniors (65 and over) and free for youth 18 and under. Sold at Burien Arts Gallery, 826 SW 152nd St. Tickets are also available at Brown Paper Tickets, www.brownpapertickets.com/event/553955. For more information visit www.highlineclassicjazz.com.

Live music: Reds Wine Bar @ Craft Beers, 321 Ramsay Way No. 110 Kent Station, across from the parking lot. Tuesday jazz jam (6-9 p.m.); Thursday bluegrass jam (6-10 p.m.); Saturday rotating local musicians (8-11 p.m.); Sunday open mic (4-7 p.m.). 253-277-1852, www.redswinebar-kent.com.

PROGRAMS

Honk!: 7 p.m. March 21, 22, 28, 29; 3 p.m. March 22, 29, Green River Community College, Performing Arts Building, 12401 SE 320th St., Auburn. Heavier Than Air Family Theatre production. A poultry tale in a musical based on Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Ugly Duckling”. Honk!’s charm, humor and message of tolerance is perfect for a family audience. Tickets: $10 advance, $12 at the door. www.heavierthanair.com

Galleries, studios

Centennial Center Gallery:  400 W. Gowe St., Kent. Exhibit (Jan. 10-28) Ricardo Campagnoli, oil and acrylic painting. 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: 25524 74th 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