Kent-area community calendar | Feb. 24

Events

Community awareness meeting: 7 p.m. Feb 24, Meridian Elementary School, 25621 140th Ave. SE. The Kent Police Department hosts. Focus of the meeting is to bring police leadership and community members together to address local crime concerns and introduce resources that police can provide to help residents make their neighborhoods safer and more secure. Kent Police Chief Ken Thomas, Kent Police Department command staff and other police department personnel will share crime trends, prevention and programming. The Kent Police Honor Guard will make a special presentation. For more information, call 253 856-5883 or go to www.kentwa.gov/police.

Seattle Christian Schools K-12 Open House: 7-9 p.m. Feb. 25, 18301 Military Road S., SeaTac. Discover how Seattle Christian Schools can equip your child academically and spiritually. Meet faculty and administrators, visit classrooms, tour the campus and receive a comprehensive curriculum overview. No RSVP needed. Contact Fran Hubeek, admissions coordinator, at 206-246-8241. Applications are being accepted for the 2016-2017 school year. www.seattlechristian.org

Book Signing: 7-9 p.m. Feb. 26, Where By The Well Bookstore, 17115 SE 270th Place, No. 106, Covington. Local authors Dennis Dyson from Renton and Aletha Voges form Kent will be available to sign copies of their books. Dyson has written two books “Personal Words from God” a study of the entire Bible, and “Where was Eden?”, a book that searches scripture for hints about the location of the Garden of Eden. Voges, author of “My Will, God’s Response/God’s Will, My Response”, shares an account of her husband’s struggle with pancreatic cancer and the lessons she learned as she cared for him. Each author will give a short presentation about their books and will have books available for purchase and/or signing.

39th Annual Green River Glass Show and Sale: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Feb. 27, Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. N., Admission: $3. Proceeds benefit local chapters of the Alzheimer’s Association, Multiple Sclerosis Association of King County and Northwest Kidney Center. Thirty-five vendors will fill 200 sale tables featuring glass, jewelry and collectibles from early to mid-20th century, including depression, elegant and ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s glassware, pottery, china and kitchenware. For more information, call show chair Terry Martin at 206-937-4104 or Kay Larsson at 253-852-5250.

Bond election kickoff rally: 5:30-6:30 p.m. March 2. Kent-Meridian High School, 10020 SE 256th St. Hosted by Citizens for Kent Schools. Voters in the Kent School District will be asked on April 26 to approve a $252 million bond referendum to fund projects throughout the district. Rally includes music, speakers, volunteer opportunities and voter registration. Visit citizensforkentschools.org.

Sixth annual “You Me We”: 6-9 p.m. March 4, ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St., Kent. Festival celebrates the work of many youth, teen and family resources serving Kent while spotlighting the talents of young local performers. Upper level hosts Kent for Health’s Journey to Wellness, a collection of interactive teaching booths featuring hands-on physical fitness and healthy eating activities. Other activities include: interactive booths; hands-on art activities; sports competitions; bounce houses; games, contests, raffles and prizes; and $1 hot dogs and $1 soda. Kent Food Bank welcomes canned food donations. The event is organized by a collaboration of community groups, including the Kent Parks Department, Kent School District, youth groups, sports organizations, churches, local businesses and service clubs. For event details, visit YouMeWeKent.com.

Coffee with the Chief: 9:30 a.m. March 5, The Mei Wa Bakery, Great Wall Shopping Mall, 18230 East Valley Highway, Kent. Kent Police Department invites the public to talk to Chief Ken Thomas and members of the command staff about important events taking place in the community. Members of the Neighborhood Response Team and the Community Education Unit will also be available to answer questions.

5th annual My Wedding My Way: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. March 5, Lindbloom Student Union building, Green River College, 12401 SE 320th St., Auburn. Free event. Vendors, food, entertainment, Trunk Show, new game room to provide entertainment to the “grooms.”  Vendor information and other details, contact Benita Walters at 253-333-6013 or bwalters@greenriver.edu.

Mayor’s Annual State of the City Address: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. March 9, ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St., Kent. Kent Chamber of Commerce hosts Mayor Suzette Cooke’s address. Open to the public. Cost: $30 per person and includes lunch; $20 for chamber members if prepaid; $25 at the door. No charge for attendees who wish to attend but forgo the lunch. Register either at KentChamber.com or by calling 253-854-1770. Address will be taped for later viewing on Comcast Channel 21 and online at KentTV21.com.

29th annual Kent Kids’ Arts Day: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. March 12, Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. N. Festival celebrates National Youth Arts Month and features 14 hands-on art projects led by professional artists. Event is geared for kids ages 4 to 12. Admission: $10 per child and includes all hands-on art projects. Adults and children 2 and under are not charged an entry fee. Concessions. Kids’ Day is presented by the Kent Arts Commission and the Kent Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department with partial funding from 4Culture, Washington State Arts Commission, Kent Lions Club, Fred Meyer and Kent Community Foundation. For more information, call 235-856-5050 or visit kentarts.com.

36th annual Camera Show & Swap: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. April 9, Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. N. Puget Sound Photographic Collectors Society hosts. Approximately 150 tables of all things photographic. All kinds and sizes of cameras, images, accessories and miscellaneous items. Approximately 20 display tables of unusual or vintage items from members collections. Vendors available for $30. See  Puget Sound Photographic Collectors Society for addition information.

Benefits

Sleep Train’s Pajama Drive for Foster Kids: Now through Feb. 28. Donations can be dropped off at any Sleep Train store. All donations go to Sleep Train’s local nonprofit foster organizations for distribution to children in need. You can drop off new pajamas in all sizes – infant to teen – at any Sleep Train store; donate online at www.sleeptrainfosterkids.org, and Sleep Train will shop for donations on your behalf; or host your own drive at work, school or church – additional information at bit.ly/1xCFUu8. For more information on the drive and the Foster Kids program, visit www.sleeptrainfosterkids.org. To find the nearest location, visit the store locator at www.sleeptrain.com or call 1-800-378-BEDS (2337).

Painting with the Stars auction: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 26, Mel Lindbloom Student Union, Green River College, 12401 SE 320th St., Auburn. Cost: $15 or $20 at the door. Benefits Interurban Center for the Arts, which serves local elementary schools by providing training and educational materials to volunteer art docent programs.  The event includes a silent auction and artwork specially designed and created by community stars and artists. For more information, visit greenrivercollegefoundation.org or call 253-833-9111, ext. 2735.

18th Annual RMHC Hockey Challenge: Feb. 27, ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St., Kent. Hockey players from throughout the Puget Sound area gather on the ice for the fundraiser, presented by the Seattle Thunderbirds. Featuring local corporate and recreational teams raising money for the privilege to take part in some friendly on-ice battles prior to the Thunderbirds evening game at 6. The day concludes with an all-star game, featuring ex-NHL players and local celebrities. All proceeds from the event benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Western Washington and Alaska. www.rmhcseattle.org/events/hockey-challenge

Live Your Dream Fashion Show Luncheon: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. April 27, Meridian Valley Country Club, 24830 136th Ave. SE, Kent. Presented by Soroptimist International of Kent-Covington. Bring your friends and colleagues to a special lunch on National Professional Administrative Assistants’ Day. Ladies fashions are presented by Chico’s. Vote for your favorite Seahawks fan. $10 per ticket is tax deductible, and all proceeds go to support Live Your Dream Awards and other community service projects. Cost $35. For more information, contact Jo Ladd Clark at 253-854-1895 or sikentcovington@soroptimist.net

Health

Kent4Health ShoWalk: 9-11 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays through May, ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St. Free indoor walking. Open to all ages and modalities; two levels for walking and stairs; 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 visit www.bloodworksnw.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: Starting in January, 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.

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

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.  Contact President Jo Ladd Clark at 253-854-1895.

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): 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.

Free income tax preparation: Jan. 13-April 21, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Highline College Outreach Center, 23835 Pacific Highway S., Kent, Wash.), building 99, room 251. Community members can get their taxes done for free, thanks to a partnership between United Way of King County and Highline College. Households that make less than $62,000 are eligible, as long as tax returns do not involve business taxes, rental income, or sale of property or stocks. Participants will need to bring the following: • Social Security cards/individual tax identification numbers (ITINs) and birthdates for everyone named on the return; • photo ID; • all tax statements, such as W-2 forms, 1099 forms and SSA-1099 forms. Bringing bank account numbers, routing numbers and a copy of last year’s tax return is also highly recommended. For a participant jointly filing with a spouse, both must be present to e-file. No appointment is necessary. Those who arrive first will be served first. Services are provided by IRS-certified volunteers. For questions or more information, visit uwkc.org/taxhelp or call 800-621-4636.

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. and 12:30 p.m. (Spanish only) Feb. 26, March 4, 11, 18 and 25. 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.

Infant and Young Toddler Story Times: 10:30 a.m. March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31. Ages newborn to 2 1/2 with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

Family Pajama Story Times: 6:30 p.m. March 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Stories, songs and fun. Wear your pajamas.

Preschool Story Times: 11 a.m. March 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30. Ages 3 to 5 with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

Kid’s Movie of the Month: 3:30 p.m. Feb. 26, March 25. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Enjoy a family friendly film with a light snack.

Fun With Bricks!: 10:30 a.m. March 19. 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.

Toddler Monday Funday Music & Movement: 10:30 am. March 14. Ages 2 to 3 with caregiver. Enjoy movement, music, and books with your toddler, and then stay for a brief playtime afterward.

Steel Drum Party: 3 p.m. March 26. Presented by Ian Dobson. Ages 5 and older with adult. Join in and dance along to the sounds of a Caribbean beach party with this steel drum performance while learning about the many cultures that contribute to Caribbean music.

Monday Maker Mayhem: 3:30 p.m. March 28. Ages 5 to 14, ages 8 and younger with adult. Drop in to build with bricks, sample simple science experiments, play games, read, and more.

TEENS

Study Zone: 1:30 p.m. Sundays; 3:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, when school is in session. Students K-12. Drop in for homework assistance from trained volunteer tutors. Study Zone will be on holiday break starting Dec. 15.

Game On!: 3:30 p.m. March 1, 15 and 29. Middle and high school ages. Play video games at the library.

Kick-Up: 7 p.m. March 16. Ages 16 to 25 are welcome to grab a slice of free pizza and be connected with local agencies who want to help you.

Teen Movie: 3:30 p.m. March 22. Middle and high school ages. Enjoy a fun movie showing and a free snack.

Teen Writers’ Club: 3:30 p.m. March 8. Middle and high school ages. Like to write stuff? Wish you did? Join us for fun exercises and inspiration.

South Indian Classical Dance Performance: 2 p.m. March 5. Presented by From Within Nucleus. Middle and high school ages. Enjoy a beautiful Bharathanatyam classical dance from India that uses music, movement and hand gestures to tell stories based on mythology. Attendees will also learn about the costuming and jewelry.

ADULTS

Drop-In to Learn about eBooks: 10 a.m. Feb. 27, March 26. Get started with KCLS eBooks! Bring your eReader, tablet, phone or just your questions.

English as a Second Language Classes: 6 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays. No class on Feb. 15. Learn English grammar, reading, writing, and conversation skills. ESL Registration and Testing at 5 p.m. March 17. In-person registration required.

Talk Time Class: 5-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Practice speaking English with other English language learners.

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. 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.

AARP Tax Help:  10 a.m. March 5, 12, 19 and 26; 4 p.m. March 7, 14, 21 and 28. Free individualized tax preparation assistance provided by trained AARP volunteers. No age or income limits. Please bring picture I.D., documented proof of Social Security Number, and last year’s return as well as any current tax documents. Appointments are required, in person or by calling 253-859-3330.

After Lunch Book Bunch: 1 p.m. March 9. Contact the library for book title.

Citizenship Application Help: 1 p.m. March 10. Provided by the staff of ReWA (Refugee Women’s Alliance). One-on-one assistance with the Application for Naturalization and other citizenship-related issues. Please call for an appointment at the library or ReWA’s Kent office location, Padam Sharma, 253-859-6197.

Mobile Office Hours for Congressman Adam Smith: 10 a.m. March 15. Congressman Adam Smith’s Office will be hosting mobile office hours to make their services more convenient and accessible to you. Congressman Smith’s staff members are able to assist constituents with Federal Agency issues such as Social Security, Internal Revenue Service, State Department and, provide housing and financial support resources and help with federal agency questions.

Resume & Cover Letters: 1-3 p.m. Feb. 25. Learn how to write the resume and cover letter that employers are looking for in this hands-on workshop. Please register.

88th Academy Awards Preview Party: 3 p.m. Feb. 27. We all love a good party, especially for the Oscars! In anticipation of the Academy Awards Ceremony to be held on Feb. 28, film historian Lance Rhoades will share highlights and controversies from previous ceremonies, discuss the current nominees, and even offer his own Oscars predictions! Come dressed in your own “red carpet” outfit if you choose – and if you prefer to dress down, that’s great too.

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. • Microsoft Word Level 1, 7 p.m. Feb. 25; • Email Level 1, 7 p.m. March 3; • Microsoft Excel Level I, 7 p.m. March 10; • Computer Basics, 7 p.m. March 17; • Microsoft Word Level 1, 7 p.m. March 24; • Internet Level I, 7 p.m. March 31; • One-on-One Computer Help, 5 p.m. Thursdays.

Job Seekers Wanted: Interviewing Techniques: 1 p.m. March 3. How do you handle difficult questions? Do you have gaps in your work history or simply need some expert feedback? Please join Employment Specialist Jody Azevedo of Neighborhood House to learn the interview types and the techniques you need to have a successful interview. Registration required.

Sign up for ORCA Lift: 10 a.m.-noon March 18; 5-8 p.m. March 21. ORCA Lift is a new, reduced fare. Income-qualified riders, 19 and older, can save 50 percent or more on: Metro buses, Sound Transit Link light rail and more. Drop in to register with Multi-Service Center’s Intake Specialist. To see if you qualify, check orcalift.com or call MSC at 253-838-6810. Please bring ID & income verification documents.

EVERYONE’S TALKING ABOUT IT

Introduction to Drones/Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: 7 p.m. March 10. Explore career opportunities, growth potential and impact of this exciting new technology. Join George Comollo, Aviation Instructor & Technology Division Chair at Green River Community College to discuss the safety and regulatory issues when operating drones, how drones are being used commercially, and which industries are likely to benefit from drones.

The Sasquatch Seeker’s Field Manual: 2 p.m. March 12. Make a trek to the library as bestselling writer and naturalist David George Gordon delves into the remarkable history of Sasquatch-one of the most iconic creatures of the Pacific Northwest, whether mythic or real. Gordon’s new field guide introduces readers to the Sasquatch – popularly known as Bigfoot – in nature, in myth, and in modern culture. Books will be available for purchase and signing.

Ukalaliens Workshop, Uke Fun for Absolute Beginners: 2 p.m. March 20. Ukuleles have never been more popular. Come to the library and discover how easy it is to play the ukulele within minutes! Popular musicians Kate Power and Steve Einhorn will teach you how to tune, play chords, strum, pick and accompany yourself on songs. Registration required to reserve a limited number of loaner ukuleles. Walk-ins are welcome if you bring your own ukulele.

Entertainment

SHOWARE CENTER

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

Peppa Pig Live, Peppa Pig’s Big Splash!: 6 p.m. March 3. Peppa Pig, star of the top-rated TV series airing daily on Nick Jr., is hitting the road for her first-ever U.S. theatrical tour. A fully immersive musical production featuring a dozen familiar and original songs, as well as an interactive sing-a-long, the live stage show will have fans laughing, singing, dancing and of course jumping in muddy puddles too – just like Peppa. Tickets: $34-$129.

SPOTLIGHT SERIES

Kent Arts Commission’s 2015-2016 Spotlight Series. Tickets may be purchased 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.

“A Fiddler’s Feast” : 7 p.m. Feb. 26, Kent-Meridian PAC. Bringing two acclaimed duos together to share the stage. Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas, along with Jay Ungar and Molly Mason deliver everything from Scottish dance music to a wide range of American roots genres, and tunes ranging from poignant to sizzling. Tickets: $28 general, $25 senior and $15 youth

Al Stewart: 7:30 p.m. March 18, Kentwood PAC, 25800 164th Ave SE. Covington. By the time he was 22, Al Stewart had met the Beatles and played John Lennon’s guitar, opened for The Rolling Stones, shared an apartment with Simon & Garfunkel, recorded for Jimmy Page, and spent a year playing guitar for Yoko Ono. Stewart came to stardom as part of the folk revival of the late ‘60s and ‘70s. He is best known for his No. 1 hit “Year of the Cat” from the platinum album of the same name, and his follow up album “Time Passages”, which also went platinum. Tickets: $28 general, $25 senior, $15 youth

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/

“The Adventures of Tom Sawyer”: 7 p.m. March 25, 26; April 1, 2; 3 p.m. April 2. Green River College, main campus, Performing Arts Building, 12401 SE 320th St., Auburn. Heavier Than Air Family Theatre Co. presents classic Mark Twain story, which recounts the mischief of a young boy growing up in the heartland of America. His greatest exploits come to life in this foot-stomping, toe-tapping tale of narrow escapes, comedy and inspiration. Tickets: $10 advance purchase, $12 at the door. For more information, call 253-833-9111 or visit www.heavierthanair.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.

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