Kent-area community calendar | Feb. 28

Events

Seattle Christian Schools K-12 Open House: 7-9 p.m. Feb. 26, 18301 Military Road South, SeaTac. Discover how Seattle Christian Schools can equip your child academically and spiritually. Meet with faculty and administrators, visit classrooms, tour the campus, plus receive a comprehensive curriculum overview. No RSVP needed. Free. For more information, contact Fran Hubeek, admissions coordinator, at 206-246-8241. Applications are being accepted for the 2015-16 school year. www.seattlechristian.org.

17th annual Seattle Golf & Travel Show: Feb. 27-March 1, CenturyLink Field Event Center, 800 Occidental Ave. S., Seattle. Show hours: noon to 6 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. More than 200 exhibitors, travel destinations, manufacturer’s representatives and demonstrators. Hands-on opportunities to check out the latest golf equipment and meet face-to-face with representatives of top area courses and golf travel destinations. Contests for prizes, free golf, instruction and information, and discounts on golf packages at top golf destinations. Admission: $14 adults; ages 17 and under admitted free. Tickets available at ww.seattlegolfshow.com, or at the door. Discounted adult admission tickets are available for advance purchase at Puetz Golf Superstore retail locations.

38th Annual Green River Glass Show & Sale: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 28, Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. N., Kent. Presented by the Green River Depression Era Glass Club. Thirty-five vendors with 200 tables of glass, china, pottery, jewelry and miscellaneous collectibles from early to mid-20th century for sale. Special guests Randy and Debbie Coe, authors of books on American glassware, doing free glass identification (limit two items per person). Glass repair available on site. Door prizes. Special glass displays. Free parking. Admission $3, with proceeds to benefit local chapters of American Cancer Society, Lupus Foundation, and Novas Mental Health Solutions.

Rosarian visit: 1-4 p.m. March 1, Kent Library, 212 Second Ave. N. Jolene Adams, president of the American Rose Society, makes presentations. Adams is a well-known horticultural judge and rosarian throughout the world. Her topics include a presentation on old garden roses and one on rose botany and nutrition. The Rainy Rose Society and Heritage Roses Northwest co-host the event. Light refreshments will be served.

Puget Sound Cyber Security Workshop: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. March 4, Emerald Downs, 2300 Emerald Downs Drive. Regional discussion of cyber threats and common challenges with managing complex data and access. Emergency managers and affiliated IT support staff, business continuity professionals, control systems technicians and other private and public sector cyber security stakeholders urged to attend. Free. For more information, contact Megan Levy at 206-443-7723 or megan.levy@pnwer.org, or visit bit.ly/2015cyber

Fourth annual My Wedding My Way: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., March 7, Green River College, Lindbloom Student Center, 12401 SE 320th St. Auburn. Hosted by Green River College Events Center,. More than 50 vendors specializing in wedding services. Entertainment will include DJs, drawings, a man cave, food samples, wine and hard cider tasting. Free admission. Free parking. For more information, call 253-333-6010 or email schdoffice@greenriver.edu

Kent Kids’ Arts Day: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. March 7, Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. S. More than 15 different hands-on art projects lead by professional artists. Performances by local school groups, food and a full day of creativity. Admission: $10. For more information, visit www.kentarts.com

Puget Sound Boat Show: March 12-15, Tacoma Dome, 2727 E D St. Show hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Northwest boat dealers showcase the latest boat lines and models. Area experts share tips in seminars. Admission: $12 for general admission, free to children 16 and under. Get $2 off discount coupons online at www.otshows.com. For more information, call 253-756-2121 or visit www.otshows.com.

Quota International’s Annual Western Days: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. March 14, Reber Ranch, 28606 132nd Ave SE, Kent. Western-theme event for children with special needs, and their families. Activities include pony rides, a roping contest, face painting, tractor rides, an animal petting zoo, arts and crafts. A hot dog lunch is included with this free event. www.quotakentvalley.com

Benefits

Free The Girls Bra Drive: Through Feb. 28. Donations support Free The Girls, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending human trafficking in developing countries. Please bring new or gently used bras and/or camisoles to Red’s Wine Bar at Kent Station, 321 Ramsey Way, Suite 110, or at: • Blanc N Schwartz Salon, 207 E. Meeker St.; Kent School District Student Services, 12033 SE 256th St., east entrance; • New Visions Hair Design, 25018 104th Ave. SE; • Salon Works, 21422 84th Ave. S. Bring a buck and a bra to the Soroptimists’ wine-tasting and bra-gathering party at Red’s Wine Bar from 5:30-9 p.m. Feb. 23. Raffle tickets for the no-host wine-tasting event are $1. Snacks provided. For more information or to put a collection box in your work place, contact sikent@soroptimist.net or call Jo Ladd Clark at 253-854-1895 or Wanda Koehmstedt at 253-639-3202.

Painting with the Stars: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 26, Lindbloom Student Center, Green River College, 12401 SE 320th St, Auburn. Green River College Foundation hosts. Benefit the Interurban Center for the Arts. Silent auction features artwork designed and created by local community stars and artists. Items donated by local businesses. Guests will be treated to wine and hors d’oeuvres, demonstrations by local artists, and featured savant artist, Michael Tolleson. Interactive art displays, student art, and an opportunity to raise the paintbrush. Proceeds support local elementary schools by providing training and educational materials to volunteer art docent programs. Tickets are $15 advance, $20 at the door. For more information, visit www.InterurbanCenterForTheArts.org or call 253-288-3330.

Hart’s Gymnastics Benefit & Parent’s Night Out: 5:30-9:30 p.m. Feb. 28, 26415 79th Ave. S., Kent. All proceeds go to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Your child can enjoy two hours of supervised gym time followed by a movie and popcorn while lounging on gym mats. Feel free to bring a cozy blanket or your favorite stuffed animal for the movie. Reserve your spot. Cost: $25 for one child; $40 for two children, $50 per family. For more information, contact Debbie Hart or the office staff at 253-520-1973 or nwhartfam@comcast.net.

Pawsitive Futures 2015: 5:30 to 9 p.m. March 14, Swedish Club, 1920 Dexter Ave. N., Seattle. Benefit and 10th birthday celebration for Pawsitive Alliance, a volunteer driven organization working to help end the euthanasia of adoptable dogs and cats in Washington by increasing shelter adoptions, supporting spay and neuter programs, and improving pet retention. Dinner buffet, raffles, auctions and other fun activities, including a dessert dash and booze grab. Tickets: $60. Funds raised support the alliance’s mission. Visit www.pawsitivealliance.org to learn more about the event and to purchase tickets.

Clothing & Textile Drive: 5-7 p.m. March 16, 19640 SE 272nd St., Covington. Donate to the Rainier Youth Choirs. Accepted items: all clothes; shoes (paired); towels; sheets; blankets; backpacks/duffle bags; quilts; curtains/drapes; purses; belts (synthetic, leather); table clothes; place mats; stuffed animals. Drive cnnot take glass, breakables, electronics, pet beds, bed pillows, carpeting, uniforms, or hotel linens or items previously for sale at a thrift store. All items must be kept dry, please place in tightly tied plastic bag. For more information, email info@rainieryouthchoirs.org

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.

Puget Sound Blood Center drives:  1-4 p.m. March 5, Columbia Distributing, Inc., 20301 59th Place S; 9-11:30 a.m. March 5, DSHS, 1313 W. Meeker; 8:30-10:30 a.m., 11:15 a.m.-2:30 p.m. March 6 (make an appointment), Boeing Kent Space Center, Cafeteria 18-25, 212th and West Valley Highway. 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.

Medicare and colorectal cancer prevention seminar: 2-4:30 p.m. March 12, Mercy Housing’s Appian Way Apartments, 25818 26th Place S., Kent. Mercy Housing Northwest, Korean Women’s Association, and Cornerstone Medical Services, in partnership with the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner’s Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) program and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, provide the seminar in English and Spanish. Learn how to enroll in Medicare and whether you qualify for extra financial assistance. You can also get valuable information on preventing and getting screened for colorectal cancer.  Complimentary early dinner will be served. Open to the public, especially seniors, those with disabilities, and caregivers. RSVP to Mattye Berre-Evans at 253-627-1516 or mberryevans@mercyhousing.org. If you can’t attend the events but have questions about Medicare or possible fraud, call the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner’s Insurance Consumer Hotline at 1-800-562-6900 and ask to speak with a SHIBA representative in your local area or visit www.insurance.wa.gov/shiba. If you would like to receive colorectal cancer screening at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, please call 855-557-0555 or visit www.seattlecca.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

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, The Golden Steer @ Benson Center, 23826 – 104th Ave. 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

The Effect of Technology on Society: 10 a.m.-noon, March 4, Green River 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 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.

“To Light a Candle”: 3-5 p.m. Feb. 28, Green River College, science building, room 101, 2401 SE 320th St., Auburn. A screening of the film by Maziar Bahari. Iranian-Canadian journalist, filmmaker and human rights activist and subject of the Jon Stewart film, “Rosewater”. The film raises awareness for a group of students in Iran who are being denied access to education secondary to their religious beliefs. For more information, contact ednacme@gmail.com

Kohl’s Bike Helmet Fitting and Giveaway with Seattle Children’s Hospital: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. March 28, Renton Community Center, 1715 SE Maple Valley Highway, Renton. Offering free bike helmet fittings and giveaways. www.makesurethehelmetfits.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.

Highline College Health Care Job Fair: 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. March 4, Highline College, Building 8, 2400 S. 240th St., Des Moines. Health care employers recruiting part-time, full-time, on–call and temporary positions. Participating employers include: Advanced Health Care; Always Best Care – Eastside; Comfort Keepers; COPE Health Solutions/Swedish Medical Center; Creative Living Solutions; Digestive Health Specialists; Federal Bureau of Prisons; Franciscan Health System; Harborview Medical Center; Home Care Referral Registry; and Home Instead Senior Care.Free and open to the public; no advance registration necessary. Attendees should be prepared to speak with recruiters, dress professionally and have extra copies of their resume available. Parking is free but limited. For more information, contact Diana Baker at 206-592-4026 or dibaker@highline.edu.

Free income tax preparation: Through April 18, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 4-8 p.m. and Saturdays, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Highline Outreach Center, 23835 Pacific Highway S., Kent), Building 99, room 251. Highline, United Way of King County host free tax preparation services to the public. Households that make less than $60,000, with tax returns that do not involve business taxes, rental income, or sale of property or stocks, are eligible for this free service. Participants will need to bring their Social Security card/ITIN letters for everyone on the return, photo ID, and all tax statements, such as W-2 forms, 1099 forms or SSA-1099 forms. Bringing bank account numbers, routing numbers and a copy of last year’s tax return is also highly recommended. Those participants filing returns with spouses must both be present to e-file. No appointments are necessary. 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. Feb. 27. 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.

Spanish Story Times: Noon, Feb. 28. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

Family Story Times: 1 p.m. Feb. 28. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

Kids Movie of the Month: 3:30 p.m. Feb, 27. Family program, all ages welcome. Enjoy a family friendly film with a light snack.

TEENS

Study Zone: 1:30 p.m. Sundays; 3:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. No Study Zone on Feb. 13-22. Grades K-12. Drop in for homework assistance from trained volunteer tutors.

Robot Garage: 2:30 p.m. Feb. 28. Presented The Museum of Flight. Middle and high school ages. Work with a team to build a robot and take part in a robot task challenge. Registration required online or call 253-859-3330.

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 Feb. 16. Learn English grammar, reading, writing, and conversation skills with an experienced instructor. Classes are free.Registration required..

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

AARP Tax Help: 4:30 p.m. Feb. 28, during library open hours. 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.Please register.

Drop-In to Learn about eBooks: 10 a.m. Feb. 28. Get started with KCLS eBooks. Bring your eReader, tablet, phone or just your questions.

Mind Matters: While your brain is not a muscle, it does need care, feeding and exercise to keep it in top shape. The 2015 King County Library System adult series, Mind Matters, offers free programs, classes, tips and reading suggestions to stay sharp. www.kcls.org/mindmatters

Entertainment

SHOWARE CENTER

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

Legends of Hip Hop ft. Salt-N-Pepa: 8 p.m. March 14. Featuring Salt-N-Pepa, Kwame, Kool Moe Dee, Monie Love and Chubb Rock. Tickets: $37-$127.

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.

“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

Classical concerts: 3 p.m. March 15, Kent Lutheran Church, Fellowship Hall, 336 Second Ave. S., downtown Kent. First of three Spring Chancel Arts classical concerts with the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra.  Tickets: $12.50 at the door or in advance from www.brownpapertickets.com.

Jazz: 8-10 p.m. 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. Featuring the music of such legendary artists as Count Basie and John Coltrane. 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.

Norwegian Male Chorus: 3 p.m. April 12, Kent Lutheran Church, Fellowship Hall, 336 Second Ave. S., downtown Kent. Performance is open to the community. Scandinavian refreshments follow.  Tickets: $5, at the door.

ELSEWHERE

Rainier Youth Choirs Untraveled Worlds Concert: 2 p.m. March 15, Kent United Methodist Church, 11010 SE 248th St., Kent. Eclectic program with new arrangements from many cultures and several well-loved choral gems with lots of percussion and special accompaniments, including Seattle recording artist Wes Weddell. RYC is a nonprofit, community-based program that provides instruction for singers in grades 2-14. Tickets: advance, $12 adults, $10 seniors/students (12 and older), $5 children younger than 12; at the door $15/$12/$7. Ticket prices are listed as a suggested minimum donation amount. For more information, contact RYC at 253-315-3125, info@rainieryouthchoirs.org or www.RainierYouthChoir.org.

Shrek The Musical’: 7 p.m. March 27, 28, April 3; 3 p.m. March 28, 29, April 4, Green River College, Performing Arts Building, 12401 SE 320th St., Auburn. Presented by Heavier Than Air Family Theatre. Everyone’s favorite ogre, and unlikely hero, finds himself on a life-changing journey with a wisecracking Donkey and feisty princess. This hilarious stage version is based on the Oscar-winning film. Tickets: $10 advance, $12 at the door. For more information, call 253-833-9111 or visit www.heavierthanair.com.

“Into the Woods”: 7 p.m. April 15-18 and April 22-25, Kentlake High School Performing Arts Center, 21401 SE Falcon Way, Covington. Kentlake Drama Department production. James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim take everyone’s favorite storybook characters and bring them together for a timeless yet relevant piece and rare modern classic. Tickets: $10 adults, $8 students with ASB card, seniors and under 12 years of age. Buy at the door or order at kentlakedrama.com or www.brownpapertickets.com.

Kent Bluegrass: Noon-5 p.m. third Saturday of the month, Kent Senior Center, 600 E. Smith St. For more information, call 253-856-5150 or 253-939-5594.

“9 to 5, The Musical”: 6-9:30 p.m. March 16, Auburn Ave Theater, 10 Auburn Ave. Auburn Community Players production. Performers 16 and older. Please arrive early to fill out audition form and get your picture taken. Bring a resume, a list of conflicts for April-June, and a prepared musical theater song, 16-32 bars, no a cappella. Bring sheet music in correct key. Accompanist will be provided. Callbacks are 7-9:30 p.m. March 18. The show run is 7:30 p.m. June 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 and 2 p.m. June 14. For more information, contact Jim Kleinbeck at 253-804-5057.

Reunions

Kentlake Class of 2005: 7-11 p.m. June 27, Tavern Hall, 505 Bellevue Square, Bellevue. 10-year reunion. Ticket information: http://klhs2005.weebly.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., 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