Kent-area community calendar | Jan. 24

Events

Washington Sportsmen’s Show: Jan. 22-26, Washington State Fair Events Center, 110 Ninth Ave. SW, Puyallup. Show days/hours: Noon-8 p.m. Wednesday-Friday (Jan. 22-24); 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 25); and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday (Jan. 26). A family-friendly tradition of outdoor fun, education and one-stop shopping. Attractions include the new Cowboy Fast Draw, indoor Steelhead River, Warm Water Demo Tank, the Northwest Tour of Big Game Animals and Head & Horns competition, the Camp Cooking Tent, and the Kid’s Free Trout Pond. Seminar speakers, tips, exhibits. Admission: $12 adults, $5 juniors (6-16), children 5 and under free. $18 two-day passes available. For information on online ticket purchases and discounts, visit www.thesportshows.com.

31st annual Tacoma Home & Garden Show: Jan. 23-26, Tacoma Dome, 2727 E D St. Show hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday (Jan. 23-25); 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday (Jan. 26). Sponsored by the Western Washington Toyota Dealers. Appearances by “The Renegade Gardener,” the colorful Vintage Market, Backyard Makeover” contest, gardens and “how-to” seminars. Top Northwest home and garden authorities, including Ciscoe Morris, Marianne Binetti, Pete Lisoskie of KIRO Radio’s “Home Matters,” and many more sharing tips and trends in daily seminars. More than 500 exhibitors providing a wide range of products and services. Admission: $12 adults and free to children 16 and under. Discount coupons are available at www.otshows.com.

Fourth annual “You Me We” festival: 6-9 p.m. Jan. 24, ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St. Free family fun, a celebration of local talent and the many resources available for Kent kids. Doors open at 6, with Kent youth and teen performers starting at 6:30. Other activities include interactive booths, hands-on art activities, face painting, bounce houses, $1 hot dogs and $1 soda. The event is organized by youth groups, sports and scouting organizations, churches, local businesses and service clubs. The Kent Food Bank will accept food donations. For more details, visit YouMeWeKent.com

7th Annual Neighborhood Program Workshop: 9-11:30 a.m. Jan. 25, Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St. The topic is leadership. Public welcome. For more information, contact Toni Azzola, Neighborhood Program coordinator, at 253-856-5708 or tazzola@kentwa.gov.

ShoWare Center’s Fifth Anniversary: 5 p.m. Jan. 26, ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St. A City of Kent, SMG and the Seattle Thunderbirds presentation. Variety of festivities and a T-Birds game vs. Kelowna highlight the Sunday celebration. Promotions planned for the T-Birds game. Center also will open its doors from 5-8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27 for a free public skate (please bring your own skates) and tours of the facility. $5 hot dog and soda specials will be available during the public skating session. Tickets for the T-Birds game: $40 (club), $30, $24 & $16. Tickets purchased online at SeattleThunderbirds.com on Jan. 22 from 5 to 10 p.m. discounted $5 for all price levels. Prices do not include service charges.

State of the City with Mayor Suzette Cooke: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 5, ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St., Kent. Presented by the Kent Chamber of Commerce. Sponsored by HomeStreet Bank. Mayor addresses civic, business and community leaders. Pre-paid members $20, members day of the event $25, guests $30. Register online at www.kentchamberofcommerce,com or by calling 253-854-1770.

Beyond High School Event: 6-8:30 p.m. Feb. 5, Kentridge High School. The event will provide information about options after high school such as two- and four-year colleges, technical schools, military/military academies, apprenticeships, etc. More than 80 institutions will have representatives available to answer questions, and break-out sessions on various topics will be offered. Free. For more information, call the Kentridge Counseling Office at 253-373-7349.

Greater Seattle Postcard and Paper Show: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Feb. 8, 9, Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave N. Approximately 15 dealers from throughout the Pacific Northwest and California will display old postcards, paper collectibles and ephemera. Included will be postcards, stamps, advertising trade cards, cigar labels, valentines, scrap, travel brochures, photographs, stereographs, aviation, auto, railroad, ship, movie memorabilia and Western Americana. Free appraisals of all old paper collectibles available with the price of admission. Admission: $5. For more information, visit www.postcardshows.com

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:  Noon-6 p.m. Jan. 24, LDS Kent Church, 24419 94th Ave. S (Kent 94th Street Building); 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Jan. 27, Kentwood High School, 25800 164th Ave. SE, Covington; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 6, Recreational Equipment, 6750 S. 228th St; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 6, Valley Medical Center, 400 S. 43rd, Renton; 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

Doubts About God: 7 p.m. Jan. 27, Lifetree Café, Community Room, First Christian Church, 11717 240th St. SE, Kent. What happens to religious faith when hard times come. The program, Where Is God When Life Turns Tough?, features the filmed story of John Stumbo, a healthy ultra-marathoner who was suddenly attacked by an undiagnosable, life-threatening illness. Program is free. Snacks and beverages are 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., Feb. 20, 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.

Adopt-A-Street Cleanup: 9 a.m.-noon, Jan. 25. Kent Chamber of Commerce and the East Hill Partnership Committee welcomes volunteers. Meet at 9 a.m. the Golden Steer Steak ‘N Rib House, 23826 104th Ave. SE, for safety, training and continental breakfast. Protective gear provided. To participate, register by email info@kentchamber.com or call 253-854-1770.

Leadership for Neighborhood Councils Workshop: 9-11:30 a.m. Jan. 25, Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St. Do you know the fundamentals of leadership? What does it take to make a good leader? What are the characteristics of a good leader? Learn the answers to these questions and build your own leadership skills.

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. 24, 31, Feb. 7, 14, 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.

Family Pajama Story Times: 7 p.m. Jan. 28. Family program, all ages welcome with adult.

Spanish Story Time: Noon, Jan. 25, Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22. 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. Jan. 31, Feb. 28. Family program, all ages welcome.

Infant & Young Toddler Story Time:  10:15 a.m. Jan. 30, Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27. All ages welcome, ages 5 and younger with adult.Stories, catchy tunes, puppets, finger plays and fun.

Family Story Time: 11 a.m. Jan. 30, Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27; 7 p.m. Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25. Family program, all ages welcome with adult.

Preschool Story Time: 11 a.m. Jan. 29, Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26. 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.

Kid’s Movie of the Month: 3:30 p.m. Jan. 31. All ages welcome, ages 5 and younger with adult. Enjoy a family friendly film with a light snack. Check at the library two weeks before the program for this month’s movie title.

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

FAFSA Workshop: 3-5 p.m. Jan. 28. Confused about how to fill out the online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)form? Come get assistance filling the form out and your questions answered using our mobile TechLab van. Make sure to bring important paperwork with you.

Teen Zone: Game On: 3:30 p.m. Feb. 4. Play video games at the library.

Teen Zone: Manga Club: 3:30 p.m. Feb. 11. Discuss and enjoy your favorite manga.

Writing for College Acceptance, The Essay: 2 p.m. Feb. 15. Work with a professional to learn the process of outlining, drafting, writing and polishing a variety of typical college entrance essays.

Teen Zone, Writer’s Club: 3:30 p.m. Feb. 18. Meet to share inspiration and creative work time. New exercises and topics each month.

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. 1, 8, 15, 22, during library open hours; 4:45-9 p.m. Feb. 3, 10. Basic income tax assistance from trained volunteer tax counselors. Registration required.

The World in Washington, An Exploration of Literature and Our Lives: 7 p.m. Feb. 6. University of Washington Professor Anu Taranath will introduce us to inspirational stories and literature written by multicultural authors from around the state.

After Lunch Book Bunch: 1 p.m. Feb. 12. “Whiter than Snow” by Sandra Dallas.

Friends of the Kent Library Meeting: Noon, Feb. 13.

Drop-In to Learn about eBooks: 10 a.m. Jan. 25, Feb. 15, 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

Kent Elvis at The Place: 5-8 p.m. March 6, Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St. Features snacks, workshops and Danny Vernon dinner concert. The 6 p.m. workshop, Medicare Update, 2014, is presented by Liz Mercer, a regional trainer for the Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisorsfrom the Washington State Office of Insurance Commissioner. For appetizers, priority workshop seating and dinner concert, tickets are $8 beginning Jan. 2 until Feb. 22. Call 253-856-5150 weekdays to purchase with MasterCard or Visa. For more information call Helena at 253-856-5164.

Entertainment

SHOWARE CENTER

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

SPSL high school basketball Tournament: 3:30 p.m. Feb. 11. Presented by Bowen Scarff Ford Lincoln. Game schedule: 3:30 p.m., girls third-place game; 5 p.m. – boys third-place game; 6:30 p.m., boys championship game; 8 p.m., girls championship game.

Harlem Globetrotters “Fans Rule” World Tour: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Feb. 15. High-flying basketball fun, a dazzling display of ballhandling and shooting skills. Ticket prices: $28-$124

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.

California Guitar Trio + Montreal Guitar Trio: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 24,  Kent-Meridian PAC, 10020 SE 256th St.,  Kent. Featuring six virtuoso guitarists from four countries (Japan, Canada, Belgium, and U.S.), California Guitar Trio and Montreal Guitar Trio unite into one unique six-by-6-string ensemble. Steel stringed-guitars blend naturally with nylon-stringed guitars on original compositions and new arrangements of progressive rock, world, jazz and classical music. Tickets: $25 general, $22 senior, $15 youth .

“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

Valentine Ball: 7-9:30 p.m. Feb. 11, Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St. Senior center and Stafford Suites hosts an evening of music, dance and food. Hors d’oeuvres beginat 7. Randy Litch provides dance music from 7:30 to 8:15. A five-piece band, “Just Us,” performs ballroom dance music from 8:30 to 9:30. Semi-formal dress is optional. Limited tickets available for any size donation to the Kent Senior Lunch Program in person or by phone, 253-856-5150, weekdays.

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

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.

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.