Kent-area community calendar | March 20

Events

Shelley Irish’s Visionary Art and Sacred Décor: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. March 29, Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. N. Shelley Irish sells her inspired and original oil paintings, prints and fine craft alongside other artists and healers at the Emerald Spiral Psychic Fair. Chakra rainbows, alter art, beaded angels and other works. Free. www.gallerysati.com

Sixth annual Kent International Festival: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and 7-10 p.m. May 31, ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St., Kent. “Learn from Each Other” is a celebration of cultural diversity. Generations walking together, ethnic food, cultural and crafts booth, cheer hand carried float contest and new festival finale in the evening. Free admission. For more information, visit www.kentinternationalfestival.com.

Easter

Egg Hunt: 10:30 a.m. April 19, Riverview Community Church, 4135 S. 216th St., Kent. More than 10,000 eggs, popcorn, cotton candy, carnival bouncer, 18-foot inflatable slide, pictures with the Easter Bunny and face painting. Free. For children up to fifth grade. For more information, call 253-872-8881, email riverviewkids@rcckent.org or visit www.rcckent.org.

Benefits

King County Fundraising Breakfast: 7:30 a.m. April 3, Emerald Downs, third floor, 2300 Emerald Downs Drive, Auburn. Celebrate the Washington Women’s Employment & Education (WWEE) inclusion in The Shriver Report: A Woman’s Nation Pushes Back from the Brink. WWEE graduate Julie Kaas is guest speaker. Free. Register by emailing Karrie Nevin at karrien@wwee.org.

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.

Computer Recycling Event: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. April 19, Meridian Elementary School,25621 140th Ave. SE, Kent. Items being accepted: computers, monitors, printers, faxes; washer/dryers, refrigerators, water heaters; TVs, VCR’s, DVDs. Event is free. Sponsored by Meridian Elementary PTSA, which appreciates and accepts any donations. Proceeds from the recycled raw materials fund operations and benefit local charities, homeless shelters and food banks. For more information, visit www.meridianelemptsa.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:  1-3 p.m., 4-7 p.m. March 25, River Of Life Fellowship, 10615 SE 216th; 8-10 a.m., 10:45 a.m.-2 p.m. March 28, Kentridge High School, 12430 SE 208th St.; 12:45-2:45 p.m., 3:45-6:45 p.m. March 31, St. James Episcopal Church, 24447 94th Ave. S.; 9-11 a.m., noon-3 p.m. April 1, Hexcel Corporation, 19819 84th Ave. S. For more information, call 253-945-8667 or please visit www.psbc.org.

TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly): 6 p.m., Thursdays, Swanson Court Clubhouse, 12200 SE 207th St., Kent, near Kentridge High School. Nonprofit weight loss support group. For more information, call 253-709-5098 or visit www.tops.org or www.whywelovetops.com.

Learn to Dragon Boat Free Clinics: 10-11:30 a.m. April 5, 12, Lake Meridian Boat Dock, north side, 14800 SE 272nd St, Kent. Sponsored by the Kent Dragon Boat Association. Join us for this fast-growing sport that promotes fitness, competition and community participation. Meet at the boat dock, north side, a half-hour early. Wear layered clothing and bring water. KDBA will provide lifejackets and paddles. Free. For more information, contact Maureen Roberts at 253-332-9546 or hokit1@comcast.net, or visit www.kentdragonboat.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.

Faith, volunteers

Central Avenue cleanup: Noon-4 p.m. March 23. About 100 volunteers from the World Mission Society Church of God of SeaTac. The cleanup campaign begins on James Street at noon and extends south through 259th Street. The church invites anyone who wishes to come out and join the effort. For signups, contact Jennifer Goble 775-881-8900 or Deborah Kwon 206-465-0255.

“Steppin’ Out In Style”: 11:15 a.m.-1:15 p.m. April 16, Golden Steer Restaurant, 28326 104th Ave. SE, Kent. Luncheon presented by Renton-Kent Christian Women’s Connection (affiliated with Stonecroft Ministries). Speaker: Cathy Rasley, “Why I Owe My Mother”, and special feature: Bea Martin with her collectibles. Fun event for ladies of all ages. Nursery provided with reservation. Tickets: $16.50. For more information, call 425-235-1047.

Clubs, programs

Car seat safety classes: 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.

Finding Hope During Difficult Times Discussed: 7 p.m. March 24, Lifetree Café, Community Room, First Christian Church, 11717 240th St. SE, Kent. The program, Why Do Bad Things Keep Happening? Finding Hope … Against All Odds, features a screening of the short film, “My Last Days”. The film chronicles the experiences of Ryan and Amy Green and their young son Joel as he faces repeated health challenges. 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.

Community garden p-patch: Season runs April 1-Oct. 26, corner of James Street and 64th Avenue South. Gardeners may rent a 20-by-20-foot plot for the season for $45 plus a refundable $25 deposit. There are 44 plots available, assigned on a first-come, first-served basis once the rental fee has been paid. Returning gardeners are allowed a maximum of two plots per household. Open registration starts March 12. For more information, call 253-856-5110.

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.

Kent Chamber President’s Gala: 5 p.m. April 11, ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St., Kent. Celebrating the Business Leadership Excellence Awards. Dinner, silent and live auctions, games, wine raffle. Repubic Services is presenting sponsor. Single $75 early reservation; $85 late registration; $650 for table of eight. For tickets and more information, contact the Kent Chamber of Commerce at 253-854-1770 or info@kentchamber.com.

Seniors

Spring Prom: 7:30-9:30 p.m. April 15, Kent Senior Activity Center, ballroom, 600 E. Smith St. Stafford Suites hosts its second community dance, a fundraiser for the Kent senior lunch program. Hors d’oeuvres starts at 7; desserts served during ta break from 8:15 to 8:30. Andy Burnett provides ballroom dance music. Tickets are available for any size lunch donation at the senior center. Tickets also available calling 253-856-5150 and making a donation by Visa/MasterCard.

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. March 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, March 22, 29. 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. March 28. Family program, all ages welcome.

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

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

Preschool Story Time: 11 a.m. March 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.

Study Zone: Grades K-12. Drop in for free homework help from trained volunteer tutors. Call the library for current hours.”

TEENS

SAT Prep Classes: 1 p.m. March 22, 29, April 5, 12, 19, 26. Contact the library for details.

Visual Storytelling Workshop: 10 a.m. March 22. If you are a refugee between the ages of 15 and 25, make your “voice” heard. By using visual art to answer your choice of questions, you are telling your story of being forced to flee your native land, living in exile and resettling in a foreign culture. To reserve a seat and art supplies, please call the Jewish Family Service in Kent, 253-850-4065. Teen Zone: Movie Time: 3:30 p.m. March 25. Ask at the library for movie title.

Teen Zone, Movie Time: 3:30 p.m. March 25. Call the library to find out what’s showing.

ADULTS

Computer Class: Registration required beginning two weeks before the class, 253-859-3330. • Excel Level I, 7 p.m. March 25.

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: March  22, 29, during library open hours; 4:45-9 p.m. March 17, 24, 31. 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. Registration required.

Drop-In to Learn about eBooks: 10 a.m. March 22, 29; 7 p.m. Feb. 27, March 20, 27. Library staff are here to get you started with KCLS eBooks. Bring your eReader, tablet, phone or just your questions.

Opening the County, The History of Military Road: 2 p.m. March 30. Presented by Karen Meador. What is known in South King County as Military Road is, in fact, part of the Fort Steilacoom-Fort Bellingham Road constructed under the supervision of the U.S. Army, which included a number of future Civil War generals, in the late 1850s. Although the name has changed outside South King County, the route remains largely unchanged from the six-foot-wide wagon road constructed on the eve of the Civil War. As a wagon road carved out of the wilderness over 150 years ago, Military Road encouraged settlement and commerce throughout its length, a legacy that continues today.

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

Entertainment

SHOWARE CENTER

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

Dos Mundos Una Historia: 8 p.m. March 23. Gerardo Ortiz, Julion Alvarez Y Su Norteño Banda, 3Ball MTY, America Sierra, Banda Tierra Kora, DJ Denver. Tickets: $52, $62, $72.

Legends Football League: 9 p.m. May 2, Seattle Mist v. Green Bay Chill. Tickets: $15-$65.

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.

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

“The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley Jr.”: 7 p.m. March 20-21, 5 p.m. March 22, Sunrise Elementary School, 22300 132nd Ave. SE. Sunrise PTA Mustang Theatre presentation. Stanley Lambchop is your ordinary, everyday, run-of-the-mill 10-year-old: normal mom and dad, normal little brother, normal life. That’s just the problem … for Stanley, life is too normal. He wants to travel the world, do something amazing, something no one’s ever seen before. Careful what you wish for, Stanley! Tickets are $5 per person at the door. Children under 5 are free.

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

Jet Cities Chorus: 3 p.m. March 23, Kent Lutheran Church, 336 Second Ave. S. Chancel Arts Spring Concert Series. Award-winning Jet Cities Chorus, 50 members strong, is an affiliate of Sweet Adelines International. Tickets, $12.50 for all ages, are available at www.brownpapertickets.com or at the door.

Faith Church Auditorium: 1 and 6 p.m. April 12, 25636 140th Ave. SE, Kent. The Garden Christian Co-op presents a theatrical production for the family. Admission: $3 suggested donation. Tickets available at the door. For more information, email gardenchristianburien@gmail.com.

Seattle Violin Piano Duo: 3 p.m. April 27, Kent Lutheran Church, 336 2nd Ave. S. Kent. Chancel Arts at Kent Lutheran Concert Series. Originally from South Korea, the duo has studied with-renowned teachers , continually expanding its musical studies. The duo’s broad variety of repertoire ranges from classical music to jazz, pop, ragtime and Christmas music. Tickets: $12.50 at the door or from www.brownpapertickets.com. Senior discounts available from single residencies when purchased at the door. For more information, call 206-954-7602 or visit at www.chancelarts.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.

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: 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