Kent-area community calendar | May 20

Events

Hydro Fever Open House: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. May 23, Hydroplane & Raceboat Museum, 5917 S. 196th St., Kent. Come and see your favorite vintage hydroplanes. Seafair Clowns will appear. Memorabilia vendors; noon live auction; model boat races; food and drink. For more information, visit hydromuseum.org, email info@thunderboats.org or call 206-764-9453.

Coffee with the Chief: 8 a.m. May 27, Golden Steer restaurant, 23826 104th Ave. SE, Kent. Informal gathering where you can meet Chief Ken Thomas, ask questions, or just hang out and hear about some of the things happening in Kent. Members of the Neighborhood Response Team and Community Education Unit will be there. Kent Police Department giving away AAA 42-piece road safety kits to the first 20 people who attend.

Relay For Life of Kent: 6 p.m. May 29, French Field, Kent-Meridian High School, 10200 SE 256th St. Raising funds for the American Cancer Society. Survivors Lap begins at 6:30 p.m. For more information, to participate or to donate, visit www.rflkent.org.

Veterans Resource Fair: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. May 30, Tacoma Dome, 2727 E. D St. If you are an active duty, National Guard, reservist or a veteran of the U.S. military (or a family member of one) the fair will provided 10 sections of resources: community services; legal/veterans benefits services; reintegration; health; homeless services; financial education and resources; female veterans; housing and home ownership; education and jobs, apprenticeship, training and vocational opportunities. Free. For more information, visit theveteransresourcefair.us/index.html

Seventh annual Kent International Festival: 9:30 a.m. May 30, ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St., Kent. Full day of entertainment, food and fun that celebrates Kent’s cultural diversity. Generations of Cultural Diversity opening parade; singing, dancing and music on main stage; nine local restaurants represent an exotic food court; cultural booths; and hand-held float building contest. Free admission. www.kentinternationalfestival.com.

Legislative Wrap Up: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. June 3, ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St., Kent. Legislators present an overview of what happened during the session, what didn’t, and what it means for Washingtonians. Guest include Sens. Joe Fain (R-Auburn) and Karen Keiser (D-Kent) and Reps. Pat Sullivan (D-Covington) and Tina Orwall (D-Des Moines). Cost: $20 chamber members prepaid, $25 members day of event, $30 guests. Register at www.kentchamber.com or call 253-854-1770.

King County Flood Control District: 5-7:30 p.m. June 8, Kent Commons Community Center, 525 Fourth Ave. N. Community meeting and open house, where residents can learn more about a new flood risk reduction project. The project will replace and upgrade 1.4 miles of existing levee and revetment along the east bank of the Green River between South 212th Street and Veterans Drive/South 228th Street. Meeting will include an open house to review conceptual project alternatives, a presentation of the project, and an opportunity to ask questions and provide input into project alternative selection. For more information about the project or to sign up for project updates, go tokingcounty.gov/rivers or contact Erik Peters at 206-477-4797 or erik.peters@kingcounty.gov.

Empowerment & Engagement for Success in Education roundtable: 5:30-8 p.m. June 8, Kent Senior Center, 600 E. Smith St. Community Network Council and the League of Education Voters, working in partnership with the Community Center for Education Results, host a community discussion. Roundtable will include: a student fishbowl conversation to help identify what helps and what hinders them when it comes to education; success story testimonials from community members; sharing of results data and status report; small workgroup discussions; and documentation of next steps. Community Center for Education Results is a coalition formed to analyze, discuss and act upon the education results for the Kent School District. Coalition members include parents, educators and community-based organizations. Childcare and dinner provided. Dinner starts at 5:30 p.m. and the roundtable program follows at 6 p.m. Please RSVP by May 29 to: Clarence Gunn, of the Community Network Council, at 425-301-9672 or clarencegunn76@gmail.com, or Joyce Yee, of the League of Education Voters, at 206-728-6448 or joyce@educationvoters.org.

Fourth Annual Juneteenth Festival (150 years): 10 a.m.-8 p.m. June 20, Morrill Meadows Park, 10600 SE 248th, Kent. Juneteenth commemorates the day, June 19, 1865, when Americans of African descent learned of their freedom, in Texas. Speakers, vendors, food, activities. For more informatin,visit www.kentblackactioncommission.com.

MEMORIAL DAY

Memorial Day Ceremony: 1 p.m. May 25, Tahoma National Cemetery, main flag pole assembly area, 18600 SE 240th St., Kent. Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. Remembering and honoring all military members, past and present. Keynote speaker: Former First Gentleman Mike Gregoire. As a graduate of Army Officers Candidate School, he served as platoon leader and convoy commander with the Delta Express in Vietnams Mekong Delta. Guest Speaker: State Sen. Joe Fain (R-Auburn) of the Legislative 47th District. Parking space limited. Visitors should plan on walking to and from their parking spot to the ceremony. Parking is available for disabled passengers. For more information, call the cemetery’s office at 425-413-9614.

Benefits

Forget-Me-Not Flower event: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. May 23, Fred Meyer, 16735 SE 272nd St., Covington. Members of the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter A-One #33, Kent, a nonprofit organization, presents its annual charity fundraiser. All charitable donation proceeds go to help Disabled American Veterans, their widows and orphans.

Tools for Recovery: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. May 25, Tahoma High School, parking lot, 18200 SE 240th, Kent. Honor a veteran and support conservation efforts in your community by donating a new or used garden tool to the Veterans Conservation Corps. The VCC is a behavioral health program of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, which has helped create jobs in the environmental sector for hundreds of veterans. The King Conservation District, the sponsor of the tool drive, will accept donations of shovels, wheelbarrows, rock rakes, watering cans, hoses, gloves, seeds, clippers, pruners and/or garden supply store gift cards.

Volunteers

15th annual National Trails Day: 9 a.m.-noon, June 6. Volunteers are needed to add a fresh layer of gravel to a well-worn Clark Lake Park trail, SE 240th St., Kent. Volunteers should wear sturdy boots or shoes and bring a shovel and work gloves if they have them, as tools are limited. Water will also be available, and volunteers are encouraged to bring their personal containers and refill from a cooler Everyone will be treated to pizza, courtesy of Papa John’s. Interested individuals and groups should plan to register by noon June 3: kentwa.gov/ComeVolunteer.

Health

Kent4Health Free Trail Walks: 3-mile (5k) self-guided walks exploring various Kent Parks on marked trails. Walks are twice a day at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Visit Kent4Health.com for more information and a full schedule.

Kent4Health 1-Mile Generations Walk: 9:25-9:55 a.m. May 30, ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St., Kent. Walk, which starts and finishes at ShoWare, kicks off the Kent International Festival. Public is invited to wear cultural attire and/or decorate an umbrella for the festive occasion. Join the Chinese Lions, mayor, elected officials and festival goers for a walk through the streets of Kent. Decorated umbrellas will be invited on stage after walk for a photo op and snack ticket. Free event. www.kentinternationalfestival.com, info@kent4health.com

Bloodworks Northwest drives:  8:30-10:30 a.m., 11:15 a.m.-2:30 p.m. May 26, Tahoma High School, 18200 SE 240th St.; 9-11 a.m., noon-3 p.m. May 28, Recreational Equipment, 6750 S. 228th St. 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 $7 monthly. 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

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.

Film screening, “Chosen”: 7-8 p.m. May 26, Kent Library, 212 Second Ave. N. Hear the true story of two All-American teenage girls tricked into trafficking. Eighteen-year-old Brianna was an honor-roll student, cheerleader and worked at a local café. Thirteen-year-old Lacy was an active member of her youth group, and a volunteer in her community. The 20-minute video is designed to equip preteens and teens to protect themselves and others from being trapped in the horrific and violent sex industry. Film screening serves Spencer Willden’s Eagle Project for Boy Scouts of America Troop 331.

Camps

Resident Camp at Waskowitz informational meetings: 6:30-7:30 p.m. June 10, July 8, Kent Commons, 525 4th Avenue N. Opportunity for parents and campers to meet the camp director and staff. Kent is one of the few cities to offer a summer resident camp for boys and girls entering the fifth, sixth or seventh grade this fall. The Aug. 3-7 camp, now in its 36th year, offers a wide spectrum of activities and professional management. Eighty-five percent of the camp counselors return. The camp, at the base of Mount Si in the Cascade foothills, is four miles east of North Bend. It is nestled in the woods on 360 acres of land. Cost for the camp is $320, which includes transportation, cabin accommodations, supervision and all meals, field trip and camp shirt. Scholarship monies are available for Kent residents on free-and-reduced lunches. For more information or to register, please call 253-856-5030 or visit www.kentwa.gov.

Kentwood Youth Football Camp: 8:30 a.m.-noon, June 23-25, Kentwood High School, 25800 164th Ave. SE, Covington. Inviting experienced or beginning youth players. Coaches and Kentwood players teaching fundamentals, teamwork, self-discipline and other skills. Cost: $75. For more information, email Kentwood coach Michael Bush at Michael.Bush@kent.k12.wa.us or visit www.Kentwoodfootball.com.

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.

47th District Democrats monthly meeting: 7-9 p.m. first Wednesday of the month, Auburn IAM Hall, 201 A St. SW, next to the Auburn Transit Station. Diverse group welcomes the public to join them to meet candidates and leaders in the community to discuss topics, pass resolutions and just have a great time. Free. For more information, visit wa47thdems.org or find us on Facebook.

Kent Downtown Partnership Annual Dinner Auction: 5-9 p.m. June 5, ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St., Kent. Theme is Kent: On the Right Track!, with a focus on Kent’s 125th anniversary. Attendees are encouraged to wear vintage clothing from the 1890s and forward. A silent auction will start the evening, followed by dinner, awards and the live auction. Cost: $65. For more information, contact Lyra Penoyer, at 253-813-6976 or kdpadminassistant@kentdowntown.org, or visit kdpdinnerauction.bpt.me/

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

Kid’s Movie of the Month: 3:30 p.m. May 29. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Enjoy a family friendly film with a light snack.

Amazement Magic Show: 2 p.m. May 31. Presented by Jeff Evans. The magician brings his show of clean comedy and amazing magic to the Kent Library. He was named “Seattle’s Funniest Magician” and has received ParentMap Magazine’s “Golden Teddy Award” for Best Live Entertainment the last two years. Experience the fun yourself and see why.

TEENS

Study Zone: 1:30 p.m. Sundays; 3:30 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. No Study Zone on May 24 and 25. Grades K-12. Drop in for homework assistance from trained volunteer tutors.

Teen Zone, Movie Time: 3:30 p.m. May 26. Call the library to find out what’s showing.

Write Your Novel Now, Writing Workshop: 2 p.m. May 23. Presented by Karen Finneyfrock. Middle and high school ages. Do you have an idea for a novel you haven’t been able to get on paper? Are you working on a writing project that keeps getting longer and longer? Learn to create a log line for your stories, work with the elements of a scene and create complex characters with flaws while outlining major plot points.

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 on May 25. Learn English grammar, reading, writing, and conversation skills with an experienced instructor. Classes are free.

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

Drop-In to Learn about eBooks: 10 a.m. May 30,. Get started with KCLS eBooks. Bring your eReader, tablet, phone or just your questions.

Computer Classes: Registration required beginning two weeks before the class, 253-859-3330.   • Computer Basics, 7 p.m. May 21; • Microsoft Excel Level I, 7 p.m. May 28; • One-on-One Assistance, 3 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Sign Up for Orca Lift’s Reduced Fares: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. May 30. Drop in to register for Orca Lift, a new, reduced fare on Metro buses, Sound Transit Link light rail, and more. Income-qualified riders, aged 19 and over, can save 50 percent or more. To see if you qualify, check www.orcalift.com or call Multi-Service Center at 253-838-6810. Please bring ID and income verification documents.

Job Readiness Program: 10:30 a.m.-noon, Tuesdays; 3-4:30 p.m. Thursdays. Do you need help starting the online job application process? 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 one-on-one assistance on a drop-in, first come, first served basis. Strongly recommended that you bring a flash/USB drive.

Entertainment

SHOWARE CENTER

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

Seattle Mist: 8 p.m. May 29. Legends Football League formerly Lingerie Football League) game between the Mist and the Los Angeles Temptation. Tickets: $10-$55.

Theresa Caputo: 7 p.m. June 7. Psychic and star of the hit TLC show, “Long Island Medium,” will give interactive readings to audience members throughout the show and will also share personal stories about her life and her gifts. Purchasing a ticket does not guarantee a reading. Tickets are $39.75, $49.75, $59.75 and $89.75 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, April 10 at showarecenter.com, the ShoWare Box Office, or call 866-973-9613.

Stayin’ Alive – Bee Gees Tribute:  8 p.m. June 26. Offering fans the full sights and sounds of the Bee Gees playlist and singing their blockbuster hits. Tickets: $20-$75.

1964 The Tribute: 8 p.m. June 28. Show is an accurate re-creation of a Beatles Concert Live from songs, voices, instruments, suits, haircuts, down to the Beatle boots. Tickets: $20-$75.

ELSEWHERE

Kent Senior Center Bluegrass Jam and Concert series: Noon-5 p.m. third Saturday of the month, Kent Senior Center, 600 E. Smith St. Admission: generous donation to support the program. For more information, call 253-856-5150 or 253-939-5594.

Annual Spring Concert: 7 p.m. May 29, Green River College, Lindbloom Center, 12401 SE 320th St, Auburn. Featuring alternative Pop band Echosmith, Seattle-based musician and Kent native Tess Henley and Carson Henley, and special guest Javier Dunn. Tickets: $20 online at www.greenriver.edu/campus-life or $25 at the door. Green River students can purchase tickets for $10 online or $15 at the door.

Out of the Blue Rainier Youth Choirs Concert: 2 p.m. May 31, Kent United Methodist Church, 11010 SE 248th St., Kent. Final RYC 2014-15 “Imagine” season concert features more than 100 local youth. Businesses and community members can help RYC cover costs for concert sheet music by sponsoring a song for $50. Song sponsors will be listed in the concert program. Tickets (purchased in advance): $12 adults, $10 seniors/students (12 & older), $5 children younger than 12. If not sold out, $15/$12/$7, respectively, at the door. Ticket prices are listed as a suggested minimum donation amount. www.RainierYouthChoirs.org

“Charlotte’s Web, The Musical”: 7 p.m. June 12, 13, 19; 3 p.m. June 13, 20. Green River College, Performing Arts Building, 12401 SE 320th St. Presented by Heavier Than Air Family Theatre. Musical adaptation of E.B. White’s beloved story, an affectionate pig befriends a spider who reminds us to open our eyes to the wonder and miracle often found in the simplest things. Tickets: $8 advance, $10 at the door. 253-833-9111, www.heavierthanair.com

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