Events
36th annual Boeing Employees Model Railroad Club Swap Meet: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 14, Kent Commons, Fourth Avenue North and James Street. 200-plus tables of trains of all scales, tinplates, artifacts, photos, videos, books and more. Operating HO modules, test tracks. Admission: $8 adults, 15 and under free. www.bemrrc.com
Seattle Christian Schools K-12 Open House: 7-9 p.m. Nov. 17, 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, receive a comprehensive curriculum overview. No RSVP needed. Contact Fran Hubeek, admissions coordinator, at 206-246-8241. Applications are being accepted for the 2016-17 school year. www.seattlechristian.org
Veterans Day
50th Anniversary of Auburn’s Veterans Day Parade: 11 a.m. Nov. 7, Main Street, downtown Auburn. The parade features more than 200 entries and nearly 6,000 parade participants, showcasing American strength of will, endurance and purpose. The parade will feature more than 30 marching bands, as well as local Junior ROTC units, honor guards, military units and antique military vehicles. Spectators will also enjoy the procession of veteran units, drill teams, community and scouting groups, intermixed with floats, antique and classic cars and other entries of interest. Spectators are advised to arrive early.
Tahoma National Cemetery: 11 a.m. Nov. 11, main flag pole assembly area, 18600 SE 240th St., Kent. Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War and honoring Vietnam veterans. Keynote speaker: Jim Martinson, a Vietnam veteran who lost both legs above the knee in Da Nang in 1968. Guest speaker: Commanding Officer JBLM Detachment of the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Benefits
Sleep Train’s Toy Drive for Foster Kids and #SleepTrainSecretSanta photo contest: Now through Dec. 13. Donate new, unwrapped gifts at any Sleep Train. Snap a photo while you’re donating in store and share it on Instagram with #SleepTrainSecretSanta in the hashtag or upload to the contest Facebook page (Sleep Train). Most requested items include sporting equipment, art supplies, gift cards, action figures, baby dolls and electronics.
29th Annual Holiday Craft Market: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 6; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 7, Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St. City of Kent hosts large boutique, featuring 70 booths of handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gifts. Free onsite parking. Figgy Pudding Café, bake sale, lunch fundraiser and hourly door prizes, artists. Festive live Christmas entertainment, including the Smooth Tones (a cappella vocal ensemble), string ensembles (Rainier Christian School orchestra) and professional musicians Joe Mundo (Friday) and John Ansotigue (Saturday) on the keyboards. Free admission. Major event co-sponsors are Arbor Village, Judson Park, Stafford Suites, Regence and The Weatherly Inn. Proceeds benefit senior center programs and services. For more information, call 253-856-5162.
28th annual Holiday Craft Bazaar: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 7, Martin Sortun Elementary, 12711 SE 248th St. SE, Kent. Featuring more than 60 tables of handcrafted items for gift-giving needs this holiday season. Admission is free. msecraftbazaar@gmail.com
19th annual Sunrise PTA Fall Craft Fair: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 7, Sunrise Elementary School, 22300 132nd Ave. SE, Kent. Wide selection from more than 50 vendors and local artisans. sunrisecraftfair@gmail.com
Julefest Christmas Bazaar: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 7, Zion Lutheran Church, 25105 132nd Ave. Norwegian needlework, ornaments, quilts, wall hangings, children’s items, American Girl doll clothes, bake sale, lunch. Demonstrations of traditional Scandinavian foods. Proceeds benefit local food banks and mission quilts and health kits. 253-631-0100.
NWHC Holiday Bazaar: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 7, St. Columba’s Episcopal Church, 26715 Military Road S., Kent. Neighbors of the West Hill Council holding the event, featuring 24 vendors with hand-crafted gift items. Enjoy a cup of coffee and will have a drawing at the day end; no need to be present. Free admission. kpzim@comcast.net
KentHOPE fundraising dinner: 6-8:30 p.m. Nov. 7, New Beginnings Christian Fellowship, 19300 108th Ave. SE, Kent. Hear stories of hope and learn about the progress as KentHOPE seeks to reduce homelessness and meet the needs of many who are struggling in the community. Host a table for eight ($250) and invite some friends for dinner and an uplifting program. Info@kenthope.org, kenthope.org/2015-fundraiser/
Kentwood High School Choir Fourth Annual Holiday Boutique: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 14, Kentwood High School, 25800 164th Ave. SE, Covington. Support choir program. Enjoy crafters and unique gifts in three gyms, a Seahawks-themed photo booth, free massages, henna art, food, main stage entertainment and strolling minstrels. Free admission. Find Kentwood Holiday Boutique on Facebook.
PEO Holiday Marketplace & Bazaar: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 14, First Presbyterian Church of Kent, 9425 S. 248th St. Bake sale, homemade items, plant sale, raffle baskets, new and gently used items. Free admission. www.kentfirst.net
Holiday Bazaar & Kid’s Craft Fair: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 21, Emerald Park Elementary,11800 SE 216th St. Sponsored by the PTSA. More than 40 commercial and handmade gift item vendors. Also featuring student vendors from the elementary school with their creations to sell. epptsa@gmail.com
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.
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
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.
Entertainment
SHOWARE CENTER
625 W. James St., Kent. 253-856-6777. Order at www.tickets.showarecenter.com. Events include:
Tacoma Stars: 7:35 p.m. Nov. 6, Stars vs. Sacramento Surge, indoor soccer home opener. Tickets: $10-$28.50.
Disney On Ice presents ‘Frozen’: 7 p.m., Nov. 11-16; 3:30 p.m. Nov. 11, 13, 14, 15; 11:30 a.m. Nov. 14, 15. Enter a fantastical winter wonderland beyond imagination as Disney On Ice presents 12 shows of “Frozen” Tickets: $30-$75.
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.
The Second City “Holidazed and Confused”: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3, Kent-Meridian PAC. For over 50 years, The Second City has performed social and political satire in the form of scripted sketches, music, and improvisation. Their alumni are a veritable “Who’s Who” of comedy including Bill Murray, John and Jim Belushi, Mike Myers, Steve Carell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Tina Fey, John Candy, Stephen Colbert, and so many more. This boisterous holiday revue features original songs, brand new sketches, and some classic favorites. Tickets: $30 general, $28 senior, $15 youth.
Magical Strings 29th Annual Celtic Yuletide Concert: 3 p.m. Dec. 6, Kent-Meridian PAC. The Boulding Family’s musical celebration of the holiday season is a treasured tradition in Kent. Pam and Philip Boulding are joined by their children, grandchildren, and guests for an afternoon of enchanting Yuletide music. The Bouldings perform on Celtic harps, hammered dulcimers, whistles, strings, percussion, and harp-like instruments from around the world. Guests add Irish step dancing, drumming, and storytelling. Tickets: $25 general, $22 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/
“Mary Poppins”: 7 p.m. Nov. 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21; 2 p.m. Nov. 7, 14, 21, Kentlake High School Performing Arts Center, 21401 SE 300th St., Covington. Student cast presents classic musical. Admission: $8, $10 and 12$. Order at www.brownpapertickets.com.
“Love, Lies and Therapy”: 7 p.m. Nov. 5, 6 and 11-13, Kent-Meridian Performing Arts Center, 10020 SE 256 St., Kent. Kent-Meridian Drama presents its fall show composed of four short plays that explore the subject of love, lies and marriage counseling with humor, cutting satire and a little heartache. Tickets: $8, available at the door beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $8, available at the door beginning at 6:30 p.m.
“The Addams Family”: Nov. 11-21. 7 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; 2 o’clock matinees on both Saturdays, Kentridge Performing Arts Center, 12430 SE 208th St., Kent. Student cast presents Broadway musical sensation. Tickets may be purchased at www.showtix4u.com or at the door.
“Impressions of Italy”: 7 p.m. Nov. 20, First Christian Church, 11717 118th Place SE, Kent; 4 p.m. Nov. 22, St. Matthew Episcopal Church, 123 L St. NE, Auburn. Auburn Symphony Orchestra chamber concert series season opener. Brittany Boulding (violin); Michael Lim (violin); Joyce Ramee (viola); Eileen Swanson (viola); Brian Wharton (cello); and Olga Ruvinov (cello) play a spirited program, including Tchaikovsky’s “Souvenir de Florence” String Sextet op. 70 in D Minor, and Brahms’ Quintet No. 2 in G Major, op. 111. Tickets: Festival seating, $18 adults, $10 students. Call 253-887-7777 or purchase at auburnsymphony.org
Time Travel Concert: 7 p.m. Nov. 21, Auburn Riverside High School Theater, 501 Oravetz Road SE, Auburn. Travel through musical time with the Maple Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra. The journey will take you through different musical periods. A special grand finale piece will have you leaving the concert with a smile. Students will be in costume. Admission is a suggested $10 donation per person.425-433-6009, www.mvyso.org.
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
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