The free community calendar is published Wednesdays and Saturdays on a space-available basis, and includes free and nonprofit local events and groups. Submit items at least a week in advance of publication dates to calendar@reporternewspapers.com.
Events
Rainbow Girls Christmas Tree Recycle: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 3. Bring trees for recycling. No flocked trees. Cost: $5 donation. Locations: The Royal Arch Park, 20821 Renton-Maple Valley Highway, Maple Valley; Kent Fire Station No. 75, 15635 S.E. 272nd St., Kent. 253-277-2806.
Kentwood Car Show: 5-7 p.m. Jan. 9. Come learn about the auto program at Kentwood High School, and help pick the best car. Kentwood High School, 25800 164th Ave. S.E., Covington.
Classes
Tile installation class: 9 a.m. Dec. 27 and Jan. 10. Learn the fundamentals of setting granite, marble and ceramic tiles. Cost: Free; registration requested. 8605 S. 212th St., Kent. 253-872-0449 or darrell@tilelines.com.
Housing seminar: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 3. Free seminar offered by Washington Homebuyer’s Association. Kent Regional Library, 212 N. Second Ave., Kent. 253-682-1157 or www.whba.org.
REI clinics: 7 p.m. various Wednesdays, including: Jan. 7, “Avalanche Awareness Clinic.” Cost: Free. 240 Andover Park W., Tukwila. 206-248-1938.
“Coping with Grief and Loss”: Noon Jan. 9. Free lecture presented as part of a Health and Wellness lecture series at Arbor Village. Lunch provided. Registration requested. The Inn at Arbor Village, 24121 116th Ave. S.E., Kent. 253-856-1600 or www.arborvillage.us.
Faith
Non-denominational Bible study: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesdays. All are welcome. Reservations requested. Arbor Village, 24121 116th Ave. S.E., Kent. 253-856-1600.
“The Quest” classes: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Class aims to help people find the divine essence within themselves. Unity Church of Kent, 218 State Ave. S. 253-854-9747.
Food/Meals
Kent Senior Activity Center Deli and Café: 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. All ages are welcome. Lunch includes a main entree and soup, vegetables, rice, potatoes or pasta, salad bar, bread, dessert and beverage. Cost: $5. 600 E. Smith St. 253-856-5155, ext. 1.
Wednesday Night Community Meal: 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays. All are welcome to join Trinity Community Church in the gym for a free homestyle meal. 3807 Reith Road and 38th Avenue South, Kent. 253-852-1044.
Health
Kent Parks, Recreation and Community Services: City offers a variety of fitness classes, including Nia, Zumba and PiYo. Call for details, cost. Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. N. 253-856-5000.
Living Healthy 101: 5:45 p.m. Wednesdays, starting Jan. 7. Ongoing 12-week sessions include weight-loss challenge, nutrition class and support group. Advance registration required. 27215 124th Ave. S.E., Kent. 253-630-3674 or www.LivingHealthyWLC.com.
TOPS No. WA916: 7-8 p.m. Thursdays. Swanson Court Clubhouse, 12200 206th St., Kent. 253-981-3867.
TOPS: 7:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a nonprofit weight loss support group. New Hope Church, 21115 S.E. 272nd St., Maple Valley. 253-631-3567 or www.tops.org.
Libraries
Kent Regional Library, 212 Second Ave. N. 253-859-3330 or www.kcls.org/kent. Library events include:
• ESL classes: 5:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, beginning Jan. 5. Learn English grammar, reading, writing and conversation skills. Registration required.
• Read Three, Get One Free: Children ages 12-18 can read three books, write three short reviews and get a new paperback book for free. Entry forms available at the library or online at www.kcls.org/read3.
• Story times: Library offers story times for children, families and foreign language speakers. Call for details.
Woodmont Library, 26809 Pacific Highway S., Des Moines. 253-839-0121 or www.kcls.org/woodmont. Library events include:
• Talk Time: 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Improve your speaking and listening skills in this English conversation group.
Seniors
Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St. 253-856-5150. Senior events include:
• Kent Koffee Klatch Club: 11 a.m. Mondays. Free event features Starbucks door prizes, coffee and mini-concerts. Entertainers include Jee Wong, Beth Wulff, Bob Weymouth and Jason Reynolds.
• Health screenings: 10:30 a.m.-noon Tuesdays, blood pressure checks; 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays, foot care; 10 a.m.-noon Wednesdays, massage therapy.
Volunteers
Christmas Bird Count: Dec. 28. Birders of all ability levels encouraged join Rainier Audubon Society in counting birds by sight and sound in the South King County area. Counters meet afterward for a potluck at Federal Way United Methodist Church. Advance registration is required. 253-796-2203 or nancy_streiffert@hotmail.com.
United Way tax preparation: Volunteers are needed Jan. 13-April 15 to prepare tax returns for low- to middle-income families throughout King County as part of United Way’s Free Tax Preparation Campaign. 206-461-5048 or www.unitedwayofkingcounty.org/taxvolunteer.
Volunteer Chore Services: Kent-area volunteers needed to assist with chores for low-income elders and adults with disabilities. Services include shopping, light housekeeping, laundry, cooking and yard work. Program is a service of Catholic Community Services. 253-850-2509, 888-649-6850 or KizzieF@ccsww.org.
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