Kent-area community calendar | July 20

Events

41st Kent Farmers Market: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays,  through Sept. 24,  Town Square Plaza, near the Kent Station at the corner of Second and Smith streets. Features vendors offering a variety of fresh locally grown farm-based foods, hand-crafted items and entertainment. Volunteers with the Kent Lions and Foundation operate the market. For more information, visit kentfarmersmarket.com.

White River Bon Odori Festival: 4-9 p.m. July 23, White River Buddhist Temple, 3625 Auburn Way N., Auburn. Celebration in which young and old come together to dance, rejoice and remember their ancestors, family and friends. Everyone is invited to come watch and even join in the dancing. Performances by the Okinawa Kenjin Kai Taiko and Seattle Matsuri Taiko. Food booths, beer garden and gift shop. Free admission. www.wrbt.org.

Fiesta Premio Esmeralda: Noon, July 24, Emerald Downs, 2300 Ron Crockett Way, Auburn. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. Enjoy an afternoon of horse racing and a traditional Mexican horse show, Mariachi and Banda music, authentic Mexican food and activities for children like jumping castles, giant slides, face painting and pony rides. Commemorative T-shirts to be given away. Adult ticket price is $7, and entry is free for those 17 and younger. Free parking. Kids younger than 13 should be accompanied by a parent or representative; and only those older than 18 years old can place bets on the races. Visit www.fiestapremioesmeralda.com or on Facebook (FiestaPremioEsmeralda) for more information.

ShoWare Center hiring event: 5:30-7:30 p.m. July 27, ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St. Hiring multiple positions that support center event operations. On-site interviews available for qualified applicants. Must attend the event to apply. For job details and applications, visit showarecenter.com/venue/employment.

Vietnam War Memorial Site Dedication and Picnic: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. July 30, Les Gove Park, 910 9th St. SE, Auburn. Dedication ceremony for the site of the future memorial. Special guests, display booths, presentation of pins to Vietnam veterans. Free and open to public. Please bring a lunch. Sponsored the City of Auburn and the American-Vietnamese War Memorial Alliance. For more information, call 360-357-7684 or visit honorvietnamvets.org.

70th Pacific Northwest Scottish Highland Games & Clan Gathering: 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. July 30, 31, Enumclaw Expo Center, 45224 248th Ave. SE. Athletic competitions, old country field events, colorful pipebands, drummers, dancing, traditional Scottish food. Admission: Saturday and Sunday, daily, $17 adults; $12 seniors, active and retired military, children 5-17; under 5 free. Two-day, $25 adult; $18 seniors, active and retired military, children 5-17; under 5 free. For more information, call 206-522-2541 or visit www.sshga.org.

Jim Marsh Classic at Emerald Downs: Aug. 6, 7, Emerald Downs parking lot, 2300 Emerald Downs Drive, Auburn. Three-on-three basketball tournament for players of all ages and abilities. Raising awareness and funds for youth mentoring and Parkinson’s. For more information or to register, call 253-288-7028 or visit mentoringworkswa.org/events/jmc/home. Registration ends July 31.

Health

Kent4Health Free Trail Walks: 6-7:30 p.m. Each Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning (June 1-Sept. 28). Each walk highlights various parks. Open to all ages and modalities. Up to 3-mile roundtrip self-guided walks; volunteers on site during walk hours; marked paved or compact trails. Sign in when you arrive. For more information and a schedule, visit kent4health.com.

Bloodworks Northwest drives: 1-3 p.m., 4-7 p.m. July 26, Kent United Methodist, 11010 SE 248th 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 $8 monthly. For more information, call 253-709-5098 or visit www.tops.org or www.whywelovetops.com.

BEPC Conscious Wellness Expo: 10 a.m. July 23, Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. N. The Boeing Employees Parapsychology Club (BEPC) hosts. Local readers, healers, vendors, jewelry, books, gems, stones, and more. Hourly door prizes. Free admission. For more information, visit bepcweb.org.

Alzheimer’s Association: Meetings on the second Wednesday of the month, from 2:30-4 p.m., at Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St. Caring for someone with memory loss? Do you need information and support? family caregiver support groups provide a consistent and caring place for people to learn, share and gain emotional support from others who are also on a unique journey of providing care to a person with memory loss. For information Susan Dailey at 206-471-2351, or www.alzwa.org.

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.

Clubs

Soroptimist International of Kent-Covington:  Program meetings from 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m., on the fourth Monday of each month, September-May, Covington Library, 164th and Kent-Kangley Road.  Lunch provided, suggested donation $10.  No reservation needed.  Contact President Jo Ladd Clark at 253-854-1895.

South King County Alliance for Retired Americans: Monthly meetings at 1 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month, Kent Senior Center, 600 E. Smith St. Meetings open and free to the public. For more information, contact Pat Paulsen at 206-400-7149.

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.

Women’s Club  of Federal Way: Meets on the third Wednesday of each month, Twin Lakes Golf and Country Club, 3583 SW 320th St.,Federal Way. Newcomers are welcome. Cost $15.  Call 253-927-2766 for reservations.

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.

Volunteers

Green Kent Work Party: 9 a.m.-noon, July 16, Lake Fenwick Park, 25828 Lake Fenwick Road, Kent. Voluneers to remove unwanted English ivy.  Spend the morning near the lake while giving back to the environment. Inquire at kentwa.gov.

Seniors

Let us help you navigate Medicare: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 6, Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St. Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors host a free Medicare 101 workshop/presentation targeted to individuals who would like to learn more about Medicare. Please register at SHIBAevents@soundgenerations.org or call 206-268-6724. For more information, visit shiba.eventbrite.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.

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. and 12:30 p.m. July 22 and 29. Kaleidoscope Play & Learn is an organized play group for newborns to age 5 and people who take care of them. Have fun learning while we play, sing songs and create art.

Brown Bag Story Times: 11 a.m. July 20 and 27. All ages welcome, ages 5 and younger with an adult. Special visit from Clifford the Big Red Dog on July 6. Bring your lunch and come enjoy summertime stories. Pick up a cool take-home craft. Afterward, you can stroll over to Town Square Plaza across the street and take advantage of their wonderful summer concert series for kids July 13-Aug. 17 at noon.

Infant and Young Toddler Story Times: 10:30 a.m. July 21 and 28.Ages newborn to 2 1/2 with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

Magically Ridiculous Game Show: 3 p.m. July 27. Presented by Jeff Evans. Ages 5 and older with adult. This is your chance to be a “pretend” game show contestant at this program featuring silly sports, goofy games and amazing tricks. Discover how science, reading and art can help you win games. Free tickets available beginning at 2 p.m. the day of the program.

Kids Movie of the Month: 3:30 p.m. July 29. “Space Jam.” Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Enjoy a family friendly film with a light snack.

Free Summer Lunch Program: noon-1 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Closed on July 4. Free lunch for children and teens ages 1 to 18. Feed your body and your brain while you read this summer. In partnership with the Des Moines Food Bank and United Way AmeriCorps members.

TEENS

Study Zone-Summer Session: 3 p.m. Wednesdays. Dop in for math, reading and basic study skills.

Robot Garage, Battle Bots: 3 p.m. July 26. Ages 12 and older. Presented by the Museum of Flight. Let’s get ready to robo-rumble. Did you know that there are robot games? After learning about some soccer playing, sumo wrestling and card driving robots, try your hand at building a battle-proof robot that can survive and triumph in the robo-ring. Please register online or by calling the library, 253-859-3330.

ADULTS

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

English as a Second Language Classes: 5:30 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays. Learn English grammar, reading, writing, and conversation skills with an experienced instructor.

Talk Time Class: 5-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Practice speaking English with other English language learners. Classes are free, join anytime.Registration not required.

Citizenship Classes: 7 p.m. Tuesdays. Learn how to become a U.S. citizen. Study for the naturalization test, including civics and government questions, reading and writing English, and practicing your interview skills. Classes are free, join anytime.

Job Readiness Program: 10:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Tuesdays; 3 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. Thursdays. 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 45-minute one-on-one assistance. Register online or at 253-859-3330. Strongly recommended that you bring a flash/USB drive.

Sign up for ORCA Lift: 10 a.m.-noon, July 22. Income-qualified riders, 19 and older, can save 50 percent or more on Metro, Sound Transit and more. Drop in to register with Multi-Service Center’s Intake Specialist. See if you qualify at www.orcalift.com or call MSC at 253-838-6810. Your income must be at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Please bring ID & income verification documents.

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

Computer Classes: Registration required beginning two weeks before the class, 253-859-3330. • Computer Basics, 7 p.m. July 28; •  One-on-One Computer Help, 5-7 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

EVERYONE’S TALKING ABOUT IT

The Secrets of Printmaking: 2 p.m. July 30. Get ready to stimulate your creative thinking as art historian Tamara Moats, an expert in the history of printmaking, draws from the show of master artists at the Seattle Art Museum this summer and explores the history of printmaking from the finely drawn biblical stories of Albrecht Durer and Rembrandt, to the abstract expressions of Picasso and Matisse.

Entertainment

SHOWARE CENTER

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

The Avett Brothers: 8 p.m. July 23. American folk rock band performs. Ticket prices: $35-$55.

Gurdas Maan, The Eternal Jogi Tour: 7 p.m. July 24. Notable figure in Punjabi music. Acclaimed Indian singer, songwriter, choreographer and actor. Ticket prices: $30-$50.

Pepe Aguilar: 8 p.m. Aug. 7. Latin music great who has garnered six Grammys and three Latin Grammys and 13 Univision Lo Nuestro Awards. Ticket prices: $69-$159.

KENT SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Tuesday Noon Concerts: At Kent Station Plaza, 417 Ramsay Way. Free.

Lineup:

July 26: Songwriter Lulu LaFever has opened for the likes of Willie Nelson and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy with her soulful roadhouse-style swing, jazz and blues.

Aug. 2: Scott Lindenmuth. Jazz, funk and fusion from this innovative and versatile contemporary instrumental band.

Aug. 9: Jessica Lynn is a rising star in the world of contemporary country music. She has been compared to luminaries like Dolly Parton and Miranda Lambert.

Aug. 16: Sundae + Mr. Goessl. Delightful vintage pop from this Seattle-based duo.

Republic Services Wednesday Performances: Noon-1 p.m. Town Square Plaza, 2nd and Harrison. Free.

July 20: The Not-It’s! Seattle “Kindie Rock” quintet will have children and their parents on their feet rocking out to power-packed songs about bugs, haircuts, reading, the ’80s and more.

July 27: The Brian Waite Band. A combination of musical theater, imaginative storytelling, lots of laughs and great rock ‘n roll.

Aug. 3: Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band. The sun-filled pop beats of husband and wife duo Lucky Diaz and Alisha Gaddis have garnered a Latin Grammy, as well as three Emmy nominations and one win.

Aug. 10: Matt Baker. Three-time Guinness World Record holder has performed his comedy stunt show in more than 17 countries.

Aug. 17: Recess Monkey. Kids and parents love rockin’ to this act. Trio blends various musical influences with clever and comical lyrics.

Wednesday Evenings at Kent Station, 6-8 p.m., Kent Station Plaza, 417 Ramsay Way. Free.

July 20: Shaggy Sweet. Three members of this pop/rock band are best friends from Kent who have been performing together since high school. Expect a mix of covers and originals.

July 27: Colt and the Peacemakers offer a soulful glimpse into the musical past of America’s smoky barrooms and neon-lit honky-tonks with country roots rock.

Aug. 3: Saxophonist Darren Motamedy’s smooth jazz is played nationally and two of his albums have achieved “Jazz Album of the Year” status. A native of Kent, Darren returns from his current home in Las Vegas to perform for his local fan base.

Aug. 10: Spyrographs. From James Bond soundtracks, to the go-go hits of Nancy Sinatra, to surf classics, the Syprographs bring to life the musical mojo of 1960s spy, surf and pop hits.

Aug. 17: Seattle-based soul singer Mycle Wastman emerged as a stealth front-runner on season 3 of NBC’s “The Voice.” He delivers an old soulful vibe, mixed with R&B sensibilities and a splash of pop.

Thursdays at the Lake: 7-8:30 p.m., Lake Meridian Park, 14800 SE 272nd St. (Shuttle bus service available) Free.

July 21: LeRoy Bell wows audiences with passionate vocals and a captivating style that encompasses acoustic soul and folky pop.

July 28: HAPA. The Hawaiian word for half, Hapa refers to a person of mixed Pacific Islander ancestry. Often described as the “sound of Maui,” HAPA’s music evokes beauty and serenity.

Aug. 4: The Scott Cossu Ensemble. Internationally known, composer, pianist and recording artist Scott Cossu was at the forefront of New Age music. Billboard Magazine calls Scott a “jazz luminary of the future.”

Aug. 11: Country Lips. Eight-piece band plays raucous and rowdy classic country that would make George Jones, Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard proud.

Aug. 18: The Ryan Shupe band strongly and deftly combines the rock side of their music arsenal with acoustic instruments and the virtuosic jamming they are known for in their live shows.

ELSEWHERE

Live music, Tuesday night dances: 7:30 p.m., Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St. Open to all ages. Cover charge: $4 at the door for all ages, dancers and listeners. Program schedule: • Kings of Swing Big Band, first Tuesdays, 7:45-9:30 p.m. Refreshments by Radcliffe Place served during break at 8:30 p.m. • Randy Litch Ballroom, second and fourth Tuesdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Refreshments provided by The Weatherly Inn and Farrington Court, served while supplies last until 8:45 p.m. • Andy Burnett Rock ‘n Roll, third and fifth Tuesdays, 7:30-9:15 p.m. Refreshments provided by Stafford Suites and Judson Park, served while supplies last until 8:45 p.m. For more information, call 253-856-5164 or visit kentwa.gov/SeniorActivityCenter/

Reunions

Kent-Meridian High School Class of 1956: 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. July 28, Embassy Suites, Longacres Room, 15920 W. Valley Highway, Seattle. 60th high school reunion celebration. Schedule: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., registration; 12:30-1:30 p.m., buffet lunch; 1:30 p.m. class photo; 1:$5 p.m., program begins; banquet Speaker is Ed Reitan; 7 p.m., event at the Nashville Sports Bar & Grill, 114 Railroad Ave N., Kent. Showing four 1955 football games of the 1956 team era. For more information, contact Donna Praast at 253-854-1085 or djpraast@hotmail.com.

Kent-Meridian High School Class of ’66: Aug. 12-14. 50th high school reunion. Schedule: • Friday, Aug. 12 – 2 p.m., golf tournament ($65, $82 with cart, prizes included); 6 p.m. cocktails and 7:30 p.m. barbecue, Fairwood Country Club, 17070 140th Ave. SE, Renton ($22.50 per person; • Saturday, Aug. 13 – 11:30 a.m., tour and nostalgic brown bag lunch, Kent-Meridian High School, 10020 SE 256th St. ($6 per person); 6 p.m. cocktails and 7 p.m. reunion banquet and dinner, Fairwood Country Club ($35 per person); • Sunday, Aug. 14 – 9:30 a.m. service, Panther Lake Community Church, 10630 SE 204th St., Kent. Times are approximate. Optional tax-deductible gift to KM66 Fund to support reunion, newsletters, memory book. Please mail check payable to: “Sherry Moon”. Optional tax-deductible gift to K-M High School (supports group’s goal of $1,966). Please mail check payable to: “Friends of KM Fund.” Register and send payments to: Sherry (Moon) Klein, 46821 290th Ave. SE, Enumclaw, WA 98022. For more information, email srklein@skynetbb.com or Evelyn (Iversen) McMahan at danevie@comcast.net.

Kent-Meridian High School Class of ‘76: 4:30 p.m.-midnight, Sept. 17, DoubleTree Suites by the Hilton, 16500 Southcenter Parkway, Tukwila. 40-year reunion. Cost: $65 per person. For more information or to register, visit www.Diadem76.reunionmanager.com.

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.

Third Thursday Art Walk: 4-7 p.m., Rusty Raven Studio, 212 First Ave. S., Kent. Designed around the idea of creating a rich and diverse artistic experience in downtown Kent. Free kids art activity every month. Have your map initialed by the artist at each stop and be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift certificate from a participating businesses. One entry per person and must go to every stop to qualify. For more information, contact Lyra Penoyer at 253-813-6976 or kdpadminassistant@kentdowntown.org, or visit www.facebook.com/events/1530632470566958/

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.

Experience Historical Kent

Information booth: 9 a.m.-noon, July 30, Aug. 6, 13. Visit the Greater Kent Historical Society Museum booth at the Kent Farmers Market, 426 W. Smith St. You will find information about Experience Historical Kent throughout August. Enjoy looking at photos of Kent from the past, talk with local historians and learn about the upcoming historical events during the month. If you would like to learn more about Experience Historical Kent or volunteer at the museum, call 253-854-4330, or visit kentwa.gov/experiencehistoricalkent.

Historic Downtown Walking Tours: 10 a.m.-noon, Aug. 6, 13, 20, corner of West Meeker Street and 2nd Avenue North. Take as stroll with local historian Eric Reitan around historic downtown to hear stories and see photographs of the past. Reitan’s family has been a part of Kent since the early 1875. Learn about how the streets were named, where the old city hall and Carnation factory was, and where some of the old signs and plaques still remain. Free.

Cemetery Bus Tour: 1:30-4:30 p.m. Aug. 7, Kent Senior Activity Center 600 E. Smith St. Interested in genealogy? Hop on a free bus tour to five pioneer and one pet cemetery established in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Fee. Registration required.

Soos Creek Botanical Garden and Heritage Center: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 13, 20, 29308 132nd Ave. SE, Auburn. The center presents Native American storytelling, a traditional cedar basket weaver, Old Time Fiddlers, and work by local artisans. Free.

Kent Bowen Scarff Classic Car Show: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 20, 1157 Central Ave. N., Kent. Free spectator admission and awards for 40-plus classes of cars. The best classic Ford car show in the Northwest.

Kent Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 20, 5917 S. 196th St. Visit the nation’s only public museum dedicated solely to powerboat racing with vintage hydroplanes spanning seven decades. The museum features a collection of hydroplanes, which include boats that have won 17 Gold Cups. Free.

Mill Creek Historic District Open House: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 20, 855 E. Smith St. Enjoy walking tours in the Mill Creek Historic District neighborhood and view turn of the century and great depression era homes kept in character from 72-106 years old. Free.

Neely-Soames Historic Homestead Open House: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 20, 5311 S. 237th Place. This 1885 historic residence along the Green River Trail features a heritage kitchen garden, gardening programs run by Master Gardeners (call 206-878-1573 for information), open space and limited parking. The gardens are open to the public year-round.