Kent-area community calendar | June 1

Events

41st Kent Farmers Market: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays, June 4-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.

The Kent International Festival: 9:30 a.m., June 4, ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St. Celebrating cultural diversity represented in the Kent community and South King County. The festival showcases the region’s ethnic dance, musical performances, native attire, cultural booths and authentic cuisine. Daylong entertainment on three stages: arena stage with seating, concourse with cultural presentations and our new outdoor plaza stage. Watch, learn and participate in the World Dance Party at 5 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for the Festival Finale concert from 7-10. Free. kentinternationalfestival.com.

Summer recycling event: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. June 4, Kent Phoenix Academy, parking lot, 11000 SE 264th St. Bring appliances, mattresses, batteries, bulky yard debris and scrap wood, reusable household goods and up to three boxes of confidential documents to shred. Event funded by grants from King County Solid Waste Division, Local Hazardous Waste Management Program, and Department of Ecology.

Guided Pathways Support for Youth & Families Fruit & Veggie Derby 500: 11 a.m.-noon, June 11, 3 Friends Fishing Hole Park, 19970 Russell Road, Kent. Organizers will provide fruits, vegetables and tools to assemble your veggie vehicles. They also will serve donuts and drinks. The first car to get to the bottom of the ramp will take the grand prize. Free. guidedpathways.org.

KBAC Juneteenth Festival & Celebration: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. June 19, Morrill Meadows Park, 10600 SE 248th St., Kent. Juneteenth turns 151 this year. On Sept. 22, 1862, of the Emancipation Proclamation finally reached Galveston, Texas, more than two years later on June 19, 1865. Paying homage to historic day with song and dance, showcasing local talent, celebrating students and sharing African-American culture with the community. Vendors, food, entertainment and Father’s Day-tailored activities. Nationally know and Seattle jazz guitarist Michael Powers anchors afternoon entertainment. For more information, visit kentblackactioncommission.com.

Greater Seattle Postcard and Paper Show: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 25-26, Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. N. Dealers from throughout the Pacific Northwest, and California will display close to half-million old postcards, paper collectibles and ephemera. Included will be postcards, stamps, advertising trade cards, cigar labels, valentines, scrap, travel brochures, photographs, stereographs, aviation, auto, railroad, ship, movie memorabilia, and Western Americana. Free appraisals of all old paper collectibles will be given with $5 admission. www.postcardshows.com.

Benefits

The Wild West: 5-9 p.m. June 3, ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St., Kent. Kent Downtown Partnership’s annual dinner auction. Costume contest, dessert dash, 50/50 raffle, trips to Hawaii and Cabo and other prizes. Tickets: $65 until May 16, $75 after. For tickets and reservations, call 253-813-6979 or downtownkentwa.com.

PTA Carnival: 5-7:30 p.m. June 9, Horizon Elementary School, 27641 144th Ave. SE, Kent. Family fun carnival with bounce houses, Pirate’s Revenge Ship, mini-train, Black Ops Obstacle Course and more. Carnival games with prizes, food trucks and hot dog meals from Watch D.O.G.S. are available for purchase. Silent auction with more than 20 baskets up for bid. Tickets for carnival games and bounce houses are available for purchase at the door. Admission is free, rides and games require tickets.

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: 1-4 p.m. June 3, Food Services of America, 18430 E. Valley Highway; 1-3 p.m., 4-7 p.m. June 7, River of Life Fellowship, 10615 SE 216th; 1-3 p.m., 4-7 p.m. June 8, Amazon, 20526 59th Place S.; 1-4 p.m. June 9, Novinium, 22820 Russell Road; 8-10 a.m., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. June 15, city of Kent, 400 W. Gowe Ave.; 12:30-2:30 p.m., 3:30-6:30 p.m. June 21, Kent Lutheran Church, 336 Second Ave. S.; 9-11 a.m., noon-3 p.m. June 22, Centerpoint Corporate Park, Mount Adams Room, 20809 72nd Ave. S. 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.

26th Annual Tour de Pierce Bike Ride: 7:30-11:30 a.m. June 26. Starts and finishes at the Washington State Fairgrounds gold parking lot, South Meridian and 9th Avenue Southeast, Puyallup. Ride offers 12-, 30- and 50-mile marked routes.  Short route is designed for families or for those new to biking.  All routes include maps and cue sheets, Map My Ride QR Codes, a rest stop with refreshments and restrooms. Pre-registration fee by June 10 is $14 per person or $42 for a family of four from the same household.  Pre-ordered competitor shirts are $20.  To register,  call 253-798-4177 or visit piercecountywa.org/parks,

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. May 12 program: a representative of the Attorney General’s office to discuss identity theft. 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.

Programs

Seattle Humane MaxMobile Pet Adoption: 4-7 p.m. June 9, Kent Mud Bay, 10457 SE 240th St. Cats and possibly dogs from Seattle Humane Society available for adoption. Stop by and see the bright yellow bus full of adoptable animals. Free. For more information, visit seattlehumane.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.

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. June 3, 10, 17 and 24. 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.

Kids Movie of the Month: 3:30 p.m. June 24. “Air Bud”.

Fun with Bricks: 10:30 a.m. June 11. Family program, ages 6 and younger with adult. Have fun building with plastic bricks. Create around a theme or build what you like. You bring the ideas and the library will supply the building materials.

Learn To Draw With Games Art Workshop: 6:30 p.m. June 21. Presented by Elizabeth Guizzetti. Ages 8 to 12 with adult. Use your imagination and your hands while discovering fun ways to mix art with games to create your own original wild, wacky monsters. Make a “creature dice” then use it to play other drawing games. All supplies will be provided. Please register online or call the library beginning June 7.

Design and Build Bricks Sports Robot: 10 a.m. June 25. Presented by Bricks 4 Kidz. Ages 9 to 14. Calling all sports and Lego fanatics. Challenge yourself to build a popular sports game and create the software program to control it. The EV3 Robotics unit is perfect for both athletes and technical thinkers. Have fun while putting your technology skills to the test. Please register online or call the library beginning June 11.

The Science of Art, Automaton: 3:30 p.m. June 27. Presented by KidsQuest Museum. Ages 6 and older, ages 8 and younger with adult. Automata is a wonderful contraption made up of simple machines that can be used to tell complex stories. Configure cams, levers and linkages so the mechanics make a meaningful motion that can tell a story. Registration required beginning two weeks before each program.

Sound Coach, A Reading Relay Read-a-Thon: 2 p.m. June 30. Presented by Charlie Williams, The Noiseguy. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Compete in a reading relay and be fascinated about the speed of sound. Watch vocal aerobics or get in the game and perform, too! Learn about and watch vowel vaults, synchronized sibilance and premise stretching. Free tickets available beginning at 1 p.m. the day of the program.

Free Summer Lunch Program: noon-1 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 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.

TWEENS & TEENS

Study Zone: 1:30 p.m. Sundays; 3:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, when school is in session. Students K-12. Drop in for homework assistance from trained volunteer tutors. After-school snacks provided 3:30-4:30 p.m. through June 16 by Food Lifeline and Americorps Vista volunteers.

Game On!: 3:30 p.m. June 7, 21. Middle and high school ages. Play video games at the library.

Kick-Up: 7 p.m. May 18. Ages 16 to 25 are welcome to grab a slice of free pizza and be connected with local agencies who want to help you.

Teen Writers’ Club: 3:30 p.m. June 14. Middle and high school ages. Like to write stuff? Wish you did? Join us for fun exercises and inspiration.

Foam Sword Battles and Games: 3 p.m. June 28. Presented by Foam Sword Parties, LLC. Ages 10 and older. Find your inner hero and learn some history through exciting simulated battles. Discover what it might have been like to be a warrior in ancient times. Activities are organized in a safe and fun environment with instruction and all equipment provided. Please register online or call the library, 253-859-3330.

ADULTS

Drop-In to Learn about eBooks: 10 a.m. June 25. Get started with KCLS eBooks! Bring your eReader, tablet, phone or just your questions.

English as a Second Language Classes: 6 p.m., Wednesdays. No class May 30. Learn English grammar, reading, writing, and conversation skills. In-person registration required, 5 p.m. June 9.  Please arrive on time and bring picture ID. Children are not allowed at registration.

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.

After Lunch Book Club: 1 p.m. June 8. “The Painted Veil” by Somerset Maugham.

Kent Friends of the Library Meeting: 1 p.m. June 9.

Congressman Adam Smith, Mobile Office Hours: 10 a.m. June 21. Staff members will be available to answer questions about federal agencies, such as the Social Security Administration, resources to help with loan modulations and avoiding foreclosures, assistance with immigration services and information on federal grants.

Sign up for ORCA Lift: 10 a.m.-noon, June 10. 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.

Computer Classes: Registration required beginning two weeks before the class, 253-859-3330. • One-on-One Computer Assistance, 5-7 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; • Computer Basics, 7 p.m. June 2; • Internet Level 1, 7 p.m. June 9; • Microsoft Word Level 1, 7 p.m. June 16; • Microsoft Excel Level 1, 7 p.m. June 23; • Email Level 1, 7 p.m. June 30.

EVERYONE’S TALKING ABOUT IT

Addressing the Zika Virus Threat: 1 p.m. June 12. Film screening of an event originally held at Harvard University on Feb. 17. Panelists Helen Branswell, senior writer at STAT, Michael VanRooyen M.D., director of the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, and Howard Zucker M.D., New York commissioner of Health, joined moderator Sheila Burke, of the Harvard Kennedy School, for a panel discussion on the recent Zika virus outbreaks, its global implications, origins, scope and severity, as well as U.S. preparedness to contain its spread.

International Travel, Best Practices for a Safe Trip: 2 p.m. June 12. With the recent terrorist attacks on Brussels and in Paris and the Zika virus outbreak, international travel has been in the news. Earthquakes, political unrest, and illness can still occur even if you’re prepared. Whether an experienced traveler or taking your first trip, join Brent Barker for a fascinating talk on how to avoid possible concerns and what to do if something goes wrong. This is a must for anyone interested in travel or international security. Barker is a retired special agent with the U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service.

Taking the Mystery Out of Retirement Planning: 6:30 p.m. June 27. Presented by the U.S. Department of Labor. Designed for people who already have a plan at work, this presentation focuses on retirement planning tools, including an online calculator for projecting future retirement expectations. A publication, “Savings Fitness”, designed to help consumers maximize retirement savings, will also be available for attendees.

Entertainment

SHOWARE CENTER

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

The Heartland Tour, Lecrae with Switchfoot: 7 p.m. June 17. Grammy-award winning hip-hop artist Lecrae performs. The Heartland Tour also features Switchfoot. Ticket prices: $32-$102.

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

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. ; • second and fourth Tuesday: Randy Litch, ballroom dance music, 7:30-9:15 p.m.; • third and fifth Tuesday: Andy Burnett, rock ‘n roll music, 7:30-9:15 p.m. Refreshments by Stafford Suites. Complimentary refreshments are provided for a donation (first Tuesday by The Lakeshore and Radcliffe Place; second Tuesday by the Weatherly Inn; third Tuesday by  the Stafford Suites; fourth Tuesday by Farrington Court; fifth Tuesday by Judson Park). Cost is $4 at the door and all dances are open to dancers of all ages. For more information, call 253-856-5164 or visit kentwa.gov/SeniorActivityCenter/

Reunions

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.

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.

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.

PROGRAMS

Inter-nations and cultural exhibit: The African continent (May 25-June 4). Admission is a suggested $2 donation.