Events
Auburn Tourism: For special events or to add a special event, go to auburntourism.com.
Benefits
Sleep Train’s Toy Drive for Foster Kids & Photo Contest: Through Dec. 18. Donate new, unwrapped gifts at any Sleep Train. Visit sleeptrain.com to find your nearest store. Also enter Sleep Train’s annual photo contest. Snap a picture while donating and post it on Instagram with #SleepTrainSecretSanta in the caption or upload it to woobox.com. One grand prize winner will receive a holiday sleep essentials prize package, including an iPad mini.
Bus Barn Bonanza: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. first Saturday of the month, Auburn School District Transportation Department, 615 15th St. SW. Join as a vendor, a shopper or a looker at the bazaar, swap meet, flea market business and networking opportunity. Gifts, yard sale items and more. Proceeds from vendor fees at $10 a table space go to the Senior Scholarship Foundation. Bus Barn Bonanza is a nonprofit organization. Any business or individuals interested in matching its makings or would like to be a vendor, please call 253-227-7789 or visit busbarnbonanza.com.
Be Your Own Superhero 5K and Kids’ Fun Run: 9 a.m. Jan. 7, Roegner Park, 601 Oravetz Road SE. Superhero-themed event takes runners along the scenic White River Trail. Dress up as your favorite hero. Prizes given to the best adult, child and group costumes. Rain-or-shine event. Wellness fair and family fun events. Registration fee includes a t-shirt, race bib and after race snacks. Fees: $20 available through Dec. 23; $25 from Dec. 24-Jan. 4. No registrations accepted Jan. 5-6. Day-of registration $30 (on site-registration begins at 7:30 a.m.) T-shirts are not guaranteed for day-of registrants. Parents are welcome to accompany their child in the 1K event for no fee. Parents will not receive a T-shirt or race bib for the 1K race.
Health
Bloodworks Northwest drives: 8:30 a.m.-11 a.m. Dec. 28, Fred Meyer, 801 Auburn Way N. Appointments can be made by calling 1-800-398-7888, or visit www.bloodworksnw.org.
Alzheimer’s Association Auburn Caregiver Support Group: Noon-1:30 p.m. first Tuesday of the month, Church of the Nazarene, 1225 29th St. SE, Room 15. Caring for someone with memory loss? Do you need information and support? Alzheimer’s Association 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, call Val Brustad, 253-854-7658.
Volunteers
Auburn Valley Humane Society: 6-8 p.m., third Wednesdays of the month; 10 a.m.-noon, third Saturdays of the month, AVHS shelter, 4910 A St. SE, Auburn. Volunteer orientation and trainings. Stop by the shelter or AVHS thrift store, 1123 E. Main St., to pick up a volunteer application or download one from auburnvalleyhs.org and bring it to the orientation. You may register to attend anyone of the sessions in the future by emailing slavigne@auburnvalleyhs.org. For more information, call 253-249-7849 or visit auburnvalleyhs.org.
Programs
Miss Auburn and Miss Auburn’s Outstanding Teen programs: Applications being accepted. The community-based competition awards more than $35,000 each year in scholarship funds to local young women. The program, set for Jan. 20-21, is an official preliminary to the Miss Washington, Miss Washington’s Outstanding Teen, Miss America and Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Scholarship Pageants. It also provides personal development assistance in poise and self-confidence, interview-and-public-speaking skills, leadership and community service training. The Miss Auburn Little Sister program has openings for girls in kindergarten through fourth grade. Opportunities also available for fifth-, sixth- and seventh-grade girls in the Miss Auburn Ambassador program. Apply at missauburn.org.
Clothing bank: 10-11 a.m. Wednesdays, Northwest Family Church, 3535 Auburn Way S. Serving the community. Clients may come once a month. ID is required for new clients and proof of children (insurance card) is needed. If you have just moved into the area, then a bill with your current address will be sufficient. Homeless community is welcome. ID is required and not an address. The clothing bank is free and supported through donations from the community and church. For more information, visit www.nwfamilychurch.com.
Clubs
Auburn Noon Lions: Meets Tuesdays, noon, Auburn Golf Course banquet room, 29630 Green River Road SE. $12 for lunch, $5 for dessert and beverage. For more information, contact Ed Butler at 253-929-9358 or edbutler0314@gmail.com.
Rotary Club of Auburn: Meets noon, Wednesdays, Auburn Golf Course, banquet room, 29630 Green River Road SE. Programs: For more information, visit www.auburnrotary.org.
Kiwanis Club of The Valley: Meets every Wednesday morning at 7 at Veterans Memorial Park, 411 St. NE, Auburn. For more information, visit www.kiwaniscluboftheauburnvalley.org
South King County Alliance for Retired Americans: Monthly meetings at 1 p.m. on the second Tuesday 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.
Rainier Audubon Society: Groups meets regularly, Federal Way United Methodist Church, 29645 – 51st Ave. S. Public welcome.
Women’s Club of Federal Way: Meets at 11 a.m. on the third Wednesday of each month, Twin Lakes Golf and Country Club, 3583 SW 320th St.,Federal Way. Newcomers welcome. Cost $15. Call 253-927-2766 for reservations.
Interurban Runners Club: Join our weekly group run/walk on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. in front of Billy McHale’s Restaurant, 1320 S. 324th St., in Federal Way. The group jogs about 3 miles on the BPA trail or local neighborhood, followed by food and socializing. All ages and abilities welcome. Can’t make it on Thursdays? We have monthly club runs at select running spots in the King/Pierce County area. Check out the club calendar at www.interurbanrunners.net or contact Larry Coyne membership director at coyneld@aol.com
Auburn Morning Toastmasters: Meets every Thursday morning, 6:30-7:30, Auburn Chamber of Commerce, 420 E. Main St., beginning Nov. 3. Learn the fine art of communication and public speaking in a friendly supportive atmosphere. Visitors are welcome.
Soroptimist International of Auburn: Meets Wednesdays at noon in the Rainier Room, Truitt Building, 102 W. Main St. Make reservations by emailing info@siauburn. For more information, visit www.siauburn.org.
South King County Genealogical Society: 9:30 a.m.-noon, third Saturday of every month (except July, August and December), Wesley Homes-Lea Hill, J.W. McKenna Assembly Hall, 32049 109th Place SE, Auburn. Welcome genealogists or anyone interested in learning about family history. www.skcgs.org
Save Our Fish, Auburn Chapter, Puget Sound Anglers: Meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month (except December), 6 p.m. Round Table Pizza, 4002 A St. SE. Learn fishing techniques and hot spots from guest speakers and chapter experts. For more information, visit www.saveourfish.org.
Green Valley/Lake Holm Association: 6:30 p.m. Black Diamond Library, 24707 Roberts Drive. Meetings are on the last Wednesday of every month, except holidays. The association is an unincorporated area community service group formed by local citizens for the purpose of addressing common issues, safety measures and ideas for improvement. Featuring Capt. Scott Somers of the King County Sheriff’s Department speaking on rural personal and property protection, increasing traffic concerns, adapting Block Watch in rural areas and ways residents can support the precinct’s deputies. Refreshments served. For more information, contact gvlhassn@gmail.com.
Libraries
Auburn Library, 1102 Auburn Way S. 253- 931-3018. Library events include:
CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Toddler Story Times: 10:30 a.m. Dec. 15. Ages 2 to 3 with adult, siblings welcome. Stories, songs and fun.
Preschool Story Time: 11:15 a.m. Dec. 15. Ages 3 to 7 with adult, siblings welcome. Stories, songs and fun.
Wee-Bots Science Workshop: 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. (two sessions) Dec. 29. Presented by The Museum of Flight. Ages 5 to 7 with adult. Ever have fun with a Bee-bot? These robots will show you how science can be all fun and games. Learn programming skills to teach these robots to race, maneuver an obstacle course and play board games. Space is limited to 15 children at each session (sessions are identical). Free tickets will be available at the Information Desk starting at 1pm on the day of the program.
TEENS
Study Zone: 3-5 p.m. Dec. 15. Grades K-12. Drop in for free homework help from trained volunteer tutors.
Teen Zone: 3:30-5 p.m. Dec. 14. Middle and high school ages. Play video games, snack, get online, hang out, study, or pick-up a good book. All in the same place.
ADULTS
Computer classes?: If you’re interested in attending a computer class, please call 253-931-3018. • One-On-One Computer Help, 1 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 2:30 p.m. Dec. 17; • Microsoft Excel 2013, Level 2, 1:30 p.m. Dec. 14; • Microsoft Excel 2013 Level 3, 3:30 p.m. Dec. 14. Please register.
Sign Up for ORCA Lift’s Reduced Fares: 3-5 p.m. Dec. 28. Presented by Multi-Service Center. Drop in to register for ORCA Lift, a new, reduced fare on Metro buses, Sound Transit Link light rail, and more. Income-qualified riders, ages 19 and older, 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.
Third Thursday Afternoon Book Club: 2 p.m. Dec. 15. “The Rosie Project” by Graeme Simsion. Come for a lively discussion on the third Thursday of the month as the Auburn Library begins a new afternoon book club for adults.
Genealogy Assistance: 1-3 p.m. Wednesdays. Volunteers from South King County Genealogical Society will be available to answer your questions.
Talk Time Classes: 6 p.m. Thursdays. Practice speaking English with other English language learners. Registration not required, open to everyone.
Friends of the Auburn Library Meeting: 7 p.m. Dec. 27. The Friends of the Auburn Library offer support by volunteering, hosting fundraising activities, sponsoring programs and services and increasing awareness of the library’s vital role in our community. New members are always welcome.
Tablets 101: 1 p.m., Nov. 29; noon, Dec. 30. Learn how to use your new tablet. This class teaches the basics, how to turn off your device completely, wifi connection, security and app installation. All operating systems covered. Need to bring your own device.
Algona-Pacific Library, 225 Ellingson Road, Pacific. 253-833-3554. Library events include:
CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Reading with Rover: 6-7 p.m. Dec. 14. For school-age children accompanied by an adult. Build reading skills and confidence by reading aloud to a certified therapy dog in a welcoming environment. Reading with Rover is a community-based literacy program working with schools and libraries throughout the greater Seattle area.
Build It @ the Library: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 17. Family program, ages 6 and younger with adult. Have some fun building with plastic bricks, blocks and straws. Create around a theme or build what you like. You bring the ideas and we will supply the building materials.
Color Craze: Noon-1 p.m. Dec. 30. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Take a break from all of the holiday craziness. Join us at the library for a relaxing hour of coloring and stress reduction. Materials provided or bring your own.
TWEENS & TEENS
Teen Zone: 3:30-5 p.m. Dec. 15. No program on Nov. 24. Grades 5-12. Play video games, snack, hang out, study, or pick up a good book. All in the same place.
Learn to Knit, Arm Knitting: 5:30 p.m. Dec. 20. Ages 9 to 18. Did you know you can knit with your arms? Learn how to arm knit a scarf in this fun workshop. You bring the arms, we will bring the rest. Space is limited, please register.
ADULTS
Citizenship Classes: 7 p.m. Thursdays. Learn how to become a United States 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.
Computer Classes: Computer Class: • One-on-One Job Assistance, 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. Dec. 14; • Internet Level 1, 7 p.m. Dec. 14. Please register.
Algona-Pacific Page Turners Book Club: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21. “The Snow Child” by Eowen Ivey. Share your love of books and connect with fellow readers. Contact the library for book title. Copies of this title have been reserved for participants and are available for check out at the library. New members are always welcome.
Muckleshoot Library, 39917 Auburn-Enumclaw Road SE., Auburn. 253-931-6779. Library events include:
PROGRAMS
Boredom Busters: At the library and looking for something to do? Ask the staff at the front desk about Boredom Buster kits. Board games, crafts, coloring, etc. Kits available for all ages.
Network
3No Networking: 5:30 p.m. Thursdays. 3No Networking is a casual weekly get-together set aside for members of the business community to drop in and get to know each other. The mixer rotates among Auburn venues. The series is made possible by a partnership between IPZ No. 15 Auburn, the City of Auburn Office of Economic Development, Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce and the Auburn Downtown Association. For more information, contact Doug Lein, IPZ administrator, at 253-804-3101. For a full schedule, visit www.3noNetworking.com.
Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce Business Insider Luncheon: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., the third Tuesday of every month, Emerald Downs, Emerald Room (fourth floor), 2300 Emerald Downs Drive. $25/members; $35/non-members (includes lunch). Register online through the chamber. For more information, contact Karen Wickstrom at 253-833-0700 or karen@auburnareawa.org.
Seniors
Auburn Senior Activity Center, 808 Ninth St. SE. 253-931-3016 or www.auburnwa.gov. Senior activities include:
• Senior Coffee Hours with the Mayor and Councilmembers: 10-11 a.m. the second Thursday of the month.
• Lunch: Monday-Friday, Salad bar begins at 11:30, Main meal is served at noon. Cost: $3 donation for ages 60 and over, $6 for those younger than 60.
• Movie Screenings: Wednesdays, 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. 50 cents suggested donation for refreshments.
• Monday Supper Club: 4:45-6 p.m. One Monday a month. Call 253-931-3016 for date and menu. Cost: $6 for all ages.
• Meals on Wheels: Senior services’ program offers home-delivered meals to home-bound seniors. For more information, call the center at 253-931-3016.
PROGRAMS
Volunteer opportunities: The center’s meals-on-wheels and respite programs need help to provide services to seniors. Please call 253-288-7441 or 253-931-3016, if interested.
Auburn Respite: Nonprofit adult day care program serving the community needs volunteers to help its senior participants. The group meets weekly at the center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays. The program allows caregivers to enjoy a worry-free day off while the participant enjoys socialization, companionship and lunch. For more information, contact program director Sheila Pankratz at 253-229-7510.
Pacific Algona Senior Center, 100 Third Ave SE, Pacific, 253-929-1153.
Serving seniors: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. No annual fee. Monday free lunch, Tuesday-Friday lunch provided by Catholic Community Services. Senior bus trips to local stores and events. Crafts and card making.
Entertainment
AUBURN AVENUE THEATER
At 10 Auburn Ave. Call Auburn Parks, Arts & Rec at 253-931-3043, Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.-noon, or online at www.brownpapertickets.com.
“A Christmas Story, The Musical”: 7 p.m. Dec. 15, 16, 17; 2 p.m. Dec. 17, 18. The musical, which received rave reviews on its Broadway run, is based on the movie classic that runs round-the-clock on television every Christmas. Tickets: $15 regular; $13 students, seniors.
ELSEWHERE
Zola’s Cafe: Live music every Friday, 7-9 p.m., 402 E. Main St., Suite 120. Live music and wine tasting on the first Saturday of each month, 7-9 p.m. For information, contact Sonia Kessler at the cafe at 253-333-9652.
“Fiddler on the Roof”: 7 p.m. Dec. 16, 17; 2 p.m. Dec. 17, Green River College, main campus, Performing Arts Building, 12401 SE 320th St., Auburn. Presented by Heavier Than Air Family Theatre Co. Rich in history and steeped in tradition, Fiddler on the Roof tells the story of a tight-knit community in Czarist Russia determined to protect its way of life from a changing world. All tickets $10 advance purchase, $12 at the door (if available). For more information, call 253-833-9111 or visit heavierthanair.com.
Poetry
Poetry at the Rainbow Café: 7-9 p.m. first Monday of the month, at the café, 112 E. Main St. Coffee and conversation follow readings. It is an open mic opportunity. The public is invited.
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.
Museums
White River Valley Museum
Hours: Noon-4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday and the first Thursday 6-8 p.m. Regular admission is $5 adults, $2 seniors and children. Children 2 years of age or younger are free. Free admission on the first Thursday and third Sunday of the month. For more information, visit www.wrvmuseum.org or call 253-288-7439.
EXHIBIT
8th annual Small Works Big Presents, the Gift of Art exhibit: Through Dec. 18. Juried show and sale highlights the Northwest’s active contemporary art scene, making small-scale, high-quality original works of arts and crafts available for holiday gift buying. $1,900 in prize money will be awarded to five artists, whose work was particularly popular with the jury. Guests can vote on the People’s Choice Award, the winner of which will receive $400 and have their artwork featured in next year’s publicity. Sponsored by the museum and the City of Auburn Arts Commission.
Galleries
Auburn City Hall: Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Admission is free. 253-931-3043 or www.auburnwa.gov.
