Events

Auburn Tourism: For special events in the Auburn area, visit the website: www.auburntourism.com.

Book signing: 4:30 p.m. Dec. 14, Cherry De Pon Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt, 1400 Lake Tapps Parkway E., Auburn. Author Dee Dee Walter-Goodspeed signs her children’s book, “Friends Will Be There Forever,” with portions of the proceeds going to the Gentle Barn Foundation, an animal rescue organization. Author will buy yogurt for the first 10 young readers who visit her on Dec. 14. To learn more, visit www.gentlebarn.org and www.deedeegoodspeed.com.

Monster Jam, Rock The Dome: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 4; 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Jan. 5; 1 p.m. Jan. 6, Tacoma Dome, 2727 E. D St., Tacoma. Presented by Advance Auto Parts. Sixteen of the world’s best monster trucks battle it out in the ultimate event of intense speed, racing and destruction. Tickets: $10, $20 adults; kids (2-12) $5 on select seating (with the purchase of an adult ticket; limit two discount kids tickets per purchase). Purchase at the Tacoma Dome box office, online at www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 800-745-3000.

Seventh annual Daddy Daughter Date Night: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Feb 22, 23, Auburn Senior Activity Center, 808 Ninth Street SE. For girls ages 4-10 years old. Opportunity for fathers, grandfathers, uncles, or big brothers to take their special little girl out for a night she will never forget. The night will begin with a couples photograph, followed by dinner, dancing and dessert. Each child will receive a 5-by-7 portrait and a party favor. The all-inclusive event is $45 per couple ($10 each additional girl; non-resident fees apply). Pre-registration is required. To purchase advance tickets, visit the Parks, Arts & Recreation Office at 910 Ninth Street SE or call 253-931-3043.

Holiday events

AUBURN

Late Play Date: 6 p.m. Dec. 13, White River Valley Museum, 918 H St. SE, Auburn. Enjoy an evening of fun, holiday-themed activities throughout the museum. Docent-led activities will explore how different cultures around the world celebrate winter holidays. Bring your camera to take a picture with Santa Claus in Town Square. Activities and admission free. wrvmuseum.org.

Benefits

AYR’s Holiday Adopt-A-Family: Auburn Youth Resources seeks individuals, families, businesses and social groups to “adopt” AYR families for the holiday season. Give food and gifts to families who are undergoing hardship. To learn more, please contact Tiari DeGraw at 253-939-2202 or TiariDe@ayr4kids.org. For more information, visit www.ayr4kids.org.

Sleep Country’s Toy Drive for Foster Kids: Through Dec. 16. Donations of new unwrapped gifts like board games, electronics, book, or musical instruments can be made at any Sleep Country store. Donations will be distributed among Sleep Country’s 24 partner foster care organizations. For more information on the location of the nearest store, please visit www.sleepcountry.com or call 1-888-88-SLEEP.

Barbers Against Hunger 3rd annual Coat Drive: Dec. 16, Auburn Valley Barber Shop, 316 E. Main St.; Salon Edwards, 29100 Pacific Highway S., Suite 6, Federal Way. Accepting new, used coats. Donate five coats and enter to win a certificate. Learn more on Facebook at barbersagainst hunger.

Electronics recycling: Dec. 29, 1 Green Planet, 500 Oravetz Road SE, Auburn. Bring your recyclable items, working or not, to the Auburn Riverside High School parking lot. Recycling old computers, appliances, stereo equipment, TVs, bikes, trikes, barbecues. Please make a $10 donation to the Auburn Riverside High School grad night program. More information at www.1greenplanet.org.

Health

Cascade Regional Blood Center drives:  For more information, call 1-877-242-5663 or visit www.crbs.net/home.

Puget Sound Blood Center drives:  9-11 a.m., noon-3 p.m. Dec. 27, City Hall, council chamber, 25 W. Main St., Auburn. For more information, call 253-945-8667 or please visit www.psbc.org.

Clubs

Striped Water Poets: Meet every Tuesday, 7- 9 p.m., at Auburn City Hall, 25 W. Main St. A roundtable critique and welcoming of new poets.

Rainier Audubon Society: 7 p.m. Dec. 17, Federal Way United Methodist Church, 29645 51st Ave. S., Federal Way. Brown bag auction following a presentation by Dan Streiffert on Malheur 2012. Free Discover Passes for new members joining.

Auburn Morning Toastmasters: Meet every Thursday morning, 6:30-7:30, Rainbow Cafe, 112 E. Main St., Auburn.  Learn the fine art of communication and public speaking in a friendly supportive atmosphere.  Visitors are welcome. For more information, call 253-735-1751.

Programs, classes

Jet Cities Chorus: 7-8:30 p.m., Mondays, through Dec. 10, Todd Beamer High School, choir room, 35999 16th Ave. S., Federal Way. Jet Cities Chorus, a member of Sweet Adelines International, offers free group vocal lessons. The all-female chorus (with more than 50 members ranging in age from 20 to 70) sings a capella music in the barbershop style. They are directed by Teresa McCafferty. For more information: 253-630-4077 or jetcitieschorus@gmail.com, or jetcities.org.

Showmanship Activity Workshop: 9 a.m.-noon, Jan. 12, Green River Community College, 12401 SE 320th St., Auburn. Join the staff of Heavier Than Air Family Theatre for a workshop designed for scouts. Learn about puppetry, tour backstage, learn a skit and a song or two. Hands-on, fast paced workshop designed to help you complete the Showman pin. Cost: $25 per person and includes a ticket to “The Wizard of Oz” for March 23. Registration deadline for the workshop is Jan. 8. Space limited. For more information, call 253-833-9111, ext. 4966 and leave a message, or visit www.heavierthanair.com.

Libraries

Auburn Library, 1102 Auburn Way S. 253- 931-3018.  Library events include:

CHILDREN & FAMILIES

Ready-Set-Read: If you are in elementary school, take the Reading Challenge. Read at least 20 minutes per day for 20 days within a month and choose a new paperback book at your community library. Forms are available online at www.kcls.org/parents/kidsandreading/rsr/ and at the library.

Wacky Wednesday Story Times: 10:15 a.m. Dec. 19, 26. Ages 3 to 6 with adult.

Bouncing Baby Story Times: 10:15 a.m. Dec.  20, 27. Ages newborn to 24 months with adult.

Stuffed Animal Holiday Sleepover: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 20. Ages 3 and older with adult. Come in your pajamas for a holiday story time and library tour with your favorite stuffed animal, then tuck your special friend in for the night and leave them at the library for a stuffed animal sleepover. Munch on a snack and juice at the Teddy Bear Brunch the next morning at 10:30 and find out what your best friend was up to at the sleepover. Children need not attend the Teddy Bear Brunch to participate but must pick up their stuffed animal within one week. Registration required.

TEENS

Teen Zone: 3:30 p.m. Dec. 19, 26. Snack, hang out, study, play video games and pick up a good book.

Study Zone: 5 p.m. Dec. 17, 19. Grades K-12. Drop in for free homework help from trained volunteer tutors.

Teen Reads Café: 4:30 p.m. Dec. 18. The book club meets once a month to discuss the book of the month and share what we’ve been reading.

Movie Afternoon at the Library: 3:30 p.m. Dec. 14. Enjoy popcorn and a movie.

Read Three, Get One Free:  Read three books, write three short thoughtful reviews and get a new paperback book free. Pick up an entry form at any KCLS library or online at www.kcls.org/read3. Sponsored by the KCLS Foundation.

ADULTS

Book a Librarian: Free 30-minute appointments to help you with your information needs. Please come to the library or call 253-931-3018 to make an appointment.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Winter Quarter Registration: 5:30 p.m. Dec. 19. Register for the Winter Quarter ESL classes.

Computer classes: Sign-up at the Information Desk or call 253-931-3018.

Drop-In to Learn about eBooks: 5 p.m. Dec. 12; 1 p.m. Dec. 18. Get started with KCLS eBooks. Bring your eReader, tablet, phone or just your questions.

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Algona-Pacific Library, 225 Ellingson Road, Pacific. 253-833-3554. Library events include:

CHILDREN & FAMILIES

Ready-Set-Read: If you are in elementary school, take the Reading Challenge. Read at least 20 minutes per day for 20 days in one month and choose a new paperback book at your community library. Other Information: Forms are available online at www.kcls.org/parents/kidsandreading/rsr/ and at the library.

TEENS

Teen Zone: 3 p.m. Dec. 19, 26. Stop in to play video games, get online, do homework, hang out or read a book.

Study Zone: 6 p.m. Dec. 17, 19; 3 p.m. Dec. 18, 27. Grades K-12. Drop in for free homework help from trained volunteer tutors.

Read Three, Get One Free: Read three books, write three short thoughtful reviews and get a new paperback book free. Pick up an entry form at any KCLS library or online.

ADULTS

Book a Librarian: Free 30-minute appointments to help you with your information needs. Please come to the library or call 253-931-3554 to make an appointment.

Computer Class: Registration required. Please sign up at the Information Desk or call 253-833-3554.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes Winter Quarter Registration: 5:30 p.m. Dec. 19. Register for the Winter Quarter ESOL classes.

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Muckleshoot Library, 39917 Auburn-Enumclaw Road SE., Auburn. 253-931-6779. Library events include:

CHILDREN & FAMILIES

Ready-Set-Read: If you are in elementary school, take the Reading Challenge. Read at least 20 minutes per day for 20 days within a month and choose a new paperback book at your community library. Forms are available online at www.kcls.org/parents/kidsandreading/rsr/ and at the library.

ADULTS, TEENS

Read Three, Get One Free: Read three books, write three short, thoughtful reviews and get a new paperback book free. Pick up an entry form at any KCLS library or online at www.kcls.org/read3. Sponsored by the KCLS Foundation.

COMPUTER CLASSES

Looking to sharpen your technology skills?:  If you’re interested in attending a class, please call 253-931-6779.

Network

Auburn Area Chamber “Connecting for Success” Networking Breakfast: 8-9 a.m., the first Wednesday of every month. Sponsored by the Auburn Chamber of Commerce. Cost: $5, includes continental breakfast. Auburn Area Chamber Board Room, 108 S. Division, Suite B. 253-833-0700.

Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce Partnership Luncheon: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., the third Tuesday of every month, Emerald Downs, Emerald Room (fourth floor), 2300 Emerald Downs Drive.  Register online through the chamber.

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, $5.75 for those younger than 60.

• Movie Screenings: Wednesdays, 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. 50 cent 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.

• Hiking Group 50+: Do you like the outdoors? Are you looking to get some more exercise? Don’t like to hike alone? Then we have the group for you. The group hikes 3-5 times a month throughout the Puget Sound region. The hikes range from 3-7 miles and are from easy to moderate. Please call 253 931-3016 for more information.

Entertainment

Jazz series:: 6-9 p.m., Saturdays, Auburn Wine and Caviar Company, 2402 A St. SE, Auburn. Saxophone and flute master Mark Lewis performs each week with a different featured guest musician – or two – from around the region. Featured guest musician schedule: • Dec. 15: John Stowell, guitar (with a possible guest appearance by winemaker and saxophonist Don Wood); • Dec. 22: Allen Alto, guitar; • Dec. 29: Steve Luceno, bass. For more information, call 253-887-8530.

Creme Tangerine, “I’m Dreaming of a White Album Christmas”: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14, Auburn Ave Theater, 10 Auburn Ave. Group  performs Christmas favorites and the Beatles White Album. Soft drinks, beer, wine and holiday treats available for purchase. Tickets: $20/$17 online at www.BrownPaperTickets.com. For more information call PaulYester Productions at 253-223-0803.

“Scrooge The Musical”: 7 p.m. Dec. 14, 15, 21; 3 p.m., Dec. 16, 22, Performing Arts Building, main campus, Green River Community College, 12401 SE 320th St., Auburn. Presented by Heavier Than Air Family Theater, Green River Community College’s resident community theater. Tickets: $10 per person. For more details, visit www.heavierthanair.com.

Ave Kids, Brian Vogan and His Good Buddies Rockin’ in a Winter Wonderland: 2 p.m. Dec. 15, Auburn Ave Theater, 10 Auburn Ave. Seattle songwriter and early childhood music educator Brian Vogan specializes in writing songs that the entire family can enjoy. Come on down and boogie with Brian and his fabulous eight piece band, the Good Buddies, who will be performing a special concert of winter-themed songs, including many hits from their three award-winning children’s albums. Tickets: $6. Call Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation at 253-931-3043, Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.-noon, or at www.BrownPaperTickets.com.

31st Bronn and Katherine Journey Christmas Concert: 7:30 p.m., Dec. 15, Auburn Performing Arts Center, 700 E. Main St. Bronn and Katherine Journey and friends present a casually elegant evening featuring music celebrating the joy of the Christmas season. Enjoy the warmth of a special event that combines harp, humor and song.  Tickets: $14-24. Order: www.BrownPaperTickets.com or 1-800-838-3006.

An Inspirational Christmas with Elvis: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15; 2 p.m. Dec. 16, Auburn Ave Theater, 10 Auburn Ave. Elvis tribute artist Danny Vernon returns to the theater with Marcia Ann Margret and the DeVilles. Tickets: $20/$18. Call Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation at 253-931-3043, Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.-noon, or at www.BrownPaperTickets.com.

MVYSO’s “A Not So Silent Night”: 7 p.m. Dec. 14, Maple Valley Presbyterian Church, 22659 Sweeney Road. The Maple Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra preforms traditional holiday favorites as well as new favorites from holiday television specials and movies such as “Polar Express” and “The Grinch.” A $5 suggested donation accepted at the door. For more information, visit www.mvyso.org.

“A Christmas Carol”: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20, 21, 22; 2 p.m. Dec. 22, 23, Auburn Ave Theater, 10 Auburn Ave. Victorian era story, classically told, as Dickens intended. Tickets: $20/$12 online at www.Brown Paper Tickets.com. For more information call PaulYester Productions at 253-223-0803

Almost Live’s John Keister and Brooks McBeth: 8-10 p.m. Dec. 28, Auburn Ave Theater, 10 Auburn Ave. Tickets: $20. National Headliner Brooks McBeth and Seattle icon/legend and Almost Live host John Keister perform. Order at www.brownpapertickets.com.

Auburn Symphony Orchestra, “The Beauty of Brahms”: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19; 2:30 p.m. Jan. 20, Auburn Performing Arts Center, 700 E. Main St. Brahms’ “Symphony No. 3 in F”; Mozart’s “Horn Concerto No. 3” with soloist Rodger Burnett; Kodaly’s “Peacock Variations”. Free pre-concert lecture begins 45 minutes prior to performance. Tickets: $34 adults; $27 seniors (55 and older); $10 students. To order, call 253-887-7777 or visit www.auburnsymphony.org

Auburn Symphony Chamber Concert, “Romantic Organ Treats”: 4-6 p.m. Feb. 24, St. Matthew Episcopal Church, 123 L St. NE, Auburn. Joseph Adam, organist at St. James Cathedral, Seattle, joins Brittany Boulding, violin, and Brian Wharton, cello, in a concert showcasing the beautiful organ sounds found in the romantic Suite by organist and composer Joseph Rhineberger to the fireworks of Handel-Halvorsen’s Passacaglia. Tickets: $17 adults; $10 students. To order, call 253-887-7777 or visit www.auburnsymphony.org

Auburn Symphony Chamber Concert, “Behold the Bold Umbrellaphant”: 4-6 p.m. March 10, St. Matthew Episcopal Church, 123 L St. NE, Auburn. Seattle poet Jack Prelutsky, the first Children’s Poet Laureate of the U.S., narrates his award-winning book, “Behold the Bold Umbrellaphant,” accompanied by five musicians playing Lucas Richman’s original score. Tickets: $17 adults; $10 students. For tickets, call 253-887-7777 or visit www.auburnsymphony.org

Poetry at The Station Bistro: 7-10 p.m., first Mondays of each month, Bistro, 110 Second St. SW, Suite 125, Auburn. Poets featured at the open mic venue. Presented by The Station Bistro, the Northwest Renaissance, Auburn Striped Water Poets. Open to poets of every age and skill level. • Dec. 3 program: David D. Horowitz and Nashira Priester. For more information, contact mcbreenpost@aol.com.

Zola’s Cafe: Live music every Friday, 7-9 p.m., 402 E. Main St., Suite 120. Open mic on the last Wednesday of the month. For information, contact Sonia Kessler at the cafe at 253-333-9652.

Classic Kid’s Movies Series Package: 2 p.m. Saturdays, Auburn Avenue Theater, 10 Auburn Ave.  •  Jan. 12: “An American Tail”; • Feb. 2: “Babe” ;  March 2: “Hey There It’s Yogi Bear!” Series package: $10. Call Auburn Parks, Arts and Recreation at 253-931-3043, Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to noon. Order online at www.brownpapertickets.com.

Auburn Symphony Orchestra, “Spotlight on the Auburn Symphony”: 7:30 p.m. April 27; 2:30 p.m. April 28, Auburn Performing Arts Center, 700 E. Main St. R. Strauss’ “Death and Transfiguration” and Stravinsky’s “The Right of Spring”. Free pre-concert lecture begins 45 minutes prior to performance. Tickets: $34 adults; $27 seniors (55 and older); $10 students. To order, call 253-887-7777 or visit www.auburnsymphony.org.

Auditions

“Wizard of Oz”: 7-9:30 p.m. Jan. 3, Green River Community College, Performing Arts Building, 12401 SE 320th St., Auburn. Heavier Than Air Family Theatre, the resident community theater, holds open auditions for upcoming production. Informal read-through-type auditions open to adults, ages 16 and above, on Jan. 3 and Jan. 8. Auditioners can, but are not required to, bring a picture and lead sheet. Needed are community actors and actresses, with strong singing, dancing and acting skills. Rehearsals 7-9:30 p.m. on every Tuesdays, Thursdays beginning Jan. 15, with performances March 22, 23, 29, and 30. Contact: Joe Baker, 253-833-9111, ext.2409 or jbaker@greenriver.edu. More information: www.heavierthanair.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 three leveled groups based on age and ability (grades 4 through college).  Call 253-347-0180 to schedule an audition.  For more information, visit  www.rainieryouthchoirs.org.

Dance

Children’s Dance Theater Open House:  Visit www.auburnchildrensdancetheater.com or call 253-887-8937 for program information. New location at 122 W. Main St. (entrance in back)

Auburn Dance Academy:  Visit www.auburndanceccademy.com or call 253-833-1891 for program information.  The academy is located at 1811 Howard Road, Suite 100.

Museums

White River Valley Museum:  Located at 918 H St. SE, Auburn. Regular admission: $2 adults, $1 seniors and children. Admission is free on Wednesdays and the fourth Sunday of the month. Call 253-288-7433 or visit www.wrvmuseum.org for tickets and event information.

Galleries

Auburn City Hall:  Dec. 5 to January: Auburn High School Student Art Show. Talented students from throughout Auburn showcase their artwork of various mediums and techniques. Gallery is located at 25 W. Main St.  Admission is free. Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. 253-931-3043 or www.auburnwa.gov.

Small Works, Big Presents, The Gift of Art: Exhibit runs through Dec. 16, White River Valley Museum, Key Bank Gallery, 918 H St. SE, Auburn. Give the gift of art this season. The third annual juried art exhibit features local and regional artists of all mediums, with one twist – all art must be miniature or small format. Sponsored by the City of Auburn Arts Commission. For more information, visit www.wrvmuseum.org.