Auburn calendar of events | April 15

Events

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

Pacific Parks Pick-Up, Trash Toss, Weed Wack and Ivy Pull: 10 a.m., April 18. Volunteers are asked to meet at the Pacific Community Senior Center, 100 3rd SE, Bring gloves and used plastic grocery bags. Pacific Centennial T-shirts will be available. Partners include Friends of the Lower White River, Pacific Partnerships, Scout Troop 835, White River Valley Lions Club, Pacific Meadows Homeowners Assoc, and the City of Pacific Board of Park Directors & Public Works. 253-924-0211 or e-mail pacificnaturalist@clearwire.net. More details at www.flwr.wetpaint.com.

Northwest Skating Invitational: 3 p.m., April 17-19, Auburn Skate Connection, 1825 Howard Road. Skating competitions for many age groups and events, from figures to freestyle. Tickets $5-10. 253-833-4990, dotl@cnnw.net or sk8auburn@gmail.com

Healthy Kids Day: 10 a.m. -2 p.m., April 18, Auburn Valley YMCA, 1620 Perimeter Road SW, Auburn. Program focuses on children’s health, wellness and safety. Health professionals from our area will provide wellness information especially for children. Clifford and the Green River Community College Gator will appear. The YMCA will offer fun free activities for all, including T-shirts, prizes, games and more. Free. 253-833-2770, ajahn@seattleymca.org

Evergreen Winnies support day: 10 a.m. -3 p.m., April 18, Poulsbo RV, 23051 Military Road South, Kent. Club members will be picketing at Poulsbo RV to show support for the dealership in the wake of difficult economic times. Chili to be served to the employees of Poulsbo RV to thank them for their support of the Winnebago Itasca Travel Club.

King County Wastemobile: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., April 17-19, SuperMall parking lot, at 1101 SuperMall Way off 15th Street Southwest. King County residents can safely dispose of car batteries, oil and other household hazardous items. 206-296-4692, www.govlink.org/hazwaste/house/disposal/wastemobile/index.html.

NW Xtreme All Star Cheerleading Tryouts: 12-3 p.m., April 18. Hart’s Gymnastics Center, 4520 B St. NW # C, Auburn. 253-520-1973. Visit www.nwxtremecheer.com for details.

The Auburn Washington Sister Cities Association: 6:30 p.m., April 21, membership meeting, City Council Chambers, Auburn City Hall, 25 W. Main St. Anyone interested in Auburn’s Sister City programs is invited to attend this meeting.

Lions Club Special Needs Youth Fishing Derby: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., April 25, Auburn Mill Pond Park, 600 Oravetz Road. Lions of Zone C-3 invite youth 14 years and under with special needs and their families to the free derby. Bring your pole and some bait. Limited number of poles and some bait will be provided. Sumner Lions will provide food and beverage at nominal cost. 253-921-3710 or 253-445-0385.

Auburn Mountainview High School Booster Club Spring Craft Fair: 9 a.m..-3 p.m., May 2, Auburn Mountainview High School, 28900 124th Ave SE , Auburn. No admission charge. For more information, call Terri at 253-217-0237 or Michelle at 253-288-1812.

Victorian May Day Tea: 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m., May 2, Neely Mansion, 12303 Auburn-Black Diamond Road, Auburn, just east of the Highway 18 Auburn-Black Diamond Road exit. Celebrate May Day with a spring fundraiser for the historic Victorian Classic Revival house built by early Washington pioneers. Tickets $15/person; advance registration required. Call Pat at 253-833-2116. Visit neelymansion.org for details.

Forum on Youth Violence: 1 p.m., May 3, First United Methodist Church of Auburn, at 100 N. St. SE.. on East Main. Guest speakers include Bob Englehart (Auburn Youth Resources); Don Dotson (Auburn Police Department) and the Rev. Brad Beeman (First United Methodist Church). A range of issues will cover harassment, bullying, physical violence and gang activity. Practical strategies will be identified. A potluck meal at 12:15 p.m. will precede the program. Everyone is welcome to the potluck. For more information, contact Don Whitmore (253-833-2941).

“The Power of One Luncheon”: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p. m., May 14, Truitt Building, 102 W. Main St., Auburn. Olive Crest Homes and Services for Abused Children, in collaboration with the state and the Fostering Together program, hosts celebratory luncheon, featuring an inspirational talk by foster and adoption expert Doug Sauder, author of “The One Factor.” Sauder will also honor local foster parents from the communities of Auburn, Kent and Federal Way. Tickets: $20 each, or $160 for a table of eight, and may be purchased by phoning Olive Crest at 425.462.1612, ext. 1312, or on-line at www.olivecrest.org.

Relay for Life of Auburn: 6 p.m., May 15-noon, May 16, Auburn Memorial Field, 801 Fourth St NE, Auburn. Join a team and support the fight to beat cancer now. Call Chrislyn Trust, 253-381-1444 or JD Drollinger at 206-406-3548. Visit www.auburnrelay.com to join a team.

Armed Forces Day Veterans Recognition: 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., May 15, Kent Senior Activity Center, 500 E. Smith St., Kent. Special commemoration of the Korean Conflict and other miliary events. Kent Firefighter Foundation luncheon to follow. 253-856-5164.

Benefits

Glimpsing Back and Paying It Forward: 6:30-8 p.m., April 17, White River Valley Museum, 918 H St. S.E., Auburn. Donors event for GriefWorks. Hors d’oeuvres and local wines will be served, silent auction will entertain, leisurely viewing of museum exhibits offered. Please bring guests. RSVP, daryl@griefworks.org or (253) 333-9420.

White River Buddhist Temple’s Spring Fundraiser Dinner: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., April 19, White River Buddhist Tempe, 3625 Auburn Way N. Choice of sukiyaki or chicken teriyaki. You may dine in or take out. Cost $10. 253-833-1442, www.whiteriverbuddhisttmpl.org.

Skating for Miracles Night: 6:30-8:30 p.m., April 28, Auburn Skate Connection, 1825 Howard Road. Miss Auburn’s Allie Wallace will host a special night to help raise funds for the Children’s Miracle Network. Baked goods will be on sale. Concession, games and raffle items also will be available. Admission: $3.50 with your own skates, 4.50 for admission and a skate rental. Family, friends, neighbors welcome.

The Kent Auburn Tamba Sister Cities Association dinner, auction: 5 p.m., May 2, Green River Community College’s Lindbloom Center, 12401 SE 320th St., Auburn. Proceeds will support local teens in funding their youth-exchange program, trip to Japan. $45 per ticket through April 17, $75 thereafter. To learn more about the event and to order tickets, contact Duanna Richards at 253-931-3099. Information also is available at www.katsistercity.org. The group also is accepting public donations for the program: Kent Auburn Tamba Sister Cities Committee, 12933 S.E. 246th St., Kent, WA 98030.

Auburn Domestic Violence Task Force Silent Auction: 6-10 p.m., June 5, Auburn Eagles Club, 702 M St. SE. Evening includes dinner and dancing. Proceeds benefit domestic violence survivors and their children in Auburn. Seeking services, gift certificates, new or barely used Items for the auction. Contact Shelly David at 253-209-7922. (Taxable receipts will be provided)

Beat the Raven 5K: 9 a.m., June 20, Auburn Riverside High School, 501 Oravetz Road SE. Benefit supports the Auburn Riverside cross country team’s travel budget, with 20 percent of the profits going to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Classes

“Hope and Power for Your Personal Finances”: Noon-3 p.m. Thursdays, April 16-May 21. YWCA and Jennifer Beach Foundation will offer free financial literacy class for survivors of domestic violence. Class takes place at a confidential location in South King County. Childcare provided on site; transportation assistance available. Call or e-mail to register: 206-799-6209 or jennifer@ywcaworks.org.

“Behind the Scenes with Stewart Kershaw, Auburn Symphony Orchestra Conductor – and featuring Mark Salman, Piano Soloist”: 1:30-4 p.m., April 21, Main Campus, Performing Arts classroom, Green River Community College, 12401 SE 320th St., Auburn. Spend an afternoon with Kershaw and Salmon as they prepare for ASO’s April 25-26 “Spring Rhapsody” concert. For questions or to register by phone, call: 253.833.9111, ext. 2535.

Valley Communications Center Citizen’s Academy: 7-9 p.m., Wednesdays, beginning April 15, ending June 3. The 9-week program is designed to introduce the public to the world of Emergency Communications, covering all aspects of the 911 process. Open to citizens living in service area. Class size limited to 16. All applicants must successfully undergo a law enforcement background check. www.valleycom.org/News/CitizensAcademy.asp or call (253) 372-1300.

“Writer’s Write, Right?”: 10 a.m.-noon, May 2. Author Deborah Taylor-Hough will be conducting a writing workshop at White River Presbyterian Church, 526 – 12th Street SE in Auburn, part of the church’s new First Saturdays program. Kids, teens and adults interested in writing – or just feeling overwhelmed with the process – are welcome to attend. 253-833-2990, http://whiteriverpres.synodnw.org.

Art with Artists: Series of classes and workshops offered through the City of Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation. To register for these classes, contact the City of Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation at 253-931-3043, or in person at 910 Ninth St. SE, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. • Beginning Stenciling: For youth ages 11 and over, a four-week class taught by professional artist Chris Sharp. Participants will create their own set of stencils to compose an original poster while learning about composition, tint making, negative/positive space and more. Thursdays, May 7-28, 3-4:30 p.m., Les Gove Building, 910 8th St. SE, Auburn. Fee: $55 resident/$69 non-resident. • Drawing Fundamentals: Specifically designed for youth ages 7-12. The class will explore shading, space and form using charcoal and graphite alongside artist Danielle Meyers. Tuesdays, May 5-26, 5-6 p.m., Les Gove Building, Fee: $45 resident/$57 nonresident.

Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation: City of Auburn offers a variety of classes, including creative arts, watercolor painting, Spanish, dance, buying real estate and more. Call for details. 253-931-3043 or www.auburnwa.gov.

Faith

The Exit Youth: 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Open to students in seventh-12th grade. Come enjoy music, food, friends and fun. Lifegate Auburn Foursquare Church, 307 E. Main St., Auburn. 253-735-3153.

Health

Auburn blood drives for Cascade Regional Blood Center: 10 a.m.-noon, April 18, Auburn Valley YMCA, 1620 Perimeter Road SW; 9 a.m.-noon, April 19, St. Luke’s Church, 515 S. 312th St., Federal Way; 9 a.m.-1 p.m ., April 19, Steel Lake Presbyterian Church, 1829 S. 308th St., Federal Way. 877-242-5663 or www.crbs.net.

Puget Sound Blood Center drives: 11 a.m.-5 p.m ., April 17, Auburn Regional Medical Center, at 2nd St. entrance, Plaza 1, 202 N. Division St.; 1-3:30 p.m., April 23, Tesoro Refining and Marketing Co., 3450 S. 344th W.; 10 a.m.-4 p.m., April 25, SuperMall, bus by Burlington Coat Factory, 1101 Supermall Way.

Understanding and Managing Diabetes: 6-7:30 p.m., April 28, Auburn Valley YMCA, 1620 Perimeter Road, SW. Join MultiCare Registered Dietician, Rita Nauer, RD, and Cardiovascular and Diabetes Service Manager, Pam Kozu, RN, to find out how lifestyle changes such as weight loss, activity, timing of meals, portion control and balancing food choices can help those with diabetes improve overall health. Advanced registration is required. Class is free. Members and non-members are welcome. Call 1-800-342-9919 for more information and class registration.

Oral cancer screenings: Through May 15, Simply Smiles by Dr. Stuart Rich, 1348 8th St. NE, Auburn. Complimentary, no obligation. Includes Velscope examination for a limited time. 253-939-6900, www. www.srichdds.dentistryonline.com, www.oralcancerfoundation.org.

Sunday Strolls: 1-3 p.m. First Sundays of each month. Free walks presented by Auburn Parks, Arts and Recreation Department. Roegner Park, 601 Oravetz Road S.E. 253-931-3043 or visit www.auburnwa.gov.

“Nutrition and Cancer, Separating Fact from Fiction”: 5:30-7:30 p.m., April 30, MultiCare Regional Cancer Cente, 930 Auburn Way N. Join center dietitian Kelay E. Trentham, MS, RD, CD, and receive helpful dietary tips; learn more about the relationship between cancer and nutrition and get answers to commonly asked questions.

Yoga—Fitness for Moms and Kids: 10-11 a.m. Mondays. Cost: Free. City of Pacific Gymnasium, 122 Third Ave. S.E., Pacific. 253- 929-1155.

Dancersize Classes: 10-11 a.m. Wednesdays. Cost: Free. All ages welcome. City of Pacific Gymnasium, 122 Third Ave. S.E., Pacific. 253-929-1155.

Tiny Tots play group: 10-11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Parent participation required. Cost: Free. City of Pacific Gymnasium, 122 Third Ave. S.E., Pacific. 253-929-1155.

Libraries

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

Library card contest: Contest for kids and teens, enter April 1-30. Love your library? Design the next library card. Details at your library or www.kcls.org/librarycardcontest.

CHILDREN, FAMILIES

Wacky Wednesday Family Story Times: 10:15 a.m., Wednesday, April 22, 29. Ages 3-6. Stories, finger plays and funny flannel board activities!

Sleepy Story Times: 7 p.m., Thursday, April 16, 23, 30. All ages welcome, ages 5 and younger with adult. Wear your pajamas and bring your teddy bear.

Cuentos en Español e Inglés: 7 p.m., Monday, April 20, 27. Cuentos, rimos, y diversión para toda la famila. No hay que registrarse.

Tuesday Baby Tales & Bounces Story Times: 10:05 a.m., 11 a.m., Tuesday, April 21, 28. Newborn to 24 months with adult. Focus is on early literacy activities with a short 15-20 minute play time afterward.

Monday Toddler ABC Story Times: 10:15 a.m., 11 a.m., Monday, April 20, 27. Ages 2-3 with adult. Enjoy stories, action rhymes and finger plays while exploring the alphabet.

TEENS

• Read Three, Get One Free: Teens, ages 12-18, can read three books, write three short reviews and get a free new paperback book. Pick up an entry form at the library or online at www.kcls.org/read3.

• Study Zone: 4 p.m., Wednesday, April 22, 29; 4 p.m., Thursday, April 16, 23, 30; 2 p.m., Sunday, April 19, 26; 5 p.m ., 5 p.m., Monday, April 20, 27; 6 p.m., Tuesday, April 21, 28. Students in grades K-12 can drop in for free homework help from volunteer tutors.

Game On!: 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 22, 29. Play your favorite games for the Wii, Xbox 360, GameCube and PS2.

Teen Advisory Board: 4 p.m., Monday, April 20. Looking for enthusiastic and motivated teens to join our Teen Advisory Board (TAB). Check out http://blogs.kcls.org/auburn/ for more information. Please ask at the information desk for a copy of the TAB application or download online.

Teen Book Club: 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 21. Check out http://blogs.kcls.org/auburn/ to see what we’re reading.

Writing Group: 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 28. Meets twice a month to do exercises and discuss our work.

ADULTS

• Genealogy assistance: 1 p.m., Wednesday, April 22, 29; 1 p.m., Saturday, April 4, 25; 7 p.m. Monday, April 13. Volunteers from South King County Genealogical Society will answer your questions.

Business Book Discussion Group: 10 a.m, Friday, April 17. The Game-Changer by A.G. Lafley. Please register, 253-333-4954.

D.R.E.A.M. Health: 2 p.m., Saturday, April 18. Have you been dreaming about having better health? Please join Dr. Kurt Eby of LifeQuest Chiropractic and learn how.

Friends of the Auburn Library Meeting: 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 28.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Class: 6 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays,. Presented by Green River Community College. A formal class to learn English.

Talk Time: 6:30 p.m ., Thursdays. Improve your speaking and listening skills in this free English conversation group.

Computer Classes: Please sign up at the Information Desk or call 253.931.3018. Basic resume class (Monday, April 20, 1 p.m.); Internet Level 2 (Thursday, April 23, 10 a.m.); Word Level 1 (Thursday, April 30, 10 a.m.).

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

• Read Three, Get One Free: Teens, ages 12-18, can read three books, write three short, thoughtful reviews and get a new paperback book free. Pick up an entry form at the library or online at www.kcls.org/read3.

Children’s Book Club: 7 p.m. April 27. Ages 9-12 with adult. Call for book title.

Story Times: Preschool: Ages 3-5. Tuesdays, 11 a.m. April 21, 29. Toddler: Ages 2-3. Tuesdays, 10:15 a.m. April 21, 29. Baby: 8-24 months. Wednesdays, 10:15 a.m. April 22, 29.

Spanish Story Time: Fridays at 11 a.m. April 17, 24. Stories, rhymes, flannel boards and fun for families.

Study Zone: 5-7pm, Wednesdays. Students in grades K-12 can drop in for free homework help from our volunteer tutor.

Read Three Get One Free: Teens, ages 12-18. Read three books, write three short reviews and get a free new paperback. Pick up entry form at library or online at www.kcls.org/read3.

Ready-Set-Read: Elementary School Age. Students read 20 minutes a day for 20 days in one month and earn a free new paperback. Pick up entry form at library or online at www.kcls.org/parents/kidsandreading/rsr

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

• Ready-Set-Read: Elementary school students, ages 5-10, can read 20 minutes per day for 20 days and earn a free book. Visit library for entry form, or see www.kcls.org/parents/kidsandreading/rsr/.

Tales and Tunes Story Time: All ages. 11 a.m., April 22, 29 Please join us for stories, sing-alongs and other fun activities.

Computer Classes: 7 p.m., April 23; 10 a.m., April 27. Looking to sharpen your technology skills? The library is offering computer classes covering how to access the Internet, e-mail basics and Microsoft Word and Excel.

Network

Auburn Business Connectors: 7:30-9 a.m. Tuesdays. A local networking and referral group. One professional per business category. Cost: $10; includes breakfast. Café Pacific, 4402 Auburn Way N., Auburn. 253-939-2638.

Auburn Chamber Lunch and Learn: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of every other month. Sponsored by Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce. Copper Falls Restaurant, 29630 Green River Road, Auburn. 253-833-0700.

Auburn Chamber Networking Breakfast: 7:30-9 a.m. the second Wednesday of every other month, including April 8. Sponsored by the Auburn Chamber of Commerce. Cost: $15, includes buffet breakfast. Auburn Elks Lodge, 2402 Auburn Way N. 253-833-0700.

Marketplace Ministries Networking Luncheon: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. the second Thursday of the month. Presented by River of Life Fellowship Church. Cost: $20 in advance; $25 at the door. Copper Falls Restaurant on the Auburn Golf Course, 29630 Green River Road S.E., Auburn. www.mpmlive.org.

Groups

Auburn American Legion Post 78: 7:30 p.m. the first and third Wednesdays of the month. Veterans Memorial Building, 405 E St. N.E. 253-939-5789 or auburnpost78@yahoo.com.

Auburn VFW Post 1741: 7:30 p.m., fourth Tuesday of the month, 1525 A St NE, Suite 107. For information, call 253-333-2917.

Auburn Eagles Aerie/Auxiliary No. 2298: Aerie group, 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays; auxiliary, 7:30 p.m. the second and fourth Mondays of the month. 702 M St. S.E., Auburn. 253-833-2298 or sec2298@integra.net.

Auburn Elks Lodge No. 1808: 7:30 p.m. the first and third Thursdays of the month. 2402 Auburn Way N., Auburn. 253-833-1808 or bpoe1808@qwest.net.

Auburn Morning Toastmasters Club No. 329: 6:30-7:30 a.m. Thursdays. Learn the fine art of communication in a supportive atmosphere. New members welcome. Rainbow Café, 112 E. Main St., Auburn. 253-288-0627.

Auburn Noon Lions Club: Noon Tuesdays. Auburn Parks, Arts and Recreation building, 919 Ninth St. S.E. 253-735-5340, auburn12lions@aol.com or www.auburnlions.com.

Auburn Optimist Club: Noon every other Wednesday. Visitors welcome. Lunch: Less than $10. Auburn Elks, 2402 Auburn Way N. 253-333-8840.

Auburn Rotary Club: Noon Wednesdays. Cost: $15, includes lunch. Grace Community Church, 1320 Auburn Way S., Auburn. 253-929-4656.

Auburn Valley Kiwanis: 7 a.m. Wednesdays. Auburn Parks, Arts and Recreation building, 910 Ninth St. S.E. 253-833-7086 or www.kiwanisclubofthevalley.org.

Board Game Group: 7-10 p.m. every other Friday. Group plays family-friendly games including: “Settlers of Catan,” “Ticket to Ride,” “Bang!,” “Wits and Wagers,” and more. All are welcome. Cost: Free. Room 201 at Northwest Family Church, 3535 Auburn Way S., Auburn. 253 833-8252 for details.

Boy Scout Troop 401: 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Boy Scouts is an outdoor based program for boys age 11-17. Troop also has a Venture Crew associated with it for boys and girls ninth grade through age 20. Call for details. Auburn First United Methodist Church, 100 N St. S.E. 253-939-7051.

Daughters of the American Revolution, Lakota Chapter: 11:30 a.m. March 14. Topic: “Native American Use of Plants.” Valley Regional Fire Station, 1101 D St. N.E., Auburn.

Happy Hands Craft Club: 12:30-2 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. Group knits and crochets lap blankets for veterans and baby hats for PICC. Auburn Valley YMCA, 1620 Perimeter Road S.W., Auburn. 253-833-2770.

Kent Guild, Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center: Noon the third Friday of the month. Luncheon in members’ homes. New members welcome to join volunteer group raising funds for uncompensated care. Call for location. 253-852-7390.

Kent Lions: 7 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays of the month. Golden Steer Rib ’n Steak House, 23826 104th Ave. S.E., Kent. 253-852-5466, kentlions@gmail.com or www.kentlionsclub.org.

Kiwanis Club of Auburn: Noon Thursdays. Red Lotus Restaurant, 714 Auburn Way N., Auburn. www.kiwanisclubofauburn.com.

Moms and Kids Playgroup: 10 a.m.-noon Tuesdays. Moms can hang out while the children play together. Cost: Free. Lifegate Auburn Foursquare Church, 307 E. Main St., Auburn. 253-735-3153.

Newcomers and New Friends of Greater Seattle: The second Wednesday of the month. Lunch meetings held at various locations throughout the Puget Sound. Call for details. 425-778-8608 or www.seattlenewcomers.com.

Optimist Club of Auburn: Noon the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. Auburn Elks Club, 2402 Auburn Way N. 253-333-8840.

Quilting Guild—Crazy Quilters of Federal Way: 6-9 p.m. the second and fourth Thursdays of the month. Visitors welcome. Evergreen Lodge Retirement Home, 31002 14th Ave. S., Federal Way. 253-833-8302.

Rainier Audubon Society: 7 p.m. the third Monday of the month. Federal Way United Methodist Church, 29645 51st Ave. S., Auburn. 253-854-3207.

Rio Verde Golden K Senior Kiwanis Club: 8:30 a.m. Tuesdays. 1402 22nd St. N.E., Auburn. 253-941-8108.

Soroptimist International of Auburn: Noon Wednesdays. New members and guests welcome. Auburn Parks and Recreation Administration Building, 900 Ninth St. S.E., Auburn. www.soroptimistnwr.com.

South King County Genealogical Society: 10 a.m. the third Saturday of the month. First Baptist Church of Kent, 11420 S.E. 248th St. 206-948-4286 or www.skcgs.org.

Spina Bifida Association of Washington State, South King/North Pierce Counties Cluster: 7-8:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month. Organization assists families with spina bifida, educates the public, and sponsors fundraisers. All are welcome. Zion Lutheran Church, 1350 17th St. S.E., Auburn. 253-887-0888 or crazy5720003@yahoo.com.

Striped Water Poets: 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays. Round-table critique circle welcomes new poets and friends. Second floor at Auburn City Hall, 25 W. Main St. 253-735-1751 or mcbreenpost@aol.com.

Teen MOPS: 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays. Free group for pregnant teenagers and teenage mothers. Childcare available. River of Life Fellowship, 10615 S.E. 216th St., Kent. 253-218-7420.

TV Toastmasters: Noon the second Saturday of the month. Learn how to perform both in front and in back of television cameras. Puget Sound Access, 22412 72nd Ave. S., Building C, Kent. 253-854-1312 or www.tvtoastmasters.org.

Valley Newcomers: 11:30 a.m. the first Tuesday of the month. Group meets at area restaurants. Call for details, locations. 253-854-1831.

White River Valley Historical Society: 1:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month. Muckleshoot Room in the White River Valley Museum, 918 H St. S.E., Auburn. 253-288-7433.

Wind Spirit Flute Circle: 7 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month. Come explore and learn the Native American Flute. All ages and abilities welcome. Beginner lessons at 6:30 p.m. Federal Way Senior Center, 4016 S. 352nd St., Auburn. 253-568-6689 or www.waflutecircle.com.

Public Meetings

Auburn Airport Advisory Committee: 8 a.m. the third Tuesday of the month. Northwest Aviation College, 506 23rd St. S.E.

Auburn City Council: 7:30 p.m. the first and third Mondays of the month. City Council Chambers, 25 W. Main St.

Auburn Domestic Violence Task Force: Noon-2 p.m. the third Thursday of the month. Auburn Library, 1102 Auburn Way S.

Auburn Finance Committee: 6:30 p.m. the first and third Mondays of the month. Council Conference Room, 25 W. Main St.

Auburn Municipal Services: 5 p.m. the first and third Mondays of the month. Conference room No. 3, 25 W. Main St.

Auburn Tourism Board: 2 p.m. the third Thursday of the month. Council Conference Room, 25 W. Main St.

Senior Center Advisory Board: 10 a.m. the second Tuesday of the month. Auburn Senior Activity Center, 808 Ninth St. S.E.

Seniors

Auburn Senior Activity Center, 808 Ninth St. S.E. 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: Noon Mondays-Fridays. Registration for lunch begins at 11 a.m. Choose from soup and sandwich or the main meal menu. Cost: $3 donation for ages 60 and older; $5.75 for those younger than 60.

• Movie screenings: 12:45 p.m. Wednesdays. Refreshments provided. Cost: Free.

• Monday Supper Club: 5-6 p.m. the third Monday of the month. Cost: $5; registration required.

• Meals on Wheels: Senior Services’ Meals on Wheels program offers home-delivered meals to home-bound seniors. For more information call the Auburn Senior Center at 253-931-3016.

• Enhance Wellness Program: Registered nurse and social worker are on-site to help individuals work towards their own health and wellness goals. Call for details.

Auburn Meadows Senior Community, 945 22nd St. N.E. 253-333-0171. Senior events include:

• Fall prevention class: 3-3:45 p.m. March 23. Caregivers, residents and community members can learn how to help prevent falls at home and at work. Class will be taught by Kimberly McDonald of the Valley Regional Fire Authority.

• “Safety in Travel” seminar: March 26. Come learn how to be safe when out and about traveling. Class presented by Wilson Quist.

Veterans

Military Family Support Meetings: Tuesday evenings. Open to spouses and adult family members of soldiers deployed, soon to leave or recently returned. Topics include deployment concerns, parenting needs, self-care and relationship challenges. Group is free of charge and confidential. Registration requested. 33301 First Way S., Federal Way. 253-661-6634, ext. 145.

USS Nitro AE-2/AE-23 Association Reunion: June 18-21. Reunion will take place in Seattle. www.ussnitro.org.

Support

Auburn Domestic Violence Task Force: 12:15-1:30 p.m., Meets third Thursday of each month at the Auburn Library, 1201 Auburn Way S.

Al-Anon Family Group Meetings: 7:30 p.m. Sundays at Holy Family Catholic Church, 505 17th St. S.E., Auburn; 10:30 a.m. Mondays and Fridays, and 8 p.m. Wednesdays at First United Methodist Church, 100 N St. S.E., Auburn; 10 a.m. Saturdays in the back room of the Rainbow Cafe, 112 E. Main St., Auburn. 206-625-0000 or www.seattle-al-anon.org.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness: 6:30-8 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. The Alliance Center, 515 W. Harrison St., Kent. 253-854-6264.

Auburn Foster Parent Support Group: 6:30-8:30 p.m. the first Friday of the month. Auburn Bible Chapel, 2606 R St., Auburn. 253-347-2580.

Auburn Parkinson’s Disease Support Group: 10 a.m. the first Friday of the month. Wesley Homes Lea Hill, 32049 109th Place S.E., Auburn. 253-876-6014.

Breast cancer patient support: Trained survivors offer free emotional support to the newly-diagnosed, enhancing emotional recovery while going through treatments. Will attend consultations, chemotherapy and radiation appointments and have volunteers in your community. 206-417-3484, www.angelcarefoundation.org or angelcare@angelcarefoundation.org.

Celebrate Recovery: 6-9 p.m. Thursdays. Event includes: meal, 6-7 p.m.; large group worship, 7-8 p.m.; small open group, 8-9 p.m. Twelve-step recovery program to help free people from life’s hurts, hang-ups and habits. Cost: $3 for meal. Grace Community Church 1320 Auburn Way S., Auburn. 253-833-5660 or celebraterecovery@gccauburn.net.

Consumer Support Group: 6:30-8 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month. The Alliance Center, 515 W. Harrison St., Kent. 253-854-6264.

Domestic Violence: 1-3 p.m. Tuesdays; 1-3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Thursdays. YWCA of South King County hosts support groups for women who have experienced domestic violence. Meets at a confidential location. 206-799-6209.

Family Law CASA of King County: Children’s needs can get lost in the dispute between separating parents. Do you want to advocate for such a child? Volunteer for Family Law CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) of King County. 206-748-9700 or www.familylawcasa.com.

Gamblers Anonymous: For meeting times and locations, call toll-free national hotline: 888-424-3577.

Hearing Loss Association of America, South King County Chapter: 6:45 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month. Auburn Senior Center, 808 Ninth St. S.E., Auburn. garoux@verizon.net.

Medical coverage assistance: Public Health Seattle & King County provides free assistance applying for benefits, including free or low-cost medical coverage for qualifying children. Call for details. English: 206-296-3944; Spanish: 206-296-3948 or 206-296-3943; Vietnamese: 206-296-3949.

SHIBA Helpline: Statewide Heath Insurance Benefits Advisors is a network of trained volunteers that assists and advocates for consumer rights and options regarding health insurance, health care access and prescription access. Group is also accepting volunteers. 800-562-6900 or www.insurance.wa.gov.

South King County PFLAG: 7 p.m. the fourth Monday of the month. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays meetings are confidential. Group is not associated with any religious organizations. Unitarian-Universalist Church, 25701 14th Place S., Des Moines. 206-325-7724.

South King County CHADD chapter: 7-9 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month. Discussion of issues that concern parents of children with attention-deficit disorder. New Horizon School, 1111 S. Carr Road, Renton. 253-631-8603.

Tobacco Cessation Group: 5:15-6:15 p.m. Wednesdays. Cost: Free to Auburn Valley YMCA members. Auburn Valley YMCA, 1620 Perimeter Road S.W., Auburn. 253-833-2770, ext. 7302, or kkoblenz@seattleymca.org.

WICS (Widowed Information and Consultation Services) Grief Support Group: 7 p.m. Tuesdays. Grief support group for adult widows and widowers offering support, information and social activities. St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 25810 156th Ave. S.E., Covington. 253-630-0324.

Women’s Cancer Support Group: 7-8:30 p.m. the last Tuesday of the month. Meetings include open discussion with occasional special guests speaking on topics relating to cancer survivors. Conference Room 1 at MultiCare Clinic, 17700 S.E. 272nd St., Covington. 253-372-7293.

Volunteers

Angel Care Breast Cancer Foundation: Breast cancer survivors needed to provide support for others battling cancer. Must be one year past the end of treatments and have good interpersonal skills. 206-417-3484, 877-417-3484 (toll-free), www.angelcarefoundation.org or angelcare@angelcarefoundation.org.

Auburn Regional Medical Center Gift Shop: The medical center’s auxiliary is seeking a volunteer gift shop manager to welcome customers, manage store inventory and arrange volunteer staff scheduling. Volunteer must be 18 or older. Gift shop hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. Call for application or more details. Auburn Regional Medical Center, 1413 S. 348th St., Federal Way. 253-833-7711, ext. 1259.

Auburn Meals on Wheels: Auburn Senior Center seeks volunteer packers and drivers for Meals on Wheels, Thursdays and Fridays, about four hours per week. Mileage for drivers reimbursed. Call for details. 253-931-3016 or adamp@seniorservices.org.

Adopt-a-Park: Auburn’s Adopt-a-Park program is seeking individuals and groups to help keep the city’s parks and streetscapes healthy and vibrant. 253-931-3043.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound: Seeking adult mentors to spend time with children. Agency offers flexible program to fit volunteers’ schedules and interests, and plans activities such as snow tubing on Snoqualmie Pass, hiking adventures in the Cascades, and tickets to Mariners games. Call or see Web site for details. 877-700-2447 or www.bbbsps.org.

Childhaven: Volunteers needed to work with abused, neglected and alcohol- or drug-impacted children ages 1 month to 5 years in the therapeutic child-care classrooms. Volunteers must be 18 or older, commit to a two-hour time block per week, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, commit to volunteering for six months, have proof of a negative tuberculosis test and pass a criminal background check. Patrick L. Gogerty Branch, 1345 22nd Ave. N.E., Auburn. 206-957-4839 or julim@childhaven.org.

Friend to Friend: Volunteers needed to visit adults in nursing homes, assisted living and retirement homes throughout King and Snohomish counties. Volunteers commit to visit about twice a month for one year. 206-246-5150.

Green River Community College: College seeks volunteers in a variety of areas: ceramics, basic computing, court reporting and more. Professional experience is not required. 253-288-3346 or volunteer@greenriver.edu.

Highline Hospice: Hospice is recruiting caring and compassionate people interested in supporting terminally ill patients and their families. Volunteers provide patient support and companionship, caregiver respite, bereavement support or office help. Comprehensive training provided. Highline Hospice, 12844 Military Road S., Tukwila. 206-439-9095.

Multiple Sclerosis Association of King County: MSA of King County is looking for people to assist those with MS in maintaining their independence and quality of life. People are needed to assist with water-therapy programs, visit isolated individuals, provide transportation, go shopping, do yard work or other household chores, teach computer skills and more. Call for details, locations. 206-633-2606 or www.msakc.org.

Puget Sound Blood Center: Assist with blood drives and bone marrow registry drives. Must be available in the day or early evening twice a month and have reliable transportation. 425-462-4381, meganp@psbc.org or www.psbc.org/volunteers.

Red Cross Disaster Action Team: American Red Cross is seeking King County volunteers to respond to local disasters. Volunteers must be on-call one week out of six, and will receive free training. 206-726-3566 or www.seattleredcross.org.

Special Transportation Program: Group Health Cooperative needs volunteer drivers to transport frail, elderly members to and from medical appointments in King County. Volunteers use their personal cars, are reimbursed for mileage and determine their own schedules, including when, where and how often they will drive. Volunteers do not need to be Group Health members. 206-326-2800 or resource.l@ghc.org.

Stitches from the Heart: Volunteers are needed to knit, crochet or quilt blankets, sweaters, hats and booties for babies in need. Items go to hospitals across the country. Patterns available. Donations of yarn or money also appreciated. Call for details. 866-472-6903, stitchfromheart@aol.com or www.StitchesFromTheHeart.org.

United Way of King County volunteer readers: Volunteers needed to read one-on-one with young children at preschools, Head Start classrooms and child care centers throughout King County. Shifts needed in Auburn are 9:30-10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and 11 a.m.-noon Wednesdays. ACAP Child and Family Services, 526 12th St. S.E., Auburn. 206-461-3656 or readers@uwkc.org.

White River Valley Museum and Mary Olson Farm: Museum is seeking volunteers for jobs including cleaning and cataloging artifacts, leading school tours, greeting visitors and staffing the gift shop. Docent positions require a minimum three-hour afternoon shift per month, as well as attendance at quarterly lectures and annual training. Volunteer tour guides for school groups must be available during October, November, April and May. All volunteers receive training. Application and background check required. 253-804-5010.