Special Events
Auburn Tourism: For special events in the Auburn area, visit the Web site: www.auburntourism.com.
Tree of Remembrance: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Through Jan. 1. All are welcome to place an ornament and message on tree in memory of a loved one. Ornaments can be left on tree or taken home as keepsakes. Mountain View Cemetery, 2020 Mountain View Drive, Auburn. 253-931-3028.
Auburn’s third annual Daddy Daughter Date Night: 6:30-9 p.m. Feb. 20 and 21. For girls, ages 4-10, and their dads or special dates. Includes professional photo, dinner, dancing and dessert. Cost: $45 per daddy-daughter couple; $10 per additional girl. Registration required by Feb. 13. Auburn Senior Activity Center, 808 Ninth St. S.E. 253-931-3043 or www.auburnwa.gov.
Holiday
Santa Photo House: Through Dec. 24. Parents can bring their children for low-cost pictures with Santa and his elves. Sponsored by Auburn Optimist Club. Hours: 3-6 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and noon-6 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays through Dec. 21; 3-7 p.m. Dec. 22-23; 8 a.m.-noon Dec. 24. B Street Plaza, downtown Auburn. 253-315-3025 or www.auburnwa.gov.
Benefits
Oh Ryan Café Food Drive: Through Dec. 22. Restaurant accepting non-perishable food items for Auburn Food Bank. Patrons receive 10-percent discount with food bank donations. Goal is 2000 pounds of food for the food bank. Oh Ryan Café, 815 Auburn Way S., Auburn. 253-833-8570.
Classes
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
Holiday Service of Remembrance: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 20. Community-wide service to honor loved ones who have died. Presented by GriefWorks and Auburn Police Department chaplains. Academy Adventist Church, Auburn. 253-333-9420 or www.griefworks.org.
“Welcoming Our Savior” Christmas Concert: 7 p.m. Dec. 20. All are welcome. All Saints’ Lutheran Church, 27225 Military Road S., Auburn. 253-852-4884.
All Saints’ Christmas Eve services: 7, 9 and 11 p.m. Dec. 24. Traditional services at 7 and 11 p.m.; 9 p.m. is a “Blue Christmas” service. All Saints’ Lutheran Church, 27225 Military Road S., Auburn. 253-852-4884.
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
Blood drives in Auburn: 3-6:30 p.m. Dec. 22 at Grace Community Church, 1320 Auburn Way S.; 9 a.m.-noon Dec. 22 at Auburn Valley YMCA, 1620 Perimeter Road S.W. For Cascade Regional Blood Services. 877-242-5663 or www.crbs.net.
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:
• ESL class: 6 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, starting Jan. 5. Formal class to learn English grammar, reading, writing and conversation skills.
Anime and Manga Group: 4 p.m. Jan. 5. Open to teens to watch movies and practice drawing in the manga style.
• Game On!: 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 7-28. Teens can play video games at the library.
• Teen Advisory Board: 4 p.m. Jan. 12. Gain volunteer hours for school and help your community.
• Auburn Library Book Discussion Group: 7 p.m. Jan. 13. Topic: “Persepolis” by Marjane Satrapi.
• Movie Screening—“Persepolis”: 7 p.m. Jan. 15.
• “Money Management”: 1 p.m. Jan. 18. Consumer Counseling Northwest will offer valuable tips and suggestions.
• Latin dance class: 3 p.m. Jan. 18. Learn the basics of Latin dance with emphasis on the Merengue.
• Teen Book Group: 4:30 p.m. Jan. 20.
• Computer classes: Library offers a variety of basic computer classes. Call for details, registration.
• Friends of the Auburn Library: 7 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month.
• Genealogy assistance: 1 p.m. most Wednesdays and Saturdays; also 7 p.m. the second Monday of the month.
• 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: 5 p.m. Mondays; 6 p.m. Tuesdays; 4 p.m. Thursdays. Students in grades K-12 can drop in for free homework help from volunteer tutors.
• Talk Time: 6:30 p.m. Thursdays. Free conversation group to improve English.
• Story times: Library offers baby, toddler, preschool, and family story times. Call for details.
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.
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, including Jan. 27. 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 Feb. 11. 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.
Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 27. “Lunch and Learn” networking event. Copper Falls Restaurant, 29630 Green River Road, Auburn. 253-833-0700.
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 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 Club, Toastmasters International: 6:30 a.m. Thursdays. Learn to speak to groups by working with others in a supportive environment. Newcomers are welcome. The Rainbow Cafe, 112 E. Main St., Auburn. 253-867-1260.
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.
Daughters of the American Revolution, Lakota Chapter: 11:30 a.m. Jan. 10. Topic: “ Abraham Lincoln–200 Years.” 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.
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. Auburn City Hall, 25 W. Main St. 253-735-1751.
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
Tai Chi-style exercises for seniors: 1:15-2 p.m. and 2:15-3 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays. Taught by Cindy Woods, a grandmother and 8-year martial artist. Cost: $5 per session. American Karate Escrima Association School of Self Defense, 302 E. Main St., Auburn. 253-804-8424.
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.
Veterans
Veterans Outreach: 3:15-6 p.m. Jan. 16 and Feb. 13. Veterans and their families can get assistance in applying for benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs from a Disabled American Veterans Service Officer. Kent Library, 212 Second Ave. N. 253-859-6439.
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.
Support
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.
Alliance for the Mentally Ill of South King County: 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.
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.
Volunteers
Christmas Bird Count: Dec. 28. Birders of all ability levels encouraged join Rainier Audubon Society in counting birds by sight and sound in the South King County area. Counters meet afterward for a potluck at Federal Way United Methodist Church. Advance registration is required. 253-796-2203 or nancy_streiffert@hotmail.com.
United Way tax preparation: Volunteers are needed Jan. 13-April 15 to prepare tax returns for low- to middle-income families throughout King County as part of United Way’s Free Tax Preparation Campaign. 206-461-5048 or www.unitedwayofkingcounty.org/taxvolunteer.
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.
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.