Events

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

Autumn Wedding Show: Oct. 1-2, Emerald Downs, 2300 Emerald Downs Drive, Auburn. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Oct. 1; 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Oct. 2. Meet vendors, watch a fashion show and find everything you need to plan your perfect wedding. Free admission, free parking, free gift tote. For more information, visit weddingshow.auburntourism.org.

Auburn Safeway Breast Cancer Survivor Day: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Oct. 1, Auburn Safeway, 101 S. Auburn Way. Families, friends invited to honor those who have fought and survived the battle with breast cancer, as well as remember loved ones who have lost their lives to the disease. Refreshments and music. For more information, call the store at 253-804-0138. For more information about how you can contribute to breast cancer research, visit www.safeway.com/ifl/grocery/community-caring.

Auburn candidates forum: 6 p.m., Oct. 4, Auburn Avenue Theater, 10 Auburn Ave. Public is invited. Debate for City Council candidates.

Chinook District of Garden Clubs: 10 a.m., Oct. 5, Grace Lutheran Church, 22975 24th Ave. S., Des Moines.  Board meeting represents South King County”s 13 garden clubs. To learn more about garden clubs in your area, call 206-242-9074.

Oktoberfest Northwest: Oct. 7-9, Puyallup Fair and Events Center, 110 9th Ave. SW. Featuring authentic German food and beers, live entertainment on two stages, family activities, the sixth Annual Hammerschlagen Tournament, larges Oktoberfest-themed beer garden. Hours: 11 a.m.-midnight, Friday/Saturday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday. After 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, guests must be 21 years of age or older to enter the Festhalle Biergarten. Admission: Free on Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Half-price tickets on Sunday courtesy of BECU. Regular ticket prices are $10 for adults and children age 12 and under are free. Parking is free. For more information, call 425-295-3262 or visit www.oktoberfestnw.com.

S’more Than You Imagined: 6-8 p.m., Oct. 8, Game Farm Park, 3030 R St. SE, Auburn. Free to the public. A unique outdoor event that is a nod to the City’s tagline! S’mores, a big band, storytelling by a bon fire. For more information, visit www.auburnwa.gov or call Auburn Parks, Arts and Rec at 253-931-3043.

Auburn Valley Creative Arts: 7 p.m., Oct. 13, Auburn City Hall, second floor, 25 W. Main St. Free demonstration on watercolors using spray bottles and sponges, provided by Debby Deal, who has been creating wonders with the medium for more than 40 years. Open to the public.

Pacific candidates forum: 7:15-9:15 p.m., Oct. 13, Pacific gym (Milwaukee entrance), 100 3rd Ave. SE, Pacific. Public invited to attend the second election candidates forum. Learn more about each candidate.  Sponsored by the Friends of the Lower White River voters information committee, and citizens of Pacific . Those who would like to volunteer, please contact Jeanne Fancher at 253-833-0977. For more information or to submit questions for council and mayor candidates, go to pacificcitysignal.tumblr.com (no “e” in tumblr).

Special events

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month: The City of Auburn has scheduled a series of events to observe October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Events include: • Kickoff ceremony: Noon, Friday, Sept. 30, City Hall Plaza, 25 W. Main St. Mayor Pete Lewis to proclaim October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. “Making a Difference” awards to be given to officers and community volunteers. Scheduled speaker to be a survivor of domestic violence. • Skate to Stop Domestic Violence: 5-7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 1, Skate Connection, 1825 Howard Road, Auburn. Skating and skate rentals are free; rollerblades $2. Complimentary cake, coffee and lemonade. Donations accepted. Proceeds benefit survivors of domestic violence in Auburn. For more information, call 253-939-2243. • City Council meeting: 7:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 3, City Hall, 25 W. Main St. City of Auburn Domestic Violence Task Force accepts proclamation from Mayor Lewis. • Sixth annual Children’s Purple Pumpkin Fun Walk to Stop the Violence: 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 22, Roegner Park, 601 Oravetz Road SE. Auburn Domestic Violence Task Force hosting. Entrance fee for 5K is $10 (or donation) for the family. Costume contest. Pets on leashes welcome. Costumes for animals is optional. Proceeds to support survivors of domestic violence. For more information, contact Kim at 253-939-2243 or Shelly at 253-931-3072.

Auburn Valley Y: Fall programs, 1620 Perimeter Road SW, Auburn. • Fall Fest 2011: 6-8 p.m., Oct. 21, family fun and fitness tour, music, games, prizes. Hosting a spook-tacular event filled with pumpkin decorating, carnival games, healthy snacks, face painting, costume contests, and a special appearance by the Radio Disney crew. Preregistration required. Facility member fee: $5 per family; program member fee: $10 per family. • Family trip to Carpinito Brothers Farm in Kent: 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Oct. 15. Join the fun as we go on a tractor-pulled hayride, walk through the corn maze and pick our own sugar pumpkins. Transportation provided as well as admission fees. Meet in the lobby at 9:30 a.m. Space limited. Preregistration required. Facility member fee: $15 per person; program member fee: $20 per person. For more information, call 253-833-2770 or visit auburnvalleyymca.org.

Benefits

Corestar Pilates fundraiser: 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Oct. 2, Corestar Pilates, 205 E. Main St., Suite B  Auburn. Teaching four classes at a suggested donation with proceeds going to the Milo Gray Guild and the Uncompensated Care Program at Seattle Children’s Hospital. For more information or to donate, call 206-914-0112 or visit www.corestarpilates.com.

Sleep Country USA Coat Drive for Foster Kids: Through Oct. 30. Donations of new coats can be made at any Sleep Country store. Donations will be distributed among Sleep Country’s partner foster care organizations. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday; and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit www.sleepcountry.com or call 1-888-88-SLEEP.

Terry Home Building More Hope Dinner and Auction: 5:30 p.m. Oct. 22 at Emerald Downs, 2300 Emerald Downs Drive, Auburn. Proceeds to benefit the completion of Terry Home’s second facility at at 727 A St. NE, Auburn.  Terry Home Inc., a nonprofit organization, was established to provide long-term care and shelter for young adults (18-45) who have suffered a traumatic brain injury.  Tickets are $50 before Oct. 7, $60 after. For more information, call 253-288-0135 or visit www.terryhomeinc.org.

Waddell & Reed’s Oktoberfest: 4-8 p.m., Oct. 27, Truitt Building, 102 W. Main St., Auburn. A benefit for ACAP Child & Family Services. Free beer tasting and brats, wine tasting, prizes, silent auction, raffle. Please RSVP by Oct. 24. Space limited. Call 253-474-9555 for more information.

Annual Artisan’s Festival: 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Nov. 8, Meridian Valley Country Club, 24830 136th Ave. SE, Kent. A benefit for Seattle Children’s Hospital. Free admission. Lunch available for purchase. Sponsored by the Kent Guild for Children’s Hospital.

Community Big Give: Nov. 19, Northwest Family Church, 3535 Auburn Way S., Auburn. Volunteers and organizers distribute groceries to 500 needy families in the community. Individuals and businesses representative can make an online financial donation, and are urged to host a food drives. To help or to learn more, visit communitybiggive.com or contact the Big Give team at 253-833-8252 or info@communitybiggive.com.

Volunteer projects

Auburn’s Environmental Park planting: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Oct. 8, Oct. 15. Volunteers needed to plant trees to provide mitigation for impacts to vegetation associated with the construction of the boardwalk, which will add vegetative diversity and wildlife habitat to the AEP and provide a visual barrier between the park and State Route 167. Trees to be planted will include Western red cedar, Sitka Spruce, Black Cottonwood, Pacific Willow, Scouler’s Willow, Sitka Willow and Red Osier Dogwood.  Individuals, groups and service clubs are encouraged to participate. When arriving, volunteers should check in at the Birding Tower at the end of Western Avenue to sign forms. For more information, contact Jamie Kelly at 253-804-5092 or via email at jwkelly@auburnwa.gov.

Health

Cascade Regional Blood Center drives:  1-4 p.m., Oct. 4, DeVry University, 3600 S. 344th Way, Federal Way; 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Oct. 8, Lakeland Hills Community, 1408 Lake Tapps Parkway E., Auburn; 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Oct. 10-11, Todd Beamer High School, 35999 16th Ave. S., Federal Way; 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Oct. 11, World Vision headquarters, 34834 Weyerhaeuser Way, Federal Way;  1-3 p.m., Oct. 12, St. Francis Hospital, 34515 9th Ave S., Federal Way; 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Oct. 15, GWTA, 1611 W. Valley Highway S. (Hinshaw’s), Auburn; 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Oct. 27,  Van Siclen, Stocks & Firkins – Attorney at Law, 721 45th St. NE, Auburn; noon-4 p.m., Oct. 31, Orion Industries Inc., 33926 9th Ave. S., Federal Way. For more information, call 1-877-242-5663 or visit www.crbs.net/home.

Puget Sound Blood Center drives:  8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Oct. 7, Boeing, 700 015th St. SW; 8-10 a.m., 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Oct. 13, West Auburn High School, gym, 401 W. Main St.; 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Oct. 20, Auburn High School, The Pit, 800 4th St. NE; 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Oct. 26, Auburn Mountainview High School, auxiliary gym, 28900 124th Ave. SE; 9-11 a.m., noon-3 p.m., Oct. 28, Zones, Inc., 1102 15th St. SW, Auburn; 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 2-5 p.m., Oct. 28, Auburn Regional Medical Center, 202 N. Division St., mobile at 2nd Street entrance; 8 a.m.-2 p.m, Nov. 2, Green River Community College, Glacier Room, Lindbloom Student Center, 12401 SE 320th St., Auburn. For more information, call 253-945-8667  or please visit www.psbc.org.

AAC user movie and pizza night: 6:30 p.m., Sept. 30, CLASS, Inc., 1705 S. 324th Place, Federal Way. Please RSVP to David Pozolinski (253-874-9300) by Sept. 28. CLASS (Communication Language and Speech Services) is a clinic with a nationally recognized track record of success in treating speech, language, learning, motor and social communication delays and disorders. It honors individual needs and temperaments. The clinic offers many different activities for kids, teens, and adults with special needs. AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) is a technique for compressing digital audio files. For more information, visit www.classinc.net.

Free breast imaging ultrasounds: Oct. 11,  Auburn Regional Medical Center, 202 North Division St., Auburn. Women can receive free 3D ultrasound breast cancer screenings from the Ford Women’s Health Initiative breast imaging bus. The bus will travel throughout the Northwest during October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Local dealer Scarff Ford helped bring the bus to Auburn.  Screenings are provided in a 40-foot, state-of-the-art mobile coach equipped with the latest technology in 3D breast cancer imaging.  The imaging bus will be parked at ARMC throughout the day, but women are encouraged to schedule their screening in advance.  To schedule a screening, go online to www.FordWomensHealth.com or call 855-380-TEST.

Classes

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training courses: Open to the pubic. Class sessions: •  Thursdays, Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27 and Nov. 3 and 10 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. and Saturdays, Oct. 22 and Nov. 12 from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. • The third is restricted to high school students in the Auburn School District and will be offered on Monday PLC days beginning Oct. 3 and will continue through the school year (view www.auburn.wednet.edu/PLC/PLC_Calendar.html) and will be held at Auburn High School, 800 4th St. NE. This is the second all-high school course to be offered in Auburn. Presented by the City of Auburn Emergency Management Office, in conjunction with the White River Valley Citizen Corps Council and the Valley Regional Fire Authority. Class members will be required to provide some basic equipment, such as sturdy shoes or boots and work gloves. Other necessary supplies and equipment will be provided. A complete list of required equipment will be provided upon registration. Pre-registration is required for all courses and space is limited. For more information, or to register for any of these classes, please call 253-876-1925 or email emergencyprep@auburnwa.gov. Applications also may be downloaded at www.auburnwa.gov/disaster.

Toyota Driving Expectations: Oct. 15-16, Emerald Downs, 2300 Emerald Downs Drive, Auburn. Experience the dangers of distracted driving and learn critical defensive driving tips from Toyota’s free safe teen driving program. Interested parents and teens can register online to reserve their spots at www.toyotadrivingexpectations.com.

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA):  Train to become a volunteer advocate for abused and neglected children in court.  Help make the legal system work toward a safe, permanent home for these children.  Must be 21, have excellent references and attend 28 hours of training. For more information and training dates, call 206-296-1120 or email casa.group@kingcounty.gov.

Landscape design study: Oct. 25-27, Normandy Park Community Club, 1500 SW Shorebrook Drive, Normandy Park. The Chinook District of the Washington Federation of Garden Clubs invites the public to attend National Garden Club’s Landscape Design Study Course II. Cost is $60 for both days and $5 for those who wish to test on Oct. 27. Courses are taught by University of Washington and South Seattle Community College professors, landscape architects and designers, horticulturists, and state and King County experts. A registration brochure can be found online at www.wagardenclubs.com. Please register by Sept. 30 to avoid a $10 late fee.

Resource fairs

Together We Serve volunteer resource fair: 4-7 p.m., Oct. 6, Lindbloom Student Center, Green River Community College, 12401 SE 320th St., Auburn. GRCC’s Continuing Education offers free volunteer resource fair for the community.  Approximately 50 nonprofit and community organizations will be available to provide information on volunteering opportunities. A panel of volunteer experts will be on hand to provide key points and answer audience questions on volunteering. The Auburn Food Bank will be represented and accepting food donations. For more information or if there are organizations wanting to participate, please call Continuing Education at 253-833-9111, ext. 2535.

The 13th annual Reaching Out Fair: 6-8 p.m. Oct. 6, Auburn Performing Arts Center, 700 E. Main St. Co-hosted by the Auburn School District, the Cities of Auburn, Algona and Pacific, Green River Community College and the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, the event is designed to put a stop to bullying and promote kindness in school communities. This year’s theme, “Chain Reaction of Kindness,” honors the 14 students and the one teacher who lost their lives in the Columbine tragedy with a message from “Rachel’s Challenge.” Rachel Joy Scott was the first student killed that day. Rachel’s Challenge was created by her family with the hopes of empowering students to influence positive change in their social community. The resource information fair kicks off the event at 6 p.m. Children and their families will have the opportunity to learn more about resources available to them from a variety of organizations like the Auburn Valley Y, Auburn Parks, Arts and Recreation, Auburn King County Library System, Auburn Youth Resources and others. There also will be a drawing with the chance to win one of 12 $50 SuperMall gift certificates. Free pizza, juice and cookies are provided.  The evening performance begins at 7 p.m. and features a message presented by Rachel’s Challenge team members and student testimonials about individuals who have made a difference in their lives.

Maintaining Your Balance through the Holidays: Noon-3 p.m., Oct. 7, Auburn Regional Medical Center, Atrium, 202 N. Division St. Free resource fair  strives to help families cope with issues that often drive them apart during the holidays.  Community resources will be on hand to informally discuss emotional and memory wellness, addiction, caregiver stress, grief, tobacco cessation, weight control and spirituality.  

Libraries

NOTE: The main Auburn Library has closed for yearlong expansion. It reopened at its temporary location, the former Herr Cabinets building, at 1140 Auburn Way S., , behind Big Daddy’s Drive-in. For program information, call 253-931-3018. Library events include:

CHILDREN & FAMILIES

Sleepy Story Times:: 7 p.m., Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27. All ages welcome, ages 5 and younger with adult. Wear your pajamas and bring your teddy bear to this 30-minute bedtime story time.

Monday Morning Story Times: 10:15 a.m., Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, Ages 2 to 6 with adult. Young children explore Early Literacy through stories, songs, finger plays and action rhymes.

Tuesday’s Bouncing Baby Story Times: 10:15 a.m., Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25. Ages newborn to 24 months, one adult per baby. Get ready to bounce, sing and play with your baby. Early Literacy activities will be emphasized and a short play time follows.

Wacky Wednesday Family Story Times: 10:15 a.m., Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26. Ages 3 to 6. Fun stories, flannel board and songs for kids and their families.

Martes Cuentos en Espanol (Children’s Story Times): 5 p.m., Oct. 4. 11, 18, 25.

Book Club Parties for Kids: 4 p.m., Oct. 25. For students in grades 3-8. Talk about your favorite Diary of a Wimpy Kid and celebrate Jeff Kinney’s newest title, “Cabin Fever”, due to come out Nov. 14. Enter your name into a drawing for a free copy of the book or win a small cardboard cutout of the wimpy kid.

Hallo-wee!: 10:15 a.m., Oct. 31. Newborn to age 10 with adult.Wear your costume and come for a very special Halloween Story Time, followed by a short parade through the Auburn Temporary Library.

TEENS

Teen Book Club Reads: 4:30 p.m., Oct. 18. “The Crowfield Curse by Pat Walsh” by Susan Beth Pfeffer. The first eight people who sign up to attend will receive a free copy courtesy of the Friends of the Auburn Library. The book club meets once a month to discuss the book of the month and share what we’ve been reading. New members are welcome.

Short and Scary Story Contest: All day, Oct. 1. Open to students in middle school, junior high or high school. Submit your spookiest stories this month and win a ghastly good prize. First prize: $25 gift card to Barnes&Noble. Three runner-ups also will receive prizes.All stories must be original, written in English between 500-3,000 words. For complete details, rules and information on how to submit your story, call the Auburn Library.

Teen Writers’ Group: 4:30 p.m., Oct. 11. Ages 12 to 18. Short stories, novels, poetry, memoirs … the Teen Writers’ Group does it all. We meet once a month to practice creative writing skills, share our writing, and gain ideas in a friendly environment. Snacks and fun for all.

ADULTS

Auburn Library Book Discussion Group: 6:30 p.m., Oct. 11. “Please Look After Mom” by Kyun-Sook Chin. Our friendly group meets the second Tuesday of each month at Zola’s Cafe, 402 E. Main St.. Suite 120. Please see http://blogs.kcls.org/auburn/ for more information.

English as a Second Language (ESOL): Due to the building remodel, the Auburn Library is no longer hosting ESOL classes. Classes are now being offered at the Green River Community College Downtown Auburn Center, 110 2nd St. SW, Room 145; phone number 253-833-9111. Additional classes continue to be offered at Algona-Pacific Library, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 6-8:30 p.m.

Genealogy Assistance: 1 p.m., Oct. 1, 5, 8, 12, 26; 7 p.m., Oct. 10. Volunteers from South King County Genealogical Society will be available to answer your questions.

Computer classes: Sign-up at the Information Desk or call 253-931-3018. • Microsoft Word Level 1, 10 a.m., Sept. 20. Held on the Techlab mobile classroom. Learn basic skills for entering, correcting and revising text. Prerequisite: Ability to use the mouse and keyboard. Please register.  • Computer Class: Microsoft Excel Level 1: 11:30 a.m., Sept. 20. Held on the Techlab mobile classroom. Learn how to perform calculations using formulas, copy formulas with the fill handle and use Autosum for quick addition. Prerequisite: Ability to use the mouse and keyboard. lease register.

The Friends of the Auburn Library Meeting: 7 p.m., Oct. 25. The Friends support the library and programs. Join us.

=====

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

CHILDREN & FAMILIES

Toddler Story Times: 10:15 a.m., Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25. Ages 2 to 3 with adult. Join us for stories, rhymes, music and fun.

Preschool Story Times: 11 a.m., Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25.  Ages 3 to 5 with adult. Enjoy stories, activities and music while children develop pre-reading skills.

Baby Story Time: 10:15 a.m., Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26. Newborn to 24 months with adult. Stimulate brain development with bounces, rhymes, stories and play time. One baby per lap, please.

TEENS

Teen Zone: 3 p.m., Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26. Drop in and get your game on, surf the Internet or hit the books. The Teen Zone is the place where you and your friends can snack, hang-out, study, play video games and pick up a good book.

Life After High School, Write to Win: 7 p.m., Oct. 10. Presented by Jonathan Brown. For teens in high school. How do you write successful college entrance essays? What techniques can you use to submit a college application that works? Find out from a real college administrator who will give you an insider’s view into the process. Learn practical strategies to put together a winning application. Find out what colleges are looking for when they evaluate essays, and get ideas on how to generate a narrative that will get you noticed. Limited to 20 participants.

Life After High School, Get a Job! Teen Job Seeking Workshop: 4 p.m., Oct. 17. Presented by Paul Abodeely. For teens in high school. Looking for a job? Not sure where to start? Then come to this fun and practical class to learn tricks on how to find interesting and well-paying employment. We’ll help you identify your skills and interests so you can figure out your perfect job, and impress employers. We’ll talk about applications and resumes, and share some little-known strategies for exploring the “hidden” job market, where 85 percent of jobs come from. Your job is out there – so let’s make it happen. Limited to 20 participants.

ADULTS

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL): 6 p.m., Oct. 4. 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27. A formal class to learn English grammar, reading, writing and conversation skills. Presented by Green River Community College.

Computer Class: Registration required. Please sign up at the Information Desk or call 253-833-3554. • Internet Level 2: 11 a.m., Oct. 22. Review and extend the knowledge and skills covered in Internet Level 1. Explore fun and helpful web sites, discuss printing from the Internet, explore blogs and discuss Internet Security. Prerequisite: Ability to use the mouse and ability to type website addresses.

Algona-Pacific Page Turners: 7:30 p.m., Oct. 19. “Wicked Girls: A Novel of the Salem Witch Trials” by Stephanie Hemphill. Share your love of books and connect with fellow readers at our monthly book group. Copies of this title have been reserved for participants and are available for check out at the library. Join us. New members are welcome.

=====

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

CHILDREN & FAMILIES

Stories and Strings Story Time: 11 a.m., Oct. 5, 12, 19. Come for a rockin’ good time of stories, songs and silliness.

Baby Bounce Story Times: 10:30 a.m., Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27. Ages newborn to 24 months with adult. Bounce along with baby stories, rhymes and songs.

ADULTS

COMPUTER CLASSES

Looking to sharpen your technology skills?:  If you’re interested in attending a class, please call 253-931-6779.  •  Email Basics: 6 p.m., Oct. 6. Learn about popular email services. Create your own email account, write messages and learn about attachments. • Word Level I: 10:30 a.m., Oct. 15. Learn basic word processing skills such as entering, selecting and deleting text. This class prepares students for the Microsoft Word Level 2 class.

Network

Free tax workshop: 1-4 p.m., Oct. 5, Seattle office, Washington State Department of Revenue, 2101 4th Ave., Suite 1400. Free workshop for new and small business owners. Participants will learn about Washington excise taxes, reporting classifications, deductions, tax incentives, sales tax collection and record-keeping requirements. All receive a workbook and helpful reference guide to Department of Revenue rules and regulations. To register, visit www.dor.wa.gov or call 206-727-5300. Space is limited. For those who can’t attend the workshop, there is a complete schedule of workshops statewide and a short streaming video version of the workshop in English and Spanish are available on the website.

Community Impact, an Evening with the Y: 6-8 p.m., Oct. 6, Truitt Building, Rainier Room, 102 W. Main St., Auburn. Not a fundraising event, but a chance to celebrate the Auburn Valley Y’s continued commitment to the community with its many services. Longhorn Barbecue and Oddfellas Pub and Eatery are event sponsors. Please RSVP by Sept. 30 to Rose Lambert, 253-876-7553, rlambert@seattleymca.org.

Business Networking International: 11:30 a.m., Tuesdays, meeting room, Round Table Pizza, 13036 SE, Kent-Kangley Road, Kent. Local entrepreneurs, sales-oriented small business representatives and others welcome. Information: Cheryl Richards, South Sound Business Referral Group. 206-575-4665.

Auburn Morning Toastmasters Club: 6:30-7:30 a.m. Thursdays. Learn the fine art of communication in a supportive atmosphere. Toastmasters is an international organization helping people improve their communication and pubic speaking skills. New members welcome. Rainbow Café, 112 E. Main St., Auburn.

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.

Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce 13th Annual Holiday Auction/Dinner: 5:30-9 p.m., Nov. 4, Emerald Downs, fourth floor, Emerald Room, 2300 Emerald Downs Drive. Presented by the chamber and SuperMall. For more information and sponsorship opportunities, contact Pegi Moll at 253-833-0700 or pegi@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, $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.

Music

Maple Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra: Taylor Creek Church, 21110 244th Ave. SE, Maple Valley.  Season performance highlights include masquerade concert, holiday concert, waltz gala ball, Seattle Thunderbirds hockey game and community events. 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).  Rehearsals are held weekly in Covington.  Call 253-347-0180 to schedule an audition.  For more information, visit  www.rainieryouthchoirs.org.

Dance

Children’s Dance Theater:  Visit www.auburnchildrensdancetheater.com or call 253-887-8937 for program information. New location at 122 W. Main St.

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:  918 H St. SE, Auburn. Exhibit: “Dead: Unearthing the Shift in Funerary Practices from Home to Mortuary,” on display through Nov. 13. Related events: The following museum events are offered in conjunction with “DEAD.” Unless otherwise noted, admission is $2 adults, $1 seniors/children and includes museum admission. • A Death Denying Culture, Sept. 29, 6 p.m. Guest scholar Louise Hull will provide sociological insight into the effect of our culture’s denial of the inevitable. Gallery opens at 6 p.m.; lecture at 7 p.m. • Family Program: Great Graves!, Oct. 1, 1 to 2 p.m. Drop in for some fright-free Halloween fun as the museum examines tombstones, graves and some of the oldest residents of Auburn’s Mountain View Cemetery through stories, games and crafts. Museum hours: Noon-4 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays. 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 event information.

Galleries

Auburn City Hall:  Sept. 7-Oct. 4 – Auburn Valley Creative Arts members display the quality artwork of diverse media and inspiration. On display: Mary Ellen Bowers (mixed media); Lela Brugger (woodblock print); and Jan Allington (graphite). 25 W. Main St.  Admission is free. Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. 253-931-3043 or www.auburnwa.gov.

Cheryl Sallee Gallery: Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. Admission: Free. Auburn Senior Activity Center, 808 Ninth St. SE. 253-931-5043 or www.auburnwa.gov/arts.