Calendar Submissions

Calendars are published Wednesdays and Saturdays on a space-available basis. Items for the Wednesday edition must be submitted by noon the previous Thursday. Items for the Saturday edition must be submitted by noon the previous Tuesday. Submit items to calendar@reporternewspapers.com.

Special events

Pet spaying/neutering: 8 a.m. March 28. Sign in: Arrive by 6:30 a.m. The Spay Station, a mobile spay and neuter clinic, will offer free or low cost services to pet owners. Microchipping also available. Safeway, 200 S. Third St., Renton. 360-793-7729 or www.pasadosafehaven.org.

VFW Auxiliary Indoor Garage Sale: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. March 29. Proceeds go towards assisting veterans. Rental tables: $10. Frank R. Vaise VFW Post 1263, 416 Burnett Ave. S., Renton. 253-838-1672.

Spring Break at IKEA: 2-4 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, March 31-April 11. Free activities for children include making plant holders, beading necklaces and decorating picture frames. IKEA, 601 S.W. 41st St., Renton. 425-656-2980 or www.IKEA-USA.com/seattle.

Downtown Renton Spring Clean Event: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. April 12. Volunteers can join with community members and businesses to make downtown Renton sparkle. Meet at Piazza Park, at the corner of South Third Street and Burnett Avenue South. 425-226-6124.

Rainier Christian Schools 11th annual Auction: 5-9:30 p.m. April 12. Theme: “Run the Race.” Program includes prime rib and salmon dinner, and silent and live auctions. Cost: $55; registration requested by April 2. Proceeds go toward school programs, projects and scholarships. Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. N., Kent. 425-255-7273 or www.rainierchristianschools.org.

2008 annual Job Fair: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. April 23. Presented by the college’s Student Success Center. Renton Technical College, Cafeteria I-118, 3000 N.E. Fourth St. 425-235-2352, ext. 7785, or miko@RTC.edu.

Arbor Day/Earth Day Celebration: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. April 26. Volunteers can help plant trees, shrubs and participate in other beautification projects. Heritage Park, 233 Union Ave. N.E., Renton. 425-430-6600.

Community Garage Sale: 9 a.m-2 p.m. April 26. Come sell your “junk” or hunt for treasures. Cost: Free for shoppers; $10-$25 for booth space. Renton Community Center, 1715 Maple Valley Highway. www.rentonwa.gov.

CROP Hunger Walk: 1:30-4 p.m. May 4. Registration: 1 p.m. Route is 6.8 miles along the Cedar River Trail. Sponsored by Renton Ecumenical Association of Churches. Cost: Free with donations of nonperishable food items. Liberty Park shelter, 1101 Bronson Way N., Renton. 425-271-2080, 206-988-1622 or www.cropwalk.org.

Classes

REI clinics: 7 p.m. various Wednesdays, including: March 26 and April 23, “Prep for Rainier”; April 2, “Trekking in India”; April 9, “Bike Maintenance”; April 30, Spring Hiking with author Dan Nelson. Cost: Free. 240 Andover Park W., Tukwila. 206-248-1938.

RV School: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. April 19. Features round-table discussions, panel presentations and lectures on topics such as “RV Suspension and Handling,” “Alaska, the Ultimate Adventure!” and “Campground Memberships.” Cost: $15 for the day; includes light lunch. Renton Technical College, 3000 N.E. Fourth St. 425-235-2352, ext. 5727, or jhanline@RTC.edu.

“Mistake Free Job Finding—Key to Quicker Employment” career workshop: 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m. May 21. Career workshop sponsored by Puget Sound Career Development Association. May 21 sessions are free and open to the public. May 22-23 for career development professionals only. Renton Technical College main campus, building C, 3000 N.E. Fourth St. 206-236-5697, terryp@careeradvisorsonline.com or www.pscda.org.

Financial literacy for domestic violence victims: 6-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays through May 27. Class will cover safety and finances, basic banking, budgeting and more. Childcare and transportation available. Cost: Free. Call for details. Held at confidential Southside location. 206-799-6209 or jennifer@ywcaworks.org.

English as a Second Language: 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays through June 19. Develop and improve English language skills. Cost: Free; registration required. North Highlands Neighborhood Center, 3000 N.E. 16th St., Renton. 206-233-9720 or www.literacyseattle.org.

Sewing classes at Renton Technical College: College offers several sewing classes including a sewing lab, fleece jacket making, machine embroidery and sampler quilting. Call for details, registration. Renton Technical College, 3000 N.E. Fourth St. 425-235-2352.

Renton Black Parents Association Community Tutoring Program: 6:30-8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Computer lab sessions. 13611 S.E. 116th Ave., Renton. 425-226-8443 or rbpamlk@rentonbpa.org.

Faith

Renton Day Women’s Bible Study: 9:25 a.m. Tuesdays. First Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 19800 108th Ave. S.E. www.bsfinternational.org.

Health/Fitness

Blood drives in Renton: 1-4 p.m. March 26 at Everest College, 981 Powell Ave. S.W., Suite 200; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. March 29 at Hazen High School, 1101 Hoquiam Ave. N.E.; 9 a.m.-2 p.m. March 29 at Latter-Day Saints Renton Highland Ward Building, 11852 140th Ave. S.E. For Puget Sound Blood Center. 800-398-7888 or www.psbc.org.

Libraries

Fairwood Library, 17009 140th Ave. S.E., Renton. 425-226-0522 or www.kcls.org.

• AARP Tax Assistance: 10 a.m. Fridays, 12:30 p.m. Saturdays and 4 p.m. Mondays, April 4-14. Free income tax assistance provided by qualified volunteers. Call to register.

• “You and Me and the ABCs”: 11 a.m. April 7. Build early literacy skills with songs, games and movement.

• Fairwood Afternoon Book Group: 11:30 a.m. April 9. Topic: “Snow Flower and the Secret Fan” by Lisa See.

• Books and Bites for Teens: 7 p.m. April 10.

• Lively Minds Book Group: 7:30 p.m. April 15. Topic: “The Dead Fish Museum” by Charles D’Ambrosio.

• “Never Bored in Washington”: 7 p.m. April 17. Mark Reeves to present slides and stories of interesting places in Washington.

• Movie—“Land of the Giants”: 1 p.m. April 19. Video relates the colorful history of Snoqualmie Pass.

• “Growing Tomatoes In the Maritime Northwest”: 7 p.m. April 24.

• Poetry Coffeehouse: 7 p.m. April 29. Celebrate poetry moth with coffee, cookies and poetry. Registration required for open-mic time.

• Master Gardeners: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. Master gardeners will be on hand to answer questions.

• ESL class: 6:30 p.m. most Mondays and Wednesdays. Registration required; call 253-838-6810.

• Story times: Library offers various story times for newborns to 6-year-olds and foreign language speakers. Call for details.

• Talk Time: 10 a.m. Saturdays. Improve speaking and listening skills in this English conversation group.

Renton Public Library, 100 Mill Ave. S. 425-430-6610. Library events include:

• Story times: 7 p.m. Mondays and 10 a.m. Wednesdays.

Public meetings

Advisory Commission on Diversity: 6:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month. City Hall, Room 511, 1055 S. Grady Way, Renton.

Civil Service Commission: 4:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month. Human Resources Training Room on the seventh floor of City Hall, 1055 S. Grady Way, Renton.

Human Services Advisory Committee: 3 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month. Seventh floor council chambers at City Hall, 1055 S. Grady Way, Renton.

King County Fire District No. 25: 4 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month. Commissioner’s meeting. Fire Station No. 16, 12923 156th Ave. S.E., Renton.

Library Board: 7 p.m. the second Thursday of the month. Renton Public Library, 100 Mill Ave. S.

Municipal Arts Commission: 8 a.m. the first Wednesday of the month. Seventh floor of City Hall, 1055 S. Grady Way, Renton.

Parks Commission: 4:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month. Various locations, including City Hall, 1055 S. Grady Way, Renton. 425-430-6600.

Planning Commission: 6 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. Council chambers at City Hall, 1055 S. Grady Way, Renton.

Renton City Council: 7 p.m. the first four Mondays of the month. Seventh floor council chambers at Renton City Hall, 1055 S. Grady Way.

Renton Housing Authority: 5 p.m. the third Friday of the month, through June. Monthly commissioners meeting. 2900 N.E. 10th St., Renton.

Renton Non-Motorized Transportation Advisory Committee: 4:30 p.m. the first Thursday of the month. Fifth floor of City Hall, Room 511, 1055 S. Grady Way, Renton.

Renton School District School Board: 7 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. Kohlwes Education Center, 300 S.W. Seventh St., Renton.

Senior Citizens Advisory Committee: 10 a.m. the first and third Mondays of the month. Renton Senior Activity Center, 211 Burnett Ave. N.

Sister City Advisory Committee—Cuautla: 10 a.m. the second Friday of the month. Seventh-floor conference center at City Hall, 1055 S. Grady Way, Renton.

Soos Creek and Water District: 4:30 p.m. the first, third and fourth Wednesdays of the month. District Office, 14616 S.E. 192nd St., Renton.

Reunions

Kent-Meridian High School Class of 1968 40th Class Reunion: Sept. 13. Fairwood Golf and County Club, 17070 140th Ave. S.E., Renton. www.reunionsunlimited.com.

West Seattle Indians Class of 1958 50th Year Reunion: June 6-8. All school reunion will be June 6 at the high school. Weekend also includes golf, dinner and farewell brunch at various locations. West Seattle High School, 3000 California Ave. S.W., Seattle. 253-931-1136.

Seniors

Renton Senior Activity Center: 211 Burnett Ave. N. 425-430-6633. Events and activities include:

• Dances: 1-3 p.m. Thursdays. Cost: Free.

• Friday Frolics trips: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Fridays. Registration: 9 a.m. Cost: $3.

• Health Assessment: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays. Provided by a visiting nurse.

• Foot Care: Service is limited to seniors who cannot manage their own foot care. Call to schedule or cancel an appointment: 425-430-6662 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tuesdays-Wednesdays.

• Free Blood Pressure Checks: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

• Low Vision Education Group: 12:30-1:30 p.m. the fourth Friday of the month.

• Widowed Information and Consulting Service: 12:30-2:30 p.m. Wednesdays.

• Lunch: 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. Cost: $3 donation for ages 60 and older; $5.75 for those younger than 60. 425-255-7932.

• Meals-On-Wheels: Program provides frozen meals for homebound seniors. 425-255-7932.

Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission: Mission offers Renton-area seniors a variety of activities, including Bible studies, road trips, themed luncheons, summer camp, food boxes, free hair cuts and volunteer opportunities. For details, call 206-322-6801 or jmack@ugm.org.

Support

Al-Anon Family Group meetings: Meetings in Renton include:

• Saturdays and Sundays: 7:30 p.m. at Valley Medical Center’s Medical Arts Building, 400 S. 43rd St.

• Mondays and Thursdays: 7 p.m. Mondays and 7:30 p.m. Thursdays at Prichard Hall, 99 Wells Ave. S.

• Tuesdays and Thursdays: 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, and 10 a.m. Thursdays, at First United Methodist Church, 2201 N.E. Fourth St.

• Saturdays: 10:30 a.m. at May Valley Alliance Church, 16431 S.E. Renton-Issaquah Road.

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.

Angel Care Breast Cancer Foundation: 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, 877-417-3484 (toll-free), www.angelcarefoundation.org or angelcare@angelcarefoundation.org.

Angel Flight West: Volunteer pilot group offers free air transportation to those in need, especially medical care. 888-426-2643 or www.angelflightwest.org.

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.

Emergency Feeding Program of Seattle and King County: Program offers 14 varieties of healthy, nutritionally-balanced food packs to families and individuals with an immediate need for food. 206-329-0300 or www.emergencyfeeding.org.

Gamblers Anonymous: 7-9 p.m. Mondays at First Presbyterian Church of Renton, 2640 Benson Road S.; 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Cross and Crown Lutheran Church, 10940 S.E. 168th St., Renton; 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays at All Saints Lutheran Church, 27225 Military Road, Federal Way. 877-727-5050.

GriefShare: 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays through April. Non-denominational support group offers a video series featuring national experts on grief recovery topics. First Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 19800 108th Ave. S.E., Renton. 253-859-8998.

Hearing Loss Association: 12:30 p.m. the second Friday of the month. Group works to help people with hearing loss through information, education, advocacy and support. Renton Senior Activity Center, 211 Burnett Ave. N., Renton. www.hearingloss.org or www.wasa-shhh.org.

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.

Renton PFLAG Meetings: 7 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) is open to anyone having issues about acceptance of a gay or lesbian loved one, or yourself. Meetings are confidential. Group is not associated with any religious organizations. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 99 Wells Ave. S., Renton. 425-235-4139.

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 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.

Parkinson’s Support Group: 1:30-3 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month. Merrill Gardens at Renton Centre, 104 Burnett Ave. S., Renton.

Veterans

Cascade Warbirds seeking WWII Vets: May 19-26. WWII bomber air crew and ground crew veterans invited to join the Cascade Warbirds in hosting the B-17 visit to the Museum of Flight in Tukwila. Veterans will greet and share experiences with visitors during the exhibit’s run. Call or e-mail for details. 206-571-1777 or bp15705@q.com.

American Legion and Auxiliary-Renton Fred Hancock Post No. 19 and Auxiliary Unit No. 19: 7:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month, September through June. 3224 N.E. 12th St., Renton. 425-271-1439.

VFW Panther Lake Post 11329: 7:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month. U.S. Army Reserve Center, 14631 S.E. 192nd St., Renton. 253-631-8151 or 425-254-1459.

VFW Post 9430: 7:30 p.m. the first and third Wednesdays of the month. Ladies Auxiliary meetings: 7:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month. Family Hamburger Night: 6-7:15 p.m. Thursdays (except holidays). 7421 S. 126th St., Seattle. 206-772-9982.

VFW Renton Post 1263: 7:30 p.m. the second and fourth Thursdays of the month. Ladies’ Auxiliary: 7 p.m. the first Thursday of the month; Men’s Auxiliary: 7 p.m. the second Thursday of the month. VFW provides support to veterans of foreign wars and their families through overseas troop support, volunteer programs, community service, legislative action, charitable donations and research, and helps veterans seeking governmental benefits. Frank R. Vaise Post 1263, 416 Burnett Ave. S., Renton. 425-255-9010 or www.vfw1263.com.

USS Maddox Destroyer Association Reunion: Sept. 3-7. For DD-168, DD-622 and DD-731. Reunion will take place in Oklahoma City, OK. For details, contact Cliff Gillespie at 337-616-8450 or cwgilles45@aol.com.

USS Hollister Destroyer Reunion: Sept. 17-21 in Branson, Mo. For DD-788. For details, contact Nelda Rupp. 503-656-4949 or hnrupp@comcast.net.

82nd Airborne Division Association reunions: Association is seeking veterans from the 82nd Airborne Division to join in conventions and other special events throughout the country. Call or e-mail for details: 937-898-5977 or srgabn@aol.com.

Military reunions: October, 2008, reunion for the former crew of the USS Yancey (AKA-93) in Seattle. For details, contact George Clifton, 708-425-8531 or clifs@ameritech.net. June 24, 2009, reunion for former crewmen from the USS England (DLG/CG-22) in Seattle. For details contact Dennis O’Brien, 714-961-6840 or dennis@ussengland.net. Veterans can find information about upcoming reunions across the country through Military Locator and Reunion Service. Call 828-256-6008 or visit www.mlrsinc.com.

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.

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

Litter Patrol: Once a month, help patrol State Route 900 from Interstate 405. All gear supplied by the Washington State Department of Transportation. 206-351-6796.

Domestic Violence Unit: King County Prosecutor’s Office is seeking volunteers to provide legal advocacy to King County domestic violence victims. Volunteers needed for 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays. 206-296-9700.

CASA: Court Appointed Special Advocates is looking for volunteer advocates for abused and neglected children in court. Must be 21 with excellent references. Volunteers must also attend 28 hours of training. Call 206-296-1120, e-mail gal.group@metrokc.gov or visit www.metrokc.gov/kcsc/depcasa.htm.

Dining Program Volunteers: Currently seeking volunteers to help with the Senior Community Dining Program at the Renton Senior Activity Center, 211 Burnett Ave. N. Program hours: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. Hours are negotiable. Food service experience is helpful and a food handler’s permit is required. When obtained the cost of the permit is reimbursed. 425-255-7932.

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.

Friend to Friend: Volunteers are needed to visit residents in nursing homes, assisted living and retirement homes in the Puget Sound area. Call for details. 888-383-7818 or www.friendtofriendamerica.org.

Help Teach English: Volunteer tutors needed to help new immigrants and refugees learn English. Contact the City of Renton Community Services Department for more information. 425-430-6600.

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.

Meals on Wheels: Meal-delivery program has openings for volunteer drivers and co-coordinators at sites throughout King County. Time commitment for drivers averages three hours once a week, with 35-cent reimbursement per mile. Coordinators may work one or two days a week, four to six hours total. 206-448-5767 or www.seniorservices.org.

Multiple Sclerosis Association of King County Volunteers: 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. Volunteers are also needed to assist with an ongoing school-assembly program that educates elementary-school children about coping with the challenges of disabilities. 206-633-2606 or www.msakc.org.

Olive Crest Abused and Neglected Children’s Foundation: Group is looking for dedicated volunteers to join the auxiliary group. Members assist with Foster Family activities, fundraising activities and welcome baskets for children entering new homes. 425-462-1612, ext. 1314, or www.olivecrest.org.

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 e-mail 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 tax preparation: Volunteers are needed through April 15 to prepare tax returns for low- to middle-income families throughout King County as part of United Way’s Free Tax Campaign. 206-461-6973 or www.unitedwayofkingcounty.org/taxvolunteer.

Volunteer Chore Services: Volunteers needed to assist with chores for low-income elders and adults with disabilities. Services include shopping, light housekeeping, laundry, cooking and yard work. Program is a service of Catholic Community Services. 206-328-5787 or vc@ccsww.org.

Volunteer Literacy Program: Many people in our community struggle to communicate in the English language because they are new to the country. If you can volunteer three to four hours a week, you can help someone learn to read, write and speak English. Call Highline Community College: 206-878-3710, ext. 3303.