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

Downtown Renton Art and Antique Walk: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 23. Indoor and outdoor exhibits featuring works by more than 75 artists, along with live music, dance and more. Downtown Renton. 425-430-6589 or www.artsunlimited.org.

Renton Farmers Market: 3-7 p.m. Tuesdays, through Sept. 16. Features master gardener clinics, chef’s demonstrations and live entertainment. Performances include: Aug. 26, karaoke and you; Sept. 2, Temple Biet Tikva dancers and music; Sept. 9, Tex Knutson; Sept. 16, closing celebration. South Third Street, between Logan and Burnett Avenue South. 425-679-1502 or www.rentonfarmersmarket.com.

Sleep Country USA Foster Kids School Supplies Drive: Through Sept. 14. Donors can bring school supplies – including pens, pencils, pocket calculators and backpacks – for foster children to any Sleep Country location. Locations: www.sleepcountry.com.

Children

Renton FUMC Children and Parents Playgroup: 10 a.m.-noon Tuesdays. Open to parents and children of all ages. Renton First United Methodist Church, 2201 N.E. Fourth St. 425-255-5403.

Classes

English as a Second Language: 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays through Aug. 28. 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.

Safety Camp 2008: 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Aug. 30. One-day camp teaches children about safety issues including bike, water, gun, and campfire safety. Participants also get an inside tour of Valley Medical Center emergency department, and an interactive session with firefighters, paramedics, ambulances and fire engines. Cost: Free; advance registration required. Valley Medical Center’s MAC Building, 400 43rd St., Renton. SafetyCamp@ValleyMed.org.

“Sustainable Small Acreage Farming and Ranching”: 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 9-Dec. 9. Learn practical information about whole farm planning, ecologically-based diversified production systems, and alternative marketing techniques. Includes classroom discussion, guest lectures by professional farmers, and field trips. Cost: $150 per family or farm; scholarships available. Registration required. Washinton State University King County Extension, 200 Mill Ave. S., Suite 100, Renton. www.king.wsu.edu/foodandfarms/SSAFR.htm.

YWCA GirlsFirst Program info session: 4-5 p.m. Sept. 19. Informational session open to women interested in volunteering as mentors to teen girls. YWCA, 1010 S. Second St., Renton. 206-461-4443 or girlsfirst@ywcaworks.org.

Faith

Movie Night at St. Andrew: 8 p.m. Aug. 23. St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 3604 N.E. 10th Court, Renton. 425-226-5547.

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

Seniors’ Bible Study: 9:15-11:30 a.m. Thursdays. Non-denominational group is open to all. Renton Senior Activity Center, 211 Burnett Ave. N. 425-430-6633.

Women’s Group Bible Study: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Thursdays. Room 110 at Highlands Community Church, 3031 N.E. 10th St., Renton. nlr22@comcast.net.

Health/Fitness

Blood drive: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 4. For Puget Sound Blood Center. Valley Medical Center, 400 S. 43rd St., Renton. 800-398-7888 or www.psbc.org.

Libraries

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

• “Catch the Reading Bug” 2008 Summer Reading Program: Through Aug. 31. Pick up booklets at the library.

• “Writing Your Autobiography”: 2 p.m. Mondays, Sept. 8-29. Write about your memories and learn organizational skills. Registration required.

• “How to Successfully Promote and Market Your Own Music”: 7 p.m. Sept. 9. Co-author Christopher Knab will read select chapters from his book, “Music Is Your Businesses: The Musician’s Four-Front Strategy for Success.” Registration required.

• Fairwood Afternoon Book Club: Noon Sept. 10. Topic: “Sight Hound: a novel” by Pam Houston.

• Books and Bites for Teens: 7 p.m. Sept. 11.

• Lively Minds Book Group: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 16. Topic: “The Middle Place” by Kelly Corrigan.

• SAT Prep: 1 p.m. Saturdays, Sept. 20-18. Open to high school students. Five free sessions will help you prepare for all sections of the SAT. You will receive a copy of the College Board’s Official SAT Study Guide. Registration required.

• 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:

• “Cinderella and the Bug Brigade”: 7-8 p.m. Aug. 25. Presented by Mary Shaver and Her Marionettes. Open to all ages.

• Renton Library Book Group: 7-8:30 p.m. the third Thursday of the month. Topics: Sept. 18, “The Shadow of the Wind” by Carlos Ruiz Zafon.

• PAWS to Read: 2-3:30 p.m. Saturdays. Children in fourth grade and younger can come to practice reading skills with a canine listener. Registration required. Call 425-430-6825.

• Story times: 7 p.m. Mondays and 10 a.m. Wednesdays. Open to ages 2-6 and parents.

Highlands Library, 2902 N.E. 12th St., Renton. 425-430-6790. Library events include:

• Story times: 10 a.m. Tuesdays. Open to ages 2-6 and parents.

Reunions

Renton High School Class of 1948 60-year Reunion: Aug. 24. Call for details. Renton Senior Activity Center, 211 Burnett Ave. N., Renton. 425-255-2923.

Tahoma High School Class of 1975 summer get-together: 5 p.m. Sept. 6. Dinner, beverages and music provided. Cost: $20. Registration required. 22450 S.E. 296th St., Black Diamond. 425-891-9950 or www.Classmates.com.

Lindbergh High School Class of 1978 30-year Reunion: Sept. 13. Golf tournament, 2 p.m.; casual no-host gathering, 7 p.m. See Web site for details, registration. Gordon’s on the Green Restaurant and Lounge, Foster’s Golf Course, 1300 Interurban Ave. S., Tukwila. www.classmates.com.

Renton High School Class of 1978 Reunion: Sept. 19-20. Call or see Web site for details. 425-644-1044 or www.reunionswithclass.com.

Renton High School Class of 58 Reunion: Oct. 25. Spirit of Washington Event Center, 233 Burnett Ave. S., Renton. 425-255-5023 or a.gummere@comcast.net.

Seniors

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

• Senior trips: Aug. 27, Seattle Mariners vs. Minnesota Twins. All trips leave from the senior center. Call for details, cost.

• Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-noon Mondays-Fridays. Cost: $3 donation for ages 60 and older; $5.75 for those younger than 60. 425-254-1128.

• Health Assessment: 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Mondays. Provided by a visiting nurse.

• Computer Lab: 12:30-2:30 p.m. Wednesdays; 9:30-11:30 a.m. Fridays. Open to seniors with some computer experience to use Internet and e-mail. Cost: Free.

• Ongoing activities: Center offers a variety of activities and games, including bocce, bridge, pinochle, crochet group, horseshoes, open painting, woodcarving and pool.

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

• 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: 12:15-1:30 p.m. the fourth Friday of the month.

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

• 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; 8-10 p.m. Fridays at Nativity Lutheran Church, 17707 140th Ave. S.E., Renton. 888-424-3577.

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.

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.

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.

Veterans

USS Missouri 35th Veterans Reunion: Aug. 28-Sept. 1. For BB-63. Veterans, family and friends welcome. Reunion will take place in San Antonio, Texas. 203-281-4693, 803-469-3579 or mo63@ftc-i.net.

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.

Veterans Outreach: 3:15-6 p.m. Sept. 9. 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.

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.

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.

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.

Volunteers

AFS Student Exchange Program: Host families needed to house high school exchange students for the 2008-2009 school year. Call or see Web site for details. 800-237-4636 or www.afs.org.

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.

Cedar River Volunteer Naturalists: Through October. Volunteers needed to serve as naturalists along the Cedar River Watershed. Includes 20 hours of training in September and early October, and three weekend days along the river, educating the public about spawning salmon and the history of the Cedar River Watershed. Call or e-mail for application, details. 206-245-0143 or naturalists@cedarriver.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. 253-288-3346 or 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. 206-296-1120, gal.group@metrokc.gov or 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. 425-254-1128.

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: Apply now for training class in late September. 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.

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.

Visiting Nurse Services of the Northwest: September, volunteer orientations. Volunteers needed October-December to help with set-up and paperwork for annual flu immunization program. Opportunities in King and Snohomish counties. Call for details. 425-738-4937.

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.