CALENDAR

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.

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

Earth Day event: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. April 19. Features tours of treatment plant and adjacent Waterworks Garden, along with gardening demonstrations and information. Refreshments provided. Cost: Free. King County South Wastewater Treatment Plant, 1200 Monster Road S.W., Renton. 206-296-8361 or www.dnr.metrokc.gov/wtd.

Fundraiser garage sale: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 19. Proceeds benefit the St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Deacons Fund. 7639 S. 115th St., Seattle.

Sons of Norway Heritage Night: 6:30 p.m. April 21. Features free samples of Scandinavian foods. All are welcome. Presented by the Sons of Norway, Vesterdalen Lodge. Messiah Lutheran Church, 805 Fourth St. N.E., Auburn.

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.

Pet spaying/neutering: 8 a.m. April 25. Sign in: 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. Keppler Feed and Recycling, 16442 Renton-Issaquah Road, Renton. www.pasadosafehaven.org/SPAYSTATION/spay_station.htm.

American Legion pancake breakfast: 7-11 a.m. April 26. Presented by American Legion Post No. 19. Cost: By donation. Proceeds go to assist veterans and active-duty troops. 3224 N.E. 12th St., Renton. 425-271-1439.

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.

Oberto BIG Bowl for Kids’ Sake 2008: 1 p.m. April 26. Fundraiser bowl to take place in six Puget Sound-area bowling alleys. Bowling teams, sponsors welcome. Proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound. Renton location: Cascade Lanes, 17034 116th Ave. S.E. 206-763-9060, ext. 245, www.bbbs.org/pugetsound or katie.obrien@bbbs.org.

“Planting Seeds for the Future” Kennydale PTA Auction: 5 p.m. May 3. Event includes prime rib dinner, and silent and live auctions. Cost: $30. Renton Technical College, 3000 N.E. Fourth St., Renton. 206-595-2619 or michellemmcbride@gmail.com.

Ladybug Tea: 10 a.m. May 3. Features ladybug stories, crafts, snacks and surprises. Children and parents invited to wear red and black outfits. Reservations required. Fellowship Hall at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 1700 Edmonds Ave. N.E., Renton. 425-226-2420 or nicole.meyer@comcast.net.

CROP Hunger Walk: 1:30-4 p.m. May 4. Registration: 1 p.m. Community walk to help the hungry. 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. 425-306-7089, 206-988-1622 or www.cwscrop.org/pacificnorthwest.

Senior Housing Fair: 10 a.m.-noon May 13. Representatives will be available to answer questions about retirement homes, assisted living communities, senior apartments, low income housing, Housing Placement Advisor and Renton Housing Repair Assistance Program. Renton Senior Activity Center, 211 Burnett Ave. N. 425-430-6633.

IKEA Kids Health and Safety Fair: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. June 7-8. Rain or shine. Cost: Free. IKEA, 601 S.W. 41st St., Renton. www.ikea-usa.com/Seattle.

Classes

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.

Self Defense Seminar: 2-5 p.m. April 19. Ladies encouraged to bring a partner to throw around. Cost: Free; donations for charities welcome. Lee’s Martial Arts, 405 S. Third St., Renton. 425-255-4549.

REI clinics: 7 p.m. various Wednesdays, including: April 23, “Prep for Rainier”; April 30, Spring Hiking with author Dan Nelson; May 7, “Outdoor Skills”; May 14, “Bike Maintenance 101”; May 28, “Backpacking 101.” Cost: Free. 240 Andover Park W., Tukwila. 206-248-1938.

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 beginning sewing, sewing lab, home machine embroidery, and 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

English Tea at Kennydale Methodist: 11 a.m. April 20. Free event will follow 10 a.m. service. All are welcome. Kennydale Methodist Church, 3005 Park Ave., Renton.

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

Mobile Mammography Screening: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. April 19. Open to women age 40 and older. No insurance, no problem. Offered by the YWCA Women’s Health Outreach program. Wal-Mart, 743 Rainier Ave. S., Renton. 206-436-8644.

Blood drives in Renton: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 28 at Valley Medical Center, 400 S. 43rd St.; 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. April 30 at Renton High School, 400 S. Second St.; 8 a.m.-2 p.m. May 6 at Liberty High School, 16655 S.E. 136th St.; 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. May 8 at King County DDES, 900 Oaksdale Ave. S.W.; 8 a.m.-2 p.m. May 8 at Lindbergh High School, 16426 128th Ave. S.E.; 8-11 a.m. May 11 at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 1700 Edmonds St.; 8 a.m.-2 p.m. May 12 at Hazen High School, 1101 Hoquiam Ave. N.E. For Puget Sound Blood Center. 800-398-7888 or www.psbc.org.

NW Neighborhood Nutrition: Noon and 6 p.m. Thursdays through June 26. Features weight-loss challenge, nutrition workshop and personal coaching. Cost: $39 for weight-loss challenge; free for nutrition workshop. Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. N., Kent. 206-579-4581 or www.nwnnonline.com.

Libraries

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

• 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.

• Entry gardens dedication: 1 p.m. April 26. Ceremony celebrates the newly designed gardens by O’Brien Garden Club.

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

• Books and Bites for Teens: 7 p.m. May 8.

• “Painless Pest Prevention”: 7 p.m. May 13.

• Fairwood Afternoon Book Group: 11:30 p.m. May 14. Topic: “The Memory Keeper’s Daughter” by Kim Edwards.

• Rick Steves—Best of Italy: 7 p.m. May 15.

• Lively Minds Book Group: 7:30 p.m. May 20. Topic: “Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life” by Barbara Kingsolver.

• Hot Jobs for Teens: 7 p.m. May 27. Learn about the hidden job market, complete practice applications and learn interviewing skills. 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:

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

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.

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.

Teen Camp Erin-King County: Applications now being accepted for free weekend camp. Open to teens who have experienced the death of a loved one. Camp provides support, education and opportunities for fun and fellowship to grieving teens. Camp slated for Aug. 22-24 at Camp River Ranch in Carnation. Call for details. 206-749-7689.

Veterans

Veterans Outreach: 3:15-6:15 p.m. May 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.

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.

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.

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.