Benefits

New Horizon School 12th annual Auction: 5 p.m. March 28. Features auctioneer April Brown. Spirit of Washington Event Center, 233 Burnett Ave. S., Renton. 425-226-3717 or www.new-horizon-school.org.

HOG’s for Paws Poker Run: 9 a.m.-noon April 25. Registration opens at 9 a.m.; ride ends by noon, with food, music and prizes to follow. Sponsored by Harley Owner’s Group for Paws. Cost: $20, plus $10 per extra poker sheet. Start at finish at Downtown Harley-Davidson, 3715 E. Valley Road, Renton. 206-409-2930.

Classes

“Ferry Tales”: 7 p.m. March 15. Norm Blye will present a program on the history of Lake Washington ferries, and their importance to the early days of Renton. Kennydale United Methodist Church, 3005 Park Ave. N., Renton. 425-255-4127.

“Do You Have All Your Legal Documents in Order?”: 12:30 p.m. March 17. For seniors. Lawyer Dan Kellogg will discuss wills, durable power of attorney, living trust, community property agreements and legal guardianship. Come with questions. Cost: Free. Renton Senior Activity Center, 211 Burnett Ave. N. 425-430-6633.

“Hope and Power for Your Personal Finances”: Noon-3 p.m. Thursdays, March 19-May 21. YWCA and Jennifer Beach Foundation will offer free financial literacy class for survivors of domestic violence. Class takes place at a confidential location in South King County. Childcare provided on site; transportation assistance available. Call or e-mail to register: 206-799-6209 or jennifer@ywcaworks.org.

AARP Driver Safety Program: 12:30-4:30 p.m. March 24 and 26. Two-day classroom refresher course. Successful completion qualifies seniors for insurance discounts. Cost: $12 for AARP members; $14 for non-members. Registration required. Renton Senior Activity Center, 211 Burnett Ave. N. 425-430-6633.

“Productive Vegetable Gardening in Small Spaces—Planning Raised Beds and Containers”: 6-8 p.m. April 8. Free class presented by WSU King County Extension. Renton Technical College, 3000 N.E. Fourth St., Renton. 206-205-3130 or www.king.wsu.edu/enviro/events.htm.

“Local Food Year-Round”: 6-8 p.m. May 13. Learn simple methods for preserving fresh fruits and vegetables. Free class presented by WSU King County Extension. Renton Technical College, 3000 N.E. Fourth St., Renton. 206-205-3130 or www.king.wsu.edu/enviro/events.htm.

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

Lent services at St. Anthony: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Fridays, March 13 and 20. St. Anthony Parish, 314 S. Fourth St., Renton.

Buddhist meditation classes: 7-8:30 p.m. Mondays through March. Guided meditation, teaching and discussion. Cost: $5-$10. Renton YWCA Office, 1010 S. Second St., Renton. 206-526-9565 or www.MeditateInSeattle.org.

Community Bible Study: 7-8 p.m. Wednesdays. Study the entire Bible in one year with Rev. Royce C. Shorter. All are welcome. 410 S. Third St., Renton. 206-696-1254.

KUMC Women’s Support Group: 11:30 a.m. the first Monday of the month. All women are welcome. Tea and coffee provided. Kennydale United Methodist Church, 3009 Park Ave. Renton. 425-255-4127.

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

“BodyWorks—A Toolkit for Healthy Girls and Strong Women”: Tuesdays, March 17-May 19. Health-education program provides parents and caregivers of young adolescent girls with tools to improve family eating and activity habits. Cost: Free. Valley Medical Center, 400 S. 43rd St., Renton. bodyworksprogram@gmail.com.

“Adult Sleep 101—Normal Sleep and Sleep Disorders”: 7-8:30 p.m. April 23. Class offered by the Institute of Naturopathic Sleep Medicine. Cost: Free. Fairwood Library, 17009 140th Ave. S.E., Renton. 206-624-9950 or www.naturalsleepmedicine.net.

Renton Runners: 9 a.m. Saturdays. All are welcome to join weekly community group of runners and walkers. Meets in front of Common Ground Cupcakes, 900 S. Third St., Renton. 206-321-8153.

Women’s Self Defense Class: 7 p.m. the first Monday of the month. Cost: Free. Leading Edge Martial Arts, 810 S.W. 34th St., Suite C, Renton.

Libraries

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

• Tour of the Fairwood Library: 11 a.m. March 14. Tours available other times as well; call to schedule.

• Lively Minds Book Group: 7:30 p.m. March 17. Topic: “Caspian Rain” by Gina Nahai.

• Irish Dancing: 7 p.m. March 17. All ages welcome. Local dance troupe, Rowan Fae, will bring Ireland to life on St. Patrick’s Day.

• “Broken Star—Harriet Beecher Stowe and Harriet Tubman”: 7 p.m. March 19. For ages 8 and older. Listen as Harriet Beecher Stowe, played by storyteller Debbie Dimitre, tells her own story and the courageous tale of Harriet Tubman.

• AARP Tax Assistance: Through March 30. Free tax help available 4 p.m. Mondays, 10 a.m. Fridays and 12:30 p.m. Saturdays. Registration required.

• ESL class: 6:30 p.m. 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:

• Teen Game Days: 3-5 p.m. March 19, April 23 and May 28.

• Teen Art Contest: April 1, entries due. Contest for sixth-12th grade students. Call for details.

• Giraffe and Staff Puppet Show: 2 p.m. April 10. For all ages.

• Renton Library Book Group: 7-8:30 p.m. the third Thursday of the month.

• ESL classes: 6:30-8 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays. Free classes for non-English speakers offered by Multi-Service Center. Registration required. Call 253-838-6810.

• PAWS to Read: 2-3:30 p.m. Saturdays. Children ages 5 and older 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 through May 6. Open to ages 2-6 and parents.

• Talk Time: 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays. Adults welcome to practice speaking English in a fun and friendly setting.

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

• Story times: 10 a.m. Tuesdays through May 5. Open to ages 2-6 and parents.

Seniors

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

• St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon: 11:30 a.m. March 17. Wear green and try to answer Irish trivia questions during meal. Cost: $3 donation for ages 60 and older; $5.57 for those younger than 60.

• Senior Stage Revue Meeting: 10 a.m. March 18. Open to all seniors interested in performing in the annual Senior Revue May 14-15.

• Senior trips: March 18, Franz Family Bakery tour ($8); March 21, Fraser Downs Racetrack and Casino ($73-$80); April 21, Portland on the train ($65-$70). Trips leave from the senior center. Advance registration required. Call for times, details: 425-430-6729.

• Senior Dance—Spring Fling: 2:45-4:30 p.m. March 20. Senior dance with music by Randy Litch. Refreshments provided. Cost: $4.

• Art Extravaganza: 10-11 a.m. March 26. Seniors can show off their artwork and handicrafts. Bring own easel. Artists’ registration required by March 19.

• Tax Aide Program: Through April 9. Trained volunteers will assist seniors with filing tax returns. Call for appointments.

• 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. No appointments needed.

• 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.

• Computer classes: Center offers a variety of beginning computer classes. Call for details.

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

• Wii Sports: 10-11 a.m. Tuesdays. Come play bowling, baseballs, golf, boxing and tennis on the Nintendo Wii.

• Dance classes: Center offers a variety of dance classes, including ballroom, line dancing, tap, Hawaiian and Mid-Eastern dancing. Call for cost, details.

• Foot Care: Wednesdays. Service is limited to seniors who cannot manage their own foot care. Call for appointments: 425-430-6662.

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

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

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

Breast cancer patient support: Trained survivors offer free emotional support to the newly-diagnosed, enhancing emotional recovery while going through treatments. Will attend consultations, chemotherapy and radiation appointments and have volunteers in your community. 206-417-3484, www.angelcarefoundation.org or angelcare@angelcarefoundation.org.

Changes Parent Support Group: Help for families torn apart by adolescent defiance or self-destructive behaviors. Weekly meetings, 7-9:30 p.m. various nights at locations in Des Moines, Kent, Seattle, Redmond, and Snohomish County. 888-468-2620 or www.cpsn.org.

Clutter Busters Support Group: 9:30-11 a.m. Fridays. Support group for “organizationally challenged” individuals. Renton Senior Activity Center, 211 Burnett Ave. N.

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, except June, July and August. 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.hearingloss-wa.org.

Low Vision Education Group: 12:15-1:30 p.m. the fourth Friday of the month. Learn to understand age-related vision loss. Group provides support and encouragement. Renton Senior Activity Center, 211 Burnett Ave. N., Renton.

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.

Pacific Northwest Chapter of the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America: Meets three times a year. Call for details. 425-235-1435 or 877-252-0677.

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.

Widowed Information and Consultation Services (WICS): 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Renton Senior Center, 211 Burnett Ave. N. 425-255-1888, 206-241-5650 or burnie@comcast.com.

Veterans

American Legion and Auxiliary, Renton Fred Hancock Post No. 19: 7:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month through June. Legion and Auxiliary membership open to all active duty veterans and spouses. Post Hall, 3224 N.E. 12th St., Renton 98057-0503 or 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 Nitro AE-2/AE-23 Association Reunion: June 18-21. Reunion will take place in Seattle. www.ussnitro.org.

Volunteers

Meals on Wheels at Renton Senior Activity Center: Volunteer wanted to enter meal orders on a spreadsheet. Training provided. Easy to learn even if new to computers. 211 Burnett Ave. N. 206-727-6250.

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.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound: Seeking adult mentors to spend time with children. Agency offers flexible program to fit volunteers’ schedules and interests, and plans activities such as snow tubing on Snoqualmie Pass, hiking adventures in the Cascades, and tickets to Mariners games. Call or see Web site for details. 877-700-2447 or www.bbbsps.org.

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 needed to visit adults in nursing homes, assisted living and retirement homes throughout King and Snohomish counties. Volunteers commit to visit about twice a month for one year. 206-246-5150.

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.

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.

Study Zone Volunteer Tutors: Volunteers needed to help tutor children in kindergarten-12th grade in all subject areas. Opportunities available at libraries throughout King County, including Fairwood Library, 17009 140th Ave. S.E., Renton. Call or e-mail for details. 425-369-3312 or aholloma@kcls.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.

Washington Youth Soccer: Volunteers needed to assist with State Cup tournaments on weekends throughout the year, helping with set-up and tear-down, and serving as field marshals. Tournaments take place at Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila. Call or e-mail for details. 253-476-2237, ext. 112, or tiffany@wsysa.com.