Events
Auburn Tourism: For special events or to add a special event, go to www.auburntourism.com.
Free screening: 7 p.m. Dec. 16, Auburn Avenue Theater, 10 Auburn Ave. The City of Auburn commemorates National Homeless Person’s Memorial Day with a free screening of the documentary, “Storied Streets”. The film gives viewers a glimpse of the realities homeless experience each day. Free to the public.
Benefits
USO toy and food drive: Donations of new, unwrapped toys for all ages and non-perishable food items may be dropped off before Dec. 20 at Albertsons, 4010 A Street SE, Auburn. Supporting military families this holiday season. If your office would like to host a private toy drive, or if you have questions on how you can help military members and families, please contact Katie Garberding at kvgarberding@gmail.com. .
Bus Barn Bonanza: 9 a.m. on the first Saturdays of the month, 615 15th St. SW. Auburn School District Transportation Department, 615 15th St. SW. Join as a vendor, a shopper or a looker. Arts, crafts, food, Seahawk gifts, yard sale items and more. Proceeds from vendor fees at $10 a table space go to the Senior Scholarship Foundation. Bus Barn Bonanza is a nonprofit organization. Any business or individuals interested in matching its makings or would like to be a vendor, please call 253-227-7789.
Health
Bloodworks Northwest drives: Noon-1 p.m., 2-6 p.m. Dec. 22, Multicare Auburn Medical Center, 202 N. Division St.; 1-3 p.m., 4-7 p.m. Jan. 4, LDS Church, 625 M. St. NE; 9:30-11:30 a.m., 12:30-3:30 p.m. Jan. 9, Walmart, 762 Outlet Collection Way. Appointments can be made by calling 1-800-398-7888, or visit www.bloodworksnw.org.
Self-help massage workshop for your hands: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18, E.M. Aesthetics/Tru Day Spa, at 201 Auburn Way N., Suite A. Thumbs ache? Hands hurt due to excessive texting? Cost is a $10 donation to the Auburn Food Bank or the spa’s giving tree. For a reservation, please email:edie01@comcast.net. For more information, visit trudayspa.net.
Alzheimer’s Association Auburn Caregiver Support Group: Noon-1:30 p.m. first Tuesday of the month, Church of the Nazarene, 1225 29th St SE, Room 15. Caring for someone with memory loss? Do you need information and support? Alzheimer’s Association family caregiver support groups provide a consistent and caring place for people to learn, share and gain emotional support from others who are also on a unique journey of providing care to a person with memory loss. For information, call Val Brustad, 253-854-7658.
Mary Bridge Children’s Center for Childhood Safety: Car safety seat inspection on the first Wednesday of each month at MultiCare Auburn Urgent Care, 202 Cross St. SE, Auburn. Please call 253-403-1417 to schedule an appointment.
Living Tobacco-free Weekly Free Support Group: 6 p.m. Wednesdays, MultiCare Auburn Medical Center, second floor, Heart Care Center classroom, 202 N. Division St. Free one-hour weekly support group meeting open to adults and teens wanting to quit tobacco, newly quit, struggling with relapse or helping a friend quit tobacco. For more information, contact Heidi Henson at 253-223-7538 or hhenson@seattleymca.org.
Patient and Caregiver Cancer Support Group: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. second and fourth Wednesdays of the month, MultiCare Regional Cancer Center, 121 N. Division St., No. 100, Auburn. Gilda’s on the Go in partnership with the cancer center offer support group for patients and caregivers. You may drop in to this professionally facilitated group. No matter where you are being treated, or have been treated, for cancer, this group is free and open to you. Please join us. www.gildasclubseattle.org
Southeast King County Parkinson’s Disease support group: Meets on the third Tuesday of the month, 10:30 a.m., St. John The Baptist Catholic Church, 25810 156th Ave. SE, Covington. Group’s monthly lunches are on the first Tuesday of the month at the Auburn Senior Activity Center, 808 Ninth St. SE, Auburn. For more information, contact Stephanie Lawson at 206-579-5206.
Gamblers Anonymous: For meeting times and locations, call toll free the Gamblers Anonymous Hotline 1-855-222-5542. Visit www.gawashington.org or www.gamblersanonymous.org for additional information.
Volunteers
Auburn Valley Humane Society: 6-8 p.m., third Wednesdays of the month; 10 a.m.-noon, third Saturdays of the month, AVHS shelter, 4910 A St. SE, Auburn. Volunteer orientation and trainings. Stop by the shelter or AVHS thrift store, 1123 E. Main St., to pick up a volunteer application or download one from auburnvalleyhs.org and bring it to the orientation. You may register to attend anyone of the sessions in the future by emailing slavigne@auburnvalleyhs.org. For more information, call 253-249-7849 or visit auburnvalleyhs.org.
Camps
“See Ya Later” Soccer Camp: Dec. 28-29, Diamond Sports Training Center, 13712 24th St. E, Sumner. SYL Foundation and Tacoma Stars host. Check-in is 8:30 a.m., with instruction from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. both days. Entry level camp for basic players (non-select players) ages 7 to 13. A suggested donation of $30 per child is requested, however, the camp is free if the fee limits the child’s attendance. Entry fee includes a free T-shirt, cinch bag and instruction. The camp will provide soccer gear. Please wear tennis shoes to camp. No cleats allowed. Register online at www.seeyalater.org/syl-washington/wa-soccer-camp/. For more information, contact Brian Williams at brian.williams@seeyalater.org or 253-332-5144, or Wendy Buchanan at wendy@seeyalater.org or 253-951-6491.
Clubs
Striped Water Poets: Meets every Tuesday, 7- 9 p.m., at Auburn City Hall, 25 W. Main St. A roundtable critique and welcoming of new poets.
Auburn Noon Lions: Meets Tuesdays, noon, Longhorn Barbecue, 635 C St. SW. $12 for lunch, $5 for dessert and beverage. For more information, contact Ed Butler at 253-929-9358 or edbutler0314@gmail.com.
Rainier Audubon Society: 7 p.m. Dec. 21, Federal Way United Methodist Church, 29645 – 51st Ave. S. Discussion and a presentation by Dan Streiffert, entitled “Bird Photography.” Public invited.
Rotary Club of Auburn: Meets noon, Wednesdays, Auburn Golf Course, banquet room, 29630 Green River Road SE. Programs: For more information, visit www.auburnrotary.org.
Kiwanis Club of The Valley: Meets every Wednesday morning at 7 at Veterans Memorial Park, 411 St. NE, Auburn. For more information, visit www.kiwaniscluboftheauburnvalley.org
Auburn Morning Toastmasters: Meets every Thursday morning, 6:30-7:30, Auburn Chamber of Commerce, 25 Second St. NW. Learn the fine art of communication and public speaking in a friendly supportive atmosphere. Visitors are welcome.
Soroptimist International of Auburn: Meets Wednesdays at noon in the Rainier Room, Truitt Building, 102 W. Main St. Make reservations by emailng info@siauburn. For more information, visit www.siauburn.org
Save Our Fish, Auburn Chapter, Puget Sound Anglers: Meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month (except December), 6 p.m. Round Table Pizza, 4002 A St. SE. Learn fishing techniques and hot spots from guest speakers and chapter experts. For more information, visit www.saveourfish.org.
Green Valley/Lake Holm Association: 6:30 p.m. Black Diamond Library, 24707 Roberts Drive. Meetings are on the last Wednesday of every month, except holidays. The association is an unincorporated area community service group formed by local citizens for the purpose of addressing common issues, safety measures and ideas for improvement. Featuring Capt. Scott Somers of the King County Sheriff’s Department speaking on rural personal and property protection, increasing traffic concerns, adapting Block Watch in rural areas and ways residents can support the precinct’s deputies. Refreshments served. For more information, contact gvlhassn@gmail.com.
Libraries
Auburn Library, 1102 Auburn Way S. 253- 931-3018. Library events include:
CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Play & Learn: 10:30 a.m. Dec. 21 and 28, Jan. 4, 11. Newborn to age 5 with caregiver. Have fun singing songs, telling stories, reading books, creating art and playing.
Infant and Young Toddler Story Time: 10:15 a.m. Jan. 5, 12. Ages newborn to 24 months, siblings welcome. Bring your babies and bounce along to stories, nursery rhymes and songs. A short playtime follows the program.
Spanish Story Times: 7 p.m. Dec. 17. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Stories, songs and fun.
Toddler Story Times: 10:30 a.m. Dec. 17, Jan. 7. Ages 2 to 3 with adult. Stories, songs and fun.
Preschool Story Times: 11:15 a.m. Dec. 17, Jan. 7. Ages 3 to 7 with adult. Stories, songs and fun.
Holiday Stuffed Animal Sleepover: 4 p.m. Dec. 18. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Bring your favorite stuffed friend for a song and dance fest before the animals stay overnight. Return at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 19 for snacks and photos of what your friend did without you. Registration required.
Sunday Movie Afternoon: 2 p.m. Dec. 20. “Elf”. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Enjoy this heartwarming comedy about a human raised by elves who goes to New York City in search of his birth father. Snacks will be provided.
Lego Mindstorms: 4-6 p.m. Jan. 5. Ages 9 to 13. Build and program a robot using Lego Mindstorms. In this two-hour workshop, students work with others to master the programming of basic movements using Lego Mindstorms robotics kits. No experience necessary.
Build It! Bricks at the Library: 4 p.m. Jan. 7. Ages 2 and older, ages 7 and younger with adult. Younger siblings welcome. Come to the library for an unstructured, creative play open-house. Stay for the entire event or pop in for a few minutes. We supply the bricks, you supply the imagination.
TEENS
Teen Zone: 3:30-5 p.m. Dec. 16, Jan. 6. Middle and high school ages. Play video games, snack, get online, hang out, study, or pick-up a good book.
Study Zone: 5-7 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, 3-5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. When school is in session. Grades K-12. Drop in for free homework help from trained volunteer tutors.
Teen Writers’ Group: 3:30 p.m. Dec. 11. Middle and high school ages. Meet other teen authors, share what you’ve been writing, improve your craft and have fun. Snacks will be served.
Teen Book Club: 3:30 p.m. Dec. 15. “Buzz Kill” by Beth Fantaskey. High school ages.
ADULTS
English as a Second Language (ESL) Class: 6-8:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Learn English grammar, reading, writing, and conversations skills with an experienced instructor. Classes are free.
Computer classes?: If you’re interested in attending a computer class, please call 253-931-3018. • One-On-One Computer Help, 2 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3 p.m., 3:30 p.m. Dec. 19, Jan. 9. • Computer Basics, 1:30 p.m. Jan. 13. • Internet Level 1, 3:30 p.m. Jan. 13. • Microsoft Word Level 1, 1:30 p.m. Jan. 20. • Microsoft Word Level 2, 3:30 p.m. Jan. 20. • One-On-One Computer Help, 2 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3 p.m., 3:30 p.m. Dec. 19, Jan. 9. • Computer Basics, 1:30 p.m. Jan. 23.
Genealogy Assistance: 1-3 p.m. Dec. 16. Volunteers from South King County Genealogical Society will be available to answer your questions.
Third Thursday Afternoon Book Club: 2 p.m. Dec. 17. “The Great Santini” by Pat Conroy”. 2 p.m. Jan. 21. “The Light Between Oceans” by M.L. Stedman. A novel set on a remote Australian island, where a childless couple live quietly running a lighthouse, until a boat carrying a baby washes ashore. Come for a lively discussion on the third Thursday of the month at the Auburn Library afternoon book club for adults.
Drop-In to Learn about eBooks: 1 p.m. Dec. 18; 11 a.m. Jan. 11. Get started with KCLS eBooks! Bring your eReader, tablet, phone or just your questions.
Opera Preview,The Marriage of Figaro by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: 7 p.m. Dec. 29. Free lecture, provided to increase enjoyment and appreciation of Seattle Opera productions, will feature speaker Norm Hollingshead with recorded musical excerpts.
Syncopated Classic: 7 p.m. Jan. 19. Greg Ruby presents the music and life of Seattle jazz pioneer Frank D. Waldron. Frank D. Waldron – saxophonist, cornetist, composer, bandleader and teache – is one of the most important figures in early Seattle jazz. From his studio on Jackson Street, Waldron not only tutored the major figures who emerged from that sizzling after-hours district during the 1940s, including Quincy Jones, but also led a racially integrated jazz band at a time when this was unheard of.
Tablets 101: 1-3 p.m. Jan. 22. Learn how to use your new tablet. This class teaches the basics, how to turn off your device completely, wifi connection, security and app installation. All operating systems covered. Need to bring your own device.
Friends of the Auburn Library Meeting: 7 p.m. Jan. 26. Group offers support by volunteering, hosting fundraising activities, sponsoring programs and services and increasing awareness of the library’s vital role in our community. New members are always welcome.
Native Trees of Western Washington: 7 p.m. Jan. 28. What best signifies the Northwest? If you answered trees, then this is the program for you. Join Kevin Zobrist, author of “Native Trees of Western Washington”, and learn more about the native trees you see every day, along with Western Washington’s rarer specimens. WSU extension forestry professor Zobrist spent four years searching for and photographing the 32 native trees in his book. He will talk about his book, answer questions, and sign books.
“In Football We Trust”, A Film by Tony Vainuku and Erika Cohn: 2 p.m. Jan. 31. “In Football We Trust” intimately follows four Polynesian high school football players in Utah struggling to overcome gang violence, family pressures, and poverty as they enter the high stakes world of college recruiting and the promise of pro sports.
Algona-Pacific Library, 225 Ellingson Road, Pacific. 253-833-3554. Library events include:
CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Family Story Time: 10 a.m. Jan. 8. At the Pacific Community Center, 305 Milwaukee Blvd., Pacific. All ages welcome, ages 6 and younger with adult. Enjoy stories, rhymes, music and movement.
Toddler Story Time: 10:15 a.m. Jan. 12. Ages 2 to 3 with adult. Stories, rhymes, music and fun.
Preschool Story Time: 11 a.m. Jan. 12. Ages 3 to 5 with adult. Enjoy stories, activities and music while children develop pre-reading skills. A short play time follows the program.
TEENS
Study Zone: 4-6 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays. Grades K-12. Drop in for free homework help from trained volunteer tutors.
Teen Zone: 3:30-5 p.m. Dec. 17, Jan. 7. Middle and high school ages. Play video games, snack, hang out, study, or pick-up a good book.
Woodworking Basics for Teens: 4 p.m. Dec. 18. Ages 12 to 18. Get experience building with real tools! Learn to safely use a variety of hand tools and construction materials to build a wooden box with a lid. Keep for yourself or give as a gift.
ADULTS
English as a Second Language (ESL): 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Learn English grammar, reading, writing, and conversation skills with an experienced instructor. Classes are free.
Algona-Pacific Page Turners Book Club: 7 p.m. Dec. 16. “Attachments” by Rainbow Rowell. Share your love of books and connect with fellow readers. Copies of this title have been reserved for participants and are available for check out at the library. New members are always welcome.
Drop-In to Learn about eBooks: 2 p.m. Dec. 28. Get started with KCLS eBooks. Bring your eReader, tablet, phone or just your questions.
Network
3No Networking: 5:30 p.m. Thursdays. 3No Networking is a casual weekly get-together set aside for members of the business community to drop in and get to know each other. The mixer rotates among Auburn venues. The series is made possible by a partnership between IPZ No. 15 Auburn, the City of Auburn Office of Economic Development, Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce and the Auburn Downtown Association. For more information, contact Doug Lein, IPZ administrator, at 253-804-3101. For a full schedule, visit www.3noNetworking.com.
Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce Business Insider Luncheon: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., the third Tuesday of every month, Emerald Downs, Emerald Room (fourth floor), 2300 Emerald Downs Drive. $25/members; $35/non-members (includes lunch). Register online through the chamber.
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, $6 for those younger than 60.
• Movie Screenings: Wednesdays, 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. 50 cents 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.
PROGRAMS
Volunteer opportunities: The center’s meals-on-wheels and respite programs need help to provide services to seniors. Please call 253-288-7441 or 253-931-3016, if interested.
Auburn Respite: Nonprofit adult day care program serving the community needs volunteers to help its senior participants. The group meets weekly at the center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays. The program allows caregivers to enjoy a worry-free day off while the participant enjoys socialization, companionship and lunch. For more information, contact program director Sheila Pankratz at 253-875-9163.
MEAL EVENT PROGRAMS
The following meal events cost $3 for ages 60 and older, $6 for under 60. Pre-purchase tickets at the front desk.
New Year’s Eve Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Dec. 31.
Pacific Algona Senior Center, 100 Third Ave SE, Pacific, 253-929-1153.
Serving seniors: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. No annual fee. Monday free lunch, Tuesday-Friday lunch provided by Catholic Community Services. Senior bus trips to local stores and events. Crafts and card making.
Entertainment
AUBURN AVENUE THEATER
Auburn Avenue Theater, 10 Auburn Ave. Call Auburn Parks, Arts & Rec at 253-931-3043, Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.-noon, or online at www.brownpapertickets.com.
Taproot Christmas Show: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18. Two performances by Taproot Theater. Hark the Harold: “There’s no way they’d give me a mission that important!” Harold is not the brightest angel in the heavenly host, and Harold’s enthusiastic shenanigans are really trying the patience of his new partner, Gabriel. Watch how the Nativity unfolds from a hilarious, heavenly perspective. (45 minutes). It’s A Wonderful Improvised Life: Using It’s a Wonderful Life as a guide, creator Danny Walter has put together a play that four of Taproot’s improvisers make unique by soliciting key story elements from audience members. Come and make history while having a blast and enjoying a night full of laughs. (60 minutes). Tickets: $17 regular; $15 students, seniors.
The Science of Santa Claus, Doktor Kaboom: 2 p.m. Dec. 20. Your child’s favorite doctor returns to the Auburn Avenue Theater for one unforgettable afternoon of Santa themed science, at the Doktor Kaboom holiday show. The good Doktor, working from the assumption that science and magic are the same thing, declares Mr. Claus the world’s greatest scientist and will use basic physics attempts to recreate all of Santa’s wonders.Tickets: $10.
Comedy at the Ave: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 15. Three comedians will work to twist your funny bone. Ages 18 and over only. Tickets: $17 regular; $15 students, seniors.
Cirque Ziva: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 16. Show features a skilled troupe of 25 who present traditional and modern Chinese acrobatics, dance, aerial stunts, contortion and more. Ancient and contemporary music, costumes and atmosphere from producer Danny Chang (artistic director, Golden Dragon Acrobats) and by award-winning lighting director Tony Tucci. Tickets: $25 regular; $20 students, seniors.
AveKids, The Commedia Pinocchio: 2 p.m. Jan. 23. Musical brings life to the story of a Pinocchio, a puppet who wants to be a real boy and faces trials, tribulations, bullying and more. Performed in the Italian theater tradition of Commedia Dell’arte, which relates to unwritten or improvised drama, this classic tale will come to life on stage courtesy of the Tacoma Musical Playhouse. By Lane Riosley. Music and lyrics by Aven Stephenson.Tickets: $8.
ELSEWHERE
“Mary Poppins”: 7 p.m. Dec. 18, 19, Green River College Performing Arts Building, 12401 SE 320th St., Auburn. Heavier Than Air Family Theatre Co. presents classic story. For the first time in the community theatre’s 40 year history, cast members will literally soar to new heights in this high flying musical. For ticket information, call 253-833-9111 x2400 or visit heavierthanair.com.
Zola’s Cafe: Live music every Friday, 7-9 p.m., 402 E. Main St., Suite 120. Live music and wine tasting on the first Saturday of each month, 7-9 p.m. For information, contact Sonia Kessler at the cafe at 253-333-9652.
Music
Maple Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra: Taylor Creek Church, 21110 244th Ave. SE, Maple Valley. 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 four leveled groups based on age and ability (grades 2 through 14). Call 253-315-3125 to schedule an audition. For more information, visit www.rainieryouthchoirs.org.
Dance
Children’s Dance Theater Open House: Visit www.auburnchildrensdancetheater.com or call 253-887-8937 for program information. Located at 122 W. Main St. (entrance in back)
Auburn Dance Academy: Visit www.auburndanceacademy.com or call 253-833-1891 for program information. The academy is located at 1811 Howard Road, Suite 100.
Auburn Dance & Music Center: Visit www.auburndancecenter.com or call 253-833-6773 for program information. The center is located at 306 Auburn Ave.
Surrendered School of the Arts: Visit www.surrenderedschool.com or call 253-474-4881 for program information. Classes are on Tuesdays at Lifegate Auburn Foursquare Church, 307 E. Main St.
Museums
WHITE RIVER VALLEY MUSEUM
Hours: Noon-4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday and the first Thursday 6-8 p.m. Regular admission is $5 adults, $2 seniors and children. Children 2 years of age or younger are free. Free admission on the first Thursday and third Sunday of the month. For more information, visit www.wrvmuseum.org or call 253-288-7439.
EXHIBITS
Small Bags for Big Events, 100 Years of Pretty Purses: Opens Jan. 13. With a century of handbags to choose from, the new exhibit shows just how lovely they can be. Covering every material you can think of from beads to brocade, and mesh to mother-of-pearl, the display presents examples from as early as 1860 through the 1960s.
MARY OLSON FARM PROGRAMS
Located at 28728 Green River Road SE, Auburn. Call 253-288-7433 or visit www.wrvmuseum.org for event information and tickets.
Galleries
Auburn City Hall: Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Admission is free. 253-931-3043 or www.auburnwa.gov.
