APRIL EVENTS

Birds and wildlife: The Rainier Audubon Society will hold its next meeting 7 p.m. April 21 at Federal Way United Methodist Church, 29645 51st Ave. S., Auburn. The topic will be “Birds and wildlife from Ecuador, Argentina and Malaysia.” Guest speaker is the avian gallery moderator for nature photographers. Refreshments will be served. Call (253) 839-9220.

Investments: Diane Silkett, a senior financial advisor with Waddell and Reed Inc., will host a free investment seminar where she will address investment ideas for the year ahead. Dinner and presentation begin at 6:30 p.m. April 23 at Indochine seafood and satay bar, 31406 Pacific Highway S., Federal Way. To register, call (253) 874-3959 ext. 14.

Keep kids safe: “Keeping Kids Safe in Our Community” is a parent-student forum hosted by the Decatur High School PTA and Federal Way Police Department. The event runs 7 to 8 p.m. April 23 at the Decatur library, 2800 S.W. 320th St. Topics include automobiles, parties, drugs, gangs and more.

Performing arts center: Federal Way’s grass-roots coalition to build a performing arts center will meet at 7 p.m. April 24 at City Hall, 33325 8th Ave. S.A potential facility site, how to utilize the $500,000 awarded by the Legislature to the project, and organization of a private fundraising campaign will be discussed. For more information, call Scott Pingel at (253) 835-2403.

Writers retreat: On April 25, the Federal Way Arts Commission will publically annouce and present awards for its second annual high school essay contest. There are four winners: One from each of the three high schools (of five) that entered the contest, and a grand prize winner. The winners will read their essays at a writers retreat at Dumas Bay. The retreat, which runs April 25-26, features speakers and events geared toward sharpening writing skills. To register, call (253) 835-6900, visit www.cityoffederalway.com or e-mail jannp@perezmm.com.

Road to recovery: Valley Cities Counseling and Consultation will host “Paving the Road to Recovery,” its annual auction and community awards recognition dinner, at 6 p.m. April 25 at the Muckleshoot Casino in Auburn. Tickets are $45. To learn more or register, call (253) 876-3422 or e-mail pmoll@valleycities.org.

Free fishing derby: The third annual Lions Club free fishing derby for youth with special needs will begin at 9 a.m. April 26 at the Auburn Mill Pond Park, 600 Orvatz Road. A limited number of fishing poles and bait will be provided. Free expert fishing lessons will be available. The event is for special needs youth ages 14 and under along with their friends or siblings. Children must be accompanied by an adult. To learn more, call Bob Darrigan at (253) 874-4282.

Plant sale: The Marine Hills Garden Club will sponsor a plant sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 26 at 29301 7th Place S. The event will feature an opportunity for participants to learn more about planting and gardening. Garden tours will be available and keynote speakers will give gardening tips and advice. Contact Judy Mcdonald at (253) 839-4413.

Iraqi civilians: “War, Sanctions, and Refugees,” a free slideshow presentation and conversation with Gerri Haynes, will begin at 5:45 p.m. April 27 at Federal Way Regional Library, 34200 1st Way S. Haynes will speak about the current situation for Iraqi civilians. Visit federalwaymatters.org.

Outdoor furniture: St. Vincent de Paul Parish Mission Trek will host a spring outdoor furniture sale 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 27 at St. Vincent’s Plaza, 30525 8th Ave. S., Federal Way. Dave Hamilin’s hand-made patio furniture and planters will be available. Proceeds benefit the youth summer mission group’s charitable endeavors. Call (253) 839-4333.

Build your business: A free workshop titled “Building your business” will run 9 a.m. to noon April 29 in Federal Way. The workship will teach how companies use business tools to achieve more success. Call Carol Vaughn at (253) 661-7199.

Photo contest: Federal Way has announced a postcard photo contest open to high school students. The city is looking for photos of local attractions with the winning photos to be used for marketing and publicity purposes for brochures, calendars, postcards, advertisements and their newsletter. To be eligible, the photographer must be enrolled in Federal Way Public Schools. Photos must be in color and high resolution, a minimum of 300 dpi. Photos should entice viewers to visit the attraction. Deadline for entering is 5 p.m. April 30. The city is offering a $250 cash prize for each of the winning photos. E-mail Lillian.yeh@cityoffederalway.com or call (253) 835-2501.

MAY AND JUNE EVENTS

Prayer breakfast: The National Day of Prayer breakfast will be held 7 a.m. May 1 at The Commons mall in the Macy’s court area. Breakfast is $10. Special music by Dominion Praise. Call Coach Roach at (253) 839-0938.

Young artists: The 2008 Young Artist Exhibition’ “Harmony” will be presented 4 to 6 p.m. May 3 at Kidz Workshop, 33710 9th Ave. S., Federal Way. To learn more, call (253) 835-1148.

Hylebos Day: The Federal Way City Council declared the first Saturday in May to be Hylebos Day in Federal Way. Annually, the city will recognize this day as a chance to appreciate the Hylebos Wetlands and the efforts of Friends of the Hylebos to preserve and restore 745 acres of the Hylebos Creek. Friends of the Hylebos was created 25 years ago by Federal Way residents and leaders. A celebration will be held May 3 at the West Hylebos Wetlands Park. More details will be available. Contact Chris Carrel at chinook@hylebos.org.

My Fair Lady: The St. Francis Hospital Auxiliary joins with Centerstage Theatre for a private showing of “My Fair Lady” at 8 p.m. May 8. Tickets are $35 and $45. Hors d’oeuvres, no-host bar and raffle prizes will be available. Call (253) 944-4129.

Local author: B.L. Morgan, Federal Way author of the John Dark Books, will be signing copies of “Blood And Rain” at noon May 10 at Borders Books in Tacoma, 2508 S. 38th St. To learn more, call (253) 473-9111.

Relay for Life: Relay for Life will be held May 17-18 at Saghalie Middle School, 33914 19th S.W., Federal Way. Teams are needed to help raise money for the American Cancer Society by walking on a track for 24 hours. To register, call Ken Landreth at (253) 202-4718, e-mail federalwayrelay@gmail.com or visit www.federalwayrelay.com.

Foster care: Walk Me Home is the signature fund-raising and awareness event for foster care in America. The event will take place May 3 in Western Washington. Funds will promote fostering and foster care issues. Visit www.walkmehome.org.

Romancing the Romantic: The Federal Way Symphony with music director and conductor Brian Davenport will present its season finale concert “Romancing the Romantic” at 7:30 p.m. May 3 and 2 p.m. May 4 at St. Luke’s church, 515 S. 312th St. Guest artist is violinist Yi Huang from Guangzhou, China. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors (65 and older). Students 18 and under admitted free. Tickets are available at the door or (253) 529-9857. Also visit www.federalwaysymphony.org.

Cultural coalition: The South King County Cultural Coalition will be holding an open house and resource fair 5:30 to 8 p.m. May 14 at the Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St., Kent. The event will showcase 60 members in the areas of dance, heritage, literary arts, music, theater, visual arts, botanical gardens and municipal organizations located in the cities of Tukwila, Renton, Burien, SeaTac, Normandy Park, Des Moines, Kent, Auburn, Federal Way, Covington and Enumclaw. Scheduled to perform on stage are Aria Dance Company, Rainier Symphony, Hi-Liners, Auburn Regional Theatre and Poet Marjorie Rommell. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments and free parking will be available. To learn more, call (253) 856-5150.

Sweets for Success: The fourth and annual “Sweets for Success” dessert benefit and auction at Todd Beamer High School will be held 6 to 9 p.m. May 16. Hosted by the Federal Way AmeriCorps team, Sweets for Success raises money to enable secondary students to participate in extracurricular activities such as music, speech and debate, sports and art. To date, 258 students have received funding raised with help from the Federal Way community. Federal Way AmeriCorps team will also be hosting the Federal Way Free Market event. The Free Market is a community event where participating members can gather and share goods, talents and skills with one another with the goal of fostering community ties. Everything at the market is free. The event runs 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 31 at Westway Community Center. Call (253) 302-3208 or e-mail SweetsforSuccess@gmail.com. Visit www.federalwayfreemarket.blogspot.com.

Suicide prevention: The national Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk, a 20-mile journey from sunset to sunrise, will take place June 21-22 in Seattle. The event will help the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. To learn more, e-mail wtene@afsp.org or call (888) 333-AFSP Ext. 24.

Race for the Cure: The Puget Sound Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure as we celebrate Registration is under way for the 15th annual Susan G. Komen Puget Sound Race for the Cure to help battle breast cancer. Participants can register online at www.komenpugetsound.org. The first 1,000 participants who register before March 31 will receive $5 off registration, compliments of Northwest Ford Stores. More than 15,000 are expected to walk or run in the 5K (3.1-mile) Komen Puget Sound Race for the Cure on June 21 at Qwest Field and Event Center.

ONGOING HAPPENINGS

Advancing Leadership: Men and women who live or work in Federal Way and are interested in becoming more involved in the community are encouraged to apply for the Advancing Leadership 2008-2009 session. Applications must be received by May 16. An ideal class would include people with varied backgrounds, cultures and interests, from both the business and private sectors, who together represent a balanced cross-section of the city population. Contact Teri Hickel at (253) 838-2605, ext. 102 or e-mail terih@federalwaychamber.com. Also visit www.advancingleadership.org.

Tax help: Multi-Service Center will offer free tax preparation services through the United Way program for people who have low- to moderate-incomes, requiring basic individual tax returns. IRS-certified, volunteer tax preparers will be on hand Wednesday and Thursday evenings through April 10 at Multi-Service Center, 1200 S. 336th St., Federal Way. Volunteers will meet with individuals between 5 and 8 p.m. No appointment is necessary. The service will include electronic filing for faster refunds. To learn more, call (877) 211-9274.

Town hall: Mayor Jack Dovey and Deputy Mayor Eric Faison invite residents to join them for an informal question and answer session about Federal Way at new, twice-monthly town hall meetings. Dovey and Faison will highlight the city’s accomplishments in 2007 and discuss common concerns heard at Council meetings, as well as a look at the city’s future and how people can be a part of making Federal Way a better place to live. The meetings are free and refreshments will be served. Call (253) 835-2401 for more information.

Volunteer tax counselors: The local AARP Tax-Aide Program is seeking volunteer tax counselors to provide free personal income tax preparation and counseling, with special attention to those age 60 and older and to low- and middle-income taxpayers. Computer skills are required; in Washington state, most tax returns are filed electronically. Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are welcome. Counselors are expected to work at least four hours a week. Tax service takes place through April 15 at several local sites. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/taxaide or call (800) 687-2277.

Food bank: The Federal Way Food Bank needs volunteer drivers and helpers to assist with the Multi-Service Center’s efforts. Volunteer schedules are flexible. To learn more, call Denise Burns at (253) 838-6810, Ext. 109.

Hip-hop: The EX3 Ron Sandwith Teen Center is offering hip-hop dance classes. Advanced and beginner classes are held throughout the week and are taught by award-winning instructor Sharde Bullard, who was captain of several of the Todd Beamer High School state champion dance teams. Classes are open to ages 8-18. To learn more, call (253) 681-6500.

Blood donors: Blood supplies in the region have dropped to emergency levels and Puget Sound Blood Center is encouraging residents to donate blood. To schedule an appointment, call (800) 398-7888 or visit www.psbc.org. Puget Sound Blood Center is located at 1414 S. 324th St., Suite B101, Federal Way.

Give blood: Cascade Regional Blood Services especially needs blood donations during the winter months. The Federal Way center is at 33505 13th Place S. Suite B. To donate, call (253) 945-7974 Ext. 202 or e-mail robinl@crbs.net.

Anti-war rally: An anti-war rally will run noon to 1 p.m. every Sunday until further notice at the intersection of South 320th Street and Pacific Highway South in Federal Way. Participants are encouraged to bring signs. To learn more, visit FederalWayMatters.org.

Oral history: If you hare a better talker than writer, join the Federal Way Senior Center to record for posterity the memorable events of your life. What life-altering events have you survived, enjoyed, regretted or lived to brag about? What unique and valuable information will be gone when you are gone. Meetings run 12:45 to 2 p.m. Wednesdays. No charge. To learn more, call (253) 838-3604.

Youth employment: Multi-Service Center in Federal Way has begun a new program geared toward youth ages 16 to 21 living in South King County. The YES program, which stands for Youth Employment Services, provides eligible youth with one-on-one assistance in developing an employment plan for a future career. Participants can get help with study skills and coaching that allow them to graduate on time, or can receive assistance in getting a GED or beginning vocational training. YES program and its services are free and confidential for program participants. To learn more, e-mail tricias@multi-servicecenter.com or call (253) 838-6810, ext. 115.

Computer classes: The Federal Way Senior Center, 4016 S. 352nd St. in Auburn, will offer a variety of computer classes for adults of all ages. Classes usually meet for a two-hour session once a week for eight weeks. To learn more or register, call Larry Malcom at (253) 839-5418.

Dancing at senior center: The Federal Way Senior Center will offer dance sessions 2 to 4 p.m. the second and fourth Sundays of each month. Local band Merry-Notes will perform swing, latin, country, polka, waltz and pattern dance music. The senior center is at 4016 S. 352nd St. in Auburn. For more information, call Rusty Ford at (253) 838-3604.

Monday night supper: Volunteers are needed to assist with a Monday night supper to feed the less fortunate at Steel Lake Presbyterian Church, 1829 S. 308th St., Federal Way. Dishwashers are needed from 4:30 to 6 p.m. the third Monday of the month. A coordinator is needed one Monday a month. To learn more, call Hope Elder at (253) 941-7939.

Local artists: Calvary Lutheran Church in Federal Way has a display area to feature art of local artists. The area works well for display of paintings and gets much viewing by different people who use the facility at 2415 S. 320th St. To learn more, call (253) 839-0344 or e-mail office@calvary-elca.org.

LOCAL GROUPS

Country club: Twin Lakes Golf and Country Club announced its 2008 membership drive. Individuals will have the opportunity to join the club as a preview member without payment of initiation fees until June 30, 2009. All new members will have free dues through July 1. Special incentives are offered for social memberships as well. To learn more, call Carol at (253) 838-0432.

FW history: The Federal Way Historical Society needs help with its newsletter, filing, typing oral stories and year-round society activities. The society holds its board meeting at 9:30 a.m. the first Thursday of each month. To learn more, e-amil hsfwassist@yahoo.com or call Barb Barney at (253) 945-7842.

Military family support: Meetings are held on Tuesday evenings in Federal Way for military spouses and adult family members who have a military member in their life deployed, soon to leave or has recently returned. Topics of the group will include deployment concerns, parenting needs, self-care and relationship challenges. This group is free and confidential. Childcare is available. Services are provided by Valley Cities Counseling and Consultation, Veterans Services Program, 33301 1st Way S., Federal Way. To register, call (253) 661-6634, Ext. 145.

Veterans clinic: The Veterans Affairs Community Based Outreach Clinic in Federal Way serves veterans from the South King County area. The clinic opened last September at 34617 11th Place S. and is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. To learn more, call (253) 656-4878.

Al Anon: Al Anon, a support group for friends and families of alcoholics meets at 6:30 p.m. every Monday at Saltwater Unitarian Universalist Church, 25701 14th Place S., Des Moines. There is also an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting at the same time and place. To learn more, call (253) 839-5200.

30th District Democrats: Group meets at 7 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month at the Federal Way Senior Center, 4016 S. 352nd St. To learn more, call (253) 661-2287 or e-mail chair@30thdemocrats.com. Also visit www.30thdemocrats.com.

30th District Republicans: Group meets 7 p.m. the third Thursday of every month at the Intellipass building, 1925 S. 341st Place, Federal Way. To learn more, call (253) 839-8048 or e-mail waltschrader@yahoo.com. Also visit www.fwgop.org.

Domestic violence: Coordinated Community Response Against Domestic Violence (CCRADV) promotes family peace in King and Pierce counties. This nonprofit organization is based in Federal Way and is always looking for volunteers and board members, especially male board members. To learn more, call (253) 929-1529 or e-mail ccradv@comcast.net.

Radio club: The Federal Way Amateur Radio Club meets at 7 p.m. the second Thursday of the month at the Federal Way Church of Christ’s Teen Center, 29904 Military Road. Directions to our meeting place and other club information can be found online at http://fwarc.org.

Flute circle: The Wind Spirit Flute Circle invites the public to participate in exploring the Native American flute. All ages and abilities are welcome to participate or just listen. The circle meets at 6:30 to 9 p.m. every third Wednesday of the month at the Federal Way Senior Center, 4016 S. 352nd St., Auburn. Free private lessons are offered 6:30 to 7 p.m. before the circle meeting. Call Cheryl Phillips at (253) 568-6689.

Cats: Top Cats 4-H Club is designed to teach Federal Way children how to care for and show their cats. Call Karen Martin at (253) 839-1437.

Foster parents: Fostering Together offers support groups for potential and current foster and foster adoptive parents. Child care and light refreshments are provided. The Federal Way Support HUB meets 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of every month. To learn more, e-mail btinaj@comcast.net or call (206) 576-4346.

Jet Cities Chorus: The Jet Cities Chorus encourages interested women to attend a rehearsal of this local chapter of Sweet Adelines International. The chorus sings four-part, a cappella harmony, and offers continuing training and education to its members. All voice parts needed; all skill levels encouraged. Rehearsals are 7 p.m. Mondays at Calvary Lutheran Church, 2415 S. 320th St., Federal Way. For more information, visit www.jetcities.org or call (206) 406-1360.

Overeaters Anonymous: If food has become a problem, Overeaters Anonymous offers free weekly support meetings. The group gathers at 7 p.m. every Monday at 32300 1st Ave S. in Federal Way. No fees, dues, weigh-ins or diets are associated with Overeaters Anonymous. For more information, call (206) 264-5045 or (253) 472-5356.

Gamblers: Does gambling have you defeated? There is help! Call (888) 424-3577 for a Gamblers Anonymous meeting in your community.

Performing arts center: Anyone interested in being involved in the process of establishing a performing arts venue in Federal Way should call Joann Piquette at (253) 839-4389 or e-mail Jodawg@Juno.com.

PFLAG meeting: The South King County Chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) meets 7 p.m. the fourth Monday of every month at Unitarian-Universalist Church, 25701 14th Place S., Des Moines. To learn more, call (206) 325-7724.

Join the auxiliary: The St. Francis Hospital Auxiliary is open to women of all ages with an interest in supporting hospital and community programs. To learn more, call Lori Argyle at (253) 941-7821.

Mensa: Social club for those who enjoy stimulating conversation, fun events and a sense of family. Members meet regularly for dinner, game nights and other special events. A score in the top 2 percent on an accepted IQ test is required for membership. Submit your score from a previous test, or take the Mensa test. Tests will be held in October and November throughout Oregon and Washington. To register, contact testing@oregon.us.mensa.org. To learn more about Mensa, visit www.us.mensa.org or call (866) 239-7548.

Grief support: Widowed Information and Consultation Services, a non-sectarian group offers support to anyone coping with the death of their spouse or partner. The group meets every first and third Tuesday of the month at Village Green Retirement Campus, Fairfield Building, 35451 1st Ave. S., Federal Way. Call (206) 241-5650.

More grief support: Good Samaritan hospital is now offering a grief and loss support group. The group will meets 1 to 3 p.m. every Monday at the Auburn Senior Center, 808 9th St. S.E., Auburn. Group meetings will conclude Sept. 24. This resource is available to any adult who has lost a loved one. Space is limited, so registration is required. To register call Dana Neil at (253) 697-7136 or e-mail dana.neil@goodsamhealth.org.

Lions: The Federal Way Lions Club meets at noon the first and third Tuesday of every month at the Denny’s on South 320th Street. To learn more, call Bob Darrigan at (253) 874-4282.

Baha’is: The Federal Way Baha’is hold a variety of events all year and invite residents to join the fun. To learn more, call Jan Teal at (206) 790-1865 or visit http://bci.org/federalwaybahai/.

Book groups: The Federal Way 320th Library hosts regular book discussion groups. The Multicultural Book Group meets at 7 p.m. every second Wednesday each month. The Between the Covers Afternoon Book Discussion Group meets at 1 p.m. on the final Monday of each month. New members are welcome to both groups. The 320th branch library is located at 848 S. 320th Street. For more information about upcoming programs, visit www.kcls.org and click on “Programs.”

Rotary: The Federal Way Sunrise Rotary meets at 7:15 a.m. Tuesdays at Marie Callendar’s Restaurant, 31920 Gateway Center Blvd. S. To learn more, call president Byron Hiller at (206) 718-2715. The Federal Way Rotary Club meets at noon every Thursday. To learn more, call Lisa Skari at (206) 870-3705.

Angel Care: Angel Care Breast Cancer Foundation offers free emotional support to those who have been newly diagnosed, enhancing emotional recovery during treatment. Volunteers are available in Federal Way who can attend consultations, chemotherapy and radiation appointments. For more information, visit www.angelcarefoundation.org, call (877) 861-5655 or e-mail angelcare3@aol.com.

Homeschool Support Association: Local homeschool parents meet from 7 to 9 p.m. every second Thursday at First Baptist Church, 30029 16th Ave. S. in Federal Way. For information, call (253) 661-8182 or visit www.hsa-wa.org.

Women’s Club: The Women’s Club of Federal Way will host its monthly at 11 a.m. Feb. 20 at the Twin Lakes Golf and Country Club. For reservations or to learn more, call (253) 838-6753 or (253) 839-3519.

Bible study: A women’s Bible study will meet at 7 p.m. every other Thursday at nine Lakes Baptist Church, 1631 S. 330th St., Federal Way. Event includes worship, discussion and refreshments. No child care at this time. To learn more, call Carol Gill at (253) 835-3395 or e-mail carolccfw@comcast.net.

Alzheimer’s support group: A support group for caregivers who are caring for people with memory loss meets from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. every first Wednesday of the month at the Federal Way Professional Plaza, located at 31919 6th Ave. S., Suite A-100. For more information, call Arta at (253) 534-7044.

Interstitial Cystitis Support Group: Those diagnosed with or suspect they have interstitial cystitis, or painful bladder syndrome, can learn how local practitioners are treating the disease and with what treatments they are having success. Meet others in your local community who share your challenge. Support group meets from 6 to 7 p.m. every second Thursday of the month at the St. Francis Hospital Outpatient Center (Jeff and LeAnne Stock) Conference room at 34515 9th Ave. S. To learn more, call Dana Andersen at (888) 323-6700, Ext. 3094.

Orchid Society: The Greater Federal Way Orchid Society hosts monthly meetings at 6:30 p.m. every third Thursday at Kloshe Illahee meeting lodge located at 2500 S. 370th St. Meetings end before 9 p.m. For more information, call (253) 946-2300.

Town Criers: Town Criers Toastmasters Club meets from 6:45 to 7:45 a.m. every Thursday at Highline Community College, located at 33320 First Way S., Building A. Visitors to these ongoing meetings are welcome. For more information, call (253) 835-0142.

Business Network International: The Business Network International (BNI) group meets 11:15 a.m. each Tuesday at the Village Green Retirement Center, located at 35419 1st Ave. S., Federal Way. Visitors to these ongoing meetings are welcome. For more information, call (253) 569-0411.

American Legion: The American Legion meets at 7:30 p.m. every first Tuesday of the month at Brooklake Community Center, located at 726 S. 356th St. In the event of holidays, meetings are postponed until the following Tuesday. The group is seeking new members and invites all members to attend. For more information, call (253) 927-3056.

Survivor Of Suicide Support Group: Support groups in both Tacoma and Auburn offer support for survivors of suicide. In Tacoma, the group meets from 7 to 9 p.m. every first and third Monday of each month at Life Center Church located on South 19th Street and South Union Avenue. For more information, call Kathy at (253) 927-7126. The Auburn Group meets from 7 to 9 p.m. every second and fourth Tuesday at the Auburn Fire Station located on D Street and 15th Avenue. For more information, call Joan at (253) 838-8947.

Model railroad club: Tacoma Northwest Model Railroad Club currently has about 20 active members. Membership in the club is open to all who have an interest in model railroading. To learn more, visit www.tnwmrr.org or call (253) 568-1011.

CLASSES AND SEMINARS

Free ESL Conversation: Learn and practice English with free classes 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Saltwater Unitarian Universalist Church, 25701 14th Place S., Des Moines. Childcare is available. To learn more, call (253) 839-5200, e-mail esl@saltwaterchurch.org or visit www.saltwaterchurch.org/esl.

Beginning Hebrew: The Community Synagogue, located at 25701 14th Place S. in Des Moines, hosts biweekly adult beginning Hebrew classes. For more information, call (253) 946-4406.

Panic Relief: The nonprofit group Panic Relief hosts seminars for those seeking to overcome fears, anxiety and agoraphobia. Programs are from noon to 1 p.m. Mondays and from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays. For more information, contact director Judy Schiffman at (732) 940-9658.

BOOKS AND AUTHORS

Paperbacks for kids: Children ages 12 to 18 can get a new paperback book free by reading three books and writing three short reviews. Registration forms are available at any King County public library or www.kcls/read3. Books read for school count for this program.

Read to kids: United Way of King County is recruiting volunteers to read aloud to young children and prepare them for kindergarten. Volunteers will read to children at select preschools, Head Start classrooms, and child care centers throughout the community on a weekly basis. The time commitment is one to two hours during weekday working hours for a nine-month period. For more information or to fill out an application, visit unitedwayofkingcounty.org or e-mail readers@uwkc.org.

STUDYING, LITERACY and TUTORING

Literacy tutors: Adults are invited to learn more about the resources the Federal Way Regional Library has to offer on becoming an English as a Second Language tutor. To register, call the library at (253) 838-3668.

More tutoring: Staff from the Multi-Service Center Adult Education Program holds informational meetings on how to become an adult literacy tutor. For more information, call the Multi-Service Center Adult Education Program at (253) 838-6810 Ext. 112.

Study Zone: Students in kindergarten through high school can get free homework help from volunteer tutors at Federal Way Regional Library, 34200 First Way S. Call (253) 838-3668 for hours. Des Moines Library, 21620 11th Ave. S., offers help from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. each Wednesday.

VOLUNTEERS

FUSION: Friends of FUSION seeks volunteers. FUSION (Friends United to Shelter the Indigent, Oppressed and Needy) provides transitional housing and support services for homeless women and children in the Federal Way area. To learn more, call Judy Free at (253) 838-0368.

Friend to Friend: Nationally, six out of 10 residents in nursing homes never have a visitor. Can you visit such a person a couple times a month at your convenience? Call Friend to Friend at (888) 383-7818 for more information.

Drivers wanted: Group Health Cooperative’s Special Transportation Program 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. To learn more, e-mail resource.l@ghc.org or call (206) 326-2800.

More drivers: Senior Services Transportation Program is seeking volunteers who are available weekdays to drive local seniors to medical appointments. For more information, call (206) 448-5740, (800) 282 5815 or visit www.seniorservices.org to apply.

Long-term care helpers: The King County Long Term Care Ombudsman Program needs volunteers in the Federal Way area to help ensure proper care of local elderly residents. Volunteers advocate on behalf of residents in long-term care facilities, and commit to visiting an assigned facility for four hours a week. To learn more, call (206) 694-6703, e-mail maryf@solid-ground.org or visit www.ltcop.org.

Caregiving Network Supper: The Federal Way Community Caregiving Network host community suppers every Thursday, including holidays, at 5 p.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church. Currently, the group is searching for someone with experience in seeking out and applying for grants. The group is also seeking people for positions including cooks, servers, clean-up, gleaners and inventory control. For more information, contact Heather, volunteer coordinator, at h2busy@yahoo.com or (253) 508-4556 or call (253) 661-0505.

MS help: The Multiple Sclerosis Association of King County needs volunteers to help people with MS maintain their independence and quality of life. To learn more, call Gregg Robinson at (206) 633-2606 or visit www.msakc.org.

Phone pals: Improving Care through the End of Life seeks volunteers to be a phone pal to patients with life-threatening illness. Requires a gentle heart and a patient ear, 4 to 6 hours per month. Training and monthly meetings provided. Call Nicole at (253) 534-7014.

Legal Clinic: Volunteer generalists or family law specialist attorneys are needed to advise clients at the Federal Way Legal Clinic, frin 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Federal Way Regional Library, 34200 First Way S. To learn more, call (206) 267-7029.

St. Francis Hospital: Volunteering can provide a variety of interesting and fulfilling opportunities for people of all ages. To learn more, call Terri Allen at (253) 944-7910, or apply online at www.fhshealth.org.

CASA: King County is looking for volunteers to become advocates for abused and neglected children in court. The positions, called Court Appointed Special Advocates, includes 28 hours of training. Volunteers must be 21 and have excellent references. For more information, visit www.metrokc.gov/kcsc/dcpcasa.htm or call (206) 296-1120.

Terra Lingua: The nonprofit organization Terra Lingua is seeking volunteers to host English-speaking foreign exchange students from France, Germany, South Korea, Russia and Taiwan. Students are between 15 and 18 years old. For more information, visit www.terralinguausa.org or call (877) 520-2522.

Auburn Regional Medical Center: Volunteers are needed for the information desk to greet and direct patients to their destination. Volunteers for this position must have excellent customer service skills, enjoy working with people, and able to quickly learn the layout of the entire hospital. Typically, volunteers provide a minimum of one three-hour shift per week. Benefits include a free meal for each shift and participation in hospital and Auxiliary events. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. For more information or to receive an application contact volunteer coordinator, Gretchen Handorff-Karout, at (253) 833-7711 Ext. 1254 or Human Resources, Melissa McBride, at (253) 833-7711 Ext. 1259.

St. James ESL Program: Volunteers for the St. James Cathedral English as a Second Language program are needed to teach one-on-one to refugees or immigrants who are blind or visually impaired. For more information, call Cecilia Erin Walsh at (206) 382-4511 or e-mail cwalsh@stjames-cathedral.org.

Franciscan Hospice: Volunteers are needed to help terminally ill patients and their families in the Federal Way, Auburn and Kent areas as many as four hours a week. To register for a free monthly orientation or for more information, call (253) 534-7069, e-mail jamesbentley@FHShealth.org or visit www.hospice.FHShealth.org.

World Vision battles flood crisis: Federal Way-based World Vision is seeking $2 million in private and public funding sources to aid the group’s effort to combat a flooding crisis in Mozambique. A recent tropical cyclone has worsened the situation in central Mozambique, forcing roughly 165,000 people from their homes. The initial relief response is expected to last three months. The group reports most displaced families are living in makeshift settlements with limited food, water and sanitation services. For more information, visit www.worldvision.org.