The Mirror has a new online calendar. Check it out at events.federalwaymirror.com/cal. To add an event, go to federalwaymirror.com/pages/how-to-add-your-event-to-our-calendar/.
American Music – A Soulful Celebration: The Federal Way Chorale presents “American Music: A Soulful Celebration” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 18, at the Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center, 31510 Pete von Reichbauer Way S. The show features Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess,” Dawson’s “Ain’t-A That Good News,” and several soulful works by Hogan. Tickets are $15 for children, students and seniors and $24-$34 for adults. Info: fwpaec.org or 253-835-7010.
The Pajama Game: Centerstage Theatre presents its final show of the 2017-18 season, “The Pajama Game,” a golden age musical that transports the audience to the 1950s factory lifestyle through catchy songs, big dance numbers and more. The musical is based on the novel “7 ½ cents” by Richard Bissell that showcases the working classes’ struggles and triumphs. Show opens May 18 and runs through June 3 at the following times: 8 p.m. May 18-19; 2 p.m. May 20; 8 p.m. May 24-25; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. May 26; 2 p.m. May 27; 8 p.m. May 31; 8 p.m. June 1; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. June 2; and 2 p.m. June 3. Shows are performed at the Knutzen Family Theatre, 3200 SW Dash Point Road, Federal Way. Tickets are $29 for adults, $25 for seniors and military, and $15 for ages 18-25. To learn more, visit centerstagetheatre.com or call 253-661-1444.
Block Party: The Thomas Jefferson High School BSU hosts its second annual Celebration of Diversity Block Party from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, May 19. The event, which includes civic engagement workshops, a resource fair, performances and a barbecue, begins at Thomas Jefferson, 4248 S. 288th St., Auburn, with a march at 1 p.m. to West Valley Community Church, 3212 S. 288th St., Auburn.
The Weather Girl: Federal Way Harmony Kings present “The Weather Girl” at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 19, at the Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center, 31510 Pete von Reichbauer Way S. Enjoy this performance by this super-talented local men’s a cappella chorus and barbershop quartets, featuring 2017 SAI international competitors Renegade. Tickets: www.fwpaec.org or 253-835-7010. Learn more at harmonykings.org.
Women’s self-defense workshop: Federal Way Jazzercise Fitness Center, 2016 South 320th Street, Suite C, hosts a women’s self-defense workshop from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Sunday, May 20. The cost is $69. Space is limited. For more information or to register, call 253-333-8886.
Vietnam Perspectives – America’s Secret War: In partnership with KBTC Television, the Federal Way Library, 34200 First Way S., will host a free screening and discussion of the PBS documentary, America’s Secret War from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 23. While the United States was publicly engaged in the Vietnam War, a secret conflict was raging just next door in the country of Laos. This documentary uncovers the history through stories of Hmong elders and a rich collection of never-before-seen archival images, maps and documents. Register online or call 253-838-3668 for assistance.
Fed Fights Back: Attend a free self defense class from 6-8 p.m. Friday, May 25, at Decatur High School, 2800 SW 320th St. The class, open to anyone in the community, is taught by world-class instructor Julia Valencia, of Raider Tactical. Info: paigedasher@gmail.com or 253-548-7503.
Marine mammal stranding informational session: The MaST Center will host a free information session about marine mammal stranding from 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 30. The session will provide attendees with information on what to do if they encounter a stranded marine mammal. The Marine Science and Technology Center of Highline College, 28203 Redondo Beach Drive S., Des Moines, monitors roughly 40 miles of shoreline from Titlow Park in Tacoma to Brace Point in West Seattle and works closely with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to respond to strandings and raise awareness for marine mammal protection. RSVP to citzenscience@highline.edu.
Where the Water Begins: The King Conservation District will host a free workshop developed for property owners along the marine shorelines of King County from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday, July 14, at Dumas Bay Centre, 3200 Southwest Dash Point Road. The workshop will provide participants with an opportunity to learn about the ecological, geological and vegetation management issues associated with owning property where the water begins. Hear presentations from local experts and stay for an optional field trip to see examples of all topics discussed. For more information or to register, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/where-the-water-begins-at-dumas-bay-tickets-45484797253.
Summer arts festival: FUSION (Friends United to Shelter the Indigent Oppressed and Needy) will host its annual summer arts festival while celebrating its 25th anniversary 4-9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 1, at Dumas Bay Centre, 3200 SW Dash Point Road. This charity event features food, drinks, entertainment, auctions, local artists and more to benefit transitional housing for homeless families in the community. Tickets are $75 before July 24 and $85 after. To learn more, visit www.fusionfederalway.org or call 253-874-1257 or email info@fusionfederalway.org.
Flavor of Federal Way: The Federal Way Diversity Commission, Advancing Leadership and the city of Federal Way will host the Flavor of Federal Way from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, at Town Square Park, 31600 Pete von Reichbauer Way S. The free event will include food, vendors and live entertainment that represent a range of ethnicities including the African-American Hispanic, Indian, Filipino and Korean cultures. All cultural communities are welcome to participate. More information and applications for vendors, nonprofits, performers and sponsors can be found at cityoffederalway.com/page/flavor-federal-way.
Farmers Market: The Federal Way Farmers Market is open from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 27, at The Commons, 1928 S. Commons. For full details and information on becoming a vendor, visit federalwayfarmersmarket.com/.
Organic gardening: The Federal Way Community Gardens are now part of Federal Way Community Caregiving Network, and there are opportunities to volunteer in their Senior Center and Truman community gardens. Come learn organic gardening techniques as well as help in the growing and harvesting of organic produce for low-income seniors and community suppers in Federal Way. Volunteer opportunities are available 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday. For more information, contact Mike Stanley at 253-279-6443.
Volunteer
Food bank volunteers: Multi-Service Center is seeking volunteers to help with food delivery. Volunteer drivers and driver helpers are needed for weekly routes. Routes are available Monday through Friday, beginning between 7:30-8 a.m. and generally last two-and-a-half to three hours. Drivers use vans or small trucks provided by MSC. You must have a clean driving record to volunteer to drive. Info: mschelps.org/getinvolved/volunteer/or 253.835.7678, ext. 105.
Clothing bank volunteers: Multi-Service Center’s clothing bank provides free clothing and small household items to people in need in our community. The clothing bank is seeking additional volunteers for open hours, as well as sorter/stockers. Shifts are available Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. There are also teams that come in on Tuesday/Thursday mornings to sort donations and restock the clothing bank. Info: mschelps.org/getinvolved/volunteer/or 253.835.7678, ext. 105.
Delivery drivers needed: Sound Generations is looking for volunteers to deliver meals to homebound senior citizens through the Meals on Wheels program. Drivers are needed to deliver meals in Federal Way on Thursday mornings, as needed when one of the regular drivers is unavailable. Routes start between 8 and 9 a.m. and typically take one to two hours. Mileage is reimbursable while making deliveries. Info: 206-448-5767 or mealsonwheels@soundgenerations.org.
Historical Society of Federal Way: Volunteer opportunities include collections care, greeting the public at public events, docents for historic Denny and Barker cabins, computer work, building maintenance and phone calling. For more information, contact Diana Noble-Gulliford at diana@gulliford.com or call 206-412-5545.
Federal Way Coalition Against Trafficking Opportunities: Local non-profit is seeking volunteers for various positions including website manager, funding coordinator, event coordinator, and graphic design coordinator. Email info@fwcat.org for more information.
Volunteer Chore Service: The Catholic Community Service Program is committed to providing in-home chore assistance to elders and adults with disabilities, helping them to remain in their own home for as long and as safe as possible. Volunteers provide assistance with the following tasks: transportation, shopping, housework, laundry, minor home repairs, communications and yard work. To learn more about this rewarding opportunity, contact Tiffany Perri at TiffanyP@ccsww.org or 253-850-2525.