NOVEMBER EVENTS

Holiday food: Multi-Service Center tries to make the holidays special for the area’s neediest families. Donations of food or money can be dropped off 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the food bank warehouse, 1200 336th St., Federal Way. To learn more, call Terri Turner at (253) 838-6810.

Live music: Salty’s Restaurant, 28201 Redondo Beach Drive S. in Redondo, hosts live music 9 p.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays. Schedule includes Cory Wilds and Mark Fluegel, Nov. 29. Patrons must be 21 or over. Call (253) 946-0636.

Domestic violence: Coordinated Community Response Against Domestic Violence (CCRADV) will host a charity bazaar from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 29 at the Poodle Dog restaurant on Pacific Highway in Fife. Vendors and silent auction. Proceeds benefit CCRADV to help victims of domestic violence with utility bills, rent and more. Call (425) 829-5641.

Food and clothing drive: Free eyeglass exam or 10 percent off two pairs of eyeglasses in exchange for non-perishable food items and warm gently used clothing at America’s Best Contacts and Eyeglasses, 1810 S. 320th St., Suite A. Call (253) 237-5031.

Toiletries: The AAA Federal Way office located at 2122 S. 314th St. is collecting toiletry items for local shelters and food banks. Proceeds benefit the Friends United to Shelter the Indigent, Oppressed and Needy (FUSION).

Food donations: Sylvan Learning Center, 32717 1st Ave. S., seeks donations of food and hygiene items for the Federal Way Food Bank. Drop off donations any time. Call (253) 838-0507.

DECEMBER EVENTS

Aladdin: “Aladdin — An English Panto!” will run 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays as well as 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 28 through Dec. 21, and the Knutzen Family Theatre, 3200 SW Dash Point Road. Tickets are $8-$25. (253) 835-2020 and www.kftevents.com.

Giving Tree: Multi-Service Center and DeVry University Federal Way are partnering for “The Giving Tree” toy drive. Donations can be dropped off 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 1 through Dec. 5 at the DeVry campus, 3600 S. 344th Way. Another drop-off will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 8 at Target at The Commons mall. Gifts can include toys, games, radios, CD players, sports equipment, books, backpacks and clothing. E-mail bhenderson@devry.edu.

Networking: Network Connection, a Federal Way-based networking group, will host a holiday social from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 6 at Wine Styles, located in The Crossings at South 348th Street and Pacific Highway. Appetizers and raffle prizes.

FW Symphony: Holiday concert runs 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6 and 2 p.m. Dec. 7 and features pianist Povilas Stravinsky playing Mendelssohn’s Piano Concerto No. 1. Stravinsky, also a recording artist and a native of Lithuania, has performed around the world. The orchestra will perform Dvorak’s Sixth Symphony and selections from Tchaikovsky’s ballet “Swan Lake.” The program will close with “Christmas Festival” by Leroy Anderson. Tickets are $25 adult, $20 senior (65 and older); students 18 and under admitted free. Call (253) 529-9857 or visit www.federalwaysymphony.org.

Jingle Bell Brunch: Registration is going on now for Federal Way’s Jingle Bell Brunch. The event, which will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. Dec. 6 at the Federal Way Community Center, 876 S. 333rd St., will feature brunch, photos with Santa Claus, music and holiday crafts. Tickets are $6 for ages 2-11 and $8 each for age 12 and up. Seating is limited and registration is required. Call (253) 835-6900 and use the ID code 20346, or visit www.cityoffederalway.com for more information.

Grief camp: Camp GriefWorks 2008 will run 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 6. One-day family retreat for adults and children grieving over the death of a loved one. Cost is $20 per person. To register, call (253) 333-9420.

Community Christmas Concert: The annual free Christmas concert at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Federal Way features music by four local choirs as well as the Jubilee Handbell Ringers. More than 150 singers from Steel Lake Presbyterian Church, Grace Lutheran Church, St. Vincent de Paul and St. Luke’s will combine for holiday selections including the “Hallelujah Chorus.” A free-will offering will be received, with proceeds benefiting Federal Way humanitarian causes. Concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at Community Christ St. Luke’s, 515 S. 312th St. To learn more, call (253) 941-3000.

Book club: The Multi Cultural Book Club will discuss “The Kabul Beauty School” by Debra Rodriguez at 7 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Federal Way 320th Library, 8848 S. 320th St. Debra Rodriguez went to Afghanistan as a relief worker with the intent of working as a nurse’s aid. Through the course of events, she eventually opened a beauty school for Afghani women. Call (253) 839-0257.

December blood drives: Cascade Regional Blood Services will hold blood drives 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 7 at St. Luke’s Church, 515 S. 312th St.; 11:30 to 2:30 p.m. Dec. 10 at St. Francis Hospital, 34515 9th Ave. S.; 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 10 at Christian Faith Center, 33645 20th Ave. S. For more December blood donation dates in Federal Way, call Robin Lulich: (253) 312-3320.

Life coaching: Amy Johnson, a parenting and life coach in Federal Way, will host a series of workshops. Topics include “Hectic holidays? Three ways to bring more joy to your season,” Dec. 10; “How much is enough? Start the New Year with tips on raising responsible children in an overindulgent culture,” Jan. 14; and “Love me, love me…NOT! Balancing love and discipline,” Feb. 11. Classes run 7 to 8 p.m. at Wayside United Church of Christ in Federal Way. Cost is $15 per person per class. To register, call (253) 838-0915 or (253) 874-2084.

Santa Social: The Commons mall will host a Santa Social from 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 13. Enter to win Horton Hears a Who DVD giveaways, take photos with Santa and enjoy games. Visit www.tcafw.com/.

Federal Way Chorale Christmas 2008: “The Great Mystery and Wonder of Christmas” will run 8 p.m. Dec. 13 and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 14 at St. Luke’s church, 515 S. 312th St. The concert will be sung almost entirely a cappella (voices only). First half of the concert will consist of great 20th century choral masterworks. The second half will be lighter fare consisting of carols and octavos with a Christmas theme such as “Christmas Day” (Choral Fantasy on Old Carols) by Gustov Holtz and “Go, Tell It on the Mountain” arranged by Robert Sterling. Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 student/senior, children 12 years and under are admitted free. Tickets are available by calling (253) 250-3326, www.fwchorale.com and at the door.

Living Nativity Tour: This free outdoor tour by torch and candlelight is a live reenactment of a journey to visit Mary, Joseph, the wise men and to Bethlehem, the place of Jesus’ birth. Tours will be held at LifeWay Church, 5015 SW Dash Point Road, at the following dates and times: 6, 6:45, 7:30, 8:15 p.m. Dec. 18, 19 and 22; 5:15, 6, 6:45, 7:30, 8:15 p.m. Dec. 20-21. Dress warm. Hot drinks, refreshments and music. Call (253) 946-8107.

The Nutcracker: The 9th Avenue School of Dance will present its annual production of “The Nutcracker” at the Knutzen Family Theatre, 3200 SW Dash Point Road, Federal Way. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 20; and 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Dec. 21. Rising young stars and seasoned dancers take the stage to tell the story of one girl’s Christmas dream of dancing sugar plums, bears, soldiers and ferocious giant mice. Advance tickets are $16 for adults, $13 for children under 12 and seniors. Tickets are $19 and $16 at the door. To learn more, call (253) 835-2030 or (253) 924-0621 or visit ninthavenuedance.com.

Tax aide: 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 ages 60 and older and to low- and middle-income taxpayers. Volunteers are trained during December and January. Computer skills are required; in Washington most tax returns are filed electronically. Tax service takes place Feb. 1 to April 15 at several local sites. To volunteer, visit www.aarp.org/taxaide or call (888) 687-2277.

ONGOING HAPPENINGS

Study Club: Study Club runs 2 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday at the EX3 Ron Sandwith Teen Center, 31453 28th Ave. S., Federal Way. The club provides a quiet place to catch up on homework. Free access to academic assistance for those tough classes. Help is provided is math, English, social studies, science, etc. A computer lab is open 4:15 to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Call (253) 681-6500 to learn more.

Al-Anon: Al-Anon’s Wednesday Morning Sunshine Group meets 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays at Light of Christ Church, 2400 SW 344th St., Federal Way. Child care provided. 24-hour hotline at (206) 625-0000.

Salsa dancing for teens: The EX3 Ron Sandwith Teen Center will hold a weekly class, Salsa Rueda, for teens in Federal Way. Rueda is a Cuban dance that is similar to salsa dancing, but learned and performed as a group. Wear sneakers and comfortable clothes. No prior dance experience is needed. Rueda is free to members of the EX3 Ron Sandwith Teen Center. Membership is just $36 per year and payment plans are available for those interested. Call Samantha Sanders at (253) 681-6504 or visit www.EX3live.com.

Computer classes: The Federal Way Senior Center offers computer classes for all adults. For more information, call Larry Malcom at (253) 839-5418.

Free clothing for kids: The Clothing Resource Center, sponsored by the Federal Way PTSA Council 9.4, provides free clothing to children at 30819 14th Ave. S., across the street from the stadium at Federal Way High School. Throughout the school year, the center will be open 4:30 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays as well as 1 to 3 p.m. the first Saturday of every month. People can donate clean children’s clothing (no socks or underwear) during normal business hours. To learn more, e-mail tomskoda@msn.com.

Everyday hero: The American Red Cross Serving King and Kitsap counties is looking for “everyday heroes” from your community. The nominee must be a resident of, or employed within, King County or the heroic act must have occurred in King County. The heroic act must be ongoing or have occurred between Dec. 1, 2007, and Nov. 30, 2008. Call (206) 726-3543 or visit www.seattleredcross.org.

Driver safety: Tune up your driving skills with an AARP driver safety class. You may be eligible for a discount on your auto insurance after completion. Cost is $10 per person. Call (253) 838-3668 or (253) 661-4050.

Arts events: The South King County Cultural Coalition is a group of over 60 arts and heritage organizations in South King County. If you’re interested in receiving a monthly e-newsletter, e-mail info@sococulture.org. Check out a calendar for information on events happening this month: www.sococulture.org/html/calendar.html/.

Talented kids: Two Federal Way singing/dancing/acting groups, Show Biz Kids and Teen Idols, are now accepting new members. Show Biz Kids is a non-auditioned group of performers ages 5 to 16 (no experience required) and Teen Idols is an auditioned group of talented teens ages 13 to 19 (looking for big talent, not necessarily experience). Performers are divided by age. Rehearsals for both groups are once a week in Federal Way with performances around the community and beyond. Visit www.joinshowbizkids.com or call (206) 304-4087.

Breast cancer: Trained survivors offer free emotional support to the newly diagnosed, enhancing emotional recovery while going through treatments. Will attend consultations, chemotherapy and radiation appointments. Volunteers will help you to wellness by being a role model, helping you to have quality of life at this critical time. Visit www.angelcarefoundation.org, call (206) 417-3484 or e-mail angelcare@angelcarefoundation.org.

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. 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.

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. The meetings are free and refreshments will be served. Call (253) 835-2401 for more information.

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 Mary Craves-Hollands at (253) 838-6810, Ext. 109.

Blood donors: 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. The Federal Way center is at 33505 13th Place S. Suite B. Call (253) 945-7974 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. 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. E-mail tricias@multi-servicecenter.com or call (253) 838-6810, ext. 115.

Dancing, bingo, exercise: 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 center is starting bingo at 10 a.m. every Tuesday. Senior exercise is at 9 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. 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.

Fire Stoppers Program: South King Fire and Rescue helps families with children who have played with fire or deliberately set a fire and can help teach your child about fire safety. Call (253) 946-7337.

Dragon boat: New paddlers are welcome to join the Rainier Dragons paddling team on the Thea Foss Waterway in Tacoma. The group provides paddles, life jackets, boats and three practices for free. Group meets 3:30 p.m. Sundays near Johnny’s Dock Restaurant and Marina. To learn more, call (253) 272-7087 or (253) 565-3756.