JANUARY EVENTS

Women Realtors: The South King Chapter of Women’s Council of Realtors will meet 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 8 at Marie Callendars, 31920 Gateway Center Blvd., Federal Way. Regular meetings will be the first Thursday of every month afterward. Call (253) 381-0933.

Book club: The Multi-cultural Book Club will discuss “The Zookeeper’s Wife” by Diane Ackerman at 7 p.m. Jan. 9 at Federal Way 320th Library. A neglected true story from World War II about Polish Christian zookeepers who save over 300 people during the Nazi occupation. Call (253) 839-0257.

Best of Broadway: “Give Our Regards to Broadway” by Trio du Jour will run 1 p.m. Jan. 10 at Knutzen Family Theatre, 3200 SW Dash Point Road in Federal Way. Proceeds will benefit Teens Making a Difference, a youth-driven charity group that helps children. Tickets are $15-$20. For reservations, call (360) 705-3728.

Dance show: Aria Dance Company will perform contemporary dance with guest artists at 7 p.m. Jan. 10 at the Knutzen Family Theatre, 3200 SW Dash Point Road, Federal Way. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and students. For tickets, visit ninthavenuedance.com or call (253) 924-0621.

Life coaching: Amy Johnson, a parenting and life coach in Federal Way, will host a series of workshops. Topics include “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.

Buying a home: The Washington Homebuyers Association is holding a free seminar 10:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Jan. 17 at Federal Way 320th Library. To register, call (253) 682-1157.

Jan Pollard: The paintings of Jan Pollard will be on display 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Jan. 1-31 at Highline Community College’s main campus, building 25 (library), fourth floor, 2400 S. 240th St., Des Moines. Visit http://flightline.highline.edu/exhibits/.

AARP driver safety: The AARP Driver Safety Course will be held noon to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 10-11 at Federal Way Regional Library, (253) 838-3668; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 13-14 at Village Green Retirement Campus, (253) 838-3700; and 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 21-23 at the Federal Way Community Center, (253) 661-4050. Cost of this class is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members. Course graduates age 55 and older may be eligible for a discount on their automobile insurance.

Infants and toddlers: Parents of Infants and Toddlers groups feature interactive fun such as brain-based music/movement, sensory activities, art and research-based parent discussions weekly. Eight-week sessions start Jan. 13 in NE Tacoma and Jan. 14 in Federal Way. Tuition is $77.52. To register, call (253) 680-7500.

HAPPENINGS

Cat volunteers: Federal Way PetSmart adoption room needs volunteers for a six-month commitment, two hours once a week. Volunteers care for cats. Call Dee Cordell at (206) 296-3946 or visit www.kingcounty.gov.

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.