Readers: Please send all community calendar items two weeks prior to the event to ensure timely publication. E-mail items to editor@fedwaymirror.com.

JULY EVENTS

Margaritaville: The Des Moines Auxiliary of Children’s Hospital and Medical Center presents its 80th birthday celebration at the home of Phil and Kathy Pompeo, 3702 S. 189th Place, SeaTac, from 1 to 7 p.m. July 27. Tickets are a donation of $40 per person. The food will be barbecue picnic fare and there will be an open bar. A raffle and entertainment will also be held. The proceeds will benefit the hospital. Call (253) 854-0892 or (206) 244-4124.

Japanese students: Host families are needed July 22 to Aug. 11 for Japanese exchange students. To learn more, contact Dawn Zasimovich at zasimovich@comcast.net or (253) 202-6294.

Financial workshops: Woodstone Credit Union will hold a summer series of free financial workshops designed specifically for teenagers to help students build lifelong financial skills through education. The series consists of four sessions and all participants will receive a complimentary workbook. The workshop topics include budgeting, investing, career choices, money safety and more. Workshop runs 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. July 30 at 1825 S. 316th St. To register, call (253) 925-6879 or (800) 334-9828, Ext. 879.

AUGUST EVENTS

Outdoor Cinema Series: The Federal Way Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department will sponsor its free Outdoor Cinema Series this summer at Steel Lake Park, 2410 S. 312th St. This summer’s features are “Alvin and the Chipmunks” at 9:25 p.m. Aug. 1; “Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium” at 8:55 p.m. Aug. 15; “National Treasure: Book of Secrets” at 8:30 p.m. Aug. 29. In case of rain, call (253) 835-6905.

Comic book artist: “Adventures of a Comic Book Artist” will run Aug. 1-3 at the Knutzen Family Theatre, 3200 SW Dash Point Road, Federal Way. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $6. Visit www.kftevents.com or call (253) 835-2020.

Maher memorial: The Federal Way Police Department is having a short memorial service for the five-year anniversary of police officer Patrick Maher’s death at noon Aug. 2 in front of City Hall, 33325 Eighth Ave. S., Federal Way. To learn more, call (253) 835-6700.

Winds of Honor: Washington Flute Circle presents Gary Stroutsos’ “Winds of Honor” at 7 p.m. Aug. 2 at the Auburn Ave. Theater, 10 Auburn Ave. Proceeds benefit Flute Quest 2008. Tickets are $20 ($10 for ages 17 and under) in advance or $25 at the door. Call (253) 797-6000.

Foreign students: Volunteer host families are needed this summer for three- to four-week stays for students arriving from Taiwan, France and Spain. E-mail falzonefamily@hotmail.com.

Browns Point salmon bake: The Browns Point Improvement Club Presents the “Original 2008 Salmon Bake” from noon to 8 p.m. Aug. 2 and 3 on the water’s edge in Browns Point, near the lighthouse at Ton-A-Wan-Da NE and Tok-A-Lou NE. Dinners include fresh salmon prepared over an open alder wood fire, green salad, Washington corn and a roll. Also available will be juicy hamburgers, hot dogs, clam chowder, desserts and more. Activities include children’s booths, a waterfront beer garden, games, prizes, live music and an art show. Call (253) 209-4746.

FUSION summer art benefit: Come be razzle-dazzled at “A Gatsby Soiree” from 3 to 9 p.m. Aug. 6 at the Dumas Bay Centre in Federal Way. The evening presents culinary delights from Metropolitan Market, an Art Walk featuring 40 local artists, and a silent and live auction. Proceeds go to housing and support for families in need as they transition into permanent housing. To purchase tickets, call Teryl Heller at (253) 839-6361 or e-mail at teryl.heller@gmail.com. Tickets cost $55 in advance and $65 at the door. For more information, call Kelsey Kovach at (253) 307-7670 or e-mail kovachk@seattleu.edu.

Bye Bye Birdie: “Bye Bye Birdie” is a production of Knutzen Family Theatre’s Summer Youth Musical Theatre Program. The show runs Aug. 8-10. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $6. Visit www.kftevents.com or call (253) 835-2020.

Buying a home: The Washington Homebuyer’s Association is holding a free seminar Aug. 10 at Federal Way Regional Library. Seminars last five hours. To register, call (253) 682-1157. Visit www.whba.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. Classes run 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 12-13 at the Federal Way Community Center. Call (253) 835-6900. Classes also run noon to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 16-17 at the Federal Way Regional Library. Call (253) 838-3668.

Summer Pops Concert: The Federal Way Symphony Pops Orchestra presents the fourth annual Summer Pops Concert at 7 p.m. Aug. 16 at Dumas Bay Centre, 3200 SW Dash Point Road. Guest artist is Susan Egan, a Broadway, theater, television and music star. Reserved cafe seating under the festival tent. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and no host beverages. Tickets are $100, $75, $60; this is an age 21 and over event. Sound view of the Olympics and sunset are complimentary. For tickets, call (253) 529-9857. Also visit www.federalwaysymphony.org.

Book club: The Multicultural Book Club will discuss “Death Comes for the Archbishop” by Willa Cather at 7 p.m. Aug. 13 at Federal Way 320th Library. Newcomers are always welcome. Call Kathy Jorgensen at (253) 859-8349.

Classic car show: The fourth annual Federal Way Lions Club Scholarship Car Show will run 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 23 at The Commons mall parking lot, at Pacific Highway South and South 320th Street in Federal Way. More than 30 awards will be given at 3 p.m., including “people’s choice,” “baddest truck” and “most exotic.” Registration fee is $15 by Aug. 20 and $20 after. To register for the show, e-mail lionscarshow@comcast.net or call (253) 350-4952.

Summer sale: Christian Faith School will host a summer sale Aug. 22-24 in the parking lot of Christian Faith Center at 336th Street and 20th Avenue South in Federal Way. The sale will offer quality new and used merchandise provided by over 200 families. Proceeds will benefit mission trips, a new computer lab and the library expansion. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Call (253) 943-2500. Free shuttle service will be provided 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 23 between the Christian Faith Center and the Lions Club Classic Car Show at the Federal Way Farmers Market. Tickets for the Chili Cook-Off between Federal Way firefighters and police on Sept. 27 will also be available at both locations.

Memory Walk: The Woodmark at Steel Lake, an assisted living community in Federal Way, has formed a team called The Forget-Me-Nots for this year’s Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk. The team seeks volunteers to join and help raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association. The South Sound Memory walk will be held 8:30 a.m. Aug. 23 at Annie Wright School in Tacoma. Call (253) 941-5859.Visit www.alz.org.

SEPTEMBER EVENTS

Chili cook-off: The Federal Way Farmers Market will host a chili cook-off from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 27 at The Commons mall parking lot. Federal Way police and firefighters will face off in a battle to make the best chili. Tickets are $10 and include chili, corn bread, a drink and cookie. All proceeds benefit Toys for Tots. The event will include live entertainment. For tickets, call Janice Siebenaler at (253) 529-7021 or Marty Markey at (253) 926-5925.

Patio furniture: From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 6, the vacant lot south of the Wal-Mart on South 314th Street will host an outdoor patio furniture sale by the Greater Kiwanis Club of Federal Way. Patio furniture can also be delivered. Call Wayne Moritz at (253) 941-0354.

Live theater: “The Reluctant Dragon” will run 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sept. 20 at the Knutzen Family Theatre, 3200 SW Dash Point Road. Tickets are $8. Call (253) 835-2020 or visit www.kftevents.com.

ONGOING HAPPENINGS

Women’s Summer Bible Study: “Integrity and Prophecy,” in the book of Daniel, with video instruction by Beth Moore, meeting 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday nights through Aug. 19 at SeaTac Bible Church, (just east off Military Road) at 29926 37th Ave. S. Any and all women of the community are welcome. Workbooks ($16.27) available. Contact Margaret Lloyd at (253) 838-4487 or talktomargaret@comcast.net.

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/.

Earthquake relief: Lions clubs are gathering donations to assist victims of the recent earthquake in China. For more information about Lions Clubs International Foundation’s relief efforts, call Bob Darrigan at (253) 874-4282 or Carolyn Harestad at (253) 839-6140.

Gardeners: Master gardeners will be at the Federal Way Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each Saturday through Oct. 25 at The Commons mall parking lot, at Pacific Highway South and South 320th Street. The gardeners are volunteers trained by Washington State University to provide free research-based horticultural information to the public. The program began in King and Pierce counties 35 years ago and has since spread to all 50 states and some foreign countries.

Breast cancer patient support: 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 Denise Burns at (253) 838-6810, Ext. 109.

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. 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. 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. 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, 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.

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) 351-3754.

Church chat: Are you a small church looking for a place to worship? All Saints Lutheran Church at 27225 Military Road S. in Federal Way is accepting applications for building usage. Ask about a 50 percent discount for weekly recurring usage/rental. Call (253) 852-4884.

LOCAL GROUPS

Gay and lesbian support: There is a new Christian support group for family members of lesbians and gays. For more information, call Rev. Mark Bonnema at (253) 736-4425. The program is a ministry of Marine View Presbyterian Church.

Mental illness: The National Alliance on Mental Illness is a grass-roots organization created to support families dealing with all types of mental conditions. Bipolar, schizophrenia, major despression, Alzheimer’s, etc. are some of the common mental issues facing one out of five families today. NAMI spends a lot of time fighting for better coverage from insurance companies, trying to improve the methods for dealing with the mentally ill, educating families and trying to raise awareness and break the stigma attached to mental illness. Call Shelley Merryfield at (253) 945-7157 or visit NAMI.org.

Messies Anonymous: A free 12-step group for those with too much clutter. Weekly meetings in Des Moines and other Puget Sound locations. Call Elizabeth at (206) 248-2922.

Country club: Twin Lakes Golf and Country Club announced its 2008 membership drive. 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-mail 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) 336-4142.

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. The group meets the second Wednesday of the month at the St. Francis medical office building. A summer social for all members will begin Aug. 20. To learn more, call (253) 944-4176.

Kiwanis: Kiwanis Club of Greater Federal Way meets 7:30 a.m. every Tuesday at Denny’s restaurant on 320th Street in Federal Way. We would like you to join us. Contact president Donavan Knight at (253) 719-8257 or Wayne Moritz at (253) 941-0354. Visit www.greaterfedwaykiwanis.org. The group’s main focus is to serve youth.

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.

Small business: “Pathways to Prosperity” Business Networking International (BNI) chapter meets 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Tuesday at Vince’s Italian Restaurant, 32411 Pacific Highway S., Federal Way. Small business owners are welcome to visit. E-mail Laura Clark at lauraclark@johnlscott.com or call (253) 569-3519.

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) 446-6500. 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.

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.

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.

Phone Pal: Franciscan Palliative Care Outreach program seeks volunteers to be a phone pal to patients with life-threatening illness. Requires a gentle heart and a patient ear, 4-6 hours per month, training and monthly meetings provided. Call Nicole at (253) 534-7014.

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.