Don’t miss: A Bonsai Solstice, Christmas choral program and more

Upcoming events in Federal Way.

Dec. 16

A Bonsai Solstice: 4-7 p.m. at the Pacific Bonsai Museum located on the campus of the former Weyerhaeuser headquarters at 2515 S. 336th St., Federal Way. The Pacific Bonsai Museum invites the public to bundle up, take in the outdoors and enjoy the serenity of their collection illuminated by the soft glow of holiday lights at their fifth annual “A Bonsai Solstice.” This event is the only time all year that the museum opens the collection to the public at night. Open to the greater community, this event is friendly to kids and families as well as those seeking peacefulness. Pacific Bonsai Museum Executive Director Kathy McCabe explains, “’A Bonsai Solstice’ is a magical event that invites reflection. It is both deep and light-hearted, with a warm community feeling and a calm vibe.” The public is invited to BYOF (Bring-Your-Own-Flashlight) to explore the bonsai by night. They can sip a cup of hot cocoa or coffee complements of Caffé D’arte and enjoy a sweet or savory crepe from Crisp Creperie Food Truck. Live acoustic music will fill the woods with soft sounds and add to the magical atmosphere. A pop-up Night Market will sell nature- and bonsai-themed gifts. Admission to the event and the museum is free. (Donations to support the museum are always appreciated). For those who would like to take home a memento, commemorative mugs will be available with a $10 donation to the museum.

Christmas Choral Program: Enjoy a free choral program at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. at Federal Way Church of the Nazarene, 1525 SW Dash Point Road. For more information, call 253-839-6085.

Dec. 19

The Women’s Club of Federal Way Luncheon: 11 a.m. at Twin Lakes Golf & Country Club, 3583 SW 320th St. Dust off your blue suede shoes to enjoy the delightful Danny Vernon as he brings Elvis, the King of Rock and Roll, to life as no one else does. It’s guaranteed that you’ll not sit still as you enjoy the fun of his great show. Cost for lunch is $15. Call 253-344-1240 by Dec. 16 for your reservation.

Dec. 24

Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service: All are invited to attend this free service from 6-6:30 P.M. at Federal Way Church of the Nazarene, 1525 SW Dash Point Road. For more information, call 253-839-6085.

Volunteer opportunities

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. 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. Contact Mike Stanley at 253-279-6443.

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.

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 safely 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.

Drivers Needed: Volunteer drivers are needed to transport elderly residents in King County. Contact 206-326-2800 or resource.I@ghc.org.

Ongoing

NativityShow – A Journey Through Time: Walk and witness the Christmas story of the birth of Jesus Christ. The nativity show consists of numerous scenes throughout the location, hot tea and apple cider is served as you wait for your tour, along with musical performances and a free photo booth to capture the holiday smiles. Come and experience the birth of Jesus Christ. Walk through the market, meet the shepherds and the Wise Men, look into the eyes of Herod, see live animals and much more. Free admission. Tours every 30 minutes starting at 7 p.m. on Dec. 20-21 and 6 p.m. Dec. 22 at 636 S. 330th St., Federal Way.

Library donations: Friends of the Federal Way Libraries is accepting donations of gently used books, DVDs and CDs at either Federal Way library. All proceeds benefit library programs. Tax receipts on request. The organization is a 501c.3 nonprofit.

Candy Cane Lane Holiday Gift Bazaar: Shop unique holiday gifts, decor and handcrafted items at the Candy Cane Lane Holiday Gift Bazaar on Thursday-Sunday through Dec. 16; and Monday-Sunday, Dec. 17-23. The gift bazaar has a new location this year inside the Sears building at The Commons in Federal Way. For vendor information, call 253-261-0207.

Tacoma City Ballet presents ‘The Nutcracker & The Tale of the Hard Nut’: Performances are at 2 p.m. Dec. 15, 16, 22 and 23; and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20-21 at the Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center. “The Nutcracker & The Tale of the Hard Nut,” a timeless holiday classic, first presented in 1892 in St. Petersburg, has entertained generations for well over a century. The story of “The Nutcracker,” now told in its entirety with the addition of The Tale of the Hard Nut, is presented alongside the traditional Russian “The Nutcracker” that features the historical scenery and costumes first seen by audiences in 1892. Tacoma City Ballet creates a glorious production filled with spectacular dancing, live orchestral music, grand scenery, and lavish costumes which will enchant your entire family this holiday season. For more information, call 253-835-7010 or visit fwpaec.org.

‘Rapunzel’ — A holiday pantomime: Centerstage Theatre presents its 11th annual pantomime “Rapunzel” through Sunday, Dec. 23. Take a beloved fairy tale and add some danceable pop music, astonishing routines and laughs for all ages — your holidays will never be the same. Centerstage is located at 3200 SW Dash Point Road, Federal Way. For more information, including show times, visit www.centerstagetheatre.com or call 253-661-1444.

Wild Waves Holiday with Lights: Join the Holiday with Lights celebration that features one million twinkling lights on select days Dec. 1-30 at Wild Waves in Federal Way. The festivities include a Toyland for kids. Play in a falling snow tent, write a letter to Santa, take pictures with Santa and hang out with Frosty & Rudolph and sing along to favorite holiday classics. For more information, including tickets, visit www.wildwaves.com.

South King Council of the Blind: Meets from 1-3 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month in the back room of Denny’s, 2132 S. 320th St. They’re a resource for people dealing with vision loss, their friends’ and families’ vision, or anyone interested in vision loss. Contact Gaylen Floyd at 253-217-9586 or gaylenfloy@gmail.com or Marlaina Lieberg at 1guidedog@gmail.com. Also visit southkingcounciloftheblind.org.

Bingo: Social bingo for all ages is held from 12:30 to 2 p.m. on Mondays and from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays at the Federal Way Senior Center, 4016 S. 352nd St. For more information, contact Char Ashcraft at shelleyp004@gmail.com or call 253-838-3604 or visit federalwayseniorcenter.org.

Talk Time Classes: Practice speaking English with other English language learners from 6:30 to 8 p.m. every Wednesday at the Federal Way Library, 34200 First Way S. Learn about American culture and meet people from around the world. Classes are free and participants can join at any time. Visit www.kcls.org or call 253-838-3668.

Seniors In Motion: Seniors in Motion is a senior exercise class at the Federal Way Senior Center, 4016 S. 352nd St. The class is held at 9:30 a.m. every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. The goal of the program is to focus on strengthening and conditioning the entire body. Participants will strengthen muscles, achieve better balance, improve overall body tone and enjoy a more positive self-image. Contact 253-838-3604.

Book Donations: The friends at Federal Way Library, 34200 First Way S. are collecting used books, magazines and DVDs in new or like-new condition to support library programming. Donations are tax deductible. Ask library staff for details.

Federal Way Domestic Violence Task Force: Meets from 12 to 1:30 p.m. the fourth Friday of every month at City Hall in the Hylebos Room. The organization works towards ending domestic violence. Contact Lana Mathew at 253-232-8096.

Cancer Patient and Caregiver Support Group: These professionally facilitated groups meet from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday of each month at Virginia Mason Medical Center, 33501 First Way S. Call Theresa Kelly at 206-709-1400 or email theresa@cancerpathways.org or visit cancerpathways.org.

Freedom From Tobacco Support Group: If you are thinking about quitting tobacco, trying to quit, or wanting help from a friend, the Freedom From Tobacco Free Weekly Support Group is here. The group meets from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Thursday at St. Francis Hospital, in the oncology waiting area. Call 253-426-6746.

One-on-One Computer Help: Library volunteers provide assistance with basic level computer and software questions at the Federal Way Library, 34200 First Way S. For dates and times, call 253-838-3668 or 253-839-0257.

English as a Second Language: Classes to learn English grammar, reading, writing and conversation skills with an experienced instructor will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. every Tuesday at the Federal Way Library, 34200 First Way S. Call Linda Faaren at 206-592-3670.

Legal Clinic: The King County Bar Association provides free 30-minute consultations with volunteer attorneys regarding civil legal issues from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Federal Way Library, 34200 First Way S. Attorneys cannot represent clients but can refer to other assistance. This event is available by appointment only. Call 206-267-7070 between 9 a.m. and noon, Tuesday through Thursday.

Spanish Story Time: A family program where all ages are welcome. Games, songs and crafts for children in the Spanish language are included. This event is from 7 to 7:30 p.m. every Wednesday until the end of August at the Federal Way Library, 34200 First Way S. For more information, visit kcls.org or call 253-839-0257.

Citizenship Class: Learn how to become a United States citizen from 6:30 to 8 p.m. every Wednesday at the Federal Way Library, 34200 First Way S. Study for the interview and exam, and practice reading, writing, listening, and speaking English in a friendly environment. For more information, visit www.kcls.org or call 253-838-3668.

Family Story Time: A family program for all ages with an adult from 7 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Federal Way Library, 34200 First Way S. For more information, visit www.kcls.org or call 253-838-3668.

Toddler Story Time: A family program for ages 2 to 3 years with an adult, from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. on Wednesdays at the Federal Way Library, 34200 First Way S. For more information, visit www.kcls.org or call 253-839-0257 or 253-838-3668.

Preschool Story Time: A family program for ages 3 to 6 with an adult from 11 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays at the Federal Way Library, 34200 First Way S. For more information, visit www.kcls.org or call 253-838-3668.

Young Toddler Story Time: A family program for ages 12 to 24 months with an adult from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. on Thursdays at the Federal Way Library, 34200 First Way S. For more information, visit www.kcls.org or call 253-838-3668.

Infant Story Time: A family program for newborns to 12 months with an adult from 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. on Fridays at the Federal Way Library, 34200 First Way S. Visit www.kcls.org or call 253-838-3668.

Study Zone: Drop-in during scheduled hours for free homework help from volunteer tutors at the Federal Way Library, 34200 First Way S. Visit www.kcls.org or call 253-838-3668.

Game On: For middle school, junior high and high school students. Come play gamecube, xbox and wii video games at the Federal Way Library, 34200 First Way S. in the meeting room. Snacks and drinks are provided. This takes place most Mondays from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Does not meet July 9 or 23.

Rotary Club of Federal Way: The Rotary Club of Federal Way holds meetings at 7:30 a.m. every Tuesday, and at 12:15 p.m. every Thursday at the Courtyard Marriott, 31910 Gateway Center Blvd S. Contact Layne Barndt at layne@nasvc.com or visit federalwayrotary.org.

Veterans of Foreign Wars: VFW Post 2886 meets at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month at the Federal Way Library on 320th Street. Contact Tom Leonard at thomasc29@msn.com or call 253-927-1615.

Morning Kiwanis Club: The Kiwanis Club of Greater Federal Way meeets at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesdays at Denny’s, 2132 S. 320th St. The first Tuesday of the month is an evening meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. Each person pays for his or her own meal. Info: info@greaterfederalwaykiwanis.org or greaterfederalwaykiwanis.org.

Lions Club: The Federal Way Lions Club meets at noon the first and third Tuesday of each month at Denny’s restaurant on 320th. Contact Bob Darrigan at 253-874-4282.

Noon Kiwanis Club: The Kiwanis Club of Federal Way meets from noon-1p.m. Wednesdays, with lunch service beginning at 11:30 a.m., at the Twins Lakes Golf and Country Club, 3583 SW 320th St. Dinner meetings are from 6:30 -7:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month, with dinner service starting at 6 p.m. Info: kiwanisclubfederalway@gmail.com or federalwaykiwanis.com.

Twin Lakes Toastmasters Club: The club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month at Brookdale Foundation House, 32290 First Ave. S. No membership is required, the club is open to all interested parties. Visit www.toastmasters.org or contact Don Everly Smith at Twinlakestoastmasters@gmail.com or call 425-241-4888.

Northwest Church Toastmasters Club: Northwest Church Toastmasters Club meets every Tuesday at 6:15 p.m. at Northwest Church, 34800 21st Ave. SW, Federal Way. No registration is required and it’s free. For more information, visit https://916914.toastmastersclubs.org.

WakeUp4Wealth: This business communications club meets from 7 to 8:15 a.m. on Fridays in the second floor training room of Keller Williams Realty, 33434 8th Ave. S. No membership required, the club is open to all interested parties. Visit www.toastmasters.org or contact Don Everly Smith at Twinlakestoastmasters@gmail.com or call 425-241-4888.

The St. Francis Hospital Auxiliary: Group meets at 6:30 p.m. with meetings beginning at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month in the Medical Office Building, located next to St. Francis Hospital. Call Andrea at 253-944-7960.

Crazy Quilters of Federal Way: This group meets from 7 to 9 p.m. the second Tuesday and fourth Thursday of every month at Avalon Care Center, 135 S. 336th Street. The Tuesday meeting is to discuss their program, and the one held on Thursday is to discuss business. Call 253-927-1260.