UPCOMING EVENTS

Library expansion: A public meeting regarding the Federal Way Regional Library expansion will run 6:30 to 8 p.m. Jan. 31 at the library, 34200 1st Way S. The public can review and offer input about the preliminary design for the proposed expansion. Call (425) 369-3487 or visit www.kcls.org/yourlibraryinvestment/.

U.S. elections: A free public screening of the film “Uncounted” will begin at 5 p.m. Jan. 27 at the Federal Way Regional Library, 34200 1st Way S. This controversial film by Emmy award-winning director David Earnhardt examines how easy it is to change election outcomes and undermine election integrity across the U.S. Discussion to follow. Information for Feb. 9 caucuses will be available at this screening. For information, visit FederalWayMatters.org

Tax help: This tax season, as in seasons past, Multi-Service Center will offer free tax preparation services through the United Way program for people who have low- to moderate-incomes, requiring basic individual tax returns. IRS-certified, volunteer tax preparers will be on hand Wednesday and Thursday evenings from Jan. 16 to April 10 at Multi-Service Center, 1200 S. 336th St., Federal Way. Volunteers will meet with individuals between 5 and 8 p.m. While no appointment is necessary, the wait time for this service is much shorter earlier in the tax season. The service will include electronic filing for faster refunds. To learn more, call (877) 211-9274.

Money and retirement: The Woodmark At Steel Lake is hosting the weekly live radio broadcast “Money and Retirement” from 10 to 11 a.m. Jan. 26 at the facility, 31200 23rd Ave. S. The program, which airs on KTTH 770-AM, is hosted by Washington Elder Care, a nonprofit organization headed by local attorney Rajiv Nagaich. The broadcast is dedicated to subjects of interest to the aging population. The public is welcome to attend. To learn more, call (800) 465-8770 or (253) 941-5859.

Swing with the symphony: Federal Way Symphony will host a swing concert at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2 and 2 p.m. Feb. 3 at St. Luke’s, 515 S. 312th St., Federal Way. The Swing Band, comprised of members of the Federal Way Symphony Orchestra in swing band configuration, performs under the direction of the orchestra’s timpanist, Todd Zimberg. Saxophonist Darren Motamedy is guest soloist. The Swing Band plays favorites by George and Ira Gershwin, Cole Porter and Ray Noble. Motamedy features composers Duke Ellington, Johnny Green, Benny Goodman, Sammy Nestico as well as his own composition, “Rosa.” Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for seniors (65 and older); students 18 and under are admitted free. For tickets, call (253) 529-9857 or visit www.federalwaysymphony.org.

Hip-hop: The EX3 Ron Sandwith Teen Center is offering hip-hop dance classes starting in February. Advanced and beginner classes are held throughout the week and are taught by award-winning instructor Sharde Bullard, who was captain of several of the Todd Beamer High School state champion dance teams. Classes are open to ages 8-18. To learn more, call (253) 681-6500.

Give blood: Cascade Regional Blood Services especially needs blood donations during the winter months. 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.

Blood donors: Blood supplies in the region have dropped to emergency levels. 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.

Driver safety: AARP driver safety training will run 6 to 10 p.m. Jan. 28-29 at the Auburn Senior Center, 808 9th St. SE. Cost is $10 per person. Call Marilyn at (253) 815-1975.

Fire board: The South King Fire and Rescue board of commissioners will hold a special meeting of the board at the Joint Chiefs and Commissioners Legislative Day in Olympia. This meeting will take place 8:30 to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 24 in Olympia, in the Columbia Room. No action will be taken at this meeting.

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. Visit FederalWayMatters.org.

Democrat caucus: At 1 p.m. Feb. 9, the Washington State Democrats will meet in caucus to chose the precinct delegates and to vote for their choice for the Democratic Party presidential candidate. Your precinct number is on your Voter ID card. To find your caucus location, visit www.30thdemocrats.com/html/issues.html.To learn more, call (253) 661-2287 or e-mail chair@30thdemocrats.com.

Republican caucus: The caucus for 30th District Republicans will begin at 1 p.m. Feb. 9. To find the location of your caucus, visit http://www.kcgop.org/caucus_locator.html and enter your precinct number from your Voter ID card. To learn more, contact Walt Schrader at (253) 839-8048 or the King County Republican Party at (425) 990-0404.

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. What life-altering events have you survived, enjoyed, regretted or lived to brag about? What unique and valuable information will be gone when you are gone. Meetings run 12:45 to 2 p.m. Wednesdays. No charge. To learn more, call (253) 838-3604.

Used book sale: The EX3 Ron Sandwith Teen Center, a participant in Federal Way’s Literacy Month festivities, will hold its used book sale 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 8 at The Commons mall to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Federal Way. Hundreds of quality used books will be available. Prices range from 50 cents to $2 with quantity discounts of 3 for $1 paperbacks, 6 for $10 hardbacks and 6 for $5 softbacks.Donations of used books are being accepted at the following locations: Federal Way Mirror, 1414 S. 324th St., Suite B210; The EX3 Ron Sandwith Teen Center, 31453 28th Ave. S.; and the Boys and Girls Club of Federal Way, 30815 8th Ave. S. More donation sites will be available soon. To learn more, call (253) 681-6500 or visit www.ex3live.com.

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. To learn more, e-mail tricias@multi-servicecenter.com or call (253) 838-6810, ext. 115.

Volunteer tax counselors: 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 age 60 and older and to low- and middle-income taxpayers. Volunteers are trained using IRS-provided training material and tax preparation software. Computer skills are required; in Washington state, most tax returns are filed electronically. Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are welcome. Counselors are expected to work at least four hours a week. Tax service takes place during the Feb. 1-April 15 filing season at several local sites. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/taxaide or call (800) 687-2277.

Buying a home: The Washington Homebuyer’s Association is holding free seminars for the first-time homebuyer wanting to obtain certification from the Washington State Housing Finance Commission. The goal is to make it possible to turn a dream of home ownership into reality. To register, call (253) 682-1157 or go to www.whba.org.

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 at senior center: 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 senior center is at 4016 S. 352nd St. in Auburn. For more information, call Rusty Ford at (253) 838-3604.

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.

Local artists: Calvary Lutheran Church in Federal Way has a display area to feature art of local artists. The area works well for display of paintings and gets much viewing by different people who use the facility at 2415 S. 320th St. To learn more, call (253) 839-0344 or e-mail office@calvary-elca.org.

GROUPS

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.

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.

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. The next club meeting will be Feb. 14.

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.

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.

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.

Cats: Top Cats 4-H Club is designed to teach Federal Way children how to care for and show their cats. To learn more, 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.

Poets Society: Do you write poetry and/or song lyrics? Those interested are invited to participate in the free Federal Way Poets Society. All ages and styles are welcome. Contact Bill at (253) 839-4304 after noon.

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.

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. To learn more, call Lori Argyle at (253) 941-7821.

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 hosts its luncheon monthly at the Twin Lakes Golf and Country Club. For reservations or to learn more, call (253) 952-8870.

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.

Business Network International: The Business Network International (BNI) group meets 11:15 a.m. each Tuesday at the Village Green Retirement Center, located at 35419 1st Ave. S., Federal Way. Visitors to these ongoing meetings are welcome. For more information, call (253) 569-0411.

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) 927-7126. 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.

CLASSES AND SEMINARS

Free ESL Conversation: Learn and practice English with free classes 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Saltwater Unitarian Universalist Church, 25701 14th Place S., Des Moines. Childcare is available. To learn more, call (253) 839-5200, e-mail esl@saltwaterchurch.org or visit www.saltwaterchurch.org/esl.

Beginning Hebrew: The Community Synagogue, located at 25701 14th Place S. in Des Moines, hosts biweekly adult beginning Hebrew classes. For more information, call (253) 946-4406.

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

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.