MARCH EVENTS

Stand for peace: To commemorate the sixth anniversary of the war in Iraq, citizens will gather between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. March 19 at the intersection of South 320th Street and Pacific Highway South in Federal Way. For more information, visit FederalWayMatters.org.

Free health seminars: A free seminar will run 7 to 8 p.m. March 19 at Quality Inn, 1400 S. 348th St., Federal Way. Topics include heart health, cholesterol and hypertension. To register, call (253) 839-4100.

Video games: The Federal Way 320th Library will become an arcade at 4 p.m. March 19 and 26 for GameCube XBox and Wii video games. Snacks and drinks included. Call (253) 839-0257 or visit www.kcls.org.

Hazardous waste: A wastemobile will collect household hazardous waste from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 20-22 at The Commons mall, at S. 320th Street and Pacific Highway South in Federal Way. Call (206) 296-4692.

Recycling: A recycling event will run 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 21 at the Twin Lakes Park and Ride, at 21st Avenue SW and SW 344th Street in Federal Way. Call (253) 835-2771.

Financial workshops: Woodstone Credit Union is holding a series of free financial workshops for teens. The series consists of five sessions and all participants will receive a complimentary workbook. Topics include financial planning, budgeting, investing, debt and security. The workshops run 3:30 to 5 p.m. March 26, April 9, April 23 and May 7 at 1825 S. 316th St. in Federal Way. To register, call (253) 925-6879.

Story times for all ages: Federal Way 320th Library, 848 S. 320th St., will host several free programs for all ages in March. Programs include Spanish story times, toddler story times, preschool story times and Fantastic Friday story times. For times and dates, call (253) 839-0257 or visit www.kcls.org.

Fire board in 2009: South King Fire and Rescue commissioner meetings will be 4 p.m. March 19, April 16, May 19, June 18, July 16, Aug. 20, Sept. 17, Oct. 19, Nov. 17 and Dec. 17 at Station 68, 1405 SW 312th St., Federal Way.

Yurtfolk: At 2:30 p.m. March 21, this traveling family of performers will sing multicultural songs from around the world. And they really do live in a yurt! Event will be held at the Federal Way 320th Library, 848 S. 320th St. Sponsored by the Friends of the Federal Way Libraries. For ages 3 and older. Call (253) 839-0257 or visit www.kcls.org.

Preschool: Federal Way Co-op Preschool will host an open house 5 to 7 p.m. March 23 at Federal Way United Methodist Church, 29645 51st Ave. S., Auburn. Children are welcome to attend. Now enrolling ages 2 to 5 years. Call (253) 486-7949.

Open house: Christian Faith School will hold an open house 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. March 22 at 33645 20th Avenue South in Federal Way. Meet faculty and staff, tour the facilities, and get a first-hand look at the new accommodations located within Christian Faith Center. Refreshments will be served, and there will be drawings. Call (253) 943-2500 or visit www.ChristianFaithSchool.com.

Town hall: Federal Way Mayor Jack Dovey and local service clubs will host a town hall meeting 6:30 p.m. March 25 at the Federal Way Community Center, 876 S. 333rd St. Call (253) 835-6900.

Romance author: Historical romance author Sharol Louise (“Secret Bride”) will meet readers and sign books noon to 3 p.m. March 28 at Borders Books at The Commons mall in Federal Way. Free and open to the public. Visit www.SharolLouise.com or call (253) 946-5877.

Navigate the future: Highline Community College will host a free public workshop, “Steps to finding a career in a down economy,” at the main campus, 2400 S. 240th St., Building 99, Des Moines. Workshops include “Tips for a successful interview,” 9:30 to 11 a.m. March 31. To learn more, call (206) 878-3710, ext. 3812, or e-mail hrstaff@highline.edu.

APRIL EVENTS

Book discussion: At 7 p.m. April 8 at the Federal Way 320th Library, the Multicultural Book Group will discuss “The Last Report on the Miracles at Little No Horse” by Louise Edrich This fictional narrative describes the life of Father Damien, a woman living as a man, among the Ojibwe Indians. Visit www.kcls.org.

Easter Egg Hunt: Grace Lutheran Church will host a free Easter Egg Hunt at 10 a.m. April 11 at 22975 24th Ave. S., Des Moines. For all kids up to fifth grade. Thousands of stuffed eggs, refreshments, games, crafts, prizes and face painting. Call (206) 878-2460.

Breakfast for Kids: Federal Way/Auburn Boys and Girls Clubs along with the EX3 Ron Sandwith Teen Center will host the 17th annual Breakfast for Kids at 7:30 a.m. April 14 at Emerald Downs in Auburn. To RSVP, e-mail spuariea@positiveplace.org.

Trail and park cleanups: A volunteer cleanup of the BPA Trail and various neighborhood parks will run 9 a.m. to noon April 18 at the trail, 1100 S. 324th St., Federal Way. A sand removal and bark replacement will run 9 a.m. to noon April 18 at Saghalie Park, 33914 19th Ave. SW. E-mail scott.pingel@cityoffederalway.com.

Lakota Creek: A cleanup of Lakota Creek in Federal Way will run 9 a.m. to noon April 25. Meet at the Decatur High School parking lot, 2800 SW 320th St. E-mail scott.pingel@cityoffederalway.com.

Earth Day Fair: The King County Housing Authority Americorps team and Federal Way Public Schools Americorps team, in conjunction with Washington State Parks, are hosting a free public Earth Day Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 24 at Saltwater State Park in Des Moines. “Be Water Wise” is the theme. E-mail saltwaterearthday@gmail.com to learn more.

Navigate the future: Highline Community College will host a free public workshop, “Steps to finding a career in a down economy,” from 2 to 3:30 p.m. April 14 at the main campus, 2400 S. 240th St., Building 99, Des Moines. Other workshops include “Cover letters and resumes” from 9 to 10:30 a.m. April 21; “Tips for a successful interview,” 2 to 3:30 p.m. April 28; and “How to access unemployment benefits” from 2 to 3:30 p.m. April 7 and 9:30 to 11 a.m. May 5. To learn more, call (206) 878-3710, ext. 3812, or e-mail hrstaff@highline.edu.

Beer Wars: “Beer Wars” is a documentary film about the billion-dollar brewing business and your favorite beers. Showing will be 8 p.m. April 16 at Century Theatres at The Commons mall in Federal Way. A live panel discussion will follow, hosted by Ben Stein. To learn more, visit www.FathomEvents.com.

Spring fashion show: A spring fashion show will run 6 p.m. April 24 and 1 p.m. April 25 at The Commons mall, S. 320th Street and Pacific Highway South in Federal Way. View the latest trends in spring fashion for 2009. Seeking new talent and sponsors. The event is planned, organized and coordinated by local high school students. To learn more, e-mail talent@nwcustomdesigns.com or call (206) 249-8131. Also visit www.cfpedu.org/fashion.html

MAY EVENTS

Letter Carrier Food Drive: The annual Letter Carrier Food Drive will be May 9. Local proceeds will benefit the Federal Way Food Bank. To learn more, volunteer or donate, call Kevin Gottlieb at (253) 927-8101.

For foster parents: On May 14, Olive Crest Homes and Services for Abused Children will host a celebratory luncheon featuring an inspirational talk by foster and adoption expert Doug Sauder, author of “The One Factor.” Sauder will also honor local foster parents from Auburn, Kent and Federal Way. “The Power of One Luncheon” will run 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Truitt Building, 102 W. Main St. in Auburn. The event marks National Foster Parent Appreciation Month. Tickets are $20 each, or $160 for a table of eight. Call (425) 462-1612, Ext. 1312 or visit www.olivecrest.org.

Marine Science Camp: Highline Community College’s Marine Science and Technology (MaST) Center will host its free annual Summer on the Sound Marine Science Camp. Deadline to apply is May 29. Campers spend a week during the summer on Redondo Beach learning through hands-on activities about ecology, geology, oceanography, marine biology and water quality. The two camp sessions are 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. July 20-24 for ages 7-10, and 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Aug. 17-21 for ages 11-13. Visit http://flightline.highline.edu/mast/summercamp.htm or call Chris Gan at (206) 878-3710, Ext. 3695, or e-mail cgan@highline.edu.

JUNE EVENTS

Crab Feed and Auction: The eighth annual Multi-Service Center Crab Feed and Auction will run 6 to 11 p.m. June 20 at the King County Aquatic Center, 650 SW Campus Drive, Federal Way. The signature fundraising event for Multi-Service Center and includes all-you-can-eat crab, Caesar salad, assorted pizzas, complimentary wine and beer, silent auction, raffle, table decorating contest, live auction and karaoke. Tickets are $50 per person, age 21 and over only. Contact Tricia Schug at (253) 835-7678, ext. 104, or tricias@multi-servicecenter.com.

HAPPENINGS

Relay for Life: The next Relay for Life event to benefit the American Cancer Society will be July 25-26 at Saghalie Middle School in Federal Way. For details, visit www.federalwayrelay.com or e-mail Dick Mayer at rcmayer8@msn.com.

MLK video: A video of the 2009 MLK Celebration for Federal Way is up on the city’s Web site: www.cityoffederalway.com. You can view it at the above link under “In the Spotlight” or on the Diversity Commission’s page under Board and Commissions.

Tax aide: The local AARP Tax-Aide Program provides free personal income tax preparation and counseling, with special attention to those ages 60 and older and to low- and middle-income taxpayers. Tax service takes place through April 15 at several local sites. To volunteer, visit www.aarp.org/taxaide or call (888) 687-2277.

Singing and acting: Knutzen Family Theatre’s Holly Rose offers private lessons in singing and acting. Lessons are $40/hr for individual lessons. Call (206) 854-2638.

Cat volunteers: Join the King County Animal Care and Control Volunteer Team at Federal Way PetSmart. Requirements: Once a week, two hours minimum, six-month commitment, providing loving care, playing and brushing the cats and cleaning their cages. Contact Dee Cordell at (206) 296-3946 or www.kingcounty.gov. Applications are also available at PetSmart by the adoption room.

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.

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.

Holistic Moms Network: The South King County Chapter of Holistic Moms Network meets at 7 p.m. every fourth Tuesday at the Maple Valley Community Center, 22010 SE 248th St., Maple Valley. HMN is a non-profit support and discussion network for moms with an interest in natural/holistic and alternative health and parenting. Visit www.holisticmoms.org or call (425) 413-0996 or e-mail julie@juliemama.com.

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.