EVENTS

March 5

Kirkland Care Event: The Kirkland Care Event, sponsored by Redwood Hills Church, will help local families recieve help with food, clothing, resume training, ESL, fire safety and prevention, teen services and more. There will be activities and snacks for kids. The event runs from 12-3 p.m. March 5 at the North Kirkland Community Center, 12421 103rd Ave. N.E., Kirkland. For information, call 866-775-1662 or visit kirklandcareevent.com.

March 7

Kirkland Cachet Award: Join fellow members of Kirkland’s creative community for the presentation of the first annual Kirkland Cultural Council and Mayor’s Cachet Award from 5:30-7:30 p.m. March 7 at Heritage Hall, 203 Market St., Kirkland. Enjoy a musical performance by celebrated electric six-string violinist Geoffrey Castle and a special heritage presentation by Loita Hawkinson, Kirkland Heritage Society president. Light hors d’ oeuvres will be served. RSVP to Julie Huffman at jhuffman@ci.kirkland.wa.us or 425-587-3012.

March 11

Fighting Homelessness KITH Luncheon: Join KITH for its second annual luncheon to fight homelessness from 12-1:15 p.m. March 11 at The Woodmark Hotel, 1200 Carillon Point, Kirkland. Featuring keynote speaker Bill Block, project director, Committee to End Homelessness, a regional coalition hosted by King County. There is no cost for the luncheon. The suggested minimum donation is $100. For information, visit www.kithcares.org.

March 12

Family Nature Walk at Juanita Bay Park: Volunteers from Eastside Audubon will take families on a nature walk at Juanita Bay Park at 10 a.m. March 12. Meet at the informational board located at the lower end of the Juanita Bay parking lot (across from the fire station). Bring your children, grandchildren and the neighborhood kids to explore the wonderful world of birds, wetlands and wildlife. Dress for the weather and bring binoculars (if you have them) to get a closer look at migratory and year-round birds. Join us for part or all of the walk from 10 a.m. to noon. Volunteers will be there, rain or shine.

RCKD 4th Annual Crab Feed & Auction: The Rotary Club of Downtown Kirkland is hosting its 4th Annual Crab Feed & Auction at 5 p.m. March 12 at the Redmond Senior Center, 8703 160th Ave. N.E., Redmond. Tickets are $60. The event features an evening of fun, fund raising and entertainment, plus a silent auction, variety show, live auction and a crab feed. For information, visit www.rckd.org.

45th District Town Hall: Residents of the 45th Legislative District will have the opportunity to speak with State Sen. Andy Hill of Redmond and Reps. Larry Springer and Roger Goodman of Kirkland during a town hall from 10:30 a.m. to noon on March 12 at Woodinville City Hall, 17301 133rd Ave. N.E., Woodinville. The three legislators are eager to answer questions and share their thoughts on the current legislative session, now under way in Olympia.

March 20

Sleep Country USA’s 6th Annual Pajama Bowl: Whether your pajamas are striped or plaid, cozy or cool, footed or not, Sleep Country USA invites you  to roll out of bed and join your community in the company’s sixth annual Pajama Bowl for Foster Kids from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 20 at Tech City Bowl, 13033 N.E. 70th Place in Kirkland. The event will also be held at Acme Bowl and Billiards in Tukwila. Gather a team of five and register at the Totem Lake Sleep Country USA or online at www.pajamabowl.com. Each team will need to raise or donate a minimum of $250 to participate (that’s only $50 per person). All of the entry fees will be donated directly to the 16 Pacific Northwest foster children’s charities that Sleep Country USA supports.

ARTS

Blaubak Gallery March Show: Blaubak Gallery will feature nine modern artists in March, including Steven Smith, Maria Repetto, Bruce Greek, Kat Templeton, Margot Bird, Steve Gilbert, Michael Knutson, Christopher Arthur and Johnny O’Brady. The gallery is located at 168 Lake Street South, Kirkland. For information, call 425-250-8272.

Howard/Mandville Gallery: Featured artwork by artists Renato Muccillo and Kim Matthews Wheaton. Oil/panel artist Renato is from British Columbia and is firmly established with collectors in Canada, but relatively undiscovered in the U.S. Oil/linen artist Wheaton lives and works in the Columbia Basin region of Washington. View the artwork at the Howard/Mandville Gallery, located at 120 Park Lane, Suite D. For information, call 425-889-8212.

Kirkland Choral Society: With earthy 13th-century lyrics set to a bold and rhythmic 20th-century score, Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana” has entranced audiences for 75 years and become one of the most famous choral works of all time. Join Kirkland Choral Society, Cantaré Vocal Ensemble, Bellevue Chamber Chorus, and the Sammamish Symphony Orchestra at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 27, for a magnificent 170-voice performance of this iconic masterpiece in Seattle’s acclaimed Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., Seattle. Concert includes individual selections by each choir. Tickets are $25 advance purchase or $30 at the door. For information, visit KirklandChoralSociety.org or call 425-296-0612.

Parklane Gallery: Guest artist David Varnau offers his unique bronze sculptures through February at Parklane Gallery. Also, the gallery will present “Local Color,” a juried art show with local artists depicting local scenes, from March 8 through April 3. The gallery is located at 130 Park Lane, Kirkland. For information, call 425-827-1462.

Exploring Your Sketchbook Workshop: Explore your sketchbook with Larry Calkins, who just returned from Italy, where he explored the artworks of the masters. In this mixed media workshop you will learn how to get in the habit of drawing and creating a dialog with your sketchbook. Runs from 6-9 p.m. March 12-13 and March 16 at the Kirkland Arts Center. Cost is $170 members; $190 non-members. To register, call 425-822-7161 or visit www.kirklandartscenter.org.

Palette Knife Painting Workshop: If you like textured painting this class is for you. Happens from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 12-13 at the Kirkland Arts Center. Cost is $130 members; $150 non-members. To register, call 425-822-7161 or visit www.kirklandartscenter.org.

Sunday Life: Work from a live model during this drop-in drawing, painting or sculpting session that runs from 1-4 p.m. March 13 and 20 at the Kirkland Arts Center. Open to the community; registration not required. Cost is $8 model fee per session. For information, visit www.kirklandartscenter.org.

Early Music Fridays: A series of concerts covering more than 700 years and representing the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods, will be performed on Fridays in Kirkland. Early Music Fridays, presented by Northlake Unitarian Universalist Church and the Early Music Guild location, will be held at 8 p.m. at Northlake Unitarian Universalist Church, 308 4th Ave S, Kirkland. Tickets are $20 general, $15 seniors, $10 Students and NUUC members. They are available online, by phone, or at the door on the evening of the performances. Free parking is available in the church parking lot. More information is available at 206-325-7066 or www.earlymusicguild.org. The next concert is March 11 and features The Lonely & Broken Cellist: Music for Unaccompanied Cello from and inspired by the Baroque.

Skylight Open Studio: Kirkland Arts Center students and members are invited to enjoy free weekly drawing and painting sessions from 1-5 p.m. Fridays in the Skylight Room at the Kirkland Arts Center. For information, visit www.kirklandartscenter.org.

Artluck!: On the last Friday of each month, artists come to Kirkland Arts Center to share a meal, view new work, and discuss current art issues. Each month features a short presentation or exercises to boost creativity. Potluck begins at 6:30 p.m. at KAC, 620 Market St.

Kirkland Arts Center Store: This is the place for unique, affordable, quality work in 2-D, ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, fiber arts, glass, and more. Wonderful new work is arriving weekly in all mediums, so make this a regular stop for gifts, self-indulgence, and retail therapy. Conveniently located at the core of downtown Kirkland at 336 Parkplace, Kirkland Arts Center’s has store is open seven days a week, and offers art-making activities for kids and special in-store events. Store hours are Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information call 425-827-8219.

Live Guitarist: Guitarist Jake Olason takes requests from 7-10 p.m. every Wednesday at St. James Espresso, 355 Kirkland Ave. For information, visit www.kirklandsbestcoffee.com.

BOOKS

Poetry Night: Join featured poets, The Sisters of Poetry aka Erica Michael and Peggy Barnett, for an evening of poetry reading and open mic at 7 p.m. March 9 at Parkplace Books, 348 Parkplace Center. This is a great chance to read your own personal work and hear from some of our best local talent. Open to All.

Meet the Author: Shan-Tung Hsu, author of “The Essence of Tea,” an unusual combination of educational, poetic and inspirational view of the tea culture, will present a comprehensive picture of tea, its history and all its varieties at 7 p.m. March 10 at Parkplace Books, 348 Parkplace Center.

Meet the Author: Meet local author, Jane Li Fox as she discusses and signs copies of her inspirational new book, “When God Wears Fur,” along with her previous titles. These are little books filled with practical wisdoms that Fox has co-authored with two other authors. Happens from 2-4 p.m. March 12 at Parkplace Books, 348 Parkplace Center.

BUSINESS

Kirkland First: This free service offered by the City of Kirkland gives local businesses and consumers the opportunity to connect and do business locally. Kirkland businesses or non-profits are invited to create a free listing on the Web site or search for local Kirkland businesses quickly in one place, at Kirklandfirst.org. For information, contact Elizabeth Ordos at 425-587-3013.

CLASSES

Free Rain Garden Workshop: Join Stewardship Partners for this free evening workshop and learn how to build your own rain garden to help soak up rainwater from downspouts, driveways and sidewalks while protecting our local waterways. The workshop runs from 6-8 p.m. March 8 at Kirkland City Hall, Council Chambers, 123 Fifth Ave. Receive a free rain garden manual and additional materials. You can also start designing your own rain garden during the class. There will be opportunities to gain further hands-on experience by helping create rain gardens later in the summer. Advance registration appreciated b contacting Stacy at 206-292-9875 or e-mailing sg@stewardshippartners.org.

Intervention Classes: Residence XII is offering free intervention classes from 6:30-8 p.m. March 14 at 12029 113th Ave. N.E., Kirkland. Call 425-823-8844 to register.

Free Legal Clinics: Eastside Legal Assistance Program, a nonprofit that provides free and low-cost legal services in King County, announced that its volunteer attorneys are offering a free legal consultation clinic at the Kirkland/Northshore Hopelink. The clinics, which are designed to help low-income residents of east King County understand and assess civil legal issues, will take place twice a month. To make an appointment, call 425-747-7274.

Free Break Dancing for teens: Practice your freezes, flexes, spins, pops and locks and get rock-solid footwork as you develop your own unique break-style. Classes are held from 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Kirkland Teen Union Building. No previous dancing experience required. Visit www.ktub.org/programs/.

LIBRARY

The following programs happen at the Kirkland Library. For information, call 425-822-2459:

Fancy Dress Up Tea Party: The Kirkland Woman’s Club and the Kirkland Library invite children ages 4-12 to write a paragraph on “What the Library Means to Me.” The first 35 who submit their entries before March 15 will be invited to a Fancy Dress Up Tea Party at the Kirkland Woman’s Club in the afternoon of March 26. Entry forms are at the library.

Study Zone: Drop in during scheduled hours for free homework help from volunteer tutors. Runs from 1-3 p.m. March 6 and 5-7 p.m March 7, 9.

Toddler Story Time: Ages 2 and 3. Begins at 10 a.m. March 8.

Preschool Story Time: Happens at 11 a.m. March 8.

Hopelink ESL Lab: Come to the free lab to practice your English speaking or writing skills at 6:30 p.m. March 8.

Wonderful Ones Story Time: Happens at 10 a.m. March 9.

Family Story Time: Begins at 11 a.m. March 9.

Talk Time: Improve your speaking and listening skills in this English conversation group that meets at 5 p.m. March 9.

Evening Story Time: Ages 3-6 and their families. Meets at 7 p.m. March 9.

Chinese Language Story Time: Ages 2-6 and families. Happens at 11 a.m. March 10.

Great Singers: Practically every great opera singer in the world sang at the Met in the 1940s. Three of the greatest stars at the Met were the adorable Brazilian soprano, Bidu Sayao, the stalwart American baritone, Leonard Warren, and the dazzling French coloratura, Lily Pons. In these three lectures, Norm Hollingshead will explore why these singers still thrill the hearts of opera lovers. Hollingshead will illustrate his commentary with recorded excerpts from his own collection of recordings, many quite rare. Happens at 1:30 p.m. March 10, 17 and 24 in the meeting room.

French Story Times: Ages 2-6 and families. Happens at 11 a.m. March 11.

SUPPORT GROUPS

GFWC Kirkland Woman’s Club: The woman service organizations meets twice a month at noon the first Thursday of each month (even days, pot luck; odd days, lunch is served) and 1 p.m. the third Thursday of each month for coffee and dessert at the Kirkland Woman’s Club, 407 First St., Kirkland. For reservations, call 425-829-7720.

Eastside The Compassionate Friends: For any parent who has experienced the death of a child, at any age, from any cause. The group meets the second Thursday of every month from 7:30-9:30 p.m. at the Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, 10021 N.E. 124th St., Kirkland. For information, call 425-325-0357.

The Eastside Welcome Club: Meets the first Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. in members homes and on various days of the month for other activities and outings. If you are new to the area and want to meet new people and join in different interests and social groups, please contact Sharon at 425-836-9224.

Kirkland Moms Network: An on-line support group for stay-at-home moms (or dads) who live in or near the Kirkland area. The group meets several times a month for outings and play dates. For more information, visit http://kirklandmomsnetwork.groupsite.com.

Overeaters Anonymous: Meets at 7 a.m. Tuesday at Bellevue Alamo Club, 12302 N.E. 8th St. All are welcome.

Bellevue Women’s Club: A support group where you can make new friends on the Eastside who have similar interests and participate in activities you enjoy, including Bridge, Pinochle, Bunco, book club, theater group and more. Monthly luncheons and programs are held on the third Wednesdays of every month at various times and places. For information, call Jan at 425-391-1135.

ONGOING

Permanent Renter: Northlake UU Church is looking for a permanent renter to use the historic Greens Chapel on Wednesday nights. The group needs to be a non-profit. What a great place for community dancing, movies, potlucks or a coffee house. For information, contact Joie Goodwin at 425-829-7720.

Free Assessments: Residence XII, a non-profit alcohol and chemical dependency treatment center for women and their families in Kirkland, offers free assessments to women who are considering seeking treatment for their addictions. Residence XII’s assessment and referral counselors are available 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday-Friday. To make an appointment, call 425-823-8844 or 800-776-5944. To learn more about what the assessment entails, visit www.residencexii.org/assessment.html.

VOLUNTEER

Eastside Community Aid Thrift Shop: ECA is an all-volunteer non-profit organization that raises money through its thrift shop. All profits are  donated back into the Eastside community through grants. No experience needed. Fun way to give back to your immediate community. Open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Volunteer a couple of hours, half a day or all day once a week. Call or visit ECA Thrift Shop at 12451 116th Ave. N.E., Kirkland. For information, call 425-825-1877.

Elementary School Speedwatch: Volunteers “adopted” a local elementary school and monitor car speeds during flexible morning and afternoon shifts (minimum of one shift per week). Volunteers are trained to use hand-held radar units and record license plate numbers for speeding vehicles. Vehicle owners receive a friendly reminder from the Kirkland Police Department to drive at safe and legal speeds in school zones. E-mail Julie Huffman jhuffman@ci.kirkland.wa.us or call 425-587-3012 for an application.

Peter Kirk Senior Center Coffee Barista: A volunteer is needed to tend the coffee bar at the Peter Kirk Community Center from 8 a.m. to noon Wednesdays and Fridays. Just make the coffee, set out the pastries and then enjoy the company of seniors. To apply, fill out the online on-going application: www.ci.kirkland.wa.us/depart/CMO/Volunteering/volapp_Ongoing.htm.

Domestic Abuse Response Team: The Kirkland Police Department is recruiting volunteers for their Domestic Abuse Response Team. The DART program is a partnership between local law enforcement and the community to address and prevent domestic violence. Training will be provided. Volunteers are needed weekday and weekend evenings, a minimum of one shift and one meeting per month, for a minimum of one year. For information, call Julie Huffman at 425-587-3012 or e-mail jhuffman@ci.kirkland.wa.us.

Super Scoopers: Are you interested in helping to keep City of Kirkland parks clean and healthy? Do you like talking with people? Join the “Super Scoopers” to help educate dog walkers on the importance of cleaning up after their pets. Volunteer training and materials are provided. To volunteer, please contact Betsy Adams (425-587-3858 or badams@ci.kirkland.wa.us).

Drivers Needed: The Group Health Transportation Assistance 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. Volunteers do not need to be Group Health members. For information, contact Lisa Hirohata at 206-326-2815 or hirohata.l@ghc.org.

Kirkland Arts Center: KAC relies on volunteers with all skill levels for special events, gallery, outreach, and arts education programs. Interested persons should contact Ashley Baldonado, volunteer coordinator, at 425-822-7161.

Kirkland Performance Center: Each performance at KPC is staffed with volunteers who help take tickets/ usher, manage concessions and assist with pre- and post-performance needs. Front of house volunteering at KPC is a great way to see shows and become more involved in the community. Visit www.kpcenter.org/volunteer.htm to sign up, or for further information about ushering or other front of house duties, please contact the Box Office Manager at info@kpcenter.org.

Evergreen Hospice and Palliative Care: Volunteers are needed to serve patients and families throughout King and Snohomish counties. The hospice and palliative care volunteers provide service to the patient and family by providing companionship, life review, compassionate presence, light household help, running errands, or providing respite so the primary caregiver can have a break. To learn more about the volunteer program, call 425-899-1040 and/or apply online at the Evergreen Healthcare website at www.evergreenhealthcare.org/hospice.

MEETINGS

Seattle Area Soaring Society: Do you have an interest in remote control model sailplanes? Seattle Area Soaring Society (SASS) club meetings are open to anyone with an interest in radio control soaring. Come and see what this hobby is all about during a meeting from 6:30-9 p.m. March 8 at Lakeview Elementary School gym. This meeting will feature model building and flying tips, members’ show-and-tell of current projects, a raffle of the sought after Horizon Hobbies/JR 9503 new computer radio transmitter and receiver, other soaring related items, and a unique auction of items recently donated by a retired SASS member. The OSSA is a community of enthusiasts with a passion for all forms of remote control soaring. For information, visit www.seattleareasoaringsociety.com.

Puget Sound OSSA: Puget Sound OSSA (Office Support Services Association) will sponsor its next meeting from 6:45-8:30 p.m. March 9 at the Bellevue Regional Library, Room No. 4. Puget Sound office support personnel and business owners are invited to attend free. Contact Ann Baus at kdbusinessservices@yahoo.com or 206-988-1877 for more information. Also visit www.ossa-wa.org.

Kiwanis Club of Kirkland: The group meets from 12-1:15 p.m. every Wednesday at the Crab Cracker in Kirkland. The global organization of volunteers is dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. For information, visit www.kirklandkiwanis.org or contact Bill Petter at 425- 827-8277.

Rotary Club of Kirkland Downtown: Weekly meetings held on Tuesday mornings at the Crab Cracker restaurant in Kirkland begin with coffee, conversation and a buffet breakfast at 7:15 a.m. For information, visit www.RCKD.org.

Rotary Club of Kirkland: The club meets at 6:15 p.m. Mondays at the Woodmark Hotel, 1200 Carillon Point. For information, contact Barb Seaton at: tbseaton@comcast.net or 206-782-3815.

Weekly Roundtable: Join community members to discuss “Local Perspectives on Market Uncertainty: How are we feeling about the markets and why.” The group will informally discuss how volatility in the markets affects each of us, and participants can share ways for others to feel positive about making decisions during turbulent times. Open to all over 21, but sign-up required as room space is limited to six each week. The free roundtable runs at 6 p.m. Wednesdays at 2205 Carillon Point, Kirkland. Call Chris at 425-766-8797.

Kirkland Eclectics: Kirkland Eclectics, a Toastmaster Club, meets from 7-9 p.m. Thursday evenings at Merrill Gardens Retirement Community, 201 Kirkland Avenue in downtown Kirkland. Guests are welcome! For information, contact Paul Yarbrough at 425-822-1428.

Eastside Genealogical Society: 7 p.m. the second Thursday of the month. All are welcome to attend and learn how to search for family. Also free genealogical help available: 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays and 1-3 p.m. Wednesdays. All at Bellevue Regional Library, NE 12th St and 110th Ave. NE, Bellevue.

Job’s Daughters: The organization seeks girls 10-18 years old to join the youth organization of Job’s Daughters. New friendships, leadership and fun. Call for more information: 425-821-3992.

Soroptimist International Bellevue-Metro: Business meeting is at 6 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month. Call for location. Program meeting is at noon the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Bellevue Library, 1111 10th Ave. N.E., Bellevue. For information, call Sherry Schuler, 425-614-2749.

CITY MEETINGS

Houghton Community Council: Meets the fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m., City Hall.

Design Review Board: Meets the first and third Monday of each month at 7 p.m., Kirkland City Hall.For information, call 425-587-3229.

Lodging Tax Advisory Committee: For meeting information, call 425-587-3001.

Ethics Task Force: Meets at 4 p.m. the first and third Monday of each month at Kirkland City Hall, Houghton Room. For information, call 425-587-3030.

Amateur Radio Emergency Services: Meets the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. Meeting location varies at fire stations. For information, call 425-587-3630.

King County Fire District No. 41 Commissioners Meeting: Meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 3 p.m., 520 Kirkland Way, Suite 400. For information, call 425-587-3662.

City Council: Meets first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m., City Hall Council Chambers. Study sessions are typically conducted prior to the regular meeting and begin at 6 p.m. and held in the Peter Kirk Room. For agendas, go to: www.ci.kirkland.wa.us/depart/council/Agendas.htm. Call: 425-587-3190.

Planning Commission: Meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 7 p.m., City Hall Council Chambers. For information, call 425-587-3227. For agendas, visit www.ci.kirkland.wa.us/depart/Planning/Planning_Commission.htm.

Park Board: Meets the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m., City Hall Council Chambers. For information, call 425-587-3310.

Kirkland Youth Council: Meets the second and fourth Monday of each month at 6:45-8:30 p.m., City Hall. Call: 425-587-3323

Kirkland Cultural Council: Meets the third Wednesday of each month at 4 p.m., City Hall. Call: 425-587-3014.

Civil Service Commission: Meets the second Tuesday of each month at 4 p.m., City Hall. Call: 425-587-3218.

Transportation Commission: Meets the fourth Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m., City Hall. Call: 425-587-3865. Agenda information available: www.ci.kirkland.wa.us.

Kirkland Library Board: Meets the third Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m., Kirkland Library, 308 Kirkland Ave.

Kirkland Senior Council: Meets the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m., Peter Kirk Community Center. Call: 425-587-3361.

Parking Advisory Board: Meets the first Thursday of each month at 7:30-9:30 a.m., City Hall. Call: 425-587-3871.

Hearing Examiner: Holds hearings the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. and the third Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. at City Hall (unless otherwise posted). For information, call 425-587-3225. Agenda information available: www.ci.kirkland.wa.us

Human Services Advisory Committee: Meets as needed. For information, call 425-587-3322.

LEOFF Disability Board: Meets every other month on the third Tuesday, 4:30 p.m., City Hall. Call: 425-587-3217.

Civil Service Commission: Meets the second Tuesday of each month at 4 p.m., City Hall. Call: 425-587-3218.