EVENTS

April 16

Spring Craft Fair: The Spring Craft Fair runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 16 at BEST High School, 10903 N.E. 53rd St. Free and open to the public. Crafters and vendors are wanted! Apply online at www.lwsd.org/best. All proceeds going to support BEST ASB activities. For information, call 425-936-2300.

April 20

A Legacy for Learning Luncheon: The Lake Washington Schools Foundation’s sixth annual A Legacy for Learning luncheon will take place at 11 a.m. April 20 at Juanita High School. The luncheon raises money for Foundation programs, which benefit students throughout the Lake Washington School District. This year’s keynote speaker will be Dr. Bonnie J. Dunbar, former president and CEO of the Museum of Flight and an astronaut with five space missions. The luncheon and program start at 11:30 a.m. and end promptly at 12:30. Lunch is complimentary; there is a suggested minimum donation of $150. Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are available. For information, go to www.lwsf.org or call 425-936-1414.

ARTS

Bach Out of the Box: It is a rare pleasure to hear J.S. Bach’s St. John Passion, in Seattle much less the Eastside. It is an even rarer pleasure to both hear and see it performed as drama, complete with theatrically-styled staging and lighting. That is exactly what Master Chorus Eastside and their artistic director, Dr. Linda Gingrich, plan to do with Bach’s masterwork during a performance at 3 p.m. March 27 at the Kirkland Performance Center. For tickets, call the Master Chorus Eastside office at 425-392-8446. For information, visit www.masterchoruseastside.org.

Second Saturday Contradance: A new community dance series will be held every second Saturday at the Juanita Community Club, 13027 100th Ave. The evening will be primarily contradances – a social dance form originally from New England. Dances are presented by a caller with a live band of traditional folk musicians. A walk-through is provided for each dance. Attending with a partner is not necessary. Beginner contradance instruction starts at 7:30 p.m. and the dance gets into full swing by 8 p.m. Free ice cream is provided during the break. Admission is $8 at the door; $4 for student with an ID. Info www.folkhorizons.org or 425-605-0804. Folk Horizons is a non-profit organization.

Gaylen Hansen: March will be the final month in which to view the three big Gaylen Hansen paintings on display at the Kirkland Library.

Call to Artists: The public is invited to participate in NonStop Clay’s Summer Solstice Ceramic Art Sale to be held at the Happy Valley Grange in Redmond the weekend of June 18-19. Application deadline is April 8. NonStop Clay is a new venture, started by Betsy Smith, to produce ceramic art shows. The Happy Valley Grange sale will be the inaugural event supporting up to 30 artists. Demonstrations will be scheduled throughout the show, including Sogetsu Ikebana and Raku firing. For information, contact Betsy Smith at 425-681-4157.

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 through April 3. The gallery is located at 130 Park Lane, Kirkland. For information, call 425-827-1462.

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 April 29 and features Cinnamon Bird with special guest Kane Mathis.

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

Meet the Author: Meet local author Janie Li Fox as she signs copies of her inspirational new book, “When God Wears Fur,” from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 2 at Petco, 12040 N.E. 85th St., Kirkland.

Knit Too Readers: The group will discuss “Peace Like a River” by Leif Enger at 3 p.m. March 27 at Parkplace Books. Open to all.

Meet the Author: Meet Robin Oliveira, author of “My Name is Mary Sutter” at 7 p.m. March 31 at Parkplace Books.

Take Time to Read Book Cover Walking Tour: Placed by the King County Library System (KCLS) in collaboration with community organizations and local businesses, more than 100 literary artworks will mark the first-ever book cover walking tour in Kirkland that runs through May 30. These outdoor community galleries of book art and audio narrative is an innovative way for the public to interact and engage with books and reading in a surprising, fun way. An interactive map of book cover locations and audio access codes will be available at www.kcls.org/taketimetoread. The Take Time to Read program is sponsored by the King County Library System Foundation.

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 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/.

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 “adopt” 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

Singles Golf Group: Hey single golfers. Have you been missing opportunities to play a variety of great courses while meeting new people and having fun? The group is looking for golfers of every level and age to join them and experience a lot of good tee times and a variety of people who love the game as much as you. The ASGA (American Single Golf Association) holds monthly dinner meetings on the second Tuesday of each month at The Big Fish Grill, 10426 Northup Way, Kirkland. For information, e-mail singlesgolf.com or call 206-444-4055.

National Charity League: Learn about the newly formed Emerald City Chapter of the National Charity League from 10-11:30 a.m. March 31 at the Microsoft Store in Bellevue Square. Also meets from 4-6:30 p.m. April 3 at the Bellevue Public Library, 1111 110th Ave. N.E., Bellevue. NCL fosters the mother/daughter relationship in an organization committed to community service, leadership development and cultural experiences.

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 Matt Gregory at 425-828-0231 or e-mail MollyTaffy@msn.com.

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. The next meeting is March 28.

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. The next meeting is March 28. 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.