Introduction to Chinese Language & Culture
Seattle Chinese Garden
6000 16th Ave. S.W.
Learn basic Mandarin Chinese conversation words, learn about Chinese culture, and join easy all ages games and activities such as painting, mah jong, and card games using your new words. Eight sessions on every other Thursday from 4-6 p.m. Dates: April 12 & 26, May 10 & 24.
Free, but donations welcome.

West Seattle Lions Club 18th Annual Plant Sale
Senior Center of West Seattle
4217 S.W. Oregon St.
Friday, April 13, 5-8 p.m. & Saturday, April 14, 9-3 p.m. Sale features a variety of Dahlia Tubers, Hardy Fuchsias, Perennials, unique Rhodies and much more. Local Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer gardening questions. A spaghetti Dinner is also available Friday, April 13. www.wslions.com

West Seattle High Fundraiser: Mr. Irresistible
West Seattle HS Theatre
Friday. April 13, 7-8:30 p.m. Tickets: VIP $15 or Reg. $10 (41 VIP tickets pre-sale only - Reg. tickets at door). Information: call WSHS 206-252-8816.

Up-coming DubSea Bike Events
Tuesday evenings in April & May - Bike Works partners with White Center Food Bank and DubSea Bikes to teach adult basic bike repair class in White Center, $/work exchange.
Sunday, April 15, 2-4 p.m. - DubSea Bikes at White Center Food Bank, free.
Information 206-860-1432.

Delridge Ballroom Dancing for Ages 50+
Delridge Community Center
4501 Delridge Way S.W.
206-684-7423
Third Friday of each month (April 20, May 18, June 15, July 20, August 17, Sept. 21, Oct. 19, & Nov. 16, 2012), 1:30-3:30 p.m. $4 per person. An afternoon of music and dance with Lauren Petrie for singles and couples ages 50 and above.

Seattle Chinese Garden Docent Training
6000 10th Ave. S.W.
206-934-5219
Thursday, April 12, 19, & 26, and May 3, 1-3 p.m. Saturday, May 5, 10-3 p.m. Recruiting volunteers for the docent training program. Looking for people who have a passion for Chinese culture and gardens, enjoys interacting with people, have good communication skills, and possess a professional demeanor to be ambassadors for the Seattle Chinese Garden and to be a part of the Garden’s longest continuing educational program.

Join the West Seattle Lion’s Club
Meets every Thursday, noon-1:30 p.m., at Senior Center of West Seattle, 4217 S.W. Oregon St. Info: 206-762-1221.

GriefShare Class
Grace Church
10323 28th Ave. S.W.
Saturdays, 10-11:30 a.m. This international grief recovery support group is open to anyone who has lost a loved one to death. You can start at anytime. For information: Barb at 206-932-7459.

Stop ‘N Shop
4504 California Ave. SW
Remember to donate reusable items ie kitchenware, tools, knickknacks, jewelry, linens, furniture, home decorations, clothing & accessories to the Senior Centers Stop‘n Shop. Our thrift shop runs on the generous donations of folks like you!!! All donations tax deductible! Hours are 7 days a week, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Grief Support Group Begins
Our Lady of Guadalupe Pastoral Center
7000 35th Ave. S.W. (just north of the Parish Center under construction)
Begins Mondays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. and will meet weekly for 6-8 weeks. Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish is offering this Grief Support Group to serve anyone in the community who has suffered the loss of a loved one. Led by John Baumann, a pastoral counselor and staff member. Questions or to RSVP in advance call John at 935-0358 ext. 110.

Retirement, are you ready?
Hiawatha Community Center
2700 California Ave. S.W.
Every Thursday evening in February, 6-7:30 p.m. Where will you find identity, purpose, structure and/or sense of accomplishment? Join others facing these new challenges in a lively insight-filled dialogue. Define new meaning, expand possibilities and build relationships. Facilitated by Posy Gering. Register: Mary at 206-935-2162.

The South King Council of the Blind (SKB) Meeting
Monthly meetings on the second Saturday of each month, 10:30 a.m.-Noon. Next meeting is March 10. Hand meet Neil and Linda Schulman of Puget Sound Old-Time Radio Club. SKB serves as a resource for people who are blind or have low vision, who are in transition to blindness, their friends and families, and works to ensure that such persons experience the fullness of life offered in the South County. Info & location: 206-433-6565.

Whitewater Swim Club Swim Team Try Outs
Evergreen Community Aquatics Center
606 S.W. 116th St.
206-296-4410
Any Weekday afternoon at 4:15 p.m. Try out for free with Coach C.G. or Coach Joel. Whitewater Aquatics offers professional instruction for swimmers from beginner to national levels - and a fun, family oriented atmosphere. Info at www.WhitewaterAquatics.com

West Seattle AA American Legion Baseball
The team is forming for the 2012 Spring/Summer Season. Current High School Juniors & Sophomores are eligible. Info: 206-310-9397 or 7040JENSEN@comcast.net.

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Meetings
Mount St. Vincent-2nd floor, Peps West Room
4831 35th Ave S.W.
Every Tuesday, 5:45-7 p.m. TOPS is an encouraging weight loss support group with weigh-ins every Tuesday. Info: Jan 206-762-7844 or Bunkyjanjan@yahoo.com

Volunteers for Playing Piano/Entertainment or
Manicure/Pedicure Volunteers
Providence Elizabeth House
3201 S.W. Graham St.
425-443-1484
Leave a message. yuliyam@u.washington.edu

West Seattle Garden Tour Volunteers Needed
Volunteers needed to plan the 18th Annual WS Garden Tour. The WSGT Committee meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at an appointed member’s home for a potluck. Not necessary to be a Master Gardener volunteer opportunities are available. info@westseattlegardentour.com

AARP Defensive Driving Workshop
Daystar Retirement Village
2615 S.W. Barton St.
First Saturday of every month, ongoing, 9-5:30 p.m. $12 for members, $14 non-members. Call 206-937-6122 for info or to RSVP.

Continuing Education Classes
South Seattle Community College
6000 16th Ave. S.W.
Register now: 206-934-5339 or www.LearnAtSouth.org

At Senior Center of West Seattle
4217 SW Oregon St.
206-932-4044

Footcare & Manicures
Mondays, ongoing. Cost: Footcare $20 member/$22 non-member; Manicures w/polish $20 member/$22 non-member and no/polish $15 member or non-member. Cancellations must be made by 4 p.m. Friday prior to appointment to avoid being charged. Call 206-932-4044 ext. 1 for appointment.

Chair Massage by Ann Shafford
Thursdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m. 15 min. appointments - sign up at the front desk. $5 member/$7 non-member.

Gentle Yoga
Wednesdays, 9:15-10:30 a.m. Drop-in, $5 mem/$7 non-mem. Chair and standing postures (no floor sitting). Improve breathing, posture, flexibility, balance and peace of mind. Postures can be adapted to your abilities or limitations. Wear loose, comfortable clothing.

Enhance Fitness Exercise Classes
Monday, Wednesday & Friday, on-going, 8-9 a.m. & 9-10 a.m. (2 sessions). Free to Group Health members or $30 for 5 weeks. Innovative and fun strength-training classes, using wrist & ankle weights, aerobics, balance and stretching.

Afternoon Exercise Class
Mondays & Fridays, 3 p.m. (minimum 6 participants needed). $35 in advance for 10 sessions or $5 per class. We start with standing movement to fun music, followed by basic balance work, then seated strength training using resistance bands (provided). We’ll move, breathe, relax and enjoy ourselves.

Volunteers Needed
4217 S.W. Oregon St.
206-932-4044 x8
The Senior Center needs volunteer instructors to teach the AARP Defensive Driving Classes. Training takes 2 days, is taught in Everett and/or Gig Harbor. Expenses are reimbursed by AARP. You will need to teach 3 or more classes a year. Call Marge Lutton 206-322-0490 for more information.

WSHS Host Families Needed
Host families are needed for foreign exchange students who will attend West Seattle High School for the second semester. Host families do not need to have teenagers of their own; young families as well as empty nesters are excellent high school student hosts. For info: 360-661-0552 or j.henderson33@hotmail.com.

Old Clothes = New Opportunities Donation Station
Northwest Center ‘Big Blue Truck’
Diamond Parking Lot
44th Ave. S.W. & S.W. Edmunds St.
Fridays - Sundays, 9-5 p.m. Clean out your closets and drop off your reusable clothing and household items at the donation station. For a complete list of donations accepted visit bigbluetruck.org or (800) 992-2060. Donations are tax deductible and donors receive a $3 off coupon to Value Village.

West Seattle Senior Center Needs Volunteers
4217 S.W. Oregon St.
Make a difference by getting involved! For info 206-932-4044 or email at margiew@seniorservices.org.

Take Off Pounds Sensibly
Guadalupe Church-Pastoral Care Center
7000 35th Ave. S.W.
Every Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. TOPS is an encouraging weight loss support group with weigh-ins every Tuesday. For info at 206-932-2621.

Irish Dance Lessons
West Seattle VFW Hall
3601 S.W. Alaska St.
Mondays & Tuesdays in the late afternoon & early evenings. Open to children and adults. Information at 206-935-3225.

Business Network with Westside Professionals
The Kenney - meeting room 2
7125 Fauntleroy Way S.W.
Wednesdays, 8-9:30 a.m. Build your business through referrals and networking. For info, contact sfelix@quidnunc.net

Providence Elizabeth House
3201 S.W. Graham St.
206-938-3276

Volunteers for Playing Piano/Entertainment
Every second Thursday, 12:45-1:45 p.m. We need someone to play piano or entertain seniors for an hour or so during Birthday Celebrations.

Volunteers for Sign Language Communication with Deaf
We are interested in someone who knows sign language to come in once or twice a month at their convenience to speak with a senior deaf resident. This would be very beneficial for us to have an opportunity to interact with them as well as provide practice to volunteer who studies or wants to practice using sign language.

BNI West Seattle Champion Meeting
The Kenney
7125 Fauntleroy Way S.W.
Thursdays, 7:45-9:15 a.m. Learn how to grow your business with quality referrals. We are looking for a Naturopath and an event planner to pass referrals to. $10 includes breakfast.

Daystar Toastmasters
Daystar Retirement Village
2615 S.W. Barton
Come as a guest to experience the safe, supportive atmosphere in which you can grow your communication and leadership skills. Second and fourth Mondays of each month, 12 - 1:00 PM. Arrive 5 to 10 minutes early for orientation. See http://daystarclub.freetoasthost.us. Any questions email to: contactus@daystarclub.freetoasthost.us or call Bill at 206/ 932-6707.

Citizenship Class
Southwest Branch
Seattle Public Library
9010 35th Ave. S.W.
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m. Study to become a U.S. Citizen, prepare for the Citizenship interview. Improve you English. Citizenship application assistance is also available.

Seeking ESL tutors
Our volunteers are at least 18 years old and fluent in English. An application, interview and background check are required. Training and on-going support are provided. For more information visit www.stjames-cathedral.org/esl or 382-4511 or email cwalsh@stjames-cathedral.org

Volleyball
Southwest Community Center
2801 S.W. Thistle St.
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. – noon.
Men and women ages 50+ wanted for drop-in play volleyball.
For information call Mary at 935-2162.

District Council Meetings
Youngstown Cultural Arts Center
4408 Delridge Way S.W.
Every third Wednesday, 7 – 9 p.m. Each month representatives from neighborhood councils and other community organizations provide reports on what issues and concerns they are working on and announcements about up-coming community meetings and events.

Stay-at-home dads
Hiawatha Playfield Playground
2700 California Ave. S.W.
Mondays and Thursdays at 9 a.m. Our goal is to develop a resource and community for stay-at-home dads, fathers who are primary caregiver in their family, and other involved dads are welcome. All fathers are invited to network with us.

Thunder Girls
Fastpitch Softball
12U
West Seattle Thunder Girls
Fastpitch Softball is looking for athletes with a good attitude and desire to play tournament softball this spring and summer. If you are interested in arranging a tryout, call Coach Greg at 669-6881 or email gkormanik@comcast.net

Volunteers Needed
Providence Mount St. Vincent
4831 35th Ave. S.W.
Providence Mount St. Vincent seeks volunteers to help in many areas: hair salon and gift shop, child care, field trips, one-on-one visits with elderly residents. For information call 937-3701 ext. 28170. www.providence.org/themount

Deadline for receiving items for On The Go is Noon Friday for the following week’s Herald/News. Events are published based on timeliness and space availability. Email event submissions to: calendar@robinsonnews.com.

Items can be accepted from nonprofit groups and government agencies only.