The free community calendar is published Wednesdays and Saturdays on a space-available basis, and includes free and nonprofit local events and groups. Submit items at least a week in advance of publication dates to calendar@reporternewspapers.com.

Events

“Alaska—Spirit of the Wild” Family Movie Night: 3-5 p.m. Jan. 8. Documentary narrated by Charlton Heston gives viewers a glimpse into the Alaskan wilderness. Cost: Free. Lewis Creek Park, 5808 Lakemont Blvd. S.E., Bellevue. 425-452-6885 or www.myparksandrecreation.com.

CampFair 2009: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 7. Meet representatives from more than 75 camps and programs for all ages. Free. St. Thomas School’s new campus, 8300 N.E. 12th St., Medina. www.sthomasschool.org or www.parentmap.com.

Holiday

Bellevue Magic Season: Through Jan. 11. Activities include:

• Group Health Ice Arena: Daily through Jan. 11 in the Bellevue Downtown Park.

• Garden d’Lights: Nightly through Jan. 3 at Bellevue Botanical Garden.

• Snowflake Lane/Celebration Lane: 7 p.m. through Dec. 24 and Dec. 26-31 at The Bellevue Collection.

Classes

Lewis Creek Discovery Series: 10-11 a.m. various Saturdays. Classes for children 6 and older, led by a naturalist. Topics: 10-11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 20, “Signs for Sherlocks.” $5; advance registration required. Lewis Creek Park, 5808 Lakemont Blvd. S.E., Bellevue. 425-452-6885.

Holiday Open House for family caregivers: 1-4 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 27. Learn how assisted living helps families and receive a free caregiver toolkit. Brighton Gardens of Bellevue, 15241 N.E. 20th St. 425-401-0300.

Birding in Bellevue: 9-10 a.m. Jan. 3. Eastside Audubon Society members will lead a walk around Lewis Creek Park. Dress for the weather. Hot drinks served afterward. Cost: Free. Lewis Creek Park, 5808 Lakemont Blvd. S.E., Bellevue. 425-452-6885 or www.myparksandrecreation.com.

Ikebana demonstration: 10 a.m.-noon Jan. 3. Learn about the art of Japanese flower arranging. Cost: Free; reservations recommended. South Bellevue Community Center, 14509 S.E. Newport Way. 425-452-4240.

Free job preparation classes: 5:30 p.m. Jan. 6, registration and first class of “On the Job Communications”; noon Jan. 9, registration and first class of “Preparing for Work.” Free classes open to refugees and immigrants living in Bellevue and interested in finding work now or in the near future. Registration location: Room 101 at Bellevue Community College, 3000 Landerholm Circle S.E., Bellevue. www.bellevuecollege.edu/prepforwork.

Lewis Creek Discovery Series, Winter: 2 p.m. Jan. 7, “Winter Wildlife”; 10 a.m. Jan. 23, “Without You, I’d be Blue”; 2 p.m. Feb. 18, “Fossilize: Formula for Fossils”; 10 a.m. Feb. 20, “Crawly, but not Creepy”; 2 p.m. Feb. 26, “Fish Facts”; 2 p.m. March 4, “Nature Cooking 101: Mudpies”; 2 p.m. March 11, “Forest Ecology”; 2 p.m. March 18, “Water, Water Everywhere”; 2 p.m. March 25, “Track Treks.” $7 per class; advance registration required. Lewis Creek Park, 5808 Lakemont Blvd. S.E., Bellevue. 425-836-2697 or www.naturevision.org.

Writing workshop with Jayne Ann Krentz: 1 p.m. Jan. 10. Free workshop with Krentz to celebrate the release of her latest book, “Running Hot.” Free; registration requested. University Book Store, 990 102nd Ave. N.E., Bellevue. 425-462-4500 or ubs_events_bellevue@earthlink.net.

ParentMap Preschool Preview Night: 5:30-8 p.m. Jan. 14. Representatives from more than 30 preschools will offer information and answer parents questions. Fourth floor at Meydenbauer Center, 11100 N.E. Sixth St., Bellevue. www.parentmap.com.

Bellevue birding class: 2-3 p.m. Jan. 14. For ages 6 and older. Learn from an Eastside Audubon Society expert how to get started in bird watching, and make your own bird feeder. Cost: Free; advance registration required. Lewis Creek Park, 5808 Lakemont Blvd. S.E., Bellevue. 425-452-6885 or visit www.myparksandrecreation.com.

“Avalanche Awareness”: 7-8:30 p.m. Jan. 15. Join avalanche expert Ken White to learn about avalanche hazards, how to avoid them, and what equipment to bring while traveling in avalanche terrain. Cost: Free. Lewis Creek Park, 5808 Lakemont Blvd. S.E., Bellevue. 425-452-6885 or www.myparksandrecreation.com.

Ongoing classes:

Children’s crafts: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays. Free craft activities for children. Lakeshore Learning Store, 11027 N.E. Fourth St., Bellevue.

Citizenship class: 9:15-11:15 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Free. Crossroads Community Center, 16000 N.E. 10th Street, Bellevue. 206-695-5975 or hannahbk@acrs.org.

Homebuyer’s Workshop: 6:45-8:45 p.m. Tuesdays. Free. Windermere Real Estate, 1200 112th Ave. N.E., Suite B-100, Bellevue. 425-450-2621.

Senior acting class: 1:30-3:30 p.m. Wednesdays. No experience necessary. Free. Bellevue Youth Theatre, 16661 Northup Way. 425-452-7155.

Talk Time: 7-8:30 p.m. Mondays. Attendees can practice their English in casual setting. Refreshments provided. Free. Bellewood Presbyterian Church, 10936 N.E. 24th St., Bellevue. 425-454-1247, mrsavill@gmail.com or www.bellewoodpca.org.

Faith

Jewish Family Service Chanukah Celebration: 3-5 p.m. Dec. 21. Community-wide celebration for people of all ages and abilities. Latkes and other treats provided. Free; registration encouraged. Temple B’nai Torah, 15727 N.E. Fourth St., Bellevue. 206-861-8784 or familylife@jfsseattle.org.

AWANA: 5:30-7:15 p.m. Sundays through April. Open to ages 3-18 to participate in Scripture memory, crafts, games and more. $20 per year. First Baptist Church of Bellevue, 10431 S.E. 11th St., Bellevue. 425-533-1978.

Bellevue Zen Sitting Group: 7:30-9:30 a.m. Saturdays. $5-$15 suggested donation for drop-ins. Academy of Koei-Kan Karate-Do, 1910 132nd Ave. N.E., Suite 11, Bellevue. 425-753-5084 or www.zen.meetup.com/10.

Celebrate Recovery: 7 p.m. Thursdays. Christ-centered 12 step recovery program features worship, testimonies and small share groups. Crossroads Bible Church, 15815 S.E. 37th St., Bellevue. 425-392-8084 or Hauser.kip@gmail.com.

Journey of Faith Class: 7 p.m. Wednesdays. All are welcome. Library at Grace Lutheran Church, 9625 N.E. Eighth St., Bellevue. 425-454-4344 or glcpastor@integra.net.

Meditation music evening: 7:30 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of the month. Features spiritually inspiring music a la Taize’ for meditation. Bellevue First United Methodist Church, 1934 108th Ave. N.E. 425-454-2059.

World Peace Meditation group: 7-8:30 p.m. the second and fourth Thursdays of the month. Class uses musical massage sound therapy. Bellevue Unity Church, 16330 N.E. Fourth St.

Health

NW Crossfit classes: 10 and 11 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Small group classes open to adults of all ages and ability levels. 12121 Northup Way, Suite 105, Bellevue. 253-677-0281 or www.nwcrossfitbellevue.com.

Toning Circle: 7-8:30 p.m. second Thursday of month. Toning and chanting with a group. $10. WomanSpirit Center, 1400 112th Ave. S.E., Suite 100, Bellevue. 425-641-1527.

Free Meditation Workshops: 7-8:30 p.m. Thursdays. Features sahaja yoga. Crossroads Bellevue Community Room, 15600 N.E. Eighth St., Bellevue. 425-753-0634.

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly): 10 a.m. Mondays. $6 per month. St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, 17222 N.E. Eighth St., Bellevue. 425-861-0645, 425-895-0858 or www.tops.org.

Walk for Life: 8-9:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Offers safe, effective exercise with on-site experts who provide information, advice and monitoring. Free. Bellevue Square, 575 Bellevue Square. Enter at Skybridge 4. 425-688-5800.

North Bellevue Community Center, 4063 148th Ave. N.E., Bellevue. 425-452-7681. Center offers various health and fitness activities, including:

• Jazzercise: 6 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays; 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; 8 a.m. Saturdays. Call for details: 425-894-4111.

• Enhance Fitness: 9 a.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays-Fridays. For seniors. $30 per month.

• Gentle Yoga: 10:30 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays. For seniors and adults.

• Footcare: Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Will trim toe nails by appointment.

South Bellevue Community Center, 14509 S.E. Newport Way, Bellevue. 425-452-4240 or www.MyParksandRecreation.com. Center offers various fitness activities, including-:

• Chito-Ryu Karate: 5:45 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. For ages 10 and older.

• Purna Yoga: 9:30 a.m. or 7:15 p.m. Tuesdays; 7:15 p.m. Thursdays; 10 a.m. Sundays. For ages 13 and older.

• Purna Yoga for Kids: 4:30 p.m. Mondays. For ages 7 and older.

• Fit Camp Total Body Conditioning: 6 a.m. or 6 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays; 8 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; 8 a.m. Saturdays. For ages 16 and older.

• Reflexology: The second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. For ages 18 and older.

Libraries

Bellevue Regional Library, 1111 110th Ave. N.E. 425-450-1765 or www.kcls.org. Events include:

• “Keep the Spirit” Family Holiday Concert: 11 a.m. Dec. 20. Tickle Tune Typhoon to lead concert of Christmas and Hanukkah music and dance.

• Citizenship preparation class: 7 p.m. Mondays. Free individualized help with all stages of the process of becoming a United States citizen, from completing the application forms to preparing for a successful interview. Drop-ins welcome. Call for details.

• Computer classes: Library offers computer classes at various times. Call for details.

• Read Three, Get One Free: Teens can read three books, write three reviews, and get a free book.

• Talk Time: 1:30 p.m. Mondays; 10 a.m. Saturdays. Improve your speaking and listening skills in this English conversation group.

• English as a Second Language: 10 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays; 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Free class taught by Bellevue Community College. Placement test required.

• Story times: Library offers story times for infants through preschoolers, as well as family and foreign language story times. Call for details.

Lake Hills Library, 15228 Lake Hills Blvd., Bellevue. 425-747-3350 or www.kcls.org. Events include:

• Citizenship Class: 1 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays.

• Story times: Library offers various story times each week. Call for details.

Library Connection @ Crossroads, 15600 N.E. Eighth St., Suite K-11, Bellevue. 425-644-6203. Events include:

• Story times: Library offers story times for preschoolers, and for foreign language speakers (Mandarin and Spanish).

Newport Way Library, 14250 S.E. Newport Way, Bellevue. 425-747-2390 or www.kcls.org. Events include:

• Opera Preview—Georges Bizet’s “The Pearl Fishers”: 7 p.m. Jan. 6.

• Read-n-Sing Stories and Rhymes: 10:30 a.m. Jan. 13. For ages 5 and younger with an adult. Join Nancy Stewart for music, nursery rhymes and stories.

• Game On! for grades 4-6: 4 p.m. Jan. 13 and 27. Play Wii, GameCube and Xbox 360 video games at the library.

• Game On!: 2:30 p.m. Jan. 14, 21 and 28. For teens to play XBox 360, Wii, PS2 and Game Cube video games at the library.

• Study Hall: 3:30 p.m. Jan. 20. Meeting room open for quiet study.

• Newport Way Book Group: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 26. Topic: “1776” by David McCullough.

• Teen Tech Advisory Board: 6 p.m. Jan. 27. Get volunteer credit for helping the library connect with people online.

• Computer classes: Library offers various computer classes. Call for details, registration.

• Read Three, Get One Free: Teens can read three books, write three reviews, and get a free book.

• Talk Time: 10 a.m. most Mondays. Improve your speaking and listening skills in this English conversation group.

• Story times: Library offers story times for children, families and foreign language speakers.

• Study Zone: 3:30 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays. Students in kindergarten-12th grade can drop in for free homework help from volunteer tutors.

Groups

48th District GOP: 7 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month. New members welcome. North Bellevue Community Center, 4063 148th Ave. N.E., Bellevue. www.48gop.com.

American Society of Women Accountants Bellevue Chapter: 6-8:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month. Cost: $15-$28; advance registration required. Coast Bellevue Hotel, 626 116th Ave. N.E., Bellevue. 425-248-3494 or jessorca@gmail.com.

Bellevue Overlake Rotary Club: Noon-1:30 p.m. Wednesdays. $22 for make-ups. Harbor Club, 777 108th Ave N.E., Suite 2500, Bellevue. 425-454-3497 or www.bellevueoverlakerotary.org.

Bellevue Breakfast Rotary Club: 7 a.m. Fridays. Glendale Country Club, 13440 Main St., Bellevue. www.bbrc.net.

Bellevue Sons of Italy: 6:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month. 6:30 p.m., social time; 7 p.m. meeting, followed by dinner. Holy Family Catholic Church social hall, 7355 120th Ave. N.E., Kirkland. 425-649-2250 or www.osiaglnw.org.

Bellevue Sunrise Rotary Club: 7 a.m. Tuesdays. Old Country Buffet in Factoria Mall, 4075 Factoria Blvd. S.E., Bellevue. 425-641 2590 or www.bellevuesunriserotary.org.

BNI Prospecting Professionals Chapter: 8:30-10 a.m. Wednesdays. Visitors welcome. Family Pancake House, 17621 Redmond Way, Redmond. 425-489-2139.

Delta Society Youth Affiliates Group: 7-8 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month. Group meets once a month to help teenagers and their pets become registered Pet Partners. Open to ages 12-18, with or without pets. Delta Society headquarters, 875 124th Ave. N.E., Suite 101, Bellevue. 425-679-5500 or www.deltasociety.org.

Dollmaker’s Official Lively Ladies Society (D.O.L.L.S.): 6:30 p.m. meeting once a month; date changes monthly. Open to dollmakers in all media and of all experience levels. Bring ideas for future projects. Call for meeting dates. Quiltmakers Northwest, 145 106th Ave. N.E., Bellevue. thedollmaker51@hotmail.com.

Eastgate Expounders Toastmasters Club: Noon Tuesdays. The President’s Distinguished Club. Exponent Conference Room, 15375 S.E. 30th Place, Suite 250, Bellevue. www.eastgateexpounders.org.

Eastside Boeing Bluebills: 10:15 a.m.-noon the third Wednesday of the month. Group consists of retiree volunteers who assist charities and the needy. A variety of volunteer and social activities is available. Bellevue Regional Library, 1111 110th Ave. N.E. 425-235-3847.

Eastside Camera Club: 7 p.m. the first and third Thursdays of the month. St. Madeleine-Sophie Church, Bellevue. 206-910-2323 or www.eastsidecameraclub.spaces.live.com.

Eastside “Cashflow” Club: 630 p.m. every other Friday or Saturday. All are welcome to come play the “Cashflow” board game and learn about investing and financial literacy in a fun way. Call for location. 425-458-8545 or drnathanbanks@gmail.com.

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: 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays and 1-3 p.m. Wednesdays, genealogy help offered. Bellevue Regional Library, 1111 110th Ave. N.E., Bellevue. 425-747-6926 or www.rootsweb.com/~wakcegs/.

Eastside Quilters: 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. the third Thursday of the month. St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 2650 148th Ave. S.E., Bellevue. 425-643-9742 or www.eastsidequilters.com.

Eastside Toastmasters: 6:30 p.m. Thursdays. All are welcome to learn and practice public-speaking skills. Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 17371 N.E. 24th St., Redmond. www.eastsidetoastmasters.org.

Eastside Welcome Club: 10 a.m. the first Wednesday of the month. Open to newcomers to the area who want to meet new people and join in different interest or social groups. Club meets in members’ homes. Also meets on various days for other activities and outings. 425-898-0206.

Great Books Discussion Group: 7:30-9 p.m. the first and third Wednesdays of the month. Room 2 at Bellevue Regional Library, 1111 110th Ave. N.E. 425-746-4448 or bonnyj@verizon.net.

Greater Bellevue Lions: 7-8:30 p.m. first and third Tuesday of the month. Hunan Garden Restaurant, 11814 N.E. Eighth St., Bellevue; 425-556-3963.

Haiku Northwest: 7-9 p.m. the first Thursday of the month. Haiku sharing and discussion group. All are welcome. Contact coordinator via Web site to confirm location. Often (not always) at Bellevue Regional Library, 1111 110th Ave. N.E., Bellevue. 206-240-0871 or http://hometown.aol.com/WelchM/Haiku-Northwest.html.

Homeschooling Support—Teaching Parents Association: 7-9 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month. From unschoolers to curriculum-based home education, group has something for everyone. Free. Evergreen Room at Woodinville Community Center, 17401 133rd Ave. N.E., Woodinville. 206-654-5658, info@washtpa.org or www.washtpa.org.

Kiwanis Club of Bellevue: Noon Thursdays. No meetings Dec. 25 or Jan. 1. Bellevue Grill at the Sheraton, 100 112th Ave. N.E. 425-453-9948.

Lake Heights YMCA Older Active Adult Program: 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Open to ages 55 and older to participate in community service projects, intergenerational activities, crafts and fellowship. Sack lunches available from senior center for $3 donation. 12635 S.E. 56th St. 425-644-8417.

Mothers and Others: 9:30 -11:30 a.m. Mondays. Children can play in the nursery while moms hear speakers, make crafts and provide support for one another. Open to all mothers looking for friendship and support. St. Madeleine Sophie Church, 4400 130th Place S.E., Bellevue. 425-644-0840.

National Association of Professional Organizers, Seattle Chapter: 6:30-8:30 p.m. first Tuesday of the month. $25 for guests. Entrance around corner on the left side of building. California Closets, 1014 116th Ave. N.E., Bellevue. www.seattlenapo.com.

Newcomers and New Friends of Greater Seattle: The second Wednesday of the month. Lunch meetings held at various locations throughout the Puget Sound. Call for details. 425-778-8608 or www.seattlenewcomers.com.

Office Support Services Association: 6-8:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month. Guests are welcome. For location and membership details, see Web site. www.ossa-wa.org or membership@ossa-wa.org.

Pacific Northwest Audio Society: 7:30 p.m. the second Thursday of the month. Mercer Island Congregational Church, 4545 Island Crest Way, Mercer Island. www.audiosociety.org.

Rotary Club of Newcastle: 7:30 a.m. Wednesdays. $10 makeup fee for members; free for visitors. Golf Club at Newcastle, 15500 Six Penny Lane, Newcastle. 425-455-1600.

Soroptimist International of Bellevue Metropolitan: 6 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month at 16701 N.E. 79th St., Redmond. Also: Noon the forth Wednesday of the month at Bellevue Regional Library, 1111 110th Ave. N.E., Bellevue. 425 830-6538.

Wry Toastmasters: 7 a.m. Thursdays. The President’s Distinguished Club. Skyline Tower, 10900 N.E. Fourth St., ninth floor conference room, Bellevue. www.wrytoastmasters.org.

Public Meetings

Bellevue City Council: 8 p.m. the first and third Mondays of the month, except August and December. Council Chambers at Bellevue City Hall, 450 110th Ave. N.E.

Support

Angel Flight West: Volunteer pilot group offers free air transportation to those in need, especially medical care. 888-426-2643 or www.angelflightwest.org.

Arthritis and Fibromyalgia Support Group: 6:45-8:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month. Group is free and open to the public. No reservation required. Participants are responsible for parking costs. Overlake Outpatient Services Conference Room, 1120 112th Ave. N.E., Suite 150, Bellevue. 425-688-5900.

Bereavement Support Group: 7-8:30 p.m. the second and fourth Mondays of the month. Overlake Hospital Medical Center, 1135 116th Ave. N.E., Bellevue. 425-688-5127.

Breast cancer patient support: Trained survivors offer free emotional support to the newly-diagnosed, enhancing emotional recovery while going through treatments. Will attend consultations, chemotherapy and radiation appointments and have volunteers in your community. 206-417-3484, www.angelcarefoundation.org or angelcare@angelcarefoundation.org.

Caregivers Support Group: 3-4:30 p.m. the second and fourth Thursdays of the month. Free and open to anyone caring for an older adult. Overlake Bellevue Senior Health Center, 1750 112th Ave. N.E., Suite A-101, Bellevue. 425-688-5807.

Divorce Lifeline: Offers adult therapy groups for people dealing with divorce or separation. Call for details. 206-694-5762 or www.divorcelifeline.org.

Eastside Compassionate Friends: 7:30 p.m. the second Thursday of each month. Group welcomes families who have experienced the death of a child of any age. Group has no religious affiliation. Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, 10021 N.E. 124th St., Kirkland. 425-325-0357.

Eastside/Bellevue PFLAG: 7-9 p.m. the third Thursday of the month. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays meetings are confidential. Group is not associated with any religious organizations. First United Methodist Church, 1934 108th Ave. N.E., Bellevue. 206-325-7724 or www.bellevue-pflag.org.

Eastside Stroke Support Group: 1-2:30 p.m. the first three Mondays of the month. St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 2650 148th Ave. S.E., Bellevue. 425-746-8396.

Emergency Feeding Program of Seattle and King County: Offers healthy, nutritionally balanced food packs to families and individuals with immediate need. 206-329-0300 or www.emergencyfeeding.org.

Gamblers Anonymous: For meeting times and locations, call toll-free national hotline: 888-424-3577.

Hearing Loss Association: 1 p.m. the second Saturday of the month. Lake Sammamish Foursquare Church, 14434 N.E. Eighth Street, Bellevue. 425-746-1074 or greymare25@aol.com.

HelpLine: Free legal and consumer information for people older than 55. Call 206-448-5720.

Low Vision Support Group: 1:30-3 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. Group offers free resources, education and coping skills. North Bellevue Senior Center, 4063 148th Ave. N.E.

Managing Care at Home: 4:30-6 p.m. Thursdays; 10-11:30 a.m. Fridays. Free question-and-answer sessions for caregivers. Call to register. Overlake Senior Care Office, 1120 112th Ave. N.E., Suite 100, Bellevue. 425-688-5800.

Meals on Wheels: Nutritious, home-delivered frozen meals to home-bound seniors. New selections. 425-452-7681.

National Alliance on Mental Illness Family Support Group No. 1: 7:30-9 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month. Eastshore Unitarian Church, 12700 S.E. 32nd St., Bellevue. 425-443-7202 or 425-747-6142.

National Alliance on Mental Illness Family Support Group No. 2: 7-8:30 p.m. the third Thursday of the month. St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, Room E-2, 2650 148th Ave. S.E., Bellevue. 425-865-9839, 206-236-5247 or 206-232-6946.

Overeaters Anonymous: 8:30-10 a.m. Saturdays. Group is free and confidential. No weigh-ins; only requirement for membership is the desire to stop overeating. Alano Club, 12302 N.E. Eighth St., Bellevue. 425-828-6827 or 206-264-5045.

Prostate Cancer Support Group: 7-9 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month. Group offers information to help patients with newly diagnosed or recurrent prostate cancer. Call for details, location and private consultations. 425-369-2552, 425- 885-2168 or swandds@comcast.net.

Recovery International: 7 p.m. Mondays, except holidays. A self-help group for anxiety and depression. All are welcome. 12700 S.E. 32nd St., Room E-208, Bellevue. 425-747-9251 or www.recovery-inc.org.

SHIBA Helpline: Statewide Heath Insurance Benefits Advisors is a network of trained volunteers that assists and advocates for consumer rights and options regarding health insurance, health care access and prescription access. Group is also accepting volunteers. 800-562-6900 or www.insurance.wa.gov.

Spanish Speaking Support Group: 6-7:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month. Consejo Counseling. 1412 140th Place N.E., Bellevue. 425-306-3681, 425-885-6264 or info@nami-eastside.org.

US-TOO! Prostate Cancer Support Group: 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays. Prostate cancer patients, partners and interested parties welcome to attend for information, support and friendship. Lincoln Business Center, 555 116th Ave. N.E., Suite 125, Bellevue. 425-369-2552.

Widowed/Grief Support: 7 p.m. Mondays. Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 10420 S.E. 11th St., Bellevue. 425-653-7209, 206-241-5650 or clancyKa@comcast.net.

Writing Group: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Discuss your work and sip tea with other writers. Tiger Mountain Tea Company, Gilman Village, 317 N.W. Gilman Blvd., Suite 47, Issaquah. 425-941-2559.

Volunteers

Hopelink: Through Dec. 23, holiday volunteers needed to receive and sort gift donations, restock gift shelves, provide “personal shopper” assistance to clients, provide interpreter service (Russian and Spanish especially needed), receive food bank donations and deliver food to home-bound clients. Eastside Literacy program offices, 15015 Main St., Suite 206, in Kelsey Creek Center (across from main Hopelink center), Bellevue. 425-643-1912 or www.hope-link.org.

City of Bellevue Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers needed to help with various city events and programs, including:

• Volunteer Canoe Guides: Ongoing. Share your expertise in a beautiful, natural environment by providing canoe tours of the Mercer Slough Nature Park. 425-452-4195.

• Specialized Recreation: Help adults and youth with developmental disabilities participate in recreation classes at Highland Community Center. 425-452-6105.

• Volunteer Nature Center Host/Hostess: Reliable, friendly, nature-loving volunteers needed to staff the visitor’s center at Lewis Creek Park, 5808 Lakemont Blvd. Duties include greeting visitors, leading tours and light administrative duties. Flexible hours. 425-452-4195 or CKrueger@bellevuewa.gov.

• Youth volunteers needed for Teen Closet: Volunteers needed for clothing bank operated by Bellevue Youth Link, in partnership with Plato’s Closet and the World Impact Network. Volunteers classify and set out donations, and assist clients. 425-452-5254 or palina@ci.bellevue.wa.us.

Angel Care Breast Cancer Foundation: Breast cancer survivors needed to provide support for others battling cancer. Must be one year past the end of treatments and have good interpersonal skills. 206-417-3484, 877-417-3484 (toll-free), www.angelcarefoundation.org or angelcare@angelcarefoundation.org.

Asian Counseling Referral Service (ACRS): 1-3 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Work with students from diverse backgrounds. Requires three-month commitment. Lake Hills Library, 15228 Lake Hills Blvd., Bellevue. www.acrs.org or lydiar@acrs.org.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound: Seeking adult mentors to spend time with children. Agency offers flexible program to fit volunteers’ schedules and interests, and plans activities such as snow tubing on Snoqualmie Pass, hiking adventures in the Cascades, and tickets to Mariners games. Call or see Web site for details. 877-700-2447 or www.bbbsps.org.

Crisis Clinic: Answer calls on 24-hour crisis line, provide support for callers in emotional crisis, including persons contemplating suicide. Professional training given. 206-461-3210, ext. 697, or www.crisisclinic.org.

Eastside Domestic Violence Program (EDVP): Working with 24-hour Crisis Line, support group, and shelter. Requires 50-hour training session in fall or spring. 425-562-8840, ext. 229, luciee@edvp.org or www.edvp.org.

Evergreen Hospice: Volunteers age 18 or older needed to help terminally ill patients and their families throughout King and Snohomish counties. Training provided. 425-899-1040 or www.evergreenhealthcare.org.

Family Law CASA of King County: Children’s needs can get lost in the dispute between separating parents. Do you want to advocate for such a child? Volunteer for Family Law CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) of King County. 206-748-9700 or www.familylawcasa.com.

Friend to Friend: Volunteers needed to visit adults in nursing homes, assisted living and retirement homes throughout King and Snohomish counties. Volunteers commit to visit about twice a month for one year. 206-246-5150.

Group Health Bellevue Medical Center: Volunteers needed to work at information desk and provide general staff assistance. Morning and afternoon shifts available. Parking and lunch included, and training is provided. 11511 N.E. 10th St., Bellevue. 206-326-2225 or troy.c@ghc.org.

Hospice volunteers: Providence Hospice of Seattle is seeking volunteers to provide practical and emotional support to hospice patients and their families throughout King County. Core training for hospice volunteers is held monthly. After completing core training, volunteers are eligible to attend training for patient care, bereavement and other volunteer positions. Orientation interview and application are required prior to attending core training. Call for details. 206-320-7169.

Meals on Wheels: Meal-delivery program has openings for volunteer drivers and co-coordinators at sites throughout King County. Time commitment for drivers averages three hours once a week, with 35-cent reimbursement per mile. Coordinators may work one or two days a week, four to six hours total. 206-448-5767 or www.seniorservices.org.

Medical coverage assistance: Public Health Seattle & King County provides free assistance applying for benefits, including free or low-cost medical coverage for qualifying children. Call for details. English: 206-296-3944; Spanish: 206-296-3948 or 206-296-3943; Vietnamese: 206-296-3949.

Olive Crest Abused and Neglected Children’s Foundation: Auxiliary group assists with foster family activities, fundraising activities and welcome baskets for children entering new homes. 425-462-1612, ext. 1314, or www.olivecrest.org.

Overlake Hospital Medical Center’s Cancer Resource Center: Volunteers needed to greet resource center visitors, assist clients in using the center’s self-serve functions, answer phones and provide clerical support. Training provided. Application, interview and orientation required prior to training. 425-688-5369.

Puget Sound Blood Center: Assist with blood drives and bone marrow registry drives. Must be available in the day or early evening twice a month and have reliable transportation. 425-462-4381, meganp@psbc.org or www.psbc.org/volunteers.

Red Cross Disaster Action Team: American Red Cross is seeking King County volunteers to respond to local disasters. Volunteers must be on-call one week out of six, and will receive free training. 206-726-3566 or www.seattleredcross.org.

Seattle Humane Society: Answer phones and greet visitors. 13212 S.E. Eastgate Way. 425-641-0080 or diane@seattlehumane.org.

Senior Rights Assistance: Educate, assist and advocate for consumers about their rights and options regarding health insurance, health care access and prescription access. 800-562-6900.

Special Transportation Program: Group Health Cooperative 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. 206-326-2800 or resource.l@ghc.org.

Stitches from the Heart: Volunteers are needed to knit, crochet or quilt blankets, sweaters, hats and booties for babies in need. Items go to hospitals across the country. Patterns available. Donations of yarn or money also appreciated. Call for details. 866-472-6903, stitchfromheart@aol.com or www.StitchesFromTheHeart.org.

United Way tax preparation: Volunteers are needed Jan. 13-April 15 to prepare tax returns for low- to middle-income families throughout King County as part of United Way’s Free Tax Preparation Campaign. 206-461-5048 or www.unitedwayofkingcounty.org/taxvolunteer.

Volunteer Chore Services: Volunteers needed in Bellevue to help with chores, shopping or driving once or twice a week for a homebound senior. Flexible schedule and mileage reimbursement. VCS is a program of Catholic Community Services. Call for details. 425-679-0342, 888-649-6850 or AdriaB@ccsww.org.