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Maritime Discovery Center Two impressive new exhibits highlight MDC's 2004 season: a 45-foot dragon boat (representing China's two-millennium tradition of dragon-boat racing) and a working model of a naval bridge deck, constructed using "real ship parts from the U.S. Navy." 2205 Alaskan Way (Pier 66), 206-374-4000 ext. 101. $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and children (5–17). Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun. Both exhibits on display indefinitely.
Great Jewish Women Leaders Longtime teacher Stan Briller discusses the achievements of 36 prominent women in Jewish history. Natalie Portman, alas, did not make the cut. JCC Mercer Island, 3801 E. Mercer Way, 206-232-7115 ext. 269. Free admission. 10 a.m.-noon. Wed., May 19.
Sally Bedell Smith The author of Grace & Power: The Private World of the Kennedy White House takes us back to Camelot at a luncheon forum sponsored by CityClub. CityClub, 1904 Third Ave., 206-682-7395. $33 ($23 for CityClub members). Noon-1:30 p.m. Thurs., May 20.
Radical Women Forum Eyewitnesses to the pro-choice March for Women's Lives, which occurred April 25 in Washington, D.C., will report what they saw and heard at this dinner-and-discussion event. New Freeway Hall, 5018 Rainier Ave. S., 206-722-6057. $6.50 for dinner; forum is free of charge. 6:30 p.m. Thurs., May 20.
Recycled Percussion Before you throw out those old garbage barrels, try hitting them with that ancient, toothless rake. At this Everett Community College show, the renowned trash-rock ensemble Recycled Percussion proves that one man's offal is another man's drum kit. ECC (PUD Auditorium), 2320 California St. (Everett), 425-388-9505. Free admission. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., May 20.
Seattle Follies Hosted by Almost Live! alum John Keister, this "cabaret with a political twist" gets another boost of professional theater savvy from Empty Space artistic head Allison Narver, who directs a ragtag troupe of local actors along with Seattle Post-Intelligencer sports columnist Art Thiel, City Council member Jean Godden, and John Moe of KUOW-FM. Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave., 206-652-4255. $15 in advance, $18 at the door. 7:30 p.m. Thurs., May 20.
Arun Gandhi The grandson of Mohandas Gandhi and president of the Gandhi Institute for Non-Violence speaks on the everyday wisdom his legendary forebear passed to him. The benefit luncheon is hosted by KING-TV anchorman Dennis Bounds; all proceeds go to Habitat for Humanity of East King County. Meydenbauer Center, 11100 N.E. Sixth St. (Bellevue), 425-869-6007. $150 (suggested donation). Noon. Fri., May 21.
Michael Cremo The author of Forbidden Archeology discusses human devolution and challenges Darwin in two evening lectures. Seattle Museum of the Mysteries, 623 Broadway Ave. E., 206-328-6499. $10. 7 p.m. Fri., May 21, and Sat., May 22.
SisterFire This traveling arts show celebrates "revolutionary women of color" and includes dance, music, visual art, and activist discussion. Rainier Valley Cultural Center, 3515 S. Alaska St., 206-723-7333. $10 suggested donation. 7-9 p.m. Fri., May 21.
Community Health Fair Capitol Hill's Hearing, Speech, and Deafness Center opens its doors to the public for an informative day of hearing and speech screenings, presentations, and classes on subjects like deaf awareness, stuttering, and ASL. 1625 19th Ave., 206-323-5770. Free admission. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat., May 22.
Fence for Furry Friends Unlikely as it sounds, the city of Seattle is sponsoring a fencing tournament to raise money for the Seattle Animal Shelter, which facilitates 2,700 adoptions and places 1,200 cats and dogs in foster care each year. North Seattle Community College Wellness Center Gym, 9600 College Way N., 206-386-PETS. $20. 9 a.m. Sat., May 22.
Health Care Conference The high-profile guest list includes U.S. Reps. Jim McDermott, D-Seattle, and Jesse Jackson Jr., D-Ill., as well as the current pool of Washington gubernatorial candidates. The notion that health care is a basic human right is the theme; planned activities include panel discussions, a public forum, a Q&A with the candidates about health-care policy, and a Westlake Park rally for universal health-care coverage. Plymouth Congregational Church, Sixth Ave. and University St., 206-448-9646. $15 (suggested donation). 9 a.m. Sat., May 22.
Essential Oils Workshop "Certified aromatherapist" Jim Harrison leads an all-day class on essential-oil treatments for a variety of skin ailments, including acne, psoriasis, and eczema. Bastyr University, 14500 Juanita Dr. N.E., 425-602-3075. $70. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sat., May 22.
Mystical Chant Day Seattle Unity Church hosts a wide assortment of mystical chant groups—including Una Voce and the Mevlevi Whirling Dervishes—at this daylong event; proceeds benefit the New Beginnings battered women's shelter and other local and national charities. 200 Eighth Ave. N., 206-622-8475 ext. 120. Suggested donation: $10 in advance, $13 at the door. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sat., May 22.
"Try Rowing" Bash The Lake Washington Rowing Club gives nonrowers a chance to hit the water and obey the mighty coxswain for three hours, or as long as their arms hold out. 910 N. Northlake Way, 206-547-1583. $30 (includes a T-shirt). 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sat., May 22.
Helping Our Parents As They Age Part of the IKEA lecture series, this lecture/workshop examines the challenges and rewards of aiding one's parents in the aging process. IKEA Performing Arts Center, 400 S. Second St. (Renton), 425-204-3454. $2. 1 p.m. Sat., May 22.
Writing Connections This forum gives aspiring writers a chance to discuss their trade "in a casual environment." Sponsored by the Pacific Northwest Writers Association. Greenwood Senior Center, 525 N. 85th St., 425-673-2665. Free admission. 1-4 p.m. Sat., May 22.
