Local News from iLoveKent for Monday, Dec. 5
The holiday season is in full swing in Kent with holiday bazaars, open houses, shopping sprees, concerts, fundraisers and more. Here are highlights of the latest news from Kent, Washington.
–CORRECTION– Kent City Council’s December meeting will be Dec. 13, not Dec. 6.
NEW–Willows Place ‘Hope for Families 2016’ Luncheon is Dec. 8
The Willows Place annual fundraising luncheon is this Thursday, Dec. 8 (11:30 AM) at Golden Steer. Lunch is free in exchange for a donation of sleeping bags or blankets, jackets, gloves, hats, sock and underwear. RSVP to Sally Goodgion of Catalyst Travel (253-852-0880 or [email protected]).
NEW–Father and Son Penguin Come to Downtown Kent
Just in time for Winterfest, this adorable daddy and son penguin can now be seen at the corner of Second Avenue and West Meeker St, courtesy of Kent Downtown Partnership. Previously, the pair were part of Seattle Symphony’s “March of the Penguins” before going on display near Game Farm Park in Auburn. They’ll be on display in downtown Kent for the next year. Read more here.
NEW–3rd Annual Heroes and Helpers Celebration: Shop with a Copy – Success!
This Saturday officers and volunteers from the Kent Police Department took children from Kent Youth and Family Services shopping for their families. Each child had $100 to spend at the Kent Target. Look at these great pix!
NEW–Holiday and Winter Safety Tips from Kent RFA
A big thank you to the Kent RFA for home safety tips to keep you and yours safe during the holiday season and throughout the winter. They share tips on carbon monoxide, smoke alarms, electric heaters, cooking, candles and holiday decorations. Read the tips here.
NEW–King County Certifies 2016 General Election Results
Last Tuesday, King County Elections certified the results of the 2016 General Election. We’ve got the election highlights as well as voter statistics. Voter turnout was 82%, compared to the 80% projected. Click here for more information.
NEW–Results of Torklift Central’s 6th Annual Turkey Challenge
Thanks to members of the community who participated in Torklift Central’s annual food drive. This year the challenge exceeded both goals for food and cash donations. $30,243 was raised and 8,651 pounds of food were collected and donated to the Kent Food Bank. Having local businesses and organizations competing with each other made it a little more fun. Click here to find out who the top donors were for 2016.
NEW–Kent School District Schedules Tech Expo for Jan. 19, 2017
Every year the Kent School District’s Tech Expo gets bigger and more exciting. KSD has scheduled the 2017 Expo for Thursday, January 19, 2017 (6 to 8:30 PM) at ShoWare Center. They expect more than 800 students and 130 teachers to participate. The 2017 theme will be “Inspiring Globally Competitive Learners.” We’ll update you when we learn more.
NEW–Morford Family Donates $1 Million Toward YMCA
Last week the Kent Reporter announced that the Morford Family has donated $1 million to help build a $25 million, two-story YMCA on Kent’s East Hill on the area that is currently occupied by Morrill Meadows Park, East Hill Park and the off-leash dog park. Read the full story here.
NEW–Kent Lutheran Church Forms Kent Grand Organ (KGO) Nonprofit
Kent Lutheran Church has formed a separate nonprofit, Kent Grand Organ, to have a 54-rank pipe organ restored and upgraded for the Kent community. While the organ would be housed at Kent Lutheran in downtown Kent, the purpose of the organ is to provide more opportunities for arts and culture programs in downtown Kent and to attract visitors to the area. The approximate cost of the organ is $496,000, and KGO is in the process of raising funds now. Through the end of 2016, any donations, up to $100,000, will be matched by the family of Bob and Betty Whalen. To learn more or donate now, visit KentGrandOrgan.org.
NEW–Rainier Chorale Presents Winter Solstice, Dec. 10-11
Among Kent’s holiday festivities is Rainier Chorale’s annual holiday concert. This year they will perform Winter Solstice at Kent United Methodist Church. Tickets start at $10 for children 11 and under and range to $18 for general admission. There is an additional $2 charge per ticket for tickets purchased at the door. Rainier Chorale asks that guests bring a non-perishable food item for the Kent Food Bank. More details here.
Upcoming Kent Events:
Dec. 7: 100.7 The Wolf – Hometown Holiday
Dec. 8: Kent Chronicles: Conversations about Vietnam (11 AM)
Dec. 9: Kent Spotlight Series: Windham Hill Winter Solstice (7:30 PM)
Dec. 10: Christmas Rush 5K/10K Fun Run/Walk
Dec. 10: Kent-Meridian Co-Op Preschool Vendor Market (9 AM – 3 PM)
Dec. 10: MVCC Food Drive for FREE Santa Photos (10 AM – 3 PM)
Dec. 10: Kent Chronicles: Conversations about Vietnam (11 AM)
Dec. 10-11: Rainier Chorale Presents Winter Solstice
Dec. 13: Kent City Council (7 PM)
Dec. 15: Third Thursday Holiday Party at Rusty Raven Studio
Dec. 16: Bloodworks Northwest Blood Drive at Kent Station
Dec. 19 – Jan. 2: No School for the Kent School District; Holiday Break.
