Local News and Events for Kent, Washington
This has been a crazy week with hurricanes, earthquakes and wildfires. While we are relatively safe here, danger is just miles away. Our thoughts go out to those in harm’s way and to the volunteers and rescuers trying to help. And, of course, today is the 16th anniversary of 9/11, a day that would change all of our lives forever.
Back at home, Kent is as busy as ever. We’re gearing up for the iLoveKent debates on Sept. 21 and 28, presented by Marti Reeder of John L. Scott, and for our October 13 10-year anniversary party. We hope you and your loved ones are safe.
Have a good week,
Dana Neuts
REMINDER–Submit your questions for Kent mayoral and city council candidates by Sept. 18
The iLoveKent debates start next week (Sept. 21 and 28). Do you have questions for the candidates about the fiscal cliff, traffic, crime, safe injection sites or other important issues? Submit your questions for the Kent mayoral and city council debates by noon on Sept. 18 to be considered. Click here to submit your questions now.
NEW–Learn more about the Kent mayoral and city council candidates
In preparation for the iLoveKent debates, we’ve asked each of the 8 candidates (2 for mayor and 6 for city council) to complete a candidate profile, similar to the information you’ll find in the Voter’s Guide. You can access the profiles for candidates who submitted one here.
NEW–Seattle Thunderbirds play their first preseason home game Sept. 16
The Seattle Thunderbirds, 2017 WHL Champions, return to the ice for preseason play this month. While most of their preseason play has passed, the beloved local hockey team will play their first (and last) preseason home gave at ShoWare Center on Saturday, September 16. The TBirds will play Everett. The puck drops at 7 PM. Learn more or buy tickets here.
NEW–Metropolitan King County Council recognizes National Recovery Month
Last week the Metropolitan King County Council recognized September 2017 as National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery month to honor those recovering from addiction and highlighting the importance of treatment and prevention. Read more about the county’s proclamation, led by vice chair Reagan Dunn and councilmember Dave Upthegrove, here.
NEW–Artsy Fartsy Art Lessons celebrates one-year in Kent
This Friday, Sept. 15, Artsy Fartsy Art Lessons owner and artist Susan Bagrationoff is celebrating her studio’s first year in Kent. Join Susan and friends for food, beverages and fun art activities, as Susan thanks the community for their wonderful support in her first year (see why we love Kent?). RSVP here.
NEW–Evergreen Piecemakers Quilt Guild hosts Quilt Show Sept. 15-16
In the organization’s ‘Stitching a New Leaf’ 2017 Quilt Show, visitors can see quilts made by members of the guild and can purchase quilt-related items including fabrics, patterns and embellishments. There will also be a tea room stocked with tasty baked goods. Guests can also buy raffle tickets for a chance to win a quilt at the event. This year’s featured artist is Robbi Broussard. Fri., Sept. 15 (10 am – 5 pm) and Sat., Sept. 16 (10 am – 4 pm) at New Hope Presbyterian Church (19800 – 108th Ave. SE, Kent, WA 98031). Visit www.evergreenpiecemakers.com for more information about the guild.
REMINDER–Kent Has Talent Auditions are Sept. 23
Are you a singer, dancer, magician, artist, poet or musician? Auditions for the Kent Has Talent all-ages talent show will be held Sat., Sept. 23 at Allegro Performing Arts Center (222 Central Ave. S., Kent, WA 98032). Click here to complete an entry form for auditions. All proceeds benefit the work of the Kent Community Foundation, a Kent nonprofit supporting cultural arts and education. Mark your calendars for the main event on Sat., Oct. 7, 2017, emceed by Bender of 106.1 KISS FM in Seattle. Learn more about the auditions here.
REMINDER–Volunteers needed to help with debates
iLoveKent is hosting candidate debates in Sept. Presented by Marti Reeder of John L. Scott, the mayoral debate will be on Thurs., Sept. 21 and the Kent City Council candidate debate will be Thurs., Sept. 28. Additional sponsors include gold sponsor Denali Federal Credit Union and silver sponsors 33rd District Democrats and 47th District Democrats. We want to be sure the events are well publicized to ensure that anyone who wants to attend can. To help spread the word, we could use your help sharing the print materials in your neighborhood, let us know. We also need help setting up and taking down the day of the events (about 5:30 PM and 8:30 PM on Sept. 21 and 28). Email Dana Neuts at [email protected]. Thank you! Learn more about the debates here.
NEW–Read about Kent nonprofits here
iLoveKent is starting a ‘Featured Nonprofit of the Month’ this month to profile some of Kent’s many wonderful nonprofits. When we asked for reader suggestions about organizations to interview, we realized that some readers may have missed Michelle Teeter’s features on some of these organizations. Here are links to a few of the nonprofits she’s featured in the last year:
- SKCAC Celebrates 50 Years in Kent (Sept. 2, 2017)
- Wear a Big Smile Foundation: Giving Smiles to Those in Need (June 26, 2017)
- PICC: Caring for the Smallest Victims of Drug Abuse (June 6, 2017)
- Rotary’s Backpack Buddies Program Feeds Hungry Kent Kids (January 12, 2017)
- Kent Grand Organ Project: Classical Music Close to Home (December 15, 2016)
- KentHOPE: Respect, Compassion and Camaraderie (November 29, 2016
REMINDER–KDP to host HAWKtoberfest car show on Sept. 23
Kent Downtown Partnership is hosting its annual HAWKtoberfest Car Show on Sat., Sept. 23 from 11 AM to 3 PM on Railroad Avenue in downtown Kent. Join hundreds of other Seattle area football fans and car enthusiasts for lots of fun. This event is always a good time, and proceeds support the work of the Kent Downtown Partnership to revitalize downtown Kent. Learn more about the event here.
REMINDER–Greater Kent Historical Society plans annual gala for Sept. 30
The Greater Kent Historical Society is hosting its annual gala on Sat., Sept. 30 at the Kent Senior Center.Tickets are $60 and available for purchase online This year’s theme is ‘1917: 100 Years Ago’ and the guest speaker is Erik Fling, U.S. Army Museum Director at Fort Lewis who will speak about ‘The Military in Washington State in 1917.’ . Net proceeds from the event will go to support the work of the Greater Kent Historical Society.
NEW–Why you love Kent
We participated in Kent Station’s SOAKS event last month, and asked visitors to our booth why they love Kent. We got more than 100 different answers, with some of them pretty common among the crowd – Kent Station, Seattle Thunderbirds, free summer concerts, Kent parks and trails, good food, people, diversity and more! We put together a word cloud and a photo album. Check them out here!
Event Highlights This Week
[For details, visit our Sept. 2017 ‘Things To Do’ list or our Google calendar.]
Sept. 13 Self-Guided Trail Walk: Morrill Meadows
Sept. 13 GKHS Mystery Book Club
Sept. 13 What Cultural Traditions Are Alive in Kent?
Sept. 13 Deadline to sign up for Kent Has Talent auditions
Sept. 15 Quilt Show
Sept. 15 Kent Friends of the Library Book Sale
Sept. 15 Artsy Fartsy Art Lessons One-Year Anniversary Celebration
Sept. 16 Quilt Show
Sept. 16 Kent Farmer’s Market
Sept. 16 Jazz Breakfast featuring Michael Powers
Sept. 16 Kent Friends of the Library Book Sale
Sept. 16 Hops & Crops Music and Beer Festival
Sept. 16 Zombie Fest Northwest 2017
Sept. 16 Seattle Thunderbirds vs. Everett Silvertips (preseason)
Sept. 17 Kent Friends of the Library Book Sale
Sept. 17 Guitar Show
Sept. 17 Leader-Guided Trail Walk: Rabbit Loop Trail
Sept. 18 Deadline for submitting candidate questions for iLoveKent debates
