Rainier Youth Choirs will present “All Creatures Great and Small” on Saturday, March 27 at Kent United Methodist Church, 11010 SE 248th St., Kent, WA  98030.

Tickets are $12 and $10 if purchased in advance and $15 and $12 at the door.

For more info., visit Rainier Youth Choirs online.

The Children’s Therapy Center of Kent is holding their 22nd Annual Dinner Auction, “Hats Off to Kids, a Day at the Derby”, to benefit children with special needs. The event will be held on
March 27, 2010 from 6 – 10pm at Emerald Downs in Auburn.   They are asking that attendees join in the festivities by wearing your favorite Kentucky Derby style hat.

The Children’s Therapy Center of Kent provides children with special needs and their families with services to enhance their development.  The mission is to maximize the potential of children with disabilities by providing individualized, family-centered intervention services.  Our ultimate goal is to give children functional skills that will help them today while decreasing their need for future services.

For more information or to register visit, http://www.dynamicfamilies.org/Page.aspx?hid=459.

The City of Kent has revamped its new website.  With the ever-growing list of changes in everything from going green to technology the City of Kent decided to update its website to a more user-friendly site.  It’s more appealing to the eye and a lot easier to navigate.  If you haven’t had the opportunity to see the changes check it out at www.choosekent.com.

The Kent Predators played their first home game last night at the Showare Center.  The Indoor Football League welcomed the Predators this year with much support from the Kent community.  The IFL is different than NFL; a few rules vary, the field is smaller and the action is much more in your face.  If you are lucky enough to sit in the first row you will have a great chance of touching Eric Taylor,wide receiver, as he runs past or KJ McCrae tackles another player up against the wall.   If you are seated in the back, footballs fly your way after kicker, Justin Miller kicks off the ball and that ball become a great souvenir.  You feel as if you are part of the game.

Although defeated, the Predators played a good game with a lot of action.  They played the now 3-0 Fairbanks Grizzlies. The first half started out rough but they came back with a vengeance.  Unfortunately it was not enough, with a score of 57-42 the Predators fell short.  The Predators are currently 0-3 but with a few games behind them the chemistry is heating up and we see many great games ahead.

Contributed by Larissa Long

Tonight the Kent Predators held a kick-off party at Pat’s Bar & Grill on Railroad Avenue. Along with owner Chris Kolakis and Jim Granacker from the front office, many of the players were on hand to thank the community for their support. The dance team came as well, to the delight of many of the party attendees, particularly the men.

In addition to passing out season tickets, the festivities included a dance off, organized by Larissa Long, an iLoveKent.net contributor. The dance team performed in unison, followed by a trio of football players who attempted to best the ladies’ moves. The crowd cheered enthusiastically for both sides, but the girls were ultimately named the winners.Following the impromptu dance competition, the team introduced itself with a special intro of player #9 aka Sweet Roll. The dance team also introduced themselves to the cheers of the crowd.

With 80 to 100 people in attendance, the mood was festive and the community was supportive of the Kent Predators, an IFL expansion team to play its first home game at ShoWare Center tomorrow evening.

For more info. about the Kent Predators or to buy tickets to tomorrow night’s game, visit the team online.

Please join the Communities In Schools of Kent Annual Fundraising Breakfast located at the Kent Senior Activity Center on March 17, 2010 at 7:30 to 9:00am.

CIS Kent provides assistance to at risk students in the Kent School District through mentorships, internships, and support to stay in school and graduate. Contributing to success in school for today’s children and youth ultimately produces a future skilled workforce for area businesses which will be key to many businesses’ immediate and future needs. We’ve come a long way in the past five years and will celebrate our work March 17, 2010 with a St. Patrick’s Day fundraising breakfast. Please attend our event, at the Kent Senior Activity Center, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00. Dr. Edward Lee Vargas, Superintendent, Kent School District, has agreed to deliver the keynote address for us.

This is our primary fundraising event…reaching our fundraising goal allows us to continue to provide much-needed services to the at-risk youth in the communities that the Kent School District serves.

We appreciate your interest in supporting Communities In Schools Kent, helping make a difference in the lives of our most valuable asset – our children.

If you would like to attend the breakfast, serve as a table captain, and/or learn about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Alice Pfaff, Tom Wood, or Mike Heinisch. Hope to see you there!

Golfers at Kent’s Riverbend Golf Complex, one of the busiest courses in the state, can enjoy a meal before or after their rounds at a new restaurant beginning this summer.  The Fire Creek Grill closed at the end of February, and a short-term concessionaire is being lined up to provide food and beverages while Kent Parks completes an RFP process for new restaurant management.

According to Golf Operations Superintendent Pete Petersen, “The restaurant should do a brisk business.  Riverbend is a full service complex with a driving range and Par 3 course.  There are 700 members in our men’s and ladies’ clubs and 65,000 rounds are played here each year.”

The City will be issuing a Request for Proposals in the coming weeks.  Interested restaurateurs should contact Jeff Watling, Director of Kent Parks, Recreation and Community Services: 253-856-5007.

The City of Kent is the fourth largest city in King County, Washington with a population over 88,000. As a culturally rich destination, Kent’s dynamic quality of life features captivating neighborhoods, award-winning parks and nationally accredited police and fire departments. In recent years, Kent has experienced impressive economic growth, and is nationally known as a prime location for manufacturing. For more information, visit www.choosekent.com.

Evergreen City Ballet presents its 2nd Annual Dinner Gala on April 10.  This year’s theme is “A Night at the Races” at Emerald Downs.  The evening will start with opening weekend races followed by a dinner and auction.  The last race is the “ECB Stakes.”  Eight lucky people will have their picture taken in the Winner’s Circle!

Enjoy a wonderful evening of food, wine and racing on 2010 opening weekend of racing at Emerald Downs.

Your Gala ticket includes free admission and free parking at Emerald Downs. Come early and enjoy the last three races of the day from our special private viewing room.  Place your wager at our private betting window .

There are one-of-a-kind auction items including:

• Tickets to the Oprah Show with a two night stay in the Omni Suites Hotel in Chicago

• Tickets to Pacific Northwest Ballet with one night stay in Pan Pacific Hotel , including a gourmet dinner

• A weekend at a luxury, private, waterfront cabin in British Columbia

Tickets are $100 per person or $680 for a table of eight.  For ticket or more information email Larry@evergreencityballet.org.

Stand-Up Comedy Night was such a success this month that Pat’s Bar & Grill is doing it again. Next week’s show features comedian Ron Osborne, a past winner of the Seattle International Comedy Competition.

Wed., March 3, 2010
7 to 9 p.m.
Pat’s Bar & Grill, 114 Railroad Ave. N., Kent (253-852-7287)
Tickets:  $10 in advance, $13 at the door

For more info., call Pat’s Bar & Grill at 253-852-7287. See you there!

Each year the City of Kent, Kent School District, the Kent Downtown Partnership, and private sponsors work together to celebrate National Youth Art Month with Spring Into Art. Art from several Kent schools is displayed in various businesses in the Downtown area. Kent Downtown Partnership and local businesses support a night of activities coinciding with the City’s Art Walk and Reception.

Visit our website for complete details:

Spring Into Art 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
4 – 9 p.m.
Downtown Kent

Whether you collect antiques or simply enjoy nostalgia, you’ll enjoy a trip down memory lane at Titusville Trading Co. Located on First Avenue South next to Goju Karate, this antique shop has a little bit of everything — books, photos, postcards, serving pieces, coins, lighters, cars, vinyl, signs, furniture and more.

I stopped by yesterday between appointments and found all kinds of fun stuff, including an old Elton John LP (aka vinyl) for my teenage daughter who is a collector, some unusual carved buttons for my mother-in-law, and a beautiful China bread dish from France for me. Don’t ask me what I’m going to do with it, but it was beautiful and I couldn’t resist!

If you get a chance, stop by Titusville Trading Co. It buys and sells antiques and is a locally-owned family business. Sales associate Elle was on hand when I stopped in, and she was friendly and knowledgeable. The store’s wares are also affordably priced and pleasingingly displayed though you have to navigate through the larger pieces. Enjoy!

Each year the Kent Arts Commission puts on its Spotlight Series.  Check out these upcoming family-friendly shows in the 2009-2010 Spotlight Series:

"In the Mood: A 1940s Show"

February 20 – “In the Mood, A 1940s Musical “
Kentwood Performing Arts Center

“In The Mood: A 1940s Musical” is a show that offers a look into America’s greatest generation. Singers, dancers and a big band orchestra offer everything from up-tempo rhythms to ballads. The costumes and choreography are authentic, and they put the finishing touches on re-creating this sentimental and romantic era. At the Kentwood Performing Arts Center on February 20, at 7:30 pm. Tickets for general audiences are $28, seniors are $26, and youth are $20.

March 11 – “Men of Worth “
Kent-Meridian Performing Arts Center

“Men of Worth” is presented by Scotsman Donnie MacDonald and Irishman James Keigher. They’re performing traditional and contemporary Irish and Scottish folk music. The music combines vocal harmonies and a wide variety of instruments. Men of Worth have been called “the real thing in Celtic entertainment”. Also, Irish dancers and additional musicians join the duo for this pre-St. Patrick’s Day performance. Men of Worth will be at the Kent-Meridian Performing Arts center on March 11, at 7:30 pm. Tickets for general audiences are $20, seniors are $18, and youth tickets are $15.

March 13 – “Robin Crusoe” with the Missoula Children’s Theatre
Kent-Meridian Performing Arts Center

The Missoula Children’s Theatre is putting on a production of “Robinson Crusoe” on March 13 at the Kent-Meridian Performing Arts Center. The play is varying from the novel, and teaches the lesson that reading invites more than observation. It also teaches that books allow readers the luxury of the imagination. Open auditions will be held March 8 from 4 to 6 at Glenridge Elementary. Tickets for all are $5.

March 20 – “Luminous Edge” by Thomas Arthur
Kent-Meridian Performing Arts Center

On March 20, Thomas Arthur will bring us the “Luminous Edge”, his family performance. The performance brings choreographed juggling, digital film projections and audience participation. “Luminous Edge” will be at the Kent-Meridian Performing Arts Center at 3 pm. Tickets for general audiences are $12, seniors are $10, and youth tickets are $8.

April 3 – The sound of Maui, brought to you by Hapa
Kentwood Performing Arts Center

The sound of Maui is being brought to Kent on April 3. Hapa is a musical group that evokes tropical paradise. Combining ancient changes, Portuguese fisherman ballads and Spanish cowboys, melodies of early missionary choirs and more, they bring a dose of American acoustic folk/rock. They will be at the Kentwood Performing Arts Center at 7:30 pm. Tickets for general audiences are $28, seniors are $26, and youth are $20.

April 9 – The Wailin’ Jennys
Kent-Meridian Performing Arts Center

The Wailin’ Jennys are a band with a fresh acoustic sound, coming from Canada’s mid-western heartland. They are brought onward by an increasing fan base, which loves their harmonies. They have an engaging stage presence. They are enchanting audiences across North America, the U.K. and continental Europe. They will be performing at the Kent-Meridian Performing Arts Center. Tickets for general audiences are $24, seniors are $22, and youth are $18.

May 1 – “Guthrie Family Rides Again”
ShoWare Center

Four generations of the Guthries bring you the “Guthrie Family Rides Again”. The family will perform songs they’ve written. Also, unpublished Woody Guthrie lyrics will be put to music. The performance will be at ShoWare Center on May 1 at 8 pm.

In a press release dated February 12, 2010, the Seattle Thunderbirds announced Hockey Challenge 2010, a charity event that benefits Ronald McDonald House Charities of Western Washington and Alaska. The fundraiser is scheduled for Sat., February 27 at the ShoWare Center in Kent.

Sponsors form hockey teams to raise money to play in the Challenge. The proceeds from the Challenge go directly to support the operations of the Seattle Ronald McDonald House, a home-away-from home for seriously ill children and their families. In 2009, the Seattle Ronald McDonald House provided housing for more than 700 families.

This year’s schedule:

Game 1 – Windows Women vs. Exchange Women, 9:40 a.m.
Game 2 – Microsoft Spartans vs. Amazon.com, 11:35 a.m.
Game 3 – Entertainment & Devices vs. Microsoft Mystery Team, 1:30 p.m.
Game 4 – Windows Live vs. MS IT, 3:25 p.m.
Celebrity Autograph Session – 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on west concourse of ShoWare Center
Game 5 – Seattle Thunderbirds vs. Portland Winterhawks, 6:05 p.m.
Game 6 – Celebrity All-Star, immediately following T-Birds/Winterhawks game

Celebrities scheduled to appear include Michael Rosenbaum (Smallville), Jason Thompson (General Hospital), Cameron Bancroft (24: Day 4, Hockeyville on CBC), Brian Basset (cartoonist of Adam @ Home and Red and Rover), Kelly Tysland (formerly Kelly Stephens 2006 U.S. Women’s Olympic hockey bronze medalist), Bill Wixey (KCPQ news anchor), Paul Silvi (KING 5 sports anchor), Ian Furness (KJR 950 AM Host) and former T-Bird Ryan Gibbons. Celebrities will be on hand for an autograph session between 5 and 5:30 p.m.

In the last 11 years, the Hockey Challenge has raised over $3.5 million for the Seattle Ronald McDonald House.

For more information, visit the Seattle Thunderbirds online.

Kent TV21 has created and is now showing “Welcome to Kent:  The Panther Lake Annexation” to discuss the city’s plans to annex the neighborhood on July 1, 2010. Featuring Mayor Suzette Cooke, planning director Fred Satterstrom and members of Citizens for Annexation to Kent, the program will discuss the annexation and how it will impact the community. To view the program, visit KentTV21 online.

Once the Panther Lake annexation of 24,000 residents is complete, the City of Kent will become the sixth largest city in the State of Washington. For more information about the annexation, visit the city’s online annexation resource.

Friday, February 12, 2010 — Today Indoor Football League Commissioner Tommy Benizio officially kicked off the 2010 IFL season at Kent’s ShoWare Center, home of the Kent Predators, one of two new IFL expansion teams.

“This is a great game and we can’t wait to unveil it,” Commissioner Benizio said. “We are real pleased to grow here in Kent.”

Benizio was one of half a dozen speakers at today’s press conference called by the Kent Predators to introduce Benizio, Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke, owners Chris Kokalis and Ken Moninski, VP of Football Operations Brian Brents, Head Coach William McCarthy, the Kent Predators football team and dance team.

“Welcome Kent,” Mayor Cooke said. “We are going to be a great team together. I love wolves and I love purple. We’re going to beat everybody!”

Ken Moninski, co-owner of the team, said the team is excited to call the new ShoWare Center home and welcomed everyone to come watch the fan-friendly game.

“We’re going to make the city proud,” he said. “The support here is phenomenal. We’ll have a very successful season on and off the field.”

Co-owner Kokalis agreed, citing the team’s commitment to the City of Kent and his enthusiasm about the staff, players, team and community partnerships.

“We’re going to make Kent the best community in the state of Washington,” Kokalis added.

Brents, who took the El Paso Generals to a 12 and 2 season in 2009, serves as the Kent Predators VP of Football Operations. He, too, showed his support of the team and community.

“This is exciting, y’all!”

One of Brents’ first tasks was to hire head coach William McCarthy, who previously served as assistant coach to the El Paso Generals. McCarthy said the community would love the fast-paced game and encouraged the crowd to attend the team’s first practice during training camp this Sunday at Wilson Playfields (132nd and 248th on Kent’s East Hill).

Defensive back Kevin Jones, who played football for Kentwood High School, said he is anxious to start the season.

“We’re playing this game not just for ourselves but for the whole community,” Jones said. “I’m glad to be home!”

The team’s first game is an away game on February 28 against the Billings Outlaws, the 2009 defending champions of the United Bowl. The Predators’ first home game will be at ShoWare Center on Friday, March 12.

“We’d like to put a sellout here,” Kokalis said.

For more information about the Kent Predators, visit the team online or contact Jim Granacker, VP of operations, at 253-239-3254.

Kent Predators Receiver Eric "Shampoo" Taylor and Mayor Suzette Cooke

In a press release from Jim Granacker, director of operations for the Kent Predators, the Kent Predators announced that the community and media are invited to attend a press conference this Friday, February 12 at ShoWare Center to meet members of the front office and coaching staff, including team owners Chris Kokalis and Ken Moninski, VP of football operations and Predators head coach William McCarthy. The group will discuss their first season which kicks off with its first home game on Friday, March 12. In addition, Mayor Suzette Cooke will be available to answer questions regarding how the Predators’ presence in Kent will affect the community.

Also making an appearance is IFL Commissioner Tommy Benizio who will officially kick-off the league’s season tomorrow.

“Heading into the league’s second season, the IFL has quickly established itself as the nation’s premier indoor football league,” he stated in the February 10 press release.  “I am very excited to come to Kent to announce the kickoff of the 2010 campaign and to watch the Predators compete in our Pacific North Division this year.”

The Indoor Football League (IFL) was started in 2008 from a merger between the Intense Football League and United Indoor Football Association. Two years later, the IFL consists of 25 teams in 13 states in six divisions. The IFL season is 14-games long and the season’s regular schedule runs from March through June. The season ends with playoffs in August, followed by the IFL United Bowl.

Refreshments will be served at 2:30 pm as informal announcements are made. The question and answer session will begin promptly at 3:00 pm.

For more information, contact Jim Granacker at 253-239-3254 or via email.

That’s right!  The famous Harlem Globetrotters make their moves at the Showare Center on Friday, February 19, 2010 at 7pm.

Remember going to a game with your dad when you were five years old; that game made basketball the most amazing sport that you had ever seen.  They are still around and still making those amazing trick shots.  In 2009 they made an appearance on the Bachelorette where they showed the guys up by wowing Jillian Harris with their smooth moves.

They always put on a great show.  It’s so much more than a sporting event.  This is a show you don’t want to miss.  As they say, “Our greatest trick is bringing families together.

For more information or to purchase tickets go to visit the Harlem Globetrotters or  Showare Center’s website.

Mickey Fay presents NW Extreme Flat Track Racing Saturday, April 17 @ 7:00PM.

Saturday, April 17, 7pm

TICKETS:

$23 – GOLD (Club & Rows 2-4)
$17 – Reserved
$10   – Reserved Youth (under 12, not valid for Gold Seating)

Plus applicable fees.
Special PRESALE Opportunity: Reserve your seats today, before they go on sale to the general public on February 12, 10am.   PRESALE Password – “FAST”

FOR TICKETS CLICK HERE

DISCOUNTS FOR GROUPS OF 10 or MORE:
Call Chris at 253-856-6723 or email groups@ShoWareCenter.com

Last night SSSCo (pronounced Triple S Co) rocked the house with “Sweethearts, A Valentine’s Tragedy,” written and choreographed by Joselito Castillo.

Set in a 1920s speakeasy, this dark valentine show centered around the life of Delilah Jones (played by Shayda Abab) and her love affair with Sam (Castillo), a traveling trombonist after her money. With an eight-member cast, the performance included music from Tommy Dorsey, Eddie Cantor and the McGuire Sisters as well as a half a dozen or so playful dance numbers including a flirtatious piece performed on a portable mattress. The show concluded with Sam’s tragic-but-expected murder, Delilah’s subsequent arrest and a dance number performed by the entire cast.

Performed at South Side Dance Force, this clever production was entertaining to watch and a fun mix of different dance styles for all ages. In addition to the lively, energetic and spirited dancing, the cast members created an interesting synergy and were flawless in their execution of stage direction, prop movement and audience engagement. Having written a story on Castillo and SSDF, it was delightful to watch Castillo in action. His high energy and passion for dance – as well as those of his dancers – filled the studio. What a fun Valentine treat!

SSS-Co & Friends:

Sam – Joselito Castillo, writer, choreographer and owner of SSDF
Delilah Jones – Shayda Abab
Stanley O’Malley – CJ Conrad
Joe – Ryan Hayes
Herby – Eric Chapman
Betty – Denise Weitz
Myrna – Lori Stephens
Squeeky – Maria Crain

Featured music included the McGuire Sisters, Irvin Kauffman, Tommy Dorsey, Amy Serrata, Trumpet Jam and Eddie Cantor.

For more information on SSDF, see my article in the back cover of the February 2010 issue of Kent Magazine.