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.
Since moving to Kent almost five years ago, I have been to at least a half a dozen stylists and hair salons. So far, I have never found one that suited me…open the right hours, had a stylist that I just loved, or that just “fit” the way a good salon should. That’s not to say that there aren’t good stylists or hair salons in town. In fact, I’m sure there are. I’m just fickle in that department. I’ve just never found one that I wanted to go back to more than a few times.
My point, you ask, as I ramble on? I have found the hair salon of my dreams…Blanc ‘n Schwarz, 207 E. Meeker St., next to Edward Jones Investments (Kelsey Keener). After visiting Kelsey last month, I popped into the salon next door to make an appointment for a haircut. In and of itself, that was somewhat of a miracle. I’m a “low maintenance” gal, and I don’t usually schedule haircuts. I just go when I need one. But a friend had recommended Wade at Blanc ‘n Schwarz so I thought I’d give it a try.
I gave Wade the option to choose a style that was flattering, and I love what he did. In addition, he was incredibly personable and the salon was fun. It was decorated in a simple but upscale way, with shampoo bowls that adjust to your comfort level. The reclining shampoo chairs also had a foot rest so I could put my legs up while being shampooed and conditioned.
I went back last week for a four week trim (believe me, this NEVER happens in my “low maintenance” world) and to try a new haircolor and highlights. As expected, Wade was his usual charming self, but he was also very in tune to what I wanted and what would look good for my coloring.
As an extra bonus, I love Wade’s entrepreneurial spirit and his desire to support the Kent community. Despite being new to the area (his salon was previously in Ballard), he is all about Kent and proud to offer his ideas for helping it grow in ways that benefit businesses and residents alike.
So for the first time in nearly five years, I can say I have a stylist and a favorite salon. Wade @ Blanc ‘n Schwarz. Gotta run…it’s time to make an appointment for my next trim…
[Note: Blanc 'n Schwarz is open Mondays - Saturdays and Sundays by appointment only. I don't believe they have a website, but here's how you can reach Wade or another one of his stylists: 253-856-1355]
Back This Month Only: Kent Station’s Earning Dollars for Scholars Program – Make College Dreams Happen
Kent, Washington, March 9, 2010 – Kent Station’s Earning Dollars for Scholars scholarship fundraiser is back. Now in its fourth year, this popular, shopper-friendly program has helped Kent Station award 11 scholarships totaling over $15,000. The scholarships benefit Kent area high school graduates attending Green River Community College. In many cases, the scholarships provide money for college for students who couldn’t afford to go otherwise.
After receiving her scholarship in 2009 Miranda Green said, “I am honored to be one of the recipients of the Kent Station Scholarship. Thanks to [Kent Station’s] support, I am the first in my family to attend college. Without this scholarship, I would not be able to go to college.”
This year Earning Dollars for Kent Scholars expanded its scholarship package to include a grant that is awarded to a GRCC student who created the visual graphics for this annual fundraiser. This year’s grant winner is Ella Shkurina, a second year student at Green River Community College.
How does Kent Station’s Earning Dollars for Scholars fundraiser work? Visit participating Kent Station merchants from March 1 through 31 to enter to win one of ten Kent Station gift cards, ranging from $25 to $500. Shoppers can enter once at each participating merchant and, for each entry, Kent Station will donate $1 to the Kent Station–Green River Community College Scholarship Fund. The winners of the gift card drawing will be selected at random on April 5, 2010.
“Kent Station is proud to be able to partner with our stores, restaurants, and the community to provide scholarship money for local high school graduates,” Sommer Ueda, Kent Station marketing coordinator, said. “Green River Community College offers a number of programs for students to get a quality education, and we’re glad we can help make that available to Kent students.”
The community’s participation allows Kent Station to give local students a chance at a continued education. The more entries received, the more scholarships provided and the more chances shoppers have to win! Please help to make college dreams happen.
“This program is really a win-win for everyone. The GRCC Foundation is thrilled to partner with Kent Station to support educational opportunities for youth in our community,” said Beth Gatzke.
“Last year, the Dollars for Scholars program provided four of almost 160 scholarships given to students at Green River Community College. With the help of community members like Kent Station, our scholarship program and our community will continue to grow,” she added.
For a list of participating merchants and complete details of the Earning Dollars for Scholars program, visit KentStation.com or call Sommer Ueda at 253-856-2301.
Located on 18 acres in the heart of downtown Kent, Kent Station is an urban shopping village developed by Seattle-based Tarragon Development Company. The 470,000 sq. ft., mixed-use development features locally-owned and national retail stores, professional office space, and dining and entertainment, including a 14-screen AMC Theatres Cineplex and a branch campus of Green River Community College.
For more information, please contact:
Sommer Ueda
Kent Station
417 Ramsay Way, Suite 110
Kent, WA 98032
253-856-2301
www.KentStation.com
sueda@kentstation.com
Kent, Washington, March 2, 2010–John L. Scott Associate Marti Reeder of Kent was one of 61 sales associates in Western Washington to win the prestigious “2009 President’s Elite” award. Reeder helped more than 28 families find the home of their dreams last year which played a part in helping her achieve this impressive honor. In a Tuesday ceremony, Reeder accepted the award personally from J. Lennox Scott, Chairman and CEO of John L. Scott Real Estate.
There are approximately 2,000 John L. Scott agents in Western Washington, so achieving this after only six years in the industry shows Reeder’s hard work and dedication to finding homes for her clients. She possesses the qualities needed to make home buying and selling easy, even in difficult financial times.
J. Lennox Scott said, “I would like to thank and congratulate the John L. Scott award recipients for the role they played in helping their valued clients achieve the American Dream of homeownership.”
Reeder was the third highest in production in her office in 2009, and the “2009 President’s Elite” award was the second highest award out of six possible to be achieved at John L. Scott.
“This has been a challenging year economically for many families in Kent,” Reeder said. “I’m glad I was able to help them find homes that suited their situation and budget.”
For more information about Reeder, visit http://johnlscott.com/martireeder. For a list of award winners, visit http://tiny.cc/gaJ40 .
As a lifelong resident of King County, Reeder has a wide range of experience in mortgages, home inspections and real estate. She began her real estate career with John L. Scott six years ago. In addition to earning designations as an accredited buyer’s and seller’s representative, Reeder specializes in pre-foreclosures. She enjoys working with individuals and families to find their dream home and was named “Best in Kent” in 2008 and 2009 by Kent Reporter readers for her real estate work.
For more information, contact:
Marti Reeder, Realtor®, John L. Scott
253.859.8500
martireeder@johnlscott.com
http://johnlscott.com/martireeder
On Thursday, March 4, the Kent Downtown Partnership hosted a property owners and commercial real estate agents’ meeting at Bittersweet Restaurant. Sponsored by Valley Bank, the breakfast meeting drew about 55 community members including downtown property owners, commercial brokers, property representatives, business owners, city officials and KDP board members. The mood was enthusiastic and participants were eager to hear what the city is working on in terms of economic development in downtown Kent.
After a welcoming statement from Valley Bank’s Mike Miller and the introduction of participants, Kent’s Economic Development Director Ben Wolters took the floor to discuss the city’s recent successes. He noted the Regional Justice Center, Kent Station, the rail station and ShoWare Center as having been some of the area’s most significant recent developments.
“The city has tried to attract businesses that are game changers,” Wolters said.
He further noted that the ShoWare Center has only been open for 15 months, and has already attracted more than 400,000 visitors to its hockey games, concerts, business fairs and other community events. These numbers are likely to escalate with the addition of the Kent Predators, Kent’s new IFL expansion team. The Predators play their first home game at ShoWare Center on Friday, March 12.
“Looking forward, the city is looking at another game changing opportunity,” Wolters added.
The targeted project is to build a facility for the Federal Aviation Administration which could potentially bring 2,000 employees to Kent – within half a mile of the downtown core. Currently, a dozen municipalities are competing to be considered. The first phase of the process is submitting a letter of interest to the GSA and FAA. The City of Kent has done that and hopes to provide a more detailed proposal in May. If the city advances to the next level of the bidding process, the city will make a presentation and proposal in August, with the final decision coming in December.
Other key projects in the works include Tarragon’s expansion of Green River Community College at Kent Station.
“Tarragon just completed a huge expansion of GRCC, with hundreds of new students, and a lot of energy, excitement and new opportunities,” Wolters said.
He also gave an update on the half-completed parking garage at Smith and Fourth which he called “an incredible legal soap opera.” The property is now in the hands of Washington Federal Savings. To date, there has been some interest in buying that space for office use, but there is no time frame for resolving the issue, developing that property or selling it.
Another meeting highlight included the city’s completion of Town Square Plaza which was an attempt to bridge the historic downtown district with Kent Station. Wolters noted there is still a gap between the two areas, but the city is hoping to do more integration. Wolters also commented that First Avenue is becoming a destination in downtown Kent, with its own personality and flavor.
Wolters said, “It shows what is possible in the rest of downtown if property owners and businesses come together. We are changing the market perception of this place.”
Wolters opened the meeting for questions and comments, and invited property owners to voice their concerns as well as the potential for opportunities. Participants asked about the status of the Howard Hanson Dam, potential flood risk, lack of parking, need for additional ball fields and an aquatic center, the Farmer’s Market, the need for housing in downtown Kent and more.
“What is the long-term vision for downtown Kent?” asked Paul Morford. “The city needs to take on parking. It needs to increase parking on a large scale.”
Wolters wrapped up the meeting by inviting participants to contact him directly with their concerns and ideas. A follow-up meeting is planned for later this spring. To offer your input, contact Ben Wolters at 253-856-5703 or via email.
Punjab Sweets has secretly been hiding on Kent’s East Hill for nine years. This hidden treasure is an experience the second you walk in the door.
I was invited by a friend, who informed me that this was a vegetarian restaurant; this caused a little hesitation at first because I love meat. However, as soon as you walk in the door the sweet aroma fills the air as I was greeted by soothing Indian music. Then as you approach the counter you are cheerfully greeted by the staff who in my case was also an owner, Harpreet Gill. The menu has so many fabulous selections which, may I add, came with extremely reasonable prices.
Harpreet offered assistance in ordering which was extremely helpful since I am, by no means, an Indian cuisine expert. She made many recommendations but I decided to go with the sampler so I could try a little of everything. The wonderful smell was still lingering in the air; I could not wait to eat. After a short wait the food came and it was just as I expected, fantastic! Wow! I never thought I could become a vegetarian so easily, but with food like that maybe I’ve been wrong about meat. No matter what, if I choose to go back to beef, I know that Punjab Sweets has a fan for life.
Contributed by Larissa Long
Today the Kent Police Department issued notices of two sex offenders who have registered to live in downtown Kent.
Notice 1 – Jeremy Ross Baxley (Clark Avenue North)
Notice 2 – Brandon Cole Reed (Crest Avenue South)
In addition, they offered these educational and safety tips:
Level 2 and Level 3 offenders are posted on the state website at www.icrimewatch.net/washington.php
Level 1 offenders (least likely to reoffend) that are Homeless/Transient are also posted on the website.
YOU can search, register to receive email alerts etc. on this public website. It does NOT give the exact address of the offender, but you can search a radius area near your home, a school, work etc.
NOTE: This information is a matter of public record.
Along with this week’s crime stats, the Kent Police Department cautions Kent residents to protect their vehicle and belongings. In particular, car prowlers are looking for these items:
Kent PD suggests that you park in well lit areas, lock doors, close windows and remove all valuables from your vehicle.
If you are the victim of a car prowl or see something suspicious, call 911. For more information, visit http://kentpoliceceu.com
Having a clean hotel room and grounds are the first and most important things a person looks for when booking and staying at a hotel. It’s a hard thing to find when you are staying outside the big city.
The Best Western Plaza by the Green in Kent, WA has received the Best Western Director’s Award for outstanding quality standard. Located at 24415 Russell Road, Kent, WA, Best Western Plaza by the Green features 97 guest rooms and provides continental breakfast, wireless Internet, Mp3 play capability, local/airport shuttle service and quiet, golf course views. All of these features and knowing you will be staying at the highest of Best Western standards makes this Kent find a great choice.
For more information or to book your stay visit, visit the Plaza by the Green online.
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
For fragrant flowers and delicious treats, this beautiful shop can’t be beat.
More info.: Facebook.com/FindItInKent
Kent, Washington, February 22, 2010 – Studio Director and Owner Nicole Adams will celebrate the grand opening of Intimate Pilates this Saturday, February 27 from 3 to 5 p.m. During the open house, the public is invited to visit the studio (212 First Avenue South, downtown Kent) to meet the owner, her yoga instructor and massage therapist; enjoy light refreshments; sign up for raffle prizes including a free private session, massage and a Viniyoga class card; and to ask questions about the studio and its offerings.
Following a successful career in the aerospace industry, Adams chose to open the studio to build on her passion for Pilates and to provide personalized, affordable physical training in an intimate, relaxed atmosphere. Adams first trained in Pilates after the birth of her first child in 2000. She is STOTT PILATES® trained in Mat, Reformer and Postural Analysis. She continues to refine her techniques through training at Body Center Studios in Seattle.
Open seven days a week by appointment only, Intimate Pilates focuses on helping individuals to increase core strength and build long, lean muscles using Reformer, Cadillac and Chair & Barrel techniques. Pilates can be performed by people of all ages, experience levels and ranges of flexibility and is particularly helpful for rehabilitation exercises and improving balance. Intimate Pilates offers private one-on-one sessions so that each client receives personalized instruction in an intimate studio setting with Adams.
“Our studio is a non-threatening environment where you don’t have to dress or look a certain way,” Adams explained. “You only need an open mind.”
In addition to offering individual Pilates sessions, Intimate Pilates has a massage therapist on staff three days a week by appointment and a Viniyoga instructor who teaches classes seven days a week.
“Opening this studio has been a dream of mine for a long time,” Adams said. “I am so excited to share my passion of Pilates with others. I invite the community to come to the studio this Saturday to see what we’re all about.”
——
Located at 212 First Avenue South in Kent, Intimate Pilates is owned by Pilates enthusiast Nicole Adams who has 10 years of experience. The studio is open seven days a week by appointment and offers one-on-one Pilates instruction as well as Viniyoga classes and massage therapy in a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. To learn more about Intimate Pilates, visit the studio online at http://intimatepilates.com or call Nicole Adams at 253-709-1446. Intimate Pilates can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.
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
City of Kent Police Department reported crime stats for the week of February 2 – 8, 2010. Included in the stats are vehicle prowls, vehicle thefts, residential burglaries and commercial burglaries.
The report also includes crime prevention tips. In this week’s stats, readers are reminded how to identify a suspect:
“A key element to crime prevention is identifying a suspect. Here are some items the police department would utilize if you are witness to criminal activity: Male/Female, Height, Weight, Distinguishing features, Eye color, Skin color, Clothing, Birth marks, Accent in voice, Direction of individual, and any other details you can remember.”
Thursday, Mar 18
Partly Cloudy
Currently: 39˚ F
Feels Like: 33˚ F
Hi: 56˚, Lo: 37˚
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