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.

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!

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

This month is National Nutrition Month and, to help celebrate, Kent4Health volunteers will be available at Top Foods, 26015 104th Ave. in Kent, every Saturday in March  from 11 am – 2 pm to give shoppers a taste of quick, healthy recipes from the “Grab & Go” meals program. Nutritionists will be on hand to answer shoppers’ questions and to pass out recipes. For more recipes and tips on living a healthier life, visit Kent4Health online.

Kent4Health is a city initiative that promotes healthy living including good nutrition, exercise, community service and more.

Be a Cool Bird and get your game on.

More info.:  Facebook.com/FindItInKent

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

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.

Your downtown hometown restaurant for breakfast and lunch

More info.:  Facebook.com/FindItInKent

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!

For fragrant flowers and delicious treats, this beautiful shop can’t be beat.

More info.:  Facebook.com/FindItInKent

Our own Little Bit of Italy in Kent, thanks to Paul.

More info.:  Facebook.com/FindItInKent

Punjab Sweets is offering tasty treats for your Valentine at great prices.  Freshly made, hand-crafted Indian desserts are a great, unique gift for your sweetheart.  They offer fudge, vegan cakes and cupcakes all wrapped in special Valentines Day boxes.

These sweet Valentines Day promotions are avaialable Feb 8-15. Punjab Sweets is located in Downtown Kent at 23617 104th Ave SE C Kent, WA 98031.  For more information on Punjab Sweets visit www.punjabsweetsonline.com.

A place to get smarter, if you can’t find it – think harder.

More info. at:  Facebook.com/FindItInKent

Looking for local live comedy?  Look no further.  Pat’s Bar & Grill located at 114 Railroad Ave. N. will be adding live comedy starting February 3 at 7pm.  Gabriel Rutledge, the winner of The 2004 Seattle International Comedy Competition, will be headlining.  He has been seen on HBO and Comedy Central.  Two others will open for him. Pre-sale tickets are available at Pat’s for $7.00. Tickets will be $10.00 the day of the performance.  Come laugh at Pat’s.

The fifth annual Wine, Women, Wow is planned for Friday, May 7 (6-10 p.m.) at the ShoWare Center. Event chair Libby Seidel of the Kent Downtown Partnership is now accepting applications for:

• Vendors
• Restaurants
• Event sponsors

Please contact Libby at KDP for an application (253-813-6976). See you May 7!

This Interactive Scavenger Hunt beginning January 18 and ending March 15, 2010 is fun for your whole family. This 8-week promotion encourages you to shop locally, learn more about our local businesses, and educate you on the benefit of tax dollars to your community.

The Scavenger Hunt will use Facebook.com/FindItInKent and the Kent Reporter. Each Monday a riddle will be released on Facebook, and in the Kent Reporter the following Wednesday. Your job is to solve the riddle, visit the business described in the riddle, and pick up the Golden Ticket. Collect Golden Tickets for all 8 participating businesses and you can enter to win prizes. Drop off all 8 Golden Tickets along with your contact information at Kent Downtown Partnership, Kent Chamber, BECU, or Kent Station. This event is generously sponsored by BECU.

Watch online, http://facebook.com/finditinkent, for weekly clues on Monday and the Kent Reporter for clues on Wednesday!

Today’s clue:  No damsel in distress would ever be turned away from this castle.

Spiro’s Greek Island, one of my favorite local restaurants, has recently added free delivery to downtown businesses during the lunch hour. Order your favorite Greek salads, gyros and other goodies and have them delivered right to your door.

View Spiro’s menu online.

Spiro’s Greek Island
215 First Avenue South
Kent, WA  98032
253-854-1030

Call ahead for hours, daily specials and entertainment schedule.