We learned that Ron Colston, much-loved KSD teacher and coach, passed away earlier this week. The staff at iLoveKent.net wants to extend its condolences to the Colston family and those who have been touched by Colston.

Information regarding services for Ron:

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.

Earthworks Park is calling you to “Celebrate Earth Day” on April 17, 2010 to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day. Celebrate Earth Day by spending the morning at this landmark park. It’s a fun, environmental education event for volunteers of all ages and abilities.  Come clean up this landmark parked named for the Earth we are celebrating. There will be pruning, planting and removing.  For more information visit the City of Kent website or contact Victoria Andrews, Special Programs Manager at vandrews@ci.kent.wa.us.  Come join the City of Kent for this historic day!

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

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.

The City of Kent and a community group of dog owners are working to create an off-leash dog park on the East Hill. Currently, many dog owners are taking their dogs to Clark Lake Park between 248th and 240th which does not have an off-leash area. The new area will be on 248th street between 104th, directly between Morrill Meadows Park and East Hill Park. The off-leash dog park will consist of approximately three acres of land and provide space for both large and small dogs.

Work parties are needed to help raise funds for the work and to clear invasive plants which have gotten out of control in the area. The first work party is scheduled for Saturday, March 27 from 9 am to noon. If you’d like to help, call 253-856-5110 or email B. J. Levenhagen with the city.

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.

Kent4Health sees the potential to make Kent a healthier community. They share opportunities for personal wellness at group meetings, join a committee to promote healthy lifestyles, help create awareness of existing programs by participating in activities, make new friends, and advocate Kent4Health (physical, spiritual, emotional and environmental wellness).

At Kent4health.com, you can find recipes for healthy eating, health and fitness tips, activities and interests, and links to wellness. To submit a recipe, health and fitness tip, or to have Kent4Health linked to your business group, please contact Kent4Health.

Kent4Health meets bi-monthly for community discussions. At these meetings, they have leaders and experts relating to healthy living. To get involved, call 253-856-4YOU, or via email.
Thanks to Kent4Health for this info!

Kent Youth & Family Services is celebrating its 40th year in business in 2010, and will host a birthday party on September 25 to celebrate.

Executive Director Mike Heinisch is hoping that those who have been involved with KYFS in the past will come to the celebration, including counselors, past clients, board members, staff and members of the community.

To learn more about the event, contact Mike at KYFS at 253-859-0300 ext. 3002 or via email.

To read more about KYFS, view this recent column by editor Laura Pierce in the February 20, 2010 edition of the Kent Reporter.

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.

Kent Parks, Recreation & Community Services presents “AfterSchool Express”.  “AfterSchool Express” is a program set-up to encourage achievement, motivation and creativity for K-6th graders.  An after school program focusing on enhancing a child’s learning skills all while making friends.  The best part of all is that it is FREE!  Registration is required and is offered on a first-come first-served basis.  For more information visit the Kent Parks, Recreation & Community Services website or call (253) 856-5030.

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.

The holiday season is over, however that doesn’t mean the giving season is.  The Kent Food Bank is running the “i can give” promotion and is looking for donations.  If you would like to help or were already looking to donate, here is a list of the top 25 needs:

1. Peanut Butter

2. Canned Peas

3. Canned Corn

4. Canned Green Beans

5. Canned Fruit Cocktail

6. Canned Peaches

7. Canned Pineapple

8. SPAM

9. Canned Chicken

10. Canned Tuna

11. Canned Meat

12. Beef Stew

13. Fruit Juice

14. Vegetable Juice

15. Milk (powdered, evaporated, and shelf stable)

16. Vegetable Soup

17. Cream of Chicken/Cream of Mushroom Soup

18. Chili

19. Oil (vegetable, olive)

20. Canned or Bagged Beans

21. Rice

22. Cereal

23. Mac and Cheese

24. Dried Fruit

25. Snacks (pudding, granola bars, energy/protein bars)

Food Bank Hours:

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

2nd Wednesday of the month open 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Clients may visit the Kent Food Bank once per month (either at our downtown location or at the Springwood Annex) for food and government commodities.  Bread and perishables are available on a weekly basis.