Every once in awhile someone will ask me why I love Kent. Sometimes it is someone far away from Washington who has no idea where Kent is or what it has to offer. Other times it is someone who visited Kent long ago and remembers it as a not-so-special place they wouldn’t go back to.

I’ve lived here for five years, but every week I discover something new to love about Kent. Here are 10 things I love about Kent, Washington!

1. People: Despite the fact that Kent is the fourth largest city in King County, it retains its small town feel. Everywhere I go I am greeted with a smile. People in Kent are some of the nicest I’ve ever met. They are open minded, welcoming and good natured.
2. Parks: Kent, Washington has a handful of beautiful-but-small lakes that are serene and peaceful. Most are adjacent to a city-owned park with almost every amenity you can imagine. There are specialty parks as well like Arbor Heights 360 and Wilson Playfields, encouraging outdoor recreation for kids and adults. Some of my favorite parks include Clark Lake Park, Lake Meridian Park, Fennewick Park and Town Square Plaza.
3. Entertainment: There is always something to do in Kent. We have everything here from Kent Station and ShoWare Center to a Historic District and Kent Historical Museum. We also have a wealth of arts programs and school drama programs that provide dozens of performances, plays and other opportunities every year. What’s even better is that many outlets offer free or affordable things to do. Who doesn’t love free?
4. Shopping: Kent does not have a mall, per se, but we have much more shopping than most people know about. In addition to the always-popular Kent Station, there are locally-owned stores like Marie Haggin Accessories, Fig & Feather, Cheryl’s Unique Boutique, Titusville Antiques and more. There are also little niche areas like the “International District” on 104th and the shopping plaza on 104th and Kent-Kangley Road (Joann Fabrics, Linda’s Apparel, etc.) No matter where I go, I can find something special that fits my taste and my budget. See our Shopping page for more stores.
5. Dining: No matter how picky or broad your tastes are, there are multiple restaurants, cafes and diners to suit everyone. For American diner-style food, Maggie’s on Meeker is a favorite. For Thai, I recommend Archa Thai in downtown Kent. For Indian, I love Punjab Sweets on the East Hill. Proud to display its diverse heritage, Kent has a little bit of everything. Visit our Dine page for more suggestions.
6. Diversity: It is politically correct to say you embrace diversity, but not everyone truly does. In Kent, though, I believe we have a diverse population as well as a culture of inclusion and acceptance. We have several areas of town and specific businesses that cater to particular populations (e.g., Indian, Ukrainian, Hispanic, etc.), but we are eager to learn from each other as well. With more than 120 languages spoken in our schools, for example, most schools have English-learning programs as well as International Days where students can share their culture. This year the city of Kent partnered with a group of citizens to put on the 2nd annual Kent International Festival in downtown Kent. As a more personal example, my daughter goes to Dr. Na of the Mountlake Acupuncture Clinic on Central Avenue. He was born, raised and educated in China. When we go for my daughter’s weekly treatments, we exchange stories about our respective cultures. I think we learn as much about Chinese culture as we do about acupuncture and healing!
7. Accessibility: When I say “accessibility,” I mean that people and government in Kent, Washington are accessible to the average resident. I truly believe that anyone in Kent can send an email to the mayor or place a call to the police chief and get a prompt, personal response. I feel very comfortable that are our local leaders are accessible as well as eager to listen.
8. Entrepreneurial spirit: I love the fact that people in Kent, Washington have an entrepreneurial spirit about them. This includes business owners who passionately build their own companies, but also teens and young adults in the area who want to make a difference. People in Kent don’t accept that we have to do things the way they’ve always been done. They say, “I don’t like this. Let’s change it.” One local citizens group, for example, wanted an off leash dog park on the East Hill. Recognizing that the city didn’t have the funds to build one, they created the park in cooperation with the city, raising money on their own and turning their dream into a reality. In another case, a group of teens calling itself Project U(th) formed this summer to create opportunities for work and leisure for their peers. In Kent, we are not afraid to work hard or to pave our own way. We are a spunky bunch!
9. Community pride: Kent has been called many derogatory names over the years, but those who love Kent remain proud of their city. We show up in the thousands for events like Kent Cornucopia Days, Seattle T Birds and Predators’ games and concerts like the Backstreet Boys and REO Speedwagon. We work together to show our spirit and to shout Kent’s strengths to the world. For example, Kent’s neighborhood program brings residents together to solve mutual problems, to beautify neighborhoods and to clean up graffiti. Call us what you want – we will love Kent anyway!
10. Beauty: While I’ve touched on this a bit in #1 through 9, I love the beauty of Kent which includes its parks, lakes and mountain views but also its historic buildings, its public art work and, most of all, its people.

Those are just 10 of the reasons I love Kent, Washington. Tell me some of yours! Post them here or email them to us at iLoveKent.net, and we’ll post them online.

The Kent Police Department released the crime stats for last week, July 20-26, 2010, along with some helpful crime prevention tips to keep you and your family safe this summer.

Punched door lock and smashed windows:  According to Kent PD, these are two popular methods for thieves to use to gain access to your vehicle. To prevent this, always lock your car doors and remove valuables from your vehicle. These items are the most appealing to would-be thieves:  GPS units, tools, computers, spare change, sunglasses and cell phone charges.

Full-time DUI patrols are in force:  This summer special full-time DUI patrols are patrolling local streets and highways to keep drunk drivers off the road. Kent PD recommends that you be safe and be smart by finding alternative transportation if you’ve been drinking:  (1) take public transit; (2) designate a driver to remain sober; and (3) take a taxi.

Never leave children unattended in a vehicle: Did you know that it is illegal to leave your vehicle running with a child in it? In addition, running cars with kids in them are easy targets to thieves, and it is unsafe to leave your child or pet in the car during the summer time. When outdoor temps are 80 or above, the inside temp of your vehicle can escalate to as high as 130 degrees in just an hour!

For more tips like these or to learn more about crime prevention, contact one of the Kent PD’s public education specials:

West Hill – Cesi Velez, 253-856-5884

East Hill – Stacy Judd, 253-856-5883

Valley – Sara Wood, 253-856-5851

Kent Cornucopia Days is just around the corner. The 39th annual street fair and community festival will be held in and around Kent July 8 – 11, 2010 with a variety of favorite events (dragon boat races, carnival, Grand Parade) and a few new additions (bike ride).

Highlights include:

• Crowning of Miss Cornucopia
• Funtastic Shows Carnival
• Kent Lions Street Fair & Taste of Cornucopia
• Farmers Market (Sat., 9-2)
• Kent Youth Soccer Association’s 11th annual Cornucopia Cup Tournament
• Kent Valley Artists Association Art Show
• Kent Cornucopia Days First Annual Bike Ride
• Plaza and Gazebo Stages
• Dragon Boat Races
• Blood Drive
• Safety Fair
• Beer Garden
• Pet Adoptathon from KCACC
• Grand Parade (Sun., July 11 at 2 pm) – It’s Kentastic!
• First Annual Bike Ride (25 & 60 miles) (Sat., July 10)
• Military Displays from the Army National Guard, etc.
• Lions Bingo
• 5k Fun Run & Walk
• Beatles Tribute Band

For a complete schedule, please visit the Kent Lions Club’s Kent Cornucopia Days website.

Last week Relay for Life, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, was held at Kent-Meridian High School’s French Field (100210 SE 256th St., Kent). Together 96 teams and 912 participants raised $220,907.98 by walking in teams from 6 p.m. June 4 through 12 p.m. June 5. The annual fundraiser included opening ceremonies, the luminaria ceremony and a final lap by Lance Goodwin, event chair, and the leadership committee.

Visit Relay For Life – Kent online for more detailed info. and photos.

According to participant Kristen Jordan, this year’s event was the best year ever.

“Every year it gets better and better,” the three-year participant says. “It was an amazing experience!”

The 2010 top fundraisers and award winners are:

Highest Fundraising Youth Team:
Space for Grace – $6,699.08

Highest Individual Youth Fundraiser:
Russell Johnson – $2,046.20

Rookie Team of the Year:
The Exotic Solution – $12,291.90

Fundraising Team (non-business):
1st place:  The Country Club Village People – $20,057.18
2nd place:  KUMC Spirit Walkers – $8,658.00
3rd place:  Team Harnett – $5,625.00

Fundraising Team (business):
1st place:  Prudential Aggressive Cancer Kickers (Pack) – $12,984.87
2nd place:  The Exotic Solution – $12,291.90
3rd place:  Windermere’s Ron’s Warriors – $7,236.49

Fundraising organization:
1st place:  The Country Club Village People – $25,069.41
2nd place:  KUMC – $16,282.83
3rd place:  Kentridge – $13,328.66

Individual highest fundraiser:
1st place:  Suzanne Hartnett – $3,305.00
2nd place:  Sean McFarlane – $3,293.55
3rd place:  Mark Prothero – $2,750.00

Mini Relay Fundraisers:
Meridian Elementary School – $5,012.23
Glenridge Elementary School – $3,627.00

Reader Kristen Jordan contributed the following photos for iLoveKent.net. Thank you, Kristen!

From Linda Thielke at the King County Department of Transportation:

Kent East Hill ‘In Motion’ program rewards healthy travel choices

King County Metro Transit is launching an “In Motion” program on Kent’s East Hill to entice residents to get around by walking, cycling, riding the bus or train, and sharing rides. Program participants receive detailed travel information and earn rewards when they reduce their driving over a period of time.

During the first week of June, about 3,500 households on the East Hill are receiving an In Motion mailer with information about local travel options that emphasize the health, cost-savings and community benefits of driving less. The mailing features a neighborhood map showing bus routes throughout the East Hill area, and destinations near Southeast 240^th Street and 104^th Ave Southeast that are reachable by a short bike ride or walk.

Residents are invited to register as participants to receive more information and free ride tickets for Metro and Sound Transit. If they pledge to drive less, they can earn rewards that continue through September. Rewards include a shopping tote bag, pre-loaded ORCA transit cards, and gift cards from local businesses. Kent merchants benefit, too, from the increased emphasis on shopping locally. Several businesses have donated items for three prize drawings, including a Diamondback mountain bike and $100 gift cards to Kent Station.

Two organizations involved in the Kent community will help with outreach. The Lucy Lopez Center will offer information to Spanish-speaking participants, and ReWA (Refugee Women’s Alliance) will help Russian speakers. Metro’s other partners in the effort are the City of Kent’s Kent4Health program and the Kent Chamber of Commerce’s East Hill Partnership.

Over the past six years, Metro’s grant-funded In Motion program has reached residents in more than 20 King County neighborhoods. Metro estimates the popular programs have reduced more than 1.3 million miles of driving, 66,000 gallons of gas, and 674 tons of CO₂ emissions.

Information is available online at www.kingcounty.gov/inmotion or by calling the In Motion hotline at 206-296-3455

Aegis Living of Kent recently celebrated its fifth anniversary, with Rep. Dave Upthegrove (second from left) on hand to help celebrate. New Executive Director Doug Griepp (third from right) did the honors of cutting the ribbon.

Griepp has 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry and understands the commitment he is making to Aegis families, residents and staff. According to Dru Fleming, also of Aegis Living, Griepp’s passion and enthusiasm are already resonating through the community and he is a great addition to Aegis Living. Welcome, Doug Griepp!

At its annual awards luncheon yesterday at Golden Steer, Soroptimist International of Kent presented its community service awards. With 45 or so guests in attendance at the luncheon, including Mayor Suzette Cooke and Kent City Council President Jamie (Danielson) Perry, the following individuals and organizations were honored for their work in improving the lives of women and girls in the Kent community:

• Volunteer of the Month:  Kenyanna Brown, Kent Phoenix Academy
• Children’s Therapy Center/Dynamic Family Services
• Domestic Abuse Women’s Network (DAWN)
• Kent Youth and Family Services
• SKCAC Industries
• Master Gardener Foundation, Tribal Life Trail

Jon Botten, executive director of Children’s Therapy Center, accepted the award on behalf of his organization by reading a letter from MacKenzie, a recent graduate who utilized the center’s services for many years.

“Children’s Therapy Center gave me hope when there wasn’t any,” she writes.

Mike Heinisch, executive director for Kent Youth & Family Services, accepted the award for KYFS’s Watson Manor, a transitional housing program for homeless teen mothers.

“These mothers don’t have a place to call home – home is where our root is, our security and shelter,” Heinisch says.

Each of the honorees also received a donation from the Soroptimists to help them to continue their work. For more information about the local Soroptimist group, visit them online at www.soroptimistnwr.com.

A little over three weeks ago, my 15-year-old daughter Brooke passed out in the First American Title Insurance Company parking lot at 248th and 104th in Kent. We had been shopping at a fundraising garage sale hosted by the title company to raise money to help an employee and family in need. We were touched by their cause, so we stopped by to see if there was something we could buy.

I picked up some paperback books and, while putting them in my trunk, Brooke passed out in front of the parked car, hitting her head on the asphault. This was the fourth such occurrence in three weeks, all without warning. I had kept Brooke home from school – she’s a Kentwood student – the previous two days and kept her by my side every minute…except for those fateful minutes when she fell in the parking lot.

The caring staff and volunteers from First American Title rushed into action as soon as they saw her fall. One of the volunteers called 9-1-1. Another gathered blankets and pillows to comfort Brooke. A third got warm water and clothes to wash Brooke’s face, as we waited for the ambulance to arrive. The EMTs were just minutes away and were on the scene quickly. They took over, but the First American Title gals and their families stayed by our sides ready to help, offering comfort and concern.

That was a scary day for my family, but the help and kindness offered by Trasie Willis, Rachel Major, Marilyn Brown and other volunteers and their families was so comforting. At one point, I started to break down because I was afraid for my daughter. Trasie came over and hugged me until I stopped crying, a heartwarming courtesy for someone she’d never met before.

It has been three weeks since that fall, and Brooke is doing fine. She’s been to several doctors, clinics and specialists since her fall and we still don’t have answers but, thankfully, all of her test results were normal. She’s handled this whole situation with wisdom beyond her years, and she and I both feel blessed at the kindness of strangers…particularly in this day and age when it seems people are so busy with their own lives that they don’t always take time to care.

Trasie and her co-workers and friends reminded me that the kindness of strangers is a wonderful blessing. I will be pay it forward if I’m ever in a similar situation!

Thank you, Trasie and crew, for helping us through a difficult time. You are angels!

Sincerely,

Dana Neuts

Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back.

Kent teams are gearing up for the American Cancer Society’s annual Relay for Life fundraiser. This year’s event is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 4 and will continue until noon on Saturday, June 5 at Kent-Meridian High School’s French Field.

The purpose of the event is to raise awareness and funds to fight cancer. Teams of families, friends and co-workers walk in teams around the Field throughout the night. In addition, activities and ceremonies will be held during the 18-hour event. An opening ceremony will be hosted to Seattle DJ “Bender”  followed by the Survivor Lap. The luminara ceremony will take place at dusk where luminara bags will be lit for survivors and loved ones lost to cancer.

Ninety-six local Kent teams – including 815 participants – have been formed to walk during the race, including Hanis, Irvine & Prothero and the Curran Law Firm. To date, more than $70,000 has been raised. Nationwide, 5,000 communities are expected to participate and hope to raise more than $3 billion in the fight against cancer.

For more information, contact Becky Walter of Hanis, Irvine & Prothero via email or visit Relay for Life online.

Approximately 61,000 tons of plastic bags find their way to King County landfills every year, according to the City of Kent’s “Scene” May 5 email newsletter.

To reduce the number of wasted bags, the city urges residents and shoppers to recycle those bags by saving them and returning them to retailers around town serving as recycling centers. This program is a part of the King County “Bag Your Bags and Bring ‘em Back” program.

For more information, including a short informational video, visit King County’s “Bag Your Bags…” page online.

In Kent, those stores include:

The planning committee for the second annual Kent International Festival is hard at work to make the June 26 festival even bigger and better than last year. This day-long event will focus on the diverse culture of Kent, Washington and encourage participants to learn from each other.

Want to help? It is easy to get involved. The KIF committee is looking for:

- Arts & crafts vendors
- Performers
- Information booths
- Fashion show participants
- Event sponsors

If you are interested in learning more about the event, or volunteering in one of the above ways, please contact Harpreet Gill, event chair, at Punjab Sweets (open daily from 11 am to 9 pm) at 253-859-3636.

Kent International Festival
Saturday, June 26
10 am – 6 pm
Town Square Plaza
Corner of 2nd and Smith
(across from the Kent Regional Library)

FREE Event

Becca Schwarz Cole and Brent Cole of Whatcom County, Washington announced the launch of their newest publishing venture, Grow Northwest, a bimonthly guide that will highlight the diverse offerings of farmers and food products in northwestern Washington. The magazine will also include features such as do-it-yourself projects, seasonal cooking and recipes, local travel and more.

“The Northwest has so much to offer in terms of food production, sustainable living and the DIY ethic. There is real passion here for supporting the local economy and those who grow, make, produce and create,” Schwarz Cole said. “The magazine will be a go-to guide for those people who enjoy these things and live by them.”

Initially, the magazine’s focus will be on Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan, Island and Snohomish Counties, but hopes to expand into neighboring counties and lower British Columbia.

For more information, visit the magazine’s website Grow Northwest or “like” the magazine on Facebook.

[Editor's note:  I had the privilege to work for Becca Schwarz Cole at the Whatcom Independent and Foothills Gazette. She is not only a great editor, but she has a wonderful vision for what the media is and what it should be. I have no doubt this latest venture she is sharing with husband Brent Cole will be a stellar addition to their list of accomplishments. I'm anxious to read their first issue in May!]

May 20 Update–Event postponed until October. Stay tuned for  more details!

Battle of the Chefs:  May 23, 11 am to 6 pm

Healthy cooking does not have to be boring!

The Healthy Edge and All About Hope are teaming up to bring health & fitness and cooking fans together to witness Battle of the Chefs, a live cooking competition that challenges local chefs to cook up tasty, healthy dishes without table salt, butter or cream. See if they can accomplish it from 11 am to 6 pm at the ShoWare Center in Kent.

Tickets start at $15/each and, at the buyer’s discretion, $5 of the ticket price can be allocated to a participating nonprofit organizations like the Children’s Therapy Center, Kent Youth & Family Services, National MS Society and more. Click here to buy tickets online now.

Valley Medical Center of Renton announced last week Project Pink Scarf. Knit for HOPE, their announcement reads. The 2010 project is asking for knitters to help create scarves for patients diagnosed with breast cancer.

“The scarves provide warmth and hope and let patients know they are not alone in their battle against cancer,” explains Sherry Kuzan, Manager of The Breast Center at Valley Medical Center.

The Breast Center is located at 4033 Talbot Road in the Medical Arts Center at Valley Medical Center, in suite 470. The center is looking for the donation of new, handmade scarves or yarn donations. For more information, please contact Christy Snavely at The Breast Center at 425-228-3440, ext. 4860.

“Mother, daughter, friend or wife,
Let early detection be a habit for life.
Early detection saves lives.
The earlier cancer is found, the easier it can be to cure.”

"Fun for Funds" Organizers; L-R: Patrice Briggs, Barbara Frazier, Jennifer O'Neal and Lois Maier

Last Saturday, Children’s Therapy Center held its 22nd annual fundraiser dinner auction at Emerald Downs. Titled “Fun for Funds,” the popular event drew 420 guests, raising net income of $136,500.

Emceed by Kent Station general manager John Hinds, guests to the event donned glamorous derbies and were encouraged to bid on dozens of items that were donated for the silent auction, as well as to participate in the live auction  which included a martini party, a Mariners game package, a sailing trip for 4 on the Puget Sound, a romantic getaway at The Edgewater in Seattle, a 10-day cruise, Kent Station shopping spree and more! Keith Robbins served as the evening’s auctioneer.

In addition, tables of guests bid for the right to choose their dessert first during the Dessert Dash. With designated runners lining up along the wall, the table that raised the most selected its dessert from among dozens of decadent choices including chocolate-covered strawberries, a horseshoe cake, a rectangular chocolate cake covered in white and milk chocolate chips, a peanut butter mousse pie covered with chocolate ganache, a towering chocolate cake from Claim Jumper, and more! This portion of the evening alone raised more than $9,400.

Following the catered dinner, CTC board member Ryan Van Quill and his son Jackson, a former client of CTC, thanked the guests for participating in the fun fundraiser and for helping kids like Jackson who have benefited from CTC services and support. Immediately following their presentation, guests donated $33,000 in cash to support scholarships for CTC services!

Thanks to the event’s sponsors, the entire net profit of $136,500 will go directly into programs that benefit CTC’s clients, kids from birth to age 21. Sponsors include Kent Station (premier-plus), Belfor USA (premier), Quota International of Kent Valley, Waste Management, Univar USA, Cascade DAFO, Emerald Downs, The Resource Group, Rock Wood Fired Pizza, Brantley Janson Yost & Ellison CPAs, Charter Bank, Hunt Family, Kent Firefighter’s Foundation, Live Oak Audio Visual, Creative Office, Curran Law Firm, Emerald Paving Inc., FamilyCare of Kent, Fockler Family, Laser Underground & Utilities, Mountain Construction/Hentschell & Associates Inc., Sprague Israel Giles Insurance, United Way of King County and Wesley Homes.

“I am truly thankful for everyone who helped make this the most successful auction in our 22 years of hosting the Fun for Funds Dinner Auction.” — Lois Maier, Development Director for Dynamic Families

Children’s Therapy Center was founded in 1979 to provide quality therapy services to children from birth to age 21. CTC clients experience a variety of developmental delays and disabilities including cerebral palsy and other neurological disorders, Down Syndrome, torticollis, speech and language disorders, brachial plexus injuries, feeding disorders, sensory processing difficulties, autism and dyspraxia.

Children’s Therapy Center is a part of a consortium formed under the umbrella of Dynamic Families. Other partners include South King Early Intervention Program (SKIP), Dynamic Orthotic Systems (DOS) and Stabilizing Pressure Input Orthosis (SPIO).

Guests gather to bid on silent auction items.

Guests line up to sample Mint Juleps @ Emerald Downs!

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.

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, 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.