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.

KENT, Wash. – March 17, 2010 – The City of Kent urges residents to put all of that sand to good use with spring fever in the air. With March 30 marking the official end of the 2009-2010 flood season, people are beginning to look for ways to get rid of their sandbags for the summer. While the sandbags won’t last until the next flood season, there are ways residents can save the sand for fall or use it for gardening and home improvement projects.

“The best thing people can do is place a plastic covering in a corner of their yard or garage and empty the sand there,” says Greg Reed, Utilities Superintendent with the Public Works Department. “If they cover the sand pile with plastic, they’ll have their own personal sandbag filling station for the new sandbags we’ll pass out come fall.”

How to use the leftover sand:

• Aerate lawns and spread sand to help improve drainage
• Fill in low spots in the lawn, cover with grass seed for a green and level lawn
• Mix with garden or potting soil to promote good drainage for plants and flowers
• Use as the base for brick or stone walkway projects

For residents unable to keep the sand onsite through the summer, the City will collect the sand and sandbags each Saturday in April from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the following locations in Kent:

• Home Depot, 26120 104^th Ave. SE
• Grandview Park, 3600 S. 228^th St.

Assistance is available for those who need it by calling the Service Clubs Volunteer Hotline at 206-755-4814 or by email at kentserviceclubs@yahoo.com. Kent Sunrise Rotary, Rotary Club of Kent, Kent Meridian Kiwanis Club, Kiwanis Club of Kent, Kent Lions, Soroptimist International of Kent and Quota International of Kent Valley have all come together to serve as volunteer coordinators to help those who are physically unable to move sandbags.

Businesses are not allowed to dump sand at these sites, but they can find additional resources and potential disposal sites at www.kingcounty.gov/floodplans.   Residents of other cities or unincorporated King County should contact their local emergency management office for sandbag disposal options in their area.

Whichever method residents choose, it is important that the sand is properly disposed of. It is illegal to dump sand or litter in wetlands, rivers, creeks and drains. Doing so can impact drinking water and damage fish and wildlife habitat. For more information, contact the City of Kent Public Works Department at 253-856-5500.

The City of Kent is the fourth largest city in King County, Washington with a population of 88,380. 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.  Visit www.choosekent.com.

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

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

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

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

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 City of Kent is sponsoring an Arbor Day event on Saturday April 24, 2010 at West Fenwick Park.  “Celebrate Arbor Day ‘10″ runs from 9am to noon, rain or shine.  Kent has been named a Tree City USA since 2003 and wants to celebrate this by keeping it green.

Join in the festivities by:

• Removing invasive plants.
• Planting native trees along the cleared area.
• Laying weed barrier and mulch.

The City of Kent is looking for volunteers to join in the already large list including scout troops, corporate groups and students earning community service hours.  For more information visit the City of Kent website or contact Victoria Andrews, Special Programs Manager at vandrews@ci.kent.wa.us.  Celebrate Arbor Day with Kent!

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]

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.

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.

This week Kent residents should be receiving their first mail notice from the U.S. Census Bureau announcing that the census is coming. The census is taken every 10 years and its goal is to document how our country’s population has changed over the last 10 years. This data impacts how more than $400 billion in federal funding is distributed to local and state governments, so it is important that you and your family are counted.

Here are some highlights of this year’s census:

• It is one of the shortest census forms ever.
• It has 10 questions and takes about 10 minutes to complete.
• It should be filled out by the owner or primary renter.
• Complete the form and return it in the postage paid envelope.
• If you don’t complete the form, a census rep will visit your home to take the count in person.

For more info., visit the U.S. Census Bureau online.

Be a Cool Bird and get your game on.

More info.:  Facebook.com/FindItInKent

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.

The Kent Police Department is offering a Community Police Academy class on six Wednesdays, starting March 31st and ending May 5^th, 2010.   The Academy offers participants an excellent opportunity to learn more about the daily operations of the police department and its role in the community.

The classes will be from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with an officer available for a question and answer session 30 minutes prior to the start of class. The academy will be held at the Police and Fire Training Center, 24611 116^th Ave SE in Kent. There is also a Saturday session, which will include tours of the City of Kent Corrections Facility and our dispatch operations at Valley Communications Center.

The 6-week curriculum includes topics such as officer recruitment and hiring, traffic enforcement, patrol functions, detectives and criminal investigations, SWAT, use of force policy, community education and the Neighborhood Response Team.  K-9 officers will demonstrate their K-9 partner’s abilities.  All questions will be answered.

Academy classes are taught by veteran police officers and supervisors. Participants will have the opportunity to meet with the Chief of Police and staff members. They are encouraged to ask questions and express ideas and concerns to police employees.

The academy is open to any adult (18+), living, working, or interested in the City of Kent and its police department.  There is no cost for attending.

Applications and information are available online at http://www.ci.kent.wa.us/police/ or call the Community Education Unit at 253-856-5838.

“This is an excellent opportunity for residents to gain insight into the day to day operations of the police department” said Sergeant Dina Paganucci. “We enjoy being able to interact with the community and answer any questions they have.”

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