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.”

Your downtown hometown restaurant for breakfast and lunch

More info.:  Facebook.com/FindItInKent

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.

Today the Kent Police Department issued notices of two sex offenders who have registered to live in downtown Kent.

Notice 1 – Jeremy Ross Baxley (Clark Avenue North)

Notice 2 – Brandon Cole Reed (Crest Avenue South)

In addition, they offered these educational and safety tips:

Level 2 and Level 3 offenders are posted on the state website at www.icrimewatch.net/washington.php

Level 1 offenders (least likely to reoffend) that are Homeless/Transient are also posted on the website.

YOU can search, register to receive email alerts etc. on this public website. It does NOT give the exact address of the offender, but you can search a radius area near your home, a school, work etc.

NOTE:  This information is a matter of public record.

Along with this week’s crime stats, the Kent Police Department cautions Kent residents to protect their vehicle and belongings. In particular, car prowlers are looking for these items:

• GPS units and holders
• Laptops, iPods, cell phones and other electronics
• Sports equipment and shopping bags
• Mail and money

Kent PD suggests that you park in well lit areas, lock doors, close windows and remove all valuables from your vehicle.

If you are the victim of a car prowl or see something suspicious, call 911. For more information, visit http://kentpoliceceu.com

Each year the City of Kent, Kent School District, the Kent Downtown Partnership, and private sponsors work together to celebrate National Youth Art Month with Spring Into Art. Art from several Kent schools is displayed in various businesses in the Downtown area. Kent Downtown Partnership and local businesses support a night of activities coinciding with the City’s Art Walk and Reception.

Visit our website for complete details:

Spring Into Art 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
4 – 9 p.m.
Downtown Kent

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

More info.:  Facebook.com/FindItInKent

Kent, Washington, February 22, 2010 – Studio Director and Owner Nicole Adams will celebrate the grand opening of Intimate Pilates this Saturday, February 27 from 3 to 5 p.m. During the open house, the public is invited to visit the studio (212 First Avenue South, downtown Kent) to meet the owner, her yoga instructor and massage therapist; enjoy light refreshments; sign up for raffle prizes including a free private session, massage and a Viniyoga class card; and to ask questions about the studio and its offerings.

Following a successful career in the aerospace industry, Adams chose to open the studio to build on her passion for Pilates and to provide personalized, affordable physical training in an intimate, relaxed atmosphere. Adams first trained in Pilates after the birth of her first child in 2000. She is STOTT PILATES® trained in Mat, Reformer and Postural Analysis. She continues to refine her techniques through training at Body Center Studios in Seattle.

Open seven days a week by appointment only, Intimate Pilates focuses on helping individuals to increase core strength and build long, lean muscles using Reformer, Cadillac and Chair & Barrel techniques. Pilates can be performed by people of all ages, experience levels and ranges of flexibility and is particularly helpful for rehabilitation exercises and improving balance. Intimate Pilates offers private one-on-one sessions so that each client receives personalized instruction in an intimate studio setting with Adams.

“Our studio is a non-threatening environment where you don’t have to dress or look a certain way,” Adams explained. “You only need an open mind.”

In addition to offering individual Pilates sessions, Intimate Pilates has a massage therapist on staff three days a week by appointment and a Viniyoga instructor who teaches classes seven days a week.

“Opening this studio has been a dream of mine for a long time,” Adams said. “I am so excited to share my passion of Pilates with others. I invite the community to come to the studio this Saturday to see what we’re all about.”

——

Located at 212 First Avenue South in Kent, Intimate Pilates is owned by Pilates enthusiast Nicole Adams who has 10 years of experience. The studio is open seven days a week by appointment and offers one-on-one Pilates instruction as well as Viniyoga classes and massage therapy in a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. To learn more about Intimate Pilates, visit the studio online at http://intimatepilates.com or call Nicole Adams at 253-709-1446. Intimate Pilates can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.

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.

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

More info.:  Facebook.com/FindItInKent

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.

This is a reminder for parents with kids in the Kent School District. The school district’s mid-winter break is this Monday and Tuesday, February 15 – 16. Normally the break is a full week long, but this break and spring break (April 5-6) have been cut short due to the teachers’ strike.

For a complete 2009-2010 KSD student calendar, visit KSD online.