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 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!

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

Evergreen City Ballet presents its 2nd Annual Dinner Gala on April 10.  This year’s theme is “A Night at the Races” at Emerald Downs.  The evening will start with opening weekend races followed by a dinner and auction.  The last race is the “ECB Stakes.”  Eight lucky people will have their picture taken in the Winner’s Circle!

Enjoy a wonderful evening of food, wine and racing on 2010 opening weekend of racing at Emerald Downs.

Your Gala ticket includes free admission and free parking at Emerald Downs. Come early and enjoy the last three races of the day from our special private viewing room.  Place your wager at our private betting window .

There are one-of-a-kind auction items including:

• Tickets to the Oprah Show with a two night stay in the Omni Suites Hotel in Chicago

• Tickets to Pacific Northwest Ballet with one night stay in Pan Pacific Hotel , including a gourmet dinner

• A weekend at a luxury, private, waterfront cabin in British Columbia

Tickets are $100 per person or $680 for a table of eight.  For ticket or more information email Larry@evergreencityballet.org.

Your downtown hometown restaurant for breakfast and lunch

More info.:  Facebook.com/FindItInKent

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.

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

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.

King County 4H Cat Show
Saturday, January 23
9 am – 2 pm

Kent Station
(between See’s Candies &
Portrait Innovations)

Raffle and prizes as a fundraiser. Admission is free; donations will be accepted.

Kent’s South Side Dance Force
presents
“Sweethearts, Thieves & Their Lovers”
on
Saturday, February 6, 2010 at 7 p.m.
704 W. Meeker St., Kent, WA

Set in a 1920s speakeasy, this artistic performance features the South Side Sundays Company in “Sweethearts, Thieves & Their Loves.” Creator, director, producer and choreographer Joselito Castillo describes this performance as “a dark Valentine show” about gossip at a speakeasy. Don’t miss this wonderful show! Some mature content.

Call SSDF at 253-639-5829 for more info. and to purchase tickets. Tickets are only $10.00!

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

• Vendors
• Restaurants
• Event sponsors

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

The following press release was provided by Aegis Living:

January 16, KENT, WA– When a loved one receives a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, family members are left wondering what they can do to make life better for that person.  Educating themselves on the many aspects of the disease is the place to start.  As a leader in senior living specializing in memory care services, Aegis Living of Kent is pleased to host an informational presentation on Alzheimer’s and dementia.  The lecture will feature an expert in the field of Alzheimer’s and memory loss, David Troxel.

David Troxel, MPH, an internationally known expert in Alzheimer’s and memory care will discuss innovative treatments and successful strategies to improve quality of care for people living with Alzheimer’s.  He will cover a wide range of topics regarding the disease including new breakthroughs, symptoms, areas of concern, caregiver training and more.

Mr. Troxel will also discuss his internationally recognized findings on treating the disease, The Best Friends Approach to Alzheimer’s care.  The Best Friends Approach is built on the premise that what people living with Alzheimer’s need most is a friend – a Best Friend.  This can be a family member, friend or staff member who empathizes with their situation and is dedicated to helping the person feel safe, secure and valued. The model teaches caregivers how to understand and help fulfill the Best Friend role, including special caregiving techniques.

The presentation is open to the public and will take place on Thursday, February 11 from 5:30-7:30 at Aegis of Kent, located at 10421 SE 248th Street, Kent, 98030. Contact Dru Fleming to RSVP at (253) 520-8400 as space is limited. Be our first 25 participants and receive David’s book, free of charge, “The Best Friends Approach to Alzheimer’s Care.

David Troxel has been instrumental in helping to further develop and enhance AegisLiving’s nationally recognized memory care programming, including “Life’s Neighborhood,” Aegis Living’s innovative memory care program. It was developed by the company to create highly individualized, familiar environments that minimize stress and increase enjoyment for people living with Alzheimer’s.

Aegis of Kent is part of the company’s collection of Senior Inns, which offer lower-cost options for seniors who need assisted living services or for those who need memory care.

About David Troxel
Troxel is best known for his work with in-patient and family care, and as an engaging and informative speaker.  During the 25 years he has worked in the field, he has served on the Board of Directors of the American Public Health Association and won that organization’s award for outstanding public health education practice.  David co-authored the influential Alzheimer’s Bill of Rights, The Best Friends Approach to Alzheimer’s Care and The Best Friends Staff: Building a Culture of Care in Alzheimer’s Programs.  He has a Master’s Degree in Public Health from Rutgers Medical School.

About Aegis Living
Áegis Living is a national leader in retirement and assisted living, offering a progressive selection of senior residences to meet the growing needs of today’s aging population. Providing the finest in senior lifestyle and living options available, “We’re the people who make life better” emphasizes health, quality of life, well being and community. The residences include Signature Living, independent living, assisted living, Memory Care for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of memory loss, as well as short term, rehabilitative and vacation stays. Aegis Living is guided by a simple philosophy: strive to treat all people with the highest possible standards. Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Redmond, Washington privately held Áegis Living operates 34 communities in Washington, California and Nevada.  More information about Áegis Living is available at www.AegisLiving.com.

# # #

Media Contact:
Stacia Kirby, Kirby Communications
(206) 363-1492, stacia@speakeasy.net

Earlier this week the Kent Downtown Partnership and other downtown associations across the state issued press releases about the possible elimination of the Main Street program.

Despite the importance of the program to communities like Mount Vernon, Walla Walla and Kent, Governor Christine Gregoire has proposed eliminating the Main Street program from her 2010 budget. This loss of funding and state support could mean the dwindling of downtown associations statewide, further dampening local economies throughout the state.

For more information, visit the KDP blog for the full text of the press release and contact information for Barbara Smith, executive director for the Kent Downtown Partnership, an affiliate member of the Main Street program.

This month the Seattle Thunderbirds are hosting several fun family nights at the ShoWare Center. Some of their upcoming events include:

Mascot Game:  1/16/10 (7:05 pm)
This game will invite mascots from area sports teams, businesses, middle schools and high schools to participate in activities on the ice.

Kid’s Hat Night:  1/16/10 (7:05 pm)
The first 1,000 kids (14 years and under) will get a free TBirds hat, courtesy of KPS Health Systems.

Teddy Bear Toss:  1/23/10 (7:05 pm)
Join the TBirds at their Annual Teddy Bear Toss during their game against the Portland Winterhawks. After the first TBird goal, fans can throw teddy bears on the ice. The bears will then be given to the WARM 106.9 Teddy Bear Patrol who will distribute the bears to children during emergencies and times of crisis.

TBirds Fan Bus: 1/30/10
Take the TBirds Fan Bus to Portland for the Sat., Jan. 30 game against the Portland Winterhawks. For $49, fans get a ticket to the game and transportation to and from the game via the Shuttle Express. The bus is expected to leave around 3 p.m. and return home around midnight. Call 425-981-7064 to book your spot.

Evergreen City Ballet presents “Peter & the Wolf” and “Dancing to Disney” on Sat., February 6 (performances at 1 and 4 p.m.) and Sun., February 7 (1 p.m.). For more info., visit ECB online or call 425-228-6800. Tickets for adults are $15, and tickets for children are $10 (ages 2 to 18).

ECB’s Black Box Theatre
2230 Lind Ave. SW
Renton, WA  98057
425-228-6800