• Classic Car and Motorcycle Show – NO ENTRY FEES
• RV Tour and Scavenger Hunt
• Stuff the RV Fundraiser for American Troops*
• Propane sale ($2.19/gallon)
• Seal Tech Inspection Seminar
• Product Raffles
• Free Lunch
• Free Goodie Bags
• Dinghy Towing Seminar
• Cash prizes for winners of the the car show

*Stuff the RV:  This event is a local fundraiser to collect donations to send care packages to troops stationed overseas. For each donation you bring, you’ll receive a raffle ticket.

Items needed:  non-perishable food, hygiene products, letters of encouragement and support, books, magazines and games

Continuing our lists from January and February, our March 2013 list will include 31 more reasons that I Love Kent. Follow the series on our iLoveKent.net Facebook page, where we post a new reason to love Kent daily. Please comment, add your own suggestions and tell us what you love about Kent!

 Mar. 1:  Kent People – People like Mike Hanis and Merle and Marti Reeder make Kent a fun, friendly place to live.

Mar. 2:  Farm animals – We have a lot of variety in Kent — llamas, alpacas, cows, chickens, goats and more.

Mar. 3:  Allegro Performing Arts Academy – This local dance academy has such a wide variety of dance classes available to people of all ages. I also love that Allegro is active in the community, coming up with events like Kent’s Got Talent.

Mar. 4:  Curran Law Firm – In addition to being a sponsor of iLoveKent.net, attorneys at the firm are very active in the community, including Greg Haffner who serves as the Kent Rotary president this year.

Mar. 5:  Jack Becvar, our city’s historian, is one of my favorite Kent residents. He has a wealth of historical information about Kent, and he and his wife Mary Lou truly love our city.

Mar. 6:  Mayor Suzette Cooke – Regardless of your politics, Mayor Cooke is an enthusiastic, friendly and approachable leader.

Mar. 7:  Annual “Fun for Funds” Dinner Auction – Each year the Children’s Therapy Center and its Dynamic Partners host their annual “Fun for Funds” dinner auction to raise money to help children with special needs and their families.

Mar. 8:  Seattle Thunderbirds – It is so much fun having a WHL hockey team right here in Kent. It is fun family entertainment and the hockey players are not only talented but friendly and humble. [See my story on the mentoring program at Neely O'Brien Elementary.]

Mar. 9:  Lazy Larry’s Ranch – Located on 132nd, I watch the cows daily from my office window. What a delight to see these huge creatures romping around the pasture!

Mar. 10:  Shindig Martini Bar - This classy bar in downtown Kent is a nice break from the usual sports bar. The martini selection is excellent, and happy hour makes these otherwise pricey drinks affordable.

Mar. 11:  Regional Justice Center – This full-service municipal building was beautifully designed, housing our local courts as well as services like CASA, marriage applications and more.

Mar. 12:  Wilson Playfields – Beautiful athletic complex on Kent’s East Hill, ideal for soccer and track events.

Mar. 13:  Lake Meridian – It may be small, but it is ours. With views of Mt. Rainier, this calm, quiet lake is a nice departure from the hustle & bustle of our busy lives.

Mar. 14:  Kent TV 21 – Want to know what’s going on in Kent? You can find it on Kent TV 21. The city’s own TV channel features programs regarding local events like the Kent International Festival as well as streaming Kent City Council meetings live.

Mar. 15:  Small Business Development Center at Green River College – For business owners on a budget, the SBDC is a useful resource for starting and growing a business in Kent.

Mar. 16:  McLendon Hardware – It may not be a big box store, but it has just about everything you could want. I love the garden section!

Mar. 17:  Kent Station Easter Egg Hunt – Easter Egg Hunts at Kent Station have become a new Kent tradition. Free family fun.

Mar. 18:  Soos Creek Trail – Located between Kent and Covington, Soos Creek Trail provides miles of paved trails for walking or running, and every once in awhile, you’ll see a horse on the path.

Mar. 19:  Children’s Bookshop – This downtown store is a good resource for teaching supplies as well as educational books, toys and games for kids.

Mar. 20:  Stefano Langone of American Idol fame is a graduate of Kentwood High School.

Mar. 21:  Kaibara Park, downtown Kent

Mar. 22:  Coldstone Creamery

Mar. 23:  Arbor 360 Skate Park

Mar. 24:  Petco is where Jelly Bean shops for her favorite food – Solid Gold Wee Bits and treats we don’t get at Mud Bay.

Mar. 25:  Fig & Feather – a fun home decor and gift store on W. Meeker St. in downtown Kent

Mar. 26:  Planned Parenthood – I’m glad we have affordable health care and family planning options close to home.

Mar. 27:  Spiro’s Greek Island on First Ave. South has great food in a fun atmosphere right in downtown Kent.

Mar. 28:  Historic homes on Scenic Hill keep a thread of Kent’s past running through the city.

Mar. 29:  Shari’s Pies. Do I really need to explain this one?

Mar. 30:  Sue Froyd, owner of AAA Pest Control and Maggie’s on Meeker, is a wonderful, generous woman.

Mar. 31:  Kent Covenant Church opens its doors regularly to community events.

KENT, Wash., Mar. 15, 2013–Yesterday I had the privilege of tagging along while 10 of the Seattle Thunderbirds mentored 10 fourth grade boys at Neely O’Brien Elementary School in Kent. Thursday’s mentoring session was the final in a six-month series of weekly meetings between the TBirds and “their boys.” While enjoying pizza and homemade treats, the TBirds reminisced about their activities including a visit to ShoWare, play board games and bonding with the students, and hosting two assemblies, one for fifth and sixth graders about about goal setting and a school-wide assembly on how to be a buddy, not a bully.

TBirds mentors this year were Connor Sanvido, Mitch Elliot, Connor Honey, Evan Wardley, Luke Lockhart, Justin Hickman, Seth Swenson, Roberts Lipsbergs, Alexander Delnov and Adam Kambeitz. Pictured at right:  C.J., Seth Swenson, Justin Hickman and Cody.

Principal Pat Regnart thanked the players for their participation in the mentoring program, offered through Communities in Schools Kent. CISK has other mentors at Neely O’Brien and other elementary schools throughout the Kent School District, but this program was a bit different because the mentors were young adults.

“It’s been a very special year, and we don’t take that for granted,” Regnart said. “Our whole school has been impacted.”

Though the school has 733 students, only 10 boys were given the opportunity to work one-on-one with the TBirds, to build relationships and talk about things like the importance of education and how being a member of a team is much like being a student.

Regnart particularly enjoyed the mentoring session when Mitch Elliot gave an impromptu piano recital. Elliot played Beethoven, a composer that had been discussed in the second grade classes. Following his performance, a student asked, “Don’t you fight in hockey?” Elliot explained that there is fighting in hockey but that it has to be done safely and responsibly. He also said that the fights stay on the ice, and he’d get kicked off the team if he fought outside the rink.

“The players connected in a lot of ways,” Regnart explained.

Jolene Wallace, a second grade teacher whose students were impacted by the mentoring program, wasn’t able to attend the mentoring celebration yesterday, but she sent a letter to be read by Neely O’Brien mentor program coordinator Chris Kunzelman in her absence.

“I can’t begin to describe the impact you’ve had on these boys, our students, staff and the community,” Wallace wrote. “As you move into your future whether in college or the NHL, please note that you made a difference in a public school in Kent, Washington.”

The players enjoyed the mentoring program as well. Seth Swenson of Colorado said he enjoyed being able to give back to the community. It was particularly nice for him because he lives out of state and doesn’t know a lot of people in Kent. Swenson mentored fourth grader C.J. who said he liked visiting the hockey rink the best.

Justin Hickman also enjoyed being a part of the program. Hickman, who previously attended Kent-Meridian High School, said he liked visiting other schools and to “hopefully make a difference. Hickman mentored fourth grader Cody; one of their favorite activities was playing Connect Four.

“I’m the Connect Four Master,” Hickman joked.

Dee Klem, the elementary mentor program coordinator for Communities in Schools Kent, helped connect the TBirds with Neely O’Brien. As a proponent of mentoring and a billet mom to Mitch Elliot, Klem was pleased at the enthusiasm of the players and the success of this year’s program. This is the third year for the program, but the first time so many players participated, Klem said.

Klem added, “I’m not sure they fully understand the impact they’ve had on the kids.”

For more information about the mentoring program, visit Communities in Schools Kent online. For more information about the Seattle Thunderbirds, visit the team website.

Pictured below:  Dee Klem and Luke Lockhart

Join the Kentwood High School sign choir as they sign the national anthem at the Seattle Thunderbirds‘ March 12 game against the Tri-City Americans. Tickets are just $9 each and available through the Kentwood sign choir, Barbara Key, the American Sign Language teacher/adviser, and through iLoveKent.net. To get your $9 tickets, contact us via email by March 1. Hope to see you at the game!

~ Dana Neuts, Publisher and Proud Mom

Folks at the City of Kent and local volunteers are busy planning another fun You We Me, an interactive evening of free family fun. This year’s event will be held at ShoWare Center on Fri., Mar. 1 and will feature a variety of activities for kids of all ages. In addition to collecting food for the Kent Food Bank, event highlights include:

• 44 interactive vendor booths
• Bike raffle from Redline Bikes
• Radio Disney
• Sports competitions
• Face painting, hands on activities, games
• Bounce houses
• Rainier Youth Choirs
• Neely O’Brien DRUM and Red Hawk Singers
• Electronettes Drill Team and Drum Squad
• Cameron Sterling
• Kitana Turnball
• Allegro Performing Arts Academy
• Kent Elementary STOMP and Dance Team
• New Beginning Alofa Tunoa Youth Dance Group
• Kent Meridian Bridging the Seas Bollywood Group
• Kent Knights Jr. Cheer Team
• Kent Meridian Pacific Island Club
• $1 hot dogs and soda

Kent Food Bank will be on hand to accept donations of nonperishable food items. The event is organized by a cross-section of community groups, the Kent School District, Kent Parks, local youth groups, sports teams, scouts, churches, local businesses and service clubs. Come join the fun!

Starting Monday, November 5, outdoor walking enthusiasts can get out of the rain by participating in ShoWalk, a free indoor walking opportunity on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 to 11 a.m. at ShoWare Center, 625 W. James Street, downtown Kent.

Sponsored by Kent4Health, ShoWare Center provides ‘ShoWalkers’ two levels for walking with a full loop on the upper level for walkers and a horseshoe on the lower level for those with strollers or walking aids. There are also stairs for those interested in getting additional cardio and variety.

While there is no cost, registration is appreciated at Kent4Health.com or at the door on walk days.

Contributed by Valley Medical Center

RENTON, WA (November 7, 2012)—High-risk women in need will receive mammograms thanks to a partnership between Valley Medical Center’s GLOW program and The Seattle Thunderbirds hockey team. Now in its second year, “Pink the Rink” raised more than $15,000 for Valley’s Breast Center to provide 100 life-saving mammograms and breast education for disadvantaged women.

Held at ShoWare Center in Kent, WA, the hockey ice was literally turned pink for this special event to draw awareness to breast cancer. A free, pre-game party on the plaza had attendees dancing to the retro tunes of “Mr. Pink,” children bounced and slid on assorted inflatables, and special vendor booths raised money for breast cancer research through sales of pink cowboy hats and other assorted items. Breast cancer survivors at the event were given free pink camouflage bandanas. During the exciting game between the Seattle Thunderbirds and Kamloops Blazers, T-birds members applied pink tape to their sticks, wore pink laces in their boots and sported pink ribbon decals on their helmets in support. The crowd watched a special GLOW Flash Mob strut their stuff at half time, led by 100.7 The Wolf’s DeAnna Lee, and three lucky spectators had the chance to win a pink-striped Mini Cooper through a hockey shoot out.

“One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Until that number is zero, we will continue the fight to eradicate this terrible disease,” says Sherry Kuzan, RN, Manager, The Breast Center at Valley Medical Center. “Mammograms are key to early detection, and for women who are high-risk it’s critical. The money raised at Pink the Rink will ensure that 100 women will not have to wonder and worry about their breast health. We can’t thank the community enough for coming out and showing their support.”

The event would not have been possible without the generous support from Seattle Thunderbirds, ShoWare Center, the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, the event’s Pink Panther Partner, and Northwest Mini. 

For more information about The Breast Center at Valley Medical Center, or to schedule your mammogram visit valleymed.org/breastcenter.

KENT, Wash., Sept. 18, 2012 — With the energy and enthusiasm of a girl, 21-year-old skater Ashley Wagner graced the ice at ShoWare Center in Kent this morning. Despite the early hour, the fresh-faced, pony-tailed young woman gracefully greeted her guests with a beautiful smile and took to the ice when many of us had not even had our morning coffee.

Wagner was in town this morning to do media appearances to promote 2012 Skate America, an international skating event that kicks off the 13-event Grand Prix skating series in Kent next month. Wagner met with KING5 Reporter Christie Johnson, effortlessly displaying her skating prowess on the ice with spins and turns. Accompanying Wagner were Courtney Campbell, 14, from Cascade Valley Ice skate club and three members of the Seattle Thunderbirds, Mitch Elliott, Tyler Alos and Seth Swenson, who have their home opener against the Portland Winterhawks in Kent this Saturday at ShoWare. Following the appearance at ShoWare, Wagner was headed to Seattle to appear on New Day Northwest, KOMO TV, KOMO radio and WARM radio.

Born in Germany, Wagner is the daughter of a military family, moving around the United States as a child. She began skating in Alaska at the age of 5, practicing and training to become the skating champion she is today. With many “wins” under her tiny belt, Wagner has experienced defeat however. She explained to Johnson, “Success is a lot sweeter because you know what it’s like to fail.”

Ashley Wagner

Courtney Campbell, Christine Johnson, Mitchell Elliott, Tyler Alos, Seth Swenson and Ashley Wagner

Photos by Jeff Heiss

Earlier this month, the City of Kent announced that levee work near Three Friends Fishing Hole (20025 Russell Rd., Kent) will begin on Sept. 17. The park will be closed until the completion of the project which is estimated to be March 2013. The Green River Trail  and portable restrooms at the trailhead will be open, but the park and parking lot will be closed. For more information about the project or the park closure, contact Tobias Hallock at 253-856-5536.

If you haven’t already heard, Kent has been chosen as the site for 2012 Skate America, an international skating competition to be held at ShoWare Center Oct. 19-21.

The city is expecting as many as 15,000 skating fans, athletes and trainers during the weekend. The event will be broadcast nationally on NBC with additional coverage in Canada, Japan, Korea, Russia and other countries.

Leading up to the event, volunteers 18 and up are needed. If you’d like to help the week of the event, complete the online application. Show the international skating community Kent hospitality by signing up today!

Want tickets for the event? They’re on sale now –> 2012 Skate America Ticket Sales

by Brooke Blozis

The Seattle Thunderbirds are back and ready for another hockey season! Before the 2012-2013 season, there will be a six game exhibition round, and the season is scheduled to begin afterward. The preseason exhibition begins on August 31, when the Thunderbirds play at the Everett Tournament. The official season’s schedule was released on Friday, June 27.

Here’s the preseason schedule:

Friday, August 31 vs. Portland, 3 p.m. at Everett Tournament
Sunday, September 2 vs. Spokane, 3 p.m. at Everett Tournament
Friday, September 7 @ Tri-City, 7 p.m. at Tri-City Tournament
Saturday, September 8 @ Portland, 3 p.m. at Tri-City Tournament
Friday, September 14 vs. Everett, 7:35 p.m. at ShoWare Center
Saturday, September 15 @ Everett, 7:05 p.m. at Comcast Arena

Stay in shape this summer! Join the Kent4Health walking group as it hits the trails throughout the summer. Walks take place every Wednesday through September 12. Walks will occur at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. in various parks throughout Kent. Click here to see a full schedule.

Wed. morning walks are 9 to 11 a.m. Evening walks are 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Note:  There are no walks scheduled for Wed., July 4.

Friday, June 15  and
Friday, August 17
6:15 p.m.
Lake Meridian Park

- 0.5, 1.2 and 2.4 mile distances
- Wetsuit and nonwetsuit divisions
- Winners get a pie
- Bring the family for a BBQ dinner. Athletes eat for free.
- Perfect prep for the swim leg of your next triathlon, and ideal for Ironman Couer d’Alene athletes. Register online here.

Event sponsored in part by Northwest Tri & Bike.

Press Release Contributed by Ian Henry of the Seattle Thunderbirds

T-BIRDS MOURN PASSING OF BRUCE MCDONALD

Bruce McDonald was part of radio broadcast team for last 14 years, organization for 30 years

Kent, June 6, 2012 – The Seattle Thunderbirds organization is in mourning with the passing of radio color commentator and play-by-play voice Bruce McDonald early Wednesday morning.

Bruce was diagnosed with leukemia in April. He had been courageously fighting cancer through several rounds of chemotherapy.

Bruce, born January 8, 1971, has been a member of the T-Birds family since he was 12-years-old. Even though he suffered from cerebral palsy, Bruce regularly attended Seattle Breakers games in a wheelchair with his mother Char. It was at one these games in 1983 that Bruce was called into the locker room by then Seattle Breakers head coach Marc Boileau. Boileau gave Bruce a clipboard and asked him to help the team track and keep statistics. He was a member of the team from that point forward.

Bruce joined play-by-play voice Chris Collins as part of the Thunderbirds radio broadcast team for the 1998-99 season. When Collins moved on two years later Bruce joined Joe Dominey in the broadcast booth. When Dominey moved on a year later Bruce joined Thom Beuning in the broadcast booth. Bruce and Thom have called the action on T-Birds broadcasts for the last 11 seasons.

Bruce is survived by his mother Char, sister Nolette Everett, half-brother Stevie McDonald, half-sister Stacy Talley and Grandmother Bertha.

Memorial services will be announced once they are finalized.

“This is a sad day for the Thunderbirds family and our fans. Bruce loved the T-Birds and his dedication to the team rubbed off on every person Bruce came in contact with. We will miss Bruce dearly and offer our sincerest condolences to his family.” – Russ Farwell, T-Birds President/General Manager.

 ”I only knew Bruce for 12 years, but his passing Wednesday has made this one of the most difficult days of my nearly 50 years of existence. Only the passing of my dad nearly three years ago could rival the sorrow I feel today knowing my good friend is gone. But I can’t feel sad and sorrowful for too long because Bruce would not accept that. If there is a book of adages out there, you will find Bruce’s picture on the page beside that old saying “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!”’ – Thom Beuning, Seattle Thunderbirds play-by-play voice. Read Thom’s In The Corners Blog Post on the passing of his friend.

“Bruce McDonald was a tremendous broadcaster and colleague but an even better person and friend. While the teams we represented were bitter rivals on the ice, none of that extended to the press box and I always looked forward to spending time with Bruce prior to the games talking about our teams, hockey and life in general. His dedication to the Seattle Thunderbirds and the WHL was undeniable and he was an inspiration and someone that always had a smile and positive outlook, regardless of the situation. It is going to be very strange to not see Bruce on my many visits to the ShoWare Center or when the ‘Birds visit Portland. I know that his spirit will live on and he will now be providing color commentary from on high moving forward. My condolences to all of Bruce’s family, Thom Beuning and the Seattle Thunderbird family for their loss.” – Andy Kemper, Portland Winterhawks Broadcast Team.

“Bruce was a ray and hope and a true shining light for me and all of us to keep positive and deal with whatever life hands our way. Trips to Kent will never be the same without Bruce. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go to Char and the entire Thunderbird family of staff and fans.” – Craig West, Tri-City Americans play-by-play voice.

“Bruce was always the epitome of dedication in our profession. Hardworking, kind, intelligent, and overcoming anything put in his path. A great broadcaster and colleague, I’m proud to have known him.” – Todd Vrooman, Portland Winterhawks Broadcast Communications Manager.

 ”I first met Bruce when calling my first T-Birds game in Seattle. I was immediately impressed. His physical limitations were never once considered and or complained about ever. My partner actually climbed and willed his way into press boxes and provided NHL level analysis on a regular basis. 14 seasons later I’m amazed at the work, effort and desire to be the best colour analyst in the WHL that Bruce put in. While his loss is devastating to me personally, his life example, loyalty and friendship will never be forgotten.” – Chris Collins, former play-by-play voice for the Seattle Thunderbirds.

“When I got the job with the Thunderbirds, I had no experience calling hockey. My early attempts were a struggle to say the least, but Bruce would constantly encourage me and emphasize the positives despite those early pitfalls. Every game was exciting to Bruce. Thunderbirds hockey was an event that he was thrilled to be part of. His mom Char was always there with him and she was absolutely devoted to her son. She raised a terrific one. If everyone would have the same positive attitude that Bruce did, the world would be a much better place. He was a terrific human being who cared about people, was very forgiving and saw the good in everyone. He made things around him better just by his presence. He is now getting his well deserved chance to play hockey in heaven.” – Joe Dominey, former play-by-play voice for the Seattle Thunderbirds.

Written memories and condolences from WHL teams, players, personnel and media can be sent to Ian Henry at ianh@seattlethunderbirds.com . They will be posted to this page as they are received.

Seattle Thunderbirds
Ian Henry, Director, Public & Media Relations
253-239-7825

See the legendary Isley Brothers and KEM at ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St. in Kent on June 2 at 8:00 pm.  These R&B giants will play one-night only in Kent as part of “Smooth Grooves Music Fest”.

With such hits as “Twist & Shout”, “Summer Breeze” and “It’s Your Thing”, the Isley Brothers will make you want to dance! The Grammy-award winning Isley Brothers formed in the early 1950s in Cincinnati, Ohio and today are considered one of the most important and influential groups of the last half-century.

It has been said that music feeds the soul, but KEM’s journey is equally, if not more inspirational. R&B Singer/Songwriter/Producer KEM’s love of music began as a child. Music saw him through the darkest moments in his life, took him to the top of the industry’s record charts, and earned him a record deal with Universal Motown Records. A self-taught musician, KEM was born in Nashville and raised in Detroit, the birthplace of Motown Records.

Today, KEM takes the opportunity to minister through music, sharing his life’s journey with his audience at every concert. He testifies openly about overcoming alcohol addiction and drug use and touts his sobriety since 1990. He never neglects to give honor and glory to God for his achievements.

Reserved seats range from $30 to $85. Tickets are on sale to the general public at ShoWare Center’s Box Office (with no fees) or online at ShoWareCenter.com, Facebook.com/ShoWareCenter or 253.856.6999.

For more information about this and other events, visit http://showarecenter.com.

What do ice dancer Ben Agosto, Hilton Hotels and ShoWare Center have in common? They will all be integral players in bringing Skate America 2012 to Kent October 19 and 20, drawing thousands of sports fans and journalists from around the world to South King County.

Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke announced the news this morning at a press conference attended by local and state officials and representatives, media and residents and business people. Skate America will feature three days of competition featuring 52 world-class figure skaters from 15 countries. The DoubleTree by Hilton (SeaTac location) will be the host hotel, and ShoWare Center will host the competitions during the weekend-long event.

An enthusiastic Mayor Cooke said she wants to show the world “the very best Kent has to offer” in terms of dining, restaurants, lodging and other amenities.

“Let’s roll out the red carpet,” she said.

Though she had originally been scheduled to make the announcement, Governor Christine Gregoire was called away on last minute business. She made this statement in a press release issued following the press conference:

“We are excited to again welcome the international figure skating community and its fans to the state of Washington for 20120 Hilton HHonors Skate America,” Governor Gregoire said. “In recent years, Washington has hosted record-setting crowds in Spokane and Everett. The anticipated economic impact and international television exposure the event will bring to Kent and the greater Seattle area is exciting.”

King County Executive Dow Constantine was on hand to share in the good news. Constantine said he hopes to build on the success of the Olympic Diving Trials to be held in Federal Way next month, helping to position the area as a premier destination for sporting events.

“Thank you, Skate America, for choosing King County,” Constantine said.

Medalist Ben Agosto encouraged attendees to buy tickets for the event, explaining that some of the competitions held in Washington State are among the most memorable of his career.

“When you see it live, it is completely different than seeing it on TV,” Agosto said. “There’s a big energy transfer between the skaters and fans.”

Laura Lee of Production Sports will be handling the promotion of the event, with Ben Agosto serving as Skate America’s honorary chairman.

“This is our time to get noticed,” she told an audience of about 100.

Sports commentator Chris Egan of KING5 concluded the program: “It’s coming to YOUR city!”

Tickets for the international skating event will range in price from $75 for a weekend pass to $350 for premium seats. Tickets will go on sale tomorrow. For more information about the event, visit www.2012skateamerica.com.

The First Annual “Stuff the RV” Classic Car Show is free to enter and attend and is presented by Torklift Central RV.  Entries must be received by May 18.  To qualify for entry, vehicles can be no newer than 1976 – the year Torklift Central RV opened for business.

The car show, scheduled from 9 am to 3 pm is the kick off to the “Stuff the RV” drive benefiting soldiers stationed overseas.  Torklift Central RV will be collecting non-perishable food, hygiene products, reading materials and games for our troops.  Torklift’s General Manager, Rick Shafer’s goal is to stuff one RV completely full with the donations.

Prizes will be awarded, raffle tickets will be available and given away to participants and a free catered barbecue will also be provided during the car show.

Torklift is located at 917 Central Avenue South in downtown Kent.  To enter your “classic” car, call 253-299-0076.

If you like entertaining basketball, you will LOVE the Harlem Globetrotters who return to ShoWare Center on Thurs., Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. Now through Feb. 20, ShoWare is offering this special Family 4 Pack Offer:

4 Tickets, 4 Hot Dogs, 4 Sodas for $112
when purchased at the ShoWare Center Box Office

Online Price, including convenience fees, $136.75
Regular price, including fees, $168.75

So save big by buying your tickets at the ShoWare Center Box Office located at 625 W. James St. in downtown Kent.