Starting today, November 14, walking enthusiasts can get out of the rain and walk in ShoWare Center, 625 West James Street, Kent.  ShoWalk is presented by Kent4Health and ShoWare Center and is a free indoor walking opportunity on Mondays and Wednesdays, 9-11 am, running (or walking) through April 25,2012.

ShoWare Center provides “ShoWalkers” two levels for walking according to Pamela Clark, Kent4Health Coordinator.  “There’s 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 or working their glutes,” Clark said.

Other features of ShoWalk include an area to stretch, warm up and cool down; free blood pressure and sugar screenings on the second Monday of every month provided by Valley Medical Center.

There is no charge to participate but registration is appreciated for planning purposes.  Please register at Kent4Health.com or at the door on walk days.  More information is available at Kent4Health.com or by calling 253-856-4968.

Kent, Washington, November 10, 2011 – Realtor® Marti Reeder of John L. Scott has pledged a donation of $5,000 to the Kent Parks Foundation in support of its Access to Recreation Initiative. This new program was developed by the City of Kent to provide scholarships to local kids who can’t afford to participate in youth or adaptive recreation.

Each year more than 9,000 kids participate in the city’s parks programs, but the need for scholarships grows along with Kent’s population. With 29,000 new residents from the Panther Lake annexation and a growing economic need, scholarship requests have increased by 30% since 2008. Marti Reeder wants to help meet that need.

“As a Kent resident and mom whose children participated in many Kent Parks sports activities and classes, I know how important it is for kids to have access to sports and other activities,” Reeder said.

“So does my son, Anthony Cantu, who has worked for Kent Parks in their afterschool and summer programs for the last four years. We are grateful that our city offers so many opportunities for our children, particularly those who don’t have the money to participate,” Reeder added.

As a result of Reeder’s donation and those of other local businesses, eligible children can qualify for scholarships which cover up to 50% of a program’s fee for parks classes, sport leagues, adaptive recreation and youth and teen courses. For more information about this program or to join Reeder in making a donation, call the Kent Parks Foundation at 253-856-5099. Donations can also be made online at www.KentParksFoundation.org.

About Marti Reeder:

Reeder is a broker/real estate agent with John L. Scott in Kent-Covington. She is an award-winning Realtor®, earning presidential honors from John L. Scott the last four years and named “Best in Kent” three years in a row. Last December, Reeder also received the “Five Star Real Estate Agent, Best in Client Satisfaction” award from Seattle Magazine.  Reeder is active in the Kent community as a member of the Kent Chamber of Commerce, Kent Downtown Partnership and Noon Kiwanis Club.

For more information about Reeder, visit http://www.marti-realtor.com. You can also find Reeder on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Biznik and YouTube.

For more information, contact:

Marti Reeder, John L. Scott
17115 SE 270^th Pl., Ste. 102
Covington, WA 98042
253.859.8500 (office) or 206.391.0388 (cell)
martireeder@johnlscott.com
www.marti-realtor.com

Get your hands dirty and join Kent Parks, Starbucks and REI to celebrate National Public Lands Day, Saturday, September 24 at Lake Fenwick Park, 25828 Lake Fenwick Road, Kent. Volunteers are needed to continue the environmental restoration of the Park’s 140 acres.   Kent has participated in National Public Lands Day for the last five years.  The event on September 24 will be held rain or shine, with orientation beginning at 9:00 am and projects continuing until 12 noon.

Last year was the largest National Public Lands Day in history.  Approximately 170,000 people volunteered at more than 2,000 sites across the nation.  They contributed to over $15 million in improvements to public lands.  The event began in 1994 with 700 volunteers.  It was established as a way to continue the promise of the Civilian Conservation Corps, the 3 million Americans who worked from 1933-1942 to preserve and protect America’s natural heritage.

All ages and abilities are welcome!  Registration is required for planning purposes; the deadline is September 21.  Contact 253-856-5110 or download a registration form at www.KentWAParks.com to volunteer.  Tools and gloves are supplied, but extra shovels and pruners are always welcome.  Volunteers are advised to wear sturdy shoes or boots (no flip-flops or sandals allowed) and to dress for the weather.

The 4th Avenue and Meeker Street Starbucks is donating coffee and hot chocolate, as well as water and snacks, and each volunteer will receive an REI volunteer t-shirt.

The Thunderbirds home opener is Saturday, September 24 against the Portland Winterhawks at 7:05 pm at ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St. in Kent. Single game tickets go on sale on Wednesday, August 24 at 10 am and can be purchased online at http://www.seattlethunderbirds.com/ and at the ShoWare Center box office.   Here is the list of the promotions and giveaways for the season.

2011-12 Promotions For the Thunderbird Games

September
Friday, September 24 vs. Portland, T-Birds Magnetic Schedule presented by Beacon Plumbing (all fans), Party on the Plaza

October
Saturday, October 8 vs. Victoria, Valley Medical Center GLOW Event Pink T-Birds Hats (first 3,000 fans)
Tuesday, October 18 vs. Brandon, State Farm 2-for-Tuesday, State Farm Player Magnet 1 (first 2,500 fans)
Sunday, October 23 vs. Everett, Kent Reporter Family Pack, BECU T-Birds Beanies (first 1,000 kids)

November
Tuesday, November 1 vs. Vancouver, State Farm 2-for-Tuesday, State Farm Player Magnet 2 (first 2,500 fans)
Friday, November 18 vs. Tri-City, Pub Night 1
Saturday, November 19 vs. Portland, State Farm T-Bird Fleece Headband (first 2,000 fans), Fred Meyer Turkey Shoot (post game)
Friday, November 25 vs. Prince George, XFINITY Marcel Noebels Bobblehead (first 2,500 fans)
Tuesday, November 29 vs. Swift Current, State Farm 2-for-Tuesday, State Farm Player Magnet 3 (first 2,500 fans)

December
Friday, December 2 vs. Tri-City, Hawaii Night Friday, December 9 vs. Prince George, Northwest Harvest Food Drive – Presented by Beacon Plumbing
Saturday, December 10 vs. Victoria, Boy Scout Night 1, Northwest Harvest Food Drive – Presented by Beacon Plumbing
Tuesday, December 13 vs. Vancouver, State Farm 2-for-Tuesday, State Farm Player Magnet 4 (first 2,500 fans)
Saturday, December 17 vs. Tri-City, T-Birds Calendar Night (first 3,000 fans), Fred Meyer Ham Shoot (post game)
Tuesday, December 27 vs. Everett, State Farm 2-for-Tuesday, State Farm Player Magnet 5 (first 2,500 fans)
Friday, December 30 vs. Moose Jaw, XFINITY Colin Jacobs Bobblehead (first 2,500 fans)

January
Saturday, January 7 vs. Spokane, BECU T-Birds Beanies (first 1,000 kids)
Friday, January 20 vs. Kamloops, Pub Night 2
Saturday, January 28 vs. Portland, Fred Meyer Teddy Bear Toss
Sunday, January 29 vs. Kelowna, Kent Reporter Family Pack, Beginner Fest
Tuesday, January 31 vs. Spokane, State Farm 2-for-Tuesday, State Farm Player Magnet 6 (first 2,500 fans)

February
Saturday, February 4 vs. Kamloops, Luke Lockhart Jersey T-Shirt (first 1,000 kids)
Saturday, February 11 vs. Portland, University of Phoenix T-Birds Bandanas (first 4,000 fans)
Tuesday, February 14 vs. Kelowna, State Farm 2-for-Tuesday, State Farm Player Magnet 7 (first 2,500 fans)
Friday, February 17 vs. Tri-City, Pub Night 3, Bang Banners (first 4,000 fans)
Sunday, February 19 vs. Spokane, Youth Group Night, Girl Scout Night, Kent Reporter Family Pack, Mascot Game
Saturday, February 25 vs. Everett, Hockey Challenge to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Western Washington & Alaska
Sunday, February 26 vs. Tri-City, Hockey Challenge to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Western Washington & Alaska, Boy Scout Night 2, Kent Reporter Family Pack

March
Saturday, March 10 vs. Portland, University of Phoenix T-Bird Thunderstix (first 5,000 fans)
Sunday, March 11 vs. Everett, Kent Reporter Family Pack
Tuesday, March 13 vs. Spokane, State Farm 2-for-Tuesday, State Farm Player Magnet 8 (first 2,500 fans)
Saturday, March 17 vs. Everett, Fan Appreciation, T-Birds Team Poster presented by Sterling Savings & XFINITY (first 5,000 fans)

There will be several special group nights, including Youth Group Night, two Boy Scout Nights, a Girl Scout Night, two Northwest Harvest Food Drive Nights presented by Beacon Plumbing, a Mascot Night and Fan Appreciation Night.  For more information, please contact the Thunderbirds office at 253-239-7825.

Elementary students can win P.E. equipment for their school and healthy treats throughout the summer by participating in the Cruzin’ Passport Challenge put on by Kent4Health with support from local business donations.

“The Passport Challenge includes a calendar of local free or low cost events where children can journal their activities.  Whether it’s walking, hiking, biking, going to the library, swimming, or eating healthy meals, kids can get credit,” Clark said.

Kicking off June 1, students are encouraged to “Eat Smart, Play Hard & Learn”.  According to Kent4Health liaison Pam Clark, students and their families can participate in a lot of different activities and programs and get credit for them.

The Passport Challenge also features the following events:                 

June 11 - The Cruzin’ Passport Challenge Kick Off, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Kent Station, FREE interactive booths, raffles, prizes and demo’s.

• July 15 – Kid’s Cooking Class, 10:00 a.m. – noon, MultiCare Covington Clinic
• August 13 – The Cruzin’ Passport “Walk and Roll” 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  Kohl’s (Covington location) parking lot, FREE 1 mile fun run/walk, bike rodeo, games, prizes.  Fun Run/Walk registration opens at 9:30 a.m.
• September 18 – 1 Mile Junior Run, 5K Run/Walk, 10K Run, Kentwood High School.  Registration required.

Cruzin’ Passports will be distributed by participating elementary schools before June 1.  They are also available at any official Passport site. Call 253-856-4968 or visit www.cruzinpassport.com for a complete list of activities and participating schools and sites.

The cities of Kent and Covington along with donations from MultiCare Health System, Kohl’s, Univar, Kent Community Foundation, Valley Medical Center, Valley Bank, Pinnacle Medical Wellness, Barclay Seafoods, and over 80 local businesses and organizations, have pitched in to present healthy topics and incentives for children to get healthy.

Road Runner Sports at Kent Station is hosting a FREE Spring Fun Run this Sat., April 30 at 10 a.m.

Road Runner Sports
444 Ramsay Way, Ste. 114
Kent Station, downtown Kent
10 a.m.
FREE 2 mile walk/run around Kent Station
Starts in front of AMC Theatres

- Raffle Prizes
– 10% Discount for Participants
– Consultation and Foot Analysis

Sign up between 9:30 – 9:55 am

Questions?  Stop by or visit Road Runner Sports on Facebook.

Interested in learning to dragon boating? No special skills are needed. Meet at the boat dock at Lake Meridian Park at 10 am Saturday morning. All equipment is provided. Women’s and co-ed classes are available. The first three classes are free. For more information, contact Maureen Roberts.

Come join us for the first game of the season. The Predators are also selling family ticket packs for the first game, 4 tickets for $40. Join us on February 25th for the return of Show Time at the ShoWare!

Win 2-tickets to an event each month, April 2011-May 2012

ShoWare Center’s Marquee Tickets Contest

Come to ShoWare Center’s Plaza, take a photo that includes the new marquee featuring full color images & videos of upcoming events. Upload your photo and then encourage your social network to vote for your photo. Voting concludes March 7. Winner will attend an event of their choice each month starting in April. Get creative + get votes = WIN!

For more info:
www.facebook.com/ShoWareCenter

Contributed by Ian Henry of the Seattle Thunderbirds

HOCKEY CHALLENGE 2011 CELEBRITY ALL-STAR GAME PLAYERS ANNOUNCED

Michael Rosenbaum and Jason Thompson return, 7 T-Bird Alumni and 6 local celebrities to participate

Kent, February 10, 2011 – The Seattle Thunderbirds and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Western Washington & Alaska are pleased to announce the names of the celebrities taking part in the Hockey Challenge 2011 Celebrity All-Star Game on Saturday, February 26, at ShoWare Center in Kent.

The national and local celebrities scheduled to appear in the All-Star game include: Michael Rosenbaum (Smallville), Jason Thompson (General Hospital), Cameron Bancroft (24: Day 4, Hockeyville on CBC), Bill Wixey (KCPQ 13 news anchor), Aaron Levine (KCPQ 13 sports anchor), Ian Furness (KJR 950 AM Host), Brad Goode (KING 5 morning news anchor), Christie Johnson (KING 5 morning news reporter) and Steve The Producer (BJ Shea Experience on 99.9 FM KISW). The T-Birds and the Ronald McDonald House hope to announce more celebrity players in the coming weeks.

T-Bird alumni playing in the Celebrity All-Star game include Jamie Huscroft, Regan Mueller, Blake Knox, Lloyd Shaw, Corey Schwab, Brett Duncan and Ryan Gibbons.

A ticket to Hockey Challenge 2011 gives fans access to all Challenge events on each day of the Challenge. Events on Saturday, February 26, include the Celebrity Game and autograph session, all other Challenge games and the T-Birds game that night against the Portland Winterhawks. The Celebrity autograph session starts at 5 p.m. at ShoWare Center and will go until 5:30 p.m. The T-Birds encourage fans to line up early for the autograph session. The Celebrity Game is scheduled to start after the T-Birds game ends.

Hockey Challenge 2011 Schedule

Saturday, February 26

Game 1 – Windows vs. Exchange, 10:35 a.m.

Game 2 – MSFT vs. Concur Technologies, 12:15 p.m.

Game 3 – Interactive Entertainment Business vs. Microsoft Mystery Team, 1:55 p.m.

Game 4 – Windows Live vs. MS IT, 3:35 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 Game, immediately following T-Birds/Winterhawks game

Sunday, February 27

Game 1 – Courage Women vs. Heart Women, 9:35 a.m.

Game 2 – Microsoft Spartans vs. Tiny Zamboni Hockey Club, 11:15 a.m.

Game 3 – SQL Server vs. Windows Phone Services, 12:55 p.m.

Game 4 – Amazon.com vs. Shamrocks, 2:35 p.m.

Game 5 – Seattle Thunderbirds vs. Everett Silvertips, 5:05 p.m.

Game 6 – Top Fundraisers Game following T-Birds/Silvertips game

Hockey teams are formed by sponsors that raise money to play in the Challenge. All proceeds from the Challenge directly support operations of the Seattle Ronald McDonald House, which provides a “home-away-from-home” for children and their families during medical treatment, making each day a little easier. In fact, last year the Seattle Ronald McDonald House provided accommodations for approximately 700 families.

Over the past 12 years the Hockey Challenge has raised over $3.9 million for the Seattle Ronald McDonald House.

The T-Birds are expecting a large crowd for the game against the Winterhawks. To purchase single game tickets to this game fans should go to the ShoWare Center box office or go online to the T-Birds website.

T-Birds group tickets are currently also on sale. Group tickets can be purchased by calling the T-Birds office at 253-239-7825.

Families and kids of all ages are invited to attend “You Me We,” a festival of free family fun scheduled for Friday, February 18 at the ShoWare Center.

The free event is a celebration of Kent’s being named, for the first time ever, one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People in America, by America’s Promise Alliance, the nation’s largest partnership organization dedicated to youth and children.

“We want to celebrate Kent’s kids with the community in a big way, so we’ve asked for ideas and more importantly, participation from a lot of different groups,” said Julie Stangle, the City’s Youth and Teen Program Manager. “The response has been terrific; families won’t want to miss You Me We! It’s a celebration with a street fair atmosphere.”

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. with stage entertainment by Master of Ceremonies Greg Bennick, nationally renowned juggler, comedian, speaker, and family fun guy, as well as local performers starting at 6:30 p.m. Other activities include:

* Interactive booths

* Hands-on art activities

* Sports competitions

* Face painting

* Bounce houses

* ShoWare Center tours

* Games, contests, raffles, and prizes including a Redline bicycle

* “Family friendly pricing” on concessions

The event is being organized by a collaboration of community groups, including the Kent School District, Kent Parks Department, youth groups, sports and scouting organizations, churches, local businesses, service clubs and the list is growing every day.

For more event details, visit www.YouMeWeKent.com. To register your group to provide entertainment or to host a free interactive booth, call 253-856-5030 or email jstangle@ci.kent.wa.us.

The 100 Best designation recognizes those communities that make youth a priority by implementing programs that help keep children in school and prepare them for college and the 21st century workforce. The entire 2010 list of 100 Best Communities for Young People and their accomplishments can be found at www.americaspromise.org/100Best.

As always, ShoWare Center has lots of family-friendly entertainment coming Kent’s way. Here’s what’s on tap over the next few weeks:

Jan. 7, 7:35 pm
Seattle Thunderbirds Hockey
T-Birds vs. Kelowna

Jan. 17 & Jan. 28
High School Hoops Action
Jan. 17 – Comcast Showcase
Jan. 28 – Les Schwab Shootout

Jan. 22, 2011, 12:30 and 3:30 pm
Disney Live:  Mickey’s Magic Show

Feb. 10, 8:00 pm
Ladies Night Out, Vol. @ – Valentine’s Day Edition
Featuring Bell Biv DeVoe, Al B. Sure and SWV & Jon. B.

Feb. 17, 7:00 pm
Harlem Globetrotters 2011 World Tour
Celebrating 85 years of storied history

Feb. 24, 7:00 pm
Hillsong United – Aftermath Tour

For a complete schedule or to buy tickets to any event, visit ShoWare Center’s online box office.

Allegro Precision Dance Company’s annual fundraising dance showcase, ‘Burn the Floor!’

Sunday January 16, 2011
Auburn Performing Arts Center
700 E. Main St., Auburn, WA  98002
Tickets $10
11am, 2:30pm and 6pm

Allegro Performing Arts Academy’s premiere performing and competition team debut their new numbers for the year – solos, duos, trios and group numbers.

It’s a show you don’t want to miss! Superb dancing by local youth ages 4 through 18 years.

Ticket sales benefit the performers and their families to help offset yearly costume and competition costs.

Three shows in one day: 11am, 2:30pm and 6pm

The Kent Valley Hockey Association invites you to join them for their eighth annual dinner and auction to support youth hockey.

Kent Valley Hockey Association
8th Annual Dinner & Auction
Fri., Feb. 4, 2011, 6:30 pm
ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St., Kent, WA 98032
$50 per person

- Fully catered dinner
- Complimentary glass of wine
- Fun, festive evening

For more info., contact Stacy Cinderella, KVHA Auction Coordinator, 253-850-2400, ext. 25.

KVHA’s home rink is the Kent Valley Ice Centre at 6105 S. 240th St., Kent, WA 98032.

Looking for a fun way to keep your child active during the winter months? No matter what your child’s skill level is, consider creative movement classes as Kent’s Allegro Performing Arts Academy. On Saturday, December 11, the Academy is offering free creative movement classes for kids ages 1 to 3 so you can try them out. The Creative Movement classes are great for building motor skills, improving brain dendrite connections and they’re fun! No obligation, just fun creative movement.

Saturday, December 11
Allegro Performing Arts Academy
1209 Central Ave. S, #101
Kent, WA  98032
253-813-9630

3:00 – 3:45 p.m.

Tiny Tots on the Move – Creative movement for boys and girls 2 to 3 years of age.

4:00 – 4:45 p.m.

Me and My Shadow – Creative movement for the parent and child together (boys & girls 1 to 3 years of age).

Hustle and bustle of the holidays got you down? Run or walk off that stress during the 28th annual Christmas Rush Fun Run and Walk – Sat., Dec. 11 (11:30 am – 2:30 pm.) Sponsored by the City of Kent, this fun holiday favorite will be held at Riverbend Golf Complex. It includes a 10K race which starts at 9:50 am and a 5K at 10:00 am.

Participants 13 and under run for FREE, courtesy of the Tab Wizard. Registration is available online at Active.com or walkers and runners can pick up registration forms at the Kent Commons or many area running stores. Early bird packets will be available at Road Runner Sports at Kent Station on December 8 from 3 to 7 pm, or on race day.

Parking is available at Russell Road Park (24400 Russell Road, Kent, WA). Parking is not available at Riverbend.

Participants may leave their warm up clothes at the clothing drop located by the finish line. Drop is hosted by staff from Best Western Plaza by the Green.

More info. on Facebook.

Updated Nov. 3, 2010, 8:29 p.m.–The City of Kent announced today that the Morford Family Carousel will open this year on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. On Friday, November 26 from 4 to 9pm, the carousel will kick off its fifth holiday season. It will be located at Town Square Plaza at the corner of 2nd Avenue and Harrison Streets, across the street from the Kent Library.

After opening day, the Morford Family Carousel’s hours will be:

Friday:  4 – 8 p.m.
Saturday:  12 – 8 p.m.
Sunday:  12 – 5 p.m.

In addition, there will be Bonus Days during the holiday break from school. The carousel will be open Dec. 20-24 from 1 to 5 pm and December 31 from 1 to 5 pm. The carousel can also be booked for private parties Monday through Thursday. Arrangements for private bookings can be made by contacting the SKC Autisum Support Group via email.  [Notes:  Hours are subject to change due to the weather.]

In addition, the City is planning special musical performances and holiday surprises to draw families to downtown Kent during the holiday season. Once again, the City of Kent is partnering with local nonprofits to operate the carousel as a fundraiser.

This holiday season the nonprofits working the carousel are the Kentwood National Honor Society and the South King County Autism Support Group, with the group’s proceeds going to Children’s Therapy Center. Suggested donations are $1 per ride and will go to the nonprofits to support their respective missions and programs.

For more information, call 253-856-5110 or visit the City of Kent website.

Yesterday Dana Neuts, owner/publisher of iLoveKent.net, launched iLoveCovington.com, a sister site. Like iLoveKent.net, iLoveCovington.com is intended to be a community website, by Covington, for Covington. To contribute news, events, business information, advertising and more, contact Dana Neuts via email.

In addition to the website, iLoveCovington.com can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.

Earlier this week, the Kent Predators announced that it has signed 13 players for the 2011 IFL season, including some who were re-signed from last year’s team. The roster includes:

Jeremiah Captain, DB; Re-signed from 2010 Kent Predators.

Andre Jordan, WR; Re-signed from 2010 Kent Predators.

Morgan Rosborough OL, University of Washington; Re-signed from 2010 Kent Predators

James Walton, WR, Truman State University; 1^st or 2^nd team All-League four years in a row; played in three straight winning championship games, last two with Billings Outlaws; led league in catches, yards and touchdowns.

Daniel Griggs, DB, McMurry University; Two-year starter in college.

Jesse Feagin, DL, Washington State University; Big contributor to D-line at WSU.

Vaughn Lesuma, OL, Washington State University;2010 starter for Fairbanks Grizzlies (IFL).

Xavier Hicks, DB, Washington State University; One of the top DB’s at WSU.

Michael Eby, DB, Eastern Oregon; 2009 IFL Defensive Rookie of the Year; won two IFL Championships with Billings Outlaws; led team in interceptions.

Alonzo McCord, DB, Grambling State University; Great cover guy, can play space or man-to-man.

Fevaei Ahmu, DL, Washington State University; Two-year starter at WSU; quick first step with good power.

Cecil Ellis, DB, Southern Arkansas; Great cover guy, started for the Billings Outlaws.

DD Holyfield, RB, Southern Arkansas; Warrick Dunn clone, great speed, nose for end zone.

The 2010 season was the first for the Kent Predators, who joined the Indoor Football League (IFL) as an expansion team. Based in Kent, Washington, the team plays its home games at the ShoWare Center.