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.

Professional Bull Riders – Kent Invitational
There are few men tougher than cowboys…
And few sports tougher than bull riding….
And today, the world’s greatest bull riders are known by three letters:
THE P. B. R.!

We’ve seen a lot of things in Kent, but never before have we seen bucking broncos like this! Next Saturday and Sunday, the Professional Bull Riders will host the Kent Invitational at ShoWare Center and tickets are selling quickly. Don’t miss your chance to see your favorite PBRs up close!

Saturday, October 9 @ 7:30PM
Sunday, October 10 @ 2:00PM
** Doors open 1 hour prior to event.
ShoWare Center

Ticket Prices:
$47, $37, $27 (kids 12 and under $12).
Groups of 10 or more qualify for discounted tickets, contact Meryl Stinehour at 253-856-6723.

Ticket prices on event day increase $3, buy today and save!

Click here for more info.

Click here to buy tickets online now.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ShoWare Center Wins “Green Washington” Award
from Seattle Business Magazine

KENT, Wash. – September 24, 2010 – Kent’s ShoWare Center, was named the winner of Seattle Business Magazine’s “Green Washington” award in the sports arena category.  One of 13 winners, ShoWare Center was chosen from over 100 nominees for demonstrating leadership, innovation and commitment to sustaining the environment.  The award was presented at Bell Harbor International Conference Center in Seattle Thursday, September 23 at a special event honoring all finalists.

“I’m extremely proud of this achievement,” said Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke.  “Receiving this award reaffirms our efforts to balance economic development with being good stewards of the environment.  We couldn’t have done this without the strong collaboration among our entire team.  It’s also pretty cool to be in the good company of the other finalists, Seattle Mariners & First & Goal, the operators of Qwest Field.”

Parterning with the City of Kent were LMN Architects, Mortenson Construction, Paladino & Company, Shiels Obletz Johnsen and the Seattle Thunderbirds.

ShoWare Center is the first sports and entertainment facilities in North America to receive LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Highlights of ShoWare Center’s green features include:

• Premium parking for fuel-efficient vehicles and car and vanpools
• Low-flowing water fixtures and dual-flush toilets exceed 40% water savings when compared to similar buildings
• Native plant landscaping that doesn’t require watering
• Energy efficient lighting, heating, cooling, ventilation and ice-making equipment reducing energy use by over 37%
• More than 90% of the construction debris was recycled
• Constructed using more than 50% Forest Stewardship Council certified wood
• Low volatile organic compound paints and adhesives were used to minimize indoor contaminants that exacerbate respiratory problems
• Excess heat rejected from the ice-making equipment is used to warm the ground under the ice rink to maintain the integrity of the foundation

Additional information on ShoWare Center’s green building features and images are available at www.showarecenter.com.

Contact:

Michelle Witham, City of Kent
253-856-5709
mwitham@ci.kent.wa.us

Every once in awhile someone will ask me why I love Kent. Sometimes it is someone far away from Washington who has no idea where Kent is or what it has to offer. Other times it is someone who visited Kent long ago and remembers it as a not-so-special place they wouldn’t go back to.

I’ve lived here for five years, but every week I discover something new to love about Kent. Here are 10 things I love about Kent, Washington!

1. People: Despite the fact that Kent is the fourth largest city in King County, it retains its small town feel. Everywhere I go I am greeted with a smile. People in Kent are some of the nicest I’ve ever met. They are open minded, welcoming and good natured.
2. Parks: Kent, Washington has a handful of beautiful-but-small lakes that are serene and peaceful. Most are adjacent to a city-owned park with almost every amenity you can imagine. There are specialty parks as well like Arbor Heights 360 and Wilson Playfields, encouraging outdoor recreation for kids and adults. Some of my favorite parks include Clark Lake Park, Lake Meridian Park, Fennewick Park and Town Square Plaza.
3. Entertainment: There is always something to do in Kent. We have everything here from Kent Station and ShoWare Center to a Historic District and Kent Historical Museum. We also have a wealth of arts programs and school drama programs that provide dozens of performances, plays and other opportunities every year. What’s even better is that many outlets offer free or affordable things to do. Who doesn’t love free?
4. Shopping: Kent does not have a mall, per se, but we have much more shopping than most people know about. In addition to the always-popular Kent Station, there are locally-owned stores like Marie Haggin Accessories, Fig & Feather, Cheryl’s Unique Boutique, Titusville Antiques and more. There are also little niche areas like the “International District” on 104th and the shopping plaza on 104th and Kent-Kangley Road (Joann Fabrics, Linda’s Apparel, etc.) No matter where I go, I can find something special that fits my taste and my budget. See our Shopping page for more stores.
5. Dining: No matter how picky or broad your tastes are, there are multiple restaurants, cafes and diners to suit everyone. For American diner-style food, Maggie’s on Meeker is a favorite. For Thai, I recommend Archa Thai in downtown Kent. For Indian, I love Punjab Sweets on the East Hill. Proud to display its diverse heritage, Kent has a little bit of everything. Visit our Dine page for more suggestions.
6. Diversity: It is politically correct to say you embrace diversity, but not everyone truly does. In Kent, though, I believe we have a diverse population as well as a culture of inclusion and acceptance. We have several areas of town and specific businesses that cater to particular populations (e.g., Indian, Ukrainian, Hispanic, etc.), but we are eager to learn from each other as well. With more than 120 languages spoken in our schools, for example, most schools have English-learning programs as well as International Days where students can share their culture. This year the city of Kent partnered with a group of citizens to put on the 2nd annual Kent International Festival in downtown Kent. As a more personal example, my daughter goes to Dr. Na of the Mountlake Acupuncture Clinic on Central Avenue. He was born, raised and educated in China. When we go for my daughter’s weekly treatments, we exchange stories about our respective cultures. I think we learn as much about Chinese culture as we do about acupuncture and healing!
7. Accessibility: When I say “accessibility,” I mean that people and government in Kent, Washington are accessible to the average resident. I truly believe that anyone in Kent can send an email to the mayor or place a call to the police chief and get a prompt, personal response. I feel very comfortable that are our local leaders are accessible as well as eager to listen.
8. Entrepreneurial spirit: I love the fact that people in Kent, Washington have an entrepreneurial spirit about them. This includes business owners who passionately build their own companies, but also teens and young adults in the area who want to make a difference. People in Kent don’t accept that we have to do things the way they’ve always been done. They say, “I don’t like this. Let’s change it.” One local citizens group, for example, wanted an off leash dog park on the East Hill. Recognizing that the city didn’t have the funds to build one, they created the park in cooperation with the city, raising money on their own and turning their dream into a reality. In another case, a group of teens calling itself Project U(th) formed this summer to create opportunities for work and leisure for their peers. In Kent, we are not afraid to work hard or to pave our own way. We are a spunky bunch!
9. Community pride: Kent has been called many derogatory names over the years, but those who love Kent remain proud of their city. We show up in the thousands for events like Kent Cornucopia Days, Seattle T Birds and Predators’ games and concerts like the Backstreet Boys and REO Speedwagon. We work together to show our spirit and to shout Kent’s strengths to the world. For example, Kent’s neighborhood program brings residents together to solve mutual problems, to beautify neighborhoods and to clean up graffiti. Call us what you want – we will love Kent anyway!
10. Beauty: While I’ve touched on this a bit in #1 through 9, I love the beauty of Kent which includes its parks, lakes and mountain views but also its historic buildings, its public art work and, most of all, its people.

Those are just 10 of the reasons I love Kent, Washington. Tell me some of yours! Post them here or email them to us at iLoveKent.net, and we’ll post them online.

Contact: Kathy Lambert 206-296-1003

July 30, 2010

Be Responsible With Summer Fun on the Water

Summer is here, and many King County residents are celebrating by taking advantage of the many water recreation opportunities available here.

While cooling off in local lakes and rivers is a great way to beat the heat of a hot summer day, it also is important to be respectful of neighbors and of the environment, said Councilmember Kathy Lambert, who represents northeast King County. She has heard from citizens complaining about garbage left on their property, and they would like recreational users to be neighborly by cleaning up after themselves.

“Summer vacation is a good time to remind everyone to dispose of your garbage properly, especially in a water environment,” said Councilmember Lambert. “In addition to polluting waterfront properties and contaminating salmon habitat, throwing garbage in a state waterway such as a lake or river is unlawful.”

RCW 9.66.010 specifies that befouling a lake, navigable river, bay, stream, canal or basin is a public nuisance, and state law bans disposal of trash in the state’s waterways. An offender can be charged with a misdemeanor, which is punishable with a fine of up to $1,000 and 90 days in jail. The King County Sheriff’s Office will be watching for careless swimmers, rafters and boaters this summer.

“Summer is a time for everyone to have fun, including your neighbors, and to make sure to keep our waterways clean and beautiful for the next user,” said Councilmember Lambert.

July 12, 2010, Kent, Washington – Local news outlets reported yesterday that veteran alcohol dragster Mark Niver, 60, was killed in a racing accident yesterday at Pacific Raceways in Kent. He crashed at the end of the runway during the Northwest Nationals, a National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) event. He was pronounced dead that afternoon and races were canceled for the remainder of the day.

More info. is available online at The Seattle Times, The News Tribune and KOMO News.

After a delicious lunch at Archa Thai Bistro on East Meeker St., Brooke, Larissa and her girls – Nadia & Kira – spent the afternoon at Kent Cornucopia Days. It was darn hot, but who could complain? The weather was significantly better than Fourth of July. Anyway, we had a great time.

I got a 10-minute back massage at Lemon Drop, a $5 brow wax at Blanc ‘n Schwartz, Brooke got a henna tattoo, Nadia & Kira had caricatures done, and we all got free face painting (think artsty, fun, colorful!) at Blanc ‘n Schwartz. We also met Miss Cornucopia, Lauren Vermilion, enjoyed a little ice cream and did a bit of shopping! Thank goodness for the nearby Wells Fargo ATM.

One of my favorite vendors had historic photos from around Washington. I bought three that were Kent-specific, one of the old Kent High School and two of the downtown area. They’ll look great in my office where most of the “iLoveKent” action happens.  : )

There was so much we didn’t have time to do though – we may go back again today for the Farmers’ Market and to see the booths and downtown friends we missed yesterday.  I would also like to swing by Lake Meridian today to see the Dragon Boat Races. I’ve never been to them before and this year is the 10th anniversary for the dragon boat races at Kent Cornucopia Days!

Hats off to Bill Westcott and the Kent Lions’ Club for putting on such a fun, family-friendly, all-volunteer event. Great job!

For more pix, visit our iLoveKent Facebook page.

The City of Kent invites you to celebrate the Fourth of July at Lake Meridian Park (14800 SE 272nd St., Kent) in the city’s annual Fourth of July Splash celebration from noon to 11 p.m. today!

Activities include:

• Old-fashioned games
• Athletic skills contests
• Family games
• Craft project
• Big Blue, the Kent Parks Mobile Technology Bus
• Face painting by “The Magic Brush”
• Inflatable bouncers
• Watermelon and pie eating contests
• Boat parade
• Entertainment on the stage
• Fireworks display

For more info., including shuttle bus locations and schedule, visit the City of Kent website.

The event is proudly sponsored by Allied Waste, Campbell’s Dentistry, Dollarwise Check Cashing & Loan Center, Kent School District, Marlatt Funeral Home, McDowell’s U Frame It, Smith Brothers Daily and RSC.

Press release provided by Ian Henry of the Seattle T-Birds

Kent, July 1, 2010 – The Seattle Thunderbirds are excited to announce a new summer photo promotion.

Starting July 1 the T-Birds are encouraging fans to send the team photos of them wearing T-Birds jerseys, hats and t-shirts during the summer. If fans are going on a summer vacation to a unique location, they can take a photo wearing T-Birds gear and send it to the team.

The T-Birds will post photos at the end of each week on their website and Facebook Fan page. The photos will remain on the T-Birds website and Facebook Fan page over the course of the summer to highlight all the different locations that T-Bird fans travel to.

The T-Birds will award two tickets to the preseason game against the Portland Wintrhawks on September 18 at ShoWare Center to fans that submit photos in five categories: Most Unique, Farthest From Kent, Best of Washington, Fan On An Island, and Fan with Most Entries.

The T-Birds encourage their fans to send T-Birds gear with family or friends going to a unique spot on the globe this summer.

Fans will be able to submit their photos to the T-Birds via email at stbirds@seattlethunderbirds.com . Fans should highlight who is in the picture, when it was taken and where the photo was taken when submitting their photos.

T-Birds season tickets for the 2010-11 season are now on sale. Season tickets can be purchased by calling the T-Birds office at 253-239-7825.

From Ian Henry at the Seattle Thunderbirds:

The Seattle Thunderbirds will open the 2010-11 season at ShoWare Center on Saturday, September 25, against the Portland Winterhawks at 7:05 p.m.

The T-Birds will play eight games in the exhibition season.

The exhibition season starts Labor Day weekend at the Holiday Inn Pre-season Classic at Comcast Arena in Everett.

The T-Birds play the Portland Winterhawks on Friday, September 3, at 11:30 a.m. at Comcast Arena.

In their second game at the Classic, the T-Birds play the Spokane Chiefs on Saturday, September 4, at 11:30 a.m. at Comcast Arena.

The T-Birds finish out the tournament against the Everett Silvertips on Sunday, September 5, at 7 p.m. at Comcast Arena.

The T-Birds will then travel to Kennewick for three games at the Red Lion Hotels’ Preseason Tournament. On Thursday, September 9, the T-Birds will face the Silvertips at 3 p.m. at the Toyota Center.

The team takes on the Kootenay Ice at 3 p.m. on Friday, September 10, at the Toyota Center.

The T-Birds finish out the Tri-City tournament against the Lethbridge Hurricanes at 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 11.

The T-Birds head back up to Everett to take on the Silvertips on Friday, September 17, at 7:35 at Comcast Arena.

The exhibition schedule ends on Saturday, September 18, when the T-Birds host the Portland Winterhawks at 7:05 p.m. at ShoWare Center. Single game tickets for the only home preseason game will go on sale in early August.

T-Bird training camp for the 2010-11 season starts Thursday, August 26, and will take place at ShoWare Center.

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

2010-11 Exhibition Schedule
Friday, September 3 vs. Portland Winterhawks 11:30 a.m. at Comcast Arena
Saturday, September 4 vs. Spokane Chiefs at 11:30 a.m. at Comcast Arena
Sunday, September 5 vs. Everett Silvertips at 7 p.m. at Comcast Arena
Thursday, September 9 vs. Everett Silvertips at 3 p.m. at Toyota Center
Friday, September 10 vs. Kootenay Ice at 3 p.m. at Toyota Center
Saturday, September 11 vs. Lethbridge Hurricanes at 3 p.m. at Toyota Center
Friday, September 17 at Everett Silvertips at 7:35 p.m. at Memorial Coliseum
Saturday, September 18 vs. Portland at 7:05 p.m. at ShoWare Center

Kent Cornucopia Days is just around the corner. The 39th annual street fair and community festival will be held in and around Kent July 8 – 11, 2010 with a variety of favorite events (dragon boat races, carnival, Grand Parade) and a few new additions (bike ride).

Highlights include:

• Crowning of Miss Cornucopia
• Funtastic Shows Carnival
• Kent Lions Street Fair & Taste of Cornucopia
• Farmers Market (Sat., 9-2)
• Kent Youth Soccer Association’s 11th annual Cornucopia Cup Tournament
• Kent Valley Artists Association Art Show
• Kent Cornucopia Days First Annual Bike Ride
• Plaza and Gazebo Stages
• Dragon Boat Races
• Blood Drive
• Safety Fair
• Beer Garden
• Pet Adoptathon from KCACC
• Grand Parade (Sun., July 11 at 2 pm) – It’s Kentastic!
• First Annual Bike Ride (25 & 60 miles) (Sat., July 10)
• Military Displays from the Army National Guard, etc.
• Lions Bingo
• 5k Fun Run & Walk
• Beatles Tribute Band

For a complete schedule, please visit the Kent Lions Club’s Kent Cornucopia Days website.

Friday, July 2:   Qualifying and racing:  9 am – 5 pm
Saturday, July 3:  Saturday practice and racing
Sunday, July 4:  Sunday practice and racing

$25-day-long passes available per day OR by a multi-day pass for $40
Children ages 7 – 16 are $5 per day
VIP parking – $5; Field parking – $FREE

Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Alfa Romeo, the Pacific Northwest Historics will feature approximately 250 of the world’s rarest pre-1970 race cars at next weekend’s event including Ferraris, Lotuses, Cobras, Corvettes and more. Some of the vehicles are valued at over $1 million. Guest celebrity and sports car racing legend Augie Pabst will be on hand as well.

All proceeds for the event benefit uncompensated care at Seattle Children’s Hospital in Seattle. Over the past 21 years, the event has raised more than $7 million for the cause. This year’s goal is $525,000.

For more info., visit the Pacific Raceways website or call 206-389-5200 (race hotline).

See you there!

Where can you hang out with your friends, get great food at affordable prices and live entertainment? Pat’s Bar & Grill on Railroad Avenue. Pat’s is a comfortable, casual bar owned by Pat Ensign. Pat makes sure his guests have a good time while enjoying an affordable night on the town.

To keep his guests entertained, he features live comedy the first Wednesday of the month, sports nights featuring local teams, Taco Tuesdays (2 tacos for $2), poker tournaments and more. For a list of current events, check out Pat’s event calendar online.

In addition, Pat is an active member of the Kent community, volunteering, participating in and hosting fundraisers for local nonprofits including Children’s Therapy Center. Way to go, Pat!

So the next time you’re trying to decide where to go for a good time, check out Pat’s. It isn’t fancy, but you are guaranteed to have a good time! See you there!

Pat’s Bar & Grill
114 Railroad Ave. N.
Kent, WA  98032
253-852-7287

Hours:

Mon-Thurs.   10am to 11pm
Friday  10am to 1:30am
Saturday  9am to 1:30pm
Sunday  9am to 1:30am

Looking for affordable entertainment close to home? Check out ShoWare Center’s schedule for events, sports, concerts, and more!

July 23 – 25:  Elite Soccer Clinics

July 31:  Til Death Do Us Part, an Urban Theatre Play

August 5:  Backstreet Boys

August 7-8:  ShoWare Shootout 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament

August 27:  Seattle Mist Home Opener

September 25:  Seattle Thunderbirds 2010-2011 season begins!

Tickets:  253-856-6999

Event Hotline:  253-856-6990

Office:  253-856-6777

Pull out your sneakers, grab your basketball and head to the Showare parking lot for the Showare Shootout, “South King County’s Premier 3 on 3 basketball event”.  On Saturday and Sunday August 7-8 the Showare Center in Downtown Kent will let people from all walks of life bring it on.  Featuring  age divisions for men, women, seniors, kids and wheelchair there is a game for anyone to get in on the action.

Players who advance through the first round will have the opportunity to play for the championship.  The entry fee is $100 per team for any division and includes a guarantee of four games, a T-shirt and trophy if your team makes the championship game of the division. A portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated back to Kent Youth and Family Services.  Sign up soon because the entry deadline is July 10. Visit Showare Shootout’s website for complete rules and information.