The City of Kent is celebrating National Youth Arts Month by hosting Kent Kids’ Arts Day on Sat., Mar. 2 at Kent Commons (525 Fourth Ave. N.) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). The day long festival will feature 14 hands-on art projects lead by professional artists. Geared toward children ages 4 to 12, the projects include Print Making, Recycled Robots, Sumi Painting, face painting, Wall of Words and more. In addition, Grammy award winner Bill Harley will perform at 3 p.m. in the Crystal Mountain Hall.

Admission is $10 per child and includes all of the art-projects. Parents accompanying their children and kids under the age of 2 will not have to pay an admission fee. For an additional $5, children can attend Harley’s Performance. Concessions by Pull My Ear Concessions and Sturgis Sweets Kettle Korn will also be available. Visit the city’s website for more information.

Kent Downtown Partnership is hosting a breakfast meeting for downtown Kent property owners to gather input on the city’s vision for downtown Kent. Guest speakers include architect William H. Kreager of Communita Design and Fred Satterstrom, community development director for the City of Kent. Find out what the city is looking to achieve in downtown Kent over the next 10 to 20 years.

Fri., Oct. 26, 2012
8 – 9:30 a.m.
Down Home Catering
211 First Ave. S., Kent, WA 98032

Breakfast Meeting Sponsored by Valley Bank and Hanis Irvine Prothero

RSVP to Barbara Smith at Kent Downtown Partnership at 253-813-6976.

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.

The following is an update sent to some Kent business owners today by Andrea Keikkala, Executive Director of the Kent Chamber of Commerce. It’s an update on the Kent City Council’s action at last night’s meeting. Thanks, Andrea, for allowing us to reprint your update. Emphasis added by iLoveKent.net.

Thank you, for your time and hard work to quickly learn about the B&O Tax issue and Kent’s infrastructure funding challenges. Last night the City of Kent Council did NOT pass a proposed B&O Tax. The vote came down 5 to 2 on an ordinance that would have put into place a .2 B&O Tax on Warehouses only. However, a Resolution was passed that solidifies the continued work of the business community and the city of Kent to come up with $4-6 million by the end of the year in a revenue generating mechanism. Be that, B&O, Head Tax, Door Tax, etc.

Section 2 of Statement of Intent Resolutions – “ The city council will consider all available revenue structures, including, without limitation, a Business and Occupation Tax, a Business License Tax, a Transportation Benefit District, and any other tax or fee structure that will best serve the needs of the people to have well maintained streets while imposing the least and fairest burden on the business community of Kent” This resolution passed the council on a 6 to 1 vote.

The hard work is just beginning. The City of Kent Council talked a lot about trust, hope and their desire to keep the business community at the table. We need to make sure we follow through and do our part. This is an opportunity for the business community to give input on the economic vitality of Kent and guide the process. Please make sure that you make time to be at this table. We will be gathering information, mapping out next steps and will call for a follow up meeting with the business community shortly to review all taxing mechanisms available.

As we requested, the City of Kent also passed a resolution to hire an outside consulting firm to do an efficiencies study. This was passed by council unanimously.

Also, as requested by the Kent Chamber, a Levy Lid Lift of $.37/1000 assessed valuation will be put on the ballot this November. This resolution passed the City of Kent council on a 4 to 3 vote.

Again, thank you all for your work on this issue. Thank you for your phone calls, emails and discussion. I look forward to working with you in the near future.

Best Regards,

Andrea (Keikkala)

On Friday, June 22 at 9 pm ShoWare Center will present the 30th Anniversary Tour of New Edition featuring all six original members.  This incredible two-hour performance by the entire crew of New Edition will include hits like “Candy Girl,” “Cool It Now,” and “If It Isn’t Love,” and many more.

Ticket prices: $150 – Meet and Greet; $125, $85*, $75, $55, $45.  *Club Access $85 seats include access to the Club Lounge with full bar.  Not available to floor seating.  Purchase New Edition tickets at ShoWare Center, 625 West James Street, Kent, Monday through Friday 10 am to 5 pm and Saturday 10 am to 2 pm.  Don’t miss this performance!

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.

Did you know that prescription drugs are the second most commonly abused narcotic preceded only by marijuana? A nation wide effort to reduce drug abuse, Prescription Drug Take Back Day is scheduled for Sat., April 28 from 9 am to 2 pm at the front of the Kent Police Station, next to Kent City Hall, 220 Fourth Avenue South in downtown Kent.  The goal of this unique program is to provide a safe and secure environment for the community to turn in unused, expired or otherwise unneeded medications.

Medications that can be dropped off include controlled, non-controlled and over the counter medicines; all solid dosage pharmaceutical products and liquids in consumer containers and liquid products like cough syrup, cold medicines, etc.

Let’s reduce drug abuse!  If you have any of the above medications to get rid of, support the Prescription Drug Take Back Day by taking them to the Kent Police Station on Saturday, April 28 from  am to 2 pm.

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.

Join Mayor Suzette Cooke at Airway Brewing Beer & Bistro in downtown Kent, 320 W. Harrison Street, on November 8, 5 pm – 6 pm with a Ribbon Cutting ceremony (must be 21 or over to attend).  The Bistro is scheduled to open in early November.

Friendly service and tasty beer make Airways Brewing Company a favorite with locals as well as beer enthusiasts from all over.  Their tap room, which opened on March 4, 2010, is located at 6644 S. 196th Street, Ste. 100 features full pints and growlers of their five standard beers: T-Tail Blonde Ale; Jet City ESB; First Class IPA; Starliner Stout and Sky Hag IPA.  Founder and brewer Alex Dittmar has had a lifelong passion for 60′s era jetliners as the names of his beers show.  Airways Brewing Company and now Airways Brewing Beer & Bistro is a combination of his love for airplanes, good beer and a connection with people from all over the world.

Please join Airways Brewing Co. for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on November 8 and welcome Airways Brewing Beer & Bistro to downtown Kent.

After many months of trying to regain control of the unfinished parking garage at 4th and Smith Streets in downtown Kent, folks like Kurt Hanson from the City of Kent’s Economic Development Department are excited to see progress. In fact, after all of the hard work to get rid of the garage, Hanson said at today’s KDP Downtown Breakfast Hour that he ate his lunch near the demolition site several days last week to watch the garage’s destruction.

“It was very therapeutic,” Hanson said.

In its place, a new development called Kent City Center Town Square Apartments is being planned. Owned by Goodman Real Estate, Studio Meng Strazzara is working on plans for the  a mixed-used development, an urban style apartment complex with retail space and resident parking, in Kent’s downtown core. As the designs currently look, the development will sit four stories high and include 164 apartments ranging from studios to two bedroom apartments. The focus of the development will be on residential living with a grand lobby entrance and amenities for residents and a rooftop terrace.

“This is exactly what downtown Kent needs,” explained Charles Strazzara, registered architect for Studio Meng Strazzara.

The design review and permitting process will begin in November with building starting as early as next summer. Construction is expected to take approximately 16 months, so start to finish, the Town Square Apartment project could be ready for leasing in about two years.

“We’re excited,” Strazzara said. “We’re all really committed to making this happen.”

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.

 Is your organization an arts, heritage and/or cultural King County-based non-profit?  4Culture is offering a funding opportunity for cultural facilities.  They are combining “big ticket” facilities requests of over $30,000 for both arts and heritage.

4Culture is a unique integration of the arts, heritage, preservation and public art, committed to advancing community through culture.  4Culture believes the arts are critical to a healthy community and that arts experiences should be accessible to all residents and visitors.  4Culture stimulates cultural activities and enhances the assets that distinguish a community as vibrant, unique and authentic.

The Heritage Cultural Facilities program funds projects providing strong heritage programming that focuses on the identification, collection, evaluation, preservation, restoration, exhibition, and/or interpretation of the County’s heritage resources.

The Arts Cultural Facilities program supports the purchase, development and renovation of arts and cultural facility projects.  A separate program provides funding for arts equipment.

4Culture Cultural Facilities Application deadline is September 14, 2011, 5 pm PST.   All applicants are encouraged to attend a free workshop that will explain the step by step application process. To learn more about this funding opportunity for both Arts and Heritage Cultural Facilities, please email Deb Twersky at 4Culture.

From the City of Kent:

The public is invited to weigh in on Kent’s Comprehensive Plan and City Code by September 1, 2011.  The City needs input on what the Economic and Community Development Department should focus on in the coming year. 

“We need to know if the comprehensive plan and development regulations create any barriers to the city growing responsibly, equitably, and with environmental and neighborhood sensitivity,” said Fred Satterstrom, Kent’s Planning Director.  “This is the community’s opportunity to participate in making changes.” 

This annual review looks at the challenges that the City’s planning documents, land use plan and zoning maps, and regulations present to economic development and neighborhood vitality. 

The following online tools can help people to weigh in on this annual update.  The public is encouraged to visit the following links:

Submit a request for changes.

View additional details on creating a docket (or list) of suggested changes.

View the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Plan Map and Zoning Districts Map.

The Kent Chamber of Commerce “Find It In Kent” event is scheduled for Wednesday, September 28 from 3-7 p at ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St. in Kent.

This is a great opportunity for local businesses to showcase their services.  There are multiple sponsorship opportunities available.  Please log onto http://www.kentchamber.com/ for more information.

The Taste of Kent Reception will feature 12 local restaurants with samplings of their finest cuisine from 5 to 7p, the closing of the Business Expo.  Interested restaurants are invited to register.  It’s a wonderful way to market your restaurant!  Please log onto http://www.kentchamber.com for information.

The cost of the Taste of Kent Reception is free for those participating in the passport program and you can do this by picking up a free passport at the Kent Chamber booth.  The passport also entitles you to be entered to win great door prizes.  The Taste of Kent is $10 admission for those that don’t want to participate in the passport program.

Come to ShoWare Center on September 28 to experience all of the things Kent offers!

Come and join the fun on August 20 with host Pacific Cascade Mustang Club.  The 2011 Classic Ford Show and Mustang Roundup will be held at Bowen Scarff Ford Lincoln, 1157 Central Ave. N. in Kent.  Spectators are always welcome!

There will be a free barbecue, raffle, great cars and great people too.  Online preregistration is required, $20 per car, payable at the gate.  Includes dash plaque and t-shirt and awards for all class winners.

Registration opens at 8:00 am; show starts at 9:00 am and ends at 3:00 pm.  Please contact Mark Palmore at 253-852-1480 or Tom Rowley, Mustang Club President.

Bring your family to ShoWare Center for “amazing thrills and outlandish fun,”  on Thursday, September 1st through Monday, September 5th.  Ringling Bros. and Barum & Bailey Circus is coming to Kent, hosted by Thrillusionist David DaVinci.  Audiences will be amazed with his eye-popping illusions and mind-blowing transformations.  He’ll take you to the center of the ring to be mesmerized by the Hairdaring Duo; Sky-High Sensation; BOOM A RING; feats of strength from the King Fu Kings; The Barons of Balance; and the Salsations, flying high and flipping furiously.  And these are just a few of the acts you and your family will experience!

BOOM A RANG will get audiences up close with the majestic animals of the circus. Thirteen high-energy dogs maneuver through hurdles, jumps, do backflips and high dive from 16 feet!  Camels, horses and ponies perform without riders and the treasured Asian elephants will demonstrate their incredible grace just feet away from audiences’ seats.  And, of course, no circus would be complete without the Ringling Bros. clowns bringing their own brand of hilarity and mayhem to the ring.

Tickets range from $15 to $65 plus fees at ShoWare Center’s Box Office, 253.856.6999 or use the link http://tickets.showarecenter.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=92