Thanks to everyone who is following my blog - I appreciate the traffic. I have moved this blog - and all of these posts - to my new site: www.ILoveKent.net. I will not be adding new updates here, so please subscribe to my blog feed at the new site...and if you are a fan of Kent, Washington, please send me your ideas for places to go, things to do, favorite restaurants, retailers, etc. I'd love your suggestions.
See you there!
Dana Neuts, www.ILoveKent.net
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
I Love Kent.net
For those of you who follow or read my blog, I want to share some exciting news. I am moving the blog and all of its current content to this new site: ILoveKent.net. The new site is a Word Press blog, has an easy-to-remember URL and it will contain a business directory as well as news separated by category: Crime, Shopping, Dining, Entertainment, Education, Events, etc.
The site is under construction so it isn't "pretty yet," but I hope to have it done by the end of March. In the meantime, I'm open to your ideas and suggestions.
In addition, there are advertising opportunities for Kent-based businesses and organizations. If you are interested, please contact me via e-mail.
Thanks for your continued support!
Dana Neuts
The site is under construction so it isn't "pretty yet," but I hope to have it done by the end of March. In the meantime, I'm open to your ideas and suggestions.
In addition, there are advertising opportunities for Kent-based businesses and organizations. If you are interested, please contact me via e-mail.
Thanks for your continued support!
Dana Neuts
Saturday, March 14, 2009
15 "johns" arrested on Kent's West Hill 3/12
Kent Police Chief Steve Strachan reports that 15 "johns" were arrested on Kent's West Hill on Thursday, March 12, 2009 in a prostitution sting operation. This was one in a series of arrests in connection with reducing crime and prostitution in that area of Kent. For more information, please contact the Kent Police Department at (253) 856-5200.
Coming soon: regular updates from the Kent Police and Fire Departments!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Mural Contest to Replace Graffiti at West Hill Skate Park
Thanks again to Victoria Andrews with the City of Kent for this news:
The West Hill Skate Park turns 10 years old this year, and it’s time for a new look. Kent Parks, Recreation & Community Services is looking for talented Kent artists to design a mural that will be spray-painted on the skate bowls. Any Kent resident can submit a drawing and also apply to judge the entries. Drawings will be accepted until April 30.
The park, located on Reith Road and 42nd Avenue South, was built three years after the City’s first skate park, Kent Lions Skate Park on West Smith. According to Parks Director Jeff Watling, “The bowls are frequently tagged with graffiti, and users say that the all-over gray color makes it hard to estimate depth. We feel the solution to both problems is a colorful mural. We’re hoping the winner might also be an in-line skater and/or skateboarder, someone who already uses the park. But the judges will ultimately decide.”
The winning design will be announced on Friday, May 29, and the painting must be completed by June 30. Kent Police received a grant to provide the paint, and Parks staff can help the winning artist recruit volunteers to paint the mural in time for the park’s 10-year anniversary celebration. For an entry form, contact 253-856-5110, vandrews@ci.kent.wa.us or visit www.choosekent.com and click on the Community Calendar.
The West Hill Skate Park turns 10 years old this year, and it’s time for a new look. Kent Parks, Recreation & Community Services is looking for talented Kent artists to design a mural that will be spray-painted on the skate bowls. Any Kent resident can submit a drawing and also apply to judge the entries. Drawings will be accepted until April 30.
The park, located on Reith Road and 42nd Avenue South, was built three years after the City’s first skate park, Kent Lions Skate Park on West Smith. According to Parks Director Jeff Watling, “The bowls are frequently tagged with graffiti, and users say that the all-over gray color makes it hard to estimate depth. We feel the solution to both problems is a colorful mural. We’re hoping the winner might also be an in-line skater and/or skateboarder, someone who already uses the park. But the judges will ultimately decide.”
The winning design will be announced on Friday, May 29, and the painting must be completed by June 30. Kent Police received a grant to provide the paint, and Parks staff can help the winning artist recruit volunteers to paint the mural in time for the park’s 10-year anniversary celebration. For an entry form, contact 253-856-5110, vandrews@ci.kent.wa.us or visit www.choosekent.com and click on the Community Calendar.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
T-BIRDS 2009 Thunderbird Playoff Tickets GO on Sale Tomorrow, March 11
From Ian Henry of the Seattle Thunderbirds
T-BIRDS 2009 PLAYOFF TICKETS GO ON SALE MARCH 11
Games 3 and 4 of first round series will be at ShoWare Center on March 24 and 25
Kent, March 10, 2009 - Tickets to the Seattle Thunderbirds first round playoff series of the 2009 WHL Playoffs will go on sale Wednesday, March 11, at 10 a.m.
The T-Birds will play Games 3 and 4 of their first round playoff series at ShoWare Center on Tuesday, March 24, and Wednesday, March 25, against an opponent to be determined. Game time is 7:05 p.m. for both games.
Playoff tickets will be available for purchase online at www.seattlethunderbirds.com or at the ShoWare Center box office. Playoff ticket prices for the first round are $18 and $24.
The T-Birds are currently in sixth place in the Western Conference playoff standings. They are one point behind the Kamloops Blazers for fifth place with one game in hand. The T-Birds are eight points ahead of the Everett Silvertips, who are in seventh place, and both teams have four games remaining.
While the T-Birds are looking to finish as high as fifth in the Western Conference, the Spokane Chiefs and Kelowna Rockets, possible first round opponents, are separated by one point in their battle for third place in the Western Conference standings.
The T-Birds first round opponent, and dates of Games 1 and 2 of the series, might not be determined until the final game of the regular season, on March 15 against the Silvertips.
All rounds of the 2009 WHL Playoffs are a best-of- seven format.
The T-Birds have four regular season games left, the next coming on Wednesday, March 11, when they face the Prince George Cougars at ShoWare Center at 7:05 p.m.
Seattle Thunderbirds
Ian Henry
Director, Public & Media Relations
email: ianh@seattlethunderbirds.com
phone: 253-239-7825
T-BIRDS 2009 PLAYOFF TICKETS GO ON SALE MARCH 11
Games 3 and 4 of first round series will be at ShoWare Center on March 24 and 25
Kent, March 10, 2009 - Tickets to the Seattle Thunderbirds first round playoff series of the 2009 WHL Playoffs will go on sale Wednesday, March 11, at 10 a.m.
The T-Birds will play Games 3 and 4 of their first round playoff series at ShoWare Center on Tuesday, March 24, and Wednesday, March 25, against an opponent to be determined. Game time is 7:05 p.m. for both games.
Playoff tickets will be available for purchase online at www.seattlethunderbirds.com or at the ShoWare Center box office. Playoff ticket prices for the first round are $18 and $24.
The T-Birds are currently in sixth place in the Western Conference playoff standings. They are one point behind the Kamloops Blazers for fifth place with one game in hand. The T-Birds are eight points ahead of the Everett Silvertips, who are in seventh place, and both teams have four games remaining.
While the T-Birds are looking to finish as high as fifth in the Western Conference, the Spokane Chiefs and Kelowna Rockets, possible first round opponents, are separated by one point in their battle for third place in the Western Conference standings.
The T-Birds first round opponent, and dates of Games 1 and 2 of the series, might not be determined until the final game of the regular season, on March 15 against the Silvertips.
All rounds of the 2009 WHL Playoffs are a best-of- seven format.
The T-Birds have four regular season games left, the next coming on Wednesday, March 11, when they face the Prince George Cougars at ShoWare Center at 7:05 p.m.
Seattle Thunderbirds
Ian Henry
Director, Public & Media Relations
email: ianh@seattlethunderbirds.com
phone: 253-239-7825
Seattle Times features Spiro's Greek Island
I love Spiro's Greek Island, so I was excited when a friend passed on the link to this blurb in The Seattle Times. Read it here.
I agree with the writer: the atmosphere is ordinary, but the food is spectacular and surprisingly affordable. I've been there for both lunch and dinner and have always loved their food. In particular, I like their Greek salads, gyros, saganaki and, of course, the baklava. If you are looking for a change of pace or an affordable night out, try Spiro's on First Avenue South in downtown Kent.
I agree with the writer: the atmosphere is ordinary, but the food is spectacular and surprisingly affordable. I've been there for both lunch and dinner and have always loved their food. In particular, I like their Greek salads, gyros, saganaki and, of course, the baklava. If you are looking for a change of pace or an affordable night out, try Spiro's on First Avenue South in downtown Kent.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Kent Service Club Community Pride Day March 21
Thanks to Victoria Andrews with the City of Kent for this news:
Kent’s service clubs will celebrate Spring with the first annual Service Club Community Pride Day on Saturday, March 21, 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. The graffiti paint-out event is being co-sponsored by Kent Police and Kent Parks, Recreation & Community Services. The goal is to eliminate graffiti, reduce vandalism and keep Kent clean, beautiful and safe for children, families, seniors and visitors.
Teams of four or five will be coming from local Kent Kiwanis, Rotary, Lions, Soroptomist, and Quota Clubs. Volunteers will meet at 8:00 a.m. at Town Square Plaza, located at Second Avenue and Harrison Street in downtown Kent. Refreshments will be provided by the 4th & Meeker Starbucks. After receiving instructions and supplies, the teams will fan out in their vehicles to assigned “hot spot” areas. At the end of the morning, the groups will return to Town Square Plaza for lunch, courtesy of Chipotle Mexican Grill.
Service club members and their families (including children 16 or older) are welcome to register as part of a team or as individuals. Please pre-register by March 13th. Teams will be finalized and assigned to their locations on the morning of the event. Supplies and paint are paid for by a graffiti abatement grant from the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC). To register for this event, visit www.kentgraffiti.com or contact 253-856-5851.
Kent’s service clubs will celebrate Spring with the first annual Service Club Community Pride Day on Saturday, March 21, 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. The graffiti paint-out event is being co-sponsored by Kent Police and Kent Parks, Recreation & Community Services. The goal is to eliminate graffiti, reduce vandalism and keep Kent clean, beautiful and safe for children, families, seniors and visitors.
Teams of four or five will be coming from local Kent Kiwanis, Rotary, Lions, Soroptomist, and Quota Clubs. Volunteers will meet at 8:00 a.m. at Town Square Plaza, located at Second Avenue and Harrison Street in downtown Kent. Refreshments will be provided by the 4th & Meeker Starbucks. After receiving instructions and supplies, the teams will fan out in their vehicles to assigned “hot spot” areas. At the end of the morning, the groups will return to Town Square Plaza for lunch, courtesy of Chipotle Mexican Grill.
Service club members and their families (including children 16 or older) are welcome to register as part of a team or as individuals. Please pre-register by March 13th. Teams will be finalized and assigned to their locations on the morning of the event. Supplies and paint are paid for by a graffiti abatement grant from the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC). To register for this event, visit www.kentgraffiti.com or contact 253-856-5851.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Lost Your Job? Get a free 2009 Franklin Planner March 14!
Unemployed Can Receive a Boost from Franklin Covey Product Stores Nationwide
WHO: Individuals who recently lost their jobs are invited to visit a Franklin Covey Products store nationwide this coming Saturday to receive a free 2009 Franklin Planner.
WHAT: Franklin Covey Products is giving those who have recently lost their job a leg up during these recessionary times. Individuals recently unemployed can receive one 2009 Franklin Planner for free by providing the names of their last employer and the date they were laid off.
WHEN: Saturday, March 14, 2009 10:30 am - 9:00pm (In-store event only)
WHERE: Franklin Covey at SouthCenter Mall, 122 SouthCenter Mall, Tukwila, WA 98188,
206-431-0341
WHY: Getting organized for a job search can ultimately save much time and frustration. Having one place to track all information, contacts, appointments, job leads, and interview notes can make a job search less stressful and more productive. Planning and organization are an integral component of a job search. Franklin Covey products and tools can bring focus, direction, and a sense of purpose to an individual’s daily decisions and can help lesson the panic that surrounds a job loss.
Posted by Dana (Blozis) Neuts of Virtually Yourz for:
Franklin Covey Products
Anne Clark & Theresa Frasch | Southcenter Management Team
7028@franklincoveyproducts.com
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Wine, Women, Wow: May 8 @ ShoWare Center
The popular, local nonprofit event Wine, Women, Wow is returning for its fourth year - this year at the ShoWare Center on Friday, May 8, 2009. This year's event planners, Libby Seidel and Dena Whipple, are expanding on previous year's successes by expanding the event and hosting it in the city's newest venue. If you're a woman over 21 who likes wine and who wants to help raise money for a good cause, visit Wine, Women, Wow online today!
Timed for Mother's Day weekend, a ticket to WOW makes a great treat for your mom or someone else's. Call KDP at 23-813-6976 for more info.!
Synopsis: Mayor Cooke's State of the City Address
Hello, readers and I Love Kent followers. I attended Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke's "State of the City" address yesterday at the ShoWare Center. I did not attend as a reporter, but I can't help but take notes. For those of you who weren't able to attend or watch the online version, here is a brief synopsis of her presentation.
About the ShoWare Center
- Mayor's speech was the first major speaking event at the new ShoWare Center.
- ShoWare Center opened on January 2 with 10,000 in attendance. The Seattle Thunderbirds accommodated with a win!
- ShoWare Center is the FIRST green arena in the United States!
- It is anticipated that the ShoWare Center will bring in 400,000 people and $16 million in revenue to Kent each year.
- It is the city's most significant economic project since Kent Station.
- City has signed a five-year lease to use the Park and Ride on James Street for ShoWare Center parking.
- The building was completed in 17 months with more than 100 city staff involved in the project.
- It won't cost taxpayers any extra money to have the ShoWare Center in Kent.
Other City Topics
- City is reducing operating expenses, delaying hires and vehicle replacements and eliminating contracts to offset a drop in revenue.
- As of 12/31/08, city revenue dropped 14%.
- City workers who are unionized are working with the city to cut costs to avoid layoffs.
- 28 employees have not be replaced, so current city staff is trying to meet resident needs despite the manpower shortfall.
- "Our employees have been wonderful."
- Alaska Copper and Brass Company is moving to Kent, bringing at least 100 new jobs to the area.
- The city has $50 million in pending projects in the permitting process.
- Other developments: Hampton Inn is building a 100-room facility on 64th; a new office building and banquet hall is being built near Top Foods (at the site of the old skate center); and GRCC is expanding, creating space for 700 additional students to attend the two-year college.
- City needs to focus on bringing high quality downtown residents to the area to access our stores and businesses.
- City will encourage mixed use urban buildings.
- City is looking at changes in the permitting process to make it easier to do business in Kent.
- Neighborhood program has established 15 new neighborhood councils. The West Hill neighborhood council has reduced crime in its area by 40%!
- City wants to create more affordable entertainment including offering free outdoor movies at Town Plaza this summer.
- City of Kent sent more than 3,000 criminals to jail last year.
- More than 1,000 city staff and residents have been trained for emergency response.
- Kent was third last year (among cities its size) in participating in the National Night Out.
- New bus route to connect West Hill, The Lakes and other critical areas to each other.
- Panther Lake Annexation is still under consideration. It would add 23,000 more residents to Kent, but it would cost more to serve that area than the City would bring in additional revenue. City is working with King County Council to see how those residents can still be adequately served.
- The City is actively seeking a solution to the parking garage problem.
- New Kent School District superintendent is a big proponent of partnering, so the City is looking forward to working with him.
Lastly, the mayor wrapped up with this message:
"I absolultely love serving you because you show you love this community...it's because of you that I am your mayor..."
About the ShoWare Center
- Mayor's speech was the first major speaking event at the new ShoWare Center.
- ShoWare Center opened on January 2 with 10,000 in attendance. The Seattle Thunderbirds accommodated with a win!
- ShoWare Center is the FIRST green arena in the United States!
- It is anticipated that the ShoWare Center will bring in 400,000 people and $16 million in revenue to Kent each year.
- It is the city's most significant economic project since Kent Station.
- City has signed a five-year lease to use the Park and Ride on James Street for ShoWare Center parking.
- The building was completed in 17 months with more than 100 city staff involved in the project.
- It won't cost taxpayers any extra money to have the ShoWare Center in Kent.
Other City Topics
- City is reducing operating expenses, delaying hires and vehicle replacements and eliminating contracts to offset a drop in revenue.
- As of 12/31/08, city revenue dropped 14%.
- City workers who are unionized are working with the city to cut costs to avoid layoffs.
- 28 employees have not be replaced, so current city staff is trying to meet resident needs despite the manpower shortfall.
- "Our employees have been wonderful."
- Alaska Copper and Brass Company is moving to Kent, bringing at least 100 new jobs to the area.
- The city has $50 million in pending projects in the permitting process.
- Other developments: Hampton Inn is building a 100-room facility on 64th; a new office building and banquet hall is being built near Top Foods (at the site of the old skate center); and GRCC is expanding, creating space for 700 additional students to attend the two-year college.
- City needs to focus on bringing high quality downtown residents to the area to access our stores and businesses.
- City will encourage mixed use urban buildings.
- City is looking at changes in the permitting process to make it easier to do business in Kent.
- Neighborhood program has established 15 new neighborhood councils. The West Hill neighborhood council has reduced crime in its area by 40%!
- City wants to create more affordable entertainment including offering free outdoor movies at Town Plaza this summer.
- City of Kent sent more than 3,000 criminals to jail last year.
- More than 1,000 city staff and residents have been trained for emergency response.
- Kent was third last year (among cities its size) in participating in the National Night Out.
- New bus route to connect West Hill, The Lakes and other critical areas to each other.
- Panther Lake Annexation is still under consideration. It would add 23,000 more residents to Kent, but it would cost more to serve that area than the City would bring in additional revenue. City is working with King County Council to see how those residents can still be adequately served.
- The City is actively seeking a solution to the parking garage problem.
- New Kent School District superintendent is a big proponent of partnering, so the City is looking forward to working with him.
Lastly, the mayor wrapped up with this message:
"I absolultely love serving you because you show you love this community...it's because of you that I am your mayor..."
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