Moving to www.ILoveKent.net

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

Kent - an unexpected winter wonderland

Growing up in Indiana, I enjoyed the massive lake effect snow we got every winter. Our cities were well-equipped to tackle the snow and ice, so we didn't miss school very often...but there was always plenty of snow to play in. I remember snow tunnels, forts, sledding until my fingers were frozen, and snowball fights.

Fast forward to 2008 and I am in awe of the snow we've seen in Kent this year. I've lived in Washington for five and a half years and have never seen snow like this here. We have at least 10 inches at our house, not to mention thick layers of ice. Some roads are closed, others are impassable and the rest are just plain messy. So if you have to travel this week, please be careful. There is more snow and ice to come. Meanwhile, I'll enjoy watching it from my office window as I make the most of this weather-induced break.

Happy Holidays!

Dana, Virtually Yourz

Big Buzz in Downtown Kent!

This week is a busy one in downtown Kent. Here are a just of few of this week's happenings:

TODAY: Marie Haggin Accessories opens in her new Kent Station location, next to Chico's.

FRIDAY: PICC Halloween Trick-or-Treat Event (2 to 5 p.m.)

FRIDAY: Kent Station Trick-or-Treat Event and Costume Judging (4 to 6 p.m.)

Watch for KING 5 & Evening Magazine's "Best of Western Washington" winners to be named! There are a number of Kent businesses named. Woo hoo!

Did you know Kent has a Salvation Army?

I learned last month that Kent has its own branch of the Salvation Army. I wasn't aware of that. Located on South Central Avenue, the Kent office is open part-time and it serves the Kent, Auburn, Pacific and Algona communities. Run by Shirley Harris, the office provides a lot of services I didn't realize were available including: eviction prevention assistance, utility assistance, emergency clothing and shelter, holiday gift programs and more.

I also learned that the majority of the Kent office's funding is provided during its holiday "red kettle" program at local stores and shops. All of the money stays local, so please keep that in mind as you shop around the community this holiday season. There are many in our community who need assistance and this is a great way to provide it through an agency we know and trust.

American Charm - After Labor Day Sale

This news is compliments of KDP. Thought I'd pass it along. If you aren't familiar with American Charm, it's a cute home decor and gift store on West Meeker in downtown Kent.

The "After Labor Day Sale" has begun at American Charm in Historic Downtown Kent.

We have a great collection of Home Decor and Gifts.

Stop by and take advantage of a 35% discount through Wed., Sept 10. There are a few exclusions, but they are only a very small portion of our product lines.

Our hours are 10:00 AM through 5:30 PM, Monday through Saturday. The store is closed on Sunday.

American Charm

317 W. Meeker St.

Kent, WA 98032

253.850.7350

Renaissance Yarns Kicks Off Fundraiser for Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

Nancy Skorupa, owner of Renaissance Yarns, recently kicked off a fundraiser to benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Skorupa and a group of talented local knitters met at Bittersweet restaurant in Kent earlier this summer to create an Aran square knit throw to be awarded to the winner of a special prize drawing. Tickets for the drawing are $5 each and are available at Renaissance Yarns at 207 East Meeker Street in downtown Kent. All proceeds for the drawing will go to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The drawing will be held in October in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month with details to be announced later.

Skorupa said this is the second year her knitting group has sponsored the fundraiser. Last year the group raised just over $1,600. For this year’s fundraiser, the group put together a throw of 20 squares of different designs all of the same color – passionately pink, the signature color for breast cancer. Most of the knitters participating in the project are from the Kent area; the group also includes a knitter from Salt Lake City.

“This is such a great project,” Skorupa said. “Not only will the winner get to take home this beautiful throw, but they’ll be contributing to a cause that is near and dear to all of us.”

For more information about the drawing or to purchase tickets for a chance to win the passionately pink throw, contact Nancy Skorupa at Renaissance Yarns at 253-852-YARN, 877-852-YARN or info@renaissanceyarns.com.

Located in the heart of downtown Kent, Renaissance Yarns is a cozy boutique-style yarn shop featuring a variety of yarns, needles, patterns, accessories, classes, knitting circles and more. The store is open seven days a week. For more information including store hours and class schedules, please visit www.renaissanceyarns.com. Renaissance Yarns ~ feel the fiber!

The Alki Bakery - Kent, WA

I've heard of The Alki Bakery in Seattle, but have never been to one. Today I was surprised when a friend of mine took me to their Kent location - who knew?!! Located off 68th on 72nd Avenue South in Centerpoint Corporate Park, the cafe had the most wonderful selections. Similar to the more widely-recognized Panera, you have a wide range of selections of soups, sandwiches and salads, along with delicious-looking desserts and fresh fruit. You wait in line, place your order and they bring it to your table. My friend had the Mahi-Mahi Fish Tacos and I had the Italian Grinder. I can't speak for her meal - though she seemed to enjoy it - but my sandwich was delicious. Served on a soft French roll, the sandwich was full of fresh salami, cheese, peppers, dressing and more. It was tasty, fresh and very affordable! Guests can get their meals to go, eat in the cafe itself or take their meal alfresco. Two meals plus fountain drinks = $20. Thanks to Carol for treating me - I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Why I Love Kent

Originally from Indiana, I moved to Washington State five years ago. I lived in Bellingham for two and a half years and moved to Kent nearly three years ago. Kent isn't for everybody, but I love that it's close to Seattle while retaining its small town charm and diversity. It is a unique place with great people, wonderful restaurants and unique shops. I created this blog to tell people more about Kent, so they can learn about all that this town of 85,000 has to offer.