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.

Have you been to Kona Kai lately?

Have you been to the Kona Kai Coffee Company in downtown Kent? More than just a coffee shop, this charming little coffee company offers a great menu in a tropical setting.

In addition, owner Michael has added a number of community events - wine tastings, jewelry parties, musical performances - and more to his offerings. Local jazz favorite Darren Motamedy is a frequent visitor to Kona Kai. In addition, Kona Kai will be adding dinner shows to the menu.

To learn more or try to their delicious coffees and teas, visit them at the corner of 4th and Gowe in downtown Kent or visit them online.

Mahalo!

Spring Into Art is planned for Friday, March 13

The City of Kent, the Kent School District and the Kent Downtown Partnership are teaming up once again to bring the community Spring Into Art, a free, family-friendly, art-oriented day of fun in downtown Kent. Go an art walk, attend fitness workshops, discover your inner artist, candle making, bug-a-rama and more.

For a complete list of activities, locations and times, visit the event's website at SpringIntoArtKent.com.

Darren Motamedy: an amazing teacher

Thanks for all of you who follow my blog. I apologize for not being more consistent lately, but with my wedding coming up on 2/14, I've had my hands full.

That doesn't mean that things in Kent haven't been hopping though! There is so much going on here. People are excited about the ShoWare Events Center, changes at Kent Station, the new Costco in nearby Covington and new shops going into downtown Kent.

I recently had the opportunity to interview Darren Motamedy, an award-winning jazz musician and band director for the Kent School Districts. He was not only talented, but he was also patient, kind, amusing and surprisingly humble. I can see why his students look up to him and how teaching them to play music is such a passion for him. Watch for my profile on him in an upcoming issue of Kent Magazine.

Spring Into Art - Downtown Kent

This year's Spring Into Art event is scheduled for Friday, March 13 in downtown Kent. See the new Spring Into Art website for details!

Chair and Trellis

If you like shopping local or finding a store that carries unique items, then you will love Chair & Trellis on West Smith Street in downtown Kent. This store has some of the most beautiful home furnishings and decor that I've ever seen. The owners and staff are friendly and helpful, and they have something to suit every taste and budget. Their website has a small sampling of their offerings, but you'll get a better feel for the store if you stop by. They are open 7 days a week. For more info., including specific hours, visit Chair & Trellis online.

Kent's ShoWare Center Opens Tomorrow!

With much anticipation, Kent's new ShoWare Center on James Street opens Friday, January 2 with a Grand Opening Celebration from 4 to 9 p.m.

Starting the following day, Saturday, January 3, the Seattle Thunderbirds hockey team will make the ShoWare Center their new home.

For event dates, times and more, visit the ShoWare Center online.

Shop Kent this Christmas!

If you still have last minute gifts to buy and want to avoid the mall, consider shopping in downtown Kent. Both Kent Station and Kent's historic district have some unique options. Here are a few of my favorites:

Earthworks Gem Design Studio: Steve St. Louis has some beautiful, unique pieces of jewelry that your sweetheart will love.

Heartbeat Yoga & Healing Arts: Consider a gift certificate to treat a loved one to a yoga or tai chi class or a massage treatment.

Balanced Athlete: This First Avenue shop has a great selection of running gear including exercise clothing, shoes and more. Owner Eric Sach can hook you up with something perfect for the athlete on your gift list.

Cypriana: This natural home store features wonderfully natural and organic products for home, bath and baby. In addition, owner Susan Thomas is an expert at designing custom slipcovers and embroidery for your home.

Lemon Drop Skin Care & Massage: Treat yourself or a friend to a delightful massage, facial, skin care treatment or waxing. The personal care boutique also has some great stocking stuffers including make-up bags, eye masks, make-up, brushes and more.

English Cottage Collection: This darling shop on W. Meeker St. has different items every time I stop in. Filled with home decor, baby and gift items, this store has something for everyone in every price range.

American Charm: American Charm, also on W. Meeker, has a wide variety of fun, trendy and eclectic gift items, including home decor, children's gifts, stuffed animals, purses, jewelry and more. You'll love this shop's American charm.

Children's Bookshop: I love this lively children's book store which is full of great books, learning tools, games, toys, teaching supplies and more. Find the ideal gift for the child or teacher in your life.

Renaissance Yarns: Now at Kent Station next to Dave's MiniHobby Shop, Renaissance Yarns has a beautiful selection of yarns, patterns, knitting tools and other gift items for the creative one on your list. Not sure what to buy? Ask Nancy or her helpful staff to make some suggestions.

Just the Thing: For the fashionista in your family, check out Just the Thing at Kent Station. This charming boutique specializes in custom jean fittings. Buy a gift certificate so your fashionable friend can pick out her favorite jeans.

Marie Haggin Accessories: Now next to Chico's at Kent Station, Marie Haggin Accessories has hundreds of gift ideas including unique purses, handmade jewelry, wedding crystal, fashion accessories and more. You'll never find the same thing twice.

Peridot Nail Salon: Tired from your holiday shopping? Stop by Peridot at Kent Station and enjoy a manicure or pedicure. Afterward, you'll feel refreshed and ready for your next holiday task.

Topaz: If you've got trendy, young shoppers to buy for, visit Topaz, next to Road Runner at Kent Station. This new fashion boutique has great, affordable pieces you won't find anywhere else in Kent.

Other possibilities for last minute gifts include: Bella home & garden, City Frame, Discovery Shop, Goju Karate & Pilates, Salon Avoni, Howell's Religious Books, Distinctive Images Barber Shop and Styling Salon, NW Electrology & Permanent Makeup, Nature's Vignettes and more. To learn more about these businesses, visit Kent Downtown Partnership or Kent Station online.

If you've worked up an appetite shopping, try one of downtown Kent's many restaurants for lunch, dinner, coffee or a cocktail:

Wild Wheat Bakery & Cafe, Kona Kai Coffee, Spiro's Greek Island Restaurant, Shindig Martini Bar, Bittersweet, Maggie's on Meeker, Vibe Bar and Grill, Bev's Cucina, Pat's Bar & Grill, Zephyr, Zao Noodle Bar, Johnny Rockets, Pizzeria Fondi, Duke's Chowder House, Chipotle Mexican Grill, The Ram, Dillettante Mocha and Espresso, Jamba Juice and more.

Happy Holidays,

Dana Blozis
Virtually Yourz

Kent Winterfest: Sat., Dec. 6

Downtown Kent has a lot to offer at this year's annual Winterfest celebration on Saturday, December 6. Here is a brief schedule of events. For more info., visit the Kent Winterfest website.

9 am - Noon: Holly Jolly Breakfast at Maggie's on Meeker (they have delicious food!)
10 am - 6 pm: Holiday Shopping & Dining
11 am: Holly Jolly One Mile Walk with Mayor Suzette Cooke & Kent4Health
11 am - 9 pm: Morford Family Holiday Carousel
12 - 3 pm: Meet the Kent Fire Dept.
1 - 5 pm: Holly Jolly Horse Drawn Carriage free with Kent Food Bank donation
2 pm: Kids 'n Kritters Pet Walk
4 pm: Holiday Reading at the Kent Public Library
4:30 - 6:30 pm: Kent Lion's Parade, Santa's Arrival, Bike Giveaway, Annual Tree Lighting

Share your Holly Jolly spirit this holiday season with a food or monetary donation to the Kent Food Bank.

First Avenue South - Discover Kent's Historic District

If you haven't checked out downtown Kent lately, you are missing out on some great businesses as well as some wonderful dining and shopping options. Check out the latest list of local businesses, in the heart of downtown Kent:

Earthworks Gem Design Studio
Bella home and garde
City Frame
Heartbeat Yoga & Healing Arts
Vibe Bar & Grill
Cypriana
Wild Wheat Bakery & Cafe
Spiro's Greek Island Restaurant
Shindig Martini Bar
The Balanced Athlete
Discovery Shop
Bittersweet Restaurant
Goju Karate and Pilates
Salon Avoni
Howell's Religious Books
Distinctive Images Barber Shop & Styling Salon
NW Electrology & Permanent Make-up
Perk Up Place
Lemon Drop Skin Care & Massage

This weekend the historic district and businesses on Meeker Street are celebrating with their annual Holiday Open House. Visit www.kentdowntown.org for details.

Perk Up Place for Sandwiches, Salads & Other Tasty Treats

One of my favorite spots for lunch has become Perk Up Place at the corner of Gowe and First Avenue South (inside Titusville Station). I have tried several of their salads (grilled chicken salad and the shrimp louie). They're made individually by Shelly or Sue, and are made with fresh ingredients and in enormous portions. I had the shrimp salad for lunch and dinner yesterday and have enough left over for lunch today! I also tried a slice of Shelly's pumpkin bread which is homemade, and loaded with delicious spices. You have to try it!

Perk Up Place
Inside Titusville Station
202 W. Gowe St., Ste. C
Kent, WA 98032

Open Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

You can call ahead for pick-up at 253-854-8868 or they'll deliver locally between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.! They also offer catering services with party trays, hot entrees, a fiesta taco bar, and dessert and pastry trays. Yum!

Kona Kai's November Events

Have you visited Kona Kai Coffee in downtown Kent? It is a charming Polynesian-themed coffee shop with great food and beverages. They also have a lot of upcoming events. Here is the latest list of November events:

11/07, 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.: Free Chair Massage
11/07, 7 p.m.: Jazz by Darren Motamedy ($7 cover)
11/08: Open Mic Night (no cover)
11/12, 7 - 9 p.m.: Travel & Cruise Night by Catalyst Travel
11/14: Sing-a-long Bluegrass Band (no cover)
11/15: Groove Line ($3 cover)
11/21, 7 p.m.: Jazz by Darren Motamedy ($7 cover)
12/5, 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.: Free Chair Massage

This 4th Avenue coffee shop also features delicious sandwiches, burgers and a new wine list, and they offer free WiFi. For more info., visit them online.

Kent's Santa Don needs your help

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This year is Santa Don and Christmas Carole (Vandel)'s last year as Santa in downtown Kent. This year our favorite holiday couple will be available to have pictures taken with children and pets at the Morford Carousel in the new Town Square Plaza in downtown Kent during the month of December. Bring your own camera and pictures are free. Their request: a donation to a local charity.

He also needs a backdrop for the photos. If you have something he can use or have any ideas, e-mail me or call Mark Mandolin at Chair & Trellis at 253-852-8520.

This is Santa's last year, so let's make it a special one for him!

[P.S. - Don't forget Winterfest 2008 scheduled for Saturday, December 6!!!]

Photo by Spyder-Web Photography

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!

Marie Haggin Accessories is Expanding!

Marie Haggin Accessories is one of my favorite stores in downtown Kent. Now at Kent Station, the store has become so popular that it is expanding into a larger space, next to Chico's on Ramsay Way. The store re-opens this Wednesday, October 29 with more selection and some new products and services. If you love fun fashion accessories, handmade jewelry, or unique home decor, then you will love Marie Haggin!

Events at Kona Kai Coffee Shop

I stopped in at Kona Kai (corner of 4th and Gowe Streets in downtown Kent) to have a mocha on this gloomy, rainy day and I saw that they have some fun events coming up, in addition to their live music and open mic nights.

October 12: Spa Party from 2:30 to 4 p.m.
October 17: Art show and wine tasting from 7 to 10 p.m.

See you there!

Upcoming Downtown Kent Events

There is a lot going on in downtown Kent this fall. Among the many events are:

Cypriana's Grand Opening - 10/17/08 (4 to 7 p.m.) and 10/18/08 (1 to 4 p.m.)
PICC "Little Pumpkins" Halloween - 10/31/08 (2 to 5 p.m.)
Election Results Open House at Earthworks Gem Design Studio - 11/04/08
23rd Annual Holiday Open House - 11/14, 11/15 & 11/16 (times vary)

PICC & Downtown Kent Sponsor Little Pumpkins Trick or Treat

I just heard that Pediatric Interim Care Center (PICC) and the Kent Downtown merchants are sponsoring a trick-or-treat event again this year.

October 31, 2008
2 to 5 p.m.
$5 donation
Costumes preferred

Kids and their parents will pick up trick-or-treat bags and maps at PICC (328 Fourth Ave. South in downton Kent) and visit downtown merchants for a safe, fun Halloween. Pix by Kathy's Photo Impressions will be available at PICC for $2 each.

PICC is a nonprofit organization in downtown Kent that provides specialized, 24-hour care for drug-exposed and medically fragile newborns.

Reminder - First Ave Block Party is Tomorrow!

If you haven't already made plans for tomorrow night, check out the First Avenue Block Party in downtown Kent. On First Avenue South between Gowe and Titus Streets, merchants and artists are setting up booths for selling their wares, local restaurants are offering drink and meal specials, Earthworks Gem Design will display the beautiful work of several artists, and new store Cypriana will open its doors. Check out the gourmet snacks at Bella home & garden, enjoy a glass of wine from the wine garden, and stick around for the live music! It's the fourth year for the block party and it sounds like a fun neighborhood event. See you there!

Check out Shindig on First Avenue South!

Yesterday a friend and I met at Shindig in downtown Kent for drinks. I had heard about the new martini bar from several friends and was anxious to check it out. Nestled in the middle of First Avenue South, Shindig is a simply-decorated, chic little neighborhood martini bar. The view of the charming neighborhood struck me as did the contrast between the all black interior and the sunlight streaming in from the wall of windows that creates the bar's storefront. The owner, Dave, was a charming Al Pacino-like man - but better looking - who clearly loves his bar and is proud of his specialty drinks. Making a friendly host, Dave seemed to know everyone who walked in. I sampled the Pink Lemon Drop which was deliciously different and a tad sweet - just the way I like them! We also ordered an antipasto plate from the tapas menu. It was more than enough for two and was quite tasty! The place could use some artwork and perhaps a woman's touch in the restroom - but I hope Shindig is here to stay. It adds a touch of class for those of us who are tired of the usual sports bars and neighborhood pubs. It was a welcome change of pace!