Local news for Kent, Washington – March 6, 2017
[Edited 3/7/17, 4:12 PM]
NEW–Kent is about love not hate
Despite the shooting of a Sikh man Friday night in an apparent hate crime, Kent is not about hate. We are the 10th most diverse city in the United States, and from the residents and city officials I’ve talked to, we are very proud of that fact. We consider ourselves a welcoming city, and we do not discriminate against anyone, regardless of ethnicity, race, language, religion, culture or birthplace. We welcome all, and I hope we will can somehow turn this terrible event into something positive for our community. It is an opportunity to come together for a common cause – love, not hate. #spreadlove #nohate #peace
[Edited to delete peace rally information.]
NEW–Local legislators to hold Town Hall Meetings on March 18
On Saturday, March 18, District 47 and District 33 are hosting Town Hall Meetings. Senator Joe Fain and Reps. Pat Sullivan and Mark Hargrove will be at Golden Steer (23826 104th Ave. SE, Kent, WA) from 11 AM to 12:30 PM, while Senator Karen Keiser and Reps. Tina Orwall and Mia Gregorson will be at Kent City Council Chambers (220 4th Ave., Kent, WA) from 10 AM to noon.
NEW–Meeker Middle School Wrestling Team is hosting a Value Village donation fundraiser
The Meeker Middle School wrestling team is hosting a Value Village donation fundraiser. They are accepting used clothing and household items to raise money to buy warm-up uniforms. They have set a goal of 10,000 pounds! Items can be dropped off at Meeker Middle School (12600 SE 192nd St, Renton, WA 98058). We dropped off our donations today!
NEW–March 19 is next free day at Washington State Parks
Every year Washington State Parks offer free admission 12 days. No Discover Pass is needed on those days for daytime use. The next free day is March 19, and it is the state parks’ 104th birthday. Get the 2017 free dates here.
NEW–City of Kent employment event – March 8
Are you looking for seasonal employment between April and September? The city of Kent has some limited-hour positions available in parks operations, vegetation maintenance, youth and teen playground leaders, and camp counselors. The event is Wed., Mar. 8 from 1:30 to 4:30 PM at the Centennial Center (first floor north and south conference rooms).
NEW–Next Kent Community Police Academy set for March 30 – June 1
Join the next community police academy, hosted by the Kent Police Department at Birch Creek Family Center (13111 SE 274th St., Kent, WA). Meet the officers of the Kent Police Department and learn what they do for the community. Classes will be held on Thursday nights from 7 to 9 PM, starting March 30 through June 1. The class is free and all adult community members are invited. Visit KentWA.gov/Police for more information.
Daylight Saving Time is March 12
It is almost time to spring ahead! Daylight Saving Time is March 12, so we will set our clocks ahead one hour. [I know, I know — I don’t like it either, but I do look forward to longer days!]
KCF scholarship deadline: March 15
Kent high school seniors and parents, the Kent Community Foundation has college scholarships available, but the deadline to apply is March 15, 2017. Get scholarship qualifications, applications and other details here or contact Kent Community Foundation at [email protected]. (Note: iLoveKent publisher Dana Neuts is serving as KCF president for 2017.)
NEW–April events at the Kent Museum
The Greater Kent Historical Society has two April events planned. On April 12, the museum will host dinner and conversation with Dea Drake on Syrian refugees in Greece. Tickets are $20 and RSVPs are required. On April 15, the museum will host at Easter Bonnet Tea. Cost is $15, and children over 12 and adults are welcome. There will be two sittings, one at noon and one at 3 PM. Contact the museum at 253-854-4330 for additional information.
NEW–DAWN to host annual fundraiser on April 26
Join the staff, volunteers, sponsors and supporters at the annual fundraising breakfast for DAWN (Domestic Abuse Women’s Network). This year’s event is Wed., April 26 from 7:30 AM to 9 AM at the DoubleTree by Hilton Seattle Airport (18740 International Blvd., Seattle, WA 98188). David Martin, senior deputy director of the King County Prosecutor’s office and chair of the Domestic Violence Unit will be the guest speaker. Click here for details.
REMINDER–City’s Spring Recycling Collection Event is Sat., Mar. 18
This year the city is not going to send out flyers to announce these events, saving the city $11,000, so we are helping to spread the news. The annual spring event will be held at Hogan Park (24400 Russell Rd., Kent, WA) on Sat., Mar. 18 from 9 AM to 3 PM. The event is open to all King County residents, who are encouraged to bring difficult-to-recycle items such as appliances, batteries, styrofoam, small electronics and more. Get more info. here.
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Upcoming Events
Mar. 7 Seattle Thunderbirds vs. Spokane Chiefs
Mar. 7 Kent City Council meeting
Mar. 8 City Hiring Event (see above)
Mar. 10 Kent School District – No School
Mar. 10 Seattle Rock Orchestra performs Led Zeppelin I & II
Mar. 10 Seattle Thunderbirds vs. Everett Silvertips
Mar. 11 Kent Kids’ Art Day
Mar. 11 SB50 – A Grand World Tour
Mar. 12 Daylight Saving Time – spring ahead!
Mar. 13-24 Kent Student Art Exhibit
