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Happy Friday!



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Mayor's Update



July 19, 2024




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Something to celebrate!

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711 central

Happy Friday, Kent!

Wanted to kick off this week's newsletter with something to celebrate! The abandoned gas station at the corner of Central and James that has been an eyesore for many of us, is finally coming down.

We have been working with this property owner for many years to get him to address the conditions.

Finally, after filing criminal charges against him, we are seeing progress. The gas station is nearly demolished.

We will continue to work with him on the future of this site but for now – this is a big win for our city and worth celebrating.

Aside from that, there's plenty of information on upcoming opportunities and events happening all around the Kent community in this week's newsletter.

Hope you enjoy the weekly update and have a fantastic weekend!

Dana Ralph, Kent Mayor

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mayor on buggy

Thanks again to the Kent Lions Club for another successful Cornucopia Days! I had so much fun at the parade on Sunday and walking around to see what our small businesses had to offer! 



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I stopped by the 1st (and hopefully annual) Salsa in the Streets on Saturday..

Kent Downtown Partnership did a fabulous job with this event - live music, dancing in the streets and a beer garden. So much fun!

salsa in the streets

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emerald downs

On Sunday, I was at Emerald Downs to present the Kent Stakes race.

It wasn't just horses racing that day. I think the highlight of the afternoon was the Corgi racing - so much fun!

Congratulations to the winners!



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Puget Sound Fire hosted a job fair and community CPR training at accesso ShoWare Center [ https://www.facebook.com/accessoShoWareCenter?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZXAaOPSQjHnd38YwpyaDw_8gsDze4mWtlRIBG9igyDu9ov4g_nVX1McDcK8kM-ndvow9WwEgEjmUKZpipLZjsBrlgr3ncGdLBliYHuRs4_brKVYnZDkUDoKuZk-TYFAIzk8F1xYb0fCsMlqm6vPg2jGpC6etE3j7IFq2tMO11TJ0ZknLYn1pGAVg28uWTZNFUgNmq8LvkhkTQSEo4RCTGgy&__tn__=-%5DK-R&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ] over the weekend.

It was a great event teaching CPR - in both English and Spanish. I loved seeing kids learning CPR and the Heimlich maneuver. Thank you Puget Sound RFA!

PSF

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celebrate 18

On Saturday night, I attended the Celebrate 18 event.

Eileen and Callie's Place does incredible work with young women who have aged out of the foster care system. This is truly the power of mentorship and support in action.

I am a huge fan of this organization, Dr. Natalie, and the work they are doing.



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Last week myself and other city staff stopped in the Scenic Hill neighborhood for another Drinks in the Driveway event!

The neighborhood came ready with great questions and concerns. Special thanks to Mark for hosting this fun evening.

drinks in the driveway

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NNO proc

At Tuesday night's city council meeting, I presented Sara Wood and Stacy Judd from the Kent PD Community Education Unit with a proclamation for National Night Out on August 6.

We're expecting dozens of Kent neighborhoods to participate, and representatives from the city will visit as many of their gatherings as we can.

Learn more about signing your neighborhood up at *KentWA.gov/NNO [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/police-department/community-education?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*



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*Help us plan Kent's future!*  We need your input to ensure Kent Parks and programs offer a sweet time for everyone. We aren’t ready to build a licorice forest just yet, but we do want to know what’s important to you! Share your thoughts with us at *bit.ly/3zKXjg9 [ https://bit.ly/3zKXjg9?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2QBfffY6AomyofE7Rm9FM_FKspkJ-tLXYoNOcz02dHmMBKO2_zET5R__A_aem_txwXHqlyRr77mVV_xUleFQ&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*. 

kentquest [ https://futurekent.consider.it/?tab=Transportation&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

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Kent City Council 

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Here's the recap on what the Kent City Council has been working on! It was a busy week with lots of important items to attend to.

recap

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cow

*You can also see the full meeting agendas, minutes and livestream recordings on our website. [ http://kentwa.iqm2.com/citizens/default.aspx?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*

As a reminder, the council has switched back to the Committee of the Whole format, so business that was previously discussed at meetings throughout the week is back to being before our regularly scheduled Workshop and council meetings.

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Conservation Event

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conservation event

Join the Kent Parks team tomorrow, July 20 as we celebrate Conservation Day at Morrill Meadows Park!

Conservation Day is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of preserving and protecting our natural resources and ecosystem.

At this event, we'll be removing invasive plants to care for recent plantings of native trees and shrubs! *Register to join us* [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/kent-parks/volunteering/outdoor-conservation-events?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ] and give back to our community through hands-on conservation as a Green Kent volunteer.

?? Saturday, July 20
*⌚* 9 a.m. -12 p.m.
*?? *Morrill Meadows Park

*PARKING:* 10600 SE 248th St 

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Our friends at the Greater Kent Historical Society are excited to present Experience Historical Kent this August!

Join them at the Kent Historical Museum August 9-10 to explore the many parts of Kent's history. On Friday, August 9, participate in a historic tour, then pop by Kherson Park for a screening of "The Boys in the Boat" under the stars! Visit the museum again on Saturday for performances, activities, food, and more. More details will be available soon at *KentHistoricalMuseum.org [ https://kenthistoricalmuseum.org/f/experience-historical-kent?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*.

Historical society

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National Night Out 

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NNO

National Night Out is August 6! 

National Night Out elevates the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Most importantly, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.

It's time to start planning that neighborhood party! 

*Kent PD's Community Education Unit will help you with the sign-up process. Let's give crime a going away party! [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/police-department/community-education/national-night-out-registration?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*

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Fill the bus

Communities in Schools of Kent is gearing up for their Annual School Supply Drive collection event. 

Fill the Bus supports all 42 schools in the Kent School District and provides our students with necessary items that they may not have. 

?? Thursday, August 22
⏰ 4 - 6 p.m.
?? Kent Station

Please bring your donations to the school bus on Ramsay Way (near Johnny Rockets).

*Find out more information about the event and what is needed here!  [ https://www.kentstation.com/events/fillthebus?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*




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Cajun Fest 

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Cajun Fest

The Kent Downtown Partnership is holding their 3rd Annual Cajun Fest next month!

This annual extravaganza promises to immerse attendees in the rich traditions of Louisiana with delicious food and drink, live music that'll have you dancing, and a community spirit that'll warm your soul.

?? Saturday, August 17
?? 2 p.m. - 7 p.m.
?? Burlington Green Park 

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blood drive

Blood banks across the United States are reporting critical shortages, with donor levels lower now than they were before. Let's help patients in our community by making an appointment at the *pop-up blood drive happening at Kent Station. [ https://www.kentstation.com/promotions/bloodworks?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*



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Cruisin' Kent Car Show

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car show

The Cruisin' Kent Car Show is back for it's 6th year at Kent Station next month!      Bring the family down for lunch, see some classic cars and win prizes! 

We are excited to partner with Kent Station for this fun and free event! Don't forget to pick up your 50/50 ticket where the profits will be donated to the Green River College VET fund. *Here's where you can register your car and get all the information! [ https://www.kentstation.com/cruisin-kent-car-show?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]
*

??  Sunday, August 25
⌚  11 a.m. - 2 p.m. 
??    Kent Station

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Employee of the Month 

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EOM

Congratulations to our July Employee of the Month Natesha Slater!

Natesha is originally from Libby, Montana. She moved to Bothell/Mill Creek in the 5th grade and lived there through high school graduation. She still has a lot of family in Montana, and she visits regularly. She has two younger sisters, two nephews, and a niece due in August.

Natesha attended Eastern Washington University for two years, then transferred to Washington State University where she received a B.S. in Environmental and Ecosystems Sciences and a Minor in Geospatial Information Systems (GIS). During her final year at WSU, she completed an internship with the City of Pullman’s Stormwater Division. Natesha moved back to Seattle after graduation and worked as a part-time Stormwater Technical Assistant conducting ROW and private stormwater inspections at the City of Shoreline.

Natesha’s favorite thing about working for the City of Kent is her awesome team and coworkers. Natesha says being surrounded by people who care about their work and make a meaningful impact on the environment is inspiring. As a Conservation Coordinator, Natesha loves putting her technical skills to work with her team in planning stormwater programs.

Natesha was nominated because she consistently demonstrates exceptional skills and qualities in her current role as Environmental Conservation Coordinator. She is an outstanding communicator, adept at conveying ideas clearly and effectively to colleagues and customers. Natesha is always seeking new ways to improve processes, streamline workflows, and enhance the overall efficiency of her team. Her creative thinking and willingness to explore unconventional solutions have led to several notable improvements within her department. She is always willing to lend a hand when asked and does it happily while completing her work.

In March 2023, Natesha married her college sweetheart, Caleb. They live in Sumner and are expecting their first baby boy in November. Natesha enjoys the outdoors, gardening, reading, going to concerts, working on her house and yard, spending time with friends, family, and her two dogs Bodi and Zafa, and exploring new places with her husband, Caleb.

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Farmers Market

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june 15

It's farmers market season! 

Living Well Kent and the Kent Lions Club have partnered to bring their Farmers Market downtown! This is a community driven market, increasing access to fresh, healthy, and culturally relevant produce to our community. 

?? Every Saturday until September 14
⏰ 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.​
?? 2nd Ave between Smith and Gowe

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life vests

Hot weather is here!  As you look for places to cool off,  note no lifeguards are on duty at Lake Meridian Park.

Swim safe this summer with afree life vest rental from Kent Parks! You can check out a life vest for a single day, or the entire summer season through September 6.

Life vests must be checked out in person from the Kent Commons Community Center. All sizes are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Call 253-856-5100!



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Parks and Recreation Month

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pops in the park

It's our favorite month of the year! Every year since 1985, Americans have celebrated National Parks & Recreation Month during the month of July to recognize the importance of parks and recreation and the professionals in this field.

Come and celebrate with us at the last free pop-up events this month!

?? Wednesday, July 24
?? Popsicles in the Park
⌚ 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
?? Morrill Meadows Park

?? Wednesday, July 31 
?? Kent Parks Royal Party
(with special guests Elsa, Tiana, Moana, Woody, and Miles Morales!)
⌚ 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
?? Van Doren's Landing Park

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We’re excited to announce that more movie nights are coming to Kherson Park this summer! Grab some blankets, pack up the family, and come on down for a movie under the stars. Sprawl out on the lawn and enjoy a FREE showing of new blockbuster hits! All movies will begin at dusk.

*2024 Summer Movie Series*

*Friday, August 9*: The Boys in The Boat"
"Shown in partnership with the Greater Kent Historical Society.

*Friday, September 6*: IF

Summer movies

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Free Summer Programs

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Kent HERO

Our Parks free summer programs are off and running!

Both programs run Monday- Friday now through August 9 at various locations throughout the city.

The Summer Playgrounds program is a great way for you and your child to enjoy some free fun at local parks in our community. Plus, Kent School District Food Services provides a free lunch every day for school-aged students.

Lunch is served from 12 - 12:30 p.m. Program runs from 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at Chestnut Ridge Park, West Fenwick Park, and Morrill Meadows Park. Stop by for games, sports, arts & crafts, water games, and more!

HERO stands for Health, Experience, Recreation, Outreach. This mobile health and nutrition program stops by numerous locations throughout the city, including parks, apartments, and enrich the experience of our campers in the Camp Walkapala program. HERO offers weekly activities, games, special treats, and more.

Check out the schedule of program locations online at *KentHERO.com. [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/kent-parks/programs-activities/youth-teen-programs?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*

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uplands

Our Parks team is in the early planning stages for the upcoming renovations at Uplands Playfields and is looking for community feedback on the future of this downtown park. As part of these renovations, we are planning for an extra special addition: a spray park! 

Tell us what you want to see in your park as part of these renovations. Our team will be at the Farmer’s Market this Saturday, so come by and provide feedback!

*Or, voice your thoughts by filling out this survey,* [ https://engage.kentwa.gov/uplands-playfield-and-splash-pad?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]



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Parks & Recreation Commission

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Parks & Rec Commission Graphic

In case you missed it, we’re looking for City of Kent Parks and Recreation Commissioners!

Beginning this month, changes are being implemented to the operation of the Parks Commission to ensure that our commissioners are engaged and enjoy serving their term with us.

Moving forward, during each year of their term, Commissioners will be required to join us for an annual Parks tour, attend quarterly meetings to provide critical feedback and insight on our parks and recreation system, and immerse themselves in the Parks department at volunteerism activities.

Learn more and apply online at *KentWA.gov/BoardsAndCommissions. [ https://www.kentwa.gov/government/boards-commissions?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*

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Kent Parks is partnering with Soos Creek Studio to offer a parent and youth pottery experience, which will be held at the Kent Memorial Park Building.

The programs start in August! *Learn more and register online! [ https://web2.myvscloud.com/wbwsc/wakentwt.wsc/search.html?_csrf_token=cl0N1D72731C2O281S392U3X71415B50025J4V6R5V0B5X57594X0C59625W551E5S5U6O586O5S3M5U4Z1D72496Q4G1G5S4M53520C584O485R706X63676F6H714S5D&category=YO&display=detail&module=AR&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*

 

pottery

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Kent Summer Concerts

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summer concerts

*Kent Summer Concerts* are back starting July 10! Super excited for this annual series of musical performances presented throughout the summer. *Learn more about specific performers and dates on our website. [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/kent-parks/arts/summer-concert-series?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*

*Wednesday Picnic Performances
*12-1 p.m. at West Fenwick Park 

*Wednesday Family Date Night
*6-8 p.m. at Kent Station

*Thursdays at the Lake
*7-8:30 p.m. at Lake Meridian Park

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Recycling Event 

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recycling event

Each year the city of Kent hosts a number of free recycling collection events that allow residents to dispose of recyclable items not typically accepted at the curb. Instead of going to the landfill as trash, all collected items will be reused or recycled! 

*Here's a list of items our team will accept* [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/public-works/environmental/talking-trash-recycle-and-clean-up-events-for-residents/recycling-collection-events?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]. 

?? Friday, August 16
⌚ 9 a.m. - Noon
?? St. Columba Episcopal Church (26715 Military Rd S, Kent, WA)

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master gardner

Do you need some help with your garden? Get free gardening advice from the Master Gardners. 

The WSU Extension Master Gardener volunteers are local and university-trained. They are providing free research-based information to home gardeners in King County. 

?? Saturdays
⌚ 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
?? Kent McLendon's Hardware



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We're hiring! Check out our featured jobs and find great opportunities on our hiring page at *jobs.kentwa.gov [ https://jobs.kentwa.gov/jobs?page_number=2&page_size=10&sort_by=headline&sort_order=ASC&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*


jobs of the month

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RASKC

Get your furry friends licensed with *Regional Animal Services of King County [ https://kingcounty.gov/depts/regional-animal-services.aspx?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]* to help get them back to you if they're ever lost! 

Your license also helps fund RASKC's life-saving animal shelter work. They reunite lost pets 24/7 and provide shelter pet care 365 days a year.




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Something new! I'm going to include a weekly question that I have received from a resident and answer it each newsletter. This week I received the following question:

""Hi Dana, "
"How can residents get involved to help improve community safety?""

Great question!

National Night Out is only a few weeks away and that's the perfect time to discuss with your friends and neighbors on forming a block watch! Our Kent Police Department's Community Education Unit offer Block Watch 101 about 3 times a year. This is a 1.5 hour class where we help neighbors learn all you need to know about forming a Block Watch or starting a new one up. *You can learn more about the program here!  [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/police-department/community-education?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*

resident question

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kentnow

Don't forget to check out the KentNOW podcast! Tracy, Josh and Kyle talk to Chief Padilla, Stacy Judd and Sara Wood from KPD Community Education about National Night Out and it's history in Kent. 

Listen to new and previous episodes on:
?? Apple Podcasts *apple.co/3J2UMkd [ https://t.co/kiMUAwAMdU?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*
?? Spotify *spoti.fi/3GNCeli [ https://t.co/MccBJhOIlp?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*
?? Amazon Music *amzn.to/3jjaOvU [ https://amzn.to/3jjaOvU?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*



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Translations A/文

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translations

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City of Kent, Washington

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