びびなび : World : () World

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page [ https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WAKENT/bulletins/3803de1 ].




Mayor's Update



December 15, 2023




________________________________________________________________________



Congratulations Les Thomas

________________________________________________________________________


les thomas

Happy Friday Kent,

Tuesday night at Kent City Council, we celebrated the retirement of Councilmember Les Thomas.

Les has devoted an incredible 20 years of his life to serving the wonderful people of Kent. We wish him a relaxing retirement spent with family, and friends and happiness.

As we wind down the year, I want to encourage you to stay connected to all things Kent by making sure you're following us on* Facebook [ https://www.facebook.com/CityofKent?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]* and *Instagram [ https://www.instagram.com/cityofkent/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*.

We post lots of great information about things happening around the city, including programs, services, events and fun opportunities.

I know many residents may be traveling to celebrate the holidays this weekend and into next week, so please remember to stay safe and enjoy your weekend!

Dana Ralph, Kent Mayor

________________________________________________________________________



*Weekly Roundup*

________________________________________________________________________



christmas tree

The holiday season is in full swing, and the tree is up in the office at Kent City Hall!



________________________________________________________________________



Yesterday, along with Mayor Pavone of Renton, I helped Valley Medical Center celebrate the "Sky Breaking" of phase one of the new cancer center at Valley.

Having access to state-of-the-art cancer treatment in South King County is so important to our families. This is going to be such a blessing to so many!

I love their mission - Caring for Our Community Like Family

valley med

________________________________________________________________________



shop with a cop

Shop with a Cop 2023 was a success! It's always great to see these kids and our Kent Police officers with smiling faces as they race through the store picking out gifts.

We were able to welcome 48 kids this year and help make their holiday a bit more special. 

Special thanks to Kent Youth and Family Services and the staff at Target for the continued partnership.



________________________________________________________________________



With the holidays right around the corner, I just wanted to encourage you to shop local as we all do that last minute shopping we don't want to admit to.

It's a great way to help support Kent small businesses and our local economy!

You can find all kinds of special and unique gifts locally—and don't forget to grab a bite while you're out!

small business

________________________________________________________________________



game of life

Monday morning, Chief Padilla and I helped kick off the annual Game of Life Conference.

It's a daylong conference for Kent middle and high school students to learn and brainstorm about important topics impacting them and their peers.

Thank you to Stacy Judd from our Community Education group and the Kent Police Student Board for putting together this awesome opportunity for our students.



________________________________________________________________________



Our Annual Christmas Rush 5K/10K Fun Run and Walk got a little wet, but it did not stop the smiles from all of our participants! Residents and people from all around the region came through to get some exercise in, have fun and celebrate the holidays. 

christmas rush

________________________________________________________________________



tacoma stars

Saturday night, I participated in the inaugural first kick for the *Tacoma Stars* [ https://www.tacomastars.com/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ] at accesso ShoWare Center! 



________________________________________________________________________



What a surprise running into the Kentridge Chatelaines Saturday night before the Tacoma Stars match!

kentridge dancers

________________________________________________________________________



good eggs december

King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer's monthly “Good Eggs” breakfasts are always informative.

On Wednesday, we heard from Judge Sean O’Donnell, Chief Judge for King County’s Unified Family Court who spoke about the King County Superior Court system, important issues before the court, and how A.I. might affect the judicial branch.

Pictured: King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, Maple Valley Mayor Sean Kelly, Mayor of Pacific Leanne Guier, Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferell
Mayor of Algona Troy Linnell, and King County Superior Court Judge Sean O'Donnell.



________________________________________________________________________



We recently updated our Winter Weather Plan, which has tips and best practices for preparing for winter weather.

It explains the city’s capabilities and strategies for maintaining roadways, communication and public safety during rain, snow and ice.

It also has our anti-icing and plowing routes as well as details on our roadway response priorities during weather events. Check it out at *KentWA.gov/Winter. [ https://www.kentwa.gov/guides/winter-weather-plan?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*

winter weather

________________________________________________________________________



Kent City Council 

________________________________________________________________________



Here's the recap on what the Kent City Council has been working on! 

kent city councilcow

*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 ]*

________________________________________________________________________



Impaired Driving Awareness

________________________________________________________________________



dec

December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. Impaired driving is a serious threat to public safety—and often, without outside intervention, this behavior repeats.

The DUI Court program at the Kent Municipal Court connects offenders with with substance use and mental health disorders to recovery support services.

It's a specialized, therapeutic court program dedicated to changing the behavior of high-risk DUI offenders through intensive treatment and supervision.

The KMC DUI Court program consists of five phases designed to keep the participant alcohol and drug-free in order to rehabilitate and reduce the likelihood of recidivism.

We connect them with the treatment and resources they need so they can be healthy, thriving members of our community. Learn more at *bit.ly/4abOSbC [ https://bit.ly/4abOSbC?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ].*

________________________________________________________________________



Kent 101

________________________________________________________________________



Kent 101

*Kent 101 [ https://www.kentwa.gov/guides/kent-101?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]* is returning for a Spring Session in 2024!

If you haven't heard about it before, Kent 101 is our fun and interactive 8-week civics course that deepens understanding about local government and how it all works.

This program is perfect for high school students looking for career inspiration, college students who need more experience before joining the work force, working adults who want to have a stronger understanding about government work, or retirees looking to be more involved in their community.

Applications are now being accepted for the Spring 2024 session that starts in February! The deadline to apply is January 30, 2024.

________________________________________________________________________



Are you 50+ and alone for the holiday?

The Kent Senior Activity Center has a Holiday Take Home Meal for $5 that you can purchase today.

Call 253-856-5150 to order or for more information!

*Limit one meal per person while supplies last.


Holiday meal

________________________________________________________________________



music kent historical society

The Greater Kent Historical Society is hosting famed local musician Nancy Stewart for a sing-along celebration of winter holiday traditions from around the world.

Thanks to the Friends of the Kent Libraries for bringing fabulous music to the museum. Registration not required! 

?? Wednesday, December 20
⌚ 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
?? Greater Kent Historical Society



________________________________________________________________________



Vote on the best gingerbread house!

Come see the gingerbread houses on display at Kent Station and vote on your favorite! There will be prizes be given to the 3 houses who receive the most votes! 


gingerbread house

________________________________________________________________________



photos with santa
2022 Santa Photos at Santa's Cozy Cottage
in front of AMC! 

Visit Santa at Kent Station through December 23rd!

*Click here* [ https://www.kentstation.com/events/santaphotos?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ] for details including photos of Santa Dale, Santa Cecil and Santa Chukundi and to reserve your appointment online.



________________________________________________________________________



Kent Station Giving Tree!

Kent Station is collecting gifts for Seeds of Hope. Grab a tag off the giving tree outside the Santa house through December 23rd.

Bring your unwrapped gifts to the red box outside Johnny Rockets.

giving tree

________________________________________________________________________



Kent Historical Society event

The Greater Kent Historical Society is having a fun Winter craft day! Create a winter decoration to celebrate the season!

?? Friday, December 22
⌚ Noon to 4 p.m. 
?? Kent Historical Museum



________________________________________________________________________



Exciting news for Kent's vibrant business community! The City of Kent, in partnership with Business Impact NW, is excited to announce a three-year initiative designed to empower our local entrepreneurs.

If you are a small business operating in Kent, you will benefit from a network of connections and resources that are not only extensive but also easy to navigate, ensuring that businesses can focus on growth and long-term sustainability. To learn more and sign up for services, visit *Business Impact NW - City of Kent [ https://businessimpactnw.org/cityofkent/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*

Business Impact NW

________________________________________________________________________



emergency prepare

In an emergency situation your home may be insufficient to safely shelter you or your family. In this instance it is important to listen to government recommendations and evacuate. Most cities, including the City of Kent have predetermined evacuation routes for its residents. To prepare for an evacuation:* learn local evacuation routes, the location of nearby shelters, and create an emergency supply kit that you can grab quickly* [ https://www.kentwa.gov/guides/emergency-preparedness?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ].
[ http://kentwa.gov/Prepared?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]



________________________________________________________________________



*Kent Parks Winter Guide *

________________________________________________________________________



parks guide

Have you registered for a Winter class or program yet?

From preschool classes to offerings for Adults 50+ and everything in between, our Parks team offers something for everyone to enjoy. Registration is now open for all Winter programming.

Browse a digital copy or register online or register* online* [ https://web2.myvscloud.com/wbwsc/wakentwt.wsc/splash.html?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ] or by phone, mail, or fax. Participants can also register by walking into the Kent Commons or Senior Center during regular operating hours.

________________________________________________________________________



engage parks

Check out *EngageKentParks.com [ https://engage.kentwa.gov/hub-page/engage-kent-parks?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]* to see what projects we're currently working on and how you can get involved in the decision making process! Engage with us online and give us your ideas and feedback to help guide the planning process.  



________________________________________________________________________



The Kent Parks ShoWalk program has returned to the accesso ShoWare Center!

This free, indoor walking program offers a warm and dry place to walk and stay active during the cold, wet months.

*Check out the schedule here! [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/kent-parks/programs-activities/adult-fitness?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*

showalk

________________________________________________________________________



Spotlight Series 

________________________________________________________________________



Spotlight series

The 2023-2024 Spotlight Series has been such a hit so far, and the next performance in the line-up is one you will not want to miss!

The next show is *Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles *on Friday, January 26, 2024. Get tickets and *see the line-up of performances for the 2024 season online! [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/kent-parks/arts/spotlight-series?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*

________________________________________________________________________



welcoming center

Are you an immigrant, refugee or new to the community? A friendly Welcoming Ambassador can connect you to information and resources!

??Tuesdays until December 19
⌚ 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

*This is a drop-in service on Tuesdays at the Kent Library. [ https://kcls.bibliocommons.com/v2/events?_gl=1%2Abin7lp%2A_ga%2AMTQwNTU5Nzk0My4xNjk1OTM5MDA1%2A_ga_G99DMMNG39%2AMTcwMTQ1MzA2Ni4zLjAuMTcwMTQ1MzA2Ni4wLjAuMA..%2A_ga_87TS29R5HD%2AMTcwMTQ1MzA2Ni4zLjAuMTcwMTQ1MzA2Ni4wLjAuMA..%2A_ga_GSN8Q2NL99%2AMTcwMDUwMzA3Mi4xLjAuMTcwMDUwMzA3Mi4wLjAuMA..%2A_ga_VP05GNK0XC%2AMTcwMDUwMzA3Mi4xLjAuMTcwMDUwMzA3Mi4wLjAuMA..%2A_ga_QXTYXDVVNT%2AMTcwMDUwMzA3Mi4xLjAuMTcwMDUwMzA3Mi4wLjAuMA..&locations=BC_VIRTUAL%2C1520&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*



________________________________________________________________________



Do you want to be more involved in your city? Consider joining the Bicycle Advisory Board, which advises our City Council, Mayor and staff on projects, policies and programs that affect bicycling conditions. ?? Learn more at *bit.ly/3rlOSBV! [ http://bit.ly/3rlOSBV?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*

KBAB

________________________________________________________________________



batteries [ https://www.kingcountyhazwastewa.gov/about-us/hazardous-waste-library/b/batteries?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

*Drop off unwanted batteries at King County Hazardous Waste collection sites for safe recycling at no cost to you! [ https://www.kingcountyhazwastewa.gov/about-us/hazardous-waste-library/b/batteries?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*



________________________________________________________________________



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.

raskc

________________________________________________________________________



KentNow

Don't forget to check out the new episode of the KentNOW podcast!  Tracy, Josh and Kyle recap the year with some funny moments! 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 ]*



________________________________________________________________________



Translations A/文

________________________________________________________________________



translations

Traducción En Español [ https://content-govdelivery-com.translate.goog/accounts/WAKENT/bulletins/3803d91?_x_tr_hl=en-US&_x_tr_pto=wapp&_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=es&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

Bản dịch tiếng Việt [ https://content-govdelivery-com.translate.goog/accounts/WAKENT/bulletins/3803d91?_x_tr_hl=en-US&_x_tr_pto=wapp&_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=vi&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

中文翻译 [ https://content-govdelivery-com.translate.goog/accounts/WAKENT/bulletins/3803d91?_x_tr_hl=en-US&_x_tr_pto=wapp&_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=zh-TW&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਅਨੁਵਾਦ [ https://content-govdelivery-com.translate.goog/accounts/WAKENT/bulletins/3803d91?_x_tr_hl=en-US&_x_tr_pto=wapp&_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=pa&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

Перевод на русский язык [ https://content-govdelivery-com.translate.goog/accounts/WAKENT/bulletins/3803d91?_x_tr_hl=en-US&_x_tr_pto=wapp&_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=ru&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

مترجم إلى اللغة العربية [ https://content-govdelivery-com.translate.goog/accounts/WAKENT/bulletins/3803d91?_x_tr_hl=en-US&_x_tr_pto=wapp&_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=ar&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

*Lagu turjumay af-soomaali [ https://content-govdelivery-com.translate.goog/accounts/WAKENT/bulletins/3803d91?_x_tr_hl=en-US&_x_tr_pto=wapp&_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=so&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*

________________________________________________________________________









City of Kent, Washington

KentWA.gov [ https://www.kentwa.gov?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]  |  253-856-5200

Facebook [ https://www.facebook.com/CityofKent?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ] Twitter [ https://twitter.com/cityofkent?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ] YouTube [ https://www.youtube.com/user/KentTV21?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]  Instagram [ https://www.instagram.com/cityofkent/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

Subscriber Services

Manage Your Subscriptions [ https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WAKENT/subscriber/edit?preferences=true#tab1 ]  |  Unsubscribe [ https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WAKENT/subscriber/one_click_unsubscribe?verification=5.482a1b04327f4b18ce2a23a0bee296c1&destination=mc%40vivinavi.com ]  |  Contact Us [ https://www.kentwa.gov/residents/contact-us?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]  |  Terms of Use [ https://www.kentwa.gov/i-want-to/do-not-delete-these-pages/terms-of-use-privacy-policy?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]  |  Help [ https://subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com/ ]



________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent to mc@vivinavi.com using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: City of Kent · 220 Fourth Avenue South · Kent, WA 98032 GovDelivery logo [ https://subscriberhelp.granicus.com/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]