 April 14, 2023
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Renton youngsters got up close and personal with the heavy equipment that keeps the city functioning during Street Maintenance and Surface Water Divisions Story Time at the Renton Library on Thursday morning.
"We feel it's important to introduce children to our workers, equipment, and construction zones," explained Patrick Zellner, the city's Street Maintenance & Solid Waste Maintenance Services Manager. "We hope this might spark a child’s interest to become a skilled construction worker or direct them into another construction-type field."
The morning started with Patrick reading The Road That Trucks Built by Susannah Leonard Hill. The story describes how a group of trucks and equipment work together to build a new road. Next, he explained that while city maintenance crews do not build the roads, they work to keep them in like-new condition.
Safety was also a theme of the day. So, before the children went outside to see the equipment, Patrick asked them to pretend they were vehicles driving to a work zone and seeing signs and flaggers. He stressed the need to drive slowly and carefully because the workers were there helping fix a problem and are very close to traffic.
After that, they walked through a simulated construction zone outside, which included cones, signs, and flaggers, to get to the heavy equipment: a vactor truck that suctions and cleans storm drains, a closed circuit inspection unit that inspects surface water pipes, a backhoe for digging, a grader that uses a long blade to create a flat surface, a street sweeper for removing debris from streets, and a right-of-way sidearm mower to cut weeds and grass.
The children learned how the operators safely and efficiently use the machines, and several were able to sit in the wheel wells or in the cabs and honk the horns.
Zellner has worked for the city since 1986. He says it’s very rewarding to be a part of Story Time and see young people get excited about a new experience and possible opportunity for the future.
 Shred-a-thon is Saturday
Renton PD’s annual Shred-a-thon, Prescription Drug Take Back, and Food Drive is tomorrow, Saturday, April 15, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (or until trucks are full) at Renton Memorial Stadium (405 Logan Ave N, 98057).
Accepted:
- Up to 5 boxes (12”x15”x10”) or an equivalent amount in bags.
- Solid pills or capsules may be removed from the container and placed in a bag.
- Liquid drugs must be in their original containers. Make sure the cap is tightly sealed. Remove any identifying personal information.
Not accepted:
- 3-ring binders/notebooks, binder clips, CDs, plastic, or electronics.
- Intravenous solutions, injectables, needles, inhalers, syringes, chemotherapy medications, vaping devices with batteries that cannot be removed, or medical waste.
Food Drive:
- Canned food, dry goods, or monetary donations will be accepted to benefit the Renton Salvation Army Food Bank.
Please remain in your vehicle, and volunteers will remove items.
A special thank you to our event partners Iron Mountain, U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration, and The Salvation Army.
 Renton River Days Advisory Board openings
Would you like to help shape Renton Rivers Days? The Renton River Days Advisory Board has openings. The board meets the first Tuesday of the month at 4:30 p.m. and offers a remote option.
The nine-person board assists with the city’s goal of creating and maintaining a vibrant community by promoting understanding and appreciation of our diversity through celebrations and festivals. Members help plan and implement programming, develop partnerships, and identify event trends.
If you’re interested, applications are available on the city’s website, at Renton Community Center (1715 Maple Valley Highway, 98057), at Don Persson Senior Activity Center (211 Burnett Ave. N, 98057), or by calling 425-430-6700 to have one mailed. Applications can also be completed online at the city’s website.
Unless submitted online, return completed applications to Jennifer Spencer at the Community Center or mail to the City of Renton, Mayor’s Office, Renton City Hall, 7th Floor, 1055 South Grady Way, Renton, WA 98057. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. on May 15, 2023.
For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 425-430-6600 or parksandrec@rentonwa.gov.
 Half-Pint, Water Walk, and Lap Swim programs to start at HMAC
Henry Moses Aquatic Center (HMAC) will start taking reservations at 9 a.m. on April 17 for its Half-Pint Splash-n-Play, Lap Swim and Water Walking programs.
Half-Pint Splash-n-Play is for ages 6 months to 5 years, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays in June. The cost is $30 for residents and $36 for non-residents. A few reminders:
- Maximum 1 child per adult.
- Lifeguards will be on duty, but adults must always be within arm’s length of their child.
- Please leave toys at home.
- Only US Coast Guard-approved lifejackets.
- Swim Diapers are required.
Lap Swim/Water Walking sessions for those 18 and older are June 2 to 18, in the morning (10 a.m.- 2p.m.) and late afternoon (4-8 p.m.) on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The cost is $7 per session.
HMAC’s full opening is Saturday, June 24. Reservations will be accepted starting at 9 a.m. on June 5.
 Entrepreneur pitch finale is April 18
Renton Downtown Partnership hosts the finale of its Main Street Entrepreneur Pitch Competition on Tuesday, April 18, at 6 p.m. at the Renton Civic Theatre. The event is a collaboration between the partnership, City of Renton, VAULT 89, and the Port of Seattle. Tickets are $10 and available online.
Two months ago, more than 60 business owners and entrepreneurs registered for one of the competition's three categories: Startup/Idea, Early, and Established.
The competitors attended workshops covering business basics, finances, business plans, and marketing every two weeks with coaches and mentors from the partnership and Washington Small Business Development Center. Their responses to assigned tasks reduced the original number to 18. Last week they honed their pitch presentations. On April 18, they will be live on the Civic Theatre stage to present their three-minute business pitch to a three-judge panel.
The winner in each category receives $5,000. In addition, if any finalist signs a business lease for a storefront downtown by October 15, 2023, they will be awarded an additional $5,000 incentive.
 EV Public Workshop on April 26
The city will host an Electric Vehicle (EV) Public Workshop as we continue our discussion of the future of charging electric vehicles in Renton.
The workshop will be held via Zoom on Wednesday, April 26, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Participants will help city staff identify future charging site locations and discuss priorities and concerns about EV charging.
 Egg-cellent hunt ends
Thank you to all who participated in Renton Municipal Arts Commission’s Dragon Quest Scavenger Hunt.
Congratulations to those four who found the coveted dragon eggs. Those winners received a treasure chest filled with original artwork created by local artists for the hunt. If you were late to the search or baffled by the clues, the locations of the four eggs were:
- Sunset Neighborhood Park artwork
- Renton Community Center Renton artwork
- Seahawks sign at Renton City Hall
- Waterworks Gardens
While searching for the eggs, hunters also spotted special “Dragon Orbs” left at parks around the city. The arts commission’s Facebook and Instagram pages will have clues to find the remaining orbs. There are also glass dragon tokens waiting to be found.
 Dragon Dash is Saturday
Our celebration of Erasmus concludes this Saturday with the inaugural Dragon Dash 5K/10K. Remember that traffic will be closed from 9 to 11 a.m. on the following streets. Detour routes will be in place.
- S 3rd Street between Williams Avenue S and Mill Avenue S
- Wells Avenue S between S 2nd Street and S 3rd Street
- Main Avenue S between S 2nd Street and S 4th Street
 Distracted Driving Awareness Month
Renton Police Department is joining Washington state's "Target Zero" campaign during Distracted Driving Awareness Month. During the month of April, patrols will watch for distracted drivers and bring awareness to this often-deadly issue. Funding for the additional patrols comes from a Target Zero grant.
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving. It includes talking or texting, eating, drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, and accessing the stereo, entertainment, or navigation system.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that distracted driving killed 3,522 people in 2021. The NHTSA is dedicated to removing risky behaviors from our roadways. Visit their website for more information.
 Mondays – Free Community Grocery Store, St. Matthews Church (1700 Edmonds Ave NE), 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Presented by Sustainable Renton.
Free Museum Days – First Wednesday and third Saturday monthly, Renton History Museum (235 Mill Ave. S), 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Pop-Up Lunches
April 19 – 300 Rainier Ave. N, 12-1:30 p.m. Sponsored by the Emergency Feeding Program/SOS. Regularly held on the second and fourth Wednesday through December 2023.
Erasmus Celebration Events
April 1 to 15 – Dragon Scavenger Hunt. Keep an eye out for dragon eggs hidden across the city. Register to receive the clues and use your keen eye, sharp wit, and courage to find them. The hunt ends when all four eggs have been found. Winners will receive prizes on April 15.
April 15 – Dragon Dash 5K/10K Fun Run & Walk, 10 a.m. Open to competitive and fun runners, walkers, and families. Start downtown at Erasmus (826 S 3rd St.) and end at Henry Moses Aquatic Center (1719 SE Maple Valley Hwy). Early bird registration is open. Cost: $28 for 5K; $38 for 10K. Register before April 7 and receive a long-sleeved t-shirt.
April 15 – Shredathon and Rx Prescription Drug Take Back, Renton Memorial Stadium (405 Logan Ave. N), 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
April 15 – Nagar Kirtan, Khalsa Gurmat Center (2835 S. 344th St., Federal Way 98003), 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
April 20 – June 1 – Renton Emergency Management CERT classes, Renton Regional Fire Authority Station 14 (1900 Lind Ave SW 98057), 6-9 p.m. from April 20 to June 1. Final drill, Saturday, June 3, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Register online using the keyword CERT. Ages 18 and up.
April 23 – Neighborhood Picnic, Thomas Teasdale Park (601 S 23rd St.) 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., “Sustainability”
May 12 – Renton Library Resource Days, Renton Library (100 Mill Ave. S). For community members in need of support. Local service providers will be on hand to assist with healthcare, legal aid, obtaining a phone, and more. Gently used clothes, hygiene kits, and a free lunch will be available.
May 13 – Metal & Styrofoam Recycling, Renton Technical College Parking Lot (NE 6th Place & Monroe Ave. NE), 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Non-perishable food items collected for distribution to Renton-area food banks.
May 20 – Neighborhood Picnic, Renton Community Center (1715 Maple Valley Hwy), 12 to 3 p.m., “Grad Party & Job Fair”
June 6 – Renton Farmers Market, Opening Day, Piazza Park (233 Burnett Ave S), 3-7 p.m.
June 10 – Mattress, Box Spring, Cardboard, Styrofoam & Tire Recycling, Renton Technical College Parking Lot (NE 6th Place & Monroe Ave. NE), 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Non-perishable food items collected for distribution to Renton-area food banks.
June 23 – Neighborhood Picnic, Cascade Elementary School (16022 116th Ave SE), 4 to 7 p.m., “U.N. Public Service Day”
July 19 – Neighborhood Picnic, Renton High School (400 S 2nd St.), 5 to 8 p.m., “Celebrate Renton!”
Sept. 9 – Styrofoam & Document Shred Recycling, Renton Technical College Parking Lot (NE 6th Place & Monroe Ave. NE), 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Non-perishable food items collected for distribution to Renton-area food banks.
 In other news this week
A recap of the news posted on the city’s social media accounts. You can find us (@cityofrenton) on Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter. Renton residents can also find us on Nextdoor.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Arts in Renton
Arts and Culture Grants (due April 21)
City Council (agendas, documents, and meeting video)
Parks Projects (Arnold, Coulon, Kiwanis)
Pet Microchipping (free for Renton residents)
Rainier Avenue S Phase 4 construction project
Recreation Guide (current classes, activities, leagues & events for January to April)
Report issues via Renton Responds
Summer Employment Opportunities
Traffic Projects (information on impact projects)
This Week in Renton
This Week in Renton is posted on the City of Renton’s website where it can be translated. For additional translation services email communications@rentonwa.gov.
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Story ideas or comments: communications@rentonwa.gov
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