 August 9, 2023

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It’s that time of year again. Summer slowly moves into fall, the back-to-school deals are here, and students prepare for a year of new learnings and experiences.
The first day for Renton School District students is August 30. Communities In Schools Renton-Tukwila (CISR-T) supports students with back-to-school essentials through two events: Backpack Drive and Back-To-School Block Party.
The Backpack Drive runs through August 15 and is a partnership with Sound Credit Union. The drive helps students start the school year with the essentials, including backpacks, reusable water bottles, pencils, and spiral notebooks. The CISR-T website has a list of needed items. Please contact Keysha-Rae Cooper to arrange donation drop-off at their office, 3407 NE 2nd St. Monetary donations are also accepted.
The Back-To-School Block Party is August 20 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Liberty Park, 1101 Bronson Way N. This free event provides essential back-to-school needs to students and families, such as haircuts, backpacks, school supplies, and more.
In addition, here are a few final reminders and resources to take advantage of before the school year begins:
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The Renton School District Summer Meals Program runs through August 18 at nine locations providing meals to students from elementary to high school.

Coulon Park North Water Walk & Kiwanis Park projects completed
Thanks to everyone's patience during the closures and to the city’s Parks and Recreation Department staff for supporting and monitoring the projects to ensure they were completed on time and under budget.
The North Water Walk is enjoyed by many. It has new light-penetrating concrete deck panels that will improve fish habitat.
The work aligned with local, state, and federal regulatory requirements and requirements established in the State Department of Natural Resources Lease Agreement.

The newly improved Kiwanis Park includes accessible trails, a synthetic turf infield, a new ball field, an upgraded playground, covered picnic tables, a basketball court, restrooms, and many more exciting improvements.
Park Bond funds, King County Levy funding, and King County and Washington State grants funded both projects.
 Mayor Armondo Pavone presents the Farmers Market Week proclamation (August 6-12) to Olivia Cowley, Carrie Olson, Renton Farmers Market Manager, and Alec Carolan
Celebrate Farmers' Market Week
Farmers Markets are vital in supporting small businesses and farmers and providing fresh produce to the community. In 2022, Renton Farmers Market vendors earned $551,715 in sales and saw an 80% increase in shoppers compared to 2021. In addition, the market donated 2,791 lbs. of food to local feeding programs.
During Monday night’s city council meeting, Mayor Armondo Pavone designated August 6-12 as Farmers Market Week in Renton. Renton Farmers Market coordinator Carrie Olson accepted the proclamation.
“We have about 60 vendors all growing their produce in Washington state or producing their food or craft items in Washington state. Many of the small business owners live in Renton as well,” said Carrie. “We always like to remind you that if you ate today, you can thank a farmer.”
The market runs every Tuesday from 3-7 p.m. through September 26 at Piazza Park. Stay current on vendor schedules and locations through the online vendor map.

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Renton City Councilmember Ryan McIrvin receives his Certificate of Municipal Leadership from Mayor Armondo Pavone
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Councilmember McIrvin earns Certificate of Municipal Leadership
“Congratulations to Councilmember McIrvin for earning this distinction,” said Mayor Pavone. “This achievement reflects his strong desire to serve our residents above and beyond his normal councilmember duties.”
The program recognizes city- and town-elected officials for completing training in five areas:
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Roles, responsibilities, and legal requirements
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Public sector resource management
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Community planning and development
- Effective local leadership
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Diversity, equity, and inclusion
Councilmember McIrvin achieved his certificate after earning 30 CML credits and attending at least one workshop in each area.

Become a community hero: Fall CERT class registration opens August 10
Are you prepared if disaster strikes? From knowing how to bandage a small cut to putting out a fire, a crucial part of disaster preparation is being able to activate in the moments before first responders arrive.
Register for the city’s Emergency Management Division fall courses from the Community Emergency Response Team. Registration opens tomorrow, August 10.
CERT teaches how to prepare for and respond to disasters. Topics include personal preparedness, first aid, fire suppression, search and rescue, terrorism, and team organization.
During the 8-week course, participants will be involved in classroom and practical "hands-on" training. CERT graduates can serve as neighborhood "first responders" during the critical period after a disaster when existing resources are overwhelmed.
CERT will be held at Renton Regional Fire Authority Fire Station #14 starting Thursday, September 21, from 6-9 p.m. for eight weeks. The final drill is Saturday, November 4 from 7:30 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Free Museum Days – First Wednesday and third Saturday monthly, Renton History Museum (235 Mill Ave. S), 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
August 12 – Summerfest, Piazza Park, 12 – 10 p.m. Live music, art activities, games, food truck, beer & wine garden. Top Gun: Maverick showing at dusk.
August 12 – Renton Downtown Historic Walking Tours, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. Tickets are $25.

In other news this week
A recap of the news posted on the city’s social media accounts. Find us (@cityofrenton) on Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter. Renton residents can also find us on Nextdoor.
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