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 April 3, 2024
READ ONLINE AND TRANSLATE
Renton's beloved rooftop dragon first landed downtown almost five years ago. For those who may be new to the area or haven't noticed this majestic creature, it is located on the east side of the building at South Third Street & Wells Avenue South in downtown Renton. The idea originated from Marsha Rollinger and Mitch Shepherd, two members of the Renton Municipal Arts Commission (RMAC).
With Renton's connections to Wizards of the Coast and its significant aircraft presence with Boeing and Renton Municipal Airport, a dragon was the perfect choice to represent the city. Paying homage to one of Renton's first settlers, the dragon was named Erasmus.
To commemorate Erasmus's landing, the city, Renton Downtown Partnership, and Renton Arts Commission will celebrate with several events throughout April.
April 5-12 - The 2024 Dragon Egg Treasure Hunt:
Starting Friday, the Renton Arts Commission invites the community to search for dragon eggs scattered across the city. This year's theme is "Elemental Quest." A total of 25 "dragon eggs" will be hidden on April 5, with an additional 25 eggs added on the morning of April 12. Crafted with care by the Renton Art Glass Studio, each four-inch sphere bears the stamp of a dragon and "RMAC" seal. Keep an eye out for these colorful orbs hidden in various locations in drawstring bags. Don't forget to register the discovery and tag the local business.
April 14 at 9 a.m. - The Dragon Dash 5K/10K Fun Run & Walk:
Renton’s Parks and Recreation Department hosts their second annual race that Erasmus has plotted. Starting at 826 S. 3rd St. and ending at Henry Moses Aquatic Center, this race is open to competitive runners, fun runners, walkers, and families. Register through April 13. 5K = $28 and 10K = $38
April 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - 5th Annual Renton Rooftop Dragon Landing Celebration:
After the Dragon Dash, join the community downtown to celebrate Renton's favorite and only rooftop dragon, Erasmus. The free street festival will include vendors, live performances, and crafts. Support local businesses in the downtown core that will offer celebratory dragon specials.
Eco-friendly opportunities for spring cleaning and waste disposal for residents
Spring forward with a clutter-free space. The coming month brings several opportunities for Renton residents to take advantage of environmentally responsible waste disposal options.
Through the Department of Ecology, E-Cycle Washington is a free program that makes it easy for Washington residents to recycle certain broken, obsolete, or worn-out electronics. Items they will accept include:
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Televisions
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Computers
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Laptops
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Monitors
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Tablets
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E-readers
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Portable DVD players
Electronic products contain valuable materials that can be recycled and toxic chemicals that should not end up in landfills. Find a location nearby to recycle electronics.
In addition, on April 20, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., join BECU's Spring Shred and E-Cycle free event at the BECU Tukwila Neighborhood Financial Center. During the event, BECU will be collecting:
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Secure Document Shredding by Shred-it
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Electronic Recycling by Uptekk Recycling
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Non-perishable food and cash donations by Tukwila Food Bank
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Clothing and household item donations by Northwest Center
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Bike donations by Bike Works
Finally, the Renton Police Department hosts its annual Shred-A-Thon & Prescription Drug Take Back on Saturday, April 27, at Renton Memorial Stadium, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (or until trucks are full). Turn in unused or expired prescription medications for safe disposal and up to five bags/boxes of paper per vehicle to be shredded on-site. In addition, please consider donating canned and dry goods and monetary donations to benefit the Emergency Feeding Program.
Renton actively promotes sustainable practices and waste reduction in local landfills throughout the year. Residents can contribute to keeping Renton clean and environmentally friendly by participating in these free initiatives.
Human Services Funding Collaborative applications due April 8
This funding opportunity is open to organizations and non-profits serving Renton residents with a range of needs, including basic necessities, connector services, domestic violence/sexual assault services, economic opportunities, health and wellness, and homeless/housing services.
The city forecasts a budget of $812,000 in annual human services agency funding for 2025-2026. Interested applicants fill out the application online through the Share1App.
To qualify for funding, agencies must fulfill the following criteria:
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Address one of the Renton human services funding priorities.
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Submit a complete application, including all attachments. No late or incomplete applications will be accepted or reviewed.
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Request a minimum of $15,000 per program.
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Meet minimum insurance requirements if awarded funds.
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Execute a contract with the City and be able to accept reimbursement for funds.
- Regularly track and submit required reports regarding services, demographics, and outcomes.
Once submitted, the city’s Human Services Advisory Committee will review and evaluate all applications. The Committee will rate proposals within each priority area based on program description, impact, accessibility, and budget.
Funding recommendations will be determined by Committee scores, discussion, funding availability, and final approval by the Renton City Council. The awarded amount for individual programs may be different from the amount requested.
Agencies will receive funding recommendations in the fall of 2024, with the fiscal and program year beginning January 1, 2025. Contact the city's Human Services Division for any questions or concerns.
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Around Renton
Free Museum Days – First Wednesday and third Saturday monthly, Renton History Museum (235 Mill Ave. S), 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
April 14 – Dragon Dash 5k/10k Fun Run and Walk, Downtown, 826 S. Third St., 9 a.m. Registration required.
In addition, starting on Friday, April 5, the Renton Arts Commission invites the community to search for dragon eggs scattered across the city. A total of 25 "dragon eggs" will be hidden on April 5, with an additional 25 eggs added on the morning of April 12.
April 20 – Renton Community Celebration “Sustainability Fair,” Renton Community Center, 1715 Maple Valley Hwy., 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Free event with lots of fun plus community information and opportunities. Everyone is welcome to enjoy face painting, lawn games, food, refreshments, and meet first responders.
May 11 – Community Garage Sale, Renton Community Center, 1715 Maple Valley Hwy, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Register online. Non-Residents $36 / Residents $30.
In other news
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.
Recreation Guide (classes, activities, leagues & events for January through April)
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