Downtown News - June 2012

Downtown Renton is the City's eclectic, historic and artistic center. Whether you are looking for a one-of-a-kind shopping or dining experience, urban living opportunities or enjoying Downtown's amenities — Downtown Renton has something for you. This monthly newsletter keeps you informed about what’s happening in Downtown (or DTR as it's known to locals) and shares opportunities to become involved in Downtown. Help us spread the word about Downtown and don't forget to e-mail your news to include in future editions.

Hot Topics...

Renton Farmers Market opens Tuesday, June 5!

Downtown Committee Quarterly Meeting, Wednesday, June 6, 8:30 am at NEW Renton Chamber of Commerce

Return to Renton Benefit Car Show to draw over 4,000 people and close Downtown streets, Sunday, July 8

Downtown Renton River Days Window Decorating Contest

Renton Farmers Market: The Renton Farmers Market season begins on June 5! Be there at 2:45 pm for the official opening ceremony. Enjoy fresh produce, fruit and other food from nearly 60 vendors. Your business can participate by becoming a Friend of the Market by making a contribution from $50 - $1,000 or becoming a booth sponsor. Your contribution helps to support a Downtown activity that draws over 4,000 people weekly and supports local farmers and healthy eating. For more information, visit the Sponsor webpage. Volunteers are also needed to help with the Tuesday or Sunday Farmers Markets in Renton. Please contact Valria Lopez at 425-430-7214 or vlopez@rentonwa.gov for more information.

Downtown Committee Quarterly Meeting: Join us for the next Downtown Committee quarterly meeting on Wednesday, June 6, 8:30 - 10 am, at the NEW Renton Chamber of Commerce offices at 625 S 4th St. Meet your business peers, learn what's happening in Downtown and see the new Chamber offices! For more information, contact Kellie Jordan at 425-226-4560 or kjordan@gorenton.com.

Return to Renton Benefit Car Show: Mark your calendars for Sunday, July 8, 10 am - 3 pm for the next Return to Renton Car Show. This event draws over 4,000 people to enjoy classic cars and stroll Downtown. Open up your doors to this crowd, which arrives as early as 7 am! For more information, including sponsor opportunities, contact 425-430-7589 or Return_to_Renton@yahoo.com.

Renton River Days Downtown Window Decorating Contest: Get your creative juices flowing for this year's Renton River Days Downtown Window Decorating Contest! Decorate your storefronts and windows in this year's Renton River Days theme: "Duck Into Fun!" Need some help? Contact Downtown Events Committee Chair Amy Farnham (425-254-2038) for referrals to artists to help design an eye-catching display. Displays should be done by July 1 to showcase for the Return to Renton Car Show and Renton River Days Parade.

Have you noticed...

the sweet smell of dessert, tea and creativity in Downtown Renton on Saturday, May 12? Liberty Cafe and happy delusions partnered with Theo Dorres Aromatics and Sweet Coconut Bakery to host a card making, sweets and tea pairings to celebrate Mom. Watch for future events highlighting these local businesses.
over $25,000 in scholarships were awarded from 4 scholarship funds through the Renton Community Foundation? Congratulations to all the deserving students!
500 people walking from the Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center to the Renton Pavilion Event Center on Friday, May 18? The evening was a sold out crowd for the second year of SIFF-Renton Opening Night Screening & Gala.
1 year anniversary celebrations at Berliner Pub? The celebration included a pig roast and lots of toasting to a successful first year in Downtown!
Downtown businesses supporting volunteers to restore the Cedar River Watershed? After a Friends of Cedar River Watershed volunteer restoration project on May 26, volunteers were treated to a party at A Terrible Beauty Irish Pub with cupcakes from Common Ground Coffee & Cupcakes and coupons to participating businesses such as Old Renton Book Exchange, Smoking Monkey Pizza, GHY Bikes, happy delusions, PIP Printing, Brag Hair Salon, and Liberty Cafe.
more customers using their CurveCards? After some recent news stories about Renton's shop local program, Shop Renton, over 100 cards were requested in just one day! There is no fee for businesses to join or customers to obtain the cards. Businesses decide the special or reward for your customers. Not already a "Shop Renton" participant? Read more on this website and sign up today!
a call for plastic grocery bags? The Renton Rotary Salvation Army Food Bank is in desperate need of grocery bags. Donations can be made directly to the food bank.

City news you can use...

Invest in Your Neighborhood: Second Round of Neighborhood Matching Project Grants Offered for 2012

As part of its efforts to foster strong and healthy neighborhoods, the City of Renton announces the Neighborhood Project Grant Program for 2012. The grants are available to organized neighborhood associations with defined boundaries in the City of Renton and have been officially recognized by the city. The grants stimulate community projects that help build stronger neighborhoods and strengthen partnerships between the city and its neighborhoods. Eligible projects include physical improvements that build or enhance a feature of the neighborhood or benefit the general public.

The grants range in the amount of $3,000 to $5,000 per project although the actual amount is based on a project’s merit and is determined by the Renton City Council, following on the recommendation of a staff-level interdepartmental team. Grant applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 15, 2012. Applications may be accessed on our web site at www.rentonwa.gov. Awards will be announced in early July 2012. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Norma McQuiller, Neighborhood Program Coordinator, at 425-430-6595 or nmcquiller@rentonwa.gov.

“Make Art Happen in Renton”: Renton Municipal Arts Commission to provide small arts and culture grants

The Renton Municipal Arts Commission (RMAC) is reaching out to the Renton arts and cultural community with two funding opportunities. The Commission is accepting proposals for the 2012 “Make Art Happen in Renton” Small Grant Program, which supports projects that increase opportunities for art and culture activities. The grant opportunities are consistent with Renton’s Arts & Culture Master Plan, which was adopted by the Renton City Council in August 2010 and can be viewed on the Arts & Culture Master Plan webpage at ArtsCommission.rentonwa.gov.

The Arts Commission anticipates presenting as many as 10 awards for up to $250 each to artists and organizations promoting art within Renton. Applications are due Friday, June 29, 2012. Grant applications will be screened by the Arts Commission and voted on by the public at Renton River Days. Awards will be announced by August 17, and projects must be completed by December 31, 2012. For more information and an application, visit ArtsCommission.rentonwa.gov or contact 425-430-6589 or arts@rentonwa.gov. For more information about the Renton Municipal Arts Commission, visit ArtsCommission.rentonwa.gov.

City of Renton Receives Award for Web-Based Interactive Maps

The City of Renton received the award for Best Online Interactive Map application at the Washington Chapter of Urban and Regional Systems Association (WAURISA) annual conference. The City of Renton Maps (COR Maps) application is a web-based system that lets you have Renton at your fingertips. COR Maps pulls together a variety of resources, and puts it into maps you can view, save or print. It’s not just an average road map. Through COR Maps you can view school locations in or near their neighborhood or the closest fire station, hospital or medical services. It also includes the location of community centers, bike routes and trails, and parks. You can research property values, property lines, land use, regulated shorelines and where streams and rivers are located. Other useful information such as transportation, jurisdictional boundaries and information about many of the city’s services can also be found using COR Maps.

Need zoning, sewer or street information for building or renovating? Trying to remember where that great looking park was located? Have an appointment and want to find the right place and the best transportation route? COR Maps can help.

COR Maps is a new way for the city to communicate with citizens and regional customers providing details on Renton’s neighborhoods, amenities, services and events. The system includes a video tutorial that can help you get started. Visit rentonwa.gov, type COR Maps in the search engine and then click “launch COR Maps.” Look for more great features to be added in the future.

Renton Municipal Arts Commission proudly presents artwork by local artist Jan Tervonen

The Renton Municipal Arts Commission proudly presents an exhibit by local watercolor artist Jan Tervonen. The exhibit will be on display at Carco Theatre May 14 – June 22.

Jan Tervonen grew up in a Finnish-American family and was taught the values of simplicity, organization and having a sense of humor. Mostly self-taught, she has developed a minimalistic abstract style with a wry sense of humor representative of her Finnish-American roots. Her paintings have been featured at local galleries, art centers, and numerous shops in the Seattle area. Jan was the recipient of the Vascovitz Family Scholarship for Drawing and Painting at the Pratt Fine Arts Center where she studied. She is a member of the Pratt Fine Arts Center, the Kirkland Arts Center, the Eastside Association of Fine Arts, and artEAST. You can also see her work at www.dajanarts.com.

Carco Theatre, adjacent to the Renton Community Center, is located at 1717 Maple Valley Highway at the intersection of I-405 and Maple Valley Highway. Theatre hours of operation are 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday, with additional viewing on show nights. Please contact the theatre for show times at 425-430-6706. For more information about the Renton Municipal Arts Commission, visit ArtsCommission.rentonwa.gov.

City of Renton’s Parks and Trails Use Will Heat Up this Summer

Summer is just around the corner and Renton’s Parks and Trails will become more popular as the weather improves. Take some time this summer to visit one of Renton’s parks, trails or natural areas such as the Black River Riparian Forest. A few friendly reminders about using Renton’s parks and trails are listed below.

• Dogs are not allowed at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park or Kennydale Beach Park. At all other parks, dogs must be on an eight-foot leash. An off-leash dog park is located along the Cedar River across from the Renton Community Center. Pet owners please obey the scoop law.

• The speed limit on a portion of the Cedar River Trail was reduced in 2011 and there are dismount zones. Please obey all signage.

Renton’s park maintenance staff maintain the facilities and act as customer service representatives to the public. Comments, suggestions and questions are always welcome. Trail Rangers will be on the Cedar River Trail from June through September to assist with trail education and report unwanted activity. If suspicious or dangerous behavior is noticed, please dial 9-1-1. For more information on Renton’s park rules and regulations, trail etiquette or maps of parks, trails and bikeways, please visit rentonwa.gov or call 425-430-6600.

College Bound Scholarship Program for 7th & 8th grade students - sign up by June 30

The College Bound Scholarship Program is a commitment to 7th and 8th graders whose families are unable to pay for college. Eligible students apply for the College Bound Scholarship Program, which promises annual college tuition and a small book allowance. Students must do well in school, be good citizens and graduate with a 2.0 or higher. Families must sign up by June 30. For more information, visit the College Bound Scholarship webpage.

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New Businesses in Downtown Renton

Elixir Restaurant & Lounge (310 Wells Ave S, 425-204-1000) offers Indian buffet, Naan pizzas and more. They are open for lunch from 11 am - 3 pm and dinner from 5 - 9 pm. Welcome owner Gary Purewal to Downtown Renton!

New businesses coming soon to Downtown Renton

Dionisio's Grill has moved from 310 Wells Ave S to 317 Main Ave S. Watch for their grand re-opening soon.

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Business Resources

Renton Small Business Advisor available to help your business!

Did you know that as a business leader in Renton, you have access to free and confidential business assistance services? The Small Business Development Center Business Advisor can advise on topics such as business planning, financing, marketing, research, employee relations and any other topic and challenges your business faces. Contact Renton's Business Advisor Asbury Lockett today at 425-235-7819 or SBDC-Renton@rtc.edu.

Small Size Is Your Biggest Advantage: 4 Ways

Inc. believes small business owners shouldn't pretend you're a large company. Small businesses can help you beat the competition. Read more about how to utilize small business assets - accessibility, approachability, specialization and speed.

Mark your calendars: King County Small Business Awards

King County Executive Dow Constantine will host the second annual King County Executive’s Small Business Awards on October 10, 2012 to recognize and celebrate the significance of small businesses to the King County economy. He will be joined again this year by emcee John Curley with a special appearance from the Seahawks Blue Thunder Drumline. The event will be held at the Meydenbauer Center from 7:15 am to 9 am. For more information, visit the Small Business Awards webpage. If you have a business you would like to nominate, please contact dced@rentonwa.gov or the Renton Chamber of Commerce.

Six Tips for Mobile Marketing to Engage Customers

Entrepreneur provides ideas on how to find ways to stay in front of mobile customers in a two-way dialogue.

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Downtown Businesses, Organizations and People in the News

In the Renton Reporter:

On Renton.Patch.com:

On KOMONews.com

Renton offers reward card that's good all over town

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Downtown and Special Business Events

Smoking Monkey Pizza (613 S 3rd St) now offers happy hour specials from 4:30 - 6:30 pm. For more information, contact 425-291-7560.
happy delusions (924 S 3rd St) and Liberty Café (926 S 3rd St) host First Friday in dtr. Visit dtr (Downtown Renton) on S 3rd between Main and Wells on Friday, June 2, starting at 5 pm for art, music and a darn good time. For more information, contact dtrfirstfriday@gmail.com or Facebook – Downtown Renton First Friday.
Renton Chamber of Commerce (625 S 4th St) hosts a grand opening and member reception on Friday, June 15, 3-7 pm, help welcome Downtown's newest neighbor! Celebrate at the Business Excellence Awards Banquet, Tea Palace on June 7, 5:30 to 9:00 pm. For more information, contact 425-226-4560.
Berliner Pub (221 Main Ave S) introduced its Stein Club during its 1st year anniversary. Visit their business to learn more about the details that include discounts on drinks, entrees and the chance to be the "Stein Master." For more information, contact 206-793-6437.
Renton History Museum (235 Mill Ave S) presents new exhibit this month: Duwamish Journey with Johnny Moses opens June 12 - August 24. All programs are free with regular Museum admission, which is a suggested donation of $3 for adults or $1 per child. Renton History Museum hours are 10 am – 4 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, contact 425-255-2330.
Compass Veterans Center (419 S 2nd St) offers a way to honor those who served in the military year-round by helping to furnish the newly built housing for Veterans and their families – everything from dishes to towels. Visit the website for more information or contact 206-357-3240.
happy delusions (924 S 3rd St) hosts Stitch & %itch gatherings on Sundays 1- 5 pm at the store. Bring your craft project to work on and socialize. For more information, contact 425-255-6078 or happydelusions@yahoo.com.
A Terrible Beauty Irish Pub (201 Williams Ave S) hosts trivia night every Monday and Pub Quiz Bingo Night every Thursday; 425-227-3396.
DC's Bar and Grill (907 S Third St) hosts trivia every Wednesday at 8 pm and comedy on the 3rd Thursdays of the month at 8 pm. For more information, contact 425-255-2511.
Liberty Cafe (926 S 3rd St) hosts a weekly Monday Magic gathering at 6 pm, weekly Art Jam on Tuesday at 7 pm for artists to create art, contact 425-235-1400.

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Downtown Community Events

June

5 Renton Farmers Market season begins through September 25, Tuesdays, 3 - 7 pm,

Opening day ceremony at 2:45 pm

July

22 - 29 Renton River Days Window Decorating Displays*

28 Renton River Days Parade, S 3rd St, 10 am

August

25 Downtown Renton Art & Antique Walk, 11 am - 5 pm

October

5 - 7 Renton FilmFrenzy Filming weekend

13 Fall Harvest Festival** and Renton Chamber of Commerce Business Expo, 10 am - 4 pm

22 Renton FilmFrenzy Film Screenings, 7 pm

23 Renton FilmFrenzy Awards Gala, 7 pm

27 Dowtown Trick or Treat & “Olde” Fashion Halloween Party*, 1 – 4 pm

December

1 Downtown Renton Tree Lighting** & Holiday Activities*, 3 – 7 pm

7 & 14 Santa's House*, 5 – 7 pm

8 & 15 Santa's House*, 1 – 4 pm

*For more information or to volunteer for these events, contact 425-254-2038.

**For more information or to volunteer for these events, contact 206-919-9746.

Downtown Art & Cultural Events:

Renton Civic Theatre (507 S 3rd St) hosts Pump Boys and Dinettes, June 8 through June 23. For more information about these or other events, contact 425-226-5539.
Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center (400 S 2nd St) hosts: Seattle Men's Chorus Preview Performance "SING OUT", June 16, 206-388-1400; Renton City Concert Band "Annual Summer Concert", June 17, 425-430-6706.

Tastings:

Red House Beer & Wine Shoppe (410 Burnett Ave S): check out the theme-based Wednesday tastings, 6 - 8 pm, $15-25 for food and tasting; first Wednesday - wines of the West Coast; second Wednesday - "Beer Scouts" beer tasting; third Wednesday - Old World Wine Experience; fourth Wednesday - Granny's Recipe Box has Red House staff cooking up customer's favorite heirloom recipes; 425-226-2666.
The Met Coffee & Wine Bar (232 C Burnett Ave S): every Thursday, 5 - 7 pm, with live music, $5; 425-687-7989.

Live music entertainment:

Luther's Table (419 S 2nd St) - Live music Thursday through Saturday and Thursday open mic night; 425-970-3157.
A Terrible Beauty Irish Pub (201 Williams Ave S) – Live rock & roll every Friday and Saturday nights and live jazz at brunch every Saturday and Sunday 9 am – 3 pm, Irish music session, Sundays at 5 pm; 425-227-3396.
Liberty Café (926 S 3rd St) - Jam sessions every Saturday night, open mic night every Wednesday; 425-235-1400.
Williams Ave Sports Bar (214 Williams Ave S) - Live music every Friday; 425-277-2766.
Uncle Moe's Snappy Inn (321 Williams Ave S) – Jam session every Sunday, 5 – 10 pm; 425-917-3130.
Harambee (316 S 3rd St) – hosts open mic night on the last Friday of the month, 8:30 pm; 425-271-6700

Karaoke in Downtown:

The Berliner Pub (221 Main Ave S() - Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights; 206-793-6437.
A Terrible Beauty Irish Pub (201 Williams Ave S) – Tuesday and Wednesday nights; 425-227-3396.
Uncle Moe’s Snappy Inn (321 Williams Ave S) – Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights; 425-917-3130.
Eagles (220 Wells Ave S) - Saturdays; 425-226-1721
VFW (416 Burnett Ave S) - One Sunday a month; 425-255-9010.
Williams Ave Pub (214 Williams Ave) – Saturdays; 425-277-2766.

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Get Involved

Have an idea to improve Downtown? Want to join others to create positive efforts in Downtown? It only takes a few people to make a big difference.

Here are just a few ways to get involved:

Attend the next Downtown Committee meeting, Wednesday, June 6, 8:30 am, Renton Chamber of Commerce (625 S 4th St). Mark your calendars!
Join Piazza Renton to help keep Piazza Park alive with activity! Contact Linda Middlebrooks at 206-919-9746 or jmidbk@aol.com for more event opportunities.
Help plan and implement events to draw people to discover Downtown. Events include Clean Up Day; Poker Run; Storefront Scarecrows; Trick or Treat; "Olde" Fashion Halloween Party in Main Street Square; and Holiday Celebration. Contact Amy Farnham at 425-254-2038 for more information.
Join the Renton Farmers Market Working Group or join the Friends of the Market list of contributors. For more information, contact 425-430-7214 or vlopez@rentonwa.gov.
Keep up with the latest happenings throughout the City through the Community Services Newsletter – available on-line.

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Thank you for your continued support of Downtown Renton!

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