Downtown News - September 2012

City of Renton sent this bulletin at 09/10/2012 05:00 PM CDT

SEPTEMBER 2012

Did you miss the Cash Mob at happy delusions? Don't worry - the next Cash Mob will be at Old Renton Book Exchange on Tuesday, September 18; meet at The Met Coffee & Wine Bar at 5:30 pm to walk with others to the Book Exchange.

Downtown Topics

Have you noticed...

City News You Can Use

New Businesses in Downtown Renton

Business Resources

Downtown Businesses in the News

Downtown Business Events

Get Involved

Helpful Links

Downtown Revitalization Information and Resources

Downtown Events Calendar

Downtown Parking Map

City of Renton Downtown Page

Renton Chamber of Commerce

DTR - Facebook

City of Renton Facebook

Renton Farmers Market

Piazza Renton

Email news for future editions

Welcome to the Downtown News

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 open on Tuesdays through September 25

City of Renton replaces street trees in Downtown

Renton FilmFrenzy V registration now open!

Renton Oktoberfest, September 28 - 30

Harvest Festival & Renton Chamber of Commerce Business Expo, Saturday, October 13, 10 am - 4 pm

Start planning for Downtown Olde Fashion Halloween Party, Saturday, October 27, 1 - 4 pm

Renton Farmers Market: Did you know that the Renton Farmers Market at the Piazza is open on Tuesdays, 3 - 7 pm through September 25. Fresh fruit, produce, flowers and more fill the Piazza each Tuesday. And don't forget, one more Sunday at the Farmers Market at Valley Medical Center, Sundays, noon - 4 pm. For more information, contact 425-430-7214 or visit the webpage.

Street Trees: The City of Renton is replacing 24 red maple street trees along S 3rd Street between Rainier Avenue South and Burnett Avenue South beginning in early September. The 40-year-old trees have displaced sidewalks and curbs, and new sidewalks and curbs will be installed.

Twenty-three new “Steeple” trees, a variety of sugar maple, will be planted as replacements. The new trees will be planted in larger sidewalk cut-outs to avoid future sidewalk and curb problems. The trees will grow to a medium size when mature and will be planted in spaces that reduce conflicts with business signs, parking stalls, street lights and overhanging store canopies.

In addition, ten street trees will be planted along side streets to replace “Crimson Sentry” Norway maples that have recently died from a leaf disease. One tree will also be planted at the Piazza Park in downtown Renton. Additional plantings include six trees on Shattuck Avenue South, two trees on Whitworth Avenue South and two trees on Morris Avenue South. For more information, please contact Urban Forestry and Natural Resources Manager, Terry Flatley at 425-430-6600 or tflatley@rentonwa.gov.

Renton FilmFrenzy V: Renton will become a giant film studio from October 5-7, when filmmaking teams from throughout the region take part in the 5th annual Renton FilmFrenzy 50-hour filmmaking competition. At least twenty-five filmmaking teams are expected to compete for $1,700 in cash prizes and the coveted Curvee Awards, which will be presented October 23 at the Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center. The Best Picture winner will also be screened at the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) as a part of the Festival's week-long program in Renton, May 17-23, 2013.

Renton FilmFrenzy filmmakers may enter their films in one of two divisions: Student Division (high school and below) and Open Division. There is a $50 entry fee for the Open Division and a $25 entry fees for student competitors.

In addition to the Curvee Awards Gala, there will be a showing of all films at the Renton FilmFrenzy Screening on Monday, October 22, at the Renton Civic Theatre.

Registration opens for FilmFrenzy on September 1 and closes October 1. Full details, rules and applications are available at the Renton FilmFrenzy webpage.

Renton Oktoberfest: The Renton Chamber of Commerce and The Berliner Pub are hosting the inaugural Renton Oktoberfest, September 28 - 30 at the Renton Pavilion Event Center. Three days of German celebration - Bavarian style with German beers on tap, German bands, food, games, outdoor Biergarten and a whole pig roast! Tickets are $15 advance and $20 day of the event. Advance tickets available through BrownPaperTickets.com or at The Berliner Pub. More information, visit RentonOktoberfest.com.

Harvest Festival & Renton Chamber of Commerce Business Expo: Enjoy music, food and arts and craft vendors in the Piazza from 10 am – 4 pm. Ask the Master Gardeners your gardening questions or decorate pumpkins at the kids’ table, courtesy of Piazza Renton. While at the Festival, check out the Renton Chamber of Commerce Business Expo in the Renton Pavilion Event Center where 75 Renton businesses will be on hand to showcase their products and services. No admission fee for either event. For more information about the Harvest Festival, visit PiazzaRenton.com or call 206-919-9746. For more information about the Business Expo, visit gorenton.com or call 425-226-4560.

Olde Fashion Halloween Party: The Downtown Events Committee is gearing up for the Olde Fashion Halloween Party on October 27, 1 - 4 pm. This event attracts over 600 people to Downtown Renton. The Committee is exploring opportunities to enhance this event to provide more activities and entertainment for families. Downtown businesses who are interested in participating in the Trick or Treat from 1 - 4 pm or helping to plan the party event, please contact Amy Farnham at 425-254-2038.

Have you noticed...

hundreds of people strolling the streets of Downtown Renton on August 25? The 7th Annual Downtown Art & Antique Walk, hosted by Arts Unlimited, drew over 500 people to view and purchase local artists' work and shop and dine in Downtown. Want to help for next year's event? Contact artsunlimitedrenton@gmail.com.
a new fence at WACAP? Thanks to a grant to improve their facilities, WACAP has installed security features such as lighting and fencing and will enhance cameras in their back lot.
that community needs such as homelessness, hunger and at-risk youth are issues for the Renton community? The Renton Community Foundation is 'stepping up to the plate' to learn more about these community needs and identify gaps to make an impact. Read more about the Renton Community Foundation on its website and sign up for the quarterly newsletter to learn about the progress of this effort.
Renton High School principal Damien Pattenaude has been named a University Council for Educational Administration Barbara L. Jackson Scholar? The competitive two-year program is offered to only 40 doctoral students nationwide who show promise in the area of educational administration and leadership, and provides formal networking, mentoring and professional development for the select graduate students.
Downtown Renton businesses selected as the 2012 Renton Patch Readers' Choice Winners? Whistle Stop Ale House, Smoking Monkey Pizza, Blossom Vegetarian Restaurant, Melrose Grill, Brag Hair Salon, and happy delusions were selected as Renton Patch favorites. Congratulations!
exterior work on two Downtown Renton buildings? Facade improvements are being made to McCorkle & Associates - watch for the final touches of art! And siding is being replaced at 304 Main Ave S building. For ideas and resources on how to finance capital improvements to your building, check out this resource sheet.
Evening Magazine's "Best of Western Washington" voting is now open? Vote for your favorite Renton businesses today!
Renton Civic Theatre's new logo? In honor of the theatre's 25th Anniversary, this new logo was development and the website was revamped. Happy 25th RCT!
hundreds of volunteers throughout Downtown Renton on Saturday, September 8? As part of the Day of Service, volunteers worked on projects at the Downtown Library, RAYS, Salvation Army and Birthday Dreams.

City news you can use...

Rainier Ave Improvement Project Construction Alert

During the week of September 3, water main work required the closure of SW/S 7th St near the intersection with Rainier Avenue S between 6 pm and 6 am each day. Visit the project website for more information on the Rainier Avenue S Improvement Project for more information on the project schedule, weekly updates, and photos and maps of construction activities. For questions or comments, email info@rainierproject.com or call the 24-hour construction hotline at (425) 988-4104.

Nominate for Citizen of the Year by September 14

The Citizen of the Year program is sponsored by the Renton Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club of Renton and the City of Renton. The mission of the program is to formally recognize the contributions made by individuals who help to nurture the soul and sense of community in Renton through their selfless acts of generosity and volunteerism. Read more and download the nomination form. A banquet will be held on October 18 at the Renton Senior Activity Center.

Renton Municipal Arts Commission presents Local Artist Mary Clymer at Carco Theatre

The Renton Municipal Arts Commission proudly presents an exhibit by local craft artist Mary Clymer. The exhibit will be on display August 28 to October 12. The public is invited to meet the artist at a reception on Saturday, September 15, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Carco Theatre lobby. Mary will provide felt embellishments/decorations for any attendees who bring an extra t-shirt, skirt, jeans, jacket or similar item for a minimum fee.

Mary considers herself more of a crafter than an artist. She has been actively creating with her hands since before she can remember. She likes to challenge the borders of what defines art, and what’s considered to be craft. With an Associate degree in the Arts, and a passion for community, Mary has spent the last five years running her own shop, happy delusions, in downtown Renton. This has been a place for both art and community to come together and get a unique sense of what Renton has to offer.

To learn more about Mary and her work, visit her webpage. For more information about the Renton Municipal Arts Commission, visit ArtsCommission.rentonwa.gov.

Fall Arts Equinox, September 20, 6 - 8 pm

The Renton Municipal Arts Commission and Allied Arts of Renton host the Fall Arts Equinox, a free event, to showcase Renton’s growing arts and culture community! Enjoy a showcase of arts. Meet other professional and amateur artists in your field, learn about what’s happening in arts and culture and enjoy a Renton-style Pechu Kecha presentation. Discover how you can get involved to craft the future of Arts & Culture in Renton. Music, food and fun for all! Located at the Renton Technical College, Technology Resource Center. For more information, contact arts@rentonwa.gov.

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New Businesses in Downtown Renton

A belated welcome to Diana Pinto, owner of Pinto's Gun Shop at 224 Wells Ave S. Diana expanded Pinto's into the entire retail space after the retirement of previous business owner Daniel Cowen, Riflesmith. Welcome to Downtown Renton!
Innoden provides dental equipment and supply worldwide from their location at 212 Wells Ave S. For more information, visit their website.
Welcome to Celestial Sumstad at Lake Washington T-Shirt Co. Celetial can be reached at 425-591-9585.

New businesses coming soon to Downtown Renton

AV Appliances - 125 S 3rd St
Fremont Metals - 719 S 4th St

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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.

Washington Small Business Biz Fair 2012 - Saturday, September 29 - One Day, One Place

Learn from the experts how to form and run a successful business at the 16th annual Washington Small Business Fair. Biz Fair 2012 happens Saturday, September 29, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Renton Technical College, 3000 NE 4th Street, in Renton. The fair is free, with plenty of free parking and no advance registration. Fore more information, visit the Biz Fair webpage or FB page.

Sharpen your skills - attend seminars that cover important, up-to-date topics for all stages of business ownership. Savvy business experts share their knowledge and real-life experiences with you. Save valuable time - connect with 30 federal, state and local government agencies, and business and trade associations to get the information you need.

Interesting articles from Entrepreneur.com:

3 Simple Ways to Use LinkedIn to Boost Sales

7 Ways To Improve Pricing With A New Mix Of Products

Interesting articles from Inc.com:

How to Hire Extraordinary Employees: 7 Rules

Negotiating the Final Terms of Your Business Sale

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Downtown Businesses, Organizations and People in the News

In the Renton Reporter:

On Renton.Patch.com:

On Nasdaq.com:

First Financial Northwest, Inc. Announces Appointment of President and Chief Executive Officer of First Savings Bank Northwest

On SeattleTimes.com:

Renton bank chief stepping down

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Downtown and Special Business Events

Many Downtown businesses host events on a regular basis. For the latest information, check out their Facebook pages and become a fan!

Elixir Restaurant & Lounge (310 Wells Ave S) hosts a ribbon cutting grand opening, September 14, 4 pm. For more information, contact 425-204-1000.
Old Renton Book Exchange (227 Wells Ave S) hosts Pulitzer Prize winning photojournalist Jerry Gay. September 14, 6:30 - 8 pm, to discuss his book, "Seeing Reality" as well as displaying his original photographs. For more information, contact 425-430-2665.
Luther's Table (419 S 2nd St) hosts a 5K Fun Run/Walk on September 15, 9 am -12 pm at Renton Memorial Stadium. For more information, contact 425-970-3157.
Renton Chamber of Commerce (625 S 4th St) hosts a new member reception, Thursday, September 20, 5 - 7 pm. For more information about the Chamber, contact 425-226-4560.
Berliner Pub (221 Main Ave S) hosts inaugural Renton Oktoberfest, September 28-30 at the Renton Pavilion Event Center. For more information, visit the event webpage.
Renton History Museum (235 Mill Ave S) presents Planned Giving Seminar to learn more about planning your estate to benefit the Renton History Museum or any other charitable organization on September 20, 5-7 pm. Edward Jones representation Shane Klingenstein will share insights into financial planning that secures a long-term legacy for your favorite nonprofit and your family. Light refreshments will be served. Please RSVP at estewart@rentonwa.gov or by phone at 425-255-2330. Mark your calendar for the "Flamenco Gitana", October 13, 11 am and "Celebrate Halloween", October 7, 11 am. 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.
The Local 907 (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

Renton Farmers Market, every Tuesday, 3 - 7 pm, through September 25

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 "Grease" from September 7 - 22. Season tickets are still available. For more information, contact 425-226-5539.
Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center (400 S 2nd St) hosts: "The Johnny Cash Tribute Show" featuring Tommy Cash, September 16, 2 pm, 800-838-3006 or Brown Paper Tickets; Seattle Women's Chorus presents a preview performance of "How Sweet The Sound", October 6, 8 pm, 206-388-1400; Miss U.T.O.P.I.A. Seattle 2013, October 13, 7 pm, 800-838-3006 or Brown Paper Tickets; Rainier Symphony presents "Classical Concert One", October 20, 7:30 pm, 800-838-3006 or Brown Paper Tickets; "Fall Family Concert" featuring Seattle Philharmonic Orchestra, October 21, 2 pm, 425-255-5145 or 206-772-6528; Renton FilmFrenzy V, October 23, 7 pm; Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra presents Showcase 1, November 18, 800-838-3006 or Brown Paper Tickets.

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.
Dionisio's Grill (310 Wells Ave S) - Thursday nights; 425-291-7779.
Uncle Moe’s Snappy Inn (321 Williams Ave S) – Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights; 425-917-3130.
VFW (416 Burnett Ave S) - One Sunday a month; 425-255-9010.

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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, December 5, 8:30 am, Renton Chamber of Commerce offices (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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