DT News - FINAL_10:53 final draft (needs attachments, editing to font)

City of Renton sent this bulletin at 07/20/2011 05:40 PM CDT

July 2011

The Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center housed the premier of Seattle International Film Festival-Renton in May 2011.

Email your favorite pictures of Downtown to be showcased here!

Downtown Topics

New Businesses in Downtown Renton

Business Resources

Downtown Businesses in the News

Downtown Business Events

Get Involved

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.

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

Don't forget - IKEA Renton River Days is this weekend, Friday, July 22 - Sunday, July 24

The 26th Annual Renton River Days is a multi-day family festival and celebration of community pride. It is a time to gather with family, friends and neighbors and enjoy the amenities and activities which make Renton a great community in which to live, work and play. IKEA Renton River Days features an expanded KidZone (inflatables and numerous activity stations just for kids), two entertainment stages, Nibble of Renton, Art Market (arts and crafts booths), Renton Annual Art Show (juried fine art show at the Renton Community Center), Community Booths, Quilt Show (inside the Library), Chalk Art Contest (on the sport court), plus much more. Visit the website for more information and to download the Festival schedule.

Congratulations to the Downtown Renton Window Display winners!

Eleven Downtown businesses decorated their store windows and display areas to highlight Renton River Days "The Magic Continues" theme. Little Quadoo won first prize with their display of fairies, magic and ducks. happy delusions won second prize with a nostalgic take on Renton River Days with past festival shirts, mugs and even a cast of the River Days boy and girl. Old Renton Book Exchange won third prize with oragami ducks floating on a river of blue books. Renton Western Wear received an honorable mention for their display of ducks floating in boots down the western landscape. Thanks to all the businesses who participated and the volunteer judges: Bill Huls, Renton Civic Theatre, Ed Prince and Mark Martinez. Take a stroll and pick your favorite!

You're invited to the #Renton5000 event, Thursday, July 28, 5:30 – 8 pm which celebrates the City of Renton Facebook page reaching 5,000 fans - the only City north of San Francisco with this many fans! Join us for the celebration at The Berliner Pub (221 Main Ave S) starting at 5:30 pm to enjoy tasty appetizers, raffle prizes and a no-host bar. Meet other City of Renton Facebook fans and be one of the first 50 to attend to receive a free t-shirt. If you would like to donate a gift certificate for this event, let the City of Renton know on Facebook or contact dced@rentonwa.gov.

You can help determine the future of the current Downtown Library! Apply for the Liberty Park Building Steering Committee! The Steering Committee members will develop ideas for the future use of the Liberty Park library building, serve on the committee for approximately six months and make their recommendations to City Council and the Mayor. Applications are accepted through July 29. For more information, contact Diane Wagner at 425-430-6600 or visit rentonwa.gov.

Businesses are invited to register for the 6th Annual Downtown Renton Art & Antique Walk (Saturday, August 20, 11 am – 6 pm) which draws people into Downtown to enjoy art displays on the sidewalk in front of your business. Registration fee is $30 and an artist can be assigned. Complete the business registration form or contact r2021m@aol.com or 425-235-6449 for more information.

Piazza Renton Seeking International Artists and Performers as part of the 6th Annual Downtown Renton Art & Antique Walk on Saturday, August 20. The Piazza Renton organization is seeking ethnic artists and vendors interested in selling handmade arts and crafts. In addition, cultural organizations or musicians are invited to apply to perform during the event on stage at the Piazza park. For more information, contact Linda Middlebrooks at 206-919-9746 or jmidbk@aol.com.

Renton Farmers Market at the Piazza Continues Tuesdays, 3 – 7 pm to draw 4,000 patrons each week. Downtown Renton comes alive with the tastes of summer at the Renton Farmers Market. The Piazza, Renton's beautiful urban park, is filled with juicy berries, leafy lettuce, vine-ripened tomatoes and a virtual cornucopia of other farm fresh produce every Tuesday through September 27. More than 50 vendors sell a bounty of fresh, locally grown farm products, including organic fruits and vegetables, cut flowers, eggs, meats, baked goods, herbs and more! Posters and event schedules are available at City Hall and the Renton Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit the Renton Farmers Market or call 425-430-7214.

"Plug In": Renton Electric Vehicle Charging Stations are now available at the City Center parking garage, The Landing parking garage, McLendon Hardware and Younker Nissan. Check out the map of current and future locations of this new, green technology. For more information about Renton's electric vehicle network, visit the city's website.

Have you noticed...

Little Quadoo Consignment was a runner up for Best Children’s Store in the 425 Magazine? Congratulations Danielle!
Nancy & Melanie at Ben’s Loan and Dacia Hanson at Old Renton Book Exchange were recognized by the Renton Reporter for Women in Business? Congratulations Nancy, Melanie and Dacia.
Renton seems a bit larger these days? Renton's population is now 92,590 which makes us the 4th largest city in King County and 8th largest in Washington state.
over 4,000 people strolling in Downtown Renton on Sunday, July 10? The 21st Annual Return to Renton Car Show drew 400 cars for spectators of all ages to enjoy and raised money for youth programs at the Renton Police Department. Feeling noglastic about the cars in the show? Check out this website higlighting the Renton Loop!
a new sign at GHY Bikes? Check out the colorful new sign!
German music playing during lunchtime? The Berliner Pub is now open for lunch!
empty storefronts and office space in Downtown Renton? Read below for more information about new businesses planning to fill these spaces. Help us fill the remainder of the spaces by sharing the attached vacancy list with entrepreneurs and business owners.

City news you can use:

City Partners with Renton School District to Provide Free Summer Lunches to children ages 1-18 at 12 locations throughout the city. This program will be offered from June 27 to August 19, and community partners including apartments, churches and non-profit organizations will help serve the lunches. Lunches will be served Monday through Friday unless otherwise noted. The summer lunch program was established to ensure that children in lower-income areas continue to receive nutritious meals during the summer when they do not have access to school meal programs. The program is open to the public, and there is no registration or proof of income or residence required. The lunches must be eaten on-site. Visit the City’s website for locations, dates and serving times. For more information, visit rentonwa.gov or call the Human Services Division at 425-430-6650.

City of Renton Joins Cities Nationwide for America’s National Night Out Against Crime, Tuesday, August 2, 4 - 7:30 pm, Earlington Park (272 Thomas Ave SW). There will be food, safety games and fun party hoppers for the kids. Neighborhoods throughout the City of Renton are invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the 28th Annual National Night Out (NNO) crime and drug prevention event. To register your neighborhood event, please contact Cyndie Parks at 425-430-7521 or email her.

Join us at the new Farmers Market at Valley Medical Center, Sundays which is conveniently located off Talbot Road in the parking lot adjacent to the Professional Center at 4011 Talbot Road South. With plenty of free parking including the parking garage, this new market is open on Sundays from 12 noon - 4 pm through September 18. With a variety of produce vendors there is a wide array of fresh fruits, vegetables and great values. The market also features locally baked bread and a focus on community health. Each week there is a Valley Medical Center Wellness Booth with a different focus. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities available including staffing the market information booth, directing patrons, setting up tents and tables, working with the vendors and helping to break down and pack up at the end of the market. Come and be a part of this fantastic new Farmers Market at Valley Medical Center! For more information contact Valria Lopez at 425-430-7214 or vlopez@rentonwa.gov.

New Businesses in Downtown Renton

Welcome to Jim Bowman at Allstate Insurance (601 S 3rd St, Suite B)! Jim is also associated with Corpus Financial Services. For more information about his services, contact Jim at 425-207-8791 or visit his website.

R&D Thirft Store (226 Wells Ave S) opened in mid-July to offer furniture, appliances, clothing, sporting goods, tools and more. Please stop by to welcome owners Rick & Donna Youngblood to Downtown!

Welcome to Julie Denninghoff, Renton Civic Theatre's new Director of Development and Rod Olin, Renton Civic Theatre's new Board President.

New businesses coming soon to Downtown Renton

Veterans Administration offices – 419 S 2nd St
Tax accountant offices opening soon on Main Ave S
Blossom Vegetarian - 305 Burnett Ave S
Smoking Monkey Pizza - 613 - B S 3rd St
Stay tuned for another new restaurant announcement

Sorry to see that Perfect Fit tailors (332 Burnett Ave S) closed.

Business Resources

Renton Small Business Advisor available to help your business!

Did you know that as a business owner 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.

Seattle area organizations asking businesses to complete Job Sector survey

King County Executive Dow Constantine, the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce, the Prosperity Partnership, the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County, Enterprise Seattle, the Economic Alliance Snohomish County, the Pierce County Economic Development Division, the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance, the City of Seattle's Office of Economic Development and The Seattle Times are collaborating to conduct a Job Sector survey. This survey will be used to make policy decisions to help our economy continue to recover. Please take the time to complete the survey which takes about 15 minutes. All responses are confidential.

State Seeks Outstanding Businesses for Award: Reported in the Renton.Patch

Do you know an outstanding business in Renton that contributes back to the community? The state wants to know about it. The Secretary of State’s Office is accepting nominations for its Corporations for Communities 2011 award.

The program started in 2009 by Secretary of State Sam Reed to “recognize exceptional Washington businesses that demonstrate a commitment to giving in order to improve local or regional social and environmental conditions,” the office said in a statement. "This is an opportunity to encourage standout corporations that are choosing to make their community a priority,” Reed said. Each year, Reed selects one large and one small to receive a National Association of Secretaries of State Medallion, the highest civics honor awarded by the state. Nomination forms are available on the Secretary of State’s website and due by August 31. Winners will be announced in September.

Mark your calendars for the Washington Small Business Fair, Saturday, September 24, 8 am - 3:30 pm

The 15th Annual Washington Small Business Fair, located at Renton Technical College, is a free (and priceless) opportunity to learn from the experts how to form and run a successful business. You can sharpen your skills by attending 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. You can save valuable time by visiting the Exhibitor Resource Center to get the information and help you need from federal, state and local government agencies, and business and trade associations. You can attend for the day or just a few hours. No advance registration is needed. Visit the website for more information and to download the 2011 brochure.

Downtown Businesses, Organizations and People in the News

My apologies for an error in last month's issue of the Downtown News. Carolyn Ossorio writes for the Renton Reporter, not the RentonPatch as noted.

In the Renton Reporter:

On Renton.Patch.com:

Downtown and Special Business Events

• Renton History Museum (235 Mill Ave S) presents exhibit “Voices of the Duwamish Tribe,” an inspiring collection of photographs by local photographer Joanne Petrina, from June 7 – August 27. Also view the Found Art Exhibit made by ESL students at Renton Technical College through August 27. Mark your calendars for the next Smithsonian Traveling Exhibit: Journey Stories starting September 6. Renton History Museum hours are 10 am – 4 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, contact 425-255-2330.

• happy delusions and Liberty Café host First Friday in dtr. Visit dtr (Downtown Renton) on S 3rd between Main and Wells on Friday, August 5, starting at 5 pm for art, music and a darn good time. Artist reception at happy delusions (924 S 3rd St) from 5 – 9 pm. For more information, contact dtrfirstfriday@gmail.com or Facebook – Downtown Renton First Friday.

• Renton Library and Highlands Library host the KCLS 2011 Summer Reading Program with activities for all ages. Pick up your summer reading log at either location to earn great prizes. For more information, contact the Renton Library at 425-226-6043 or 425-277-1831.

• WACAP - World Association for Children and Parents (315 S 2nd St) hosts an Open House and International Bazaar, Saturday, July 23, 2011, 9:30 am – 1 pm. Have a cup of coffee or lemonade, tour the offices and browse our International Bazaar filled with unique items from around the world. WACAP is a non-profit adoption agency on a mission to provide life changing aid and adoption services to orphans and other children who need families. All proceeds from the International Bazaar support our Family Finders program which helps find families for children with special needs. Come find shade and refreshment at our Open House, and do some fun shopping too!

• Stix n Stone’s Restaurant and Lounge (317 Main Ave S) now offers $6.95 lunch specials every day, Monday night all you can eat spaghetti dinner for $9.95 per person and live jazz every Sunday. For more information, contact 425-282-4173.

• 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, contact 425-235-1400

Downtown Community Events

July

17-24 Renton River Days and Downtown Window Displays

23 Renton River Days Parade & Sidewalk Sale, 10 am

August

5 Moonlight Movies - Ghostbusters, Piazza Park, seating opens at 7 pm

20 Downtown Renton Art & Antique Walk, 11 am – 6 pm

28 Hot August Chrome Classic Car Show, 10 am – 3 pm, S 3rd Place

Downtown Art & Cultural Events:

• Renton Civic Theatre (507 S 3rd St) presents: Summer Teen Musical "Bye Bye Birdie", July 22 - 31; Scripted Improv, August 6, 9 pm. For more information about these or other events, contact 425-226-5529.

Tastings:

• Red House Beer & Wine Shoppe (410 Burnett Ave S): check out the new 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 now with live music; $5; 425-687-7989.

Karaoke in Downtown:

• Stix n Stone’s Restaurant and Lounge (317 Main Ave S) – Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights; 425-282-4173.

• A Terrible Beauty Irish Pub (201 Williams Ave S) – Tuesday and Wednesday nights; 425-227-3396.

• Burnett Lounge & Restaurant (340 Burnett Ave S) - Thursday and Friday nights; 425-271-8240.

• Uncle Moe’s Snappy Inn (321 Williams Ave S) – Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights; 425-917-3130.

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, September 7, 8:30 am, location TBD. Mark your calendars!

• 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 Mary Clymer at happydelusions@yahoo.com for more information.

• Join the new 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.

Thank you for your continued support of Downtown Renton!

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