|
Happy Friday Kent,
I hope you and your friends and family had a great Thanksgiving!
Just wanted to send out a quick reminder about Kent Winterfest. We've got a bunch of fun events planned through the end of the year.
|
Tomorrow is Small Business Saturday in Kent! When you Shop Small, you’re not just supporting neighborhood favorites – you’re investing in our community.
Whether you’re a local or in town for the holidays, explore small businesses near you—and shop small all season long. Shop Small Saturday started as a Saturday, but really is no longer just a single day event.
|
|
It’s a reminder for us to support our local merchants and businesses every Saturday. Our local economy and jobs benefit when we visit our favorite local shops, eateries, and businesses, in-person or online.
Check out the downtown Kent business directory here. Have a great weekend!
Dana Ralph, Kent Mayor
|
|
 |
Budget Adjustment Adopted
On Tuesday evening, the Kent City Council voted unanimously to adopt my 2024 Mid-Biennium Budget Adjustment proposal.
Adjustments made at the biennial budget midpoint are based on actual revenue versus projections, contract obligations and emerging needs.
It provides the opportunity to account for unforeseen changes in fiscal events which have occurred since the adoption of the biennial budget last November.
This adopted budget adjustment carries the theme of maintaining status quo as we move forward into the second year of the current budget.
Kent Winterfest
Our annual Holiday Tree Lighting celebration and parade is happening Saturday December 2 at Town Square Plaza in Downtown Kent!
We'll have community booths, goodies and photo opportunities. Santa will arrive at 3:30 p.m. and the parade will start at 4:30 p.m. The tree lighting will promptly start at 5:30 p.m.
Bring your kids, friends and family for a fun evening full of holiday cheer.
📅 Saturday, December 3
⏲ 2 p.m. - 7 p.m.
📍 Town Square Plaza
Thanks to the Kent Lions Club, Kent Station and Kent Downtown Partnership.
|
The Christmas Rush is a beloved holiday event in our community, and I am looking forward to seeing those runners and walkers take to the course again this year!
📅 Saturday, December 9
⏲ 9:50 a.m.
📍 Hogan Park, 25500 Russell Road
Learn more and register online at KentWA.gov/ChristmasRush.
|
|
 |
 |
|
Vote on the best gingerbread house!
Come see the gingerbread houses on display at Kent Station and vote on your favorite! Prizes will be given to the 3 houses who receive the most votes!
|
|
2022 Santa Photos at Santa's Cozy Cottage
in front of AMC!
Santa is BACK at Kent Station! Reserve your appointment online. Walk-ins are allowed until one hour before the end of the day.
|
|
 |
 |
|
Letters for Santa!
Drop off your holiday wish list in Santa's mailbox at Kent Commons. He will have cards to fill out on site. If you would like to get a letter back from Santa, include your mailing address on the card!
|
|
Kent Station Giving Tree!
Kent Station will be collecting gifts for Seeds of Hope.
From now through December 23, bring your unwrapped gifts and leave them in the drop box outside Johnny Rockets.
|
|
 |
 |
|
Our city Neighborhood Matching Grant Program offers matching funds on a competitive basis to recognized neighborhood councils to develop and implement projects which will enhance the livability of their communities.
Our city provides some amazing opportunities with grant money to communicate and beautify neighborhoods.
Here are some fantastic examples.
We have put together a neighborhood grant workshop on December 2 at the Kent Senior Activity Center.
Please email Tracy Taylor ttaylor@kentwa.gov to sign up
|
Kent City Council
Here's the recap on what the Kent City Council has been working on! You can also see the full meeting agendas, minutes and livestream recordings on our website.
Morrill Meadows Park Update
I've got some exciting news from Morrill Meadows Park!
Phase 2 of construction is well underway, and we can’t wait for these exciting renovations to be complete in early 2024!
Check out the project details and subscribe to stay up-to-date online at EngageKentParks.com
 |
|
The Greater Kent Historical Society is having a fun Winter craft day!
Create a winter decoration to celebrate the season!
📅 Friday, December 22
⌚ Noon to 4 p.m.
📍 Kent Historical Museum
|
|
Emergencies can happen at any time. They vary in strength and impact. They can stressful and difficult.
When disaster strikes you will have limited time to act. That is why it is important that you take the time now to make a plan and get ready.
There are many resources online to learn what disasters are common in your area and how you could prepare for those.
But in general, a plan should include: a list of necessary supplies, a communication plan with contingencies, an alert system, where to evacuate to, and who might need your help. To learn more visit: KentWA.gov/Prepared
|
|
 |
 |
|
The Kent Parks ShoWalk program has returned to the accesso ShoWare Center!
This free, indoor walking program offers a warm and dry place to walk and stay active during the cold, wet months.
Check out the schedule here!
|
|
Don’t forget to sign your child up for Youth Basketball!
This program is open to all students in grades K-12, and provides participants with a fun and supportive environment to learn how to play the game and grow as both an athlete and teammate.
The registration deadline for Kindergarten, Grade 1 and Grades 6-12 is Tuesday, December 12. The registration deadline for students in Grades 2-5 closed earlier this week. Late registrations are accepted, contact the Kent Commons with any questions! 253-856-5100
Register now at MyKentParks.com/Register
|
|
 |
Kent Parks Winter Guide
Our new Winter 2023-2024 Recreation Guide should be in your mailbox now!
Be sure to check out all the fun we have planned for the upcoming season before registration opens!
From preschool classes to offerings for adults 50+ and everything in between, there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
Registration for Winter programming starts Tuesday, December 5. Adaptive Recreation registration opens Wednesday, December 6.
Participants can register online, via Phone, Mail, Fax, or In-Person at the Kent Commons or Senior Center during regular operating hours.
Spotlight Series
The 2023-2024 Spotlight Series is underway! The Queen’s Cartoonists perform music from cartoons! Pulling from over 100 years of animation, TQC’s performances are perfectly synchronized to the films projected on stage.
The band matches the energy of the cartoons, leading the audience through a world of virtuosic musicianship, multi-instrumental mayhem, and comedy.
Projections of animated films dazzle the audience, while the band re-creates original soundtracks note-for-note, or writes their own fresh compositions to modern pieces, all the while breathing new life into two uniquely American forms of art: jazz and animation.
Tying everything together is the TQC brand of comedy - anecdotes about the cartoons and their composers, stream-of-consciousness humor, and elements of a musical circus. Get tickets and see the line-up of performances for the 2024 season online!
 |
|
Exciting news for Kent's vibrant business community! The City of Kent, in partnership with Business Impact NW, is excited to announce a three-year initiative designed to empower our local entrepreneurs.
If you are a small business operating in Kent, you will benefit from a network of connections and resources that are not only extensive but also easy to navigate, ensuring that businesses can focus on growth and long-term sustainability. To learn more and sign up for services, visit Business Impact NW - City of Kent
|
Do you want to be more involved in your city? Consider joining the Bicycle Advisory Board, which advises our City Council, Mayor and staff on projects, policies and programs that affect bicycling conditions. 🚴 Learn more at bit.ly/3rlOSBV! |
|
 |
 |
|
We're hiring! Check out our featured jobs and great opportunities on our hiring page at Jobs.KentWA.gov!
|
|
Get your furry friends licensed with Regional Animal Services of King County to help get them back to you if they're ever lost!
Your license also helps fund RASKC's life-saving animal shelter work. They reunite lost pets 24/7 and provide shelter pet care 365 days a year.
|
|
 |
 |
|
Don't forget to check out the new episode of the KentNOW podcast! Tracy, Josh and Kyle talk to Mark Hendrickson and Ronda Billerbeck from our Parks Department to talk about Winterfest, Christmas Rush and the popular Spotlight Series. Listen to new and previous episodes on:
🔊 Apple Podcasts apple.co/3J2UMkd
🔊 Spotify spoti.fi/3GNCeli
🔊 Amazon Music amzn.to/3jjaOvU |
Translations
|
