Native American Heritage Month
Happy Friday, Kent!
November is National Native American Heritage Month! It's a time to recognize and celebrate Indigenous cultures, histories, traditions, art and achievements.
Native and indigenous contributions to our city, state and nation are immeasurable.
Kent is on the traditional land of the Duwamish and Muckleshoot people, which is important to recognize as we recall the hardships that indigenous populations have endured throughout the history of our country.
As always, this week's update is full of great information about ongoing and upcoming services, programs and events. Hope you enjoy and have a great weekend!
Dana Ralph, Kent Mayor
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Wishing you a Diwali that brings happiness, prosperity and joy to you and your family!
ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਅਤੇ ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਪਰਿਵਾਰ ਲਈ ਖੁਸ਼ਹਾਲੀ, ਖੁਸ਼ਹਾਲੀ ਅਤੇ ਖੁਸ਼ੀਆਂ ਲੈ ਕੇ ਆਉਣ ਵਾਲੀ ਦੀਵਾਲੀ ਦੀਆਂ ਸ਼ੁਭਕਾਮਨਾਵਾਂ! |
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I also wanted to wish everyone who celebrates, a Feliz Día De Los Muertos.
Also known as Day of the Dead, this Mexican holiday is a joyful time that helps people remember the deceased and celebrate their memory.
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The Haunted Boo-Levard at Kent Station on Thursday was a spooktacular success! Tons of amazing costumes! Over 3000 residents came through with friends and family to trick-or-treat and celebrate Halloween.
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Wee had such Thursday morning to celebrate all of the hard work that went into the 132nd walking path and 132nd Avenue SE/SE 234th Street crosswalk beacons.
City staff have been successful in applying for and receiving grant dollars to construct the walking path, shoulder curbing and flashing beacons through a partnership with the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board.
Thanks to Councilmembers Michaud, Troutner and Boyd and members of the Misty Meadows neighborhood for coming to the ribbon cutting!
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Don't forget, daylight saving time ends Saturday night and we're falling back! Sunday morning at 2 a.m. clocks are turned backward 1 hour to 1 a.m. local standard time instead. Anyone else looking forward to an extra hour of sleep?
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Kent Comprehensive Plan
We are pleased to announce that the Draft 2044 Kent Comprehensive Plan is ready for your review!
This plan is going shape the future of Kent for years to come—covering everything from housing and transportation to parks and economic development. Over the past two years we have worked with you to create a vision and plan for a city we all want to live in.
We want you to dive in and tell us what you think. Have suggestions? Concerns? Brilliant ideas? We want to hear it all!
Click on this link to share your feedback by November 12.
Applications are now being accepted for the Land Use and Planning Board! This board holds public hearings on city codes and ordinances, comprehensive plan updates, and matters typically associated with long range planning.
They advise the mayor and council on policy relating to land use decisions. Learn more and apply online.
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Board Opening! There will be a vacancy on the KCLS Board of Trustees as of November 1, 2024.
The Board is responsible for the adoption of policies, bylaws, rules and regulations, as well as approval of both the annual operating budget and wages and benefits
To apply, please complete this application (opens a new window) and submit it to Tala Mahmoud, External Affairs Coordinator in the Office of King County Executive Dow Constantine. tmahmoud@kingcounty.gov
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Coffee and Conversation
Super excited to have Covington Mayor Jeff Wagner join us for another Coffee and Conversation event. This time we will be at Bruchelle's Bagel Bistro. Bring your questions, concerns or compliments!
📅 Tuesday, November 5
🕖 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
📍 Bruchelle's Bagel Bistro (16340 SE 256th St. Covington)
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Just a reminder, check on your storm drains in your neighborhood and clear leaves if you notice blockage. That will help prevent any localized flooding in your area!
It’s also a good time to get your windshield wipers, tires, and emergency kits looked at as we head into wetter and colder weather.
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The Friends of the Kent Libraries are holding their annual book sale.
You can purchase used books, DVDs, and CDs from Fiction, Non-Fiction, Children's, and Young Adult, Cookbooks, and more.
All proceeds support library programs and events in Kent Libraries.
📅 Tomorrow, November 2
⌚ 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
📍 Kent Library (212 2nd Avenue N)
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Christmas Rush 5k
Save the date for our annual Christmas Rush!
Christmas Rush offers a great opportunity to gather family and friends and get active while having some holiday fun.
This year's race will be held on Saturday, December 14 at Hogan Park at Russell Road. The 10k race kicks off at 9:50am and the 5k will begin at 10am. Awards are given for overall winners and the top 5 in each age group.
Shirt order deadline is Thursday, November 8. Cost to register is $35 per person if registering with a shirt, or $20 per person (no shirt). Participants 13 and under run for FREE courtesy of Taylor Farms! Sign up here!
Holiday Craft Market
Kick off the most wonderful time of year with the Kent Parks Holiday Craft Market.
We had a great first day of this annual event and the fun continues tomorrow on Saturday, November 2.
Stop by the Kent Senior Activity Center to shop from over 35 vendors. The Holiday Craft Market is a great place to find amazing things for everyone on your list (even yourself!) and support local artists and craftspeople. Event is FREE and open to all – don’t miss out!
📅 Saturday, November 2
⌚ 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
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Catch the T-birds game against the Edmonton Oil Kings tonight at 7:05 p.m. or the Portland Winterhawks tomorrow night at accesso ShoWare Center!
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Mark your calendar for the 2024 Winterfest Tree Lighting Festival! We're currently looking for businesses, clubs, and community organizations to walk (or drive!) in the 2024 Kent Winterfest parade on Saturday, December 7 at Town Square Plaza.
We would love to have your business or organization join in on the fun! Completed applications should be returned to the Kent Lions Club by email, mail, or fax. Applications must be received by November 27.
EMAIL: kentlions@gmail.com
MAIL: 2024 Kent Winterfest Parade Committee, PO Box 5094, Kent, WA 98064
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Indoor Park is back at the Kent Commons Community Center!
On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings from 9:30-11am, drop by with your little one to experience a traditional playground brought indoors!
No registration is required. Open to all kids 10 months to 4.5 years old. Cost is $2 per visit for the first child and $1 for each additional child. Come by and PLAY!
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2024-25 Spotlight Series
Our incredible Spotlight Series is underway!
The Boulding Family’s musical celebration of the holiday season is a treasured tradition in Kent. Once again, Pam and Philip Boulding are joined by their children, grandchildren, and guests for an afternoon of enchanting Yuletide music.
The Bouldings perform on Celtic harps, hammered dulcimers, whistles, strings, percussion, and harp-like instruments from around the world. Guests add Irish step dancing, drumming, and storytelling for a festive and memorable performance.
The Spotlight Series brings the best entertainment to local stages here in Kent. Tickets are now on sale for all shows. Read more about the performers, see ticket prices, and purchase tickets online at KentWA.gov/SpotlightSeries.
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Registration is now open for Youth Basketball. Sign your child up for a season of learning and development, new friends, and fun!
Registration fee includes team shirt. Register online, in person at the Kent Commons Community Center, or call the Kent Commons at 253-856-5100.
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The Kent Parks ShoWalk program returns to the accesso ShoWare Center on Monday, November 4!
This free indoor walking program offers a warm, safe place to walk on Monday and Wednesday mornings during the cold, dark months of Fall and Winter. Learn more and check out program dates online!
If you have any questions, please call the Kent Commons Community Center at 253-856-5100.
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The 2024 Fall Recreation Guides are out!
Registration for Fall programs are now open. From preschool classes and FREE after school programming, to clubs and outdoor adventures for adults age 50+ and everything in between, our Parks team offers something for everyone in the family!
Browse a digital guide and register online at MyKentParks.com/Register
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Don't forget to check out this week's KentNOW podcast!
This week, Josh, Kyle and Tracy talk to Nathan Pilling and Simon Lovsin from the Seattle Thunderbirds to get caught up on the team and what's the feel for the season. Bill Thomas and Brent Collins from our Public Works team pops by to talk Winter weather and what the city is doing to get ready for it!
Listen to new and previous episodes on:
🔊 Apple Podcasts apple.co/3J2UMkd
🔊 Spotify spoti.fi/3GNCeli
🔊 Amazon Music amzn.to/3jjaOvU
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If you are looking to get more involved with the community, apply to join the City of Kent Parks & Recreation Commission! Learn more and apply online at KentWA.gov/BoardsAndCommissions.
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Curbside Clean Up
November 4-8 is Fall Curbside Clean-up Time!
With Kent's annual Spring and Fall Curbside Clean-up programs, you can get rid of your extra yard waste and garbage for free!
Just place your extra garbage and yard waste at the curb on your regular yard waste pick-up day.
You can see more details on our website.
King County, and counties across the country, are facing behavioral health challenges including growing need for mental health and substance use care, a workforce shortage, and an overdose crisis, impacting residents all across the county, especially children and youth.
King County recently released a new online survey to learn how the behavioral health system can better serve communities. Learn more and take the survey here.
King County is also hosting in-person listening sessions all across King County. What community members share at these listening sessions will help King County to prioritize how we invest in a system for mental health and substance use care that serves our communities.
Light snacks will be served, and gift cards will be provided as compensation to those who attend. Spanish and ASL interpretation will be available.
See dates and locations for the listening sessions, sign up and more here.
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Have you voted yet? Your vote is your voice, so make it count! Take some time, learn about what each candidate supports, and vote!
The deadline for in-person voting in the General Election is Tuesday, November 5 at 8 p.m.
You can check your status at VoteWA.gov.
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"Hello Mayor,
Our family has such a great time helping out at the last few Green Kent events. Are there other ways I can get involved with the city?"
Thank you for volunteering for those events! We are always looking for people to help round out our boards and commissions. It's a great way to give back to your city and help shape the future. We currently have some positions open on the Land Use and Planning Board, and since you loved helping our Parks team, there are opening on the Parks and Recreation Commission. Here's the link for you to apply! Good Luck!
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