City of Kent – Scene eNewsletter

Tuesday August 30, 2011

A message from the Mayor

Mayor Cooke
Mayor Suzette Cooke

“We’re pleased to offer this more user-friendly online address. Kent is continually innovating and improving the services found on the city’s main website. This change provides easier web and email address access for all residents and businesses to use. We hope you agree!

-Mayor Suzette Cooke

Public Safety Pointers

What is it like to be a police officer?

Find out by enrolling in the Community Police Academy, a free six-week course offered by the Kent Police Department. Participants, ages 18 and over, will learn about gangs, block watch, use of force, SWAT, narcotics and traffic investigations and more. Optional tours of the Valley Communications Center (9-1-1) and the Kent Corrections Facility (jail) are available.

The weekly sessions begin Wednesday, September 28 and continue through November 2 at the Police Fire Training Center, East Hill, 24611 116th Ave SE,
7-9 p.m.

Download an application or call
253-856-5877.

Kent has a new online address: KentWA.gov

ScreenshotStarting September 1, 2011, the official city of Kent government website can be accessed at KentWA.gov. The city email addresses will also change to the new domain.

To contact an individual city council or staff member, use the following email pattern: First Letter of First Name + Full Last Name@kentwa.gov. Example: Joe Smith, jsmith@kentwa.gov. There is an online city directory at kentwa.gov (Select: Contact Us.)

To report broken links on the city’s website, email webmaster@kentwa.gov or call the IT Department at
253-856-4600.

2011-2012 Spotlight Series

spotlight logoWelcome to the Kent Arts Commission’s 2011-2012 Spotlight Series where you’ll discover: World-music, Jazz and Blues, Americana and roots music, and amazing and hilarious entertainment.

This season marks the fourteenth year that Spotlight Series has been bringing great family entertainment and a wide variety of performing arts to Kent stages.

Amy in WaterAmy Hanaiali’i
Saturday, September 24
7:30 p.m.
Kent-Meridian Performing Arts Center
10020 SE 256th St.
Tickets: $28 general, $26 senior, $20 youth
Sponsored by Kent Civic and Performing Arts

Amy Hanaiali‘i is Hawaii’s most respected and loved female vocalist, songwriter, composer and performer. Her success is evidenced by the multitude of awards and acknowledgements she has received, including four Grammy nominations for Best Hawaiian Music Album.

Riders in the SkyRiders in The Sky
Friday, October 14
7:30 p.m.
Kentwood Performing Arts Center
25800 164th Ave. SE, Covington
Tickets: $30 general, $28 senior, $20 youth

SPOTLIGHT FOR FAMILIES: Great for family audiences, all ages

America’s favorite cowboys! For thirty years, Riders in The Sky have been keepers of the flame passed on by the Sons of the Pioneers, Gene Autry and Roy Rogers, reviving and revitalizing the Western music genre. They have become modern-day icons by branding the genre with their own wacky humor and way-out Western wit.

Ruth MoodyThe Ruth Moody Band
Saturday, October 29
7:30 p.m.
Kentwood Performing Arts Center
25800 164th Ave. SE, Covington
Tickets: $24 general, $22 senior, $18 youth

Although best known for her work with Billboard-charting trio, The Wailin’ Jennys, Ruth is an artist of exceptional depth and grace in her own right. Critics have lauded her ethereal vocals, impressive multi-instrumentalism and her talent as a songwriter. Writing with a maturity and wisdom that belies her age, her songs are timeless, universal, and exceptionally well-crafted.

For the full season schedule and/or tickets, call
253-856-5051 or visit kentarts.com.

Presented by Kent Arts Commission and Kent Parks, Recreation & Community Services.

Register now for Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training

CERT LogoFollowing a major disaster, people rely on each other to save lives and protect property. Prepare yourself to make a difference in your community by participating in the fall 2011 CERT Program. Residents, local businesses, industry and school representatives are encouraged to attend.

This basic training in disaster survival and rescue skills is designed to improve the ability of our community to survive until responders or other assistance can arrive.

This 8-week program which begins September 22, 2011 is held on Thursdays, in the afternoon, from 1-4:30 p.m. and in the evening from 6-9:30 p.m. The sessions provide instruction on disaster preparedness, disaster first aid, triage (rapid medical assessment of injuries), fire safety, search and rescue, disaster psychology and team organization.

For more information or to register for the CERT Program, please contact Kent Emergency Management at
253-856-4440. Registration is limited, don’t delay!

Sponsored by Kent Emergency Management and Kent Regional Fire Authority.

Green Space

Get your hands dirty – Celebrate National Public Lands Day

Lake FenwickJoin Kent Parks, Starbucks and REI, Saturday, September 24 at Lake Fenwick Park, 25828 Lake Fenwick Road.

Volunteers are needed to continue the environmental restoration of the park’s 140 acres. The event is held rain or shine, with orientation at 9 a.m. and projects continuing until noon.

Participants of all ages and abilities are welcome. Registration is required for planning purposes; the deadline is September 21. Download a registration form or call 253-856-5110.

This event is part of the city’s ambitious undertaking called the Green Kent Partnership.

Make recycling convenient

dumping recyclingHelp keep recyclables out of the garbage by making recycling convenient. Post a Recycling Guide in key locations so everyone in the family knows what goes in the blue cart.

Free reusable recycling bags are available at the Customer Service Counter at Centennial Center, 400 W. Gowe Street.

One bag per household while supplies last. Get more tips here.

NOTE: The bags are intended for reuse and can be cleaned with a mild household cleaner.

Wonder where all that recycling goes?

Check out the video and learn how our recyclables are processed.

Out with the old, in with the new! What to do with old clothes and shoes

Old ShoesWhether they’re in good condition, or worse for wear, they are a resource. Wearable items can be donated for reuse; the rest can be made into insulation, rags or other products. In all cases, we’ll be saving landfill space. For drop off locations, visit What do I do with….?

Now is the best time to naturally renovate your lawn!

grassWant a beautiful lawn by next spring without using chemicals? Just mow and then follow these three steps:

1) Aerate – Rent an aerator from your local rental center and poke holes all over your yard – this reduces compaction, and improves air, water and nutrient flow to your lawn’s roots.

2) Topdress – Spread ¼ – ½ inches of high-quality compost over your lawn – this provides all of the fertilizer that your lawn needs for the whole year.

3) Overseed – Spread new grass seed over the compost topdressing and water it in. New grass plants will start popping up soon and provide you with a thicker, lusher yard.

To learn more, attend the Natural Yard Care workshops at Kent Meridian High School, September 21, 28 and October 5. For more information, call 253-856-4727 or email naturalyardcare@kentwa.gov.

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