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Mayor Ralph's Weekly Update

Happy Friday!



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Mayor's Update



November 15, 2024




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Green Kent Conservation Event

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Green Kent

Happy Friday, Kent!

Our final Green Kent event of the year is tomorrow! Join me, our Parks team and volunteers as we help remove invasive species and plant native trees and shrubs to keep Mill Creek Canyon Earthworks Park healthy and thriving!

Green Kent events are truly such a great way for students to get valuable experience and complete community service hours. So encourage your kids to sign up or come volunteer as a family! Register online at *MyKentParks.com/GreenKent [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/kent-parks/volunteering/outdoor-conservation-events?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*.

?? Saturday, November 16
⌚ 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
?? Mill Creek Canyon Earthworks Park

Hope you enjoy the rest of this week's update and have a great weekend!

Dana Ralph, Kent Mayor

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1

Wednesday was World Kindness Day, and we're fortunate to have many residents that celebrate kindness every day! I attended an event that is a perfect example earlier this week. Knights of Columbus Council 11780 partnered with Panther Lake Elementary and Communities in Schools to provide warm winter jackets to all kindergarteners and first grade students!

The students also received made with love hats, handmade by Betty DeWolf. Over the years, thousands of children have been gifted cozy winter jackets and hats. Watching the students pick out their jackets and find matching hats was special. They were so excited and grateful. Thank you Knights of Columbus!



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Construction update! Here's a photo of recent culvert improvement work at Mill Creek and 76th Ave S.

Crews have completed the concrete driveway, curb and west side sidewalk and have begun grading private driveways and parking lots.

76th

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Reith

Construction is also coming along at the Reith Road roundabouts with the detour ongoing. Crews have done a lot of pouring, pavement and sidewalk work with lighting and electrical underway. Really cool to see the progress!



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3 [ https://www.kentwa.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/420/568?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

Also wanted to share an update on the S 224th Street Project, which is in Phase 3 of Stage 1.

This project will widen South 218th St and 98th Avenue S to three lanes and includes asphalt paving, concrete curbs and gutters, sidewalks, paved shoulders, street lighting, storm drainage, sanitary sewer, water mains replacement, landscaping and a roundabout at the 98th Ave S / S 216th St intersection.



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Christmas Rush 5k / 10k

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christmas rush

The annual Kent Parks Christmas Rush 5k/10k will take place on Saturday, December 14 at Hogan Park at Russell Road.

This beloved holiday race is such a fun event for all ages, and a great opportunity to get active with family and friends. Participants 13 and under run for FREE courtesy of Taylor Farms! Learn more or *sign up here! [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/kent-parks/events/christmas-rush-fun-run-and-walk?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*

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Catch the Seattle Thunderbirds tomorrow for a home game at the accesso ShoWare Center here in Kent as they play against the Everett Silvertips! The game begins at 6:05 p.m. *Learn more and get tickets online. [ https://chl.ca/whl-thunderbirds/gamecentre/1021418/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*

thunderbirds logo [ https://chl.ca/whl-thunderbirds/gamecentre/1021418/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

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parks commission

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 [ https://www.kentwa.gov/government/boards-commissions?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*.



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Interested in serving the Kent community? Applications for a Fire Department member position is available for the city's Disability Retirement Board.

*The board reviews medical and disability claims made by police officers and firefighters. [ https://www.kentwa.gov/government/boards-commissions?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ] *

disability retirement position

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KCLS

There is a vacancy on the KCLS Board of Trustees, which 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) [ https://kcls.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2024/10/Board-of-Trustees-Application.docx?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ] 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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LUPB [ https://www.kentwa.gov/government/boards-commissions?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

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. *Learn more and apply online. [ https://www.kentwa.gov/government/boards-commissions?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*



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Employee of the Month

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eom

Michael Anderson is our November Employee of the Month! Michael was hired in 2016 as a City of Kent Corrections Officer, a vital and challenging role in our Criminal Justice system.

The complexity of keeping our community protected, strictly following the complicated labyrinth of laws that pertain to incarceration, all while showing compassion and caretaking to a sometimes very challenging inmate population, is not an easy occupation.

A snapshot of his daily tasks includes maintain the facility and protocols to prevent escapes, assaults, and injuries to inmates, booking inmates and dealing with their varying demeanors.

He works cooperatively with other members of the criminal justice system, preparation and inventory of food items and supplies, training, and helping to maintain the many programs at the jail that both serve the inmate population and help them work towards more successful futures once they are released.

Michael was nominated because he is an exceptional employee that is always willing to help his co-workers. In July of 2023 he was selected as the Administrative CO.

In that role Anderson has been heavily involved in the training of new hires and recertifying all staff with the less lethal tools they use for self-defense and safety/security of the jail.

In 2023, Michael became aware of an unknown contract employee possibly introducing contraband into the City of Kent Corrections Facility. He immediately notified the Corrections Commander and was given the lead on the investigation.

His countless hours of dedication and dogged determination to do the right thing resulted in identifying the contract employee which led to a criminal conviction and a much safer Corrections Facility for inmates and Corrections Staff.

CO Anderson has dedicated hours of his time to the jail to help improve the way they operate through training, and helps his co-workers on a regular basis by volunteering for extra shifts to help maintain their minimum staffing level.

His focus has always been to improve and impact the jail operations where he can and be that guy who supports to his co-workers.

Michael continuously embraces our values, and we celebrate him as November’s Employee of the Month.

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winterfest

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!

Indoor Park

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2024-25 Spotlight Series 

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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. [ http://kentwa.gov/SpotlightSeries?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*

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basketball

Sign your child up for a season of learning, new friends, and having FUN with Kent Parks!

The registration deadline for our Youth Basketball program for kids in grades 3-6 was earlier this week, but we are still taking registrations for this league on a space-available basis!

Registration is still open for students in K-2 and 7-12! The registration deadline for these leagues closes December 10. *Learn more and register your child online. [ https://wakentweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/splash.html?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*



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showalk

The Kent Parks ShoWalk program is back at accesso ShoWare Center!

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 [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/kent-parks/programs-activities/adult-fitness?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*!

If you have any questions, please call the Kent Commons Community Center at 253-856-5100.



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kentnow

Join Tracy, Josh and Kyle as they update you on the important, fun, and interesting things happening in the City of Kent. New episodes every 2 weeks!

Listen to new and previous episodes on:
?? Apple Podcasts *apple.co/3J2UMkd [ https://t.co/kiMUAwAMdU?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*
?? Spotify *spoti.fi/3GNCeli [ https://t.co/MccBJhOIlp?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*
?? Amazon Music *amzn.to/3jjaOvU [ https://amzn.to/3jjaOvU?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*



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We are pleased to announce a new exhibit in the Centennial Center Gallery! Art works by Carol Colin and Carolyn Doe are on display now through Dec. 27. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Image credits: "Sleepers Morning Light," oil on canvas, Carol Colin and "Big leaf maples and Mt. Rainier," silk batik, Carolyn Doe.

art in centennial

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king county

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. [ https://dchsblog.com/2024/08/20/king-county-behavioral-health-survey-open-now-available-in-21-languages/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*

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. [ https://dchsblog.com/2024/08/28/whats-working-whats-not-and-how-can-we-improve-mental-health-and-substance-use-care-share-your-voice-at-behavioral-health-listening-sessions-in-all-9-king-county-council-districts/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]_*



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resident question

""Hello Mayor Ralph, I wanted to know if there is a way to let the city know about a pothole or dumping on the weekends or not during regular business hours. Sometimes I will notice something but can't call in on the weekends, thanks!""

Thank you for your question! So, we actually have an app for that! The KentWorks app lets you access information and improve your neighborhood and community by reporting non-emergency issues.

You can request a service, report a problem and find information about the City of Kent all from your mobile device in just a few taps. *Learn more on our website! [ https://www.kentwa.gov/pay-and-apply/kentworks?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*



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Translations A/文

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translations

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