For the second year in a row, Seattle magazine names Kent Realtor® Marti Reeder of John L. Scott a Five Star Professional Real Estate Agent. Only real estate agents rated highest in overall satisfaction were selected. Winning this award puts Reeder in a select group of Seattle Five Star Real Estate Agents, representing fewer than 6% of real estate agents in the area.

To determine the winners of the 2011 Five Star Professional Real Estate Agents awards, Five Star Professional surveyed Seattle residents who purchased a home over $150,000 within an 18-month period (Aug. 2009 – Feb. 2011), 1,000 subscribers of Seattle magazine and 250 mortgage and title company representatives. Top agents were also screened to ensure that their licenses are current and that there is no disciplinary action pending against them. Only those with the top scores were awarded the title Five Star Real Estate Agent in Overall Satisfaction, including Reeder, a full-time broker/real estate agent with John L. Scott in Kent and Covington.

In addition to this prestigious award, Reeder has received President’s Awards from John L. Scott every year since 2007, has won top producer and top resale awards at John L. Scott in 2011, and was voted “Best of Kent” Realtor® by readers of the Kent Reporter three years in a row. In July 2010, Reeder was nominated for the Business Examiner’s “Women of Influence.” With more than 25 years of industry experience, she has earned the following professional designations:  Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) and Accredited Seller’s Representative (ASR). She is also an Accredited Staging Professional and a Certified Pre-Foreclosure Specialist.

“It is such an honor to win this award two years in a row,” Reeder said. “It means so much to me that my clients appreciate my attention to detail and continue to refer me to their friends. I am blessed, doing the work I love.”

For more information about Reeder, visit http://www.marti-realtor.com or call 206-391-0388. To learn more about Marti’s Five Star Real Estate Agent distinction, visit http://www.pageturnpro.com/Crescendo-Business-Services/32866-2011-SEARE-Marti-Reeder/index.html#1

As a lifelong resident of King County, Reeder is a full-time, full-service real estate broker. She has a wide range of experience in mortgages, home inspections and real estate. Starting her real estate career with John L. Scott over seven years ago, Reeder specializes in working with individuals and families to buy and sell their homes throughout the Seattle area. In 2011, she helped more than 30 families sell or buy new homes.

Kent Station is celebrating the holidays with a 30 day holiday countdown: 30 days of deals starting Friday, November 25 through Christmas Eve. Kent Station merchants will offer different deals each day throughout the holiday season. These one day special offers will be posted to Kent Station’s Facebook page at http://facebook.com/kentstation, so be sure to visit often.

Kent Station will expand its shopping hours from Nov. 25 through Dec. 24: Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 9 pm; Sunday, 11 am to 7 pm; and Christmas Eve, 10 am to 5 pm. Many merchants will be open extended hours on Friday, November 25. Check http://www.KentStation.com for details.

Kent Station is full of holiday cheer and activities:  Santa arrives on Saturday, November 26 at 11 am; the annual Winterfest parade through Kent Station is on Saturday, Dec. 3 (approximately 4:30 pm) which is immediately followed by the Kent Lions’ tree lighting at Town Square Plaza (approximately 5:30 pm); and on Saturday, December 10 the WOLF 100.7 will have a remote broadcast featuring Microsoft’s Kinect and its newest games.

Want to give back this season? Kent Station supports local families in need by accepting donations at Santa’s House for food, clothing or cash – all donations go to the Kent Food Bank.  Next to the Santa House in front of AMC is Kent Station’s Giving Tree benefiting children and their siblings who receive services from Children’s Therapy Center. From November 25 through December 19, the tree will be decorated with hosting “mittens.”  Each mitten is dedicated to a child and lists the child’s age, clothing and shoe sizes, along with a wish (a basketball, baby doll) and a need (a warm jacket, blankets, socks).

Kent Station encourages shoppers to take a mitten or two to brighten a child’s Christmas.  Simply bring back the gifts unwrapped, attach the mitten, and drop in the Big Red Box, located inside AMC Theatres’ lobby.

As always, hop by our hip Santa House for holiday wishes and photos. A photo CD is available for $20. Prints can also be purchased in varying sizes, ranging in price from $15 to $40. Santa’s hours are:

Nov. 26 – 27:               11 am – 8 pm
Nov. 30 – Dec. 2:        4 – 8 pm
Dec. 3 – 4:                   11 am – 8 pm
Dec 7 – 9:                    4 – 8 pm
Dec. 10 – 23:               11 am – 8 pm

“The holiday season is our favorite time of the year, with our additional decorations, lights and, of course, Santa. We invite our customers to join us in celebrating the season.” says Sommer Ueda, marketing and property manager for Kent Station. “It’s a special time to share with family and friends. We enjoy making it fun, while also giving back to the community with our giving tree and food drive.”

For additional details about Kent Station’s Holiday Countdown or holiday events, call the Kent Station management office at 253-856-2301 or visit Kent Station’s website at http://www.KentStation.com or Facebook page at http://Facebook.com/KentStation.

About Kent Station

Located on 18 acres in the heart of downtown Kent, Kent Station is an urban shopping village developed by Tarragon a Seattle based company. The 470,000 sq. ft., mixed-use development features locally-owned and national retail stores, professional office space, and dining and entertainment, including a 14-screen AMC Theatres Cineplex and a branch campus of Green River Community College.

In addition to Kent Station merchants and dining and entertainment venues, the popular outdoor shopping center hosts free, family-friendly events throughout the year as well as nonprofit fundraisers to support the community. For more information, visit the Kent Station website at http://www.KentStation.com or call the management office at 253-856-2301.

About Children’s Therapy Center:

Since 1979, Children’s Therapy Center, a Dynamic Partner organization, has provided quality therapy services for infants, children, and adolescents ages birth to 21 with the mission to maximize the potential of children with special needs by providing individualized, family-centered therapy services.

Children are referred to CTC with a variety of developmental delays and disabilities including cerebral palsy and neurological disorders, torticollis, speech and language disorders, brachial plexus injuries, spina bifida, Down syndrome, feeding disorders, sensory processing difficulties, autism and dyspraxia. For more information about Children’s Therapy Center, visit http://www.DynamicFamilies.org.

For a spooky good time, join the staff of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® of Seattle at the “Tricks & Treats Funfest” in Federal Way this Saturday, October 29 from 6 to 8:30 pm. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® will be on hand to entertain kids ages 2 to 12 with their haunted truck, complete with a Halloween-themed scarecrow and spooky lighting. Located next to the s’mores station, kids are encouraged to come in costume with their parents.

“We love participating in community events like this,” said Tera-Rose Layton of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® of Seattle. “Being next to the s’mores station is a bonus!”

In addition to the haunted truck, “Tricks & Treats Funfest” will feature carnival games, a costume contest, an outdoor s’mores station, prizes, candy and more. Admission is $6 in advance and $8 at the door. Accompanying adults and children under two are free. Sponsored by the City of Federal Way, the event will be held at 876 S. 333^rd St. in Federal Way. Call 253-835-6900 for more information or to register for the event.

About TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® of Seattle:

The Seattle area franchise of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is owned by husband and wife team Rick and Glenna Clendenen. The firm serves the Seattle area out of offices located in Kent and Kirkland and actively participates in the communities it serves. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK© offers a full-range of residential and commercial moving services, senior move management, packing services, supplies and workshops. To learn more about TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® of Seattle, visit them online at http://twomenandatruckseattle.com or call 253-656-4322.

Contributed by Dr. Sue Hollinsworth, DDS, Kent family dentist:

Kent, Washington, October 20, 2011 — What did the werewolf eat after he’d had his teeth cleaned?  The dentist!

One area dentist is redefining the phrase “put your money where your mouth is.” This Halloween, trick-or-treaters 12 and under can bring their excess candy to Dr. Sue Hollinsworth in Kent and receive a $1 per pound of unopened candy. For the second year in a row, Dr. Hollinsworth is leading this anti-decay movement by offering suggestions for non-candy treats and by giving cash in exchange for cavity-provoking candy.

“Ditch the candy; that’s what we are saying! Visiting your dentist twice a year and brushing daily are great preventative measures, but doing away with excess sweets altogether will really give your teeth a healthy boost,” says Dr. Hollinsworth.

“We all need to ‘think outside the candy box’ for Halloween. There are several great alternatives to candy, such as nuts, balls, seashells, polished rocks, stickers or temporary tattoos, or plastic animals. Kids can still have a lot of fun trick-or-treating, and, if they bring in their candy on November 1, their piggy banks will benefit too,” the Kent family dentist said.

Global sugar consumption for kids increases by about 2% annually and currently sits at 50 million tons per year, which means parents need to be sure their kids’ teeth are being cared for more than ever. Candy, as well as hurting children’s teeth, can lead to hyperactivity and weight gain leading to obesity and diabetes, major concerns for children.

Dr. Sue Hollinsworth’s office (13210 SE 240^th St., Suite B3, Kent, Washington) will collect candy the day after Halloween only – Tuesday, November 1 – from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. The candy must be unopened, so no nibbling please!

Dr. Sue Hollinsworth is located at the corner of 132^nd and 240^th in Meridian Valley Plaza at 13210 SE 240th Street, Suite B3 in Kent. Her practice emphasizes family dental care as well as cosmetic procedures. Patients of all ages are welcome. For more information, call (253) 631-8286, email smilestaff@qwestoffice.net or visit the office’s website at http://www.DrSueHollinsworth.com or Facebook page at http://www.Facebook.com/DrSueHollinsworth.

For more information, contact:

Dr. Sue Hollinsworth, DDS
13210 SE 240th St., Ste. B3
Kent, WA  98042
253-631-8286
Email
www.DrSueHollinsworth.com

Ladies and gentlemen, prepare to sip, shop and sparkle at the sixth annual Wine, Women, WOW! celebration, hosted by Kent Downtown Partnership. This year the event moves to Saturday, September 10 and features pampering, shopping, wine sipping, beer tasting, food sampling, live music and more.

Wine, Women, WOW! will be held at the Kent Senior Activity Center (600 E. Smith St., Kent) from 5 to 9 p.m. It will include many new features. One exciting addition to the event is the ManCave, a 32-foot mobile game theatre with the latest in video games, six 50-inch TVs, a cigar bar, cocktails and more. Sponsored by Clowns Unlimited and Games2U, the ManCave is open to both men and women.

In addition, Wine, Women, WOW! will include a one-hour VIP event preceding the main event. Sponsored by Heritage Bank, the VIP hour will run from 5 to 6 pm and VIP ticket holders will enjoy complimentary appetizers, a hosted cocktail hour, and the opportunity to preview the pampering and shopping vendors, along with a few extra goodies including a color-changing “blinky” glass.

The main event runs from 6 to 9 pm and will include a variety of pampering services and shopping opportunities, as well as wine sampling, beer tasting provided by Airways Brewing Company, hors d’oeuvres and delicious treats. As an added bonus, guests may purchase raffle tickets to win a beautiful diamond ring donated by Bonaci Jewelers, a getaway weekend from Hawthorne Suites and gift card trees featuring gift cards and other items from local businesses. Guests will enjoy live music jazz and blues by the Still Got It Band, sponsored by Hanis Irvine Prothero.

“Wine, Women, WOW! has always been a fun event, but we wanted to bring back that ‘girlfriend feel’ this year with more pampering and shopping,” explains Barbara Smith, Executive Director for Kent Downtown Partnership. “We’ve also added a VIP event and a ManCave to make our guests – men and women alike – feel extra special!”

Bonaci Jewelers is the presenting sponsor for Wine, Women, WOW! Other sponsors include Clowns Unlimited, Games2U, Kent Station, Hanis Irvine Prothero, Heritage Bank, Airways Brewing Company, Tents & Events Party Rentals, Kent Reporter, Virtually Yourz, Café Pacific Catering, Teresa Clark of Silpada Designs, Pearson Chiropractic, Marti Reeder of John L. Scott Kent-Covington, Judy Woods, Valley Bank and MultiCare.

VIP tickets and tickets to the main event, including the ManCave, are available by calling Kent Downtown Partnership at 253-813-6976. VIP tickets are $50 and tickets to the main event are $25 in advance, or $5 additional at the door. Raffle tickets will be available for $5 with special pricing for multi-ticket purchases. For more information about the event, including a current list of sponsors and vendors, please visit http://winewomenwow.com.

All proceeds from the event benefit Kent Downtown Partnership, a 501(c)3 nonprofit. KDP’s mission is to develop and promote a vibrant downtown. To learn more about KDP, call Executive Director Barbara Smith at 253-813-6976 or visit http://kentdowntown.org.

The hurricane has created a shortage in the blood supply, and one local paper is trying to help. Renton Reporter is coordinating a blood drive with the Puget Sound Blood Center tomorrow, Wed., August 31 from 8:30 to 11:30 am.

Renton Reporter
19426 68th Ave. S.
Kent, WA  98032

Puget Sound Blood Center bus in parking lot.

Appointments are preferred. To make an appointment, email Natalie Bonham or call 425-255-3484. Walk in donors are welcome, but priority will be given to donors with appointments.

Thank you!

It is back-to-school time in Covington. Served by schools in the Kent School District, classes begin on Thursday, September 1, 2011. To see the calendar for the 2011-2012 school year, click here.

Contributed by Book It Northwest

Free Poetry Writing Workshop with Author Erik Korhel
Event date: April 12, 2011
Location:  Covington Regional Library

Write a poem (or more) with help from King County poet Erik Korhel who will lead a Poetry Workshop for ages 7 and up April 12 at 7 p.m. at the Covington Branch of the King County Libraries, 27100 164th Ave. S.E., (253) 630-8761. Free.

More information at http://tinyurl.com/3u75g6v

ADDITIONAL FREE PERFORMANCES

April 9th at 3 p.m. – Sammamish Regional Library

May 14th at 2 p.m. – Kenmore Regional Library

Save the date…April 27th from 7-8:30 at the Hilton Seattle Airport and Conference Center you are invited to come hear uplifting stories about the dramatic impact made in people’s lives through DAWN’s programs and services.

You will be treated to a hearty breakfast and an opportunity to win Great prizes!

Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Hilton Seattle Airport & Conference Center
17620 Pacific Highway South, Seattle
7:00-7:30 a.m.: Check-in, Social, Coffee
7:30-8:30 a.m.: Breakfast & Program

Would you like to captain a table of 10 guests? Contact Annual Giving Coordinator Sharon Yamada-Heidner at 425-656-4305 x 261.

DAWN-domestic abuse woman’s network

The City of Kent is looking for one or two strong, committed nonprofits to operate the Morford Family Carousel (at Town Square Plaza in downtown Kent) for the summer.

The club or organization will determine its operating hours, but typically the season begins after Kent Cornucopia Days (mid-July) through the last Sunday in August. Organizations can benefit by accepting donations for rides. One adult and two minors are needed per shift. A strong, committed volunteer work force is needed.

If you are interested, contact Victoria Andrews at Kent Parks at 253-856-5113 or via email by Fri., Mar. 11, 2011