HomeMy WebLinkAbout41_Mayors Newsletter_060817JUNE 8, 2017
This Week
from the Mayor
Denis Law, Mayor
VOL. II, NO. 18
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Comments, questions or suggestions, or just want to share all the great things that are happening in
the city, please email me. Thanks for reading.
Farmers Market kicks off summer activities
One of the best parts of summer in Renton is the
Farmers Market, which opened its 17-week run on
Tuesday. Opening day showcased the variety of fruits,
vegetables, and baked goods, great things to eat and a
musical performance by Hazen High School’s jazz band.
What often goes unnoticed, though, is the community
collaboration it takes to put on an event like this. From
Carrie Olson, our market coordinator, to the Piazza
volunteers, to our generous sponsors, it truly takes a
community to make the market a success. I hope you’ll
take time to visit and enjoy all the market has to offer.
Police give back and connect with the community
The Renton Police Department’s community-wide outreach was on full display last week.
Our officers visited elementary schools in Renton School District to distribute playground equipment
to second graders. The equipment included soccer balls, footballs, wall-balls, Frisbees and jump ropes.
Each student was allowed to pick one item and received a certificate of ownership to share with their
parents.
The equipment was purchased with part of the proceeds from the annual Return to Renton Benefit Car
Show and Cruise-In. If you want to plan ahead, the 2017 edition is July 9 in The Piazza Park downtown.
Last Saturday, the police department hosted the Renton Teen Peace Fest. Officers engaged with the
community in a number of ways, including basketball, skateboarding, and one-on-one conversations.
Even though the two events were aimed at different age groups, they were developed on the same
theme: our police officers carry more than a badge and a gun; they also carry a deep commitment to
the community they serve.
In April I wrote how the proposed Family
First Center in the Cascade/Benson Hill
community was closer to becoming a
reality after the city council voted to fund
up to $4 million towards its construction.
I also wrote that the real work was just
beginning as we worked to meet our goal
of raising $15 million dollars to build the
center.
The Family First Center is a collaborative
effort between the city, the Seahawks
Doug Baldwin, and Renton School District and it’s appropriate Doug hosts one of the first fundraising
projects. On June 25, the Doug Baldwin Family Combine takes place at Renton Memorial Stadium. It’s
designed after the NFL combine allowing participants to test their football skills. All proceeds go to the
Family First Center.
The center will help bring much needed services to youth and families in the community, including
health, fitness, and recreational opportunities.
Baldwin fundraiser will benefit Family First Center
I proclaimed this past Monday as
Gary Kohlwes Day in Renton. Gary
is retiring from the board of First
Financial Bank after 40 years of
service. Under his leadership, the bank
has been a significant contributor
to many Renton organizations
over the years. Gary, who served
as Renton’s school superintendent
for 23 years, has continued to be a
leader in organizations supporting
this community, including Renton
Rotary and the Renton Community
Foundation.
Proclamation
Gary Kohlwes (right) with Jay Covington,
Renton’s Chief Administrative Officer