City Of Renton Publishes Weekly Update

Press release from the City of Renton:

July 28, 2020

Our Renton Weekly contains news and information about city events, activities, and initiatives. It is emailed to subscribers every week.

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Our Renton Weekly for July 28, 2020

Make Sure Renton Counts in the 2020 Census

Have you filled out your 2020 census? We have the highest census response rate in South King County with 69.9% of Renton households having filled out the census. Help us get the last 30% of our community counted! The census provides the basis for vital programs and infrastructure in our city. This includes schools, hospitals, transportation, roads, and more.

The census can be filled out online, by phone or mail. Census takers from the U.S. Census Bureau will be going door to door in Renton beginning in mid-August to ensure everyone is counted. Make sure your household is, because Renton Counts!

What's Fresh at the Farmers Market

This week at the Renton Farmers Market, "Grab N' Go" kids activities will be available to take home! Plus, this week expect to see blueberries, cherries, peaches, strawberries, beets, corn, radishes, peas, squash leaves and more. Plenty of fresh flowers, herbs and baked goods will be available too! The market is open from 3 to 7 p.m. in downtown Renton at Gateway Park (S. Third St. and Logan Ave. S.). Please wear your mask and be patient as the number of shoppers allowed inside the market is limited to promote social distancing.

Campin’ Out

This is the fourth and final week of Campin’ Out! This week's theme is "Van Gogh Outdoors." As part of this week’s art-filled fun, we are distributing 1,000 free DIY birdhouse kits to Renton families for Project Cuckoo, in partnership with the Renton Municipal Arts Commission. Project Cuckoo is a community-based art project designed to capture the stories, sentiment, and emotions during this unique time. Each kit will contain the materials needed to make a birdhouse. Residents can upload a photo of their own birdhouse; the photos will then be transformed into a virtual art gallery to share with the Renton community. Make sure to submit a photo of your completed birdhouse. The next pickup is scheduled for Wednesday, July 29, from 10 a .m. to 12 p.m. at the Renton Community Center. All virtual programming is free and open to all.

Tuesday Trivia

Many thanks to all who have participated in virtual trivia with us. Moving forward, we have decided to host Trivia Tuesday once a month. The next Trivia Tuesday is scheduled for August 25. We hope you will join us! Stay tuned for information on the theme in August. Trivia information will be posted once we are closer to the date.

Register to Vote for the August Primary

Don’t forget to vote in the August Primary Election. If you are not a registered voter, you can register in-person through Election Day at the King County Elections Office in Renton. 16 and 17-year-olds can also pre-register to vote, and their registration will be held until they are eligible to vote at 18. If you did not receive your ballot or have more questions, contact King County Elections.

Renton LIVE! On Wednesday at 6 p.m.

Renton LIVE is back for a new episode on Wednesday, July 29, at 6 p.m. on the Renton Chamber of Commerce's YouTube channel or Facebook page. This live show hosts a variety of local guests every week to connect you with your community.

Free Mask Pickup on Wednesday and Thursday at RCC

We are in the process of giving out 20,000 masks to the Renton community! The last distribution days are this Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. and Thursday from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Renton Community Center. Residents should drive to the community center's main entrance to pick up two five-mask packets to each vehicle. No I.D. required. Please only make one trip through. Seniors picking up lunches at the Renton Senior Activity Center will also receive masks.

Virtual Youth Programming – Super Sitter Class

Teens, join us for an online, three-day Super Sitters class. On August 11 through 13, ages 11 to 15 are welcome to learn necessary babysitting and home safety skills. Students completing this course will be better prepared to provide a safer and more positive child care experience. $50 for Renton residents, $60 for non- residents. Register here.

Mobile Pet Food Bank

In partnership with the Regional Animal Services of King County, more than 4,200 pounds of dog and cat food were distributed at the mobile pet food bank on July 18 at the former Hi-Lands strip mall in the Sunset neighborhood. That translates to 147 families with 209 dogs and 198 cats being served in just under three hours.

The traveling pet food bank is a partnership of public and private animal shelters that receive pallets of donated food and litter to distribute to families in need. Many thanks to City of Renton AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer Claire Wilkinson who coordinated bringing the pet food bank to Sunset.

Donations Needed for REACH Meal Coalition

The Renton REACH Meal Coalition is in need of donations. The breakfast program serves an average of 48 people for weekday morning meals and an average of 80 people for weekend dinners. REACH is in need of bottled water, granola bars, lunch-sized bags of chips/crackers/cookies, applesauce, fruit and pudding cups, cereal, and milk. New socks are also needed for adult men and women. Donations can be dropped off at Highlands Neighborhood Center (800 Edmonds Avenue NE), Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

COVID-19 Updates

Last week, Governor Inslee extended the moratorium on evictions through October 15 and announced rollbacks to some activities to slow down COVID-19 exposure. Learn about the latest updates on our COVID-19 page.

City Council Updates

The city council did not meet on July 27. Council will reconvene on Monday, August 3 beginning with Committee of the Whole at 5:30 p.m. and the regular Council Meeting at 7 p.m.

This press release was produced by the City of Renton. The views expressed here are the author’s own.