This Week In Renton

Press release from the City of Renton:

May 28, 2021

This Week in Renton

Friday, May 28, 2021 | Vol. VI | Issue 20

VIDEOS OF THE WEEK

We are excited to bring you this year's virtual Memorial Day event through this special video tribute.

The video includes a welcome from Mayor Armondo Pavone, Pledge of Allegiance by Tatum Davis, a student at Sartori Elementary School, presentation of the colors by Renton Police Department Honor Guard, and National Anthem sung by officer Adele O’Rourke. It also includes a look at some of the sacrifices made by Renton residents and highlights Memorial Day ceremonies from previous years.

Renton Farmers Market will open its 20th season downtown at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, June 1. The market is the best place to find fresh Washington-grown produce and flowers, prepared foods and crafts from your favorite farmers and vendors. We have more on the market below.

COVER STORY

Memorial Day 2021: We remember and honor

Memorial Day is Monday and we are excited to bring you this year's virtual event through this special video tribute. Our website has Memorial Day activities for all ages including a video showing how to make a poppy, pages to color and printable window decorations.

Although there will be no ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park on Monday, May 31, a group of veterans will place a wreath at the eagle statue at 1 p.m. City staff will be at the park from 1 to 3 p.m. to greet visitors. They will have masks, sanitizer, miniature flags and other patriotic items to give out.

Veterans Memorial Park offers a unique setting to view and honor the names of nearly 2,000 veterans etched into marble plaques. The plaques are affixed to the park's five walls, forming a star and representing the five branches of the service.

We hope you’ll take a couple of minutes to watch the video testimonials on the importance of the day by three Renton veterans. Here’s a sampling of their message:

“We set aside one whole day a year for Memorial Day. It is a day dedicated to one purpose: to remember and honor those who have died to protect our freedom. They deserve this special day.

“The Veterans of Foreign Wars of Renton and the American Legion conduct honor guards for veterans who pass away. In our services, we read:

Because of them, our lives are free.
Because of them, our nation lives.
Because of them, our country is blessed.

May the ceremonies of today deepen our reverence for our departed veterans.”

Fred DeBerry
American Legion Post 19, Renton
Vietnam, 1965-68

“Memorial Day may be the same Monday in May every year, but this day affects each of us differently. It's a day off of work or school or a bonus golf day. To some veterans, they have a wound of loss that will never heal due to their service. Whether these wounds are visible to all or are the secret impacts of PTSD, they are part of a warrior’s life.

"It is a day of reflection, a day of remembrance or even a day of loss of a brother- or sister-in-arms that no one else can feel except a fellow veteran.”

Traci Williams
MSG US Army
VFW Post 1263, Renton

“On Memorial Day, veterans view this special day differently than perhaps many who have not served. It is a day to remember and never forget the sacrifice of so many to keep our country free.

“The national moment of remembrance is held at 3 p.m. each Memorial Day. Please join me then to remember those who sacrificed their lives for all of us.”

Darrell Pilat
VFW Post 1263, Renton
Vietnam, 1969-70

ENTERTAINMENT

Celebrate Memorial Day with Renton Road Shows

Renton Municipal Arts Commission presents a free weekend of music, starting tonight at 6 to celebrate Memorial Day. Eight local performers are scheduled through Tuesday on the dock at The Hyatt Regency Lake Washington.

It’s all part of the commission’s Renton Road Shows, co-sponsored by Renton Civic Theatre.

COMMUNITY

Farmers Market opens 20th season on June 1

Renton Farmers Market will celebrate 20 seasons downtown when they open on Tuesday, June 1 at 3 p.m. at Gateway Park (S. Third St. & Logan Ave. S).

The market features fresh Washington-grown produce and flowers, prepared foods and crafts from your favorite farmers and vendors on Tuesdays through Sept. 28. The market closes at 7 p.m.
Back after a one-year absence are hot food vendors, giving shoppers a superb grab-and-go dinner option.

Shoppers are encouraged to take advantage of the free two-hour parking available at the City Center Parking Garage. The market is also adjacent to the Renton Transit Center.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) returns and includes P-EBT (Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer) benefits. The market offers a dollar-for-dollar match for up to $40 with the SNAP Market Match Bucks each market day.

ART IN RENTON

Artwork from last year's Black Live Matter Artwalk.

BLM Artwalk this Saturday

Renton Municipal Arts Commission will present a Black Lives Matter Artwalk on Saturday, May 29, from 12 to 5 p.m. The artwalk will be at the Renton Chamber of Commerce building, 625 S. Fourth Street.

Event organizer Franchesca Vargas said this year's event is themed around "Embodying Black Excellence."

PRIDE MONTH

The Philly Flag flies above city hall in June 2020.

City leaders to raise Pride Flag in celebration of Pride Month

Mayor Armondo Pavone and members of the city council will raise a new Pride Flag over city hall on Tuesday, June 1, at 9:30 a.m. This year’s flag was donated to the city by Renton’s LGBTQIA+ community. This is the third consecutive year we have proudly flown the flag as we celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride Month.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Willowcrest townhomes available in Sunset area

Resident mobility is a necessity in a modern community. Shopping, parks, trails, and public transportation must be accessible to residents. There also must be multiple types of affordable housing. That’s the type of community being built in the Sunset area.

One of the Sunset neighborhood projects is Willowcrest Townhomes, a combined effort by Homestead Community Land Trust, Renton Housing Authority, and the city. Willowcrest is the first project built in King County designed for low- and moderate-income households and designed to meet green energy-efficient construction standards.

Homestead has three new townhomes in Willowcrest for sale to households of two or more people who make approximately $61,000 to $67,000 per year and are experiencing an unstable housing situation. Those situations are classified as households doubled up with friends or family, people at risk of displacement, or fleeing domestic violence.

The mortgage payment would be approximately $1,400 per month (about $1,900 with HOA dues, property taxes, and other fees). These homes feature three bedrooms and two bathrooms, with solar panels, a garage, and other amenities. The deadline for applications is June 9.

Homestead’s website has qualifying incomes and details. Questions can be sent to apply@homesteadclt.org.

PUBLIC WORKS

Second recycling event is June 12

Our second recycling event is on June 12 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Renton Technical College.

Accepted items are unusable tires, cardboard, mattresses and box springs ($15 for each piece). Please remember to secure your load and wear a face covering. We have the event guidelines and list of accepted items on our website.

The last recycle event of 2021 is Sept. 18. Accepted items are Styrofoam and documents for shredding.

RENTON REGIONAL FIRE AUTHORITY

Grilling safety tips

For some, the upcoming Memorial Day holiday weekend signifies the start of the outdoor grilling season. For some, the grilling season lasts all year. However long your grilling season is, please follow these grilling safety tips from Renton Regional Fire Authority’s spring newsletter:

• Grill outside and away from any structures.

• Make sure your grill is stable.

• Keep your grill clean.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), May and July are the peak months for outdoor grill fires. NFPA has more grilling fire safety information, including printable handouts and videos on their website.

ART IN RENTON

Adopt a Little Free Library

The arts commission is looking to spread art through a new Little Free Library campaign. They need a neighborhood partner to adopt the first Art Exchange box. These boxes are filled with art supplies to exchange, share and encourage creativity.

The commission will install a fully stocked box at your house (or neighborhood gathering space) and keep it filled. If interested, please email arts@rentonwa.gov.

A HELPING HAND

REACH Renton is on the move and can use your help

REACH Center of Hope is moving from Renton United Methodist Church (2201 NE 4th St., 98056) back to the Highlands Neighborhood Center (800 Edmonds Ave. NE, 98056) on Monday, May 31. The move will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

They can use the help of seven or eight volunteers. Center staff have packed furniture and shelter items, but they need help loading the truck. If you’re interested, here’s the link to sign up.

RENTON SCHOOL DISTRICT

Renton schools transportation team honored

Congratulations to the bus mechanics, drivers and transportation team members from Renton School District. The Washington State Patrol recently recognized the team for exceptional results during their annual inspection.

The inspection reviews all vehicles, including buses and vans, that transport students and support staff to and from school and work locations across the district.

METRO TRANSIT

ORCA Cards free for youth riders

Beginning June 1, Puget Sound area youth (ages 6–18 years) will be able to get their first ORCA card at no charge.

Youth cards provide riders with reduced fares on services operated by ORCA agencies, including Community Transit, Everett Transit, King County Metro, Kitsap Transit, Pierce Transit and Sound Transit. For more information on getting a youth card, visit orcacard.com or kingcounty.gov/reducedfare.

Transit GO Ticket app now accepts cash

Cash can now be used to buy Transit GO Tickets. Previously, credit and debit cards were the only ways to purchase the tickets.

Transit GO Tickets are accepted by:

• King County Metro (including buses, Seattle Streetcar, water taxi and other modes)
• Kitsap Transit (including buses. ferries and fast ferries)
• Sound Transit (including buses, Link light rail and Sounder rail)

The latest information on purchasing Transit Go Tickets (credit, debit or cash) is available on Metro’s Transit GO Ticket webpage.

RENTON HISTORY MUSEUM

Facing the Inferno: The Wildfire Photography of Kari Greer

The Wildfire Photography of Kari Greer features over 50 dramatic photographs taken by Greer, a photographer for the National Interagency Fire Center based in Boise. The drastic effects of wildfires are more far-reaching as the fire season lasts year round. Wildfire smoke has a national impact. Greer’s images also show the devastation to wildlife and humans.

The exhibit is on display at the Renton History Museum from June 4 through July 31, 2021. The museum is open Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

CLASSES

Drip irrigation for home gardeners, June 10

Chris Hoffer, Educator for Tilth Alliance, will show how easy it is to water a garden with water-efficient drip irrigation. Even though our Pacific Northwest climate is known for its rain, our summers are not. Be smart with resources and learn how to maximize landscape water use.
This class on Zoom will be held Thursday, June 10, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. To register and receive login information, email Laren Imhoff.

COVID-19 VACCINE

How to get vaccinated

Here’s a look at the vaccination clinics closest to Renton.

King County Fire District 20

King County Fire District 20 offers vaccinations for those 12 and older every Wednesday at their headquarters, 12424 76th Ave S., Seattle, 98178. No appointments are necessary at this free walk-in clinic, open from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1 to 3 p.m. The June 9, the clinic will open from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 3 p.m.

Valley Medical Center

UW Medicine | Valley Medical accepts walk-ins at their free vaccine clinic from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. You do not have to be a current Valley patient.

Scheduling is still available. Valley is using the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines only. Everyone 12 years and older is eligible to be vaccinated.

Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente Glacier Building and the Rainier Building campuses are accepting appointments. You do not have to be a Kaiser Permanente member.

To schedule by phone, call 1-877-832-9915, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Saturday 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Interpreters are available, simply state your preferred language when connected. Patients who are 16-17 years old must have a parent or guardian call to schedule their appointment.

You can also schedule online.

HealthPoint

The HealthPoint COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination Site a(805 SW 10th St., 98057), offers a convenient, drive-through option for the Pfizer vaccine. Appointments for those 12-16 or new patients can be made by calling 866-893-5717.

Current patients over age 18 can also use MyHealthPoint Patient Portal to schedule an appointment.

Car-side vaccination Mondays in Auburn

The Auburn vaccination clinic offers car-side service for those who cannot easily walk into the clinic. Just let a greeter know upon arrival that car-side assistance is needed.

Mass vaccination sites

In Kent: The ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St., Kent, WA 98032

In Auburn: 1101 Outlet Collection Way, Suite 1333, Auburn, WA 98001

• Register for an appointment (available in English only)
• Schedule via phone: If you need language interpretation or online help, the following hotlines are available. Please say your preferred language when connected:
• WA State COVID-19 Assistance hotline: 1-800-525-0127 or 1-888-856-5816 (then press #), 6 a.m.-10 p.m. (Monday), 6 a.m.-6 p.m. (Tuesday-Sunday)
• King County COVID-19 Call Center: 206-477-3977, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
• For telephone-to-text relay service, dial: 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384. For tactile interpretation, contact: http://seattledbsc.org/.
• Walk-in vaccination (no appointment required) is also available Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., while supplies last.

CITY COUNCIL

May 24, 2021 meeting

• Meeting documents (approved committee reports, motion sheets, and council committee meeting calendar)
• Council meeting video
• Committee of the Whole meeting video
• Approved Minutes (May 17, 2021 meeting)

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Renton City Council meets via Zoom. For information on viewing or participating in a council meeting, go to rentonwa.gov.council. Past meetings are available at rentonwa.gov/youtube.

There is no council meeting on Monday, May 31 due to the Memorial Day holiday.

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Let’s Go Renton! June activities

With warmer weather, are you ready to get outside? Renton Recreation & Neighborhood Division has activities for both youth and adults starting in June and beyond. Be sure to check back as CDC and Public Health guidelines are changing.

Reserve your fun by registering at rentonwa.gov/register. Camps and leagues include:

• Ultimate Frisbee: Ages 8-13, June 21-25, July 12-16, July 26-30
• Youth Baseball: Ages 5-8, June 29-Aug 19; Age 5-6 at Maplewood or Kennydale; Age 7-8 at Kennydale.
• Basketball Skills 3-Day Camp: Ages 13-18, July 20-22 or Aug 3-5
• Adult Sports Leagues: Kickball Summer or Fall; Volleyball; or Softball Fall Co-Ed or Men’s Rec.

Music in our secondary schools

Renton students will entertain via Zoom on Thursday, June 10, 6:30–7:30 p.m.

They’ll explain how they managed their remote music education, including vocals, instruments, songwriting and composition. Presented by Beyond the Stage, a free, virtual series featuring a variety of local artistic creators.

CALENDAR

Daily, Senior Meals, Mon.-Fri., 11:30 a.m., free, drive-thru sack lunch pick up at Renton Senior Activity Center, 211 Burnett Ave. N. Limited quantities.

Mondays, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Sustainable Renton free drive-through grocery store at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 1700 Edmonds Ave. NE.

Tuesdays, 3-7 p.m., Renton Farmers Market, Gateway Park, S. Third St. & Logan Ave. S. Through Sept. 28.

Wednesdays, 6 p.m., Renton Live! online connection promoting business, nonprofits and activities within the greater Renton community. Find the weekly link on the Renton Live Facebook page.

Library resources and events, ongoing. Filter by event, program, and location. kcls.org

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