Showing posts with label kenmore. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kenmore. Show all posts

17th Annual Kenmore Art Show

Tuesday, April 7, 2015


The 17th Annual Kenmore Art Show will be held in June at Bastyr University, 14500 Juanita Dr NE, Kenmore, WA.

This juried show features hundreds of artworks in painting and drawing, photography, sculpture, digital new media, artisan works, miniatures, and a youth category. 

Other activities during the show include nine FREE musical performances, guest speakers, and a Plein Air "artists in action" event.  More information here.

Opening Reception and Artist Meet and Greet: 5:30pm, Wed, June 24th.
          
Show dates:
  • 10am-8pm June 25th-27th
  • 10am-7pm June 28th

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Kenmore to stream city council and planning commission meetings

Friday, January 23, 2015

The City of Kenmore will begin live online streaming of its City Council and Planning Commission regular meetings through the City’s website starting Monday, January 26, 2015.

The public can also access past meeting videos alongside a meeting index with embedded links that allow viewers to jump to topics of interest.

Meetings were previously available through recorded audio only.

The availability of streaming allows the public to have easy access to the content of meetings as they are happening.


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Flood control board recommends grant for City of Kenmore

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

The Executive Committee of the King County Flood Control District approved, and sent to the full Flood Control District Board of Supervisors, recommendations for grants aimed at reducing the impacts of local flooding. The funds, approved at the Executive committee’s August 18 meeting, are from the newly created grant program and will focus on flood prevention as well as flood mitigation.

The new grant program targets flood reduction projects throughout King County. A total of $2.6 million in grants are available in 2014, with the funds being awarded on a competitive basis by the Flood Control District. Eligible applicants included homeowner associations, private non-profit organizations or associations, schools, special districts, tribes and King County jurisdictions. Funded projects must be completed within 36 months of receiving funds.

The list of recommended projects includes the City of Kenmore which was recommended for $330,000 grant for the NE 192nd St Culvert Replacement. Little Swamp Creek regularly exceeds the current capacity of the existing culvert and floods over the roadway of NE 192nd St. The City is looking to install a culvert to eliminate the flooding at this location. The culvert must be fish‐passable to meet state Department of Fish and Wildlife requirements.


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City of Kenmore makes a splash with Waterfront acquisition

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Kenmore's new waterfront park
Photo courtesy City of Kenmore

The City of Kenmore recently purchased 0.65 acres of waterfront property located at 7353 NE 175th Street at the confluence of Swamp Creek and the Sammamish River, near Squires Landing Park in Kenmore.

The newly acquired property will serve a variety of park functions, including a bird and wildlife viewpoint, launching point for hand-powered watercraft, picnic area and connection to Squires Landing Park. The property is immediately available for public use and includes a floating dock and waterfront activities center provided by the Kenmore Canoe and Kayak Club. A dedication event is scheduled for Tuesday, August 26 at 6:00pm at the new property.

In response to the public’s desire for more waterfront access, the City purchased the property for $640,000 plus closing costs in early July. On July 28, following a formal Request for Proposals process, the City Council approved an agreement with the Kenmore Canoe and Kayak Club (KCKC) to provide a waterfront activities center at the newly acquired property.

KCKC will provide public recreational programming and instruction for hand-powered watercraft activities including kayaking, canoeing, dragon boat racing and potentially rowing and standup paddle boarding in the future. While the emphasis will be on youth activities, instruction and classes will be provided for all ages and skill levels including free or deeply discounted classes and memberships for low income youth and families. The property was purchased using Park Impact Fee revenue from the construction of new residential development, and the Park Impact Fee revenue can only be used for park property acquisitions and new park development.

KCKC’s youth team is under the USA Canoe/Kayak umbrella, which is Team USA’s feeder organization for Olympic athletes. As the team grows, team members will have opportunities to race regionally, nationally and internationally. Most of KCKC’s board members are Kenmore residents.

New waterfront park in Kenmore
Photo courtesy City of Kenmore


Fong Ng of the Seattle Flying Dragon Boat Club is pleased that his organization is included in this partnership. At least one dragon boat will be stored on the new park property, and a Kenmore dragon boat team will be forming in the near future.

“We have a very successful dragon boat program on Lake Union, and we are excited to grow this very fun and social sport by bringing it to Kenmore,” said Ng.

For more information about Kenmore Canoe and Kayak Club or to sign up for the team or classes, email northshoreck@gmail.com or visit the KCKC website

For more information about being a part of the dragon boat program in Kenmore, call (425) 954-3129 or visit the Dragon boat website.



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Plans announced to rehabilitate former Saint Edward Seminary building in Kenmore

Saturday, July 26, 2014

Saint Edward Seminary building

The City of Kenmore announced this week to the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission its intention to work with State Parks to support the efforts of Daniels Real Estate to preserve, rehabilitate and activate the former Saint Edward Seminary building. The iconic building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, is located at Saint Edward State Park in Kenmore and has been largely vacant since 1976. The City of Kenmore is proposing to play an active role with State Parks to ensure a long-term lease to rehabilitate and reuse the building.

Seattle-based developer Daniels Real Estate has stepped forward with an interest in rehabilitating the building to its former use and grandeur. Daniels Real Estate is also in early conversations with Bastyr University to discuss potential ways the school might be involved. Bastyr, whose main campus is surrounded by Saint Edward State Park, is Kenmore’s largest employer.

Kevin Daniels, President of Daniels Real Estate, is a trustee for the National Trust for Historic Preservation and a local real estate investor well known for high-profile projects that focus on community revitalization and adaptive reuse of historic structures. In Seattle, Daniels’ portfolio includes the adaptive reuse of the downtown Sears & Roebuck store, now the headquarters for Starbucks and the largest certified LEED building in the U.S. His portfolio also includes restoration of Union Station, now headquarters for Sound Transit and preservation of the First United Methodist Church, part of Daniel’s Fifth + Columbia Tower.

The 300+ acres of Saint Edward State Park includes undeveloped Lake Washington waterfront, forest and trails, and will likely remain in the stewardship of the Washington State Parks system. Though the exact parameters for the potential lease area have yet to be determined, it would be proximate to the seminary and adjacent buildings. As is typical for rehabilitation of significant historic structures, some space in the seminary would likely be set aside for public access and interpretive areas.

“Saving the historic seminary building in a way that promotes sustainability and environmental values while enhancing the local economy is a huge opportunity for the City, and we are ready to be a helpful partner in this effort,” said Mayor David Baker. “The team that has stepped forward is truly high caliber, with strong community ties as well as national prominence.”

In this scenario, the end product would be the rehabilitation of the seminary to its original use as classroom and student residential space— two uses that are needed by Bastyr University and are included in the University’s Master Plan that was approved by the City of Kenmore in 2009. Bastyr University moved its main campus to its current location in 1996 through the purchase of the 51-acre campus that was originally Saint Thomas Seminary, from the Seattle Archdiocese in 2005.

Instead of constructing new buildings and expanding the physical footprint on the Bastyr campus that is essentially surrounded by the state park, the 80,000-square-foot Saint Edward Seminary building would serve as a new university building. As an example of smart land use practices and sustainability, this project would preserve open space and natural features while breathing life back into an existing and historic structure.


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City of Kenmore receives 2014 Municipal Excellence Award

Friday, June 27, 2014

Kenmore City Hall

The City of Kenmore was awarded the 2014 Municipal Excellence Award for Process Streamlining from the Association of Washington Cities. Kenmore is the only city to have received this award two years in a row.

“We are thrilled to be recognized for our lean management work,” said Rob Karlinsey, Kenmore’s city manager. “This was a collaborative effort between the City and the building community and optimizes our permitting processing for land-use and engineering.”

Kenmore’s Development Services Department anticipates saving 722 hours from the permitting process as a result of this lean implementation. The City worked with Results Driven and relevant city personnel to find areas of opportunity for lean management improvements. The project culminated with a daylong lean exercise that included internal team members and local partners from the building community.

“The City is committed to continuing its work to provide an efficient, competitive permitting process,” Karlinsey also stated. “We hope our no nonsense permitting process will be attractive to many developers and builders as our region continues to grow.”

The Association of Washington Cities provides support for cities and towns throughout Washington State. This is the 24th year for the Association of Washington Cities’ Municipal Excellence Awards, which aim to recognize innovative projects that significantly improve the quality of life for citizens, establish partnerships and build community support.

The City of Kenmore accepted the award on June 20 during the AWC’s Annual Conference in Spokane.


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Kenmore schedules their free summer events

Thursday, May 29, 2014

The City of Kenmore along with dedicated sponsors and volunteers will bring the following events to Kenmore this summer.

Fourth of July Fireworks Show
Friday, July 4
Log Boom Park
NE 175th Street & 61st Avenue NE, Kenmore
Activities begin at 8:00pm with Fireworks Show at 10:00pm

Kenmore Summer Concert Series
Thursday Evenings
Saint Edward State Park
14445 Juanita Drive NE, Kenmore
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
*Washington State Parks Discover Pass is not required for concert attendees

Concert Schedule    
July 10             Hapa (+ Hula Dancer)                         “Hawaiian Luau”
July 17             Polyrhythmics                                      “Afro-beat grooves”
July 24             1939 Ensemble & McTuff                    Two bands, twice the Jazz
July 31             Cahalen Morrison & Eli West              “Old-timey good times”
Aug 7               Miss Tess & the Talkbacks                 “Saloon swing”
Aug 14             Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys            “Country boogie”        


Kenmore Play Day
Saturday, August 9
Rhododendron Park
6910 NE 170th Street, Kenmore
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Enjoy a large variety of play activities and educational booths. 

2014 Community Events Sponsors: Banner Bank, Bastyr University, Republic Services, Bow Wow Fun Towne, Northshore Utility District, Puget Sound Energy, Snapdoodle Toys, Windermere Real Estate (Seattle-Northgate), and Frank Lumber. Thank you also to our dedicated Kenmore Events Team of volunteers who help the City produce these events each year.

For events details, visit their website.

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Open House Workshop on May 13 regarding Kenmore’s Transportation Element update

Sunday, May 11, 2014

Community members are invited to participate in an open house workshop on Kenmore’s update of the Transportation Element in the City’s Comprehensive Plan.

The workshop will be held from 6:30-8:00pm on Tuesday, May 13 in Kenmore’s City Hall, located at 18120 68th Ave NE, Kenmore. A presentation will be given at 7pm.

At the workshop, City staff and the consultant team will share some background about the Comprehensive Plan’s Transportation Element, as well as ways to accommodate walking, biking, riding transit, and driving in the future.

They will be seeking your questions, comments and input on whether they have identified the right facilities to accommodate each of these modes and how their plan can best serve future travel needs in Kenmore.

The Planning Commission is currently working on updating the Transportation Element and will be developing a recommendation to present to the City Council later in the fall.  If you have questions, contact Debbie Bent, Community Development Director, at 425-398-8900.


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Kenmore Waterfront Activities Fair Thursday

Saturday, May 3, 2014


Questions, contact Leslie Harris 425-398-8900 or see the webpage.


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$440,000 for Kenmore Navigation Channel in Army Corps of Engineers 2014 Work Plan

Friday, March 7, 2014


On Tuesday, March 4, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released its Work Plan for Fiscal Year 2014 and it includes good news for Kenmore. The Corps’ Work Plan includes $440,000 to take key steps, including important environmental assessments that are required to prepare for maintenance dredging of the Kenmore Navigation Kenmore Navigation Channel. The Corps developed the Work Plan following passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2014 (HR 3547), the budget agreement approved by Congress and signed by President Barack Obama in January.

The Kenmore Navigation Channel is a critical conduit for commerce and the regional economy and is in need of maintenance dredging, as barging operations serving CalPortland’s concrete plant, Kenmore Air’s commercial seaplane operations, and other water-dependent businesses are being affected by the diminished lake depth. The most recent maintenance dredging by the Corps of Engineers was in 1997. Maintenance dredging is at least six years overdue.

The City of Kenmore has been working for several years to bring attention to the need for maintenance dredging of the navigation channel. U.S. Senator Patty Murray, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell and U.S. Representative Suzan DelBene urged the Administration and US Army Corps of Engineers to support this proposal. The budget legislation for FY 2014 included $40 million in the Corps budget to be directed to small harbors and ports, which typically have difficulty competing with large port facilities for maintenance funding, but are often instrumental for local economies and public safety.

“This is wonderful news,” said Kenmore Mayor David Baker. “This is an essential step toward maintenance dredging of the navigation channel and we greatly appreciate the leadership and support of Representative DelBene, Senator Murray and Senator Cantwell in advocating for funding to maintain this Corps of Engineers facility. We also value the role that King County officials, particularly Councilmember Rod Dembowski, have played in making the case for this project.” Baker continued, “We have developed a good dialogue with the Army Corps of Engineers and look forward to working with the Seattle District as they proceed with this work.”


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Dembowski: $440,000 for Kenmore Navigation Channel a collaborative effort

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers today released its Work Plan for Fiscal Year 2014 and it includes good news for North Lake Washington. The Corps’ Work Plan includes $440,000 to help continue progress, including important environmental assessments, on the City of Kenmore’s project to conduct maintenance dredging of the North Lake Washington Navigation Channel.

“I want to thank Congresswoman DelBene, Senators Murray and Cantwell, and Kenmore Mayor David Baker for their tireless efforts to include this important project on the Corps of Engineers’ work plan. This is an example of how we can have a positive impact for our economy by working together,” said Metropolitan King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski. “I appreciate the Corps’ inclusion of this project in their work plan and look forward to supporting its efforts to keep commerce moving in an environmentally responsible manner.” 

Dembowski included the request on King County’s federal lobbying agenda, met with congressional leaders in January in Washington, D.C. to advocate for the project, and also wrote to the Army Corps of Engineers last month to express King County’s support.

“We are very pleased with this news,” said Kenmore Mayor David Baker. “Congresswoman DelBene has championed this proposal from the start, and Senator Murray and Senator Cantwell have worked effectively to make sure small harbors that are so vital for local economies are funded in the Corps budget. King County officials, particularly Councilmember Rod Dembowski, also made the case for this project.”

The North Lake Washington Navigation Channel is a critical conduit for commerce for North King County and the regional economy. A safe navigation channel is essential for businesses like Kenmore Air and CalPortland’s ready-mix plant at Kenmore. The Navigation Channel is long overdue for maintenance. It has been 17 years since the last dredging occurred. The barging operations of several local water-dependent businesses are being adversely affected by the diminished lake depth due to sediment deposition. Without maintenance by the USACE, hazards to navigation will increase.



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New exhibit at Arts of Kenmore Gallery at Kenmore City Hall

Friday, February 21, 2014

Visitors examines the drawings
Photo courtesy Arts of Kenmore

The Arts of Kenmore Gallery has a new exhibit, “The Art of Drawing,” featuring artwork by local artists. The exhibit will run through April 25 at Kenmore City Hall, 18120 68th Ave NE
Kenmore 98028.

The works of 14 artists are displayed in the city hall gallery. John Cannon, Valencia Carroll, Isabelle Fenne, Peggy Kelley, Peter Lentini, Judy Moritz, Ned Mueller, Alex Rogers, Susan Rotondo, Marilyn Scanlon, SA Stirling, Marjorie Thompson, Anya Toomre, and John Tubbs.

The exhibit features a range of drawing mediums including pencil, charcoal, encaustic, and digital applications.  

For more information email the Arts of Kenmore



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The Art of Drawing opens in Kenmore Feb 7

Saturday, January 18, 2014


Arts of Kenmore Gallery at Kenmore City Hall

Friday, February 7, the gallery will open a new exhibit, “The Art of Drawing,” featuring artwork by local artists. The exhibit will run through April 25. The public is invited to the Opening Reception Friday, February 7, 6:30 - 8:00pm. Two of the participating artists, Ned Mueller and Valencia Carroll, will give presentations on their approach to art, their own artwork and the art of drawing. Light refreshments will be served.

Congratulations to the 15 artists who were juried into the show following a tough competition of almost 40 artworks submitted. Featured artists include: John Cannon, Valencia Carroll, Isabelle Fenne, Peggy Kelley, Peter Lentini, Judy Moritz, Ned Mueller, Alex Rogers, Susan Rotondo, Marilyn Scanlon, SA Stirling, Marjorie Thompson, Anya Toomre, John Tubbs, and Jesse Schildbach.

The Art of Drawing Exhibit showcases a wide range of subject matter and drawing styles. Drawing is one of the major forms of expression within the visual arts, and is generally concerned with the marking of lines and areas of tone onto paper. Traditional drawings were monochrome, or at least had little color, while modern drawings may approach or cross a boundary between drawing and painting. 

Drawing is often exploratory, with considerable emphasis on observation, problem-solving and composition. Drawing is also regularly used in preparation for a painting, further obfuscating the distinction between drawings and paintings. Drawings created for these purposes are called studies and those fit into our exhibit as well. The line between drawing and painting can be hazy and we welcomed works into this exhibit that walk that line as well.

The Kenmore Gallery at Kenmore City Hall is located at Kenmore City Hall Kenmore, WA 98028.


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Celebrate 'Courtesy is Contagious in Kenmore' Day by volunteering in parks on October 26

Friday, October 18, 2013

Join the annual parks clean up on Oct 26


Join Kenmore staff and volunteers at the annual parks clean up event on Saturday, October 26, 2013 honoring Kenmore’s first Mayor Jack V. Crawford’s many con­tributions to Kenmore. Mr. Crawford was particularly proud of Kenmore’s parks. Volunteers are needed from 9am to noon at Log Boom Park (17415 61st Ave NE) and Squire’s Landing (7515 NE 175th St) to help pick up debris, pull weeds, disperse mulch, grub blackberries and Knotweed roots, and remove ivy. Welcom­ing remarks begin at 9am at Log Boom Park.

In 2009, City Council proclaimed October 24 “Cour­tesy is Contagious in Kenmore” Day as an annual observance in honor of Mr. Crawford, who passed away in December 2008. Mr. Crawford served on the Kenmore City Council from the City’s incorporation in August 1998 through December 2005. During his Council tenure, he held the position of Kenmore’s first Mayor from 1998 through 1999; and held the position of Deputy Mayor from 2000 through 2001.

In 2008, while serving as the president of the Kenmore Heritage Society, Mr. Crawford played a key role in developing the Kenmore History Path at Log Boom Park. The Heritage Society dedicated the path to Mr. Crawford in August 2009.

Event Details
Individuals, families, and community groups are encouraged to participate. No need to preregister but you can help us determine the amount of supplies needed by RSVPing to Volunteer and Events Coordinator Cindy Shelton, 425-398-8900. Children 14 and under must be accompanied by their parent. Youth 17 and under are required to have parent/guardian sign volunteer agreement form to participate.

Gloves and basic gardening tool supplies are limited.  If you can, please bring your own in case we run out. The event will happen rain or shine, so dress appropriately. Water and light snacks will be provided.

The park clean up event is organized by the City of Kenmore. The City thanks the following sponsors of City of Kenmore community events throughout the year: Frank Lumber Co., Banner Bank, Grocery Outlet, BowWow Fun Towne, Bastyr University, Snapdoodle Toys, Puget Sound Energy, Republic Services,  Northshore Utility District, Buyers’ Choice, and Kenmore Reporter.

For more information, contact Cindy Shelton, 425-398-8900.


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Off the beaten track in Kenmore – Crossfit Kenmore

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Charles Crouch with his children at Crossfit Kenmore


Are you looking for a fitness routine – one that provides a sense of community, yet supports an individualized workout that is within your grasp? Crossfit may be an option for you to check out.  (NOTE: It is strongly recommended that you see your doctor before starting any new workout regimen.)

Charles Crouch owns and operates Crossfit Kenmore. A former Navy SEAL, Mr. Crouch is familiar with a variety of workout routines to optimize fitness. His gym, which originally started out in May of 2011 with workouts in a park, is now located at 7534 NE 175th Street, Kenmore (425-646-6459, email). His logo shows a rather pumped up frog, reflecting his Navy SEAL (“frogmen”) background. 

Trainer Erica Davis in the gym

A typical workout routine a warmup, stretching, strength, and a “WOD,” or Workout of the Day, which includes a variety of movements and is up to the instructors’ discretion. The WOD takes 12 to 20 minutes, give or take, and it is suggested that you do this three times weekly. The WOD is different each time – different exercises, rotating through different muscle groups. Classes are available Monday to Friday in the morning and evening, plus a Saturday morning class.

New clients start off with a fundamentals course of about three to five classes to ensure that you can do your workout correctly, at an intensity that is right for you – thus avoiding injury.

The gym is spacious

Although a given workout time slot can accommodate up to 15 people, typically it is fewer than 10, allowing Mr. Crouch to monitor everyone for good form, and adapt the vigor of the exercise or the weights used. As you improve, he determines whether or not it is time to increase the vigor or weights. Over time, the goal is to get stronger and develop increased stamina. He can include both ordinary middle-aged people and elite athletes in the same group, as he scales the individual workout to the individual's ability. The trick is to provide a challenge, without stressing out muscles and joints.

Charles focuses on functional, full-body exercises that mimic real-life activities. Thus ordinary activities are supported as one strengthens. He also modifies exercises for those with injuries, so that they do not aggravate that injury. 

Coach Erica Davis is a recent Bastyr
graduate in nutrition

Crouch believes in community, and has worked to make the facility family-friendly, with a child’s play room adjacent, and a loft with wi-fi for pre-teens. He recently trained the Inglemoor High School girl’s varsity basketball team to improve performance. They made sixth in State last year and they want to achieve first place this year.

While he is enthusiastic about Crossfit, he believes that people will find it if they are looking for the next edge in their physical training. Hence, he spends very little on advertising, with the belief that potential clients will find his business if they are really wanting this kind of workout. It must be working; he is planning to expand his business.

Charles Crouch is married, with two children, and a third on the way. He lives in Kenmore, WA. 


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Arts of Kenmore Gallery at Kenmore City Hall Photography Exhibit

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Photographers in exhibit in Kenmore


On September 27, the Arts of Kenmore gallery celebrated the opening of its third exhibit featuring a collection of photographs by local artists. The exhibit will run through November 15 and is open to the public during regular business hours. Works by Jim Boon, Patrick McSweeney, Ken Stanback, Terri Vincent, Melissa Wax and Woodeye are displayed.

The opening reception included welcoming remarks by City Councilmember Laurie Sperry and AOK President David Maehren. Jim Boon gave an engaging presentation on his underwater photography process and Ken Stanback gave an insightful presentation on nature photography and his photographic style. All photographic works are available for sale with a portion of the proceeds benefiting The Arts of Kenmore.  Please stop by city hall and experience the show.

The next Gallery at Kenmore City Hall exhibit will be a Youth Art show, featuring artwork by artists age 5 – 19. All area youth are eligible to submit their work. Submissions are due by Tuesday, October 15th.  The application form for the Youth Exhibit is posted. The Opening Reception for the Youth Art Show will be November 22, 6:30 – 8:00pm. Expect a fun event for the entire family.

Kenmore City Hall, 18120 68th Ave NE, Kenmore, WA 98028



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Call to Young Artists from Arts of Kenmore

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Submissions due October 15.

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Opening reception for photography exhibit in Kenmore Sept 27

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Kittywake - Grand Cayman by Jim Boon


Arts of Kenmore Gallery @ Kenmore City Hall Group Photography Exhibit
Featuring photography by 
Jim Boon, Patrick McSweeney, Ken Stanback,
Terri Vincent, Melissa Wax, and WoodEye

You are invited to the Opening Reception September 27, 6:30pm – 8:00pm

Two of the featured photographers, Jim Boon and Ken Stanback, will give brief presentations about their photographic process. Light refreshments will be served.

This exciting Photographic Group Exhibit showcases a wide range of subject matter and photographic style.

The Gallery is at Kenmore City Hall, 18120 68th Ave NE, Kenmore 98028.


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Kenmore awarded a $20,000 Let's Play City Construction grant

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Dr Pepper Snapple Group (DPS) and national non-profit KaBOOM! have awarded the City of Kenmore a $20,000 Let’s Play City Construction Grant. Kenmore will use the grant to build a new playground with community involvement.

The grant is part of Let’s Play, a community partnership led by Dr Pepper Snapple Group to get kids and families active nationwide. In 2011, as part of Let’s Play, Dr Pepper Snapple Group made a $15 million, three-year commitment to KaBOOM!, the national non-profit saving play by ensuring there is a great place to play within walking distance of every child. 

“We are thrilled to make Kenmore an even better place to live and play by using this grant to help fund the development of our first neighborhood park since we incorporated as a City,” says Mayor David Baker."

The grant will be used to help construct a new playground at Northshore Summit Park in Kenmore. This park is the city’s first neighborhood park development project since incorporating in August, 1998. Community meetings and workshops held over six years resulted in an approved master plan which includes a playground featuring a mix of traditional and natural looking play equipment. 

Northshore Summit Park is a 3.6 acre undeveloped park in the northeast corner of Kenmore. The completed park will contain a challenging playground for children ages 2-12 years of age, walking trails, open lawn and meadow areas for informal play, areas for picnicking and improved landscaping to encourage “backyard” habitat. The park project is currently out to bid with an anticipated completion date for winter of this year or spring of next year, depending on the weather.


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Off the beaten track in Kenmore – Saving Money on Utility Bills

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

James Colver and his service truck
Photo by Victoria Rhoades


Allied Complete Furnace and AC Repair, owned and operated by James Colver, 206-604-0092, has been in operation for five years. Not only does Mr. Colver repair furnaces and air conditioning units, but he also can help you with saving money on your utility bills by the targeted use of newer and evolving technology.

With autumn coming soon, we are all considering how to save money on heating this winter, and Mr. Colver can help.

He first became interested in helping with the fundamental needs for heating, air conditioning, and hot water, when he was working in Africa while his wife was doing a residency.

He saw how simple changes could make for profound economic and quality of life results.  Hence, he has a huge interest in helping us here in the US, to reduce what’s called our ‘carbon footprint.’ 

That footprint reflects the energy consumption for individuals and families. The smaller the footprint, the less energy consumed – translating into not just reduced carbon emissions, but into very real cost savings with bills. Additionally, the more people who take advantage of newer technologies, the greater the overall energy consumption in the US – a savings for us all.

James Colver, right, and friend with a solar panel
Whether advising or installing on your household energy use, his top three priorities are reliability, efficiency, and simplicity.

These three priorities combine to reduce home service calls, repair costs, and decrease energy needs, and thus save on utility bills.  

Furthermore, Mr. Colver knows which systems allow for tax credits and PSE tax credits, realizing yet another savings.

Mr. Colver also evaluates systems when repairs are needed, and repairs systems as needed.  He looks to simple solutions, such as checking ductwork for leaks, or checking insulation. Many times, you can save money on bills by fixing simple things, rather than replacing a furnace that may actually still be in good operating condition.

If you are investigating newer technologies, consider calling him before making a final decision.

While technology is continually being perfected, there are several specific items that you may want to consider for your own home, including heat pumps, tankless water heaters, solar panels, and drain waste heat recovery systems. He is knowledgeable regarding energy efficiency of different types of products, and can help you make the right decision for you. He installs these systems at rates that are competitive with much larger companies.

What did I learn just from sitting with him for this interview? Well, our tankless hot water heater should really be serviced annually to keep it working well. Also, solar panels can (and do) work well in the Pacific Northwest, if you know what you are doing. He has them, and sells his excess energy back to the utility company, which I’ve heard of others doing.  More money in the bank!

On a personal note, Mr. Colver is married with two children, and lives in Kenmore. 


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