/2010ResidentsGuide

2010

COVINGTON RESIDENTS’ GUIDE

City of Covington - Unmatched Quality of Life!

Covington City Hall

16720 SE 271st St. Suite 100 • Covington WA 98042 • 253-638-1110 www.ci.covington.wa.us

2 2010-2011 Residents’ Guide • COVINGTON

Covington Reporter

COVINGTON • 2010-2011 Residents’ Guide 3

Covington Reporter

Covington is a great place to call home Dear Resident, story times, book According to the clubs and more, along 2009 Covington Citiwith the resources zen Survey, 95 percent needed to complete of respondents feel school projects. We that Covington is a are also home to the place for families, Covington Aquatic Margaret Harto and we agree!

Center where swim Mayor With a range lessons, lifeguard of schools, parks, training, and public family-friendly activities, and swims serve many residents. close-by resources, the city of This year, a giant inflatable Covington offers a great place octopus and a rope swing for families to call home. were added to the Aquatics The Kent School District, Center’s repertoire of swim which has a history of strong accessories! performance, serves the resiCovington promotes dents of the city of Covingcitizen involvement in city ton. Our children attend five government, activities and different elementary schools, events. Annual events like the two middle schools and two Covington Days Festival and high schools, with some of Hollydaze Festival with the the best sports teams in the City Christmas Tree Lighting state. are perfect for family outWe have an active library, ings and creating traditions. in fact, the most used library Throughout the year, comin King County. Children munity-wide work parties are and families enjoy activities, organized and hundreds of

Covington Water District

citizens volunteer for various projects around the City and in City Hall.

In the future, Covington citizens can look forward to Covington’s first community park, a new downtown and improved transportation, possibly even rail, that is already in the works.

We welcome conversations with our residents. Please contact us through the Covington Connections link on our city website or on our Facebook page, www.facebook. com/CityofCovington, with questions, problems or suggestions. You are invited to attend one of our bimonthly City Council meetings on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month.

We hope to see you soon.

Warm regards, Margaret Harto, Mayor

Inside Your City Council................... 4 Covington Library............... 5, 6 Regional Fire Authority...........6 Getting involved...................... 8 Calling Covington home........9 Be Connected...................10, 12 Summer festival..................... 13 Clean up

............................14

Helpful Resources.....15, 16, 17 Rent utility assistance........... 17 Holiday tree lighting............. 17 Community Events................18 Click or two.............................18 Connectons......................19, 20 Demographics........................20 Help panhandlers.................. 21 CERT....................................... 22 Citizens honored................... 22

Acquiring and Protecting It’s Supply In 2001, Covington Water District (CWD) made a significant investment in the development of additional supply when it entered a partnership agreement with the cities ofTacoma and Kent, and the Lakehaven Utility District.This partnership formed the Regional Water Supply System (RWSS), a joint venture ofTacoma’s Second Supply Project (SSP). The SSP source consists of a portion of the Green River water retained behind Howard Hansen Dam. The District’s partnership interest is projected to provide adequate supply for the next 50 years.

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In 2006 a federal surface water law was enacted which requires the SSP to treat its Green River water source for cryptosporidium, a naturally occurring organism found in lakes, rivers, and streams. Cryptosporidium is a one-celled parasite, similar to giardia, which can cause severe gastrointestinal illness and is one of the most frequent causes of waterborne disease among humans in the United States.The SSP will need to comply with this treatment requirement by 2014. On March 24, 2010, the Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU) Board accepted the technical recommendation to proceed with the filtration treatment option that will provide regulatory compliance with all known requirements. Filtration provides the greatest level of regulatory certainty for the future. Other benefits of filtration will be to provide substantial improvement to water quality, reduce color due to certain minerals and natural organic material in the water, reduce the byproducts of disinfection that form, allow reduced usage of chlorine, and dramatically reduce the introduction of silt and sand into the water system. Filtration will also improve the reliability and yield of the Green River supply, allowing better utilization of the second supply project for Tacoma, Covington and all partners.

18631 SE 300th Place, Covington, WA 98042 253-631-0565 • Fax: 253-630-4825 CovingtonWater.com

CWD anticipates the need to issue long-term revenue bonds to cover its proportional share, estimated to be 11% or $23 million. Our customers will likely see the following increases: Indoor use to increase about $3-4 per month in 2011 and average summer irrigation use to increase about $6-7 per month in 2011. The District started its annual rate study in April and the final proposed numbers will be incorporated in the budget review in the fall of 2010.

4 2010-2011 Residents’ Guide • COVINGTON

Your Covington City Council

Covington Reporter

The City Council members are front row from the left, Mark Lanza, Position No. 2, Mayor Margaret Harto, Position No. 3 and Mayor Pro-Tem Jeff Wagner, Position No. 7. Back row from the left are, Marlla Mhoon, Position No. 1, David Lucavish Position No. 4, Jim Scott, Position No. 6 and Wayne Snoey, Position No. 5.

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Covington Reporter

COVINGTON • 2010-2011 Residents’ Guide 5

What does the Covington PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH library have for you? & PRESCHOOL In an Overwhelming World, There’s Peace…

Y

Praising God Encouraging Families Applying God’s Word Connecting with Christ Equipping for Service

253-630-6358

www.peacecovington.org 18615 Kent-Kangley Rd.

(Near the Covington Home Depot)

Be Our Guest!

Sundays (Fall-Spring):

Worship at 8 & 11 am Bible classes for all ages at 9:30 am

Sundays (Summer 6/20-9/12): Worship at 8 & 9:30 am Wednesdays (All Year):

Worship at 6:30 pm A congregation of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod

We Make Learning Fun! Classes for ages 3-5 Registration open all year Call for a tour: 361732

our Covington LiIf you’re new to the United brary branch of the States, the library offers free King County Library System English as a Second Language (KCLS) offers access to an (ESL) classes taught by Green amazing array of services and River Community College, materials for all ages – some as well as free citizenship traditional, some high tech classes and talk time sessions and all totally free for you to to practice English conversause. tion. We also have collections Are you new to computer of ESL materials and collecuse? The library offers free tions of books, magazines computer classes for beginand films in several languages ners – Excel, Word, Basic Inonsite, as well as access to ternet, e-mail to name a few. many other language collecNeed a computer to browse tions at other branches in the the Internet? We have them – KCLS. with printing capability, too.

If you want to broaden Laptops are also available for your cultural experience, in-library use and if you have the library regularly schedyour own laptop, the library ules special events for all has free wifi. KCLS also offers ages. Covington Library has downloadable eBooks and hosted author visits by J. A. eAudio to transfer to your Jance, Nancy Horan, Helen personal MP3 player or Thayer and Jane Ann iPod. Krentz to mention a We even have dafew. Musical perforKing County tabases for researchmances for all ages library ing everything from range from Show repair diagrams for Brazil and Tingstad your car to test preparaand Rumbel to Casper tion for the GRE, graduate Babypants and Captain Bogg record examinations. You can and Salty. We also offer a research your family tree on variety of programs for adults Ancestry.com, discover the including topics like poultry best dishwasher in Consumer keeping and job searching.

Reports or even learn a new The STARS programs for language on byki or Mango continuing education of adult languages. You can have your daycare providers are also a resume proofread, find the regular offering at the library. latest articles on your favorite For children, there are stotopic and check on your inry times for babies, toddlers vestments with Morning Star and families and many other or Value Line online dataevents for school-aged chilbases. Check out www.kcls. dren. The Summer Reading org to explore the catalog, list Program and Ready Set Read of events, databases and other encourage reading skill develservices. opment for this age group by Do you have a group needoffering fun programs and ing a place to meet? Covingprizes for participants. ton Library has a large public Teens are well represented meeting room that can be at Covington Library with reserved online and several a large collection of teensmaller group study rooms oriented materials including you can request onsite. If classics, graphic novels and you are looking for a quiet anime. Programming for place to read or study, there’s teens includes Game On, a “Quiet Study Room” in the Covington Library, too. [ more LIBRARY page 6 ]

253-631-5876 Visit us at

www.peacecovington.org

6 2010-2011 Residents’ Guide • COVINGTON

Kent Fire and Fire District become one

THANK YOU

New Regional Fire Authority will still provide 'Service with Pride' time increasing opportunities The citizens of Covington, for citizens to have a voice, Fire District 37, and the city through a Citizens Advisory of Kent, receive their fire and Committee, on the type and emergency medical services level of fire and EMS services (EMS) from the Kent Fire they desire. In addition, the Department. It is the Kent city of Covington will have Fire Department’s mission representation on the RFA and privilege to provide Jim Schneider Governance Board through services, with pride, to Fire Chief an elected official from each citizen we serve and the Covington City Council. represent.

Currently, Mayor Margaret Harto serves Through a special election process, the as the Covington elected official on the citizens in the city of Covington, Fire RFA Governance Board. Representation District 37, and the city of Kent, voted on the RFA Governance Board for the to approve a measure that allows the city of Covington is also through the Kent Fire Department to become a three Fire District 37 Commissioners, of Regional Fire Authority (RFA) on July which two, Commissioner Denbo and 1, 2010. State law allows a city (city of Kent) and a fire district (Fire District 37) Commissioner Barrie, live in the city of Covington. to form a single taxing entity referred In closing, I want to thank you again for to as a RFA. your continued support. On behalf of all Becoming an RFA provides a different Kent Fire Department personnel, it is an method to operate and fund the Kent honor and privilege to serve you.

Fire Department. Becoming an RFA Jim Schneider will also provide a way to streamline economies of scale, while at the same Fire Chief

Covington Reporter

[ LIBRARY from page 5] Anime Club and Read-3-Get1-Free – a KCLS Foundationsponsored program where teens write short reviews of three titles they’ve read and get to choose a brand new teen paperback of their own. Teen Late Nights occur several times per year when teens have the whole library to themselves for an evening to play games, watch movies and “chill”.

The library also provides help for students K-12 by having Study Zone volunteer tutors to assist with homework several nights per week during the school year. After hours and remote help with studies are provided through the library’s free link to Tutor.com.

Because Covington is a branch of the KCLS, we offer access to over four million items from 46 locations system-wide with holds delivered to your home library.

Holds can be placed from any computer or in the library.

Interested in helping fund extra programs and activities at the Covington Library?

Consider joining the Friends of Covington Library. The Friends of the Covington Library is an independent (501c3) corporation which works for the benefit, improvement, and welfare of the Covington Library by raising funds to enhance and augment the purpose, programs, services and facilities of the library. They also have great book sales twice a year.

As the KCLS webpage says, “Turn to us. The choices will surprise you.” So, stop by the Covington Library and be surprised!

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Covington Reporter

COVINGTON • 2010-2011 Residents’ Guide 7

Make A Splash!

Covington Aquatic Center at the

Swim lessons Water exercise classes Family & open swims Lap swims Lifeguard training Aquatic Volunteer Academy Don’t miss family fun at the Covington Aquatic Center complete with family swims, lap swims, swim lessons, lifequard training, exercise classes, and more. Swimmers are in for a treat...the Aquatic Center is now home to ‘Red’, the giant inflatable octopus and a brand new rope swing!

Get a membership pass 10-visit discount cards available Rent the Pool for parties

All fees and schedules are available online or at the Covington Aquatic Center

18230 SE 240th St., Covington (425) 413 - POOL (7665) www.ci.covington.wa.us

8 2010-2011 Residents’ Guide • COVINGTON

Covington Reporter

Getting involved is an opportunity for fun T

hroughout the year, the city of Covington holds several public participation events. These events help our local community in need, allow volunteers to help with things the city can’t afford to do, beautify our city and incite community pride in everyone who attends.

These great volunteer opportunities consist of Earth Day, Arbor Day, Clean Covington Day, Mayor’s Day of Concern for the Hungry, Make a Difference Day and other work parties and neighborhood events.

Volunteers at these community events truly make a difference in the community.

For Earth Day 2010, the city parks and recreation department organized a clean-up event at one of Covington’s most loved – and most in need of love – parks. The event garnered over 90 volunteers who came ready and willing to get their hands dirty in an effort to get Jenkins Creek Park clean. In just three hours, volunteers helped remove 16 tons of garbage, including five tons from the stream and pond alone. Additionally, 25 yards of vegetation, mostly invasive species, were removed.

Efforts like these make volunteering worth it! But, community events aren’t the only way to get involved. There are four commissions and a coun-

cil that serve the City Council with positions opening yearly.

The commissions are the Planning Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, Arts Commission, Youth and Family Services Commission, and the Covington Economic Development Council. Do any of these topics peak your interest? If you love the arts, then a position on the Arts Commission might be a good idea. If you are concerned about future development or traffic impacts, then the Planning Commission would be a good fit.

Aside from commissions though, the City Council invites any and all citizens to speak to them every second and fourth Tuesday of the month during public comment period at council meetings held 7 p.m. in City Hall.

Have a conflict? Then feel free to open a dialogue via e-mail or online. The city’s website provides Covington Connections, a way to give suggestions, comments or complaints and can be anonymous if you choose.

The city also has a Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ CityofCovington, which is updated often and includes information about news, events, and citizen concerns.

We look forward to seeing or hearing from you soon!

Madeleine Sutton celebrated Arbor Day with David Aldous and Martin Larson by planting a vine maple tree at Jenkins Creek Park.

Welcome to . . .

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For the 2010 Earth Day Clean-up Event more than 90 community members showed their community pride and got involved.

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(253) 395-1972 • www.southlakeclinic.com

COVINGTON • 2010-2011 Residents’ Guide 9

Covington Reporter

Thinking of calling Covington home?

I

swing!

Major amenities in Covington include Costco, Home Depot, Safeway, Kohl’s, Fred Meyer, Pier 1 Imports, Walmart, Petco, Office Depot, L.A. Fitness, Les Schwab, The Dollar Store, Red Robin, The Rock, Applebee’s, Washington Workwear, several salons, fast food restaurants, and numerous medical offices including extensions of Swedish and Valley Medical, the MultiCare Covington Campus, and more.

Covington’s school-aged population is served by the Kent School District with five elementary, two middle and two high schools within Covington city limits, making them close for residents. Additionally, you can find the Covington Library, part of the King County Library System, a variety of churches, and many different types of neighborhoods to choose to live in.

Resources for newcomers to Covington can be found right in this guide, from utility phone numbers, to restaurants, to how to get in touch with City staff and the City Council. We hope you enjoy Covington!

Bring Retirement to Life!

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t’s no secret the population of Covington is and has been on the rise. The city remains a unique location that is still considered rural, but has urban amenities. It offers close-by outdoor attractions the Pacific Northwest is known for, while still being close enough to Seattle and Tacoma with reasonable commute times and access. Not to mention Covington’s downtown area has all of the services the average person needs, so you don’t have to go far to get it.

Covington is situated just off Highway 18, the main highway that connects Snoqualmie Pass off Interstate 90 to the south end of the Puget Sound and Interstate 5. Covington is just about 30 minutes from the Snoqualmie Ski Resort (grab the snowboard!) and the gateway to the east side of the state, with access to Yakima, Spokane, Walla Walla and more.

On the other side, Covington is about 45 minutes from downtown Seattle, 30 minutes from Tacoma and even closer to everywhere in between! That puts the city just a stone’s throw from the Seattle waterfront, Pike Place Market, Tacoma’s Museum District, concert venues, superb restaurants, mountain passes, amusement parks, a handful of shopping malls, the airport and even more.

Covington is bordered by the cities of Auburn to the south, Kent to the west and north, and Maple Valley to the east, offering even more amenities.

Covington has a nice mix of neighborhood parks, trails and open spaces. The plans for Covington’s first community park are well underway and will include several play fields, tot and teen areas, interpretive areas, tennis and basketball courts, a trail system, picnic shelters, bathrooms and more.

The Covington Aquatic Center offers public and family swims, swim lessons, lifeguard training, water exercise classes, and tons of events throughout the year like April Pool’s Day, Sweetheart Swim, Float-in Movies and more. This year, the center has added Red, the giant inflatable octopus and a rope

26902 169th Place SE Covington, WA 98042 253/398-2700 Family owned and locally operated.

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10 2010-2011 Residents’ Guide • COVINGTON

BE CONNECTED Connect with the City 16720 S.E. 271st St., Suite 100 Covington, WA 98042-4964 Phone: (253) 638-1110 Fax: (253) 638-1122 Web: www.ci.covington.wa.us Facebook: www.facebook.com/CityofCovington Connect with your Council Members Please send all correspondence for City Council members in care of Covington City Hall. E-mail may be sent straight to Council Members at citycouncil@ci.covington.wa.us.

Connect with Staff City Manager’s Office Derek M. Matheson City Manager dmatehson@ci.covington.wa.us Extension 2225 Sharon Scott Executive Assistant sscott@ci.covington.wa.us Extension 2225 Karla Slate Community Relations Coordinator/PIO kslate@ci.covington.wa.us Extension 2234

Covington Reporter City Clerk’s Office Sharon Scott City Clerk sscott@ci.covington.wa.us Extension 2225 Joan Michaud Deputy City Clerk jmichaud@ci.covington.wa.us Extension 2252 Personnel/Human Services Noreen Beaufrere Personnel Manager nbeaufrere@ci.covington.wa.us Extension 2240 Victoria Throm Personnel and Human Services Analyst vthrom@ci.covington.wa.us Extension 2237 POLICE Kevin Klason Police Chief Kevin.klason@kingcounty.gov Extension 2243 Police Officers Extension 2244 [ more BE CONNECTED page 12 ]

Darren Mhoon Management Assistant dmhoon@ci.covington.wa.us Extension 2274

COME HOME TO FOUNTAIN COURT Maple Valley's Only Senior Assisted & Independent Living Community

Valerie Lyon Receptionist vlyon@ci.covington.wa.us Extension 2221 Kathleen Kirshenbaum Receptionist (part-time) kkirshenbaum@ci.covignton.wa.us Extension 2241

OFFERING EVENING AND SATURDAY APPOINTMENTS OTTO J. HANSSEN, D.D.S. & ASSOCIATES

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Celebrating The Art of Life!

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• • • • • • •

COVINGTON • 2010-2011 Residents’ Guide 11

Covington Reporter

a t o n s i Graffiti

e m i r c s s e l m i t c i v

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n: Covingto

Report.

Record.

raf sa lp stop g e h o t authoritie s p to e t it s t r e o re, rep ese thre g a pictu in k Follow th ta y b rd it Reco

Learn more about the Clean Covington Campaign

Visit www.ci.covington.wa.us/covingtonlife/cleancovingtoncampaign.cfm or contact Karla Slate at kslate@ci.covington.wa.us ot 253.638.1110

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12 2010-2011 Residents’ Guide • COVINGTON [ BE CONNECTED from page 10]

Covington Reporter

FINANCE Rob Hendrickson Finance Director rhendrickson@ci.covington.wa.us Extension 2236

King County Sherriff Non-emergency Number (206) 296-3311 King County Records Unit (206) 296-4190

Casey Camp Accountant ccamp@ci.covington.wa.us Extension 2233

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT David Nemens Community Development Director dnemens@ci.covington.wa.us Extension 2249

Lindsay Hagen Finance Specialist lhagen@ci.covington.wa.us Extension 2232

Kelly Thompson Permit Technician ktompson@ci.covington.wa.us Extension 2269

Staci Cles Accounting Clerk scles@ci.covington.wa.us Extension 2268

Building Division Robert Meyers Building Official rmeyers@ci.covington.wa.us Extension 2231

PARKS AND RECREATION Scott Thomas Parks and Recreation Director sthomas@ci.covington.wa.us Extension 3279

Louis Quintanar Code Enforcement Officer lquintanar@ci.covington.wa.us Extension 3276

Pat Patterson Recreation and Aquatics Manager ppatterson@ci.covington.wa.us Extension 303

Richard Hart Planning Manager rhart@ci.covington.wa.us Extension 2226

Ethan Newton Aquatics Supervisor enewton@ci.covington.wa.us Extension 313

Salina Lyons Senior Planner slyons@ci.covington.wa.us Extension 2239

Rachel Bahl Senior Lifeguard rbahl@ci.covington.wa.us Extension 325

Nelson Ogren Development Review Engineer nogren@ci.covington.wa.us Extension 2228

PUBLIC WORKS Glenn Akramoff Public Works Director gakramoff@ci.covington.wa.us Extentsion 2250

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Shellie Bates Office Supervisor sbates@ci.covington.wa.us Extension 2238 Don Vondran City Engineer dvondran@ci.covington.wa.us Extension 2257 Ross Junkin Construction Inspector rjunkin@ci.covington.wa.us Extension 2267 Ben Parrish Engineering Technician bparrish@ci.covington.wa.us Extension 2273 Mayson Morrissey Senior Information Systems Administrator mmorrissey@ci.covington.wa.us Extension 2271 Public Works Maintenance Team Maintenance Office (253) 638-1431 Dan Wesley dwesley@ci.covington.wa.us Joe Marchefka jmarchefka@ci.covington.wa.us John Gaudette jgaudette@ci.covington.wa.us Don Trapp dtrapp@ci.covington.wa.us Tyler Clark (seasonal) tclark@ci.covington.wa.us Stuart Garnett (seasonal) sgarnett@ci.covington.wa.us

COVINGTON • 2010-2011 Residents’ Guide 13

Covington Reporter

Covington's summer festival is full of taste I

n summer, festivals and events abound throughout the region. Some huge.

Some far away. Some not quite your taste. In July, Covington is home to the Covington Days Festival that is local, close-by and fun for everyone.

This annual festival, coordinated by the Covington Lions Club, has spent years delighting the community and providing opportunities to buy crafts and goods, sell them, eat fun festival food, listen to music, watch performances like the Reptile Man, participate in or watch a parade, view an art show, join in a 5k or 10k fun run, bounce on inflatables, and so much more. Sure, it’s not big enough to cover the grounds of the Seattle Center, but this festival sprawls the grounds of the Covington MultiCare Campus and stretches to other locations like Covington Christian Fellowship for the annual fireworks show, Kentwood High School for the annual fun run, and down Kent-Kangley Road that makes way for the parade.

Leading up to the festival each year, the committee accepts parade applications (it’s FREE), craft and vendor applications, sponsorships and donations. The city of Covington Arts Commission runs the Covington Days Art Show and accepts

Councilman Jim Scott encourages a large group of participants in the watermelon eating contest at the Covington Days Festival put on by the city in July. entries just before the festival begins. And, the City Council prepares for the Council Challenge and watermelon eating contest! Visit www.

CovingtonFestival.com for all the juicy details and updates throughout the year.

Dr. Vincent B.Ho

D.D.S.

LISTENING, EXPLAINING AND CARING DENTAL CARE!

Meet Dr. Vincent B. Ho Dr. Vincent Ho is currently a member of the Washington State Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, the Las Vegas Institute and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and Implant Institute.

SUMMER

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(253) 638-9955 • www.vincenthodds.com

14 2010-2011 Residents’ Guide • COVINGTON

Covington Reporter

Let's make our mark by removing theirs The Campaign The Clean Covington Campaign was developed in 2009 with a city staff committee that researched and pursued a solution to the problem of graffiti.

Since then, it has turned into a community partnership with participating businesses and citizens.

The campaign has three main elements: outreach and education, providing resources to the community and holding an annual community clean-up day called Clean Covington Day. The Kits Thanks to businesses like WalMart, Home Depot, Alpine Markings and Sherwin Williams, the city of Covington has been able to provide basic graffiti removal kits for free to victims of graffiti in Covington. The kits include the starter supplies to remove graffiti like gloves, paint brushes

and tape, rags and graffiti removal spray, plus coupons for paint products – if it comes to that.

Luckily, the city has also had help from an unlikely expert; a teenager on the maintenance staff who had to serve a community service sentence for his role in graffiti. He has been able to help identify “tags” and worked hard to remove it. Now, he is in college and still works as a seasonal employee with the maintenance crew and is a superb resource for the city in battling graffiti.

Steps to Success With the help from local businesses and our expert, we now turn to empowering residents and businesses to participate in the initiative to stop graffiti. First, it must be recorded, like with a photo or notes. Then it should be immediately reported to the authorities. And finally, it needs to be removed right when it occurs on their property. According to Internet reports, if graffiti is removed from a structure within

24 hours after it occurs, there is only a 10 percent chance that the graffiti will come back. But wait 48 hours or more, and there is nearly a 100 percent chance graffiti will hit there again.

Covington police report removing graffiti as soon as it is noticed helps deter it from happening again.

It may not stop it the first or second time around, but consistently keeping an eye out and removing it immediately will eventually stop the graffiti in that area. Also according to police, “taggers” will move on because they don’t get to enjoy their “tags” if they are removed immediately before many people can see it.

We rely heavily on our citizens to tell us when they see graffiti and where they see it. Our citizens really are the eyes and ears of the community, especially in summertime when we will see surges of graffiti due to the long days and warmer weather that keeps people up and outdoors.

The Event For 2010, the Clean Covington

Campaign is searching for qualified citizens and businesses from Covington and those that serve Covington to step it up and participate in the graffiti removal process. The Clean Covington Crew is in need of graffiti spotters, removal artists and educators. No experience is necessary, but we require crew members to be committed and show their community pride! Crew members will be provided with training and crew t-shirts to be identified within the community. Crew members are also asked to participate in the annual Clean Covington Day that will take place from 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, September 11, 2010.

Clean Covington Day is a way to partner the community and the city (city council, police, public works, etc.) together about a common concern – graffiti. Maintenance staff provides a graffiti-removal demonstration and police provide a presentation about graffiti issues.

Small groups then head out to known graffiti spots in Covington to clean it up.

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COVINGTON • 2010-2011 Residents’ Guide 15 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTERS

Kent Office 325 W. Gowe St. Kent, WA 98032 (253) 939-4055 www.valleycities.com

HELPFUL RESOURCES CHILD ABUSE King County Sexual Abuse Resource Center (888) 99 VOICE: (998-6423) www.kcsarc.org

Crisis Clinic Call 2-1-1 has daily information on openings www.crisisclinic.org

Kent Youth and Family Counseling 232 Second Avenue South Kent, WA 98032 253-859-0300 www.kyfs.org

DSHS Child & Family Services Child Protective Services 1313 W Meeker #102 Kent, WA 98032 (253) 372-5930, Hotline (866) 363-4276

New Beginnings Crisis Line Shelter Seattle (206) 522-9472 DAWN – South King County (425) 656-7867

Pregnancy Aid of Washington Auburn: (253) 939-6676 Kent (253) 852-1201 Hours: M-F 10am-1:30pm closed Wed. in July/Aug

CHILD CARE Child Care Resources & Referrals Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Friday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

(253) 852-3080 www.childcare.org

Eastside Domestic Violence Program 24 hour crisis line: (800) 827-8840 YWCA Emergency Shelter (253) 856-0223

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERVICES

DONATION PICK-UP

DAWN (Domestic Abuse Women’s Network) 24 hr. Crisis Line (425) 656-7867 www.dawnonline.org

Children’s Home Society of Washington Head Start programs 4338 Auburn Way North Auburn WA 98002-8011 253-854-0700 www.chs-wa.org

Volunteers of America (206) 782-6731 Hours: Tu, 2-6 pm; W, F, 12:00-4 pm Salvation Army 1-800-958-7825

YWCA of Seattle/South King County 1010 South 2nd Street Renton, WA 98055 Office (425) 226-1266 www.ywcaworks.org

Washington Council for the Blind 1-800-255-1147 EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE

Wash. State Domestic Violence Crisis Line 1-800-562-6025

CLOTHING BANK Village Chapel 17418 108th Avenue SE Renton, WA. Call for hours (425) 255-9920

Columbia Legal Services (206) 464-5936 Voicemail information: (206) 464-5911 www.columbialegal.org Hours: M-F 9am-5pm

Kent Food Bank 515 W Harrison St. #107 Kent, WA 98032 (253) 520-3550 Hours: M, Tu, W, F, 8:30am-2:30pm

Covington Domestic Violence Task Force Services and Referrals for Covington residents (253) 638-1110 x2237

COUNSELING

Safe Havens Supervised Child Visitation 407 W Gowe St. Kent WA 98032 (253) 856-5140 Hours: W-F 11am-7pm; Sat, 10am-6pm; Sun. noon-5pm

Valley Cities Counseling sites 2704 I St. NE Auburn, WA 98002 (253) 939-4055 Or

Black Diamond Community Center 31605 – 3rd Ave. Hwy 169 Black Diamond, WA 98010 (360) 886-1011 Assistance with PSE bills and eviction prevention. www.glackdiamondcc.org Catholic Community Services 1229 West Smith Street (no walk-ins) Kent, WA 98032 (253) 850-2523 limited phone hours www.ccsww.org Crisis Clinic 24-Hour Crisis Line (206) 461-3222

[ more RESOURCES page 16 ]

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16 2010-2011 Residents’ Guide • COVINGTON [ RESOURCES from page 15]

Community Information Line Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

NEW NUMBER, DIAL 2-1-1 www.crisisclinic.org Salvation Army – Kent 1209 Central Ave S, #145 Kent, WA 98031 (253) 852-4983 Hours: M-F 10am-2pm. www.salvationsarmynw.org

Maple Valley, WA 98038 (425) 432-8139 www.maplevalleyfoodbank.org Hours: M W Th, 10:30am-1pm; 2nd Th each month, 5:30-7pm.

Emergency bags: M-Th 9:30am-4pm The Storehouse Home Delivery on Saturday Covington Christian Fellowship 26201 180th Avenue SE Covington, WA 98042 (253) 631-3038

EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

HEALTH CARE

Center for Career Alternatives 13111 SE 274th St. Kent, WA 98030 (253) 639-1162 Hours: M-F 8am-5pm www.ccawa.org

HealthPoint Health Centers www.healthpointchc.org 126 Auburn Avenue #300 Auburn, WA 98002 (253) 735-0166 Hours: M-F hours vary

LDS Employment Resource Services 34815 Weyerhauser Way Federal Way, WA 98023 (253) 815-6983 www.ldsjobs.org

403 E Meeker St. #200 Kent, WA 98031 (253) 852-2866 Hours: M Tu, 9am-8pm: W-F 9am-5pm

Work Source 2707 I St. NE Auburn, WA 98002 (253) 804-1177 Hours: M-F 8am-5pm www.worksourceskc.org

HealthPoint Dental Center 403 E Meeker St, #100 Kent, WA 98030 (253) 796-4071 Hours: M-F 8-4pm

FOOD BANKS

Public Health – Seattle & KC 1404 Central Ave S #101, #112 Kent, WA 98032 Hours: M-F 7:30am-5:30pm. (206) 296-4500

Black Diamond Community Center 31605 – 3rd Ave. Hwy 169 Black Diamond, WA 98010 (360) 886-1011 www.glackdiamondcc.org Maple Valley Food Bank & Emergency Services 214150 Maple Valley Highway

Dynamic Family Services Child therapy program 10811 SE Kent Kangley Rd Kent, WA 98030 (253) 854-5660 Hours: M-F 8am-5pm www.dynamicfamilies.org •

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Covington Reporter HOUSING King County Housing Authority 600 Andover Park W Tukwila, WA 98188 Section 8: (206) 214-1300 Public Housing (206) 574-1248 Hours: M-F 8am-4:30pm www.kcha.org HOUSING REPAIR PROGRAM King County Housing Repair Program (206) 296-7640 www.metrokc.gov/dchs/csd/ housing/ King County Housing Authority Weatherization Program (206) 214-1240 Hours: M-F 8-4:30pm LEGAL SERVICES Dispute Resolution Center of King County Seattle (206) 443-9603 Hours: M W F, 9am-5pm Tu, Th, 9am-8:30pm www.kcdrc.org

King County Bar Association Seattle, WA (206) 267-7100 Hours: M-F 9am-4pm www.kcba.org NW Women’s Law Center Legal Info and Referral (206) 621-7691 Hours: M-F 8:30am-5:30pm www.nwwlc.org RESPITE / ADULT DAY CARE ElderHealth Northwest (South) (206) 721-3634 Adult Day Health/Respite Hours: M-F 9am-2pm www.elderhealth.org Black Diamond Community Center31605 – 3rd Ave. Hwy. 169, Black Diamond, WA 98010 (360) 886-1011 Hours: M, Tu, Th, 12:00pm www.blackdiamondcc.org SEXUAL ASSAULT KC Sexual Assault Resource Center 1-888-998-6423 Hours: M-F 9am-5pm www.kcsarc.org [ more RESOURCES page 17 ]

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COVINGTON • 2010-2011 Residents’ Guide 17

Covington Reporter

Rent and utility assistance Requests for rent or utility assistance are the most requested needs that come to the Human Services Specialist for the city of Covington. The city does not provide direct financial assistance; instead the city provides funding to a variety of non-profit organizations that are contracted to provide specific services to the residents of Covington. Many of those organizations provide financial assistance for rent or utility assistance.

Navigating where to find help and who to call can be difficult, especially when one is under stress when facing an eviction or shutoff notice. Victoria Throm the city’s Human Service Specialist is there to help when one does not know where to turn. She provides resources and referrals for each specific need.

She can be reached by calling 253-638-1110 ext. 2237 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

If you or someone you know are faced with

the need for rent or utility assistance the following organizations may be able to help: • The Housing Stability Project (a program of Solid Ground) call 211 to access this program through the Community Information Line.

Monthly Income must be double the cost of monthly rent or mortgage.

• Catholic Community Services, Emergency Assistance Program Kent Office: 253-850-2523 • Salvation Army Covington Residents call: Black Diamond Community Center 360886-1011 Rent and power bill for families with children, seniors, or disabled • Maple Valley Food Bank and Emergency Assistance 425-432-8139 Assists with energy and rent evictions

It's not winter in Covington until....

[ RESOURCES from page 16] SHELTERS HOME & ARISE homeless shelters for men 1229 W Smith St Kent, WA 98032 (253) 854-0077 Hours: M-F 8:30am-5pm Intake: M-Th 10:30am-12:30pm Daily shelter 9pm-7am Multi-Service Center, Kent Family shelter (253) 854-3437 x 104 message center SUBSTANCE ABUSE Kent Youth & Family Services For Substance Abuse (253) 859-0300 SUICIDE Crisis Clinic Teen Link – Suicide Prevention Evenings 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

(206) 461-4922 YOUTH PROGRAMS Lighthouse held at Cedar Heights Jr. High (Evening Program for students age 14-18) Monday and Friday Nights 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (253) 859-0300

If it’s not summer festival time, then it must be time to think about the city of Covington’s Holiday Tree Lighting provided by the city and the accompanying Hollydaze Festival, which is run by the Kiwanis Club.

Always the first Friday in December, rain or shine or snow, the holiday tree is treated like a celebrity. City crews spend hours stringing the lights in preparation. Then, hundreds gather in the parking area near the Henning Round-a-Bout (where the tree is planted) and is delighted by the lighting of the tree, as performed by the Mayor.

The Kiwanis Club provides hot cocoa for the event and also organizes the rest of the weekend’s festivities known as the Hollydaze Festival, complete with musical performances by choirs, shopping specials, the fruitcake hurl and more.

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18 2010-2011 Residents’ Guide • COVINGTON

✁

Covington Reporter

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Annual Relay for Life

June 25, 6 p.m. - June 26, 2 p.m.

Tahoma Junior High School The communities of Covington, Black Diamond and Maple Valley join together to host the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. For more information please visit www.triorelay.org or contact the American Cancer Society at (800) ACS-2345.

Covington Days Festival

Friday-Sunday, July 16-18 Covington MultiCare Campus at 17700 SE 272nd St. Three days full of food, fun, fireworks and festivities. For more information visit www.CovingtonFestival.com or contact the Covington Lions Club at info@covingtonfestival.com

National Night Out Against Crime

Tuesday, August 6 For more information please contact Covington Police Chief Kevin Klason at (253) 638-1110 extension 2243.

Clean Covington Day

Saturday, Sept. 11 Join the community and say goodbye to graffiti. Work parties will be dispatched to areas in the City to clean up graffiti with provided supplies. For more information contact Karla Slate at (253) 638-1110 extension 2234.

Mayors Day of Concern for the Hungry

Saturday, Sept. 25 For more information or to volunteer, contact the Maple Valley Food Bank, 21415 Maple Valley Hwy. or at (425) 432-8633.

Purple Light Nights

Oct. 1-31 Shine a light for victims of domestic violence throughout the Domestic Violence Awareness Month of October. For more information please contact Victoria Throm (253) 638-1110 extension 2237.

Make a Difference Day

Saturday, Oct. 23 Help make a difference in Covington. For more information contact the Public Works Department at (253) 638-1110.

Veteran’s Day Ceremony

Thursday, Nov. 11 For more information contact Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 SE 240th St., Kent, WA 98042 or (425) 413-9614.

City of Covington Community Tree Lighting

Friday, Dec. 3 For more information about the tree lighting please contact Karla Slate at the City of Covington at (253) 638-1110.

Hollydaze Festival

Friday-Sunday, Dec 3-5 For information on Hollydaze, contact the Kiwanis Club of the Foothills, P.O. Box 7352, Covington, WA 98042

April Pools Day

April 2010 (TBD) Head to the Covington Aquatic Center for water safety lessons and free swimming! Call (425) 413-POOL (7665) for more information.

✁

**Dates and times are subject to change.

IN JUST A CLICK OR TWO… You can find a lot about the city of Covington in just a click or two from the city’s website at www.ci.covington.wa.us.

Check out these links:

Want to meet your council members?

Click on “City Government” then “City Council” www.ci.covington.wa.us/citygovernment/citycouncil.cfm Want to see upcoming meetings? Click on “Calendar” on the homepage www.ci.covington.wa.us/calendar2.cfm

Want a list of restaurants? Click on “Community Info” then “Restaurants” www.ci.covington.wa.us/covingtonlife/restaurants.cfm

How about community events?

Click on “Community Info” then “Community Calendar” www.ci.covington.wa.us/covingtonlife/communitycalendar.cfm

Want to find our parks and trails?

Click on “City Departments” then “Parks and Recreation” www.ci.covington.wa.us/departments/parks.cfm

Fun at the Covington Aquatic Center?

Click on the “Aquatics” button on the homepage www.ci.covington.wa.us/departments/aquaticcenter.cfm

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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS Covington Library 27100 164th Ave. S.E. Covington, WA 98042 (253) 630-8761 www.kcls.org/covington United States Postal Service 17300 S.E. 270th Pl. Covington, WA 98042-9998 (253) 639-6833 www.usps.com Valley Vehicle Licensing 27331 172nd Avenue S.E., Suite 116 Covington, WA 98042 (253) 630-7090 www.valleyvehiclelicensing.com King County Community Services available at Valley Vehicle Licensing Apply for a Marriage License Apply for a U.S. Passport Purchase a Pet License Register to Vote Pay Property Taxes Renew Concealed Pistol Licenses Obtain Metro Schedule Information Pick up a Domestic Partnership Application Passports United States Postal Service – by appointment only King County Community Services – Wednesday’s at Valley Vehicle Licensing City of Maple Valley 22017 SE Wax Road, Suite 200 Maple Valley, WA 98038 (425) 413-8800 www.ci.maple-valley.wa.us/passports.asp Birth Certificates Information regarding obtaining certified copies of birth certificates or other vital records may be found online through VitalChek Network, Inc. at www.vitalrec.com

COVINGTON • 2010-2011 Residents’ Guide 19

Soos Creek Water & Sewer District 14616 SE 192nd St. P.O. Box 58039 Renton, WA 98058-1039 (253) 630-9900 www.sooscreek.com

Puget Sound Energy 10885 NE 4th Street, P.O. Box 97034, Bellevue, WA 98009-9734 General Inquiries: Toll free in Washington State: 888-225-5773 Local Washington State: (425) 452-1234 New Construction: 1-888-321-7779 Call before you dig: 1-800-424-5555 For Natural Gas or Electric emergencies - 24 hours a day: 1-888225-5773 www.pse.com Qwest Communications (Cable, Internet, Telephone) Residential sales and service: 800-475-7526 Billing and general customer service: 800-491-0118 Technical support/repair: 877-348-9007 Transfer or move service: 877-348-9004 Buried cable: 800-922-1987 www.qwest.com Rabanco Kent-Meridian Disposal & Recycling (Allied Waste) 22010 76th Avenue South, Kent, Washington 98032 Commercial: (25) 872-7220 Residential: (206) 682-9735 Toll-Free: 1-800-221-4508 www.rabanco.com LOCAL NEWSPAPERS Covington Reporter 22035 S.E. Wax Rd, Suite 20 Maple Valley, WA 98038 Editor: Dennis Box- (425) 432-1209 (425) 432-1888 fax www.covingtonreporter.com For delivery concerns please call (253) 872-6610 or e-mail circulation@reporternewspapers.com [ more CONNECTIONS page 20 ]

UTILITIES

Covington Water District 18631 SE 300th Place Kent, WA 98042 (253) 631-0565 www.covingtonwater.com

KENT KANGLEY CHIROPRACTIC 15220 SE 272ND SUITE D KENT • 253.631.7933 Located next to Sunshine Corners Nutrition

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20 2010-2011 Residents’ Guide • COVINGTON

Covington Reporter

DEMOGRAPHICS OF COVINGTON

Attend a monthly meeting

Population - 17,530 Area in Square miles - 6.5 Median Age - 32.1 years Percent of population under 35 – 50 percent Percent of Owner-Occupied – 90 percent Number of Households – 5,830 Average Household Size – 3.1 Percent of King County’s Population – 1 percent Median Household Income - $77,200 (2008) Median Home Value - $300,000 (2006)

Second and fourth Tuesdays at 7 p.m.

City Council meetings

Arts Commission meetings Second Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.

Economic Development Council meetings Fourth Thursdays at 6 p.m.

Parks & Recreations Commission meetings Third Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.

Planning Commission meetings

First and third Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.

Youth & Family Services Commission meetings Second Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.

All meetings are held at Covington City Hall, 16720 S.E. 271st St., Suite 100, unless otherwise posted. Please call to confirm dates and times, as they are subject to change.

[ CONNECTIONS from page 19] HOSPITALS & CLINICS Auburn Regional Medical Center 202 N. Division Street Auburn, WA 98001 For an appointment: (253) 874-2000 For further information: (253) 833-7711 www.armcuhs.com Covington MultiCare Clinic 17700 SE 272nd Street Covington, WA 98042 253-372-7100 www.multicare.org/clinics Covington MultiCare Urgent Care Center 17700 SE 272nd Street Covington, WA 98042 (253) 372-7020 www.multicare

Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital 317 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way Tacoma, WA 98405-4234 1-800-552-1419 (253) 403-1400 www.multicare.org Valley Medical Center Covington Primary Care 16850 SE 272nd Street Covington, WA 98042 (253) 395-1960 www.valleymed.org Valley Medical Center 400 S. 43rd Street P.O. Box 50010 Renton, WA 98058-5010 General Information: (425) 228-3450 Physician Referral or Community Classes: (425) 656-INFO Website: www.valleymed.org

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COVINGTON • 2010-2011 Residents’ Guide 21

Covington Reporter

Help the city to help the panhandlers T

their luck or trying to earn a buck. It surprises some to know that the city of Covington has a vast array of resources to help those truly needy panhandlers that have addiction problems or don’t have homes, and more.

The city employs a human services coordinator who works with local churches, domestic violence groups, shelters and more to provide those in need with hotel vouchers, gas cards, shelter assistance, drug and alcohol abuse resources and much, much more. The city has the resources to help, and could always use more funding.

But, if panhandlers continue to be successful, then they don’t want or pursue the resources to help them get on their feet.

Gauging the amount of money that residents and others give to panhandlers in Covington, it is clear that there is concern and empathy for panhandlers. Some City staff choose to donate money to the City’s human services department to help provide the hotel vouchers, gas cards, etc. That part of the program is run completely by staff donations.

These are the things that can assist the City to get

panhandlers off the streets, thus preventing traffic problems, the unsafe feeling residents feel when being approached, the distraction to drivers, and possible petty crimes that panhandlers may commit.

If you ever have the opportunity to speak with a panhandler, please be an advocate and let them know the city has the means to help and wants to help. And, that extra change you have in your ashtry, purse or pocket can be much more of a help by giving it to the organizations that help panhandlers rather than to the panhandlers themselves.

For assistance or further

information, please contact Covington’s Human Services Analyst Victoria Throm at 253-638-1110 ext. 2237 or at vthrom@ci.covington. wa.us. For an online list of references and other organizations please visit www. ci.covington.wa.us/covingtonlife/humanservices.cfm.

To report aggressive panhandling please call 911 immediately. Covington police officers are familiar with panhandlers and the homeless in Covington and have a pretty good rapport with them. The city wants all of its residents to feel safe and everyone to have the ability to enjoy their experiences in town.

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here’s no doubt that the poor economic conditions have been a problem to all of us. Interest rates are going crazy, it’s even harder to get a loan and many people have suffered layoffs. During this time, Covington has seen an increase in panhandlers on the streets asking for money, food or work.

Before the economic crisis, a handful of panhandlers already existed in Covington.

According to police interviews, the newest panhandlers have come to Covington because, as they say, it is easier to panhandler here and they make more money.

It is wonderful to know residents of Covington and the many other people that drive through Covington on a regular basis have such giving hearts. But, giving to panhandlers only fuels the cycle that has put them there in the first place and further attracts more panhandlers to our city.

Panhandlers are not just homeless individuals; they consist of drug/alcohol addicts, the mentally ill, those down on their luck and those just trying to earn a buck.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, giving money to panhandlers instigates them to spend money on more drugs and alcohol to feed their addiction.

You may think that you could give food to panhandlers instead of money to prevent them from purchasing more drugs and alcohol.

Again, according to police interviews of Covington’s panhandlers, they say they do not want food. They also indicate that they do not want information or resources that can help them (the homeless, mentally ill, or addicts). They are just there to earn a buck and then go home or back to where they are staying.

It is difficult to tell the difference between the homeless and the addicts who panhandle, versus those down on

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22 2010-2011 Residents’ Guide • COVINGTON

Covington Reporter

Are you on the Covington CERT roster?

The CERT program trains and educates people about potential disasters in the area and it helps create a prepared community

T

he city of Covington’s Public Works Department Emergency Management Division is looking for CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) trained individuals that live in Covington. We are creating a database of individuals in our community that have CERT training and want to be on a CERT team. This is an ongoing project, so if you are completing CERT training or have moved to the area and are CERT trained, you should also provide us with your information. Please contact Shellie Bates at 253-638-1110 ext. 2238 or sbates@ci.covington.wa.us to provide your name, address, home phone, cell phone, e-mail address and the neighborhood you live in.

The CERT Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members are also encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency prepared-

CERT training teaches rescue and transfer techniques and provides citizens with the know-how to serve their neighborhood in case of a disaster. ness projects in their community.

CERT is about readiness, people helping people, rescuer safety and doing the greatest good for the greatest number.

CERT is a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster situations where citizens will be initially on their own and their actions can make a difference.

Call for more information on renting our facilities for individual church retreats!

City honors citizens twice annually the Year and Honorary Citizen of the Year award winners. For these, the City relies on input and nominations by the public to choose the most deserving. Nominees are accepted in late May and into late June.

Nominees for these awards may have made a big impact on the community, started an event with notable outcomes, raised money for a great cause, volunteered for every community event, is always picking up trash around town to keep Covington clean, and the list goes on.

The Citizen and Honorary Citizen of the Year are provided a reception during the first council meeting in July and are asked to ride in the Covington Days Parade.

So, as the year progresses, keep those special people in mind to nominate for an award. And, if you are a volunteer or commissioner, know that the City appreciates your hard work and time and will honor the best of the best in those categories, which could be you!

COVINGTON

CHRISTIAN CAMPS & CONFERENCES

Summer Camps:

Summer Cam p Early Bird Ra te extended to June 15! Ca ll to arrange a tour to chec k us out in person!

• Berachah Club

Christian Before & After School Program

• Day Camps Classic, Counselor-in-Training, PreSchool and Special Needs

• Equestrian Camps Red Barn, Overnight, Trail Emphasis and Wrangler-in-Training

• Overnight Camps Soccer, Wilderness and Teen Camps

• Buck Creek Wilderness, Junior and Teen

Join us for these other great activities at Berachah!

Family Camps: Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day Weekend Summer Events: Celebrate America July3rd!!!

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The city of Covington knows just how important our citizens are, especially those who are dedicated to the community, make a difference and volunteer while putting their heart into it. This is exactly why the city honors citizens twice a year with different awards.

In January, the city honors a Volunteer of the Year as well as a Commissioner of the Year. These individuals would have provided many hours of service to the city and community. Among the city’s dozens and dozens of much needed volunteers throughout the year, one is chosen as the Volunteer of the Year for their extra efforts and having made an impact on the city.

The city also has five commissions (all volunteer) that serve the City Council. The commissions consist of planning, arts, parks and recreation, youth and family services and economic development. Together there are several dozen commissioners serving on them, mostly residents, some business owners, and a few living within three miles of Covington. The Commissioner of the Year is also the person who puts in that extra time and effort and stands out among the others, although everyone is important to the forward progress of the city.

In July, the city announces the Citizen of

• 5k/1mile: Freedom Run • Live Music & Fun: FREE Fireworks, Longhorn BBQ, Go-karts, carnival games, open pool and more!

• Golf Tournament: 4 Man Scramble

Year Round:

Aquatic Lessons and Equestrian Lessons

253-939-0488 or 800-859-CAMP

www.campberachah.org • Check out our two camps: Berachah and Buck Creek

Covington Reporter

COVINGTON • 2010-2011 Residents’ Guide 23

PRECISION DELIVERY available for best service!

TRM Wood Products Co. Inc. is locally owned and operated, located at 4-Corners in Maple Valley We are a full-service lumberyard and hardware store serving homeowners and contractors. Our goal at TRM is to provide all our customers with the best service and products available.

We believe that there is no customer too small or too big for us to handle. We are committed to carrying the fullest and most extensive line(s) of building products of any lumberyard. Which is complemented by our knowledgeable staff for our customers to partner with to help make their dreams become reality.

Whether you are tackling a home improvement project or a whole new home, TRM will help you achieve the results you are after!

KNOWLEDGEABLE & FRIENDLY STAFF

Why shop at a box store, when you will receive personal customer service selecting what you need & loading it on your vehicle, NO matter how big the job.

BETTER SELECTION OF GOODS with virtually all lengths & sizes available

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Hours of Operation Monday - Friday, 7 AM - 5 PM Saturday (spring & summer) 8 AM - 5 PM Saturday (winter) 8 AM - 4 PM Closed Sundays

Maple Valley

(425) 432-1222

4 CORNERS IN MAPLE VALLEY Toll Free in Washington

1 (800) 743-1222

www.trmwoodproducts.net

ON-SITE MILL for customized cuttings OLD-FASHIONED SERVICE to help you get the job done!

FIREWOOD PICK-UP & DELIVERY

24 2010-2011 Residents’ Guide • COVINGTON

Covington Reporter

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