New members sworn in

During the Jan. 12 council meeting, one new Covington city council member and two reelected members were sworn into office.

Mayor Jeff Wagner led the Oath of Office to newly elected member Paul Selland and re-elected members Joseph Cimoamo Jr. and Fran McGregor Hollums.

Wagner was also re-elected to a second term as mayor and Sean Smith was re-elected to a second term as mayor pro tem.

The council meets at 7 p.m. on every second and fourth Tuesday of each month at Covington City Hall in council chambers.

Resident reappointed to commission

David Pilgrim, Maple Valley resident, was unanimously approved Monday by the Metropolitan King County Council for reappointment to the King County Landmarks Commission, position No. 2.

“My first term on the King County Landmark Commission, was very rewarding. I’m excited to be reappointed to this important commission and continue to preserve key historical areas in the County,” said Pilgrim, in a media release. “I’m glad for Councilmember Reagan Dunn’s support and look forward to serving the public in my next term.”

He has served on the Greater Maple Valley/Black Diamond Chamber of Commerce and is currently a board member of the Maple Valley Historical Society. Pilgrim also spent right years on the Maple Valley City Council, the release stated.

“I’m glad to sponsor’s David’s reappointment to the King County Landmarks Commission,” Councilmember Reagan Dunn said, in the release. “David’s had a key role in developing the future of Maple Valley and done a great job working to protect our region’s past.”

The commission is made up of nine members and helps ensure that historic places, traditions, etc best reflect the region’s history.

His term runs through June 2020.

Levy, budget conversations

The Kent School District will be hosting a number of community conversations to discuss district finances and upcoming levies, according to a media release from the district.

The first was held Thursday and another is scheduled for 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. today, Friday, Jan. 26 at Mattson Middle School.

Northwood Middle School will host one from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 29 and Meeker Middle School will host one 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31.

The remaining two are from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1 at Cedar Heights Middle School and Friday, Feb. 2 at Mill Creek Middle School.

Winter commencement scheduled for Feb. 6

The class of 2018 from Kent Phoenix Academy will graduate at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6 at the Kent Phoenix Academy Library, 11000 SE 264th St., Kent.

“Kent Phoenix Academy offers three unique high school programs to students in the Kent School District. Each program has a different approach and focus for students who feel they want a learning environment different from a traditional high school,” a media release from the district said.

Tickets are required for attendance.

Registration now open for Seattle to Portland

Registration is open for Cascade Bicycle Club members for the Kaiser Permanente Seattle to Portland.

General public registration opens Tuesday, Feb. 13.

The STP will take place July 14-15.

Registration for adults (13 years and older) is $145 for members and $160 for non-members. Those aged 1 to 12 is $60 for members and $75 for non-members.

Additional information can be found online at cascade.org/STP.

Families encouraged to make physical activity a priority

According to a media release from The Little Gym, which has a location in Maple Valley, Kent and Federal Way are inviting parents to bring kids to its facilities during winter months.

Children aged 4 to 13 who have physical activity incorporated into their daily routine can help their performance in math and reading.

“This research highlights the fact that regular physical activity benefits not only the body, but the brain,” said Alex Bingham, president and CEO of The Little Gym, in the release. “Children have a natural inclination to be active. Providing opportunities for active, physical play helps improve children’s behavior and performance in school and at home.”

The Little Gym has programs for those 4 months to 12 year olds and can help provide year-round activity to help keep children active.

For more information visit www.TheLittleGym.com.