Council discusses Town Center parking regulations
By Andy Nystrom anystrom@soundpublishing.com
As the Mercer Island City Council discussion rolled on regarding Town Center on-street parking regulations, City Manager Jessi Bon spoke up as various proposals were brought to the table.
When addressing council about the 250 parking spaces available, Bon noted: “We have a Town Center parking plan that prioritized those spaces to support our businesses. We sunsetted the permit parking program with intention to free up those spaces to promote turnover and to support businesses.”
When the Town Center Parking Area reaches completion at the former Tully’s site, there will be an additional 33 spaces and two accessible spaces available for commuters and residents. According to city management analyst Amelia Tjaden at the March 18
council meeting, OMA Construction commenced its work on the site in February and the project is anticipated to be completed by this July.
“Managing the on-street parking supply to ensure that parking is available for both commuters leaving Mercer Island and patrons
drill team headed to state
of Mercer Island businesses will be crucial to the success of Town Center,” Tjaden said.
When the Sound Transit Light Rail Station reaches its anticipated opening in late 2025, parking demand in Town Center and
PARKING, Page 12
Mary Wayte Pool design-build project will occur this summer
Facility will be closed for four to six weeks.
By Andy Nystrom anystrom@soundpublishing.com
Mary Wayte, whose name is emblazoned throughout the Mercer Island pool facility on Southeast 40th Street, said she has fond memories of the building and the community.
While meeting with Mercer Island superstar swimmer Piper Enge on June 2, 2024, at the pool that bears Wayte’s name, the twotime Olympic gold medal winner reminisced about her career and time spent at the pool that helped pave her way to success.
Mary Wayte Pool, which is more than 50 years old, will soon undergo an immense progressive design-build project that will be partly funded by a $2 million King County grant and $2 million from the Mercer Island School District’s
cap/tech levy.
Brandy Fox of the school district’s capital projects team said that Bellevue’s GLY Construction and Seattle’s Miller Hayashi Architects will handle the project, which is intended to extend the life of the pool by 10 years. The project is anticipated to begin in earnest with a pool drainage in late July or early August and reach completion by early September.
On Feb. 18, workers drained the pool and experts conducted a major inspection to determine the breadth of repairs they’ll place on the docket. The district intends to go through the permitting process with the city of Mercer Island in April.
Fox rolled out some of the project details, noting that the pool bowl work should be completed by the aforementioned time while other segments may reach the finish line later in the year.
“The major piece of work is to do some repairs and recoat the
fiberglass liner in the pool. And then we’re going to make some ADA improvements to both locker rooms,” said Fox, adding that they’ll also create ADA access up
to the spectator mezzanine and constructasmallviewingplatform. They also need to replace a pipe
ANDY NYSTROM/ STAFF PHOTO
From left to right, Piper Enge and Mary Wayte discuss their swimming careers on June 2, 2024, at the Mary Wayte Pool on Mercer Island.
MIHS senior exudes confidence in the pitcher’s circle
Sienna Klopp discusses fastpitch softball, TV shows and more.
By Andy Nystrom anystrom@soundpublishing.com
When Mercer Island High School (MIHS) senior hurler Sienna Klopp steps onto the mound, she exudes confidence as batters prepare to swing away at the pitches zooming toward the plate.
Fastball, changeup, drop and rise are the pitches that Klopp will send opponents’ way this spring for the Islanders’ fastpitch softball squad, which sported a 1-1 record at press time after competing in its Island season-kickoff jamboree.
“I try to think to myself that every pitch is a new pitch, regardless of
whether I threw a ball or a strike,” said Klopp, adding that she tries to stay mentally strong throughout her time in the pitcher’s circle.
Klopp is beginning her third full MIHS varsity season and has been a part of the school’s program for the last four years.
“It’s been pretty fun.
I definitely have seen a lot of improvement for myself from when I started in freshman year. And I feel like I just have a very supportive team who always encourages me, even when I’m not doing the best,” said Klopp, who began playing softball when she was 9 or 10. She played baseball during her first time on the diamond a year earlier.
The steps of her softball journey cover the local
and national map: She first played in Bellevue, then hit the field when she moved to North Carolina in middle school and then arrived on Mercer Island to join the school squad. She also competes for Flame Fastpitch out of Bellevue. Klopp said her mom encouraged her to try every sport as a youngster, and softball triumphed over the others.
Pitches have been delivered and lessons have been learned along the way with the MIHS squad. Klopp said that inclusivity and encouragement are keys on a team of players with diverse skill levels. The Islander aims to improve her pitching skills and communication with her teammates over the course of the season.
On the head coaching
ThisSchoolBondWillNot ImproveSchoolFinances!
Itwillnothelpkeepnurses,teachersoranypeopleasoursuperintendentsays“bondsareforbuildings” Votenoonthiswastefulbond. Ourbuildingswerere-donein1993tolastforfortyyears. Hmmmmm that’s2033. Theydonotneeda$150,000,000paintjob. Itisa cover-upfor administration failures. Ourkid’s gradesarefalling.Theywanttosaylookwhatwedid. Itadds$14,000.00plustoourpropertytaxesfornothing. Theyhavenearlyahalfbillionin moniestheyare goingtoaskfordownthewayabit. Thisschoolboardisoutofcontrol.(morecomingup. you willbeshocked!)
Oursuperintendentlivesinissaquah,propertytaxesonmercerisland donotaffecthimorthe$150,000,000boondogglebond. Thoseagainstthisbondarefarleft,farrightandeverythinginbetween. P.S.youstealoursignsandwehaveyouonfilmortracked. AdPaidforbySethD.Landau:7605SE27th, #209MercerIsland,WA98040-sdlandau@aol.com
ASSEENONTHEWEB
LocatedonthesouthendofBainbridge Island,PleasantBeachVillagecombines hospitality,diningandawelcomingspace forprivateandcommunityevents.
Acquiredin2011bythefounderof WindermereRealEstate,thevillagehas evolvedfromasmallresortintoathriving communityhubfeaturinga23-room boutiquehotel,diversediningoptionsand anarrayofretaillocations.
“TheInnatPleasantBeachoffers atrulyuniqueexperience,witheachroom thoughtfullycuratedandinspiredbythe owner’sglobaltravels,”saysLydiaDobson, directorofoperationsandmarketing. “Everyroomhasitsowndistinctpersonality, designedtoprovideguestswithboth comfortandcharacter.”
Guestscanindulgeinarangeof amenities,includingaseasonaloutdoorpool, arelaxinghottubandafullyequipped on-sitefitnesscenter.TheInnalsoboasts afull-servicefrontdesk,whilemostrooms featurecozygasfireplaces,convenient mini-fridgesandin-roomcoffeesetups. SavourtheflavoursofBainbridgeIsland PleasantBeachVillageoffersavariety ofdiningexperiences.Startyourdayat TheMarketplaceCaféwithlocallyroasted PegasusCoffeeandfreshlybakedgoods fromMacrinaBakery,opendailyfrom8a.m. to3p.m.TheMarketplacealsoserveslunch, includingaselectionofsandwiches.
For a casualbite, visitHammy’s Burgers, known fortheisland’s best burgers,
front, Amanda Mattocks pushes the Islanders to play their best, said Klopp, adding: “She definitely enforces the idea that mistakes are OK, but we always need to learn from our mistakes and such.”
Senior captains Hannah Zhou at shortstop and Naomi Do at catcher will also play vital roles this season, Klopp said.
Klopp described her tight relationship with Do: “I feel like for pitchers and catchers, you definitely have to be close, especially when you’re practicing together most of the time. And we have lots of inside jokes and stuff that we like to crack off during the game.”
The Reporter asked Klopp a series of questions to get a behind-thescenes glimpse into her life outside of softball: What’syourbiggestpet peeve?
One of my biggest pet peeves definitely does have to do with softball. I feel like people who are kind of stubborn and unaccountable of their mistakes. They just won’t really take accountability or say sorry or realize what they did.
What’s a bingeworthy TV series that you’d recommend to somebody?
I would definitely recommend “Breaking Bad.” That’s one of my favorite shows. And I’m also currently watching “Dexter,” which I really enjoy, and I would definitely recommend that one, too, so far.
What’s a special skill that you’d like to learn?
Learning a new language. I’m currently
taking Spanish in school, but I feel like having a wider variety of languages would be really cool to speak, like sign language or something. Whatwouldyourdream job be? Where do you see yourself maybe working 10 years from now?
I think with my major (biology), I would definitely say a dermatologist. I’m just really into skincare and stuff, and I feel like that would be something I really would enjoy to do. What superpower would you like to have? I would like to be able to control time. I think that would be cool.
friesandold-fashioned hand-mixedmilkshakes.
Celebratelife’smoments
ThehistoricManorHouse, a1920sTudor-stylevenue withstunningsunsetviews overlookingPugetSound, isanideallocationfor celebratingalloflife’s milestones.Complementing theManorHouseisJoe’s Venue,aversatileeventspace perfectforhostingoccasions likerehearsaldinnersor corporateevents.
“Whetheryou’re commemoratingabirthday, aretirement,ananniversary, oralifewell-lived,theManor Houseisagreatvenueto celebratewithlovedones,” Dobsonadds.
PleasantBeachVillageis thoughtfullydesignedas awelcominghavenforlocals, whereeverythingyouneedis juststepsaway.“Ithasawarm, homeyvibe—likebeingpart ofafamily,”saysDobson. “It’stheperfectspotforarelaxing staycation.”
Thevillagealsofeatures42apartments withnumerousamenitiesandleisure activities.RetailshopssuchasPBLivingand RenewSpaprovidemomentsofrelaxation. Communitysupportisintegral,especially duringtheoff-season,makingPleasant BeachVillageayear-rounddestinationwhere residentsdon’thavetoleaveinthewinter.
Planningyourvisit
Locatedjustashortferryridewestof downtownSeattle,PleasantBeachVillageis easilyaccessibleforbothlocalsandtourists. TheInnoffersvariouspackages,including athirdnightat20percentoff,aswellas discountsforresidents,AAAmember andveterans.
Forthoselookingtohostevents, thevillageoffersarangeofservices,from venueselectiontocatering.
Planyourperfectgetawayorevent today!Formoreinformation,visit pleasantbeachvillage.com
COURTESY OF LEGENDS SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY
Sienna Klopp is a Mercer Island High School senior pitcher.
MI seventh-grade boys win state hoops championship
Local hoopsters make all-league teams
By Reporter Staff
In the all-league boys
basketball realm, Mercer Island High School (MIHS) won the team sportsmanship award for the 3A KingCo Crest Division, GavinCreeandLakeWashington’s Ryan Staudacher shared coach of the year honors and Islanders Will McDonald made the first team and Tristen Cruzen madethesecondteam.
OntheMIHSgirls’hoops side in the 3A KingCo
Crown Division, the Islanders shared the team sportsmanship award with Issaquah, and locals Anna MarshandAnnaMockwere honorablementions.
Over at Northwest Yeshiva High School (NYHS),JoeBenolielearned boys basketball secondteam 1B/2B SeaTac AllConference honors for the secondconsecutiveyear.
NYHS also won the league sportsmanship award for the second straightseason.
MI’s Yellow Wood Academy welcomes new head of school
Academy also announces fall 2025 relocation to Bellevue.
By Reporter Staff
Mercer Island’s Yellow Wood Academy has announced a new head of school and relocation to Bellevueinthefallof2025.
Theacademy,whichwas foundedin1983,isaprivate school offering tailored educational programs — with a focus on small class sizes, one-on-one
instruction and a nurturing environment — for studentsingrades4-12.
Incomingheadofschool Tyrell Hardtke, who is currently one of Yellow Wood’sassistantprincipals, hasbeenanintegralpartof the academy, according to apressrelease.
“Tyrell’s relentless focus on students and meeting their individual needs makes her the ideal candidate to lead Yellow Wood into its next chapter. She brings a unique blend of humor, experience, and
serious get-it-done skills,” saidboardchairJayHeath.
Hardtke said she’s excited and inspired to bringherexpertiseintoher newrole.
“As an administrator and teacher in public and private schools for almost 20 years, I have a unique understandingofhowvital oureducationalprogramis tothestudentsandfamilies weserve,”shesaid.
The relocation to Bellevue will provide Yellow Wood Academy with expanded facilities
By Reporter Staff
Mercer Island Select Boys Basketball’s seventhgrade squad won the state gold division championship on March 14-16 in Spokane.
This group has won two golddivisionstatetitlesina rowandthreestatecrowns over the last four years. The locals beat Curtis in the championship game, 41-34; triumphed over Bothell, 52-34, in the semifinals; and downed Edmonds-Woodway, Kamiakin and Lake City (Coeur d’Alene, Idaho) to go 5-0 on the weekend. Their average margin of victory was 17.4 points. “It was a pleasure to coach this group. Their leadership, togetherness and consistency sets them apart year after year,” said coachesYanFatienandJoe Gormley.
All of MI’s fifth- through eighth-grade boys teams competed at the tourney and the sixth-graders finished third.
designed to enhance the learning experience, including modern classrooms,collaborativespaces and resources to support the school’s emphasis on personalized education and creative thinking, the releasestates.
PHOTO COURTESY OF KELLY COOCHISE
Top row, left to right: Coach Yan Fatien, Will Russell, Laign Magee, Luke Wilbur, Blake Schwabe, Colton Gribble and assistant coach Joe Gormley. Bottom row, left to right: Jacob Sharpe, Franco Giler, Cash Coochise, Luke Thomas, Paxton Conklin and Drew Munson. Not pictured: Rylan Baker.
COURTESY PHOTO
Tyrell Hardtke.
Dragon Park needs makeover to be accessible and inclusive
If you grew up on Mercer Island, have lived here for any length of time, and have children, grandchildren or maybe great-grandchildren, chances are you’ve spent time at Deane’s Children’s Park — commonly known as “Dragon Park.”
This enchanting forested playground, just off Island Crest Way near Island Park Elementary School and the baseball fields and new Bike Skills Area at Island Crest Park, is a genuine Mercer Island icon.
However, major changes are overdue at Dragon Park, which is clearly showing its age. It was originally owned by King County Parks, but was turned over to the city in 1965. Renovated in 2005, the entire site now needs a complete makeover. The picnic shelter is deteriorating, the single restroom is barely serviceable, pathways need new surfacing, and parking is limited.
What’s more, almost none of the playground equipment meets even minimal ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards. Only one structure has a ramp. I know this because I have a
disabled grandson, Ford Parks, now 8, who uses a wheelchair. He cannot access most of the play structures at Dragon Park. Wood chips that cover much of the surface don’t work for wheelchairs. Many of the paths have bumpy tree roots or big rocks.
He can’t even roll through the big hole in the Dragon’s chest.
The current dragon, created by Montana artist Kenton Pies, replaced an earlier version whose head is still in the bushes nearby.
As an aging senior, I also have difficulty navigating the park, especially when I’m trying to
keep up with my granddaughter Esme, 6, Ford’s little sister. I have almost tripped over some of the big timbers that surround the play structures. It’s downright hazardous.
Happily, a major makeover for Dragon Park is now in the works.
The MI City Council last week unanimously approved a “scope of work and community engagement plan” for Deane’s Children’s Park. I attended the meeting, along with Lola Deane, who was an original founder of the park, and my grandson Ford.
Lola and Ford are Honorary Co-Chairs of a growing citizens’ group called “Friends of Dragon Park” (FoDP) that formed to help the city plan the renovation project. We have met several times in the past year to offer support and suggestions.
In January, the city’s excellent Public Works team gave us a detailed early presentation, with maps, goals, background, calendar, timetable and early budget estimates. The meeting was led by Jason Kintner and Kellye Hilde of the city’s Public Works department. Our group
included members of the Rotary Club of Mercer Island (RCMI) and the Mercer Island Preschool Association (MIPA), which originally helped develop the park. We have since added Friendship Circle, Moms4SafeMI, and MI Chinese Association (MICA) to our coalition.
We have credibility because some of the same group came together to encourage the city’s renovation of Mercerdale Park playground, known as “Train Park.” Since it reopened in June 2022, it’s become perhaps the most popular playground on the island.
The newly adopted plan for Dragon Park, well worth reading in its entirety, lays out the city’s goals and timetable, including an admirable public-engagement effort. A public survey, an open house, “Let’s Talk” online discussions, and informational materials are coming soon. Design alternatives will be ready by summer and a final plan by fall, with construction to start next year. The city has contracted with Berger Partnership, a landscape architectural firm, and Consor
Engineers to design and build the project.
As part of the city’s PROS (Parks Recreation and Open Space) process, all of MI’s other parks and playgrounds, which have reached their useful life condition, are also due for renovation in the next several years. The Parks Levy, passed by a big majority vote in 2022, provided funding for this process. The city is now renovating Roanoke Park and First Hill Park, but they are much smaller projects.
To make Dragon Park fully accessible and inclusive, however, some additional funding beyond the city’s budgeted amounts may well be needed. Rotary and MIPA helped raise extra funds at Mercerdale and our names are on plaques near the Train.
We may disagree on lots of things these days, but there’s one thing we all can agree on: Mercer Island’s parks and playgrounds, which are so essential to our community, must be made totally usable and welcoming for
Investing in schools
School building structures, systems and equipment all need updates and upgrades after years of steady use to meet the current, continued use by an active student and adult population. This is basic, just as roads, bridges, water and power grid systems need updates after years of use. This is common sense. And the real bump of about 7% reflects higher costs of labor and material and current standards.
A quality education system of structures and programs is a big reason why people live here, and why their homes have high values and continue to rise. Vote Yes. It is as much an investment in where you live as it is in the school system. Sheila Wheeler, Mercer Island
Fact checking
Please encourage your writers to do at least rudimentary fact checking before publishing articles about the school board. In your March 17 publication it is stated that Seth Landau’s comments were “cut off for 30 secondsforpublicinputguidelineviolation.”
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
In fact, Mr. Landau received his full three minutes of public comment time and was not cut off from the mike. It appears that the audio cut out on the Zoom briefly, and therefore on the recording, but that was not through any action of mine or the board’s. If you watch the recording, you will see that he continued speaking normally until the end of his time.
Maggie Tai Tucker, President, Mercer Island School Board
Proposition 1 would be a heavy burden
Proposition 1 for the Mercer Island School District’s $165 million bond would be a heavy financial burden for many Mercer Island homeowners.
In a report to the MISD Board, the property tax assessment of a $2.3 million home in 2026 would increase $1,142 and continue to increase subsequent years. Superintendent Fred Rundle has addressed the key points in their budget shortcomings, but was focused on buildings and not how the bond would benefit student academics.
The MISD credit rating has been downgraded to Aa2, which will result in $1 million to $2 million more interest for the $165 million bond issue. The downgrading is a result of the MISD being out of compliance with the mandated policy of maintaining annual budget reserves of at least 8%. Adding to the financial burden is an upcoming City of Mercer Island bond for a necessary replacement of our public safety building and city hall, which is asbestos contaminated.
James P. Harnisch, MD, Mercer Island
Why we’re voting no on school bond
We’ve lived on Mercer Island since 1982, our kids went to public school here, my wife workedineachoftheschoolsformanyyears, and we hope we can live out our lives in the home we made here. While we’ve supported Mercer Island School District bond issues in the past, this one gets a NO vote. The tax increase alone is not sustainable for those of us on a fixed income. But even more significant structural and governance issues push us to vote NO. The planned capital improvements do nothing to address the decrease in student academic performance or declining enrollment as parents move their children into private schools. For example, 1 in 4 students are not on track for college-level learning without remedial classes. We don’t need to goldplatethehighschoolandmiddleschool while the three elementary schools continue to require repair. The school board’s refusal to condemn one member’s hateful anti-Israel, not funny drug and alcohol use and foul language social media posts demonstrates a lack of moral judgment. The board’s censure of one member for trying to do something about the lack of an SAT testing site here and his dissent from the otherwise uncontested performance review of the superintendent is unacceptable. The district’s leadership does not meet expectations. We will not approve any bond issue until these issues are corrected.
Michael J. (Mike) Bond, Mercer Island Write to us Send your letters to editor@mi-reporter. com.
JOHN HAMER HAMER TIME
Fingerprint ID levy to go before King County voters in April special election
The levy would authorize an additional property tax for seven years, beginning in 2026.
By Drew Dotson drew.dotson@soundpublishing.com
A property tax levy that funds a fingerprint identification system for local law enforcement agencies will go before King County voters for renewal in the April 22 special election.
The Regional Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) Levy, known as Proposition No. 1, would fund the continued operation of the AFIS system to provide enhanced forensic fingerprint and
palmprint technology along with services to aid in the administration of justice.
The levy would authorize an additional property tax for seven years, beginning in 2026, at 2.75 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation. This is down from the 2018 AFIS levy, which adopted a rate of 3.501 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation.
According to the ordinance, King County voters first approved the funding of an AFIS computer in 1986 to match unknown fingerprints to known fingerprints.
The King County AFIS database now holds more than 2 million fingerprint records, more than one million palmprint records, and approximately 63,000 crime scene
From Page 4
all who live or visit here, regardless of ages and abilities.
The disabled are actually the nation’s largest minority group if you include everyone from children with rare diseases or birth defects, accident victims, and aging seniors like me who may use canes, walkers or wheelchairs. We are already at least 25 percent of the population, and as Baby Boomers age that number is growing.
Last week Public Works Chief of Operations Kintner, along with team members Sarah Bluvas and Shelby Perrault, answered questions from council members. They are on the right track. It’s a great team with a solid professional approach. Friends of Dragon Park
is now inviting local organizations, businesses, nonprofit groups, families and individuals to help support this vital effort. We now have a Facebook group page, so please join us and encourage all your friends to do the same. We welcome ideas and suggestions on more ways to involve citizens. If you want to help, please email us at friendsofdragonpark@gmail.com
We want to have fun with this campaign and make one of MI’s all-time favorite playgrounds truly state-ofthe-art. If we can’t do this on Mercer Island, where can we do it?
John Hamer (jhamer46@ gmail.com) is a former editorial writer/columnist for The Seattle Times. He and his wife have lived on Mercer Island for more than 25 years and have four grandchildren, who all love our parks and playgrounds.
prints from unsolved records. The service is available to every city and unincorporated area in King County.
The AFIS computer is used to quickly identify arrested individuals to prevent the wrongful release of individuals using false names to evade arrest or hide records, and to search fingerprints and palmprints collected from crime scenes to identify unknown suspects and aid in convictions.
The first AFIS computer was installed in 1988. The latest system upgrade was in 2018 to a cloudbased system, which is continually updated to ensure the county is using the latest fingerprint matching technology, according to the county.
Scholes will speak at April 1 Rotary meeting
By Reporter Staff
Jon Scholes, president and CEO of the DowntownSeattleAssociation,willspeak at the Rotary Club of Mercer Island’s meeting on April 1 at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center, 8236 SE 24th St.
The main meeting begins at 12:30 p.m.; socializing is from noon to 12:30 p.m. Guests are always welcome and there is no fee to attend. A catered lunch from Pogacha is available for $25, or attendees can bring their own meal.
Scholes will discuss the revitalization of downtown Seattle, and the challenges and opportunities facing Seattle’s urban core five years post-Covid.
In 2014, Scholes was appointed to his role with the association, an 1,100-member organization formed in 1958 to create a healthy, vibrant downtown for all providing cleaning, safety and transportation services across 300 square blocks in downtown.
For more information on the Rotary Club of Mercer Island, visit http://mirotary.org
LouiseL.Fishbaugher
September24,1928–February28,2025
Louiseandhertwinsister,Lorena,werebornon9-24-28,inIona,Minnesota.Theyspent theirearlylifeinSlayton,asmallfarmingtowninsoutheasternMN.Louiseoftensaidshe wasgratefultohaveatwinsisterasshewasneverwithoutafriend.In1946,sheandLorena enteredSt.Mary’sSchoolofNursinginRochester,MNwhichisaffiliatedwiththeMayoClinic. Aftergraduation,fearingshe’dbecomeafarmer’swifeifshestayedinMN,sheheadedto Richland,WAwhereengineerswerebeinghiredtoworkatHanford.Thereshefounda nursingjobatKadlecHospitalandfuturehusbandandengineer,JohnFishbaugher,who wasalsofromMNandaCatholic.TheyspenttheirearlyyearsintheTri-Cities,WA,abrief timeinNaperville,Illandthepast50yearsinMercerIsland,WA.Asalongtimeparishioner ofSt.MonicaCatholicChurch,Louisewasactiveinmanyministriesfrom,VisitingtheSick, FriendsoftheNeedyandPerpetualAdoration,tonamejustafew.Thepastseveralyears, Louiselivedinanassisted-livingfacilitywhereshepassedawayonFebruary28,surrounded byherlovingfamily.Louisewasakind,loving,andgenerouspersonwhowasdevotedtoherfamily,Catholicfaithand enjoyedsharingherloveofagoodbook.Shewillbedearlymissed!
Sheisprecededindeathbyherhusband,John,andissurvivedbyherchildren;Janet,Bob(Kim)andMark(Christine),14 grandchildrenand16great-grandchildren.
AfuneralMasswillbeheldonFriday,April4that10am(rosarywillbeginat9:25am)atSt.MonicaCatholic Church,431188thAveSE,MercerIsland,withareceptionfollowing.
MaryEllenHinkle November25,1961-February27,2025
MaryEllenHinkle(Santry)63,ofBellevue,Washington,passedawayonThursday,February27, 2025,atahospicecenterinKirkland,WA,surroundedbylovingfriendsandfamily.
MaryEllenwasborninLittleFalls,NewYork,onNovember25th,1961,thedaughterofJoseph Santry,Esq.,andBeverlyClarkeSantry.ShespentherearlyyearsinLittleFallswithherparents andbrother,Gregory.In1977,attheageof15,shemovedtoMercerIsland,Washington,where shewaswelcomedintothehomeofDianeandLowellHalvorsonandtheirchildren,Lianaand Ward.SheattendedMercerIslandHighSchool,graduatingin1979,andbeganworkingatthe lawfirmofLowellHalvorson&Associates.
ShewasfirstmarriedinAugust1981,andinJuly1983,MaryEllenwelcomedherdaughterCarly.Inthefollowing yearsMaryEllenpursuedacareerinthelegalfield,workingasalegalwordprocessorandassistantatPrince& WoodleyinSeattleuntil1989.
InFebruary1993,MaryEllenmarriedGregoryHinkleonMercerIsland,andin1995,theysettledinBellevue,where theybuiltalifetogetherforthenext26yearsuntilGreg’spassing.
MaryEllenhadadynamiccareer,includinghertimeatChrisLewis&AssociatesonMercerIsland,astheoffice manager,abriefbutexcitingventureinfashionandmodeling,andalifelongloveofhostingandentertaining.She wasaself-described“domesticgoddess,”knownforherwarmth,hospitality,andabilitytobringpeopletogether. SheandGregsharedapassionfortravelandboating,oftencombiningthetwobycruisingtheCaribbean.
Sheissurvivedbyherbeloveddaughter,CarlyBaroh,andcherishedgranddaughter,GiaKenner,whobrought immensejoytoherlateryears.Shealsoleavesbehindhertwostepdaughters,HollyHinkleandHeatherHinkle, aswellasHolly’sson,Jaxon.MaryEllenislovinglyrememberedbyhersister-in-laws,niecesandnephewsand numerouscousins,andfriendswhomshehelddearthroughoutherlife.Sheisprecededindeathbyherhusband, GregoryHinkle;herbrother,GregorySantry;andherparents,JosephandBeverlySantry.
TherewillbeacelebrationoflifeonSunday,March30th,from1:30-3:30pmattheMercerIslandCommunityand EventsCenterat8236SE24thSt,MercerIsland,WA98040.
MargaretElaineReid Feb20,1938-March15,2025
MargaretElaineReid, affectionatelyknownasMargie,passedawaypeacefullyonMarch15,2025.She wasbornonFebruary20,1938,inSouthbridge,Massachusetts,toGladysandJosephPolakowski. Margielivedalifefilledwithpassion,creativity,andunwaveringdevotiontoherfamily.
MargieattendedBostonUniversity,wheresheearnedbothaBachelor’sandaMaster’sdegreein teaching,shapingthelivesofcountlessstudentsthroughouthercareer.
In1962,whileteachingEnglishoverseas,shemethelicopterpilotRobertReidattheOfficer’sClub inHanau,Germany.TheyweremarriedonJanuary19,1963inherhometownofSouthbridge, embarkingona62-yearjourneytogether.TheirearlyyearswerespentinElgin,Illinois,wheretheir son,MichaelDavid,wasborn.TheylatermovedtoTacoma,Washington,wheretheirdaughter,DarcyJo,joinedthefamily. TheyeventuallysettledonMercerIsland.Margiefilledherdaysteaching,participatingintheJuniorLeagueofSeattleand leadingGirlScouts.
Margiewasawomanofmanytalentsandpassions.Anavidhikerandskier,shefoundjoyinthebeautyoftheoutdoors.Her loveofskiingresultedinher coordinatingtheelementaryskibustoAlpental,joiningaskiclubwhereshespentTuesdays atCrystalMtn,andcrossingthebordertoWhistler,BCwheneverpossible. Hercreativespiritwassharedwithothersthroughherknitting,sewing,andstunningcalligraphy.Herloveforcookingand bakingwaslegendary,andherhandwrittenlettersandthankyounotesweretreasuredbyallwhoreceivedthem. Asthewifeofapilot,Margieembracedtheopportunitytotraveltheworld,exploringcountlessdestinationsandcultures. ShelovedtotravelwithBobbutalsoenjoyedtravelingwithfriendsandmakingnewfriendsalongtheway.
Shewasadevotedgrandparent,findingimmensejoyinwatchinghergrandchildren,or“grands”asshelovinglycalled them,participateintheirvariousactivities.Shewastheirbiggestcheerleader,alwaysbeamingwithprideattheir accomplishments.
Margie’slegacyisoneoflove,creativity,andunwaveringsupportforherfamilyandcommunity.Shewillbedeeplymissed byherhusbandBob,sisterJoyce(Jim),daughterDarcy(Patrick),daughter-in-lawKathi,andhergrandchildren:Justin, Connor,AnnaandEmily.
AcelebrationofMargie’slifewillbeheldatStMonicaCatholicChurch,MercerIslandonFriday,April11,2025.Massat 11am,receptiontofollow.
Inlieuofflowers,donationsmaybemadeinMargie’shonoratthecharityofyourchoice.
COURTESY PHOTO
Lola Deane and Ford Parks, co-chairs.
COURTESY PHOTO Jon Scholes.
Whatstrategiesdoyouuseto attractbuyersandgenerate interestinyourlistings?
Weusehigh-definitionphotography, videography(includingdrone footage),flyers,brochures,custom websites,andsocialmediato marketlistings.Weblendtraditional methodslikedoorknockingandopen housesignswithmodernstrategies, includingcustomizedbookletsand onlinepromotion.Wealsolove hostingbigkickoffweekendsthatfeatureexclusiveneighborpreviews andcateredopenhousestogeneratebuzz.
Howdoyoudeterminetherightlistingpricefora property?
Themosteffectivewayforustodeterminepricingisthrougha ComparableMarketAnalysis(CMA).Thisallowsustocomparethe propertytosimilarhomessold,pending,oractiveinthelast180days. Byrefiningcriterialikesquarefootage,features/finishes,view,lotsize, andlocation,weestablishanaccuratepricetodiscusswithsellers.
HowdoesMercerIsland’srealestatemarketcompareto nearbyareas?
WhenIbecamearealtorin2006,theaveragelistpriceonMercerIsland wasinthe$800,000s.Today,first-timehomebuyerscanexpecttostart inthe$1,500,000range.Onaverage,MercerIslandpropertiescostmore thantherestofKingCounty(excludingBellevue),buttheuniquebeauty andcharmofourcommunitymakeitworththeinvestment.
7243WRidgeRd,MercerIsland,WA98040 4Beds|3.75baths|3,960SQFT|$3,350,000 DebbieConstantine|206.853.5262
42.6ACRES|$825,000 ChristianAnderson&MarkAnderson|425.750.0141
WHAT’S HAPPENING INTHE MARKET
WE CANHELP YOU REACH YOUR REALESTATEGOALS
1400HubbellPlaceUnit#1103,Seattle,WA98101 1Beds|1baths|568SQFT|$329,950 MarkAnderson&ChristianAnderson|206.931.9807
4021239thPlaceSE,Sammamish,WA98029 5Beds|2.5baths|2,870SQFT|$1,995,000 LoriHoldenScott&ConnorHolden|206.949.5674
SPOTLIGHT
4Beds|3.5baths|3,160SQFT|26AcreLot|$2,250,000 ScottMacRae|206.499.5766
RECENTLY SOLD
7800SE27thStUnit#304,MercerIsland,WA98040 2Beds|2baths|1,319SQFT|$945,000 FrankCeteznik|206.979.8400
729HighStUnit#103,Bellingham,WA98225 2Beds|1baths|811SQFT|$430,000 CarrieSimmons&IngvilSyversen|206.679.7093
283678thAveSEUnit#401,MercerIsland,WA98040 2Beds|2baths|1,700SQFT|$4,295/MO DieterKaetel|206.427.0863
ConnorHolden 206.498.3033
Whatstrategiesdoyouuseto attractbuyersandgenerate interestinyourlistings?
Weusehigh-definitionphotography, videography(includingdrone footage),flyers,brochures,custom websites,andsocialmediato marketlistings.Weblendtraditional methodslikedoorknockingandopen housesignswithmodernstrategies, includingcustomizedbookletsand onlinepromotion.Wealsolove hostingbigkickoffweekendsthatfeatureexclusiveneighborpreviews andcateredopenhousestogeneratebuzz.
Howdoyoudeterminetherightlistingpricefora property?
Themosteffectivewayforustodeterminepricingisthrougha ComparableMarketAnalysis(CMA).Thisallowsustocomparethe propertytosimilarhomessold,pending,oractiveinthelast180days. Byrefiningcriterialikesquarefootage,features/finishes,view,lotsize, andlocation,weestablishanaccuratepricetodiscusswithsellers.
HowdoesMercerIsland’srealestatemarketcompareto nearbyareas?
WhenIbecamearealtorin2006,theaveragelistpriceonMercerIsland wasinthe$800,000s.Today,first-timehomebuyerscanexpecttostart inthe$1,500,000range.Onaverage,MercerIslandpropertiescostmore thantherestofKingCounty(excludingBellevue),buttheuniquebeauty andcharmofourcommunitymakeitworththeinvestment.
7243WRidgeRd,MercerIsland,WA98040 4Beds|3.75baths|3,960SQFT|$3,350,000 DebbieConstantine|206.853.5262
42.6ACRES|$825,000 ChristianAnderson&MarkAnderson|425.750.0141
WHAT’S HAPPENING INTHE MARKET
WE CANHELP YOU REACH YOUR REALESTATEGOALS
1400HubbellPlaceUnit#1103,Seattle,WA98101 1Beds|1baths|568SQFT|$329,950 MarkAnderson&ChristianAnderson|206.931.9807
4021239thPlaceSE,Sammamish,WA98029 5Beds|2.5baths|2,870SQFT|$1,995,000 LoriHoldenScott&ConnorHolden|206.949.5674
SPOTLIGHT
4Beds|3.5baths|3,160SQFT|26AcreLot|$2,250,000 ScottMacRae|206.499.5766
RECENTLY SOLD
7800SE27thStUnit#304,MercerIsland,WA98040 2Beds|2baths|1,319SQFT|$945,000 FrankCeteznik|206.979.8400
729HighStUnit#103,Bellingham,WA98225 2Beds|1baths|811SQFT|$430,000 CarrieSimmons&IngvilSyversen|206.679.7093
283678thAveSEUnit#401,MercerIsland,WA98040 2Beds|2baths|1,700SQFT|$4,295/MO DieterKaetel|206.427.0863
ConnorHolden 206.498.3033
CITY BRIEFS
By Reporter Staff
Roanoke Park playground construction
In 2022, Mercer Island voters approved a 16-year renewal of the parks levy, which continued funding for parks operations and maintenance in addition to funding playground replacements. The first playground scheduled for replacement is at Roanoke Park, and construction has begun.
This playground renovation includes new poured-in-place playground surfacing, which will provide full access to play and gathering opportunities for people with mobility challenges. The project contractor, R&R Construction, will complete demolition, drainage work, and play equipment installation before work pauses until warmer weather arrives. Once the temperatures have risen enough, the surfacing can be installed.
This project is estimated to last three to four months. Islanders wishing to use the park’s tennis court will still be able to access it at the court entrance on 70th Avenue Southeast.
PSE Green Power Program
The city of Mercer Island has partnered with Puget Sound Energy (PSE) to increase participation in their Green Power Program, which matches Islanders’ electricity use with renewable energy made from wind and solar.
Customers can elect to join the program, which directs a portion of their utility bill to help build or buy a wider range of renewable energy sources in the region and also supports the local economy through creating green jobs. The city notes that residents’ participation not only reduces their personal greenhouse gas emissions, but also helps bring the city closer to achieving the targets set in the Climate Action Plan.
PSE is running a promotional challenge this year for Mercer Island to enroll 100 new residents and businesses in the program. If the goal is reached, PSE will provide the city with a $10,000 award to build a new community solar panel project. If residents choose to participate, the additional cost is about $8 to $10 more per month for the average household (using 1,000 kWh/month).
By Nancy Lee For the Reporter
This is a planned monthlycolumntoprovide a “list” of opportunities for citizen engagement with the City of Mercer Island, Mercer Island City Council and community resources of interest. Content is based on announcements and presentations made at monthly city council meetings. The following is from the March 18, 2025, Mercer Island City Council meeting.
Opportunities to learn more, provide feedback
The April 1 Mercer Island City Council meeting, as usual, will provide an opportunity for public comments, with a 3-minute appearance talk
at the beginning of the meeting regarding topics of interest, including upcoming council agenda items such as Town Center parking and park renovations. Meetings begin at 5 p.m. and can be attended in person at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center, or via council meeting YouTube Channel on MI-TV (Channel 21). Individuals wishing to speak live during appearances will need to register their request with the city clerk at 206-275-7793 or email the city clerk and leave a message before 4 p.m. on the day of the council meeting.
Special events planned
■ Mercer Island’s Biannual Recycling Event will be held on Saturday, March
29, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Mercer Island Boat Launchat3600EastMercer Way, located on the east end of Aubrey Davis Park. ■ Councilmember Ted Weinberg will hold his next monthly open brunch/ lunch at 10 a.m. April 19 at Valhalla Sandwiches in downtown Mercer Island, providing an opportunity to discuss a variety of topics ofinterestforMercerIsland residents, including Town Center parking, renovations at Deane’s Children Park, and repairs, replacements and renovations at Clark and Groveland Beach Parks. If you would like to attend, please RSVP at tedweinberg@comcast. net.
■ This spring and summer, the city will be conducting community engagement events to share plans related to Town Center parking and park renovations. Updates on these events will be posted on the city’s website.
HighCost&LowImpact: At$165,000,000,Prop1willraiseourlocalschooltaxesbymore than40%.This isthefirstofseveralsizable“asks”.Anadditional$247.5million (in2024dollars)willstillbeneededforthe elementaryschools,anda42%increaseisproposedfortheupcomingCapitallevyrenewal.Withsuchhigh costs,votersshouldexpecthighimpact.However,muchofthe 2025bondwillgotowardsbasicmaintenance, repairsandsmallcapitalprojects.Despitethesignificanttaxincrease,thereisnodirectconnectionbetween thisbondandstudentoutcomes.
PrioritizesWantsvs.Needs: Ourcommunitygenerouslysupportstheneedsofourstudents.Butthisbond failstoidentifyanythingourstudentstrulyneedtosucceed.Forexample,“AddedSustainability,Updated GymFinishes,RenovatedLockerRooms,UpdatedAcoustics,UpdatedLighting,UpdatedCommons,Improved Parking”.Whilenicetohave,theseprojectsarenotessential.Withanothermassivebondonthehorizon, MISDshouldprioritizeprojectsofhighestneedandgreatestimpact.
It’stheWrongTime: MISDiscurrentlyonafinanciallyunsustainbletrajectory.Despitetherecent14% declineinenrollment,spendinghassurgedby21%.OurGeneral Fundbalancehasfallenfrom10.3%to 3.7%whichhasresultedinourMoody’sbondratingbeingdowngradedtwiceinrecentyears.Nowisthe wrongtimetoapproveabond!
Ribbon-cutting ceremony for new tennis-pickleball bubble
Special to the Reporter
The Mercer Island Country Club (MICC) celebrated a major milestone on Feb. 28 with a ribboncutting ceremony for its brand-new tennis/pickleball bubble. The event drew a crowd of local leaders, community members and MICC supporters to commemorate the completion of the long-anticipated project.
Mercer Island Mayor Salim Nice, cut the ribbon to open the new facility and was joined by Deputy Mayor Dave Rosenbaum and councilmembers Lisa Anderl and Jake Jacobson, representing the city who worked closely with the club to bring this to reality.
Susie Vannatter, MICC board president, kicked off the event with a reflection on the club’s significance to the Island and her family and pride in witnessing the long-awaited achievement come to life.
“For literally decades, people have been talking about the idea of putting up a bubble here at the club,” Vannatter said.
“Now, standing inside it today, it’s truly amazing to see this dream become a reality.”
The new seasonal dome covers four of the club’s eight outdoor courts with an air-inflated structure. The driving force behind the project, former MICC board president Dan Nordale, talked about the importance of the project to Islander tennis.
“The dome over the outdoor tennis courts will expand access to tennis and pickleball by 60% during our rainy season, a significant step toward further elevating our juniors tennis program that is already the best in the Pacific Northwest,” Nordale said.
The dome itself is an impressive feat of engineering, designed to withstand the elements and meet the needs of the community. Measuring 35 feet at the highest point, the air-inflated structure is equipped with an air handling unit capable of ensuring stability even in winds up to 100 mph.
“We’ve taken every precaution to ensure that this dome is both safe and environmentally conscious,” Nordale added. “We’ve planted 30 new trees across the MICC and adjacent properties to replace unhealthy ones, further integrating the structure into the natural landscape.”
The cutting of the ribbon by the mayor officially opened the bubble for the community. Following the ribbon cutting, attendees enjoyed a champagne and cider toast to honor the project’s completion and the beginning of a new chapter for the club.
“The tennis bubble is a game-changer,” said MICC General Manager Dorrinda Pierce. ”It not only gives us the chance to play year-round, regardless of the weather, it also brings our Islander community closer together. It will benefit everyone for years to come.”
As the celebration came to a close, Nordale offered one final invitation to the crowd, “Thanks for coming — let’s play tennis and pickleball!”
The MICC’s tennis dome marks a new era for the Island’s sports community, ensuring that residents can stay active, engaged and connected, no matter the season.
MISDAdministrationBuildingBoardroom
416086thAveSE|GoogleMeet (moreinformationat: mercerislandschools.org/board) MeetingAgenda
4:00p.m. CalltoOrder, ExecutiveSession
5:00p.m. FullandPartialGovernanceMonitoring
6:00p.m. RecognitionandPublicInput
FullGovernanceProcessMonitoring
A.BoardPolicy1800OE-11:FacilitiesandCapitalAssets(L-1)
PartialGovernanceProcessMonitoring
A.BoardPolicy1800OE-10:InstructionalProgram – Approvalofthe2024-25 HiCapProgramPlan
B.BoardPolicy1800OE-7:FinancialAdministration-Updateon2024-2025 FinancialDashboardandJanuaryandFebruary2025BudgetStatusReports
C.BoardPolicy1800OE-7:FinancialAdministration-PropertyTaxReport
D.BoardPolicy1800OE-9:CommunicationandSupporttotheBoard-Reporton BudgetReductionsfor2025-2026
E.BoardPolicy1800OE-7:FinancialAdministration-DraftResolutionNo. 7382025-2026ReducedEducationSupportProgram(CertificatedImpact)(1strdg)
F.BoardPolicy1003-BoardJobDescription-ProposedBoardPolicy6970NamingDistrictFacilities(2ndrdg)
G.BoardPolicy1003-BoardJobDescription-ProposedBoardPolicy1012: GuidelinesforSocialMediaAccountsCreatedbyBoardMembersintheir OfficialCapacity(2ndrdg)
Agendaitemsaresubjecttochange.Pleaseverifyagendaitemsbygoingto: go.boarddocs.com/wa/misd/Board.nsf/Public. MERCERISLANDSCHOOLDISTRICTBOARDMEMBERS MaggieTaiTucker,President|JodyLee,VicePresident DanGlowitz|DeborahLurie|CristinaMartinez Dr.FredRundle,Superintendent
MERCER ISLAND POLICE BLOTTER
March 11
Arrest:Followingatrafficstopinthe2400blockofWest Mercer Way, police arrested the driver for a suspended license.
March 12
Warrant: In the 9600 block of Southeast 36th Street at the police department headquarters, an officer re-booked a warrant subject into another jail.
March 13
Disturbance:Inthe8400blockofSoutheast68thStreet, a driver reported that another driver was speeding and moving erratically as they passed by.
March 14
Damagedproperty:Areportingpartystatedthatsomeone damaged a door handle to a park restroom in the 8100 block of Southeast 40th Street. No suspects were spotted.
March 16
Warrant: A local officer met a Washington State Patrol officer at the Mercer Island Police Department in the 9600 block of Southeast 36th Street to transfer a warrant subject into local custody. The subject was then booked into jail.
March 18
Trespass: A traffic stop turned into a warrant arrest at Island Crest Way and Southeast 41st Street.
* The Mercer Island Police Department (MIPD) issued a scam alert on March 4 that reads:
“A familiar scam is making its rounds, you know the one where someone claiming to be a Sergeant or Commander with Mercer Island Police Department is saying they need you to make a payment for something, like clearing a warrant for your arrest? This is a scam. MIPD will never ask you for money or gift cards. If you receive this call, hang up the phone immediately and dial our 24/7 non-emergency dispatch line at 425-577-5656 to speak to a real police officer.”
COURTESY PHOTOS
Front row: Mercer Island Country Club (MICC) board President Susie Vannatter, Mercer Island
Mayor Salim Nice, MICC General Manager Dorrinda Pierce and MICC former board president Dan Nordale. Back row: MICC Tennis Director Doug McLaughlin, tennis coach Jesse Walter and the MICC Juniors Tennis Team. The group gathered at the MICC ribbon-cutting ceremony on Feb. 28 for its new tennis/pickleball bubble.
The new Mercer Island Country Club tennis/pickleball bubble.
LIFESTYLES Senior
Mercer Island resident revisits her vital work in Afghanistan
Áegis
resident provided
education equity for young women and more.
By Andy Nystrom anystrom@soundpublishing.com
It’s a long way from Afghanistan to Mercer Island, but Suzanne Griffin can make one feel like they are present in that far-away land and following in her footsteps when she worked in the Peace Corps — and helped rebuild the country’s education system.
Nowadays, you can find the 79-year-old world traveler and impact-maker keeping track of global political issues and sharing what she’s experienced and learned during her robust lifetime at Áegis Living Mercer Island.
Griffin, who has resided at Áegis since last May, sat comfortably in the senior community’s spacious lounge while perusing the newspaper on a recent morning. A political story splashed across the front page.
“I’m interested in politics because I was the refugee education person for the state of Washington. I dealt with both state politics and national politics around refugees and immigrants,” she said.
“The bottom line is, we’re from a diverse world. And I’ve always been the teacher that had all those people in the classroom,” she added about students speaking about 20 different languages. She speaks German, Dari and Farsi. “My classroom looked like the United Nations.”
Griffin once told a colleague that, “it’s not about language, it’s about attitude,” as to how she got along with everyone in the classroom. She taught English as a second language in the United States and English in Isfahan, Iran, during her career.
A timeline of Griffin’s life work overseas begins in 1968 when she and her husband, Michael, were a Peace Corps field team in Afghanistan (he had previously completed a Peace Corps tour in Iran). In 1978, the couple and their two young daughters, Sarah and Rachael, relocated for education and housing department work in Iran, but were soon evacuated at the start of the Iranian Revolution. And in 2002, she returned to Afghanistan to lead projects in health, education and higher education.
Also while in Afghanistan, she worked with government officials to provide education equity for young women.
According to Griffin’s book, “Lessons of Love in Afghanistan,” her work was “often risky, sometimes dangerous.” It was sustained by love and a lifelong commitment to the Afghan people.
“Overall it was a dangerous place for everyone who lived and worked there because armed conflict was almost continuous in some areas of that country,” said Griffin, who received a Ph.D. in education from the University of Washington. “When I and my Afghan colleagues traveled north from Kabul into the mountain passes, we were occasionally near armed conflict that sometimes involved U.S. troops. However, we stayed on the road and kept on moving as quickly as the road conditions allowed.”
Up until two years ago, Griffin did volunteer work by contacting the state department in Washington, D.C., regarding identity confirmation of asylumseekers from Afghanistan.
In the present day, Griffin is pleased to be living at Áegis, which is nearby one of her
daughter’s in-laws on Mercer Island. Griffin hasn’t yet delved into any Island issues, but said she might look into a situation if it involves equity for people.
During her stay at Áegis, she’s found some similarities to her life’s work: “I think one of the things I like about here is that there are a lot of people from very different backgrounds. Áegis does what they do really well. They look at the background of the people coming, and then they pick one of us to welcome them. And so I’m going to be welcoming a couple tomorrow.”
A lifelong Rotarian, Griffin recently took a fellow Áegis resident and Rotarian to a meeting at her University District club. While visiting different countries, Griffin attended Rotary meetings and has kept those positive experiences in her life.
One of Griffin’s mottoes that she learned from her late husband during their work travels is: “The diversity of the people you know makes your life richer.”
Digging further into that maxim that guides her on a daily basis, she adds: “In fact, the more different they are, the richer you become because
you learn to look at the world with different lenses. Instead of accusing them of being wrong, just accept the fact that we all have different ways of thinking.”
At the conclusion of Griffin’s book, she writes that part
of her heart will never leave Afghanistan.
“Afghans have shown me that the best way to live is to make the most of each day and to be ready to deal with whatever the future brings.”
ANDY NYSTROM/ STAFF PHOTO
Suzanne Griffin displays her book, “Lessons of Love in Afghanistan,” in the Áegis Living Mercer Island lounge.
COURTESY PHOTO
Suzanne Griffin, left, and Afghan women attend an International Women’s Day celebration in Dubai in the 2000s. Had they been attending an event in Afghanistan, the Afghan women would not have been photographed.
Gerstel notches journalism, theater awards
Mercer Island High School
senior Kyle Gerstel received the Lu Flannery Outstanding Journalist Award from the Washington Journalism Education Association. The award — which includes a $2,000 scholarship — recognizes one Washington state senior who has made significant contributions to their journalism program. In the theater realm, Gerstel took first place at the annual Shakespeare Competition in Seattle with a performance of Romeo’s balcony speech from “Romeo and Juliet” and sonnet 138. The EnglishSpeaking Union (ESU) of the United States Seattle branch’s event took place on March 2 at the Women’s University Club. He will perform at the ESU National Shakespeare Competition at the end of April in New York City.
By Reporter Staff
The Seattle Universal Math Museum (SUMM) will present the “Intersections: Math, Art, Truth, Humanity” public art exhibition, jointly produced by SUMM and Mercer Island Visual Arts League (MIVAL), with support from the city of Mercer Island.
The display will run now through April 25 at the Mercer Island Community and Events Center, 8236 SE 24th St. Gallery hours will be from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday–Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday–Saturday. A reception will be from 5-7 p.m. on April 4.
“Mathematics and art have the power to reveal truths — about the universe and about what it means to be human,” reads a press release.
The exhibition provides
City recruiting volunteers for advisory boards, commissions
From now through April 25, the city of Mercer Island is recruiting volunteers to serve on the following advisory boards and commissions:
■ ArtsCouncil(oneposition;termexpiresMay31,2029)
■ DesignCommission(twopositions;termsexpireMay 31,2029-civilengineersandurbanplannersareencouraged to apply)
■ Open Space Conservancy Trust (two positions; terms
expire May 31, 2029)
■ Parks&RecreationCommission(twopositions;terms expire May 31, 2029)
■ Utility Board (four positions; one position term expires May 31, 2026, three positions terms expire May 31, 2029)
Toapplyandformoreinformation,visit:https://www. mercerisland.gov/bc
Residents can support food
security programs at recycling event
By Reporter Staff
While residents take part inthecityofMercerIsland’s upcoming biannual spring recycling event, they can alsosupportlocalfoodsecurityprograms.
The event — during which Islanders can safely dispose of old equipment and household items — will occur from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 29 at the Mercer Island Boat Launch (3600 E. Mercer Way). Check the city’s website for items that will be accepted. Visit: https://tinyurl. com/5yp3zppf
During the event, the Mercer Island Youth and FamilyServicesFoundation will be collecting monetary donations to support YFS foodsecurityprograms.
multiple opportunities to touch and manipulate several of the 2D and 3D pieces, and be drawn into viewing physical representations of
mathematical concepts and phenomena. For more information, visit https://seattlemathmuseum.org/ intersections
NorthwestAssociationofIndependentSchoolsAccreditedand CandidatememberschoolsandSubscriberandAffiliateschools admitstudentsofanyrace,color,nationalandethnicorigin
Legal Notices
PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVEDATE. Ordinance No. 25C-05 was adopted by the Mercer Island City Council at its Meeting on March 18, 2025. A full text of the ordinanceisavailableat https://library.municode.
CITY OF MERCER ISLAND ORDINANCE NO. 25C-05 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MERCER ISLAND, WASHINGTON, RENEWING INTERIM REGULATIONS ON DEFINITIONS RELATING TO EMERGENCY SHELTERS AND HOUSING, TRANSITIONAL HOUSING, AND PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING ADOPTED BY ORDINANCE 24C-03;
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF MERCER ISLAND Mercer Island’s spring recycling event will take place on March 29.
with Mercer Island School District Superintendent Fred Rundle. Pradeepkumar is the Outstanding Interpretation winner at the statewide level and is headed to nationals. He was one of numerous local winners.
Mercer Island PTA Council celebrates Reflections Program winners
Special to the Reporter
The Mercer Island School District (MISD) held a special ceremony on March 5 to honor the many winners and participants of the 2024-2025 Reflections Program, a program that encourages students to express themselves through the arts.
The evening was made possible by the hard work of many, including Fred Rundle, the superintendent of MISD, who spoke at the event, as well as Julie Hsieh, the program vice president for the Mercer Island PTA Council. Bill Hankes, a literature judge, also played a vital role in selecting the exceptional pieces of work, while Julian Bradley, the MI PTA Council president, handed out the awards to the students. The evening’s success was also due to the efforts of the MI PTA Council Reflections chairs, Kaitlyn Lee and Kate Chung, whose dedication ensured the program’s smooth
execution. Susie Vannatter emceed the event and Amy Leonard Hartman ran the technical presentation.
The Reflections Program provides students with the opportunity to explore and develop their artistic talents in various categories, including visual arts, music composition, dance choreography, literature and film production.
The evening also featured a preview of next year’s theme, which will be “I Belong.” The theme aims to inspire students to explore their sense of identity and belonging, and how they connect with the world around them.
Astheeveningconcluded, the PTA Council extended its heartfelt congratulations to all students involved in the Reflections Program, encouraging them to continue nurturing their creative passions.
To view the list of winners, visit: https://www. mi-reporter.com/news/ misd-students-shine-inreflections-arts-program/
Parking
Page 1
at the nearby park and ride will likely increase, reads a city document.
During the meeting — which featured feedback with nothing set in stone — the majority of council leaned into the possibility of:
■ An initial two hours of free Town Center parking between 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Saturday with up to four hours maximum for a paid fee of $2.50 per hour utilizing an app.
■ An initial two hours of free parking at the Town Center Parking Area between 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Sunday with up to 12 hours maximum for a paid fee of $2.50 per hour and a maximum daily rate of $12.50.
Bon said the city needs to update its on-street parking regulations within Town Center and establish regulations at the former Tully’s site. On the parking citation fee front beginning on Jan. 1 of this year, the city
Pool
From Page 1
increased the amount from $20 to $54.
She added that the proposed regulations are open to policy discussion and may head in a different direction as council’s voices continue to be heard. A first reading of the parking ordinance will likely occur at council’s April 1 meeting and Bon said they hope to conclude this work in the April-May time frame.
While councilmember Lisa Anderl is concerned with some seniors not being familiar with technology and apps, Bon said the city could launch an informational marketing campaign and provide assistance at its senior resource fair.
On the $12.50 maximum daily rate at the former Tully’s site, councilmember Ted Weinberg said he feels it’s too high and perhaps they could work with some different numbers or have some spaces requiring permits.
During the public appearances portion of the meeting, Mercer Island resident Victor Raisys said his local business supports two hours of free Town
support in the mechanical room, and if the school district’s dollars hold out, Fox said they would like to coat the concrete pool deck. Before refilling the pool, workers will paint new lines in the bowl.
In the pool drainage and refilling realm, Fox said that it takes about 24 hours to drain the pool and about 36 hours to refill it. After refilling occurs, the water needs to be treated and heated for a couple days before swimmers can splash back inside the pool.
In February, two days were needed for inspection and then the pool was refilled and back up and running within the week.
Fox explained that the water enters the sewer system when drainage occurs; for refilling, the district rents a hydrant meter from the city so they can fill the pool from a fire hydrant.
The time is now to dive into this
Center street parking but with no opportunity for extended time, and they don’t support a parking app requirement. They are in favor of a 24/7 proposed enforcement—iffeasible— that city staff touched upon at its July 16 meeting.
Raisys said the two-hour, no-app scenario is consistentwithBellevue,Kirkland, West Seattle and Renton’s parking regulations in their retail areas.
“What’s unclear to me is why the council has chosen to go in a different direction
project because the district received King County funds, Fox said. About $3 million will be headed toward the construction cost while about $1 million will pay for legal fees, design fees, permitting fees and more.
“We had always earmarked this money out of the cap/tech fund, but really wanted to be able to leverage grant dollars,” she said. “It’s a pool, right? It decays as fast as you can fix it. So there is always an opportunity to do something at the pool.”
Mercer Island School District’s last big pool project took place about five years ago and featured HVAC jobs, including the placement of new boilers and air handlers and duct work. Shortly before that project commenced, the district re-roofed the building.
As for where the swimmers will go when the project is in full swing, Olympic Cascade Aquatics (OCA) owner Alice Godfred — whose business is contracted to manage the pool for the district — said that she’s in talks with a club to rent space to offer
from the surrounding communities and from the original proposal by city staff back in July,” Raisys said. According to a city document, “Staff recommend that revenue generated from the parking program first be directed to support parking enforcement and parking signage. Revenue that exceeds the cost of enforcement and signage will remain in the city’s general fund for use and appropriation at the direction of the city council.”
lessons when the pool is closed.
“It’s still in the preliminary stages. It allows me to keep my staff with hours and being able to work. I’ve got staff that I don’t want to lose because we’re closed for six weeks,” said Godfred, whoalsorunsacompetitiveOCAUSA Swimming team.
Godfred said there are Seattle public facilities and the Bellevue Aquatic Center that are available for Mary Wayte Pool swimmers to get in their laps.
“Augustalsoaroundhereiskindofa travel month for people. Who knows, maybe the lake will be warm enough. They can jump in there,” said Godfred, who will send out information and options to the pool’s patrons as the project inches closer to starting time.
The OCA owner said the pool improvements will help in the long run.
“I’m very supportive of it,” Godfred said. “Nobody wants to be closed for a month (to six weeks), but it needs to be done in order for us to stay open in a more positive way.”
PHOTOS COURTESY OF JULIE HSIEH
Adrit Pradeepkumar, Reflections Program Primary Music Composition winner,
ANDY NYSTROM/ STAFF PHOTO
OMA Construction workers make headway on March 18 at the Town Center Parking Area at the former Tully’s site.