REPORTER
Mercer Island
District says no school on new land
Make way for Blake
Showcase tonight!
A concert by the Lyric Arts Ensemble will feature 16 vocalists, a chamber orchestra and a performance of the “Music of Angels” and other pieces at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 31. The event takes place at the Mercer Island Presbyterian Church, located at 3605 84th Ave. S.E., Mercer Island. The event is free of charge. For more information, call 232-5535.
Egg hunts coming up The annual egg hunts at Mercerdale Park, organized by the Mercer Island Parks and Recreation Department, are set for April 7. The Lil’ Ones Egg Hunt for kids, ages 1-6, starts at 5 p.m., followed by the Flashlight Egg Hunt for kids, ages 7-10, at 8:30 p.m. During both hunts, find the golden egg for special prizes.
By Mary L. Grady
editor@mi-reporter.com
Matt Brashears/Special to the Reporter
With the heart — and face — of a competitor, Blake Ronald, 4, of Mercer Island, fends off older children to secure his place on the starting line before the half mile kids’ dash on Sunday, March 25, at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center. The dash was part of the 40th annual Mercer Island Rotary Run, a charitable event to benefit colon cancer research and awareness.
Over 4,500 turn out for 40th Rotary Run By Megan Managan
mmanagan@mi-reporter.com
Just over 4,500 runners enjoyed a sunny Sunday morning during the 40th annual Rotary Run. The event, with the second largest crowd ever, drew many local residents to participate in one of the many events. According to one of the race organizers, Dawn Naye, the race had 4,521 runners, the second largest ever. “Two years ago we had 4,800, so it was very close to the record,” said Naye. There were approximately 500 registrations the weekend of the event, which Naye said is fairly typical, but the good weather helped to draw people. “The half marathon definitely had a larger number of people,” said Naye. About 2,200 people
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had signed up for the event, with 1,867 finishing the race around the Island. Islander Eddie Switaj was the first Island finisher in the half marathon run, coming in 34th overall with a 1:24.04 time. Switaj, a professional triathlete, uses the Rotary race as training for events later in the season. “It was a good time,” said Switaj. “I’ve done the 10k a couple of years ago, but this was my first time doing the half. I usually do shorter races, since 10k is the standard length for triathlons.” Switaj said running has been the weakest part of his triathlon races, so this was a chance to work on it — plus, he couldn’t beat the commute To see more pictures and YOUR JUMBO to the start. visit pages 12 and 13. LENDING SPECIALIST “Five minutes to get to the start YOURresults, JUMBO • Jumbo Refi to 90% LTV no MI LENDING SPECIALIST • Jumbo Purchase to 85% LTV no MI
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was pretty nice,” he said. “I would definitely do it again. It was a lot of fun to see people from the Island all over.” Top Island finishers in the half marathon run among men included: Aaron Koopman in 55th place at 1:26.33, and Sean Sigmon in 68th with a time of 1:27.52. Lauren Knebel, a Mercer Island High School student, was the first Island female to cross the finish line in 1:43.24. “It was probably the best run event we’ve done. Every year we try to make it better,” said Naye. She said one thing the event organizers noticed this year was a greater number of people acknowledging the cause. “I think that was partly because the cause piece stood out more, and because we promoted it and the anniversary,” said Naye.
At the Mercer Island School District Board of Directors meeting held last Thursday, schools superintendent Gary Plano announced that the school district will not pursue constructing a school on the five-acre Stevenson property. After a recent meeting with 100 neighbors from around the parcel, school district administrators heard loud and clear that a school would not be welcome there. District administrators had moved to purchase the Stevensons’ land, as it is one of the last large
REPORTER
Lyric Arts Ensemble at MIPC
MISD will not build on Stevenson property after neighbors object
Mercer Island
The annual Mercer Island Fine Arts Showcase will run for its second night, tonight, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Musical performances will be held at 6:30 p.m. and 8:15 p.m., with performances by the steel drums, bands, choirs, orchestras and drama program. The all-third grade choir performance will also take place this evening. Dante’s Inferno will again offer gourmet hot dogs to attendees. The Fine Arts Advisory Committee is made up of volunteer parents, teachers and other members of the community. The FAAC raises money, largely through the showcase, to support arts education in schools. Tickets are available online in advance for $10 per single ticket, or $15 at the door. Students enter for free. To purchase tickets online or learn more, visit www.mifineartsed.org.
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