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A PUBLICATION OF THE MERCER ISLAND REPORTER

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Jane Potashnick

Cell: (206) 953-8672 Email: Jane@MercerIsland.com

Jane Potashnick has been helping clients achieve successful real estate transactions on Mercer Island and the Greater Eastside since 1983. She has built her business with the help of many Mercer Island residents and with their support, referrals and friendships. Jane continues to be the Island's most successful real estate agent and looks forward to helping you!

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M

JanePotashnick Potashnick Jane

ercer Island hasCell: grown(206) and changed over the years, but still 953-8672 Cell: (206)at953-8672 remains a tight community its core. Email:Jane@MercerIsland.com Jane@MercerIsland.com Email: Crowds still gather for local events, like the Mercer Island High School Homecoming Parade, Mostly Music in the Park and at the Farmers Market to cheer has and Island life. Jane Potashnick hascelebrate beenhelping helping clientsachieve achievesmooth smoothreal real Jane Potashnick been clients estate transactions Mercer andthe theGreater Greater Eastside Intransactions the next 30 pages, you’ll fiIsland ndIsland everything you need to know about estate ononMercer and Eastside since “Customers areeverything everything thisbusiness.” business.” saysa since ininthis says life1983. on1983. the“Customers Island. Inside are are listings of Island events and activities, Jane, who has built her business with the help of many Mercer Jane, whodirectory has built with the helpand of local manygovernment, Mercer handy of her clubs,business organizations, schools Islandresidents. residents.Their Theirsupport, support,referrals referralsand friendshipsmake make Island and places to contemplate just how lucky we areand tofriendships live in such a magical Jane Mercer Island’s most successful real estate agent. Janeplace. Mercer Island’s most successful real estate agent. Photos by Matt Brashears, Mary L. Grady, Rebecca Mar and Kim Walker Stanberry.

REPORTER

Mercer Island

2014 Island Guide

3047 78th Ave. S.E. Mercer Island, WA 98040 (206) 232-1215 Fax (206) 232-1284 A Division of

Mary L. Grady, Editor editor@mi-reporter.com Joseph Livarchik, Staff Writer Celina Kareiva, Staff Writer Melanie Morgan, Production Theres’a Baumann, Advertising tbaumann@mi-reporter.com

www.mi-reporter.com 4 | 2014 ISLAND GUIDE

On Our Cover

D

o you know where this two-story tall sculpture is on Mercer Island? The Island is filled with art - some in plain view and other pieces which must be sought out. The Island has a plethora of art. Everything from whimsical dragons to water features to totems to brass milk bottles to a heroic fireman. But this piece is the largest. Despite its size, it is not so easy to find. The nearly two-story stainless steel structure at right, can be found in the block where 78th Avenue S.E. meets the Sculpture Park above I-90. It stands along the eastern side of the 77 Central apartments looking across to the 7800 Plaza condominiums. The piece, “Circle of Friends,” is by well-known Spokane artist, Harold Balazs and was completed in 2009. 77 Central developer Michael Christ personally commissioned Balazs, who has worked in multimedia art since This whimsical sculpture stands guard the 1950s. Christ gifted “Circle next to the Parks and Recreation build- of Friends” to the city of Mercer ing at Luther Burbank Park. Island as a public work of art.

In 2009, a worker puts the final touches on the “Circle of Friends” sculpture by Spokane artist Harold Balazs at the 77 Central apartments.

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In-Home Decorator appointments available daytimes Monday through Saturday and evenings Monday through Thursday. ISLAND GUIDE 2014

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Island Events

JANUARY

• New Year’s Day swim at Clarke Beach • Annual Island Bird Count

FEBRUARY

• Giving From The Heart breakfast for Youth and Family Services • Boy Scout Pancake Breakfast

MARCH

• Mercer Island Rotary Half Marathon • Mercer Island Sogetsu annual exhibition at the MICEC • MI School District’s Fine Arts Showcase

APRIL

• • • • •

Broker/Realtor Team Ph: (206) 200-4411 mollypenny@cbbain.com katiepennyshea@cbbain.com

#1 Team in 2013 at the Coldwell Banker Bain MI branch in sales units & volume, encompassing everything from condos to luxury waterfront. Let their experience work for you!

Leap for Green Earth Day Celebration Easter egg hunts at Mercerdale Park MI Schools Foundation Breakfast Little League Opening Day Holocaust Remembrance Day at the SJCC

MAY

• Mercer Island Preschool Association Circus • Relay for Life at Mercer Island High School • Crest Plant Sale

JUNE

• Mostly Music in the Park performances begin • Farmers Market begins

JULY

• Summer Celebration, July 12-13 • Shakespeare in the Park

AUGUST

• Seafair Weekend, Aug. 1 - 3 • National Night Out, Aug. 5 • Community Campout

SEPTEMBER

• Worldwide Day of Play

OCTOBER

• Mercer Island High School Homecoming parade and game • Trick-or-treating in the Town Center • League of Women Voters' Voter Forum

NOVEMBER

• Ten Thousand Villages sale at the MI Presbyterian Church • Island Youth ballet's "Excerpts from the Nutcracker" • Interfaith Thanksgiving Service • Evergreen Church Children's craft workshop

DECEMBER

• Mercer Island Lion's Club Christmas tree sale • Firehouse Munch and tree lighting at Mercerdale Park Make sure to check the Mercer Island Reporter and www.mi-reporter.com for the latest information.

7808 SE 28th Street #128 Mercer Island, WA 98040

The Blue Angels will fly again over Mercer Island in August. Staff photo. 6 | 2014 ISLAND GUIDE

Highlights:

Summer Celebration July 12 & 13! Summer Celebration will honor the great Pacific Northwest and coincide with Washington State’s 125th Anniversary.

Saturday, July 12 10 a.m. Grand Parade in the Town Center 10 a.m. to 5 p.m Town Center Festival and activites at Mercerdale Park 10:30 p.m. Fireworks at Luther Burbank Park Sunday, July 13 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Festival at Mercerdale Park with shopping, food, rides for kids, the MIVAL art shows and more. Find out more at www.mercergov.org.

Enjoy a lumberjack show, wood carvers, Native American performances, and many other Northwest favorites from past to present!

Fireworks at Luther Burbank Park.

Events include: the Grand Parade • Boat rides • a 3-on-3 Basketball tournament • Food vendors • Arts & Crafts • Car show • Children's Fun Zone • Lumberjack show • Fireworks • Shakespeare in the Park • Music • Entertainment and more.

Bonnie Sanborn

Discover the Mercer Island

Chamber of Commerce

real estate professional

Put my 21+ years of experience and native Mercer Island knowledge to work for you! Contact me today for a complimentary buying or selling consultation.

206.919.3501

bonniesanborn@windermere.com www.bonniesanborn.com

Kids fly on the zip line at Mercerdale Park.

Who we are:

· We are the front door to Mercer Island · We promote Mercer Island as a special place to live and work. · We publish a comprehensive Mercer Island map and a Community Guide · We help Mercer Island businesses thrive and grow through events and programs including Shop Mercer Island and Town Center Trick or Treating. · We sponsor monthly membership luncheons with informative speakers and co-sponsor events with other community organizations. · We are the official Visitor and Information Center for Mercer Island

Supporting local business is an investment in the community. We welcome all who wish to assist the Mercer Island Chamber in its efforts to enhance the quality of life and economic conditions of our community. “Come on in, the door’s open.” 7605 SE 27th Street, #108 Mercer Island, WA PO Box 108, Mercer Island, WA 98040 (206) 232-34304 / Fax (206) 232-8903 www.mercerislandchamberofcommerce.org ISLAND GUIDE 2014

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City Government City of Mercer Island: (206) 275-7600 9611 S.E. 36th Street www.mercergov.org The city of Mercer Island, comprised of nearly 23,000 residents, was incorporated in 1960. City Council: www.mercergov.org/council The Mercer Island City Council is made up of Island citizens, elected to office by the public. The Council works with other local governments on regional issues such as transportation and the environment. Seven nonpartisan city councilmembers are elected to fouryear terms. Elections take place every two years. Councilmembers select a mayor from among themselves to serve a two-year term. There is no

term limit for councilmembers. Council holds an annual planning session in January and authorizes its biennial budget in the autumn of even years. Councilmembers receive a monthly $200 stipend, while the mayor earns $400. Council meetings, televised on Comcast channel 21, regularly take place on the first and third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at City Hall. Noel Treat, City Manager: noel.treat@mercergov.org.

The city manager is responsible for the administration of city policies and serves as the chief executive officer of the city.

Ali Spietz, City Clerk: Ali.Spietz@mercergov.org, 275-7793. City Councilmembers: Bruce Bassett, Mayor: bruce.bassett@mercergov.org, current term ends in 2015

Your Mercer Island Real Estate Broker Frank Ceteznik CRS, M. ED Voted Five Star - Best In Client Satisfaction: Real Estate Broker

Serving Mercer Island, the Eastside and Seattle

206.979.8400 www.MrMercerIsland.com 8 | 2014 ISLAND GUIDE

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2013 President’s Elite Club

Dan Grausz, Deputy Mayor: dan.grausz@mercergov.org, current term ends in 2018 Debbie Bertlin: debbie.bertlin@mercergov.org, current term ends in 2015 Jane Meyer Brahm: jane.brahm@ mercergov.org, current term ends in 2015 Mike Cero: mike.cero@mercergov.org, current term ends in 2015 Benson Wong: Benson.Wong@mercergov.org, current term ends in 2018 Tana Senn: tana.senn@mercergov.org, current term ends in 2018

State Representatives Mercer Island is in the 41st state Legislative district. The Island is represented by • Judy Clibborn: (D) Mercer Island, (425) 453-3075 • Steve Litzow: (R) Mercer Island, (425) 453-3076 • Tana Senn: (D) Mercer Island, (425-453-3037 • Adam Smith: (D) Tacoma, (202) 225-8901 and (425) 793-5181 City Boards and Commissions Citizens serve on Boards and Commissions that advise the council in areas where more expertise and public input is needed. Appointments to boards and commissions are made by the Mayor and affirmed by the City Council. Generally, terms run June 1 through May 31, for four years. They include: • Arts Council • Design Commission • Open Space Conservancy Trust • Planning Commission • Utility Board • Youth and Family Services Advisory Board and others. For more information, go to www. mercergov.org.

Mercer Island Emergency Preparedness Bad stuff can happen. Are you ready? The mission of Mercer Island Emergency Preparedness is to have Mercer Island be self-sufficient for seven days. There are three important steps in being prepared for an emergency or disaster: First, be informed! • Learn about what protective measures to take before, during and after an emergency. Next, make a plan. • Prepare, plan and stay informed for emergencies. Get ready. • Build a kit to manage on your own

for seven days. Stay informed by: • Listening to AM 710 KIRO, AM 1000 KOMO, and Mercer Island Radio Stations FM 88.9 or FM 94.5. • If there is power, visit the City’s website homepage for news. • Connect to the City’s social media channels. • Call the City’s information line at 275-7600. • Tune in to MI-TV Channel 21. Want to help or volunteer? Go to www.mercergov.org/Page. asp?NavID=2987 Questions? Contact Emergency Manager Jennifer Franklin at 206-275-7905 or jennifer.franklin@mercergov.org.

ISLAND GUIDE 2014

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The Elmira, a 36-foot English cutter, built in Lake Union in 1930, remains at a dock on the northwest shore of Mercer Island.

I

A sea change

t was a plan that changed Lake Washington and the surrounding watershed forever. In 1911, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began construction of the Lake Washington Ship Canal. It was the last of several attempts to build a transportation route around and through the hills that separated Lake Washington and Seattle. The growing city sought the link to promote trade and development. Two land barriers and an elevation differential of about 30 feet blocked a possible water route between Lake Washington, Lake Union, and Puget Sound. Renowned western explorer Major Hiram M. Chittenden finalized a plan to build a canal between Shilshole Bay on Puget Sound and Lake Washington, passing through Salmon Bay to Lake Union, then on to Lake Washington. The locks at the west end at Ballard, later named for Chittendam, who died shortly after the projects completion, were to help boats negotiate the drop in elevation between Salmon Bay and Puget Sound. Instead of building a second lock between Lake Washington and Lake Union, the Corps cut a canal, called the Montlake Cut between the two bodies of water. The completion of the channel in 1914 allowed water to rush from Lake Washington into Lake Union. It took three months for the water level to settle and when it did, the water level of Lake Washington was down by nearly nine feet. he results changed the shoreline of Mercer Island dramatically. The front lawns of early homes and cabins expanded along the Island shores. And there were radical changes in the hydrological systems of regional watersheds that persist today.

T

10 | 2014 ISLAND GUIDE

DID YOU KNOW:

THE BUILDING OF THE SHIP CANAL IN 1914 LOWERED THE WATER LEVEL OF LAKE WASHINGTON BY 8.8 FEET.

Island Pools

There are five pools on Mercer Island. All offer lessons and exercise classes. Mary Wayte Pool is a public pool named after Mercer Island's own Olympic champion. The other four are private clubs that offer a variety of sports and activities. Mary Wayte Pool 8815 S.E. 40th Str. 206 588-1117 mercerislandpool.com Mary Wayte Pool is open to the public and is operated by the Olympic Cascades Aquatic Club. There are lessons, space rentals for parties and a variety of classes at the indoor facility. Mercer Island High School aquatic athletes train here.

Stroum Jewish Community Center 3801 East Mercer Way. 232-7115 www.sjcc.org The SJCC indoor pool includes a 2.5 feet deep preschool pool area, lap lanes for adults. It is within the SJCC campus. SJCC memberships are open to the public. Mercerwood Shore Club 4150 East Mercer WAy 232-1622 www.mercerwood.org The Shore Club's outdoor pool features a bubble cover for swimmers in the winter and fall. The

Mercer Island High School swim teams work out at Mary Wayte Pool.

members-only club offers lessons, free and lap swims and holds meets for local teams. Mercer Island Country Club 8700 S.E. 71st st. 232-5600 The members-only Mercer Island Country Club has a clubhouse, an outdoor pool and other amenities.

Mercer Island Beach Club 8326 Avalon Drive 232-3125 www.mibeachclub.com The Beach Club located at the southern tip of Mercer Island has a clubhouse, pool, tennis and a beach area. It is also members only.

Come Jump In The Pool!! Safety, Fitness, and Family Fun!

• Family Swim and Lap Swim seven days a week! Mary Wayte Pool offers indoor recreational and fitness swimming opportunities for all ages.

• OCA Swim School provides the best curriculum and instructors in the area! Lessons are available for children six months to adult instruction. Experienced instructors follow a technique focused developmental curriculum tailored to individual students. Flexible scheduling every day of the week.

Mary Wayte Pool is the located on Mercer Island near the high school. The pool is a public resource for all Mercer Island residents. It is owned by the Mercer Island School District and managed/operated by Olympic Cascade Aquatics (OCA) with support from the City of Mercer Island.

• Aquatic Fitness activities for the whole family!

Programs include Shallow Water Fitness, Deep Water Fitness, Senior Swim, Riptides pre-competitive team, Aqua yoga, OCA competitive USA Swimming team, Paddle Board courses, and OCA Masters swimming. These full body and low impact exercise opportunities are great for an everyday workout or to supplement a diverse fitness routine.

• Special Birthday Party and special event rentals at the pool! Parties include exclusive use of the facility with professional lifeguards. Pizza, birthday cake, or a movie during the party will be arranged for a wet and memorable occasion.

Please call or stop by the pool with questions, or find all scheduling, pricing, and convenient online program registration at www. mercerislandpool.com.

Mary Wayte Pool • 8815 SE 40th Mercer Island, WA 98040 • (206) 588-1117 • www.mercerislandpool.com ISLAND GUIDE 2014

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Where it all happens The Mercer Island Community and Events Center at 8236 S.E. 24th St. is owned and operated by the City of Mercer Island. From the Rotary Run to art shows to community meetings, the MICEC, built in 2005, is where the big stuff happens. MICEC is a model for sustainability. Built with state of the art materials, it is partially powered with solar panels and has an electric vehicle charging station outside. Designed by the Miller-Hull Partnership, the 42,744 square foot two-story Mercer Island Community & Event Center is open seven days a week. It is the jumping off place for Luther Burbank Park, with access to the Community Pea Patch and is the place to meet for events large and small: weddings, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, public meetings, community breakfasts and service club luncheons. There are meeting rooms, classrooms, a senior center, a game and reading room and informal spaces to relax, study or visit with tables and a view. There are exercise facilities and party rooms downstairs with a full-sized gym. There is art and soaring spaces with views toward the lake and the greenery of the Island.

The building is fully accessible with 222 parking spaces and a full-service kitchen. Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 East Mercer Way 206-232-7115. Founded in 1949, the Stroum JCC is dedicated to the enrichment of life for the Jewish and general community in the greater Seattle area. The J has two locations: the main campus on Mercer Island and a Seattle campus. Membership is open to everyone. The J offers a variety of programs and activities for everyone from newborns to seniors. It is home to an Early Childhood School, a newly remodeled state-of-the-art auditorium, a fitness center, an indoor pool and more. There are parenting classes and weekly Tot Shabbat programs for the youngest members and their parents. School-aged kids can enjoy Kidstown before- and after-school care, take sports and arts classes, spend summers at SJCC Summer Camp and become J Explorers. Adults can join a sports league or a book club, attend events in the Kesher Garden, swim laps in the pool or work out. Seniors learn to play bridge, join fitness classes and attend the popular 'Jewish Touch' series. Throughout the The Mercer Island Community and Events Center, year, the J hosts and partners with community or- perched above Luther Burbank Park, is surrounded by a sea of green. ganizations to sponsor holiday celebrations.

Mercer Island Sister City Association Connecting with Thonon-les-Bains, France

CELEBRATING 14 YEARS OF JUMELAGE Advancing educational, cultural and other relationships between Mercer Island and its Sister City, Thonon-les-Bains, France. THONON-LES-BAINS

Join Us For MISCA Events:

 Rouge French Music in the Park, Thur, Aug 14, 7pm.  French conversation evenings in private homes.  Complimentary French movie nights on Mercer Island.  Annual Soirée , a French-inspired, wine-paired feast.

 Educational exchanges between MI & Thonon youth. To learn more about Mercer Island Sister City Association, and our sister city relationship with Thonon-les-Bains, France, to become a member or sign up for our email list:

Contact Linda Todd, 232-4570 or visit www.mercerislandsistercity.org 12 | 2014 ISLAND GUIDE

Excellence Today, the World Tomorrow French American School of Puget Sound BILINGUAL EDUCATION FROM YOUNG PRE-K (AGE 3) TO GRADE 8

Applications Now Accepted! Weekly Tours: (206) 275-3533 ext 275 patriciab@fasps.org

☆ No French experience required through K

☆ International community ☆ Small class size ☆ Tuition aid available ☆ Daily bus and hot lunch service

☆ Accredited by: NWAIS & French Ministry of Education

206-275-3533 3795 East Mercer Way, Mercer Island, WA 98040 www.fasps.org

Faith Communities

Mercer Island Clergy Association: The Mercer Island Clergy Association holds an annual studentled Baccalaureate service for high school graduation in June and an all-Island interfaith Thanksgiving service in November. Contact Greg Asimakoupoulos at awesomerev@ aol.com. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints: 4001 Island Crest Way, 236-2957. Congregation Shevet Achim: 5017 90th Ave. S.E. (Northwest Yeshiva High School), 275-1539, www.shevetachim.com. Congregational Church of Mercer Island: 4545 Island Crest Way, 232-7800, www.ucc-ccmi.org. Emmanuel Episcopal Church: 4400 86th Ave. S.E., 232-1572, www.emmanuelmi.org. First Church of Christ, Scientist: 8685 S.E. 47th St. P.O. Box 406, Mercer Island, WA . 232-0175, www.fccs.org. Christian Science Reading Room: 7605 S.E. 27th St. #106, 232-5850. First Taiwanese Presbyterian Church: 3605 84th Ave. S.E., (at the MI Presbyterian Church), www.1tpc. org. Herzl-Ner Tamid Conservative Congregation: 3700 East Mercer Way, 232-8555, www.h-nt.org.

We believe in

community. The mission bell in the courtyard of Emmanuel Episcopal Church.

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church: 8501 S.E. 40th St., 232-3270, www.htlcmi.org. Evergreen Covenant Church: 3200 78th Ave. S.E., 232-1015, www.evergreenchurch.cc. Mercer Island Presbyterian Church: 3605 84th Ave. S.E., 232-5595, www.mipc.org. Mercer Island United Methodist Church: 7070 S.E. 24th, 232-3044, www.miumc.org. MI Bahai’s: P.O. Box 1271, www.mibahais.org. Redeemer Lutheran Church: 6001 Island Crest Way, 232-1711, www.redeemerlutheranmi.org. St. Monica Catholic Church: 4301 88th Ave. S.E., 232-2900, www. stmonica.cc.

We believe that we foster an engaged and thriving retirement community when you have the freedom to pursue the things that inspire you most.

Delegate the daily details to us so you can follow your passions. Live with confidence knowing a full continuum of health care—including a 5-Star-rated nursing center—is right here should you need it. • Independent living in spacious residences • Short-Term Rehabilitation • Direct admission to Assisted Living, Memory Care and Skilled Nursing • Respite stays available Schedule a personal tour today by calling 1-877-321-5614.

Covenant Retirement Communities is a ministry of the Evangelical Covenant Church.

9150 Fortuna Dr. Mercer Island, WA 98040 www.CovenantShores.org/island 1-877-321-5614 Below, the brick labyrinth on the grounds of Emmanuel Episcopal Church is for meditation and prayer.

Covenant Retirement Communities does not discriminate pursuant to the federal Fair Housing Act.

ISLAND GUIDE 2014

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The patio between Mo’s Pizza and Menchies offers a garden-like experience in the Town Center.

Dining Guide Island Restaurants NORTH Anise Thai: 7691 S.E. 27th St., 236-2255 Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream: 2900 78th Ave. S.E., 236-2781 Bennett’s Pure Food Bistro: 7650 S.E. 27th St., 232-2759 Emerald City Smoothie: 7803 S.E. 27th St. #176, 275-0222 Freshy’s Seafood: 2411 76th Ave. S.E., 232-3028 Gourmet Teriyaki: 7671 S.E. 27th St., 232-0580 Han’s Garden Restaurant: 3020 78th Ave. S.E., 232-7889 I Luv Pho: 7605 S.E. 27th St. #112, 275-4300 Island Broiler: 2707 78th Ave. S.E., 232-0781 Island Crust Cafe: 7525 S.E. 24th St., #100, 232-7878 Lilly’s Restaurant at Aljoya: 2430 76th Ave. S.E., 230-0150

14 | 2014 ISLAND GUIDE

McDonald’s: 2807 78th Ave. S.E., 232-9175 Menchies: . 77 Central Building on S.E. 27th Street , 232-2682 Mo’s Pizza & Wine Dive: 2630 77th Ave. S.E. #112, 236-6000 Einstein Bros Bagels: 7808 S.E. 28th St., 232-8539 Oh Chocolate!: 2703 76th Ave. S.E., 232-4974 Phobulous: 3303 78th Ave. S.E., 232-0828 Pon Proem Thai: 3039 78th Ave. S.E., 236-8424 Qdoba Mexican Grill: 7650 S.E. 27th St. #106, 230-0072 Roanoke Inn: 1825 72nd Ave. S.E., 232-0800 Roberto’s Pizza & Pasta: 7605 S.E. 27th St. #111, 232-7383 Seven Star: 2885 78th Ave. S.E., 230-8665 Starbucks: 7695 S.E. 27th St., 230-8847 Starbucks Drive-Thru: 7620 S.E. 27th St., 2753115 Stopsky’s Delicatessen: 3016 78th Ave. S.E., 236-4564 Subway: 7679 S.E. 27th St., 236-2734

Sushi Joa Japanese Cuisine & Sushi Bar: 2717 78th Ave. S.E., 230-4120 The Islander: 2441 76th Ave. S.E., 232-6676 Tully’s Coffee: 7810 S.E. 27th St., 236-2959 Tully’s To Go: 3077 78th Ave. S.E., 232-2032 Tuscan Stone Pizza: 2885 78th Ave. S.E., 440-9189 Zaw Pizza: 7635 S.E. 27th St., 232-0515

SOUTH El Sombrero Mexican Restaurant: 8451 S.E. 68th St. #101, 275-4900 Georgio’s Subs: 8415 S.E. 68th St. #112, 275-3720 Sahara Pizza: 8425 S.E. 68th St. #104, 232-9800 Starbucks: 8415 S.E. 68th St. #100, 275-1097 Toshi’s Teriyaki: 8425 S.E. 68th St. #118, 232-0233 Yo Mercer: 8435 S.E. 68th St. #100, 232-1802 Yuzen Japanese Cuisine: 8451 S.E. 68th St. #104, (206) 275-3310

Randi Brazen

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SELLING MERCER ISLAND LUXURY HOMES AND LIFESTYLE

425-454-4141 | Info@BrazenSIR.com

www.BrazenSothebysRealty.com

ISLAND GUIDE 2014

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Mercer Islands’ most experienced Team. Mer Team. Jane’s two kids graduated from Mercer Island High School and are now at College. Jane is an “Empty Nester” master! Stephanie’s two kids are in Middle School on Mercer Island and the Eastside. They’re active in the sport and theater communities. Stephanie stays connected! Jane and Stephanie are in the know about Real Estate and lifestyles on Mercer Island and the Eastside…expertise you need before your next move. They are the team to know since 2000 because their Expertise means your Peace of Mind.

16 | 2014 ISLAND GUIDE

Mercer Island’s #1 Real Estate Office 7808 SE 28th Street #128, Mercer Island, WA 98040

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ISLAND GUIDE 2014

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uncovered otect their

day) m ence Center,

ay) m

A New Partnership Is Formed

206.949.1222 bettyd@johnlscott.com

425.417.9595 martinweiss@johnlscott.com

Betty DeLaurenti, John L. Scott Real Estate Mercer Island Top Producer for 22 years, is pleased to welcome Martin Weiss as her business partner. Martin brings his knowledge of real estate, finance and customer to her 30 years of trusted LIFEservice PLANNING experience. Together Betty and Martin look forward to providing both insight SEMINAR and innovation while meeting all of your real estate needs. How Traditional Planning Fails Retirees? Absolutely

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Retirees experiencing longer life spans are faced with financial threats stemming from uncovered medical and long term care costs. The traditional estate planning that retirees rely on to protect their assets is leading most of them to bankruptcy!

Protecting Assets

If you are thinki attend a free Life how planning you to:

 Protect your and uncover care costs!

Protecting Assets and Preserving Quality of Life

A

 Plan for bett avoid institu

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Parks and play DID YOU KNOW: LUTHER BURBANK PARK (BELOW) IS 77 ACRES. PIONEER PARK IS 113 ACRES.

Parks & Facilities

Street at Forest Avenue S.E.

Mercer Island has 475 acres of parks and open spaces. Some are hidden and undeveloped, others invite us to play. There are trails, ballfields, beaches, a boat launch, playgrounds and sports courts. And now there’s a new dragon at Island Crest Park! There are several street ends that provide access to Lake Washington along the shoreline.

Franklin Landing - 78th Avenue S.E. & S.E. 42nd Street.

Calkins Landing - S.E. 28th Street and 60th Avenue S.E. Forest Landing - S.E. 43rd

Fruitland Landing - 97th Avenue S.E. & S.E. 34th Street. Garfield Landing - S.E. 30th Street at 60th Avenue S.E. Lincoln Landing - 76th Ave S.E. & S.E. 22nd Street. Miller Landing - Forest Ave S.E. & S.E. 48th Street. Proctor Landing - S.E. 32nd Street at 60th Avenue S.E.

Roanoke Landing - W. Mercer Way at Roanoke Way. 77th Avenue S.E. Landing - 7670 S.E. 22nd Street. Undeveloped street ends include: Freeman Landing S.E. 40th Street. Seashore Ave/Drive Off West Mercer Way. S.E. 20th Street - Faben Point. S.E. 36th Street Landing S.E. 45th Street Off Forest Ave

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Visual & Performing Arts ercer Island offers a wide variety of art M and artistic experiences for all audiences. Children, teenagers, adults and seniors can

express their creative sides through varying classes and workshops offered by the city. Artists who have already refined their skills can show their own work, too. The Island is full of galleries that boast sculptures, paintings, photography, ceramics and many other forms of art. Live entertainment also adds to the Island’s artistic palette. Music and Shakespeare in the Park are favorite summer activities.

Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce Chamber Art Gallery: 7605 S.E. 27th St., Suite 109 Pon Proem Restaurant: 3039 78th Ave. S.E. Mercer Island Visual Arts League Gallery at Avellino: 2836 78th Ave. S.E. Mercer Island Library: 4400 88th Ave. S.E. Mercer Island Community and Event Center Main Floor Gallery: 8236 S.E. 24th St. Mercer Island City Hall: 9611 S.E. 36th St. Aljoya Mezzanine Gallery: 2430 76th Ave. S.E.

77 Central Apartments: 2630 77th Ave. S.E., Suite 100 Outdoor I-90 Sculpture Park: Along Sunset Highway between 77th Avenue S.E. and 80th Avenue S.E. Third Thursday Art Walk: Town businesses, north and south, May through October Performance Youth Theatre Northwest: 232-4145, www.youththeatre.org

Youth Theatre Northwest is a school and theater that emphasizes intellectual, artistic and personal development through drama education, performances and live theater. YTN provides a wide range of classes and programs for children ages 3-18.

Island Choral Experience: 232-8007, www.islandchoralexperience.com

The group has three choirs: Island Children’s Choir, Island Preparatory Choir and Island Sound.

Children’s Dance Conservatory & Youth Ballet: Susan Valencia, 8635 S.E. 68th St., 522-9399 Pacific Sound Chorus: Gayle Robinson 425-820-9825, www.pacificsound.org Mercerart Dance: 7513 S.E. 27th St., 232-6237

Above, Peter Pan and the Lost Boys fight off Capt. Hook’s men in the Youth Theatre Northwest’s production of “Peter Pan.” At right, a piece entitled “Knight Seattle,” by Doris KleemannFischer, was shown recently at the Mercer Island Visual Arts League Gallery at 2836 78th Ave. S.E.

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ercer Island has a long tradition of giving and getting things done. Islanders are involved in their churches and synagogues, their schools and neighborhoods. Islanders work to improve the environment, help Island youth partake in athletics or drama, or help out in the community themselves. They work at phonea-thons, set up and conduct fundraising events, drive seniors to appointments, help out at school, and organize community-wide events such as concerts, art shows and festivals, count birds and look after parks and open spaces. These and many other local and regional organizations not listed here give residents the chance to help out, stay active and get to know their neighbors and community members.

Chamber of Commerce: (206) 232-3404, www.mercerislandchamberofcommerce.org The Chamber provides business and demographic information, mailing lists and labels; publishes

a community profile and business directory; and serves as a visitor and information center for the Island. The Chamber office is the home of the Mercer Island Sister City Association and the Chamber Art Gallery. The Chamber is actively involved with the city of Mercer Island, state lawmakers and regional groups on issues that affect the Island. With the redevelopment of the Town Center that is underway, the Chamber also keeps the business community up to date by holding meetings periodically with business owners and contractors to make the transition from old to new, a smooth one. The Chamber holds a monthly membership luncheon on the first Thursday of each month at the Mercer Island Community and Events Center. Check the newsletter for topics and speakers and how to reserve your spot at lunch. Mercer Island Merchants Association: www.mimerchantassociation.org or contact John

Boy Scouts help with landscaping at the VFW Hall. Contributed photo. Keith 291-2300 The Mercer Island Merchants Association, is a new non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting Island retailers. For an annual membership fee of $35 any Mercer Island business with a retail-zoned space is eligible to join the Association. The Association has been formed to help retailers by joining forces to maximize exposure through marketing, public relations and special events.

Friends of the Mercer Island Library: milibraryfriends.org The Friends of the Mercer Island Library is a non-profit group that consists of community members who support the library and help with everything from its annual book sale to outreach programs and art and cultural displays. Membership applications are available at the library.

CLUBS | PAGE 26

YOUR MIYFS OFFERS ASSISTANCE, DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT TO YOU! • School-Based Counselors. Friendship, stress & anxiety, self-esteem, family concerns, anger and crisis counseling; drug & alcohol prevention/intervention experts at IMS and MIHS. •

VOICE & SVP. Teens participate in an 8-week summer program and learn firsthand the importance of giving back through volunteer opportunities.

• Thrift Shop. Give. Shop. Volunteer. Focus on work-skill development and sustainability. • Communities That Care. Preventing the harm caused by youth drug & alcohol use, depression, anxiety and other risk behaviors.

• Mental Health Services. Counseling for individuals, couples and families on a sliding fee scale. • Diversion & Early Intervention. Arrested youth are re-focused on positive learning experiences while being held accountable for illegal behavior. • Senior Outreach and Advocacy. Full range of geriatric services for issues related to aging including consultation, counseling and care management. • Family & Emergency Assistance. Supports for rent, utility, holiday, back to school and employment assistance. Food Bank at Luther Burbank Park offices.

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A

School renewal

fter years of steady enrollment growth, Island public schools are now bulging at the seams. Nearly 4,200 students attend the Mercer Island School District’s three elementary schools, middle school and high school. The district is over design capacity by more than 700 students — the equivalent of an entire elementary school. Needing more space, the school district purchased $1 million worth of portable classrooms — a temporary and imperfect solution to a growing problem that school officials knew would only become more acute. Yet, the School District had to try twice to convince Islanders that the seemingly huge investment in new schools was essential and overdue. Islanders, for their part, needed convincing. Many thought that the remodeling of schools done in the mid1990s was still sufficient. They balked at the amount of the multi-million dollar bond issue, turning it down decisively in early 2013.

T

he Mercer Island School District Board of Directors went back to work, cutting the scope of the expansion and inviting Islanders to become more involved in the plans. In September of 2013, the Board unanimously approved a $98.8 million bond proposal to be put before Mercer Island voters on the February 11, 2014 special election ballot.

22 | 2014 ISLAND GUIDE

The amount was half of what had been proposed before. The bond passed by a large margin. The approval will fund three new facilities projects that include: •

Building a fourth elementary school on the district-owned North Mercer campus • Expanding Islander Middle School with 14 classrooms and lab spaces, a commons and cafeteria, gymnasiums, music rooms and administrative space • Building 10 additional classrooms at Mercer Island High School, including four lab spaces and six general education classrooms The district is targeting for the three school projects to be completed by the beginning of the 2016-17 school year.

Preschools

MI Preschool Association: 236-3033, www.MIPreschoolAssociation.org The MIPA was established in 1937 and is still thriving today. Its mission is to enhance the lives of young children, from newborns to 6-year-olds. The nonprofit group of volunteers organizes children’s activities and outings for every season. The group also hosts parent-child outings, organizes monthly play groups, parent support meetings and other preschool networking programs.

MERCER ISLAND PRESCHOOLS Country Village Day School: 4030 86th Ave. S.E., 232-7170 Early World Montessori School: 3027 80th Ave. S.E., 232-2400 Little Acorn Sprouts: 8236 S.E. 24th St. Room 4, 232-0940 Northwest Montessori School: 4025 86th Ave. S.E., 524-4244 Emmanuel Day School: 4400 86th Ave. S.E., 232-5663 Little Acorn Day School: Current location at 4030 86th Ave. S.E. #E, 236-0480. Future location at 8236 S.E. 24th Street, Room #1 in the Annex.

Shannon Schell/Special to the Reporter

Pixie Hill Preschool’s Pre-K class proudly shows their green thumbs with the creation of a rainbow garden. MIPC Preschool: 3605 84th Ave. S.E., 232-5596 Creative Learning Center: 8236 S.E. 24th St., 232-8900 Mercer Island Learning Lab: 2825 West Mercer Way, 232-7661 Mercer Island Montessori:

7844 S.E. 71st St., 275-1738 Pixie Hill Preschool: 8805 S.E. 40th St., 236-1380 Sunnybeam School: 8635 S.E. 68th, 232-5776 Special Education Preschool Services

The Mercer Island School District offers special education services to preschool children three to five-years of age. The services are designed to provide support to children with a documented disability. For more go to www.mercerislandschools.org.

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Mercer Island Public Schools Mercer Island School District: 2323330, www.mercerislandschools.org Superintendent: Gary Plano, 230-3300, gary.plano@mercerislandschools.org With over 4,000 students, the district is made up of six schools: Mercer Island High School, Islander Middle School, Lakeridge, Island Park and West Mercer elementary schools, and the Crest Learning Center. The MISD strives to offer differentiated instruction and learning activities for all students. Volunteers work in school PTAs and classrooms, and support the Mercer Island Schools Foundation. The pre-K-12 arts program includes dance, music, photography and drama. Mercer Island School District Board of Directors: 4160 86th Ave. S.E., 236-3330, www.mercerislandschools.org Janet Frohnmayer, President: janet.frohnmayer@mercerislandschools.org, current term ends 2015 Adair Dingle, Vice President: adair. dingle@mercerislandschools.org, current term ends 2017 Pat Braman: pat.braman@mercerislandschools.org, current term ends 2015 Dave Myerson: dave.meyerson@

mercerislandschools.org, current term ends 2017 Brian Emanuels: brian.emanuels@ mercerislandschools.org, current term ends 2015 The School Board sets district policy and hires and oversees the superintendent. The board meets every other Thursday evening at 7 p.m. in the board room of the district administration building. The School Board sets district policy and hires and oversees the superintendent. School Board meeting agendas can be found online at the district’s website. Mercer Island High School: 9100 S.E. 42nd St., 236-3359 Principal: Vicki Puckett Mercer Island High School, home of the “Islanders,” serves 1,400 students in grades nine through 12. A standard day at MIHS includes six periods, although students may elect to have a seven-period day. Parking at the school is limited. Most MIHS students are active in extracurricular activities and sports. The school has an extensive music program, drama club, National Honor Society, a monthly newspaper, photography and art, vocational programs, a marketing and business program called DECA, a radio station and a number of service clubs. A multitude of competitive sports are

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Mercer Island High School’s graduation rate is nearly 100 percent. Graduates go on to attend college at institutions near and far. offered every season through the high school. The school offers a special education department with transitional school-to-work opportunities and has English as a Second Language (ESL). The curriculum also includes honors and Advanced Placement courses in science, art, economics, English and world languages. Counseling for each student is provided and college admissions and career planning assistance are available to all students. The vast majority of MIHS seniors are college-bound, attending either twoor four-year institutions. Crest Learning Center: 4150 86th Ave. S.E., 236-3390 Crest is part of Mercer Island High School, operating as the district’s alternative program for students. The school offers flexible courses with different instructional approaches, as well as traditional classes. Crest welcomes a full spectrum of students, from high-achievers to at-risk youth. The school is a block away from MIHS. Islander Middle School: 8225 S.E. 72nd St., 236-3413 Principals: Mary Jo Budzius, Aaron Miller Islander Middle School, home of the “Gators,” offers a traditional and differentiated curriculum for students in the sixth, seventh and eighth grades. In addition to its core curriculum, IMS offers a broad range of electives, such as speech, Spanish, science, debate, drama, advanced writing, physical education, choir, art, band, orchestra, and science and technology classes. The school also has special education classes. Many IMS students participate in after-school clubs, intramural and interscholastic sports. Island Park Elementary School: 5437 Island Crest Way, 236-3410 Principal: David Hoffman Island Park Elementary School, home of the “Eagles,” is located in the middle of the Island, adjacent to Island Crest Park. Island Park is home to the

district’s English Language Learner’s program and offers a tuition-based foreign language program, along with a student council, after school clubs and before school choir. Students are involved in arts and cultural experiences through curriculum, an artist-in-residence program funded by the PTA and the Mercer Island Schools Foundation. Island Park is also the current home of the district’s Keeping Pace program, a series of classes during the summer to help students with reading and math skills. West Mercer Elementary School: 4141 81st Ave. S.E., 236-3430 Principal: Richard Mellish West Mercer Elementary School, home of the “Wolves,” has a traditional kindergarten through fifth-grade education program. The school prioritizes the integration of writing throughout the curriculum; providing purposes and audiences for student writing. West Mercer also has a popular chess club, art classes and science adventures program and other clubs. Each year, West Mercer puts on a school play and a barnyard hoedown, where students learn professional square dances. The West Mercer campus is also home to the district’s special education preschool class. Lakeridge Elementary School: 8215 S.E. 78th St., 236-3415 Principal: Andy Labadie Lakeridge Elementary School, home of the “Lions,” is located at the South end of the Island. The school’s mission is to increase student achievement in writing and math and to facilitate strong interpersonal relationships within a positive school climate. The school is also home to the school district’s Spectrum program for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The students learn in both regular and specialized classes. The school prides itself in the arts. Each year, Lakeridge 5th graders put on a musical operetta, and the P.E. curriculum welcomes professional dance instructors throughout the year.

Environment / The Green Teams

The city of Mercer Island encourages and sponsors several activities and events to focus on sustainability. Check www.mercergov.org or contact Ross Freeman, Sustainability & Communications Manager at 2757662 or ross.freeman@mercergov. org, for news, events and updates. Islanders educate and encourage environmental sustainability while others raise and set aside funds to help those in need or to promote healthy activities and inspire change. Earth Corps: www.earthcorps.org EarthCorps restores parks and open spaces while providing leadership and community service. Friends of Luther Burbank Park: Contact: Amanda Clark, 236-0517, or www.lutherburbankpark.org Friends of Luther Burbank is a group of Islanders devoted to the upkeep of one of the Island’s most beloved parks, from organizing park activities to pulling out invasive plants. The organization is focused on maintaining a natural park where everyone can coexist. Green Ribbon Commission: www.mercergov.org/GreenRibbonCommission The MI Green Ribbon Commission is developing ways to educate the

community to encourage sustainable behaviors to improve the environment by reducing waste, transportation emissions and home energy usage. IslandVision: Contact: Lucia PitzioBiroli, 232-0301, www.islandvision.org IslandVision began with a few people interested in sustainability. Today, its purpose has expanded to a number of areas in an effort to create conditions for sustainable prosperity on Mercer Island. Mountains to Sound Greenway: mtsgreenway.org This nonprofit helps manage and preserve open space along the Greenway from Puget Sound to the Cascades, including Mercer Island. Farmers Market Board: www.mifarmersmarket.org Visit the Mercer Island Farmers Market, starting in June and ending in October. Electric Car Charging Stations: There are four charging stations on Mercer Island for electric vehicles. They are located at the Mercer Island Boys & Girls Club (PEAK), at City Hall, at the Mercer Island Community and Events Center and at Walgreen’s. The Mercer Island School District has plans in the works to install more stations at Island schools this year.

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The Mercer Island Library The Mercer Island Library is located at 4400 88th Ave. S.E. at the former site of of the Allview Heights school that opened in 1890. The library first established on the Island at Emmanuel Episcopal Church then located in East Seattle. Built in the 1950s, the building has gone through four expansions. The branch, one of the busiest of the 48 libraries in the the King County Library System, was the first to add computers for public use. Aided by an active ‘Friends of the Library’ group on the Island, KCLS is in the midst of planning

to remodel the interior and improve digital access. The library has two public meeting rooms, a large children section, several computers for public use and a teen section. There are programs for children and adults. This summer, the Mercer Island Friends are sponsoring a series for kids, including: “Physics Exhibit” by the Pacific Science Center, “Octopuses: Eight times the Fun” and a “Bubbles, Volcanoes and Rocket Balloons Workshop.”

CLUBS | FROM 21

The Girl Scouts program focuses on developing courage, confidence and character in girls. Girl Scouts of Western Washington offers agebased programs for troops and individuals in grades K-12. Mercer Island units are part of the East King County region.

Mercer Island Children’s Hospital Guild: Contact: miphonebook@gmail.com, or 232-7870 Need a Mercer Island Directory? Head to Island Books at 3014 78th Ave. S.E. and get this indispensable phone book and guide for just $10. All proceeds go to Children’s Hospital. The guild has been publishing the Mercer Island Directory as a fundraiser to benefit Children’s Hospital since 1943. Established in 1928, it was the first guild on the Eastside. Sales of the directory benefit the hospital’s uncompensated care program. New members are welcome. Meetings: noon, third Friday of each month. Mercer Island Craft Guild: 2832 61st Ave. S.E., Contact: Rick Tydings 232-6916 Founded in 1940 by four East Seattle men as a cooperative to provide tools and a shop to use while building their homes, the Mercer Island Craft Guild is for woodworkers. There are about 60 members in the craft guild who share tools. Members also receive a storage locker and key to use the shop at any time. Meetings: one formal meeting each year when members get together, pay dues and discuss guild business. Mercer Island Girl Scouts: www. girlscoutsww.org/blogs/East King County

26 | 2014 ISLAND GUIDE

See the kcls.org Mercer Island events calendar for details.

Mercer Island Historical Society: www.mihistory.org The Mercer Island Historical Society encourages interest in the history of the Island and collects and preserves historical memorabilia about the Island and its residents. Meetings: six times each year, 1 p.m., third Monday of the month, Mercer Island Community and Events Center, 8236 S.E. 24th St. The Mercer Island Historical Society’s 2013 book, “Mercer Island History, from haunted wilderness to coveted community,” by Jane Meyer Brahm, is available at Island Books at 3014 78th Ave. S.E. It is $40. Mercer Island Kiwanis Club: www.kiwanis.org The Mercer Island Kiwanis Club is a non-profit, community service organization of men and women who primarily focus on helping children. The club raises money and gives it back to the community. Since its establisment on Mercer Island in 1960, the Kiwanians have raised funds from selling fireworks during the Fourth of July, shaved ice at the Summer Celebration and putting up the U.S. flag on national holidays at subscribing merchants and businesses on the Island. Grants are awarded primarily to

A family settles in for a good read on a rainy afternoon at the Mercer Island Library children’s section. Mercer Island organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, Youth and Family Services, CHILD school and others. The club sponsors the Key Club at the high school and awards scholarships to MIHS students each year. Meetings: 12 p.m., Tuesdays, Island House, 7810 S.E. 30th St. Meetings include lunch, business and a program. Mercer Island Lions Club: mercerislandlions.lionwap.org The Mercer Island Lions Club sells Christmas trees each year to support its various philanthropies. The local club is a chapter of the largest service organization in the world. The Lions focus on community service and helping those with impaired vision or hearing. Since 1972, the club has supported Island organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, Mercer Island Youth and Family Services, Social Service Program (adult day care), MI Boy Scout Troop #647, as well as honoring outstanding students and teachers. Meetings: 6:45 p.m., first and third Tuesdays of the month, Aljoya, 2430 76th Ave. S.E. Mercer Island League of Women Voters: LWV office: (206) 329-4848, info@seattlelwv.org The Mercer Island League of Women Voters is part of the Seattle League of Women Voters. The LWV is nonpartisan and does not support political candidates. Instead, the purpose of LWV is to educate citizens and encourage participation in the electoral process. Mercer Island Masonic Lodge: Contact: www.mercerislandma-

sons.org Freemasonry is a fraternal society of men bound together by ties of brotherly affection. The Mercer Island Lodge provides two $1,000 scholarships to Mercer Island High School seniors, sponsors an awards program for the MIHS juniors, works with the Mercer Island Police Department on the Kids’ ID program, and contributes manpower and financial assistance to the Mercer Island Youth & Family Services Emergency Assistance Program. Meetings: first Thursday of the month, except July and August, at the VFW Hall, 1836 72nd Ave. S.E. Mercer Island Preschool Association: www.mipreschoolassociation.org The Mercer Island Preschool Association (MIPA), established in 1937, is a private non-profit organization of volunteers dedicated to enhancing the lives of children from newborn through kindergarten in Mercer Island and the community at large. The organization holds four major events each year, including a kid-friendly Halloween party, Preschool Fair, Toy Swap and an old-fashioned “Circus” each spring. Mercer Island Radio Operators: www.mirohams.org The Mercer Island Radio Operators (MIRO) was formed to provide emergency communications for the Mercer Island Public Safety

RADIO | PAGE 27

RADIO | FROM 26 Department in the event of a disaster or communication systems failure. Meetings: 7 p.m., third Thursday of each month, North end fire station, 3030 78th Ave. S.E. Mercer Island Rotary Club: www.mirotary.org Rotary, the largest service organization on Mercer Island, supports youth and social service activities on the Island. It also provides services and grants for non-profit organizations and scholarships for individuals. Rotary Run is the club’s annual spring event to raise money for colon cancer research and awareness. Rotary supports food banks, career awareness programs, vaccination programs, student awards and scholarships, Mercer Island Youth and Family Services, international youth exchanges and the Boys & Girls Club. Meetings: 12-1:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Mercer Island Community and Events Center, 8236 S.E. 24th St. Though membership in Rotary is by invitation only, anyone interested in service to the community is welcome to attend a meeting. Mercer Island Sister City

Association: Contact: Linda Todd, 232-4570, www.mercerislandsistercity.org The Mercer Island Sister City Association shares a relationship with Thonon les Bains, France, a city on the south shore of Lake Geneva, and is a member of Sister Cities International. The MISCA hosts French-related events throughout the year, such as French conversation evenings, wine and cheese tastings, dinners and more. The association also hosts an annual “Soiree a Thonon,” an evening of desserts, wines, entertainment and a silent auction to help raise funds for activities. Board meetings: 12:30 p.m., fourth Wednesday of the month, Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce, 7605 S.E. 27th St., #109. Mercer Island Special Olympics: Contact: Jim Kroger at 230-9187, jplumb@clearwire.net The Mercer Island Special Olympics is a program for developmentally disabled people of all ages. It provides year-round sports programs and activities for children and adults, including bowling, basketball, soccer, softball and snow skiing.

Mercer Island Visual Arts League (MIVAL) www.MIVAL.org MIVAL has been involved for more than 50 years creating community through the visual arts. The organization welcomes all artists, all mediums, and all levels of interest. Monthly meetings with guest speakers are held each month. MIVAL artists show and manage the MIVAL Art Gallery. Monthly shows are held throughout the year. Visit often and be inspired to support. A percentage of sales proceeds from all MIVAL events provides annual visual arts scholarship awards to Mercer Island High School students. 2014 events include the Summer Celebration, Junior Art Shows and the annual Holiday Arts Show.

ages enjoy a wide variety of activities, including a monthly luncheon. Primarily a social organization, the group also raises funds for local non-profit organizations. Annual dues of $25 cover the newsletter and the club directory.

Mercer Island Womens Club: www.mercerIslandwomensclub. com One of the oldest and largest organizations on the Island, the Mercer Island Women’s Club welcomes women who are current residents of the Island. Founded in 1963 as a Welcome Wagon, it became the Mercer Island Women’s Club in 1981. Today, from September to May, more than 350 women of all

Pacific Northwest Audio Society: www.audiosociety.org or on Facebook PNWAS is dedicated to the exploration and enjoyment of fine audio and music since its founding in 1978.

National Charity League: www. nclevergreen.org The National Charity League, Evergreen chapter, is an educational and philanthropic organization of mothers and their daughters in grades seven through 12. The aim is to foster mother-daughter relationships in a philanthropic group committed to community service, leadership development and cultural experience. The League meets monthly.

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ISLAND GUIDE 2014

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PROBUS | FROM 27 Probus Club of Mercer Island: www.probus.org/usmercer.htm Mercer Island Probus Club members are professional and business retirees. Probus promotes fellowship and intellectual stimulation for club members. There are monthly speakers on various subjects, and day trips are taken throughout the year. Meetings: 10:30 a.m., first Wednesday of the month, Mercer Island Presbyterian Church, 3605 84th Ave. S.E. The public is welcome to attend. Stroum Jewish Community Center: 3801 East Mercer Way, 232-7115, www.sjcc.org On Mercer Island since 1968, the SJCC is dedicated to the enrichment of life for the Jewish and general community in the greater Seattle area. Membership is open to everyone. Programs include community-wide events, a premier Early Childhood School, Parenting Center, summer day camp, school’s out program, before- and afterschool care, kids and adult sports leagues, adult and senior activities, and social, cultural and recreational programs. The SJCC has a fitness center, racquetball courts, indoor running track, gymnasium and indoor swimming pool, in addition to a brand new performing arts center, a children’s library, kitchen, classrooms and meeting rooms. Trailmates: Mercer Island Parks and Recreation, www.mercergov.org, 275-7609 Lace up your lightweight hiking boots. Trailmates offers moderate five to seven-mile hikes for seniors on the Island and elsewhere. Contact Fran Call, leader, at 2324032 with questions. Hikes require pre-registration. Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post

5760: 1836 72nd Ave. S.E., 2326390, vfwmercerisland.blogspot. com Mercer Island VFW Post 5760, in its 60th year, supports and protects the rights of veterans and promotes patriotism. The VFW participates with other posts in supporting patients at the Veterans Administration Hospital. The VFW Hall is available for lease by other organizations. Meetings: 6:30 p.m., first Tuesday of the month (except for August and September) and the VFW Hall. YMCA Adventure Guides: Contact: seattleymca.org Program for parents and pre-K to eighth grade. The Y-Adventure guides program, formerly known as Y-Guides and Y-Princesses, encourages relationships between parents and their children. Parent and child pairs are grouped with other pairs in the same grade and schools to make up neighborhood circles that meet for adventures or campouts during the year as well as other monthly community outings. Mercer Island Boys & Girls Club ‘PEAK’: 4120 86th Ave. S.E., 2324548, www.mipositiveplace.org The Boys & Girls Club of Mercer Island offers a licensed before- and after-school child care program, summer and holiday camps for children ages 6-14, enrichment classes, and youth sport leagues and camps and open gym times. Club hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Program hours vary. Camp Fire of Central Puget Sound www.campfire-usa.org, 206 461 8550 or 800 451 CAMP Girl Scouts of Western Washington, www.girlscoutsww.org, (425) 885-6899 Boy Scouts, Chief Seattle

Racks of flowers at Walgreens, QFC and Rite Aid signal that Spring is here. Chapter, www.seattlebsa.org, 206-725-5200 Mercer Island Saddle Club: 8635 S.E. 68th Street, 232-7548 The Mercer Island Saddle Club is located on five acres at the Southend of the Island near the trails at Pioneer Park. The club has a 20 -stall barn, an outdoor sand and rubber arena, a covered arena, with composite and sand footing, a hot water wash rack and two turnout paddocks. For stall availability, call 206-232-0599 or for other information, email miscsecretary@gmail.

Matt Brashears / Special to the Reporter

Islanders run, walk or volunteer in the annual Mercer Island Half, a.k.a. the Rotary Run. 28 | 2014 ISLAND GUIDE

com. The club offers riding lessons. Mercer Island Schools Band Boosters: www.misbb.org The Band Boosters is a nonprofit that hopes to raise money to be used for all band needs at Mercer Island School District schools. Mercer Island Community Fund: 232-8897, www.micommunityfund.org The Mercer Island Community Fund, established in 1985, serves as a channel for donations to art and music programs, social services, youth group activities and other allIsland events. Grants are awarded by the 15-member board of directors. Mercer Island nonprofits may apply. Mercer Island Senior Foundation: Contact: Leslie Scott, 232-4597 The Senior Foundation of Mercer Island was founded in 2002 to raise funds to develop and empower community-based programs that enhance the health, safety and well-being of Mercer Island seniors. Youth and Family Services Foundation: 275-7611, www.mercergov.org A city department dedicated to the needs and interests of families and older residents. Donations to the fund help support the mission and outreach of the city’s Youth and Family Services programs.

Senior living

City of Mercer Island Youth and Family Services programs: MIYFS is your first stop for help finding services, a place to live or other help for a loved one or yourself. For those 55 and over, MIYFS provides outreach for home-based assessments and counseling and support groups for those who have suffered loss or are caretakers for someone with a debilitating condition. For these and to find out about other services, contact geriatric specialist Betsy Zuber at 2757752 or Betsy.Zuber@mercergov.org. Parks & Recreation senior adult programs Contact: Parks and Recreation specialist Jeannette Eggebrecht, 275-7841. For seniors over age 55, the Parks and Recreation Department offers fitness, exercise, Trailmates and Solemates walking programs, dancing, Tai Chi, golf, summer softball, pickleball and other “master” sports, and much more. Senior Social Days for persons with limited abilities are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with lunch and transportation provided; $40. Senior transportation to the Community and Events Center programs is offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The Meals-on-Wheels delivery, lunch at Covenant Shores, adventure trips and a foot care clinic are also offered: Housing options just for seniors: As many as 4,000 citizens age 65 or older live on Mercer Island. Here are some local offerings geared for them.

Ellsworth House: (50 units) Reducedincome housing for those who qualify, 2720 76th Ave. S.E., 232-7447. Island House: Retirement community with both independent and assisted living, 24-hour staff, open dining, 7810 S.E. 30th St., 926-9732. Covenant Shores: Continuum of care including residential retirement, assisted living, memory support, rehabilitative care and skilled nursing on a 12-acre campus by the lake, 9150 Fortuna Dr., 268-3000, www. covenantretirement.com. Sunrise Senior Living: Assisted care and memory care, 2959 76th Ave. S.E., 232-6565, www.sunbridge.com. Aljoya: (114 units) For seniors “looking for sophisticated living with a wealth of services and amenities.” Includes a restaurant and assisted care options for persons over age 62, 2430 76th Ave. S.E., 230-0150. Health care/services Puget Sound Hearing Aid & Audiology: 7700 Windermere Building, Suite 202, 1-800500-8243. Mercer Island Care and Rehabilitation: 24-hour skilled nursing. 7445 S.E. 24th St., 232-6600. ElderCare Link: an online service to help find nearby group homes, assisted living centers, in-home care, adult day care, contactus@eldercarelink.com or call 275-7752. Mary Wayte water fitness: 8815 S.E. 40th St., 588-1117, www.mercerislandpool.com. The pool holds classes for seniors and public swims.

Any day is a fine day for a walk on one of Mercer Island’s many trails.

ALANNA BURDELL, R.N.C.P.E Electrolysis

Karl A. Weiss,

J.D., LL.M. (Tax)

• General business consulting and succession planning • Simple and complex wills and estate/tax planning • Co- Author, Washington State Bar Association, Washington Partnership and Limited Liability Company Deskbook • Masters of Law (Tax), New York University 601 Union St., Suite 2600 Seattle, WA 98101

206-654-2425 | weiss@lasher.com www.lasher.com

Registered Nurse and nationally certified professional, Alanna has been in practice 27 years, 22 on Mercer Island. She is the past president of the Washington State Electrolysis Association board. Office hours are Monday through Friday with Saturday by appointment.

Electrolysis is blending of science and skill where safety and permanency are the outcome. Electrolysis is the only process hair removal approved by the FDA. New products & procedures are being marketed daily but the consumer must be informed! Be aware of new methods for permanent hair removal that are not proven. “My role is to keep the skin lovely while removing the hair permanently.”

236-7668 7420 SE 24th #1 HAIR IT IS!

(Next to Franky and Dom’s) ISLAND GUIDE 2014

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S

100 years of school

ome 20 years before the Washington Territory became a state, Island pioneers first crossed Lake Washington to the wild and untamed forests of Mercer Island. Shunning city life, these hardy souls brought along children and goats, fully intending to build a life here. It was not long before those children needed an education. As detailed in the 2013 book, “Mercer Island History,” by Islander Jane Meyer Brahm, the effort to formalize schooling for the children began in fits and starts. A school was built here and there, then abandoned, repurposed or accidentally burned to the ground.

and the terra cotta building was home to daycares and a preschool. A gym was added by the city and was used for many activities that ranged from basketball tournaments to junior high dances. The Boys and Girls Club built a new building on school district property near the high school and moved out in 2010. The day cares stayed a bit longer. The building’s future is now uncertain.

I

n 1914, the seemingly-grand East Seattle School was built three blocks from the shore of the lake. It rose two stories between the formerly named Park Avenue on the north (now S.E. 28th Street), Rainier Avenue on the west (now West Mercer Way), Mercer Street on the east (now 62nd Avenue S.E.) and Garfield Avenue (now S.E. 30th Street) on the south. It is not the oldest school on the Island, but it is the one still standing, relatively untouched since it opened to students 100 years ago. That first year 81 children were enrolled. The building remained as a school until the mid-1970s, when students were assigned to the other schools built over the years on the Island. The Boys and Girls Club took over the building 30 | 2014 ISLAND GUIDE

Find your copy of “Mercer Island History” at Island Books.

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