Residents Guide - 2015 Island Guide

2015

A PUBLICATION OF THE MERCER ISLAND REPORTER

150407 Crossroads Live Music Island Guide 7.25x9f.pdf

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4/7/15

4:29 PM

What I love about Mercer Island…

What I LOVE about Mercer Island Love the schools

Love the farmers’ market

Fireworks in the rain

Love Island Books

Speed traps

Love that you are here!

I Also Love My Job.

In the last year I have listed and sold over 16 homes on Mercer Island.

Let me know if you could use a friendly face to help sell yours.

NANCY L AVALLEE l e t ’s g e t m o v i n g

nancy@windermere.com 206•383•9227 WWW.MI-REPORTER.COM | ISLAND GUIDE 2015

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INSIDE

2015

6 8 10 14

Island Eats Island Events City Government Island Parks

William Shaw, Publisher wshaw@soundpublishing.com Mary L. Grady, Editor editor@mi-reporter.com Katie Metzger, Staff Writer

16 25 29 30 36 38

Clubs & Organizations Faith Communities Island Pools Island Schools Senior Living Arts

Joseph Livarchik, Staff Writer Melanie Morgan, Production Theres’a Baumann, Advertising tbaumann@mi-reporter.com

3047 78th Ave S.E. #207, Mercer Island, WA 98040 (206) 232-1215 | www.mi-reporter.com

ON THE COVER

Photo by Chad Coleman

This aerial image of the of I-90 bridge was made using a technique called tilt–shift photography. Tiny camera movements and the use of special ‘tilt shift’ lenses for selective focus, are used to simulate a miniature scene.

M

ercer Island has grown and changed over the years, but still remains a tight community at its core.

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 and celebrate Island life.

In the next 40 pages, you’ll find everything you need to know about life on the Island. Inside are listings of Island events and activities, a handy directory of clubs, organizations, schools and local government, and places to contemplate just how lucky we are to live in such a magical place.

Hunter Douglas offers an array of attractive colors, fabrics and styles for creating inviting living spaces. With their enduring craftsmanship and energy-efficient designs, they present exceptional value – smart style that’s energy smart, too.

Dress your windows in savings

14102 NE 21st Street, Bellevue, WA 98007 425-644-7181 • 1-800-642-5176 • blindalley.com Showroom hours: 9:30 to 5:00 Monday – Saturday

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

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ISLAND GUIDE 2015

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custom drapery & window blind specialists

Mercer Island by the numbers:

Greetings from Mercer Island 4,318

students learn, play and grow in Mercer Island schools.

1.2

million dollars is the median listing price for Mercer Island homes.

58

93

percent of Mercer Island Farmers Market income directly supports MIFM vendors.

demolition permits for single-family homes were issued in 2014, up from 14 in 2009.

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95.4

percent of all Mercer Island High School students graduate.

Washington state wineries participated in the firstever Art UnCorked event in downtown Mercer Island.

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is the city’s ranking in ZipRealty’s “best places for families.”

lity. k near the Seahawks training faci A view of the Island from a doc

250

47

26.8

acres of parks and open spaces are accessible for the public to enjoy.

feet is the length of a new trail at Clarke Beach, constructed as part of an Eagle Scout project.

2,571

100

30

500+

475

Islanders use nextdoor. com to communicate with their friends and neighbors.

years - Islanders have been gathering at the Roanoke Inn.

people signed up to equip their roofs with solar panels through the city’s 2014 “Solarize Mercer Island” campaign. people were arrested for boating under the influence over Seafair weekend this year.

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species of birds were counted at this year’s Audubon Christmas Bird Count.

million was the listing price (as of April 21) for a 15,000 square foot home on East Mercer Way waterfront estate called the Butterworth Estate

water samples have been taken since the E. coli contamination event in September 2014.

Photography by Matt Brashears, Chad Coleman, Mary L. Grady, Joe Livarchik, Katie Metzger, City of Mercer Island and many Island contributors.

WWW.MI-REPORTER.COM | ISLAND GUIDE 2015

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Island Eats & Treats NORTH

I Love Pho

Anise Thai

7605 S.E. 27th St. #112 • 275-4300

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

7525 S.E. 24th St., #100 • 232-7878 Lilly’s Restaurant at Aljoya

2430 76th Ave. S.E. • 230-0150 McDonald’s

Einstein’s Bagels

2807 78th Ave. S.E. • 232-9175

7808 S.E. 28th St. • 232-8539

Menchies

Franky & Dom’s

7420 S.E. 24th Street • 232-3221 Freshy’s Seafood

7785 Sunset Hwy. #116 • 232-2682 Matt Brashears / Special to the Reporter

Mo’s Pizza & Wine Dive

2630 77th Ave. S.E. #112 • 236-6000

2411 76th Ave. S.E. • 232-3028

Oh Chocolate!

Gourmet Teriyaki

2703 76th Ave. S.E. • 232-4974

7671 S.E. 27th St. • 232-0580 Homegrown Sandwiches

3016 78th Ave. S.E. • 331-4775

Island Crust Cafe

Islanders flock to Mercerdale Park to sample the wares of the Mercer Island Farmers Market or the goodies at Summer Celebration!

Phobulous

Qdoba Mexican Grill

Pon Proem Thai

Roanoke Inn

3033 78th Ave. S.E. • 232-0828

Phat 12 Island Broiler

2707 78th Ave. S.E. • 232-0781

3039 78th Ave. S.E. • 236-8424

7650 S.E. 27th St. #106 • 230-0072 1825 72nd Ave. S.E. • 232-0800

HAIR IT IS! A FULL SERVICE SALON

• Electrolysis • Hair Styling for Men & Women • From Today’s Fashions to Shampoo Sets Pedicures, Manicures, Facial and Skin Care by Stefka

206.226.3905

· Men, women & kids · Designer cuts · Creative color · Gluten-free products

7420 24th St SE, #1 Mercer Island

· Full barbering services · Make-up and waxing · Style & image creation · Wardrobe consulting

206.232.5460 6

ISLAND GUIDE 2015

1297247

(Next to Franky and Dom’s)

206.232.1336 | 7900 SE 28th Street Menu, pricing and more at aucourantsalon.com

Roberto’s Pizza & Pasta

Fired Pizza

Seven Star Chinese Restaurant

Zaw Pizza

7605 S.E. 27th St. #111 • 232-7383

2885 78th Ave. S.E. • 230-8665

2885 78th Ave. S.E. • 440-9189 7635 S.E. 27th St. • 232-0515

Starbucks

SOUTH

Starbucks Drive-Thru

El Sombrero Mexican Restaurant

Subway

Georgio’s Subs

Sushi Joa Japanese Cuisine & Sushi Bar

Sahara Pizza

7695 S.E. 27th St. • 230-8847 7620 S.E. 27th St. • 275-3115 7679 S.E. 27th St. • 236-2734

2717 78th Ave. S.E. • 230-4120 The Islander

7440 S.E. 27th St. • 232-6676 Tony Maroni’s Pizza

2885 78th Ave. S.E. #102 • 232-6400 Tully’s Coffee

7810 S.E. 27th St. • 236-2959 Tuscan Stone Wood

8451 S.E. 68th St. #101 • 275-4900 8415 S.E. 68th St. #112 • 275-3720 8425 S.E. 68th St. #104 • 232-9800 Starbucks

8415 S.E. 68th St. #100 • 275-1097

What about dessert? Members of the St. Monica Girl Scouts Troop No. 45242 sell their cookies to shoppers at Walgreens. Below, food trucks have begun to appear on the Island. This one set up outside Terra Bella.

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 • 275-3310

Contributed Photos

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.

“Helping All Islanders Thrive”

2040 84th Avenue SE , Mercer Island

(206) 275-7611

www.miyfs.org

WWW.MI-REPORTER.COM | ISLAND GUIDE 2015

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Island Events January

July

• New Year’s Day swim at Clarke Beach

• Summer Celebration, July 11-12, 2015

• Annual Island Bird Count

• Shakespeare in the Park

February

August

• Giving From The Heart breakfast for Youth and Family Services

• Seafair Weekend, July 31 to Aug. 2

• Boy Scout Pancake Breakfast

• Community Campout

March

September

• Mercer Island Rotary Half Marathon March 20, 2016

• Worldwide Day of Play

• Mercer Island Sogetsu annual exhibition • MI School District’s Fine Arts Showcase

April • Leap for Green Earth Day Celebration • Easter egg hunts at Mercerdale Park

• National Night Out, Aug. 4

• Lakeridge Bike Rodeo

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

• MI Schools Foundation Breakfast

November

• Little League Opening Day

• Ten Thousand Villages sale at the MI Presbyterian Church

• Holocaust Remembrance Day

• Island Youth ballet's "Excerpts from the Nutcracker"

May

• Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

• Mercer Island Preschool Association Circus

• Evergreen Church Children's craft workshop

• Relay for Life at Mercer Island High School

December

• Crest Annual Plant Sale

• Mercer Island Lion's Club Christmas tree sale

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

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ISLAND GUIDE 2015

• Firehouse Munch and tree lighting at Mercerdale Park

Aging brings changes. Where you live shouldn’t be one of them.® ®

Our Stay Home Alternative Program Includes • • • • • • • • • •

Call for a Special Offer.

The Best Certified Caregivers Shopping, Cooking & Cleaning Bathing and Dressing Assist Medication Assistance Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care Transportation to Appointments Fall Risk Assistance Meaningful Companionship Written Reports to Family Nurse Delegation & Care Management

Don’t Uproot or Downsize.

Hourly & Live-In Care in One Effective Program!

Call for a Free In-Home Visit.

What Customers Say About Our Services for Seniors “immeasurably helpful“ • “caregivers were extremely personal and professional” • “fabulous” • “lifesaver” • “you are very thoughtful and thorough” • “this is the best person I have ever seen take care of her” “I write to strongly recommend Husky Senior Care”

206-599-9990

www.huskyseniorcare.com matt@huskyseniorcare.com

Husky Senior Care is a Washington State licensed home care company. It was founded by UW grads in 2009 to serve the alumni of all colleges and universities. We are proud to serve families on Mercer Island.

WWW.MI-REPORTER.COM | ISLAND GUIDE 2015

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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 government bodies on regional issues such as transportation and the environment.

Seven nonpartisan City Councilmembers are elected to four-year 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. The Council holds an annual planning session in January and

authorizes its biennial budget in the autumn of even-ending years.

Councilmembers receive a monthly $200 stipend, while the mayor earns $400. Council meetings regularly take place on the first and third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at City Hall. The meetings are televised on Comcast channel 21.

Noel Treat, City Manager

noel.treat@mercergov.org

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

Ali Spietz, City Clerk ali.spietz@mercergov.org, 275-7793

Debbie Bertlin debbie.bertlin@mercergov.org current term ends in 2015 Mike Cero mike.cero@mercergov.org current term ends in 2015 Jane Meyer Brahm jane.brahm@mercergov.org current term ends in 2015

Joel Wachs joel.wachs@mercergov.org current term ends in 2015

Debbie Bertlin

Mike Cero

Jane Meyer Brahm

Benson Wong

Joel Wachs

Bruce Bassett, Mayor bruce.bassett@mercergov.org current term ends in 2015 Dan Grausz, Deputy Mayor dan.grausz@mercergov.org current term ends in 2018

Harrison & St. Mary - Mercer Island’s Most Experienced Real Estate Team.

Our Expertise.

Your Peace of Mind.

Frank Ceteznik CRS, M. ED

Listing and Selling Homes since 1986.

Mercer Island Residents since Childhood.

Voted Five Star - Best In Client Satisfaction: Real Estate Broker

JANE HARRISON 206.919.9992

Serving Mercer Island, the Eastside and Seattle www.MrMercerIsland.com

STEPHANIE ST. MARY 206.953.8359 2 0 1 4

1017092

206.979.8400 ISLAND GUIDE 2015

Dan Grausz

Benson Wong benson.wong@mercergov.org current term ends in 2018

Your Mercer Island Real Estate Broker

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Bruce Bassett

HarrisonStMaryHomes.com

Mercer Island Emergency Preparedness

Steve Litzow

Judy Clibborn

State Representatives Mercer Island is in the 41st state legislative district. The Island is represented by Judy Clibborn, Steve Litzow and Tana Senn.

Mercer Island is in the 9th Congressional District and is represented by Adam Smith.

Steve Litzow (R) Mercer Island (360) 786-7641 Judy Clibborn (D) Mercer Island (360) 786-7926 Tana Senn (D) Mercer Island (360) 786-7894 Adam Smith (D) Tacoma (202) 225-8901 and (425) 793-5181

Adam Smith

Tana Senn

City Boards and Commissions Citizens serve on Boards and Commissions that advise the Council in areas where more expertise and public input are needed.

Most 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 a four-year period. They include: Arts Council • Building Board of Appeals • Civil Service Commission • Design Commission • Disability Board • MI Library Board • Open Space Conservancy Trust • Planning Commission • Utility Board • Youth and Family Services Advisory Board For more information, go to www.mercergov.org.

Mercer Island Sister City Association

Bad stuff can happen, like E. coli in the water. 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.

CELEBRATING 15 YEARS OF JUMELAGE

Advancing educational, cultural & other relationships between Mercer Island and its Sister City, Thonon-les-Bains, France.  French conversation evenings in private homes.

 Complimentary French movie nights on Mercer Island.  Soirée Gala, a French-inspired, wine-paired feast.

Educational exchanges between MI & Thonon youth.  Adult cultural trips to Thonon & nearby historical areas.

For more information: www.mercerislandsistercity.org Linda Todd, President: 206-232-4570

• 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.

Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce SUPPORTING THE GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT & ADVANCEMENT OF THE BUSINESSES OF MERCER ISLAND WHILE PROMOTING THE ISLAND AS A SPECIAL PLACE TO LIVE, WORK & PLAY.

Connecting With Our Sister City

Thonon-les-Bains, France

• 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.

 We are the front door to Mercer Island.  We publish a comprehensive Mercer Island Map and Community Guide.

 We help Mercer Island businesses thrive and grow

through events and programs including Shop Mercer Island, Town Center Trick or Treat and Art Uncorked.

 We sponsor monthly membership luncheons with in-

formative speakers & co-sponsor community events.

 We are the official Visitor Information Center for Mercer Island.

Supporting the businesses & Mercer Island community since 1946. www.mercerislandchamberofcommerce.org 7605 SE 27th Street #109 • Mercer Island, WA 98040 206-232-3404 • info@mercerislandchamberofcommerce.org WWW.MI-REPORTER.COM | ISLAND GUIDE 2015

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We believe in

community.

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

Staff Photo Emily Fain, a third grader at Lakeridge Elementary School, gets a hand from Mercer Island Police Officer Dave Herzog at the annual Bike Rodeo held in October, at the South Mercer Playfields.

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

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ISLAND GUIDE 2015

Staff Photos Above, fire trucks and aid units are parked in the Mercer Island Storage Court lot while the new South-end fire fire station is under construction.

Below, the Mercer Island Police Marine Patrol boat, purchased in 2010, kicks up a wake.

WWW.MI-REPORTER.COM | ISLAND GUIDE 2015

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Parks and Play City Parks & Facilities 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.

Yet hidden away along the shore are places to wade, dive, fish or launch a kayak There are several street ends and landing that provide access to Lake Washington. Here is a handy list.

Calkins Landing S.E. 28th Street and 60th Avenue S.E.

Proctor Landing

Forest Landing

Roanoke Landing

Franklin Landing 78th Avenue S.E. and S.E. 42nd Street.

77th Avenue S.E. Landing

S.E. 32nd Street at 60th Avenue S.E.

W. Mercer Way at Roanoke Way.

S.E. 43rd Street at Forest Avenue S.E.

7670 S.E. 22nd Street.

Undeveloped street ends include:

Fruitland Landing

97th Avenue S.E. and S.E. 34th Street.

Freeman Landing

S.E. 40th Street.

Garfield Landing S.E. 30th Street at 60th Avenue S.E.

Seashore Ave/Drive Off West Mercer Way.

Lincoln Landing

S.E. 20th Street

Faben Point.

76th Avenue S.E. and S.E. 22nd Street.

S.E. 36th Street Landing

Miller Landing

S.E. 45th Street

Forest Ave S.E. and S.E. 48th Street.

Off Forest Ave.

At top, seven-month-old Weston of Woodinville, tests the waters of Lake Washington at Slater Park last August, held by his mom, Braydi. Slater Park is one of the best spots to view the Blue Angels during Seafair.

Photo by Matt Brashears/ Special to the Reporter Center, Eddy a weimaraner, who lives with his family in the Mercerdale neighborhood, checks to see who he can play with next at the off-leash park at Luther Burbank Park.

Staff Photo Bottom, a new mural featuring lake wildlife, was completed last summer on the west wall of the tennis courts at Luther Burbank Park.

Art by Natalie Oswald

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ISLAND GUIDE 2015

The ISLAND OUTDOORS PARKS, TRAILS, OPEN SPACE With acres upon acres of green space and parks, Mercer Island is hardly short on urban escapes. Some are hidden and undeveloped, others invite us to play. There are trails, ballfields, beaches, a boat launch, playgrounds and sports courts.

Walkers and hikers alike can find solace in one of the Island’s many trails, from deep in Pioneer Park to the waterfront of Luther Burbank.

Parks & Recreation www.myparksandrecreation.com 275-7609 The Parks and Rec. Department provides recreation, athletic, social, artistic and special event programs, including Summer Celebration! Services are provided for preschool-aged

children, youth, teens, adults, family and seniors through partnerships with community agencies, businesses and institutions. With more than 35 parks and open space areas boasting 400 acres and 50 miles of trails, the department also maintains all city park areas.

I-90 Sculpture Park 7800 to 8000 block of Sunset Highway Cyclists from the Island, Seattle, the Eastside and beyond enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Washington while flying along the Lid’s east-west bike trails. The Lid, with its ball fields, basketball courts and cement trails, is the perfect place for weekend leisure. It is also the connecting path between Seattle and the Eastside in the popular Lake Washington Loop bike trail. The sculpture park, about 800 meters

Staff Photos

This aerial view of Aubrey Davis Park, also known as the Lid Park, includes open space, ball fields, tennis courts and more. The trail along the Sculpture Park enters the park from S.E. 24th Street and 76th Avenue S.E. and continues to West Mercer Way. Below, children crowd the play structure at Mercerdale Park.

east of the Lid, is an outdoor gallery of vibrant statues, many of which are for sale. For more information on purchasing a sculpture, contact Parks and Rec. at 275-7609.

Luther Burbank Park 2040 84th Ave. S.E. Amphitheater: “Shakespeare in the Park,” a series of 12 Shakespeare play performances, engages audiences of all ages during evenings in July and August. Most performances are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

Marina: The Luther Burbank Marina offers a safe place for children and adults to learn to sail and kayak. Sailing classes start beginning in June. Sailboats and life jackets are provided for all.

For class registration, visit www. myparksandrecreation.com.

Mercerdale Park 3249 78th Ave. S.E. The perfect place for children to ride their bikes, teens to skateboard and seniors to stroll, Mercerdale Park is centrally

located in downtown Mercer Island. Exercise stations — new this spring, are set up along the paved trail. The Art Council’s annual summer concert series, “Mostly Music in the Park,” draws a crowd on Thursday and Sunday evenings, July through August.

The concerts feature various bands and artists from the region and play a variety of music for every taste. The concerts begin at 7 p.m. A full schedule is available at www.myparksandrecreation. com.

Playgrounds • Deane’s Children’s Park 5500 Island Crest Way • First Hill Park S.E. 32nd Street & 72nd Avenue • Luther Burbank Park 2040 84th Ave. S.E. • Mercerdale Park 77th Avenue S.E. & 32nd Street • Aubrey Davis Park 72nd Avenue S.E. & 22nd Street PARKS | PAGE 17

WWW.MI-REPORTER.COM | ISLAND GUIDE 2015

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Clubs & Organizations Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce 7205 S.E. 27th St. P.O. Box 108 Contact: Terry Moreman • 232-3404 www.mercerislandchamberofcomerce.org

tions, and is actively involved with the City of Mercer Island, state lawmakers and regional groups that deal with issues that affect the Island. It promotes Mercer Island as a special place to live work and play.

The Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce is the front door to Mercer Island. It publishes a Mercer Island map and the Mercer Island Community and Business guide. As Mercer Island’s visitor and information center, it provides community and tourism information. The Chamber sponsors Art UnCorked, an evening of art and wine tasting, an annual Halloween Trick or Treating event for children at Mercer Island businesses and the Shop Local campaign. It works collaboratively with the other Island organiza-

One of the oldest Chambers in the region, the Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1946. It exists to help Mercer Island businesses thrive and grow. Successful businesses are instrumental in financing the government, civic, educational, cultural and charitable needs of the community they serve. The Chamber plays an important part in making Mercer Island the special place it is.

The Chamber office is home to the Mercer Island Sister City Associa-

File Photo

The bright red sign at Mercerdale Park stands out in after a rare snowfall to remind Islanders about the upcoming ‘Giving from the Heart Breakfast ‘whichfunds programs through the city’s Youth and Family Services department.

tion and the Chamber Art Gallery, which features local artists.

Meetings: first Thursday of every month, Mercer Island Community and Event Center, 8236 S.E. 24th St. A member-funded nonprofit group of business, the Chamber holds monthly membership luncheons on the first

Thursday of every month. The speakers at the luncheons include government and elected officials, motivational speakers and business educators. The luncheons are open to the public with advance reservations.

CLUBS | PAGE 23

Play.

Discover.

Create.

Before School, After School, and Summer Camp Programs RIGHT ON YOUR SCHOOL’S GROUNDS!

Kids Co. at Island Park 206-849-7686

Kids Co. at Lakeridge 206-437-8396

Kids Co. at West Mercer 206-422-0866

Excellence Today, the World Tomorrow French American School of Puget Sound

☆ No French language experience BILINGUAL EDUCATION required through Kindergarten FROM YOUNG PRE-K (AGE 3) ☆ International community TO GRADE 8 ☆ Small class size

Contact us for a tour:

www.kidscompany.org/locations 16

ISLAND GUIDE 2015

(206) 275-3533 ext 275 patriciab@fasps.org

☆ 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

PARKS | FROM 15 • Secret Park S.E. 27th Street & W. Mercer • South Mercer Playfields S.E. 78th Street & 84th Avenue • Roanoke Park 70th Avenue S.E. & W. Mercer

Bicentennial Park 77th S.E. & S.E. 32nd The park ascends into a hillside of wooded trails and stairs above Mercerdale Park.

Clarke Beach Park 7700 E. Mercer Way This nine-acre park on the water features a beach and dock.

Clise Park S.E. 40th & Island Crest Way A shortcut for many high school students, this wooded trail cuts from busy S.E. 40th into the neighboring S.E. 39th Street.

Deane’s Children’s Park 5500 Island Crest Way This favorite children’s park includes a picnic area, wooded trails and the famous dragon in the playground.

Ellis Pond S.E. 47th & 90th Ave. S.E. The Island’s famous pond is home to various birds, the odd turtle and dozens of neighborhood children. A short trail encircles the pond, which is a popular winter attraction for local kids when the pond freezes over for skating.

Gallagher Hill 3701 S.E. Gallagher Hill Rd. The Gallagher Hill park features 11 acres of trails, including con-

Contributed Photo

Deer have become a common sight on the Island, including this black tailed buck spotted by an Island photographer in 2010. Story has it that deer swam across Lake Washington’s East Channel from what is now South Belllevue, Newport or Renton to reach the fruit in the orchards in the Appelton neighborhood or at Luther Burbank Park.

nections from 40th Avenue to East Mercer Way. The hill run is popular with locals for a fast but thorough workout.

Homestead Park 82nd Avenue S.E. and S.E. 40th Street Homestead Park, which sits near Island Park Elementary, features several public tennis courts and baseball fields and trails.

Island Crest Park 5500 Island Crest Way The little sister of Pioneer Park, this wooded Island escape has ball fields, a family picnic area and several winding trails.

Luther Burbank Park 2040 84th Ave. S.E.

The Island’s North-end nature escape, Luther Burbank boasts three miles of trails that meander through a natural habitat preserve, off-leash dog park and along the Lake Washington shoreline.

Mercerdale Park 77th S.E. & S.E. 32nd

Pioneer Park S.E. 68th & Island Crest Way Pioneer Park, with 120 acres of thick woods and deep ravines, is the largest natural space on the Island with dozens of trails and a wide variety of activities for Islanders. Walking trails are popular, frequently used by horse riders and bikers.

The Town Center park has a paved loop trail, an open picnic area, skateboard park, playground and sprawling field.

Aubrey Davis Park 72nd S.E. & S.E. 22nd Arguably the best viewpoint on the Island, the Lid has several paved trails for cyclists and walkers alike.

WWW.MI-REPORTER.COM | ISLAND GUIDE 2015

17

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19

4 things you didn’t know about the Roanoke Inn: 1) Owner Dorothy Reeck

grows pumpkins in a small garden just north of the tavern. The orange squash are hundreds of pounds heavy.

We’re 101 years old

2) Legend has it that when

the Roanoke used to accept boarders on the second story, some of the rooms operated as a brothel and a favorite spot for gambling during the Prohibition era.

Established in 1914 by George MacGuire, the Rowy is the oldest business on Mercer Island.

The Roanoke Inn has witnessed a lot of change since its construction in 1914. Horseback was the principal mode of transportation and patrons came to visit via ferry from the Leschi neighborhood in Seattle. Two World Wars were fought, abolitionist policies have come and gone, great depressions were weathered, and floating bridges were constructed to support the growth of automobiles.

The introduction of both radio and television and now the evolution of the computer generation has changed many things. But no matter what the Inn has witnessed, The Rowy has always been the community’s extended living room to discuss all the topics of daily importance.

The Reeck family purchased the Inn in 1941 and worked hard to continue the legacy. In 1976, the State of Washington registered the Roanoke Inn as an official historic landmark.

With such a rich and vibrant past, it isn’t hard to see how the Roanoke Inn has become a place “Where Friends Meet Friends.”

The Rowy cherishes its role as the informal gathering spot for all class reunions from those who graduated from the local schools. The place to be for all those attending college to come back home and reunite with their buddies, and in many cases the place to have your first beer when celebrating your 21st birthday.

3) The Roanoke’s covered

(Monday - Friday 4pm to 6pm)

porch is heated, but Reeck admits while a popular refuge during the winter months, it’s not too effective when the wind blows. Even further back, the Roanoke used to have a wrap-around porch, like many old houses in the craftsman style.

1 per Wing

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20

ISLAND GUIDE 2015

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WWW.MI-REPORTER.COM | ISLAND GUIDE 2015

21

4 things you didn’t know about the Roanoke Inn: 1) Owner Dorothy Reeck

grows pumpkins in a small garden just north of the tavern. The orange squash are hundreds of pounds heavy.

We’re 101 years old

2) Legend has it that when

the Roanoke used to accept boarders on the second story, some of the rooms operated as a brothel and a favorite spot for gambling during the Prohibition era.

Established in 1914 by George MacGuire, the Rowy is the oldest business on Mercer Island.

The Roanoke Inn has witnessed a lot of change since its construction in 1914. Horseback was the principal mode of transportation and patrons came to visit via ferry from the Leschi neighborhood in Seattle. Two World Wars were fought, abolitionist policies have come and gone, great depressions were weathered, and floating bridges were constructed to support the growth of automobiles.

The introduction of both radio and television and now the evolution of the computer generation has changed many things. But no matter what the Inn has witnessed, The Rowy has always been the community’s extended living room to discuss all the topics of daily importance.

The Reeck family purchased the Inn in 1941 and worked hard to continue the legacy. In 1976, the State of Washington registered the Roanoke Inn as an official historic landmark.

With such a rich and vibrant past, it isn’t hard to see how the Roanoke Inn has become a place “Where Friends Meet Friends.”

The Rowy cherishes its role as the informal gathering spot for all class reunions from those who graduated from the local schools. The place to be for all those attending college to come back home and reunite with their buddies, and in many cases the place to have your first beer when celebrating your 21st birthday.

3) The Roanoke’s covered

(Monday - Friday 4pm to 6pm)

porch is heated, but Reeck admits while a popular refuge during the winter months, it’s not too effective when the wind blows. Even further back, the Roanoke used to have a wrap-around porch, like many old houses in the craftsman style.

1 per Wing

4) The Roanoke operated as

JOIN US FOR HAPPY HOUR

g tdoor seatin u o r u o y jo En days ahead! m r a w e th on

$

a grocery store for a number of years, even opening an ice cream window after Prohibition, where kids, who weren’t allowed inside, could buy cones or other small grocery items. During WWII the Roanoke had one of the only grocery stores accessible to Islanders.

5 Mini Nachos

$

1 off Regularly Priced

$

Draft Beer & House Wine

650 Weekly Special Cocktail

$

Where Friends Meet Friends for 101 Years 1825 72nd Avenue SE, Mercer Island / 206.232.0800 Open 7 Days a Week / Monday - Friday Open at 11am / Saturday and Sunday Open at 8am

20

ISLAND GUIDE 2015

@ tRoanokeInn

WWW.MI-REPORTER.COM | ISLAND GUIDE 2015

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CLUBS | FROM 16 Mercer Island Children’s Hospital Guild Contact: Tracy Landsman • 2320409 • miphonebook@gmail.com 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 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. 2832 61st Ave. S.E.

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

Mercer Island Historical Society Contact: Susan Blake • 232-9442 www.mercerislandhistory.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 Event Center, 8236 S.E. 24th St.

Mercer Island Kiwanis Club www.kiwanis.org The Mercer Island Kiwanis Club is a nonprofit, community service organization of men and women who primarily focus on helping children. The club raises money and puts it back into the community.

Since its establishment 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.

Contributions are awarded primarily to 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: Thursdays at noon, Aljoya, 2430 76th Ave. S.E.

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.

Matt Brashears/Special to the Reporter The Mercer Island Lion’s Club, parading in 2014’s Summer Celebration!, also sells Christmas trees each year in the Town Center. The sale funds many youth and community activities.

Meetings: 6:45 p.m., first and third Tuesdays of the month, Aljoya, 2430 76th Ave. S.E.

to educate citizens and encourage participation in the electoral process.

Mercer Island League of Women Voters Contact: LWV office • 329-4848 info@seattlelwv.org

Mercer Island Masonic Lodge Contact: Dean Quigley • 232-8957

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

Freemasonry is a fraternal society of men bound together by ties of brotherly affection.

The Mercer Island Lodge provides two $1,000 scholarships CLUBS | PAGE 24

WWW.MI-REPORTER.COM | ISLAND GUIDE 2015

23

Meetings: first Thursday of the month, except July and August, at the VFW Hall, 1836 72nd Ave. S.E.

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 Department in the event of a disaster or communication systems failure.

Matt Brashears/Special to the Reporter VFW Post 5760 members Dean Quigley, front seat, Richard Kloppenburg, back left, and Brian MacKinnon wave to the crowd during the 2014 Summer Celebration Grand Parade.

CLUBS | FROM 23 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.

TIME TO MOVE? Donovan Realty Group offers skilled representation for buyers and sellers on Mercer Island and beyond. Call, click or email us to discuss your real estate options.

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 nonprofit 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 Event 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 CLUBS | PAGE 26

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206.713.5240 donovanrealtygroup@windermere.com donovanrealtygroup.net 24

ISLAND GUIDE 2015

Faith Communities First Church of Christ, Scientist: Meets at United Methodist Church P.O. Box 406, Mercer Island, WA 232-0175, www.fccsmi.com.

Mercer Island Clergy Association: The Mercer Island Clergy Association holds an annual student-led Baccalaureate service for high school graduation in June and an all-Island interfaith Thanksgiving service in November. Contact Greg Asimakoupoulos at awesomerev@aol.com.

Christian Science Reading Room: 7605 S.E. 27th St. #106, 232-5850.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints: 4001 Island Crest Way, 236-2957.

First Taiwanese Presbyterian Church: 3605 84th Ave. S.E., (at the MI Presbyterian Church), www.1tpc.org.

Congregation Shevet Achim: 685 S.E. 47th St. 275-1539, www. shevetachim.com.

Herzl-Ner Tamid Conservative Congregation: 3700 East Mercer Way, 232-8555, www.h-nt.org.

Congregational Church of Mercer Island: 4545 Island Crest Way, 232-7800, www.ucc-ccmi.org.

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church: 8501 S.E. 40th St., 232-3270, www.htlcmi.org.

Emmanuel Episcopal Church: 4400 86th Ave. S.E., 232-1572, www.emmanuelmi.org.

Evergreen Covenant Church: 3200 78th Ave. S.E., 232-1015, www.evergreenchurch.cc.

Come discover our new design studio On Mercer Island since 2004

Flavia Markiewicz/Contributed Photo Jon Newman and Aaron Sandorffy parade with Congregation Shevet Achim’s two Torahs to the synagogue’s new home in the former Christian Science Church on Island Crest Way.

Mercer Island Presbyterian Church: 3605 84th Ave. S.E., 232-5595, www.mipc.org.

Redeemer Lutheran Church: 6001 Island Crest Way, 232-1711, www.redeemerlutheranmi.org.

Mercer Island United Methodist Church: 7070 S.E. 24th, 232-3044, www.miumc.org.

St. Monica Catholic Church: 4311 88th Ave. S.E., 232-2900, www.stmonica.cc.

MI Bahai’s: P.O. Box 1271, www.mibahais.org.

7650 SE 27th Street, Suite 120 (enter on 77th) Mercer Island, WA 98040 206-275-3399 www.six-walls.com

WWW.MI-REPORTER.COM | ISLAND GUIDE 2015

25

CLUBS | FROM 24 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, raclette 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 Women’s 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 ages enjoy a wide variety of activities, including a monthly luncheon.

Primarily a social organization, the group also raises funds for local nonprofit organizations. Annual dues of $25 cover the newsletter and the club directory.

Meetings: monthly luncheons, usually held on the second Monday or Tuesday of the month at an area restaurant, private club or place of business.

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.

Meetings: monthly.

26

ISLAND GUIDE 2015

National League of Young Men www.nlymmercerisland.org The Mercer Island Chapter of the National League of Young Men, Inc. was founded in May 2014. It is open to young men and their mothers who reside in or attend school on Mercer Island. Its founding membership consisted of 56 mothers and 54 young men in sophomore and freshman high school classes.

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

Meetings: 7:30 p.m., second Thursday of every month, Kirkland Woman’s Club, 407 1st Street, Kirkland.

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 communitywide events, a premier Early Childhood School, summer camp, school’s out program, before- and after-school care, kids and adult sports leagues,

Contributed Photo The SJCC has operated the largest Jewish camp in the Pacific Northwest since 1959, welcoming nearly 1,000 campers in summer 2014.

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 newly renovated auditorium, the SJCC has a children’s library, kitchen, classrooms and meeting rooms.

Trailmates Contact: Fran Call • 232-4032 Lace up your lightweight hiking boots. Trailmates offers moderate five to seven-mile hikes for seniors in the beautiful Northwest.

Call 275-7609 with questions.

Hikes require pre-registration.

Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 5760 1836 72nd Ave. S.E. • 232-6390 www.vfwmercerisland.org Mercer Island VFW Post 5760 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), VFW Hall, 1836 72nd Ave. S.E.

YMCA Adventure Guides Contact: Darcie Flynn • 425-6448417 ext. 15, dflynn@seattleymca. org 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 monthly for adventures and activities that include games, stories, snacks and crafts. They also have the opportunity to attend three weekend campouts during the year as well as other monthly community outings.

Mercer Island Saddle Club 8635 S.E. 68th Street • 232-7548 The Mercer Island Saddle Club runs the only horse stable on the Island. The club has a riding arena and offers riding lessons.

CLUBS | PAGE 27

CLUBS | FROM 26 Mercer Island Schools Band Boosters Contact: Kris Kelsay, Chair 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 Schools Foundation 275-2550 • www.mercerislandschoolsfoundation.com The Mercer Island Schools Foundation is a nonprofit corporation organized to enhance the quality of education by raising money for the Mercer Island public schools.

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 all-Island events. Grants are awarded by the 15-member board of directors. Mercer Island nonprofits may apply.

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 Donations to the fund help support the mission and outreach of the city’s Youth and Family Services programs.

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Staff Photo

The annual Truck Day held at the Stroum Jewish Community Center not only had big trucks for kids to climb on, but also cement mixers, a pony, fire engines, boats and motorcycles. King County Library System’s bright red ‘Library to Go’ van might have had the biggest crowd of all.

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

Registered Nurse and nationally certified professional, Alanna has been in practice 28 years, 23 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) WWW.MI-REPORTER.COM | ISLAND GUIDE 2015

27

The Mercer Island Library The Mercer Island Library 4400 88th Ave. S.E. (206) 236-3537 www.kcls.org/mercerisland The Mercer Island Branch of the King County Library System (KCLS) sits at the highest point on Mercer Island at the former site of the Allview Heights school that opened in 1890.

The library first established on the Island at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, then was located in East Seattle. Built in the 1950s, the current 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.

The library has two public meeting rooms, a large children section, several computers and a teen section.

There are programs for children and adults.

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

Friends of the Library The Friends of the Library, an Island nonprofit group composed

of local volunteers, help to raise money to fund and implement programs for the library. Funds are raised through various book sales, membership dues and contributions. Donations of books and other media may be left at the Library Circulation Desk while the library is open.

For more, email info@milibraryfriends.org.

Mercer Island Library Board The city voted to re-establish the Library Board in July 2014, after a KCLS proposal to spend $3.4 million and remodel the library was met with community opposition. The remodel project has been placed on hold while KCLS and the city gather more community input on what Islanders want to see in their library.

Present members of the Library Board include: Bryan Cairns, Bart Dawson, Lenore Defliese, Sandi Lindstrom, Sayuj Narayan, Lea Reule, Lori Robinson, Leann Tse, Mary Kay Woolston and Dan Grausz (Council liaison).

The Board meets on the fourth Monday of the month at 6 p.m., at the library.

Oh! Chocolate Classes

Oh! Chocolate will host “Chocolate” classes at our Mercer Island chocolate shop for those who want to know more about their favorite indulgence and for those who just want to

“PLAY IN THE CHOCOLATE!” Classes are held SATURDAY evenings • 7:30 p.m.

2015 SPRING/SUMMER SCHEDULE APRIL: 4, 18 • MAY: 2, 16 • JUNE: 6, 13 JULY: 11, 25 • AUGUST: 15, 29 The price is $79 per person and includes the art of tempering chocolate and dipping special treats to take home.

Students also receive 10% OFF any purchases made at the class. Sign up early in-store or by telephone as class size is limited and is sure to fill up!

Small Private Parties Are Also Available for Groups of up to 10 with a minimum fee.

Like us on FACEBOOK and receive a free treat!

Summer Hours: Mon–Thu: 10:am–6pm Fri and Sat: 10am–7pm Sundays: 12pm–5pm

(206) 232-4974 2703 – 76th Ave SE, Mercer Island Facebook.com/ohchocolateMI

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ISLAND GUIDE 2015

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.

The pool is named after Island Olympic champion, Mary Wayte who won four Olympic medals including two golds, at two

Olympics; the 1984 Games in Seoul and the 1988 Games in Los Angeles.

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, and lap lanes for adults. It is within the SJCC campus. SJCC memberships are open to the public.

File Photo Mercer Island High School swim and water polo teams practice and compete at Mary Wayte Pool on S.E. 40th Street, north of the high school.

Mercerwood Shore Club 4150 East Mercer Way 232-1622 www.mercerwood.com

Mercer Island Country Club 8700 S.E. 71st st.

232-5600

The Shore Club's outdoor pool features a bubble cover for swimmers in the winter and fall.

The members-only club offers lessons, free and lap swims and

holds meets for local teams.

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, OCA competitive USA Swimming team 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 WWW.MI-REPORTER.COM | ISLAND GUIDE 2015

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Island Schools

F

rom the first school established on the Island in 1890 to the last one built in 1971 - there have been 15 public schools on Mercer Island.

extensively remodeled and expanded in 1998. It is now undergoing another transition —primarily to expand it to handle more students and more programs.

Of those schools, seven are gone — either demolished or burned down.

Islander Middle School, which opened in 1958, has undergone two major remodels in 1994 and 2000.

But of those that remain, the newest school now operating on the Island is Crest Learning Center at 4150 86th Ave. S.E. which is part of Mercer Island High School. It was first established in the East Seattle School, then moved into the old Mercer Crest Elementary School library and was remade into its present form in 1998.

Islanders have a long history of refining, repurposing and remodeling schools as a completely new school has not been built on the Island since 1962, when the West Mercer Elementary School opened.

The schools have all been remodeled over time including Mercer Island High School, originally built in 1955. It was

In February 2014, Island voters approved a $98.8 million bond issue to build additional public school facilities on Mercer Island.

Now, a fourth elementary school, still unnamed, is under construction at the site of the old North Mercer Island Junior High School, which became the location of Youth Theatre Northwest, CHILD School and preschool and daycare centers. Those building have been razed to make way for a 54,000-square-foot school to house between 480 and 550 students.

Also underway is an expansion of Islander Middle School, with 14 new class-

rooms and lab spaces, larger commons and cafeteria spaces, a gymnasium, music rooms and administrative space.

The bonds will also fund the construction in progress of 10 additional classrooms at Mercer Island High School, including four science labs and six general education classrooms.

The state of Washington is providing $3.8 million in matching funds.

The Mercer Island School District currently has more than 4,120 full-time equivalent students in the district’s three elementary schools, middle school, high school and alternative program. The district uses 34 portable classrooms to help accommodate the current number of students.

School officials moved to expand the facilities to accommodate more students, but also to provide the facilities to ensure that the school district delivers a 21st Century education to Island youth.

Images courtesy of Mercer Island School District

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ISLAND GUIDE 2015

Preschools Preschool Fair, Toy Swap and an old-fashioned ‘Circus’ each spring.

Mercer Island Preschools Country Village Day School: 9423 S.E. 36th St., 236-2417 Early World Montessori School: 3027 80th Ave. S.E., 232-2400

Mercer Island Preschool Association www.mipreschoolassociation.org The Mercer Island Preschool Association (MIPA), established in 1937, is a private nonprofit 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,

Little Acorn Sprouts: 8236 S.E. 24th St. Room 4, 232-0940

Matt Brashears / Special to the Reporter

Northwest Montessori School: 4025 86th Ave. S.E., 232-4595

The students of Mercer Island’s Early World Montessori School take carrying their custom-made sign very seriously as they march in the Summer Celebration! Grand Parade in July.

Emmanuel Day School: 4400 86th Ave. S.E., 232-5663

MIPC Preschool: 3605 84th Ave. S.E., 232-5596

Sunnybeam School: 8635 S.E. 68th, 232-5776

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.

Creative Learning Center: 8236 S.E. 24th St., 232-8900

Special Education Preschool Services

For more, go to www.mercerislandschools.org.

4120 86th Ave. S.E., (206) 436-1948

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.

Pixie Hill Preschool: 4025 86th Ave. S.E., 236-1380

Mercer Island Learning Lab:

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Mercer Island Public Schools dents. 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:

Mercer Island School District: 232-3330 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 stu-

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ISLAND GUIDE 2015

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@mercerisland-

schools.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 unless otherwise posted.

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 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 two- or four-year institutions.

PUBLIC | PAGE 34

Private Schools and Tutors Founded in 1995, the French American School of Puget Sound offers a preschool through eighth-grade education. The school enrolls 423 students, who learn reading, writing, language, math, history and science in both English and French, with an average of 16-20 students per class.

The school now offers bus service

Northwest Yeshiva High School: 5017 90th Ave. S.E., 232-5272 Founded in 1974, Northwest Yeshiva High School provides a college preparatory education for Jewish students. The school's mission is to foster integrity,

strength of character, respect, service to others, a lifetime love of learning, commitment to the State of Israel, and adherence to the traditional ideals and practices of Torah Judaism. NYHS is accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges.

St. Monica Parish School: 4320 87th Ave. S.E., 232-5432 The mission of St. Monica Parish School, pre-K through eighth grade, is to teach Christ-like values, assist students in achieving academic excellence in all areas, and to maintain a warm, safe, nurturing and loving learning environment. The school, accredited by the Western Catholic Educational Association, has been in operation for over 50 years.

College Nannies and Tutors: 7605 S.E. 27th St, Suite 101, (206) 659-4156 College Nannies and Tutors builds stronger families by providing role models through full-service childcare solutions and customized tutoring for college-bound students. From the time children are small until they take off for college, families can depend on educated roles models to help, whether it be the assistance of a part- or full-time nanny, a professional babysitter for a night or a qualified tutor to help with calculus.

The Privett Academy: 9311 SE 36th St #230, 232-0059 The Privett Academy is a fully

Yellow Wood Academy: 9655 SE 36th St Suite 101 236-1095 Yellow Wood Academy is an accredited independent school for K-12 students, providing customized education. The curriculum, instruction, and school culture are responsive to the individual needs, interests, and abilities of each student. Founded in 1981, Yellow Wood Academy became a state-approved private school in 1992.

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French American School of Puget Sound: 3795 East Mercer Way, 275-3533

accredited diploma-granting institution for grades 6-12, offering personalized learning with regular progress reports and flexible scheduling. The academy aims to provide a small-school environment as well as a small class size, committed to never exceeding ten students in a class. It’s personalized learning approach is designed to meet the needs of the individual student.

WWW.MI-REPORTER.COM | ISLAND GUIDE 2015

33

West Mercer Elementary School: 4141 81st Ave. S.E., 236-3430 Principal: Carol Best

Staff Photo

Mercer Island School District maintenance and operations director Tony Kuhn leads a group of elementary students to the future site of the new Elementary No. 4 for a groundbreaking ceremony in March.

PUBLIC | FROM 32 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

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ISLAND GUIDE 2015

has special education classes.

Many IMS students participate in after-school clubs, intramural and interscholastic sports.

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.

Elementary Number 4 Principal: Aimee BatlinerGillette In the fall of 2016, the Mercer Island School District will open a fourth elementary school on the North Mercer campus site.

Currently under construction, the two-story facility will span a total of 75,000 square feet and will be able to house 500 students.

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.

Staff Photo

First-grader Dheekshithaa Pulukaruppa Ayyanar looks up before digging in with some of her classmates at the Mercer Island School District’s groundbreaking ceremony for Elementary No. 4.

Environment/The Green Teams

City conservation and sustainability resources www.mercergov.org Click your way to finding out more about solar power, the plastic bag ban, recycling, garbage, and yard waste, the city’s water conservation program, electric vehicle charging stations, how to do natural yard care and employ sustainable practices for a healthy environment.

Earth Corps www.earthcorps.org EarthCorps restores parks and open spaces while providing leadership and community service.

Friends of Luther Burbank Park Visit: 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 Visit www.islandvision.org IslandVision began with a few people interested in sustainability.

Today, its purpose has expanded

Staff Photo

The view looking southeast from ‘Kite Hill’ above Luther Burbank Park. 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.

EV Charging Stations

There are four city-owned and six school district-owned 240v charging stations for electric vehicles on Mercer Island. There is also a station at Walgreens.

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The City of Mercer Island encourages and sponsors several activities 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.

WWW.MI-REPORTER.COM | ISLAND GUIDE 2015

35

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.

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) Reduced-income 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.

Staff Photo

Powered by a fresh breeze, a sailboat glides along the shore just around the corner from the East Channel bridge.

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, 1-800-5008243.

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.

Other services, clinics and workshops are coordinated through the City of Mercer Island Youth & Family Services department.

Go to www.mercergov.org or call 275-7752.

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Staff Photo

John Weinberg delivers a pitch for the Mercer Island Rockers, the Island’s senior coed softball team.

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ISLAND GUIDE 2015

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Staff Photo

These vintage but fabulous steeds were spotted outside the Mercer Island Youth and Family Thrift store earlier this year. Each were in fine shape, springs and tack were in flawless condition.. The Palamino in the foreground, (a Flexible Flyer), and the Pinto were priced $25 each. The Palamino was gone by midafternoon the same day.

The Mercer Island Thrift Shop is a revenue-generating program of Mercer Island Youth & Family Services. MIYFS services are supported by a public/private partnership through the City of Mercer Island, the Mercer Island School District and Mercer Island Thrift Shop revenues.

Services offered include counseling, senior adult outreach, substance abuse prevention/intervention programs, juvenile court diversion services, family assistance — including food through the MIYFS food bank, housing assistances and JobLink. The shop employs over 50 volunteers.

The Thrift Shop is located at 7710 S.E. 34th Street, at the southeast corner of Mercerdale Park. For more information, call 275-7760.

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37

Visual and performing arts Mercer Island offers a wide variety of art and artistic experiences for all audiences.

Soon, a new Mercer Island Center for the Arts (MICA), located at the old recycling center by Mercerdale Park, will be a focal point for the visual and performing arts.

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. Mostly 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 Above right, art from the MIVAL Holiday Show was on display at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center.

Middle right, preliminary designs of an outdoor performance space show how MICA will be integrated into Mercerdale Park.

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ISLAND GUIDE 2015

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 Bottom right, steel and concrete salvaged from the World Trade Center in New York City will be used for a public sculpture outside the new South-end Fire Station.

Staff Photos

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