0 4 0 98 M
LAND S I R E ERC
LIVING
SUMME ISLAND
A PUBLICATION OF THE MERCER ISLAND REPORTER
R 2016
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LIS . .I
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MERCER ISLAND CLOSED SALES JAN - MAY 2016 Total Number
2016 Y-T-D 2015 Y-T-D 110
Your local Real Estate Market at a glance.
131
%Change -16%
Median Price
2016 Y-T-D 2015 Y-T-D $1,255,000
%Change
$1,085,000
16%
NORTHWEST LISTINGS CLOSED SALES JAN - MAY 2016 Total Number
2016 Y-T-D 2015 Y-T-D 8,630
%Change
8,229
MERCER ISLAND - SOLD!
5%
Median Price
2016 Y-T-D 2015 Y-T-D $339,950
%Change
$317,000
7%
MERCER ISLAND - SOLD!
PEGGY WATKINS (206)230-5444 peggy@peggywatkins.com
Your resource for all things real estate.
98040 MERCER ISLAND LIVING
Here’s to another Island Summer! In this issue of 98040, we offer just a sample of the many activities available to Islanders young and old — right here at home. Summer Celebration! is set for July 9 and 10 in the Town Center. See our center section for a pull-out listing of Summer Celebration activities.
REPORTER
Mercer Island
William Shaw
Carrie Rodriguez
Katie Metzger
Melanie Morgan
Joe Livarchik Staff
Theres’a Baumann
Publisher
Staff Writer Writer
Editor
Production
Advertising
3047 78th Ave S.E. #207, Mercer Island, WA 98040 (206) 232-1215 | www.mi-reporter.com
Summer arts: Movies and music in the park The city of Mercer Island has a few events planned to complement the anticipated Summer Celebration on July 9-10, recently announcing the lineups for Movies in the Park, Shakespeare in the Park and Mostly Music in the Park (the park being Mercerdale, with a few exceptions).
Movies in the Park The movies in the park will be “Wreck-It Ralph” at sundown, or about 9:20 p.m., on July 23 and “The Good Dinosaur” at about 8:34 p.m. on Aug. 20. The free family movies, sponsored by JayMarc Homes, are shown on a giant inflatable screen in Mercerdale Park. Moviegoers should bring blankets, lawn chairs and flashlights. Movies are cancelled during inclement weather, so call the Mercer Island Community and Event Center at 206-2757609 to confirm showings on bad weather days.
Katie Metzger/staff photo
The Arts Council’s Mostly Music in the Park series brought families and neighbors together during the 2015 summer music season. Activities and crafts related to the movie will begin an hour before show time. Check www. mercergov.org/MIevents for more movie details.
Shakespeare in the Park This year’s Shakespeare in the Park program, presented by Wooden O and sponsored by the
Mercer Island Arts Council, will feature “Love’s Labour’s Lost” and “Hamlet.” “Love’s Labour’s Lost” will run at 7 p.m. on July 7, July 8, July 14, July 15, July 16, July 24 and Aug. 4 at the Luther Burbank Park ampitheatre. The July 24 show is a special SUMMER ARTS | PAGE 4
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Summer events at SJCC The Stroum Jewish Community Center will offer the following events this summer:
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98040 | ISLAND SUMMER 2016
• Watch as 78-year-old Carl takes an adventure of a lifetime in his home equipped with balloons and a young stowaway. Includes kids Zumba, campfire s’mores and lasting memories • 6 p.m. Sunday, July 31 • FREE
Summer Open Air Market • From 3-6 p.m. every Friday in August (Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26) • Each week will have a rotating variety of small businesses, farmers and local food producers
Hawaiian Themed Pool Party • 5:30-8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6 • Cost: Free • Music, snow cones, volleyball and flotation devices and good old fashioned fun
SUMMER ARTS | FROM 3 double performance that allows you to see both shows in one day, “Hamlet” at 2 p.m. and “Love’s Labour’s” at 7 p.m. See “Hamlet” at 7 p.m. on July 17, July 21, July 22, July 23, July 28, July 29, July 30, Aug. 5, Aug. 6 and Aug. 7. There will be special Summer Celebration performances of both shows: “Love’s Labour’s Lost” at 2 p.m. on July 9 and “Hamlet” at 2 p.m. on July 10.
Mostly Music in the Park Mostly Music in the Park, the Arts Council’s annual summer concert series, features various bands and artists from around the region performing a wide variety of music in July and August. Concerts are held on Thursdays from 7-8:30 p.m. at Mercerdale Park. The program kicks off on July 21
Film: ‘Look at Us Now, Mother’ • As a child, Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Gayle Kirschenbaum wondered if she was born into the wrong family. In this lighthearted documentary, a mother and daughter salvage their testy relationship. • 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11 • $13 | $9 SJCC members,students, youth, senior
‘Mary Poppins’ Sing-a-Long • Sing-a-long and watch this classic, colorful and magical movie about the original super-nanny • 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21 • FREE
‘The Mask You Live In’ • This film follows boys and young men as they struggle to stay true to themselves while negotiating America’s narrow definition of masculinity • 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24 • $13 general admission | $8 members, seniors, students, youth The SJCC is located at 3801 East Mercer Way. For more, visit www. SJCC.org. with the rock and soul blend group, Ben Rice Trio, and continues on July 28 with the Latin music of Coco Loco. Aug. 4’s show features the Afro-World fusion stylings of Maya Soleil followed by Jazz Underground, a contemporary big band jazz group, on Aug. 11. The series concludes on Aug. 18 with Cajun/ Zydeco band Swamp Soul. In addition, the Russian Chamber Music Foundation of Seattle will perform at 5 p.m. on Aug. 14 in the Luther Burbank Park amphitheatre. Mostly Music is sponsored by JayMarc Homes, the law offices of William D. Hochberg, New Seasons Market, Mercer Island Center for the Arts (MICA), Mercer Island Chiropractic, Mercer Island FC and Smith Brothers Farms. Donations for Mostly Music can be sent to: City of Mercer Island, Mostly Music in the Park, 2040 84th Ave. SE. For more, see www. mercergov.org/ArtsCouncil.
Local eats and treats at Mercer Island Farmers Market The Mercer Island Farmers Market returned June 5 for its ninth season, connecting Island residents, friends and families with Washington state producers of healthy, sustainable food and other goods. Located just north of Mercerdale Park in the heart of downtown Mercer Island, the market provides a convenient, convivial community venue for Islanders, friends and family each Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. from June 5 through Oct. 9, except for Sunday, July 10 for Summer Celebration and Sunday, Aug. 7 for Seafair Weekend. Volunteers are welcome yearround. For more information about volunteering at the Market, contact us at volunteer@mifarmersmarket. org. For up-to -the-minute information about market, including featured vendors, products and entertainment each week, check
out its website at www.mifarmersmarket.org or ‘like’ its page on Facebook.
What’s new at the market In addition to many returning favorites, the market is excited to include the following new vendors this season: • Sugar and Spice Bakery – gluten-free • Harvesting Autumn – organic fruit • Bombay Bites – vegetarian Indian foods • Gourminis (food truck) – fresh salads and sandwiches • Napkin Friends (food truck) – latke sandwiches • Nibbles (food truck) – Southwest fusion • Nosh (food truck) – fish and chips and more • Juice Harbor – cold pressed juices
Katie Metzger/staff photo
Street Treats dessert truck serves up a cool treat at the Mercer Island Farmers Market earlier this month. • 3 Howls Distillery – distilled spirits • Devine Crumb – nut butters and power muffins
• Four Horsemen Brewery – beer • Stomani Cellers – wine • Sweet Caroline’s Jam – jams and preserves
Sundays
10AM -3pm
June 5 – Oct 9 & Nov 20 Your favorite farmers and vendors return with an abundance of Washington grown fresh produce and artisan foods. Find out what is happening each week at the market by visiting:
www.mifarmersmarket.org or ISLAND SUMMER 2016 | 98040
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4/5/16 11:06 AM
I-90 Seafair and Blue Angels Closures The U.S. Navy Blue Angels return for Seafair Weekend, Aug. 5-7, with more exciting acts and daring aerial maneuvers. In one of the most impressive air shows in the country, Boeing F/A18 aircrafts will race overhead at speeds approaching 700 mph. The Blues will perform aerobatic and low-flying maneuvers as Seattleites look on in awe from the shores of Lake Washington. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels participated in their first air show in 1946 and since have performed for an estimated 11 million spectators during air shows each year.
Which roads will be closed? Interstate 90 will be closed at the following times for Blue Angels practices and shows: • Thursday, Aug. 4: 9:45 a.m. noon; 1:15-2:40 p.m. (practice) • Friday, Aug. 5: 1:15-2:40 p.m. (practice) • Saturday, Aug. 6: 1:15-2:40 p.m. (Seafair Air Show) • Sunday, Aug. 7: 1:15-2:40 p.m. (Seafair Air Show) The Washington State Department of Transportation is required by the Federal Aviation Administration to close the Interstate 90 floating bridge five times to drivers, cyclists and pedestrians while the Blue Angels practice for and perform at the Seafair Air Show. The closures are to keep the public and pilots safe and to minimize distractions. The closures will extend from Interstate 5 in Seattle to Island Crest Way on Mercer Island. Certain I-90 and I-5 ramps will also close 30 minutes to one hour before flight times. Drivers who need to cross Lake Washington should plan to do so at least one hour before the closures or use an alternate route, such as Interstate 405, State Route 520 or State Route 522. Plan ahead for the following ramp closures: • Northbound I-5 to eastbound I-90 (up to 30 minutes prior) • Southbound I-5 to eastbound I-90 (up to 30 minutes prior)
File photos
Above, Seafair enthusiasts pack the 520 bridge to watch the annual U.S. Navy Blue Angels race overhead in 2015. Left and below, Boeing F/A-18 aircrafts race at speeds approaching 700 mph. The Blues perform aerobatic and lowflying maneuvers.
• Northbound Rainier Avenue South to eastbound I-90 (up to 30 minutes prior) • Southbound Rainier Avenue South to eastbound I-90 (up to 30 minutes prior) • Eastbound I-90 to West Mercer Way (up to 30 minutes prior) • East Mercer Way to westbound I-90 (up to one hour prior) • Island Crest Way to westbound I-90 (up to 30 minutes prior) • 76th Avenue Southeast to westbound I-90 (30 minutes prior) • West Mercer Way to westbound I-90 (up to one hour prior) ISLAND SUMMER 2016 | 98040
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Schedule of Events
Schedule of Events
SATURDAY JULY 9th 9:00am - 10:30pm
(Saturday events continued)
9am Obliteride Kids Ride - Mercerdale Park
5:45pm The Disco Ballz Disco Rock - Windermere Stage/ Mercerdale Park
9am – 6pm MIVAL Junior Arts Show - Wells Fargo Bank (Sponsored by MI Visual Arts League)
10am “Symphony of Summer” Grand Parade - 78th Ave SE, downtown MI (Sponsored by the MI Community Fund) 10:45am Veteran’s Recognition - Pergola Stage/ Mercerdale Park • Performance by the band Charlie & the Flashbacks (Sponsored by the Friends of the Mercer Island VFW) 10:30am Boat Ride Around the Island (Ticketed Event) Luther Burbank Park Docks -Boarding begins at 10:00am, tickets at
community center or info booth at festival (Sponsored by Bright Horizons)
11 -7pm • Street Fair (Crafts, Food, Booths) - Mercerdale Streets •
Souvenirs & Information Info Booth (In Mercerdale Park)
•
Children’s Fun Zone (Inflatable Rides & more) -Mercerdale Park (Sponsored by Mercer Island Pediatrics)
•
Music Zone Silent Disco, Junk Chimes, Make an Instrument activity, - Next to Skate Park/Mercerdale Park (Sponsored by the Mercer Island Arts Council)
July th and th 9 10
11:45am Mark Whitman Band Blues - Windermere Stage/ Mercerdale Park
July 9th, 6pm Luther Burbank Park
12:30pm Boat Ride Around the Island (Ticketed Event) Luther Burbank Park Docks Boarding begins at 12pm, tickets available at
the community center or info booth at festival (Sponsored by Bright Horizons,
Mercer Island)
Friends of the MI Library)
1:45pm My First Garden - between entertainment stages
Karaoke (6pm - 8pm)
Hands on Children’s Planting Activity– kids leave with a pot of flowers (FREE)
(Sponsored by Windermere Real Estate & Wells Medina Nursery)
2:30pm Boat Ride Around the Island (Ticketed Event) Luther Burbank Park Docks Boarding begins at 2pm, tickets available at the community center or info booth at festival (Sponsored by Bright
Horizons, Mercer Island)
3:00pm Eric Haines One Man Band reminiscent of Dixieland Stage/Mercerdale Park
Jazz - Pergola
3:45pm Recess Monkey Children’s Rock & Roll Windermere Stage/Mercerdale Park 4:45pm 85th Street Big Band Big Band Swing Favorites Pergola Stage/Mercerdale Park
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98040 | ISLAND SUMMER 2016
Community Parade • Car Show Obliteride Kids Ride • BoatRides Arts • Crafts • Children’s Fun Zone Food • Fireworks • Community Karaoke Music Activities • Live Bands Swedish Pancake Breakfast
8:15-10:15pm The Beatniks - Luther Burbank Park Approx. 10pm Fireworks (Sponsored by the Roanoke Inn)
Luther Burbank Park
SUNDAY, JULY 10th - 10:00am - 5:00pm 9am-12pm Swedish Pancake Breakfast - Mercerdale, at entertainment stages (Sponsored by the Sons of Norway Cascade Lodge of Mercer Island)
10am-5pm Souvenirs & Information Info Booth (in Mercerdale Park) 10am-5pm Children’s Fun Zone (Inflatable Rides & More) Mercerdale Park (Sponsored by Mercer Island Pediatrics) 11-5pm Music Zone Silent Disco, Junk Chimes, Make an Instrument activity, Family Singing Games, etc. Next to Skate Park– Mercerdale Park (Silent Disco sponsored by the Mercer Island Arts Council)
10am-3pm Car Show - Farmer’s Insurance Parking Lot (Sponsored by Covenant Shores Retirement Community)
10am-5pm Street Fair (Crafts, Food, Booths) - Mercerdale Streets 10:30am Bellevue Community Band - Pergola Stage/ Mercerdale Park 11:30am Baby Cakes Soul, Funk, and R&B - Windermere Stage/Mercerdale Park
Shuttles from Mercer Island City Hall begin at 6:30pm Community
1:00pm Steffan Soule’s “Magic & Wonder of Reading” Magic Show - Pergola Stage/Mercerdale Park (Sponsored by the
Council)
Mercerdale Park, Mercer Island
Fireworks & Fireworks & Food Trucks
11-2pm Instrument Petting Zoo (touch, look, & play an instrument) Music Zone next to Skate Park
2:00pm Wooden O Theatre “Love’s Labour’s Lost ” Luther Burbank Amphitheatre (Sponsored by Mercer Island Arts
6-8:00pm Community Karaoke with DJ Chrissy Williams - Luther Burbank Park
misummercelebration.com
Family Singing Games, etc.
1:45pm The Marlin James Band Country -Windermere Stage/ Mercerdale Park
6-10:30pm Fireworks & Food Trucks - Luther Burbank Park
Live Music by The Beatniks! (8pm - 10pm)
1pm Alleyoop Children’s music & storytelling - Pergola Stage/ Mercerdale Park 2pm Exapsos Alternative Rock–a brother & sister duo from Mercer Island! Windermere Stage/Mercerdale Park 3pm Restless Vocal Band A Capella & Harmony of popular hits using only their voices - Pergola Stage/Mercerdale Park 4pm LeRoy Bell & His Only Friends Blues, Soul, and acoutisic Windermere Stage/ Mercerdale Park
folk with Season 1 “X Factor” finalist, LeRoy Bell -
Inflatable Attractions for Kids!
THANK YOU TO OUR 2016 SPONSORS! Glow-InThe-Dark Novelties
Chopstix Delicious Asia Falafel Ezell’s Salam Express
Sponsored By:
Tokyo Dog
Picnic Street Treats
Buns on Wheels Nosh
COVENANT SHORES NEW SEASONS MARKET MERCER ISLAND FC KITCHEN PLUS WINDERMERE REAL ESTATE KIXI AM 880 OF MERCER ISLAND SMITH BROTHERS FARMS MERCER ISLAND CENTER BRIGHT HORIZONS OF FOR THE ARTS MERCER ISLAND MERCER ISLAND MERCER ISLAND ARTS CHIROPRACTIC & MASSAGE COUNCIL MERCER ISLAND PEDIATRIC SPORT CLIPS OF FACTORIA DENTISTRY MERCER ISLAND REPORTER REPUBLIC SERVICES ISLAND SUMMER 2016 | 98040 9
98040 Summer Events
Expanded summer calendar JULY 4 Where to buy fireworks? The Masonic Lodge, Kiwanis Club and Mercer Island VFW manage the sale of “consumer” fireworks each year, using the event as their primary fundraiser. All of the funds collected are returned to the community in support of services and projects. Fireworks will be for sale between June 28 and July 4 in the Rite Aid parking lot on SE 32nd Street at the corner of 78th Avenue Southeast.
JULY 23 Movies in the Park Join the city for another great year of movies in Mercerdale. Free family movies are shown on
Contributed photos
Above, Maya Soleil electric ensemble presents a high-energy show of original music, ranging from the Highlife, Afro-beat and other dance music styles of western and southern Africa to funky jazz. Below, the Masonic Lodge, Kiwanis Club and Mercer Island VFW manage the sale of fireworks on the Island.
a giant inflatable screen in Mercerdale Park. Participants should bring blankets, lawn chairs and flashlights. Fun activities and crafts related to the movie will begin an hour before show time.
Refreshments sold on site. The city will show “Wreck-It Ralph” at approximately 9:20 p.m. on July 23. A video game villain wants to be a hero and sets out to fulfill his dream, but his quest brings havoc to the whole arcade where he lives. Ralph is a heavy-handed wrecking’ riot with a heart who embarks on a wild adventure across an incredible arcadegame universe to prove that just because he’s a Bad Guy, it doesn’t mean he’s a bad guy.
AUGUST 5-7 Blue Angels at Seafair At this year’s Seafair festival, the jet squadron will perform on Friday, July 31, through Sunday, Aug. 2. In 2016, the Blue Angels will fly on Friday, Aug. 5, through Sunday, Aug. 7. The Blue Angels, along with the hydroplane races and torchlight 10
98040 | ISLAND SUMMER 2016
parade, are one of the traditional and most popular features at the Seafair summer festival each year. Altogether, Seafair includes more than 75 events during an eight-week span. In 2014, nearly 2 million people took part in one or more Seafair-related activities.
AUGUST 13-14 Camp Burbank Community Camp Out The campout, put on by city’s Parks and Recreation Department, is a great way to “get away from it all” and still be close to home. Parks and Rec does all the hard work, like cooking, cleaning and coming up with fun things to do. Just bring a tent, personal items and sleeping bags. Activities will include fishing, beach play, swimming, volleyball and more in Luther Burbank Park. SUMMER EVENTS | PAGE 11
SUMMER EVENTS | FROM 10 The campsite, Saturday night dinner, s’mores, snacks, drinks and Sunday morning breakfast are provided with registration price ($45 ages 13+, $35 ages 4-12, $5 ages 1-3, Free 0-11 months).
AUGUST 20 Movies in the Park Free family movies are shown on a giant inflatable screen in Mercerdale Park. The city will show “The Good Dinosaur” at approximately 8:34 p.m. on Aug. 20. From the innovative minds of Disney Pixar comes a hilariously heartwarming adventure about the power of confronting and overcoming your fears and discovering who you are meant to be. In a world where dinosaurs and humans live side-by-side, an Apatosaurus named Arlo makes an unlikely human friend.
SEPTEMBER 12 Art UnCorked Art UnCorked will be an evening of wine tasting, art, music and food at the Mercer Island Outdoor Sculpture Gallery at Sunset Boulevard and 78th Avenue Southeast. The street will be closed for the event, which runs from 6-9 p.m. The evening will feature 10 local wineries, many with Mercer Island connections, juried artists from both Mercer Island and the Seattle area with a selection of fine handmade artworks, live music and iconic food trucks offering interesting fare. It is presented by the Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce and Mercer Island Visual Arts League.
For more, go to www.mercerislandartuncorked.eventbrite. com.
Contributed photos
Above, Coco Loco is a fun, high-energy Latin band that transcends traditional boundaries to appeal to a wide audience. The band will perform on July 28 at Mercerdale Park. Left, the Russian Chamber Music Foundation presents chamber music on Aug. 14 at Luther Burbank Park.
Mostly Music schedule All concerts are from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted, in Mercerdale Park. Admission is free. In case of rain, concerts may be cancelled and possibly rescheduled. Call 206-275-7609 on questionable weather days for concert updates. Thursday, July 21: Ben Rice Trio — Roots - Rock and Soul Blend Thursday, July 28: Coco Loco — Latin Thursday, Aug. 4: Maya Soleil — Afro-World Fusion Thursday, Aug. 11: Jazz Underground — Contemporary Big Band Jazz Thursday, Aug. 18: Swamp Soul — Cajun/Zydeco
Russian Chamber Music Foundation of Seattle Concert The Russian Chamber Music
Foundation of Seattle presents chamber music performed by accomplished musicians at 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 14 at Luther Burbank Park’s amphiteatre. Make this evening very special: bring your family and your favorite picnic dinner, and enjoy the beautiful music, nature and fresh air.
Shakespeare in the Park schedule Sponsored by the Mercer Island Arts Council, Wooden O presents two Shakespeare plays with multiple performances at the Luther Burbank Park amphitheatre.
With open seating and an outdoor setting, Wooden O brings the Shakespeare plays to life engaging audiences of all ages. Visit www.mercergov.org/ artsevents for play descriptions. “Love’s Labour’s Lost” — 2 p.m. July 9; 7 p.m. July 7, 8, 14, 15, 16, 24, Aug. 4 “Hamlet” — 2 p.m. July 10; 7 p.m. July 17, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, 30, Aug. 5-7 *The July 9 and 10 showing will be a special summer celebration performance at Luther Burbank Park. *July 24 is a double performance that allows you to see both shows in one day.
ISLAND SUMMER 2016 | 98040
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Summer Reading Programs At The Mercer Island Library All programs will be held at the Mercer Island Library Large Meeting Room unless otherwise indicated. If the library is closed for construction, programs that are listed as being held at the library will be held at the temporary site, located in the lower level of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church – 8501 SE 40th Street, Mercer Island, WA 98040. Registration not required, but space is limited.
Discover how science, reading and art can help you win games. Learn the history and the math behind the world’s best-selling toy, Rubik’s Cube. Registration not required, but space is limited.
WE ALL PLAY IN OUR OWN WAY CONCERT*
Tuesday, July 26, Noon
Held at Mercerdale Park. Presented by Eli Rosenblatt.
Have fun singing songs, telling stories, reading books, creating art and playing. Play & Learn is in English.
Family program, all ages welcome. Is it possible to have a game that has no winner or loser? It is when the game is called music. Bring the whole family and join in the singing and dancing as we learn and use our imaginations, there’s no need for stadiums or sports equipment.
PLAY GAMES FROM AROUND THE WORLD*
MONDAY FAMILY FUN MOVIES*
PLAY & LEARN*
Wednesdays, now through August 31, 10:30am
Thursday, July 14, 10:30am Presented by Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture. Ages 5 to 12.
Monday, August 1, 8 and 15, 6:30pm Family program, ages 5 and older welcome.
One way to learn about other world cultures is through playing games. In this program, learn fun and interesting games that demonstrate the similarities and differences between environments, communities and traditions throughout the world. Come prepared to have your curiosity about other cultures satisfied! Please register.
Enjoy marvelous, fun, sports movies with the whole family. Registration not required, but space is limited.
MAGICALLY RIDICULOUS GAME SHOW*
Can you really read, sing, move and play at the same time? Well, try it out and you will probably be surprised! Come with the whole family to enjoy this popular Northwest singer-songwriter as she shows you how, using tongue-twisting, brain-building, jump-it-up, silly songs and singing games. Help celebrate National Community Night Out!
Monday, July 18, 7pm Presented by Jeff Evans. Ages 5 and older.
This is your chance to be a “pretend” game show contestant at this program featuring silly sports, goofy games and amazing tricks. 12
Join us as the remodeled Mercer Island Library opens Saturday, July 23, 9:30am
READ IT, SING IT, PLAY IT!*
Tuesday, August 2, 6pm Held at the Outdoor Sculpture Gallery. Presented by Nancy Stewart. Family program, all ages welcome.
98040 | ISLAND SUMMER 2016
Contributed photos
SQUISHY CIRCUITS!*
Wednesday, August 3, 1-3pm Grades 3 to 8. Electrical circuits are the foundation of our modern, technologydriven lives. Everything from simple light bulbs to complex devices like the iPhone depend on them. Stop by to create circuits
and explore electronics using playdough, battery packs, LEDs, buzzers, and small motors. Bring a friend and work in pairs! Registration not required, drop in 1-3pm. * Sponsored by the Mercer Island Friends of the Library.
kcls.org/kids/summer
Summer Celebration Expanded calendar
world are fans of the band.
CAR SHOW 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 10 Time to open up the garage and let your automotive treasure out for a stretch — and a ‘lil show-n-tell. You’re invited to join us in this year’s 14th Annual Mercer Island Car Show as a participant showing your car, or as an admirer who loves to stroll through really cool cars. Bring your classic, street rod, sport, exotic, antique or motorcycle. Have a project car you’ve been working on? Bring it down! The car show is sponsored by Covenant Shores. Details and registration at www.mercerislandcarshow.com.
BOAT RIDES AROUND THE ISLAND
Get your tickets now for Summer Celebration. Boat Rides around the Island happens on Saturday, July 9. Sponsored by Bright Horizons at Mercer Island. Hop aboard the Argosy “Celebrations” boat for a narrated ride around the Island. Cruise in comfort around Mercer Island on a warm July day, and enjoy hearing fun facts and history about the Island. Enjoy a drink or snack from the on-board no-host bar.
SILENT DISCO
Saturday and Sunday during festival hours
2016 FIREWORKS CELEBRATION
Summer Celebration! 2016 takes place on Saturday, July 9, and Sunday, July 10. The fireworks, sponsored by The Roanoke Inn, will be at Luther Burbank Park on Saturday night, and are set to begin at about 10:15 p.m. Prior to the fireworks, there will be community karaoke (6-8 p.m.), live music by The Beatniks (8:1510:15 p.m.), new food trucks and children’s inflatable rides.
GLOW NOVELTIES & LIGHT UP TOYS
Uncle Stinky’s, Summer Celebration’s longtime magician and novelty seller, will be on site selling a variety of products that glow and light up — perfect for the dark skies during and after the fireworks.
CLOWNS UNLIMITED INFLATABLES
Clowns Unlimited will have three inflatable attractions: Pirates Revenge Obstacle Course, 22 foot Dual Lane Slide, and Undersea 5 in 1 combo. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Wristbands on sale at the event for $7.50 or $2 per ticket.
Photo courtesy of city of Mercer Island
The “Junk Chimes” are a collection of miscellaneous metallic junk arranged on a steel framework that is designed to be banged and chimed with provided drumsticks during festival hours.
FIREWORKS SHUTTLE
• Kettle Corn
Avoid the parking and after-festival congestion by taking advantage of the hassle-free shuttle rides.
• Nosh
The shuttle will be offering shuttle rides in a continuous loop from Mercer Island City Hall to Luther Burbank Park from 6:30-9:45 p.m. At the end of the festival, several buses will be lined up to return riders to City Hall and will loop back until all riders have been transported.
• Street Treats
SATURDAY NIGHT FOOD TRUCKS
6 to 10 p.m.
• Buns on Wheels • Chopstix • Delicious Asia • Ezell’s Express • Falafel Salam
• Picnic • Tokyo Dog
FIREWORKS ENTERTAINMENT!
• 6-8 p.m., community karaoke with DJ Chrissy Williams. Pick a song, go solo or find a group to join you and sing your song to the audience. The audience are the stars in this stage performance sponsored by the Mercer Island Arts Council. • 8:15-10:15 p.m., live music by The Beatniks. The Beatniks perform the music of the ‘60s and ‘70s (and ‘80s, too), with energy and passion that you won’t find anywhere. Capturing the essence of the music with their charisma, chemistry and natural talent is why people all over the
Silent disco is a unique way of experiencing live music. Festival goers wear wireless headphones and a silent atmosphere instantly transforms into a high energy musical performance, where all can hear the music exactly how it is intended to be heard- in true stereo sound regardless of your position on the dance floor. Mercer Island High School’s radio station KMIH-FM- Hot Jamz will be providing the music for this fun activity. Come learn more about this award-winning program from the high school instructor and former radio personality, Joe Bryant, and some of his student volunteers. This activity, sponsored by the Mercer Island Arts Council, will be in Mercerdale Park during festival hours, next to the skate park.
MY FIRST GARDEN
Children’s planting activity between Pergola and Windermere stages at Mercerdale Park. An entertaining, hands-on planting experience where kids get to create and take home their very own flower garden with the help of a Wells Medina Nursery flower guru. Flowers, pots, soil and helping hands provided by the folks at Windermere Real Estate, Mercer Island. CELEBRATE | PAGE 14
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MIVAL JUNIOR ARTS SHOW
The MIVAL Junior Art Show will showcase and promote young artists from grades kindergarten through 12 interested in drawing, painting, sculpture and photography with awards and cash prizes presented to the winning artists. The Junior Art Show has been a MIVAL event for the past 42 years. The show will be held in the lobby of Wells Fargo Bank on Mercer Island, at 3001 78th Ave. SE, during the weekend of the Mercer Island Summer Celebration, July 8-10. Two-dimensional wall art: painting; drawing; photography; digital art; collage and three-dimensional art: crafts; jewelry; sculpture. To apply, visit www.mival.org/call-forentries/. Photo courtesy of city of Mercer Island
JUNK CHIMES
A festival sentimental favorite, the “Junk Chimes” are back for 2016. The chimes are a collection of miscellaneous metallic junk arranged on a steel framework that is designed to be banged, clanged, jingled and chimed with provided drumsticks. It is an interactive monstrosity that people of all ages are drawn to. This activity will be next to the skate park during festival hours.
OBLITERIDE KIDS’ RIDE
It’s time for the kids to pedal against cancer. Ride a fun one-mile loop once, twice or three times. Stick around to enjoy the Summer Celebration Grande Parade after the ride. Ages 3-13, $20 entry fee goes to Fred Hutch. Register at obliteride.org.
CHILDREN’S FUN ZONE
The Children’s Fun Zone, sponsored by Mercer Island Pediatrics, hosts a wide variety of inflatable attractions for kids, and kids at heart to enjoy. Tickets and wristbands are on sale at the festival, but to avoid long lines and start your play right away, purchase your wristbands in 14
Kids pedal against cancer during the annual Obliteride Kids’ Ride in years past. advance at the Community Center the week before the event.
SWEDISH PANCAKE BREAKFAST
9 a.m. to noon, Sunday, July 10. A long-standing tradition is to have a pancake breakfast on Sunday morning during Summer Celebration. Over the years, a variety of groups have hosted the event. This is the second year the Cascade Lodge of Mercer Island has presented their Swedish Pancake Breakfast. Enjoy delicious, authentic Swedish Pancakes with toppings of melted butter, powdered sugar, whipped cream, maple syrup, strawberry or raspberry jam. $6 adults, $3 kids. Come early and bring the family. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, juice, milk and bake sale items also available. There will be free children’s Scandinavian craft activities and music. Proceeds benefit the Cascade Lodge Norwegian Heritage Youth Camp.
GRAND PARADE
The “Symphony of Summer” grand parade, sponsored by the Mercer
98040 | ISLAND SUMMER 2016
Island Community Fund, starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 9 and lasts approximately an hour. The parade route begins at Southeast 27th Street and 78th Avenue Southeast, running along 78th Avenue Southeast, ending at Mercerdale Park where everyone can then spill into the park to begin the festival fun.
ARTS & CRAFTS MARKETPLACE
The Summer Celebration street fair “Arts and Crafts Marketplace” is a great opportunity to do some shopping for unique finds. Craft vendors come from all over the region to showcase their art work and goods. Visit the Arts and Crafts Marketplace from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, July 9 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 10. The artist from Mercer Island’s beloved dragon play sculpture at Deane’s Children’s Park, Kenton Pies, will be hosting a booth this year to sell his artwork and autographed copies of his newly released books that include the dragon project.
COMMUNITY BOOTHS
Community and nonprofits will be on site hosting booths to tell you about the services that they offer
to the community. These booths are located at the end of the street by the soon to open New Seasons Market.
VETERAN’S APPRECIATION
Come and thank our veteran’s for their service to our country, at the Veteran’s Pergola in Mercerdale Park at 10:45 a.m. on July 9, which marks the 10th anniversary of the city of Mercer Island’s Veterans Appreciation Event. Live music by Charlie and the Flashbacks and a performance by the Mercer Island Community Marching Band. There will be presentations by the Mercer Island mayor, VFW commander and Rep. Chad Magendanz who serves as the ranking member of the House Education Committee and House Appropriations, Tech and Economic Development in Olympia. This year is the 50th anniversary of the start of the Vietnam War, and having served as Navy submarine officer for 12 years, Magendanz speaks enthusiastically about U.S. military service.
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102 years at the ‘Rowy’ The venerable Roanoke Tavern is 102 years old By Celina Kareiva
Through the years, the Roanoke has been called a living room, a tavern and a brothel. This summer, the Island fixture turns 102 and there is no shortage of memories made behind these old walls. Leading a tour of the space, owner Dorothy Reeck points out quirks and vignettes the untrained eye could never find: a bullet hole behind the bar that Reeck’s bootlegging father-in-law is responsible for; an ancient cash register now defunct; windows once blacked out during World War II. The Roanoke was built in 1914 by George McGuire as a “chicken-dinner” restaurant servicing the Island’s early settlers. A ferry dock at the North-end made it a popular destination; its original owners could make a run to Seattle for ice cream and other goodies not found on the Island. The place changed hands several times during the Great Depression before eventually evolving into a tavern, housing boarders on the top floor and, some say operating as a brothel during Prohibition years. In 1943, Edwin and Laura Reeck bought the building. That’s when Dorothy enters the picture. She met and married their son, Hal. As her mother-in-law aged, she took on more responsibilities. “I call myself the caretaker. I have to take care of this place and pass it on to the next generation.” Reeck points to an old phone booth off the main dining room—a sort of symbol of the Roanoke’s many incarnations. The booth used to bring in $10-20 a month. Now emply, the booth
hosts a witch for Halloween and Santa hangs out at Christmas. “I don’t know how I managed to keep the status quo going. It’s a full-time job of running the staff and making it ready for customers,” said Reeck. “You’ve got the building, the grounds — how do you fit into a neighborhood with a bar? You learn an awful lot.” Preserving the tavern’s history while making sure it fits its surroundings, is a balancing act, admits Reeck. When staff paint, they stay true to a color palette available in early 20th century America; the windows are the same drooping glass and antique panes as were installed decades ago; even the garden, which Reeck insists everyone has had their hands in, is a mess of some of the original blooms planted. But as the Roanoke’s recent centennial neared, Reeck thought about retiring. She wasn’t sure she was the right person to carry the tavern into its next chapter, so she began talks with potential buyers: “When we went back to the attorneys to talk about it, he said— ‘you’re not ready to go.’ Certainly, I couldn’t deny it. I felt like it wasn’t the time.”
She says the memories are what sustain her. “I am so thankful for all the good people that come here and find happiness and provide a little cheer.” During snow storms or power outages, many neighbors have warmed themselves by the Roanoke’s generator. The dimly lit dining room has seen proposals and wedding ceremonies. For many Island youth, working there is a sort of rite of passage. This year, Roanoke management is a sponsor of the Island’s Summer Celebration fireworks display! On a recent drippy Friday, when summer still felt a long ways off, volunteers were upstairs folding T-shirts and sweatshirts for the event. “This is our way of saying thank you,” said Reeck. As for the Roanoke’s next 100 years, Reeck has hired a general manager and says as he learns the ropes, she will consider who best to inherit the legacy. She has ideas — a better and wider wine selection, small tweaks to the menu. It will still be “the neighborhood bar but with a fresh coat of paint.”
1825 72nd Ave SE, Mercer Island • roanokeinnmi@gmail.com • (206) 232-0800
5 things you didn’t know about the Roanoke Tavern: 1) Like any good neighborhood bar, the Roanoke has ruffled a few feathers over the years. A family near the Roanoke Inn filed a claim against the city in 2006, calling the historic establishment an “ongoing cancer in the neighborhood.” The aggreived party alleged that the bar sold alcohol to minors, created traffic congestion and was a constant noise complaint. The resulting lawsuit was eventually dismissed. 2) Owner Dorothy Reeck grows pumpkins in a small garden just north of the tavern. The orange squash each weigh hundreds of pounds. 3) Legend has it that when the Roanoke used to accept boarders on the second story, some of the rooms operated as a brothel and was a favorite spot for gambling during the Prohibition era. 4) The Roanoke’s covered porch is heated, but Reeck admits while a popular refuge during the winter months, it’s not too effective when the wind blows. 5) The Roanoke operated as 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.
@RoanokeInn
FIREWORKS Saturday July 9, 2016
Come early and join us! Luther Burbank Park 2040 84th Ave. SE Mercer Island, WA
10:00 pm
Come Celebrate Summer with Us! Roanoke Inn is the proud sponsor of the 2016 Summer Celebration Fireworks Show.
To show our appreciation to our patrons and the community who have supported the Rowy for so many decades, we are again sponsoring the local fireworks show during the city’s Summer Celebration event Saturday, July 9th.
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 Mercer Island’s extended living room to discuss all the topics of daily importance. 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.
Meet Friends Where Friends ars! for 102 Ye
1825 72nd Ave SE, Mercer Island • roanokeinnmi@gmail.com • (206) 232-0800
@RoanokeInn