Mercer Island, WA December 2024 by City Lifestyle

Elevating Dreams, One Home at a Time.

May

- Kelly, Evi & Christine

Kelly

-J.H., Mercer Island

Celebrate the Spirit of Giving and Tradition

Dear Mercer Island City Lifestyle Readers,

The holiday season is here, a time for giving, gathering, and reflecting on the past year. At Mercer Island City Lifestyle, we are excited to share stories that inspire warmth, community, and generosity, capturing the essence of this special time. From heartfelt family traditions to the entrepreneurial spirit of local artisans, this issue is brimming with the magic of the holidays. Our national campaign City Lifestyle Giving Back shines a light on the importance of giving and uplifting our community. As you read our story, please note that City Lifestyle strives to give back where traditional organizations may not fit. Filling unmet needs in an otherwise crowded space for helping those in need.

A story we are honored to share is Seattle Samurai, a tribute to the legacy of Shigeru “Sam” Goto and his family. Compiled by Sam's daughter Kelly, Seattle Samurai reminds us of the power of art, heritage, and family. Dee Goto's story is a celebration of Japanese culture and shared experiences that bring us all together.

We also highlight Susan Valencia, founder of Island Youth Ballet, who continues to instill grace and confidence in young dancers. This December, her students will enchant us once again with their annual performance of Excerpts from The Nutcracker; a magical holiday tradition on Mercer Island.

Speaking of traditions, Missy Claridge from Von's 1000Spirits shares her father's beloved Bobbee's All Day Bolognese. Family meals like this bring warmth and joy during the holidays, and we hope you'll enjoy this special recipe with your loved ones.

There are many women on Mercer Island dedicated to Venture Capital, Laura Ohata introduces us to some leaders.

Finally, our Mercer Island Makers showcases talented local designers crafting meaningful gifts perfect for the season. These unique, high-quality items reflect the spirit of the Pacific Northwest and make thoughtful presents for anyone on your list.

As the year comes to a close, we are grateful for the love and support from our readers and the Mercer Island community. From all of us at Mercer Island City Lifestyle, we wish you a joyful holiday season filled with peace, love, and the warmth of family and friends. There's also something really different about this issue. If you know what it is, follow us on Instagram and DM your answer. You'll be entered in our drawing for a gift certificate package from our partners.

Warmly,

CHRIS ISHII & SHARON PEREZ @MERCERISLANDCITYLIFESTYLE

December 2024

PUBLISHER

Chris Ishii | chris.ishii@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Sharon Perez | sharon.perez@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Laura Ohata, Caroline Hughes, Emily Chan, Von’s 1000Spirits

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

J Garner Photography, Amber Fouts Photography

Laura Ohata, Ling Ling Zheng Photography, AnneMarie Zarba, Goto Media

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

inside the issue

Shop Local with

Honoring Japanese Heritage Through the Art of Shigeru “Sam” Goto

Island Youth Ballet’s

Missy Claridge of Von’s 1000Spirits shares her father’s

Dancers from The Children’s Dance Conservatory of Mercer Island, The Official School for Island Youth Ballet, rehearse for the annual holiday performance of “Excerpts from the Nutcracker”. Showcasing seniors, Isabella Sullivan and Sean Kern.

WINE CLUB MEMBERSHIPS

GIFT CERTIFICATES

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

YUAN RU ART CENTER LAURA OHATA

J GARNER PHOTOGRAPHY

YUAN RU ART CENTER

1: Rob Atkinson, Katarina Garner, Megan Atkinson at the MICL Party at the Crawlspace Gastro Pub 2: DJ Lamar, Ed Kashiba, Laurie Saito, and Missy Claridge at Food & Beverage Release Party 3: Robyn Kimura Hsu, Chef Jason Farrish, Greg Rosenwald celebrate the Food & Drink Issue Party 4: Mark Harrington, Rachel Schindler, Dan Woodman, Crawlspace owners, Jason and Robin Farrish at MICL Party 5: MI MD and Fine Artist Julie Hsieh’s art and former MI Mayor, Benson Wong 6: Artist Julie Hsieh, MI School Board Member Maggie Tai Tucker & B Simon 7: Abby K performing at Yuan Ru Art Center

8: Tsering Short and Jennifer Glick volunteer for MIHS at the Mid Autumn Festival at MICEC 9: Performers rest at the Mercer Island Chinese Association’s Mid-Autumn Festival at the MICEC 10: It was a beautiful day to bring the MIHS Homecoming Parade back to Town Center! 11: MIHS Drama Club’s Little Shop of Horrors Float for the fall show 12: Diamonds & Denim was the theme for MI Schools Foundation Fundraising Auction & Gala 13: Lisa and BJ Lackland, Molly Quan, Yen-Ling Lee, Andrea Chang enjoy the MISF Gala Dinner 14: Look Dad - you’re in MICL! Welcome to Baklinski Home Improvement, MI’s local home remodelers.

MERCER ISLAND CITY LIFESTYLE

BAKLINSKI HOME IMPROVEMENT

MERCER ISLAND CITY LIFESTYLE

MERCER ISLAND MAKERS

SHOP LOCAL WITH SPECIAL HOLIDAY GIFTS BY MI DESIGNERS

ARTICLE BY SHARON PEREZ

PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMBER FOUTS, LING LING ZHENG

PIAR: All the performance of a sports shoe

STAY WELL

Looking for the perfect holiday gift with a personal touch? We suggest these locally designed treasures that capture the spirit of our community.

HALEY STREET, THE WESTERLY CO.

The Westerly Co. is a coastal-inspired blanket company based on Mercer Island. The blankets are thoughtfully designed by Haley to embrace a casual coastal style with colors picked directly from our coastline.

Crafted from premium natural fibers, each Westerly blanket is designed to be both luxuriously thick and easy to wash at home, ensuring comfort and quality that lasts for generations. While designed here, they are expertly woven in Germany by skilled artisans who have perfected the traditional Jacquard technique over the past century. This combination of modern unique designs and time-honored craftsmanship guarantees a heritage quality that sets these blankets apart.

The Westerly Co Boardwalk & Crab Bake Blankets

As the holiday season approaches, these blankets make the perfect gift for loved ones, adding a touch of coastal charm to any home. Celebrate the season by gifting a piece that embodies comfort, style, and a lasting connection to the sea @ thewesterlyco.com

EMILY CHAN, BRIGHTSPOT DESIGN

For 25+ years, Emily has been making cards and products, creating bright spots and connecting people through a love of food and representing an Asian American voice.

Emily and husband, Jason, are active volunteers at West Mercer Elementary for Lunar New Year and Mother/Father's Day. Emily says, “we love helping kids make their own cards to appreciate others and celebrate the ones they love”.

Founder and Designer, Haley Street with Commodore

PIAR Founder and Designer, Caroline Huges

CAROLINE HUGHES, PIAR: HEELS AS COMFORTABLE AS YOUR FAVORITE SNEAKERS

For women who have given up on heels, PIAR is here to change the game. Founded by Caroline, an avid runner, PIAR emerged from the frustration of uncomfortable dress shoes. “It didn’t make sense—our running shoes are packed with comfort technology, and our dress shoes remain stuck in the past.”

With the unwavering support of family, friends, and the community, Caroline spent five years perfecting The Performance Heel (through Covid and breast cancer). She invested countless hours developing prototypes in three countries and perfecting every detail—from design and cushioning to materials and style. This patent-pending design blends the science of athletic footwear with classic style, ensuring that women feel comfortable and confident throughout their day. Each pair is designed locally and crafted in Brazil by a family-owned factory with over 50 years of expertise.

If you’re looking for a gift this season that brings a little ease to a busy woman’s life, The Performance Heel delivers both comfort and style in one effortless package. Shop hellopiar.com

Brightspot Cards, Ling Ling Zheng Photography

Brightspot Totes and Pins, Ling Ling Zheng Photography

Emily Chan, Brightspot Design

Emily’s first high school job was working at Hallmark, but she never once bought a card. She felt the cards were too generic, and didn’t represent her. So she made her own cards. Brightspot pairs Asian food with American vernacular (read: they’re punny!) Emily’s ultimate goal is to create moments of connection: your friend laughing over a sushi pun birthday card, your kids proud to show off their backpack with a bubble tea pin--even your co-worker’s curiosity over the sriracha sticker on your laptop. These are moments of priceless connection and bright spots, little and big. Visit www.brightspotdesign.com for everything Brightspot. Use exclusive code MERCERISLAND for free shipping until Jan 1st, 2025. Also available at Uwajimaya.

Brightspot Artist Emily Chan, Ling Ling Zheng Photography

ARTICLE BY CHRIS ISHII | PHOTOGRAPHY BY GOTO MEDIA

Sam & Dee relaxing in the park

Mercer Islander, Kelly Goto with “Inu”

Kelly Goto

Launching the book at Island Books was like coming home. It was special in so many ways because I was sharing it with the community I grew up with.

- Kelly Goto

This fall, Seattle Samurai, a unique blend of Japanese heritage and cartoons, was released at Island Books. The collection, created by the late Mercer Islander Shigeru “Sam” Goto, was compiled by his daughter, Kelly. Sam, inspired by comics like Lil Abner and Peanuts, used his art to blend humor and Japanese culture. Kelly organized his work around key aspects of Japanese tradition, making Seattle Samurai both entertaining and culturally rich.

Sam, influenced by the mastery of Charles Schulz, infused his work with humor and wisdom, creating a unique connection between JapaneseAmerican values and comic art. His beloved strip Tomadachi not only entertained but became an important archive of the Japanese-American experience. Kelly’s thoughtful layout, featuring sepia-toned photos and well-spaced text, enhances accessibility for all readers.

The character “Inu” the dog brings humor to the comic strips, adding a light-hearted, relatable touch for readers of all ages. This charming element of Sam’s work helped make Tomadachi a cultural touchstone for the Japanese-American community in Seattle.

After Sam’s passing, Dee Goto, his wife, embraced lifelong learning. Fascinated by podcasts, Dee immersed herself in this new medium, continuing to grow personally and share her passion for learning. Her dedication to learning reflects the legacy she and Sam built together.

Dee was instrumental in bringing Sam’s talent to a broader audience. Recognizing that the North American Post, a key publication for Seattle’s Japanese community, needed fresh content, she connected the paper with Sam’s Tomadachi strip. The comic became a beloved feature of the paper, and a cultural touchstone for the JapaneseAmerican community.

Dee’s determination is also evident in her work with the Japanese Community and Cultural Center of Washington (JCCCW), established in 2003. In 1990, she led a group advocating for the center, but initially faced resistance from the Japanese School Board. After 13 years of perseverance, Dee built relationships with her opposition and became a key figure in founding the JCCCW, which now houses the Japanese School, a store, and a community center.

Dee is also deeply committed to preserving Nikkei (Japanese emigrant) stories. Her Omoide project, tied to the JCCCW, is a collection of short stories capturing the experiences of the JapaneseAmerican community. Now in its seventh edition, Omoide encourages readers to learn from these stories and apply their lessons to their own lives. Dee believes that confronting difficult truths, including the mistakes rooted in “evil,” is essential to prevent them from being repeated.

Dee’s eyes light up when she talks about Sam, the love of her life. A photo from their 1960 wedding, with Dee gazing lovingly at Sam, captures their enduring love. They were true partners in every sense—marriage, parenting, creativity, and activism. Dee fondly recalls working upstairs in her office while Sam worked in his studio downstairs, with their daughter Kelly growing up in a “newsroom” environment. She misses their conversations about each of Sam’s comic strips, where she was always his greatest support.

Dee is proud of Kelly, who continues her father’s legacy with Seattle Samurai. Kelly’s careful framing of Sam’s work makes it accessible to a wide audience, while “Inu” the dog, Sam’s comic sidekick, adds humor throughout the book.

“Someday I’d really love to tell the story of the love affair of Sam and Dee,” beams Dee. Someday we will.

Serving your Mercer Island neighbors since 1984

A historic 1908 bungalow and its estate grounds were revitalized to reclaim their character and accomodate a growing family. Over three decades, the original architecture was enhanced while modernizing key spaces. Today, this remodeled craftsman-style home stands as a timeless example of simple beauty, comfort, and quality.

“Strolling the grounds, we were drawn to what remained of the exquisite period detailing and the estate-like setting. We were determined to restore the house rather than demolish it. AOME carried out the task with great skill, and respect for the historic integrity of the original structure. Their work and guidance throughout has been priceless.”

From an interview with the homeowner

Schedule a consultation at get.AOMEArchitects.com/dreamhome to find out how you can start turning a vision into the home of your dreams—and how to avoid mistakes along the way.

THE CHILDREN’S DANCE CONSERVATORY OF MERCER ISLAND

ARTICLE BY CHRIS ISHII | PHOTOGRAPHY BY J GARNER PHOTOGRAPHY

Island Youth Ballet’s Gifts to Dancers and Audiences for Decades:

For decades, Susan Valencia has been a guiding force for young dancers on Mercer Island. As the founder and artistic director of The Children’s Dance Conservatory or Mercer Island: The Official Ballet School for Island Youth Ballet (IYB), a nonprofit formed in 1998 to sponsor high-quality performance opportunities, she has instilled in her students the values of discipline, poise, and individuality. Through IYB, students not only learn the art of ballet but also gain lifelong skills that transcend the stage.

It’s

Nutcracker Season!

“There’s a poise that should be nourished and developed as they go through,” Miss Susan explains. She recalls a former student who became a prosecuting attorney, crediting her ballet training for her confidence and presence in the courtroom. “The training enables them to do anything because they have discipline.”

Miss Susan’s approach is built on structure and discipline. In the studio, students remove their jewelry, don the uniform, and focus intently on their craft. “The uniform is discipline,” she says. “It’s really not about the individual, even though it is the individual.” Yet through this structure, her students learn to discover their unique voices. “The more they synchronize with one another, the more their signature of who they are comes up,” she explains.

Miss Susan and the advanced class of IYB

Founder, Miss Susan with students

Isabella Sullivan, a graduating senior who has been part of the IYB family since first grade, describes ballet as a central part of her life. “It’s kind of like, turned into my role to continue to bring the family together with the other people around me in the studio,” she shares. Reflecting on her favorite roles as Snowflake and Cheshire Cat, Isabella says that ballet has been an outlet for expression even on tough days. “Even if I’m having a bad day, I come here and it kind of goes away for a little bit while you’re moving.”

Sean Kern, another graduating senior, calls The Nutcracker her “favorite time of the year” and treasures roles such as Snow Queen and the Arabian Princess. Ballet, she says, has given her invaluable discipline and work ethic. “Ballet has taught me so much discipline over the years. So many times when I never wanted to come but I always did. It really has made me much stronger.”

And now, that time of year has arrived! Island Youth Ballet’s annual performance of Excerpts from the Nutcracker, is just around the corner, and it promises to be a magical event for all. This cherished holiday tradition brings together the hard work, talent, and artistry of IYB’s dancers for a performance filled with wonder, grace, and the spirit of the season. From the delicate Snowflakes to the enchanting Sugar Plum Fairy, each dancer tells a story through movement that captivates audiences of all ages.

This year’s Nutcracker will once again showcase the dedication of students like Isabella and Sean, who have spent years honing their craft under Miss Susan’s guidance. Don’t miss your chance to experience this spectacular production and support the next generation of dancers!

Join us for Excerpts From The Nutcracker : December 13, 5:30 pm, Red Cast December 14, 7 pm, Green Cast December 15, 1 pm, Red Cast December 15, 5 pm, Green Cast

Mercer Island High School Performing Arts Center (MIHS PAC)

Tickets @ tickets.childrensdance.org

Island Youth Ballet

Island Youth Ballet in rehearsal at the historic Little Red School House

Preparing for the cover shoot in Nutcracker Snow costumes

Making Spirits

JOIN OUR MISSION TO SPREAD WARMTH AND COMPASSION BY NOMINATING SOMEONE WHO DESERVES A CHRISTMAS BLESSING

“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way.”

As the Christmas season approaches, we’re reminded of the power of community and kindness. This year, through City Lifestyle’s nonprofit, The Kingdom Building Foundation, we will help people who may be struggling quietly without the support they need. But we need your help to find them.

Over the past three years, this campaign has grown into something truly beautiful, touching the lives of more than 150 families nationwide last year alone. Each year, we’ve seen firsthand how generosity can bring relief, hope, and a renewed sense of faith in others.

One person we had the opportunity to help was an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with a rare eye cancer. After he had to undergo chemotherapy and surgery to remove his eye, his doctors recommended a prosthetic one, but insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, calling it “cosmetic.” When we heard his story, we knew we had to help. Because of this campaign, he got his prosthetic eye and a piece of his childhood back with it.

Another was a wife and mother of two who fought a yearlong health battle and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Just days before Christmas, she underwent surgery but passed away due to complications. Before her surgery, she received one of our cards and, in tears, told us this gift gave her some peace, knowing her family would have help in the difficult times ahead. It wasn’t just about the financial support but knowing that someone cared.

These stories remind us why this campaign is so meaningful. It’s not just

about writing checks; it’s about telling people they aren’t forgotten and that someone is there to lend a hand. It’s about giving families a moment of relief when the world feels unbearable.

“We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”

Together with Matthew Perry, President, Steven adds that the gratitude from recipients was overwhelming, affirming this tradition’s importance. “We believe God has blessed our company with success,” Matthew adds, “so we want to be a blessing to others.”

We know many more people could use a little help this Christmas, and that’s where you come in. Do you know someone who could use a blessing? We want to hear about them.

To nominate someone, scan the QR code or follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the form in our bio. Nominations are open from November 27 to December 10, 2024. Let’s bring hope to those who need it most.

The City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is completely confidential. No identities will be revealed or publicized. All entries will be read, and selections and the amount given to each recipient will be based on the severity of the need. For more information, visit KingdomBuildingFoundation.com

LIGHTING CONTROL

One-touch ambience for any moment, tailored to your lifestyle

WHOLE-HOME AUDIO

Seamless sounds throughout your home, indoors and out

Mercer Island Women Leading Venture Capital

EMPOWERING FOUNDERS THROUGH EDUCATION, MENTORSHIP, AND INVESTMENT

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAURA OHATA

Jenn Wrenn Henry, Nellie Fujii Anderson, Amy Yan, Elizabeth Scallon, Karin Kidder

Women in venture capital on Mercer Island are not only breaking barriers but also creating powerful opportunities for education, mentorship, and involvement for anyone looking to make a difference in a male-dominated industry.

At intimate house parties, women like Jennifer Wrenn Henry, a fund manager at VentureUs, are creating spaces where founders, investors, and mentors can connect, share knowledge, and support each other’s growth. “We’re gathering at my place tomorrow night, and it’s all women VCs and founders,” says Henry. “But we’re not just here for networking—we’re here to help each other move forward, whether that’s by reviewing a pitch, introducing someone to the right people, or just offering advice.”

These events are inclusive and collaborative, offering valuable educational experiences for everyone involved. “Everybody who turns up at one of these card games gets a chance to talk about their company or share what they need,” explains Nellie Fujii Anderson. “It’s a very generous community.” Founders, particularly those underrepresented in venture capital, find not just support but an educational space where they can get real feedback and learn how to navigate the complexities of growing a business.

CONTINUED >

This collaborative, open approach also allows mentors and investors to play a crucial role. “We need more diverse decision-makers on the other side of the table, and that’s one of my missions,” says Henry. As venture capital shifts toward more diverse leadership, the need for experienced mentors and sounding boards will only grow. You don’t need to be a seasoned investor to make an impact; whether you’re offering strategic advice or connecting someone to their next oppor-

ideas.” Whether you’re a seasoned investor or someone with industry expertise, your knowledge can be the key to helping founders take the next step.

For those looking to get even more involved, there are opportunities to become investors or even co-founders. With a looming $30 trillion wealth transfer expected by 2030, many women will find themselves in control of significant financial assets. This presents a unique chance for

tunity, your role as a mentor or advocate could be instrumental in helping someone’s business succeed.

In addition to funding underrepresented founders, these female investors focus on different parts of the ecosystem such as AI, and VR. “I am working with a group that’s focused on investing in clean tech opportunities, really focused on climate,” said Karin Kidder, executive director at E8 Angels. “It’s to accelerate the transition to a cleaner, greener, environment…We’re a non-profit membership organization. We exist to connect individual investors with opportunities to invest into the sector.”

Elizabeth Scallon, co-founder of Find Ventures, highlights the importance of offering practical, actionable support to founders. “Founders don’t just need mentorship—they need funding. But we can help them understand how to get that funding, how to validate their business

new investors to enter the VC world, support underrepresented founders, and fuel innovations that could shape the future.

“This is one of the highest capital areas in the world,” says Scallon. “There’s no reason Mercer Island couldn’t lead the way with its own city venture fund, investing in local founders and innovative solutions.” Whether you’re ready to invest or simply want to be part of the conversation, this is a community that welcomes all contributions, from advice to financial backing.

To learn more about how you can get involved—whether as a mentor, sounding board, investor, or even a founder—visit VentureUs.org for information on upcoming events and opportunities to connect. The future of venture capital is inclusive, collaborative, and ready for your participation.

Jenn Wrenn Henry, Nellie Fujii Anderson, Amy Yan, Elizabeth Scallon, Karin Kidder

“We met with leaders from ex-Microsoft and Amazon, people who have been in this space for awhile, and listened to their feedback and suggestions on our tool,” said Amy Yan, co-founder of Nowadays.ai, an online portal for corporate event planning.

“VentureUs was instrumental in closing our final round of funding.”

PET OF THE MONTH

This month, we’re shining the spotlight on an extraordinary little one named Chika. This charming pup has captured the hearts of everyone at Island Animal Hospital. Chika came to us in need of a MPL surgery.

Medial Patellar Luxation (MPL) is a common orthopedic condition in small dogs where the kneecap (patella) dislocates from its normal position.

Chika is recovering well and will be back to bouncing through the parks and chasing small sparrows very soon.

Chika loves apples and going shopping with her owner.