REPORTER
Mercer Island www.mi-reporter.com
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2016 WEDNESDAY, MARCH3,20, 2013| |75¢ 75¢
MISD asks for levy lift extension
Give from the heart next week
Send in special election ballots by Feb. 9 There are two Mercer Island School District levies on the ballot: one for capital projects and one for school transportation. Postmark ballots by Feb. 9. Results will be posted at 8:15 p.m. See www.kingcounty.gov/ elections for more.
By Joe Livarchik
jlivarchik@mi-reporter.com
Get CPR certified Sign up on the city’s website for a First Aid and Adult CPR class, to be held from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the north fire station. The cost is $55. For more, call 206-275-7607.
Pancake breakfast on Sunday Get all-you-can-eat pancakes for $5 for one person, $15 for a family and $3 for a senior when Boy Scout Troop 457 holds its annual pancake breakfast. The event is from 8:30 a.m.noon on Feb. 7 at Emmanuel Episcopal Church.
Some want Islandwide vote for MICA By Katie Metzger
kmetzger@mi-reporter.com
The only item of regular business on the Mercer Island City Council’s Feb. 1 agenda was a discussion of an advisory vote on the Mercer Island Center for the Arts (MICA) use of the recycling center site at Mercerdale Park. MICA and the city have been working on a draft lease since July 2015 for the land, which also includes Bicentennial Park and a portion of the wooded area to the south of the abandoned recycling center. Concerns about leasing a portion of public park land to MICA — a private nonprofit that promises numerous benefits for the city and the community — were raised throughout the 2015 general elec-
tion, and many speakers have attended recent council meetings to voice both support and reservations about the planned arts center. Newly-elected Councilmembers Jeff Sanderson and Dave Wisenteiner proposed that the council discuss holding an advisory vote to gauge community support before signing the lease. “If approved by a council majority vote, the exact language of an advisory vote ballot measure would be subject to further review and revision by the city attorney at a future date,” according to the Feb. 1 agenda. The meeting was held after Reporter deadline. If the council were to put the project before the voters, it would be in the form of a ballot measure.
SCHOOL LEVIES | PAGE 9
REPORTER
Sixty students will act, sing, dance and narrate this 90-minue extravaganza. Tickets are $5 at the door. The show will be at 7 p.m. on Feb. 4-5 in the West Mercer Elementary gym.
The results of an advisory vote are non-binding and do not change local law, but have historically changed lawmakers’ opinions. On two issues where Mercer Island held advisory votes — putting a golf course in Pioneer Park and City Hall in Mercerdale Park — Islanders rejected the plans. That history of protecting parks prompted the formation of the citizen group Concerned Citizens for Mercer Island Parks. “As the Island becomes completely built out, there is more and more pressure to use our parks as vacant, free land for a variety of interest groups. If we don’t protect our parks, they will disappear,” said group leader Ira Appelman. “The final decision should not be made by various groups lobbying the City Council but should be made by the voters in an Islandwide vote, and that is what we seek.” The group endorsed Wisenteiner in the election, who
Mercer Island
West Mercer to present ‘Beauty and the Beast Jr.’
Katie Metzger/Staff Photo
Giving from the Heart, an annual event supporting Youth and Family Services, is on Feb. 10. Attend a fundraising breakfast, purchase glass hearts or shop at selected businesses to support the cause. See page 11 for more and register online at www.miyfs.org.
STARTING AT $39/YEAR
Meet local artists and find unique handmade gifts at the Mercer Island Visual Arts League (MIVAL) Gallery’s opening for its exhibit, “Tell-Tale Heart.” The reception is from 5-8 p.m. on Feb. 4 at the gallery, 2836 78th Ave. SE.
Subscribe online at www.Mi-Reporter.com or please call 1-888-838-3000
MIVAL gallery reception is Feb. 4
With the state’s levy lid lift expiring at the end of 2017, the Mercer Island School District expects to face a 4 percent funding loss, or roughly $1.8 million. At the school board’s retreat Jan. 26, Superintendent Dr. Gary Plano expressed urgency to board members toward sending a message to Olympia regarding a timely resolution to levy funding that won’t harm the school district. “I would suggest to you as individuals to contact your local representatives and share your thoughts with them,” Plano told board members. Plano recently traveled to Olympia to testify in favor of House Bill 2698, which would delay implementation of revisions to the school levy lid and local effort assistance. The bill is currently placed on second reading in
SUBSCRIPTIONS
MI | THIS WEEK
Serving Since1947 1947 Servingthe theMercer MercerIsland Island Community community since
MICA | PAGE 6
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Page 2 | Wednesday, February 3, 2016
MERCER ISLAND REPORTER
| www.mi-reporter.com
Thanks For Making Us Mercer Island's #1 Real Estate Team in 2015 SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
Kirkland - $253,000
Mercer Island - $455,000
Bellevue - $447,000
West Seattle - $606,000
Mercer Island - $635,000
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
Mercer Island - $649,000
Bellevue - $690,000
West Seattle - $729,500
Bellevue - $780,000
Redmond - $787,000
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
Seattle - $952,000
Mercer Island - $985,000
Kirkland - $1,048,000
Mercer Island - $1,088,000
Mercer Island - $1,140,000
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
Mercer Island - $1,170,000
Mercer Island - $1,240,000
Mercer Island - $1,220,000
Redmond - $1,275,000
Mercer Island - $1,295,000
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
Mercer Island - $1,375,000
Mercer Island - $1,450,000
Mercer Island - $1,495,000
Mercer Island - $1,325,000
Mercer Island - $1,360,000
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
Mercer Island - $1,520,000
Mercer Island - $1,839,000
Mercer Island - $1,955,000
Mercer Island - $1,995,000
Mercer Island - $2,250,000
SOLD
SOLD
SOLD
Kirkland - $2,600,000
Mercer Island - $2,650,000
Mercer Island - $4,150,000
PENDING
Mercer Island - $3,195,000
PENDING
Mercer Island - $3,500,000
MERCER ISLAND REPORTER
| www.mi-reporter.com
Wednesday, February 3, 2016 | Page 3
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OPINION PAGE 4 | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2016
MERCER ISLAND REPORTER | www.mi-reporter.com
Reporter launches new editorial board
To the editor
well-thought-out and informed Editor’s Note editorial plays a critical community role. It offers voters important information about candidates and measures on the ballot. But most importantly, an editorial also weighs all of the objective information this newspaper has CARRIE RODRIGUEZ reported over a given period of time and provides an answer of how news experts and those carefully mulling over these details would vote in the end. To strengthen this objective, the Reporter is launching its inaugural editorial board. This seven-member panel will consist of two staff members, including the publisher and myself, along with five community members who will serve a two-year term. We invite residents of the Mercer Island community who are interested in discussing hot topics, endorsing campaigns and addressing broad measures to apply for these five positions. This board will be held accountable by a democratic vote. Before applying for these openings, please consider the following: • You must be keenly aware of Island issues. • Board members must be open-minded and have the ability to discuss multiple points of view on various issues. • Members will represent a range of backgrounds, including political. • Your name will be printed in the masthead on the Re-
It has been in the headlines for a number of years that the state of Washington has chronically underfunded state k-12 education for years. As such, our Mercer Island community relies on local school levies to attempt to make up for this chronic shortfall. For this reason, the Committee for Mercer Island Public Schools (yesmischools.org) asks the Mercer Island community to continue your strong support for our schools by approving the renewal of both the capital and transportation levies. The renewal of both levies will provide critical maintenance and upgrades to our school facilities, expand access to technology and provide safe transportation for our children while keeping your overall tax assessment rate the same. It is the local financial support of our district that enables Mercer Island schools to continue to pursue educational excellence. Along with the hard work of our students, teachers, parents and administrators, providing this critical financial support helps ensure the Mercer Island School District will continue to be ranked one of the highest performing districts in Washington state. Strong schools benefit the entire Mercer Island community. In addition, your support for both levies have the added benefit of maximizing our communities return on
A
EDITOR | PAGE 5
ISLAND TALK
“This is my first year being married, so I’m figuring that out, maybe go out of town.” JORDAN BENSON Construction Kennydale
REPORTER
Mercer Island
A Division of
VOLUME 58, NO. 05
3047 78th Ave S.E. #207 Mercer Island, WA 98040 (206) 232-1215 www.mi-reporter.com
Vote yes to renew school levies
investment by maintaining, preserving and extending the useful life of our current school facilities as well as providing incredible learning opportunities for our children so they are well prepared for the 21st century. Please vote yes twice to keep our schools strong. Paul Bergman and Jerry Kavesh Committee co-chairs
PTAs ask for levy renewal support On behalf of the Mercer Island PTA Council, which includes representation from each school PTA, we are asking Islanders to continue their strong support for our schools by approving the two levy renewals
on the ballot. The levy renewals will provide for critical maintenance and upgrades across our school facilities, expand access to technology and provide for safe transportation. As renewals, Islanders will continue to pay the same tax assessment rate. We believe the levies provide numerous benefits, including: • Maintaining and prolonging the useful life of school assets, which ensures past investments will continue to provide service to our community, thereby maximizing the impact of our tax dollars. • Supporting 21st century learning practices through the expanded, age appropriate use of technology, which (among other things) enhanc-
LETTERS | PAGE 5
What are your plans for Valentine’s Day?
“I’ll be in the mountains of Ecuador just for fun.” CHARLES EGERTON Company co-founder Mercer Island
“I’m boring. I’m just going to be home with my dog.”
William Shaw, Publisher wshaw@soundpublishing.com Carrie Rodriquez, Editor editor@mi-reporter.com Katie Metzger, Joseph Livarchik Staff Writers Theres’a Baumann, Advertising tbaumann@mi-reporter.com
“Buy some flowers and chocolate for my wife.”
JONATHAN FLETCHER WITH DOG MARI Property manager Mercer Island
ADVERTISING (206) 232-1215 DEADLINE 4 P.M. THURSDAY CLASSIFIED (800) 388-2527 DEADLINE 11 A.M. MONDAY SUBSCRIPTIONS 1-888-838-3000 CIRCULATION@MI-REPORTER.COM
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Boeing, retired Mercer Island
“We might go to the Columbia Tower Club and eat brunch.” SARAH MATISSE Student Capitol Hill
Submissions and letters to the editor can be sent to editor@mi-reporter.com or by calling (206) 232-1215. COPYRIGHT © 2015 BY SOUND PUBLISHING, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT PERMISSION IS PROHIBITED. THE MERCER ISLAND REPORTER (USPS 339620) IS PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY BY SOUND PUBLISHING, INC. SECOND-CLASS POSTAGE PAID AT MERCER ISLAND, WA. SUBSCRIPTIONS: $39 PER YEAR. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO, 3047 78TH AVE S.E. #207, MERCER ISLAND, WA 98040.
MERCER ISLAND REPORTER
LETTERS | FROM 4 es student collaboration, allows teachers to more effectively personalize the learning experience, provides immediate access to primary source materials, and facilitates students’ creativity and innovation. Technology, when appropriately utilized, is critical to developing the skills our children absolutely must have in order to succeed in the cognitive, global, digital world. • Allowing the PTAs to focus their energy on other programs that enhance the educational experience, such as non-technology related teacher enrichment grants, classroom support, field trips, after school clubs, parent education and community building events. The levy renewals are common sense investments in our schools and were overwhelmingly approved by Mercer Island voters in previous elections. Keep Mercer Island schools strong. Please vote yes twice for the levy renewals. Jackie Brown and Debbie Hanson PTA Council co-presidents
Financial education should be requirement I am a senior at Mercer Island High School and my goal is to increase awareness about financial education through the high school. To begin, here’s a highlight. Recently, the powerball jackpot reached a record breaking $1.6 billion. Me and my parents started talking about what we would do if we won. My dad said that he would budget and figure out how much to invest into the stock market and family, and would give away any-
thing leftover. My dad has a masters degree in finance and shows high levels of financial literacy, a matter that is lacking among many Americans today. In 2009, the Council for Economic Education (CEE) conducted a survey of 44 states that have grades K-12 financial education in place. The results were striking. Only 48 percent of students passed, well below the international average of 60 percent. These results raise an important question: what do kids spend eight hours a day in school doing? I believe the root can be traced back to the Bush presidency. The passage of the No Child Left Behind Act began to rate schools based on pass/fail rebates on different federal tests. If schools were rated as failing, they could risk losing federal funding. Because of this high stakes pressure, many states began giving out more tests to prepare for the federal ones. This was the beginning of the testing culture. In today’s schools, the most important subjects are math, science, history and English, while little attention is put on less worrisome, but equally important life skills such as budgeting, finance and other courses that hide under the name of “CTE” or “elective.” The purpose of school should be to teach kids the skills they need to succeed in the adult world. And financial knowledge is an important skill to have. I believe, going forward, that we should make financial education a required part of the elective courses, I believe that this is a winwin for everyone. Financial education is integrated into the curriculum, and it also puts less stress on students who don’t know what electives to take. Daniel Schwartz Mercer Island NEW
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Sad loss for Islanders Another retail gone. One of our two drive-thru coffee shops. To be replaced by yet another pizza resturant. A sad loss for Mercer Island. Bonnie Godfred Mercer Island
Parking solution for MICA Of course there is a parking solution for MICA. It is green and bordered by 77th Avenue, Southeast and Southeast 32nd Avenue. Yes, you guessed it — another swath of Mercerdale Park. This, it will be argued when MICA backers fully realize there will be a parking problem, is the only place available. Haven’t we heard this before? Virginia Arnon Mercer Island
Citizens should vote on MICA I would like to express my support for a resolution to have a public advisory vote on whether to lease a portion of Mercerdale Park to MICA for the following reasons. Mercerdale Park is a large and beautiful part of downtown Mercer Island. Once park land is given over to other uses it is gone forever. We are a small city and need not emulate an industrial center. Given the nature of boom and bust cycles, it is quite likely that the $300,000 in annual contributions required by MICA to just break even will not be achieved. Then what? If the city will be asked to come to the aid of MICA, as it had to do in the past for Youth Theatre Northwest, what will the citizens have to give up? These are important
| www.mi-reporter.com considerations with longterm consequences. MICA has an obligation to prove to the residents of our city why it should be given private usage of our valuable parkland. The citizens need to be made aware that the “deal” as is currently on the table is not without significant financial risks to the city. Access to the park should not be cut off by a huge building. The parkland belongs to the residents of the city. MICA needs to justify its benefits and an advisory vote is the perfect forum for MICA to show the city that donating parkland for construction of their building is the highest and best usage of the land held for the enjoyment of all the Island residents. An advisory vote will bring all the issues out in the open and will allow citizens to make an informed decision about the future of their park. Al Lippert Mercer Island
City must focus on needs, not wants Just because a few council members really want something does not make it a need. Given our precarious budget situation, Mercer Island must focus on needs (police/fire, public safety, roads) rather than wants. The City Council planning retreat was informative from a number of perspectives, not the least of which was the discussion of the financial state of the city. Laying the groundwork for this discussion was Mayor Bassett who stated a few months ago: “… the 2017-2018 budgeting cycle is on trajectory to a deficit if adjustments are not made. Those adjustments will be studied and implemented over the next 15 months.” I hope
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Wednesday, February 3, 2016 | Page 5 the adjustment that the mayor is referring to is not the sole act of coming to the voters with the City Council’s hand out asking for more money. It’s easy to balance a budget when you can keep going back to the citizen ATM for more money through the levy lid-lift mechanism. But what happens when the citizens of Mercer Island say no to any levy lid scenario? Is it possible that the reason we don’t have as many options in terms of city funds is because we haven’t been consistently prudent? Despite the words of “lean” and “strong” being thrown around? For example: $20,000 for a landscape architect here, $5,000 for communication there, another $100,000 for a consultant who was later replaced with an additional consultant for another $50,000 — all of these smaller expenses add up over time, especially when no one is paying attention to the aggregate. I suspect Islanders are as likely to pass a levy lid lift as they were to pass the first 2012 school bond. I encourage the council to plan and spend just like most every other family on the island, consistent with their current resources. I encourage not using the citizen credit card just because you don’t believe it has a spending limit. City Council members, please be bold and courageous in making decisions that will allow us to live within our means because sometimes that means just saying no. Gary D. Robinson Mercer Island
EDITOR | FROM 4 porter’s editorial page, which could cause public criticism. • While on the board, you and immediate family members should refrain from endorsing any Mercer Island issues that could be viewed as a conflict of interest. This includes politically contentious issues and political candidates. Additionally, neither you nor your spouse can currently hold elected office. • You are asked to attend monthly meetings from 4-6 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month. Board members may be asked to attend more meetings during the election season to interview candidates, if necessary. • This is an unpaid volunteer position. This commitment will begin in March and is for a two-year term. If you would like to be considered for one of these openings, please email editor@mi-reporter.com with a short statement about why you want to be involved and why you should be selected. Statements are due by Feb. 22. We look forward to strengthening our editorial procedures and we hope you will find this board a useful tool as you make your own decisions.
Becky adesan N
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Page 6 | Wednesday, February 3, 2016
MERCER ISLAND REPORTER
City contemplates property tax increase By Katie Metzger
kmetzger@mi-reporter.com
Despite coming out of 2015 with a $1.1 million surplus, the Mercer Island City Council is considering going to voters in 2017 to ask them to pay higher property taxes. This property levy lid lift could come in many forms. Finance Director Chip Corder laid out several scenarios at the council’s planning session on Jan. 23 to prepare the group for facing several tough budget decisions this fall. Mercer Island is extremely reliant on property tax due to a “minimal” retail sales tax base, Corder said. High levels of development activity in 2015 — namely the permit fees and taxes paid by Legacy and the Mercer Island School District for their construction projects — have caused a big spike in revenues that can’t be counted on as ongoing funding sources. Corder said he anticipated a decline in that spike, and the moratorium on downtown development hasn’t helped. The gap between revenues and expenditures is widening as the cost of business goes up. Property tax increases are capped at 2 percent per year. The council has taken a
few looks at reducing expenditures, including reviewing compensation policies and conducting an audit of the maintenance department. There are other options besides a tax increase, Corder said. The city spends 73 percent of its budget on personnel costs, and could look at reducing staffing levels. But Mercer Island currently has the lowest number of full-time employees per 1,000 population in King County. The council could also increase the Transportation Benefit District annual license fee. Corder suggested using surpluses to bridge the gap for the next biennium. It’s a “temporary fix that buys time,” Corder said. Mercer Island currently has two levy lid lifts on the books — one for parks that ends in 2021 and one for fire services that ends in 2023. If another lift were to be proposed, it would likely be voted on during the 2017 primary election, Corder said. It would pass with a simple majority (50 percent plus one) and cost the average household — $900,000 home assessed value on Mercer Island — $21.75 per month, according to Corder’s preferred scenario. Currently, Island residents
pay an average of $167 per month to the city, and $205 to Puget Sound Energy, $225 to Comcast and $234 to Verizon. If voters say no, the city could be facing a huge deficit at the end of 2017. Funding for “low priorities of government,” like mental health counselors in schools and field maintenance, could go away. Corder said going to voters is “always a gamble” — one that prompted council members to ask if it would be prudent to go to voters this year and get another shot next year if the levy lid lift is rejected. Mayor Bruce Bassett said that because the city is coming off a contentious election year, sitting on a surplus and facing a community with seemingly low confidence in its government, the tax increase could be a “hard sell” this year. The city also has $2.34 million in its rainy day fund, and if development activity continues at its current pace, “that would erase the deficit,” Corder said. Deficits are projected in the General Fund, Youth and Family Services Fund and Capital Improvement Fund, and the city also needs money for a fire apparatus replacement and a new IT position.
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MICA | FROM 1 said many times that he would support an advisory vote. “The decision to prioritize one nonprofit over another to be the beneficiary of public assets seems like an issue for the voters and not seven residents alone,” Wisenteiner said in the group’s voters guide. Sanderson ran unopposed, but was also interviewed by the group for the voters guide. “Specifically on the MICA issue, I support going to the citizens on this (and a number of other important issues) and abiding by their responses,” Sanderson said, though he said MICA would enhance Mercerdale if it can get over certain hurdles, including raising money and providing parking and clear financials. Other council members weren’t as enthusiastic. New Councilmember Wendy Weiker said a
MICA/Contributed Image
Some Islanders want voters to have a say in whether or not the Mercer Island Center for the Arts can be built in a corner of Mercerdale Park. special election could be “divisive.” Deputy Mayor Debbie Bertlin said an advisory vote “would not provide sufficient clarity and be a substantial expense.” An advisory vote could cost anywhere from $20,000 to $70,000, depending on when the election is held and how many other items are on the ballot, as the costs are
City briefs Critical areas update is overdue Mercer Island’s critical areas regulations, which dictate city policies on wetlands, watercourses, geologic hazard areas and wildlife habitat conservation areas, are due for an update. The regulations were passed in 2005, and a 2014 audit of the city by the Washington Cities Insurance Authority (WCIA) recommended that they be revisited, said City Attorney Kari Sand.
The city is scheduled for another WCIA audit in May. Sand said these regulations usually become stricter when updated. The changes may affect the pending lease with the Mercer Island Center for the Arts (MICA), located in Mercerdale Park near a two-acre wetland.
City outlines funding needs At the City Council’s January planning session, Finance Director Chip Corder pointed out
split between all of the jurisdictions with ballot measures. A special election would be the most expensive. “The MICA board has consistently sought community input and will continue to do so,” MICA president John Gordon Hill wrote in an email update. “However, MICA strongly opposes an advisory vote.” big holes in the budget in anticipation of tough negotiations this fall, when the council must pass a balanced budget for 2017-18. Among other requests, Mercer Island will need $2 million for two big capital projects: the Groveland Beach dock replacement and new Island Crest ball field lights. At least an additional $3.6 million would be needed for an expansion/renovation project for the city’s maintenance center. The council will discuss these funding needs starting in September and is scheduled to pass a final budget before the end of the year.
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THE RECORD MERCER ISLAND REPORTER | www.mi-reporter.com
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2016 | PAGE 7
Vehicle ‘donuts’ damage South Mercer Playfields | Police Blotter The following is a sample from the Mercer Island police log:
JAN. 10 TOOL THEFT: An Island woman reported that power tools were stolen from her front yard in the 8400 block of SE 39th St. BROKEN GLASS: An Island woman said a pedestrian punched the passenger side mirror of her car in the 4800 block of Island Crest Way, breaking the glass and causing $100 in damages. She did not see pedestrians in the crosswalk and braked abruptly. STOLEN WALLET: A Tukwila woman said she believed a specific person took her wallet from inside an apartment at the Ellsworth House, in the 2700 block of 76th Ave. SE. Police questioned the subject, who confessed to taking the wallet.
MIPD tracks down mail thieves By Reporter Staff
Mercer Island Police Department (MIPD) officers arrested two suspects on Jan. 29 who allegedly stole a car, license plates and mail. At 1:19 a.m., an officer observed two subjects and a vehicle next to a bank of mailboxes in the 7800 block of East Mercer Way. He went to contact the subjects and they drove away, traveling north. The officer initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle in the 5300 block of East Mercer Way, but the driver failed to yield and turned onto a dead-end road. Officers located the vehicle unoccupied in a residential driveway at the end of the street. The vehicle had rolled into the garage door at the residence, causing slight damage to the door. Officers observed stolen mail in the vehicle. A perimeter was established and multiple K9 teams from the Bellevue Police Department responded. A K9 track led to two suspects, a 32-yearold male and a 37-year-old female from Seattle. Both were taken into custody.
JAN. 11 FRAUD: An Island man in the 2800 block of 75th Place SE received a text message from Bank of America stating that the bank believed his Alaska Airlines Visa credit card had been compromised. He confirmed the card had fraudulent charges on it. IDENTITY THEFT: An Island man in the 4000 block of East Mercer Way said his personal information was used to open fraudulent credit cards. MISCHIEF: A parks department employee found damage to the grass field at the South Mercer Playfields in the 8200 block of SE 78th St., after unknown suspects did “donuts” with their vehicle. LOST CAR: A Woodinville woman said her locked vehicle was stolen from the Park and Ride in the 8000 block of North Mercer Way.
FOUND CAR: A Tacoma woman’s car, which was stolen from Seattle, was recovered on Mercer Island in the 8000 block of North Mercer Way. MAIL THEFT: Five victims said their mailboxes were broken into in the 3200 block of 90th Place SE. No mail was known to be stolen at the time of the initial report.
JAN. 12 SUSPICIOUS: An Island woman called to report unusual circumstances at her residence in the 7800 block of SE 28th St. JAN. 13 LOST PROPERTY: An Island woman lost her cell phone in the 7200 block of 93rd Ave. SE.
JAN. 14 THEFT: An Island woman had a payroll packet stolen out of her mail in the 4300 block
of Fernbrook Drive.
JAN. 15 PROWLING: A police officer discovered a car prowl in the 7200 block of 93rd Ave. SE. The vehicle appeared to be left unlocked. Nothing was reported stolen. FOUND PROPERTY: Comcast technicians found an outboard boat motor near the intersection of Southeast 47th Street and 90th Avenue Southeast and turned it into the police. FRAUD: An Island woman in the 7800 block of SE 28th St. said that since her mailbox was broken into three months ago, many credit cards have been opened in her name and many credit card applications have been denied. She put a hold on her line of credit. ELUDING POLICE: Police attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 9700 block of eastbound I-90. The
No injuries in structure fire on 88th Avenue By Reporter Staff
At 4:28 p.m. on Jan. 27, Mercer Island Fire Department (MIFD) responded to a residential structure fire in the 4600 block of 88th Ave. SE, according to a statement from Battalion Chief Shawn Matheson. The two-story home was occupied when the fire started and was safely evacuated when fire units arrived. Firefighters observed smoke on arrival, and extinguished the fire
with a single attack hose line after 30 minutes. Arriving on scene within minutes, firefighters were able to extinguish this fire with no extension to other areas or buildings. The fire originated in the attic, where the main electrical power supply enters the home through the roof, and was caused by an electrical failure. The initial attack of the fire was offensive, which means fire personnel fought it from the interior of the structure.
A total of nine fire apparatus were dispatched to this incident. Seven MIFD personnel extinguished the fire, and were assisted with ventilation and support by 12 Bellevue firefighters. The building and contents sustained limited damage caused by fire, heat, water and smoke. Preliminary damage estimates to the building and contents are $30,000. For more information, contact the on-duty battalion chief at 206-275-7962.
Parks and Rec summer camp registration opens Feb. 6 Registration for all Mercer Island Parks and Recreation summer camps (and youth spring classes) begins Feb. 6. View the camp brochure on the Recreation webpage. Register online directly, or by clicking the course code that will take you to a registration page. You can also stop by in person at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center, or call 206-2757609. Register for Mini Mercer, Mercer Day Camp or Mini Mercer Sports between Feb. 6
and 20 and receive $20 off your first camp and entry into a drawing to receive
half off your second camp. This promo is only available by phone.
...obituaries Place a paid obituary to honor those who have passed away, call Linda at 253.234.3506 paidobits@reporternewspapers.com Paid obituaries include publication in the newspaper and online at www.mi-reporter.com All notices are subject to verification.
vehicle fled, and there was no suspect information. FORGERY: An Island man in the 4300 block of 92nd Ave. SE said his credit card number was stolen and used to make a purchase at the Microsoft Store at University Village in Seattle. The suspect attempted to make another purchase at Victoria’s Secret but it was
declined after the victim had been made aware of the situation via text. He said he had spoken to the stores and that surveillance video is available for police. DUI: Police stopped a vehicle in the 2700 block of 80th Ave. SE. The driver had been drinking, failed field sobriety tests and was arrested and transported to the police department. Breath tests results were 0.216 and 0.215.
PUBLIC NOTICES Advertisement for Bids CITY OF MERCER ISLAND, WASHINGTON ROADSIDE SHOULDER IMPROVEMENTS EAST MERCER WAY PHASE 9 DATE OF BID OPENING: February 9, 2016 TIME: 2:00 PM Sealed bids for the ROADSIDE SHOULDER IMPROVEMENTS EAST MERCER WAY PHASE 9 will be received by the City of Mercer Island at the DSG Permit Counter, 9611 SE 36th Street, Mercer Island, Washington 98040 up to 2:00 p.m. Local Time on February 9, 2016 and will then and there be opened and publicly read. Bids received later than 2:00 p.m., February 9, 2016 will not be considered. DESCRIPTION OF WORK The work includes furnishing all labor, equipment, and materials necessary for the construction of roadway improvements on East Mercer Way, from the 6600 block to the 7100 block. Work consists of temporary traffic control; clearing and grubbing; pavement removals; grading; storm drainage pipe and catch basin installation; hot mix asphalt shoulder widening; hot mix asphalt driveway construction; utility adjustments; pavement markings; and property restoration. A single contract will be awarded to the responsible bidder submitting the lowest bid, taking into account the Bidder’s Qualifications. Each bidder, by submission of the proposal, acknowledges and understands the rights reserved by the Owner in awarding the contract and the Owner’s right to modify the size of the project. The bidder agrees that, if awarded the contract, Final Completion of the entire project will be achieved within 45 working days from the Notice to Proceed. Each bid proposal shall be accompanied by a bid proposal deposit in cash, certified check, cashier’s check, or surety bond in an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the total amount of such bid proposal. Should the successful bidder fail to enter into such contract and furnish satisfactory performance bond within the same time stated in the Specifications, the bid proposal deposit shall be forfeited to the City of Mercer Island. All bidding and all construction shall be carried out in compliance with the Plans and Specifications for this project. Bids are to be submitted only on the forms provided in the Spec-
ifications, and all bids shall be accompanied by the required Bid Guaranty Bond. Bids shall remain opened for a period of sixty (60) calendar days from the opening of the Bid. The City reserves the right to postpone the date and time for opening of bids. The City expressly reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive minor informalities and to award the contract to the responsible bidder that submits the lowest responsive bid. Plans, specifications, addenda, bidders list, and plan holders list for this project are available through the City of Mercer Island’s on-line plan room. Free of charge access is provided to Prime Bidders, Subcontractors, and Vendors by going to: http://bxwa.com and clicking on: “Posted Projects”, “Public Works”, “City of Mercer Island”, and “Projects Bidding”. Bidders are encouraged to “Register” in order to receive automatic email notification of future addenda and to be placed on the “Bidders List.” This on-line plan room provides Bidders with fully usable on-line documents, with the ability to: download, print to your own printer, order full/ partial plan sets from numerous reprographic sources, and a free on-line digitizer/take-off tool. Please contact Builders Exchange of Washington at 425-258-1303 should you require assistance with access or registration. Bidder questions are to be directed to Clint Morris, Street Engineer, by email at clint.morris @mercergov.org or via phone at 206-999-8041. The City encourages the participation of certified disadvantaged businesses and women’s business enterprises to act as prime contractors as well as subcontractors on this project. Ali Spietz City Clerk City of Mercer Island Published in the Mercer Island Reporter on January 27, 2016 and February 3, 2016. #1518770.
To place a Legal Notice, please call 253-234-3506 or e-mail legals@ reporternewspapers. com
Page 8 | Wednesday, February 3, 2016
MERCER ISLAND REPORTER
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School district pushing for intersection School news work to be completed this summer City planning By Joe Livarchik
jlivarchik@mi-reporter.com
In a meeting with Mayor Bruce Bassett and interim City Manager Steve Lancaster, Superintendent Dr. Gary Plano and school board president Ralph Jorgenson advocated for the road construction project at the intersection of Southeast 40th Street and 86th Avenue Southeast to be completed in time for the opening of Northwood Elementary. The project would add a left-turn
lane onto 86th Avenue Southeast, which currently poses an uncontrolled left turn. “We pitched the need to potentially have that work done during this summer before school opens because we are concerned about the number of walkers and the number of cars that are headed westbound on 40th that will be turning southbound onto 86th because that is the [Northwood Elementary] parent drop-
to provide YFS counselor at Northwood
off area,” Plano said. “So we’ve pitched the idea to the city to see what the city would need, if anything, to help encourage them to move up the funding from next year’s budget into this year’s budget.” The project has drawn opposition in City Council, with opponents citing cost, and safety issues for walkers, with the new turn lane creating another lane of traffic for people to cross.
Superintendent Dr. Gary Plano relayed to school board members, after meeting with Mayor Bruce Bassett and interim City Manager Steve Lancaster, that the city plans to provide Northwood Elementary a Youth and Family Services counselor in the 2016-17 school budget.
School board extends superintendent’s contract to 2019
School district hires new communications coordinator By Reporter Staff
On Jan. 29, the Mercer Island School District (MISD) announced the hiring of a new communications and alumni relations coordinator for the district. Craig Degginger comes from the Marysville School District where he is the director of communications and community relations. Before that, Degginger worked for nine years as the Shoreline School District’s public information officer.
Degginger graduated from the University of Washington with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He has worked as a journalist and editor for many publications over the years, including editor of The Jewish Transcript for 10 years that brought him to the Stroum Jewish Community Center on the Island frequently. He is also connected to Mercer Island through his family and many cousins who live here. “I’m impressed with Craig’s deep knowledge
of communications and his working knowledge of the power and influence that social media has on information and communication,” said MISD Superintendent Dr. Gary Plano. “We are excited to have Craig join our team and look forward to him sharing his many skills and experiences with our community.” Degginger will be recommended to the school board for final approval on Feb. 11 and is expected to start on Feb. 22.
At its regular meeting Thursday, Jan. 28, the Mercer Island school board extended Superintendent Dr. Gary Plano’s contract through June 30, 2019. Nearly a year ago to the day, the school board renewed Plano’s contract through 2018. Each January, the board conducts
School district is recruiting bus drivers The Mercer Island School District is actively seeking new bus drivers. Citing a growing regional economy and the increased traffic that comes with it, the school district posted
Just as Salmon return to Lake Washington, Ray Akers has returned to Mercer Island!
As part of the interlocal agreement with the Mercer Island School District, the city of Mercer Island shares costs of providing mental health counselors in schools. The city currently pays $452,400, and the district $60,000 for six-anda-half full-time employees. This includes three elementary school counselors, one middle school counselor, two drug and alcohol specialists at the middle school and high school and one R and R place counselor.
Plano said he was thrilled with the city’s plan to have at least one mental health counselor at each of the Island’s public schools. “It is a rare city that believes part of its core mission is to fund mental health counseling and provide mental health services to youth and seniors in this community,” Plano said. “We are fortunate to have a City Council willing to make that an important function of city government.”
a formal summative evaluation of the superintendent. “We are grateful for your excellence in all aspects of school operations and appreciate these efforts on behalf of our students, our staff, our parents and our community,” board president Ralph Jorgenson said. “We appreciate the working partnership with you and look forward to continued work together.” Plano said he was indebted to his support team, addressing those in atten-
dance, while also acknowledging the administrators at each of Mercer Island’s schools. “Without their support and help, I simply couldn’t be able to run this district or have the ship moving the direction that it does and the speed that it does without their incredible help,” he said. “It’s been a pleasure for me all these years to work with them and thank you to the five of you for your belief in me and your support.”
on its website it is approaching a critical situation if new drivers are not found quickly. The district provides all necessary training for its bus drivers. As a driver, employees are eligible as a district employee for retirement benefits and can work just a partial shift, all day or
on a substitute basis. The school district is also seeking paraprofessionals to work as teacher aides in classrooms. More information and applications may be found online at jobs. mercerislandschools.org or by contacting the human resources office at 206-2363318.
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MERCER ISLAND REPORTER
MIHS band students excel at Eastshore solo and ensemble contest By Reporter Staff
It was a banner day full of outstanding performances on Jan. 23, when 140 Mercer Island band students participated in the Eastshore Music League’s solo and ensemble contest at Bellevue College. This event provides the opportunity for the Eastshore’s finest high school music students to hear each other perform alone and in ensembles. The Eastshore Music League is made up of 11 Eastside high schools stretching from Mercer Island to Mount Si and from Liberty to Interlake. Professional musicians from all over the Pacific Northwest filled the role of adjudicator and clinician. Each adjudicator listened to each performance, provided constructive written feedback and ranked the top three performers in each category. This year’s adjudicators included musicians from the Seattle Symphony, 5th Avenue Theater and the Pacific Northwest Ballet. Of the 20 wind and percussion categories, Mercer Island students were recognized as winners or
alternates in 16 categories. Twenty-seven entries, comprised of 60 students, placed in or were selected as winners in their category. “The entire MISD band staff is so proud of all the great performances this past Saturday. These performances represent hundreds of hours of hard work and are a testament to the commitment and maturity of our band kids” said Parker Bixby, band director. A complete list of winners and alternates are listed below. These students will go on to the state solo and ensemble contest in Ellensburg April 29-30. Category winners include: Zoe Sheill for flute; Alex Banbury for oboe; Cameron Cummings for bass clarinet; Tynan McGee for trombone; MIHS sax quintet of Ren Jaeks, Rose Weiker, Annie Ritcey, Sophie Chang and Christian Nicoll for large woodwind ensemble; Daniel Pooley for snare drum and multiple percussion; Verli Chen for timpani and mallets; MIHS percussion duet of Daniel Pooley and Jon Perr for small percussion ensemble; MIHS percussion
SCHOOL LEVIES | FROM 1 the Legislature. Although the levy cliff will roll back 4 percent of school district funding, Plano said additional state resources are anticipated, to the tune of $3 billion statewide, to meet McCleary requirements. But those resources won’t arrive before the levy cliff shortfall. “This bill that I testified on is simply a bridge to help us get from where we are to where we’re trying to go without dealing with
a potential one-year gap of a $1.8 million reduction,” he said. Plano said the challenge before lawmakers will be figuring out how to “hold school districts harmless” in the process of rolling back local levies while meeting the state requirement of fully funding education. Part of the problem, he said, was the Legislature not passing a tax increase to serve as a funding mechanism for state schools.
ensemble of Ben Chase, Meg Frisch, Verli Chen, Larissa Bitners, Chris Shin, Marissa Look, Matt McBurney, Daniel Pooley, Lauren Ralph, Devon Hayes, Jack Shanafelt, Jon Perr, Daniel Shen, Cole Johnson, Matt McLellan and Matteo Corneto for large percussion ensemble. First alternates include: Isabel Hernandez for clarinet; Katherine Gelsey for oboe; Patrick Nuckolls for bassoon; Riley Fang for soprano saxophone; Tommy Latkowski for trumpet; Kathryn Ristuben for French horn; MIHS Sassy Brassy group of Ali Rosenman, Max Waller, Jackson Borek, Tynan McGee, Daniel Gest, Braden Williams and Claire Stein for large brass ensemble; and Daniel Pooley for timpani and mallets. Second alternates include: Mona Xue for clarinet; Rebecca Bone for bassoon; Sam Bailey for bass clarinet; Kira Newell for trumpet; the MIHS sextet of Haley Beuthel, Emily Wang, Sabrina Kwan, Evan Ashley, Ben Dixon and Zoe Sheill for large woodwind ensemble; MIHS brass quintet of Nabeel Gaber, Kira Newell, Ali Rosenman, Zeke Larsen and Kathryn Ristuben for large brass ensemble; and Andrew Motz for mallets. Another issue Plano cited was Time, Responsibility and Incentive (TRI) pay, which allows school districts to bargain locally to collect revenue to augment teacher salaries for their additional time and work. “It is hard for us to be held harmless. There is harm to the highest tax-collecting districts, if you will, who have worked their teacher contracts to fund a sevenperiod day,” he said. “That’s a local decision. That’s not
| www.mi-reporter.com
Contributed Images
Presidential Scholar Lindsey Reitinger (left) poses with MIHS Principal Vicki Puckett (second from left) and scholars Grace Hunter, Eugenie Morton, Helena Shield and Aidan Wang.
Six Mercer Island students selected as Presidential Scholar candidates By Reporter Staff
The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars and the U.S. Department of Education have selected five current and one former Mercer Island High School students as candidates for the Presidential Scholars program. The students are Grace Hunter, Eugenie Morton, Lindsey Reitinger, Helena Shield and Aidan Wang. Jasper Hugunin, who was also selected, attends the early-entrance program at the University of Washington, bringing the total of MIHS students and former student to six. “This is a tremendous honor and we are all extremely proud of them for their accomplishments in academics, in leadership
something that Orting or Enumclaw has.” Plano noted each school district operates with different work rules, and said the money provided by the state falls short of funding a seven-period day, which Mercer Island High School currently has. That’s before considering costs associated with teacher contracts in collective bargaining. “Part of the local levy authority is allowing us to meet the work rule require-
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and in the community,” said Mercer Island School District Superintendent Dr. Gary Plano. The Department of Education selects students to apply for the honor based on exceptional scores on the ACT or SAT exam or by nomination of a chief state school officer. Approximately 560 high school seniors are named semifinalists and up to 141 U.S. Presidential Scholars are chosen from that group. In April, the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars reviews applications from the semifinalists. “This is an incredibly competitive award and speaks volumes about the dedication our students have shown in their academics, leadership and community involvement,” said Vicki Puckett, MIHS
principal. “To have six Presidential Scholar semifinalists from Mercer Island High School is very exceptional. We are all proud of each one of our Presidential Scholar semifinalists and look forward to each candidate moving forward in the future.” The U.S. Presidential Scholars program, established in 1964 by the president’s executive order, recognizes some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors for their accomplishments in many areas: academic success, leadership and service to school and community. The program offers finalists an expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. in June for a White House medallion ceremony along with other special events and enrichment activities.
ments that the state has said, ‘You must collectively bargain with your teachers,’” Plano said. “You can’t tie our hands. You can’t just
develop a formula, go do it and then not give us enough money to implement these programs at a local level.”
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Page 10 | Wednesday, February 3, 2016
MERCER ISLAND REPORTER
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MERCER ISLAND REPORTER
Twelve Island businesses offer chance to give back on Feb. 10 By Katie Metzger
kmetzger@mi-reporter.com
When Jim and Ginny Clarke were scouting new locations for their business Clarke and Clarke Art and Artifacts last February, the first thing they noticed were signs and balloons for the Giving from the Heart breakfast and shopping day. A year later, and settled in at 7605 SE 27th St., they knew they wanted to participate, give back to the community and raise awareness for Giving from the Heart and the organization it supports: Mercer Island Youth and Family Services (MIYFS). “This program is a good program,” Jim Clarke said. “There’s a velocity of issues in the world today, and so many people get left behind. Many who have need become invisible.” The Giving from the Heart breakfast is from 7:308:30 a.m. on Feb. 10 at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center, and the shopping begins right after that at 12 businesses, including All the Best Pet Care, Au Courant | The Den | POSH, Auto Spa, C.Michele Interior Lifestyles, David J. Weed Orthodontics, Freshy’s Seafood Market, Island Books, Island Treats, Pete’s
Governor fills open seat on State Transportation Commission By Reporter Staff
After appointing two new members to the Washington State Transportation Commission earlier this month, Gov. Jay Inslee recently appointed Shiv Batra, of Mercer Island, to fill the third remaining open seat on the sevenmember body. “Our state is experiencing population growth and a strong economy — it means we’re doing great things that attract great people to Washington, but it also means more demand on our already strained transportation system,” Inslee said. “We must continually assess better ways to move people and goods. Shiv experiences these challenges every day, and has the skill set and expertise to enhance the commission’s work on congestion management and long-term funding sustain-
South Mercer Chevron, Phat that MIYFS is a personal 12 Island Broiler, Studio 904 cause for them, as both live and Yogabliss. The business- on Mercer Island and raised es will donate 20 percent of their kids in the community. sales on Feb. 10 to MIYFS. Both held food drives in the The Clarkes said they fall, but wanted to do more. support the shopping day “With all of the help they because it provides the ulti- give and the services they mate “gift with purchase” provide, you can’t even comfor their customers; “a new pare it,” Pietila said. “It’s artifact and a nice feeling in truly amazing, and not all your heart,” Ginny Clarke communities have that.” said. Larson said she has used “It’s such a wonderful way MIYFS services, as have to make a huge difference, all generations of her famwhen everyone can give a ily. She needed the in-house little something,” she said. geriatric specialist to help Clarke and Clarke isn’t her aging parents, and her the only new business par- kids participated in VOICE. ticipating this year. Mercer “I’ve gotten more back Island Athletic Club, owned than I could ever give to by Ginny Pietila and also cel- [MIYFS],” she said. ebrating its one-year anniLarson said that the shopversary soon, will provide ping day is just one more a discount of way to give 10 percent back, personoff personal ally and protraining packfessionally. ages on Feb. “This com10. Mercer munity is so Island Florist, good to us, Ginny Clarke owned by Participating business owner they supDiane Larson, port us day in is a first-time and day out shopping day participant and year round, and we but a longtime supporter of want to give back,” Larson the organization. This time said. “[The shopping day] of year is busy for the floral is multi-layered: giving to industry, with school dances yourself, giving to others and Valentine’s Day com- and supporting a local busiing up. ness and organization you Pietila and Larson said believe in.”
“It’s the ultimate gift with purchase.”
ability for our statewide transportation system.” Batra has graduate and post-graduate degrees from the University of Nebraska. He is currently semi-retired, and serves as executive vice president at Tetra Tech Engineering, Inc. Prior to this post, he served as CEO of Bellevue based INCA Engineers, Inc. for 25 years. Batra has been a prominent advocate and active member of the U.S. engineering community for more than three decades. “I have spent my entire life working professionally in the surface transportation and water-borne navigation sector and see all modes of the transportation system as the foundation of our economy and an instrumental part of our lives,” Batra said. “We need good roads, rails, transit and a robust, multimodal transportation system in order to live, play and work. Our region faces great challenge in this regard as we witness increasing population growth, and with that growth, increased congestion. Our future is bright,
but we must advance our transportation thinking to evolve and change with our changing population.” Batra has been successful in promoting adoption of technology advancements, civic participation and professional development activities. He is also active in many local nonprofit organizations, such as the Bellevue Downtown Association and Bellevue Chamber of Commerce. The commission is charged with setting toll rates, ferry fares, authoring the state’s 20-year transportation plan and advising the governor on transportation policy and fiscal matters.
| www.mi-reporter.com
Wednesday, February 3, 2016 | Page 11
Katie Metzger/Staff Photos
Above, Mercer Island Florist owner Diane Larson adjusts a Valentine’s Day display to get ready for the Giving from the Heart shopping day on Feb. 10. Right, purchase a gym membership on Feb. 10 at Mercer Island Athletic Club and take classes like TRX. The gym will donate 20 percent of sales that day to Mercer Island Youth and Family Services. Below, Clarke and Clarke is one of the 12 businesses participating in the Giving from the Heart shopping day.
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MERCER ISLAND REPORTER | www.mi-reporter.com
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Custom Rambler
$575,000
15123 High Bridge Rd, Monroe. This 3BD/2.5BA Custom Rambler was totally rebuilt in 2002. 3.65 acre lot w/ view. Gourmet kitchen, large deck, oversized 3 car garage, RV parking, barn/shop & more. Separate MIL. 206.232.8600 www.johnlscott.com
$795,000
Located in Issaquah, 805 Highwood Dr SW, 4 Bed & 3.25 Bath. Large kitchen eating area, spacious office, cozy up to the fire in your family rm, & spacious 3 car garage. Oversized mstr w/spacious bathrm & walk-in closet. It’s a must see! Sandra Levin 206.949.2845 www.mercerislandoffice.johnlscott.com/52722
Mercer Island Condominium
$399,500
This corner unit with spacious rooms and remodeled kitchen makes this a place to entertain or enjoy private time. Enjoy the warmth of your fire or a day on the patio. The separate laundry room includes built in - pull out shelves. 206.232.86000 www.johnlscott.com
MERCER ISLAND REPORTER | www.mi-reporter.com
Wednesday, February 3, 2016 | Page 13
Congratulations!
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J. Lennox Scott, Chairman & CEO John L. Scott Real Estate
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Page 14 | Wednesday, February 3, 2016
MERCER ISLAND REPORTER
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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2016 | PAGE 15
Interlake tops Mercer Island for KingCo wrestling crown By Shaun Scott
sscott@soundpublishing.com
With the outcome of the Class 3A KingCo wrestling championship hanging in the balance, Interlake Saints 220-pound grappler Saul Bobadilla delivered with everything on the line. The Saints, who trailed the Mercer Island Islanders 32-30, needed a victory in the final match of the night to win the dual and clinch the league title. Bobadilla pinned Mercer Island’s Russell Asmus with just 24 seconds left in the first round, lifting the Saints to a 36-32 win on Jan. 28 at Mercer Island High School.
The entire Saints wrestling team mobbed Bobadilla after his dramatic victory clinched the league crown for the Saints’ wrestling program for the first time in 26 years. Interlake finished the regular season with an overall record of 8-1 in dual matches including a 6-0 record in league play. “All I wanted to do was win. I didn’t want to let my team down. We have been working so hard to get here and I didn’t want all of that work to be for nothing,” Bobadilla said. Bobadilla admitted he was nervous before the whistle blew for the begin-
ning of his match. “I had butterflies. I was so scared. I didn’t know what was going to happen. It would have been a bummer to let our team down,” he said. Interlake head coach Dave Unwin said he was confident Bobadilla would capture a victory in the final match of the night. “I was feeling pretty good about that because he had beaten that guy before in a match this season,” Unwin said. Before Bobadilla’s victory, the Islanders had all the
WRESTLING | PAGE 16
Islander girls beat Totems for secondstraight rout MI scores big wins over Interlake, Sammamish By Joe Livarchik
Mercer Island girls basketball coach Gillian d’Hondt knows when games get out of hand, it becomes easy for players to lose focus on the court. In those instances, she turns to a special mantra for her team. “We use it to get better, so every night we get better working on executing, having patience, working on different defensive looks,” she said. “We set different types of goals for these types of games.” Mercer Island recorded its second blowout of the week, beating Sammamish 60-14 Friday at Sammamish High School. Two nights
By Joe Livarchik
jlivarchik@mi-reporter.com
Joe Livarchik/Staff Photo
Mercer Island’s Jess Blakeslee (14) shoots over the Totems’ Cassidy Schilling Friday, Jan. 29 at Sammamish High School. The Islanders beat Sammamish 60-14. prior, the Islanders routed Interlake 62-17. Both opponents have seen better years in KingCo play. Sammamish (4-12,
0-10 in KingCo) currently sits in the 2A/3A league cellar and Interlake (10-9,
GIRLS | PAGE 16
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Mercer Island allowed a total of 49 points in the team’s previous two games heading into Friday’s matchup with the Sammamish Totems, a team they beat at home by 32 points on Jan. 5. The makings for another sleeper were in play. While the Totems made it a much closer affair on their senior night, the outcome was never in doubt. Getting 20 points from senior Sam Nordale, Mercer Island beat Sammamish 60-45 Friday at Sammamish High
Joe Livarchik/Staff Photo
Mercer Island’s Sam Nordale (11) looks for his shot against Sammamish defender Chase Rodriguez Friday, Jan. 29 at Sammamish High School. The Islanders beat the Totems 60-45. School. The Islanders never trailed, but fought to put away the Totems to the very end.
“You’ve got to expect that [Sammamish] is
BOYS | PAGE 16
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Mercer Island 285-pounder Dylan Majewski pins Interlake grappler Alexis Anaya in the first match of the Islanders’ dual meet against the Interlake Saints. Interlake eventually defeated Mercer Island 36-32. The Saints clinched the Class 3A KingCo regular season championship with the win.
Page 16 | Wednesday, February 3, 2016
MERCER ISLAND REPORTER
WRESTLING | FROM 15 momentum. They won five of the previous six matches before the finale. Interlake had a commanding 24-10 lead at one point but saw it evaporate completely when freshman Donnie Howard defeated Saints’ senior Jonathan Palagashvili 2-1, giving Mercer Island a 32-30 lead with one match remaining in the dual. “Donnie did exceptionally well. Palagashvili is a really talented wrestler,” Mercer Island head coach Creighton Laughary said. Laughary wasn’t devastated following the defeat against Interlake. “It stings a little but honestly we didn’t know whether or not we could get
to this point (undefeated in KingCo with one match remaining) when the season started, so getting here undefeated and wrestling against Interlake was a real privilege,” Laughary said. “Dave (Unwin) had his guys really well prepared. Their kids stepped up. Hats off to them. They are great competitors.” The biggest victory of the night may not have been Bobadilla’s signature pin in the match finale. In the 160-pound weight class, Interlake’s Devansh Dwivedy registered an unlikely pin against Mercer Island’s Malachai Morgan with 1:07 left in the third round. Morgan led by a siz-
able amount of points but Dwivedy caught Morgan in a head-and-arm move to nab the pin. The win gave Interlake a 30-22 lead. If Dwivedy didn’t win that match, the chances of the Saints capturing the league title would had been slim to none. “That 160-pound match was the KingCo championship right there. He (Dwivedy) got pinned by that Mercer Island kid in 50 seconds a couple of weeks ago. That win was huge for us,” Unwin said. “That was just amazing.” Unwin, who has been the Saints wrestling coach for the past 13 years, was overjoyed with emotion following the biggest dual match triumph in school history
| www.mi-reporter.com to date. “I don’t even know what to say. The kids have been working to do the best they can and to do something like this is just crazy good,” Unwin said. “This has been a special year. The guys really gel together as a team really well. They all really care about each other.” The Saints’ wrestling program has come a long way since Unwin took over the program 13 seasons ago. “The first year I was coaching we had just eight guys out for the team. It was hard and it was embarrassing. We built up the program a couple of times and have had some really good runs. This run is special for us,” he said.
GIRLS | FROM 15
BOYS | FROM 15
2-9) is one spot above. No matter, d’Hondt had her eye on things the Islanders could improve, even amidst a second-straight thrashing by her squad. “I felt like we did a good job, we kept them for less points than they got last time,” she said, referring to Mercer Island’s 76-17 win over the Totems on Jan. 6. “I’d like to see more boxing out, because sometimes we feel like we can just get [rebounds] because we rely on height and athleticism. But making sure that we’re a little bit more disciplined defensively, I felt we did a better job of that.” Mercer Island (15-2, 9-1) held the Totems scoreless through the first quarter, leading 17-0 after one, and kept Sammamish off the board until nearly two minutes into the second quarter. A three-point play from
going to be better the second time around. They’re not going to play scared,” Mercer Island coach Gavin Cree said. Mercer Island (14-4, 7-3 in KingCo) led 19-8 after one and 34-17 at the half, and kept a doubledigit advantage throughout most of the game. But the Totems (8-10, 2-8) managed to hang around, keeping the Islanders from breaking the game open. “Sammamish did a really nice job of getting us out of our rhythm by throwing some different full-court looks at us,” Cree said. “We broke the pressure well, but we were unable to get a good rhythm on the halfcourt side. That was what prevented us from pulling away.” Nordale paced the Islanders with 12 points in the first half, as the Islanders led by as many as 18. Though maybe unable to shut the door on its opponents as the players and coaches would’ve liked, Mercer Island’s advantage never dipped below 12 in the second half. In a week where the Islanders were taking on opponents from the bottom rungs of the 2A/3A KingCo conference, Nordale said it was important for his team to maintain the right mindset and
Joe Livarchik/Staff Photo
Mercer Island’s Kailee Yan looks to pass during the second half of the Islanders’ 60-14 win over Sammamish Friday, Jan. 29 at Sammamish High School. Vivian Chi ended the scoring drought, though by the half, it was a 31-4 runaway. The Islander defense yielded only one point in the third quarter, before emptying their bench in the final period. Anna Luce led Mercer Island in scoring with 16 points. Aleyah
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Bennett led the Totems with seven points. With the level of competition set to change next week and a season finale against the undefeated Bellevue Wolverines around the corner, d’Hondt said she encouraged her players to maintain their focus on the games ahead and the goals they hope to achieve in the final days of the regular season. “We still have to execute an offense, even if you feel like you can just run down and shoot the ball,” she said. “I feel like we’re focusing on being ready for next week and being ready for the playoffs.” Mercer Island will take on Lake Washington (9-8, 5-5) at 7:15 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3 at Lake Washington High School.
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Interlake grapplers capturing wins by pin against Mercer Island consisted of Abduvoris Anarov (113), Aidan Campana (120), Cole Manchester (138), Dwivedy (160) and Bobadilla (285). Saints wrestlers winning by decision were Beau Wiebe (106) and Kenny Hoang (132). Mercer Island wrestlers winning via pins were Dylan Majewski (285), Jonah Andrews (145) and Finn Childress (152). Mercer Island grapplers winning by decision were Vinny Ricci (126), Connor Hill (170), Brian Wen (182) and Donnie Howard (195).
MI places second at Relentless Tournament
Competing against 12 teams, Mercer Island finished second overall at the Relentless Tournament Friday, Jan. 29 at Chief Sealth High School. The Islanders had seven wrestlers reach the medalist stand. Freshmen Connor Hill (170) and Donnie Howard (182) each won their weight classes for their first prep tournament wins of the season. Jordan Tillinger (106), Eli Pruchno (113), Jonah Andrews (138) and Malachai Morgan (160) all placed third in their respective divisions. Mercer Island will begin KingCo tournament competition at 3:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5 at Juanita High School.
Joe Livarchik/Staff Photo
Mercer Island’s Parker Simpson drives past the Totems’ Justin Jordan for the lay-in Friday, Jan. 29 at Sammamish High School. focus toward the opposition. “There were definitely stretches where we can improve with just taking care of the ball, making sure we’re getting good shots and executing our plays,” Nordale said. “But I think for the most part, we always responded pretty well when they tried to turn up the tempo and we were able to execute well.” Andrew Pickles also reached double figures
for Mercer Island, scoring 13. Justin Jordan led the Totems with 12 points, while Pedram Etialodhough and Jay Dorrough each had 10. Mercer Island took on Lake Washington after the Reporter deadline Tuesday, Feb. 2 at Lake Washington High School. The Islanders finish the regular season against Bellevue (16-1, 10-0) at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5 at Mercer Island High School.
MERCER ISLAND REPORTER
| www.mi-reporter.com
Carolina on my mind | Islander rooting on nephew, Panthers in Super Bowl 50
Wednesday, February 3, 2016 | Page 17
By Joe Livarchik
jlivarchik@mi-reporter.com
In this area, any fan of the Carolina Panthers stands out like the team’s color contrast of bright neon blue against black. This being Seahawks country, people aren’t exactly lining up to cheer on the Cam Newtonled squad that ended the Seahawks’ two-year run of Super Bowl appearances. Unless, of course, they have a family member playing in Sunday’s game. Such is the case for Islander Dave Hense, uncle of Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Dwan Edwards. Though his familial connection can make for a loyalty crisis when his two favorite teams collide, Hense makes no bones about rooting for his nephew. “I’m a Seahawks fan unless they’re playing the Panthers,” Hense said. “Blood’s thicker than water, you root for your family.” Edwards is a 12-year NFL veteran who has also had stints with the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills. Getting an opp or tu n it y to play in the Super Bowl is a career highlight in which Hense says the whole family is sharing.
Contributed Photos
Islander Dave Hense (above, far left) will cheer on his nephew, Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Dwan Edwards (above, in suit) during Super Bowl 50 this Sunday. Above left, Hense gathered with other family members and friends for a Carolina Panthers-New Orleans Saints game in 2014. Above right, Edwards plants a kiss on his mother, Cassie Hegg, after a game. “It’s been really cool for the family. All the brothers and sisters and grandma are texting back and forth during games, we’ve got six people Dave Hense on a chain text. It’s been a lot of fun,” he said. Edwards grew up in
“As big of a Seahawks fan as I am, there’s still something about family you just can’t quite get over.”
Columbus, Montana, graduating from Columbus High School. Hense said his nephew graduated with a class of 30. He lettered in football, basketball and track and field, and was class president for three years. He went on to play football at Oregon State University and earned his degree in business administration. “I just remember that he’s been athletic his entire life,” Hense said. “I think the thing I admire about him is that he’s such a nice
man and a family man, he’s got five kids. He’s like an animal on the field and a gentle giant off the field, so it’s pretty cool.” Hense said whenever his nephew comes to town, the two meet up. He didn’t travel to Charlotte, North Carolina for the NFC divisional game, but saw Edwards when the Seahawks hosted the Panthers in October. “He had just a couple [free] hours, so we went down by the market, down by Sodo,” Hense said. “He
had five or six of his friends from the team, a couple other linemen and safeties and cornerbacks, and those guys are just huge. I was driving them around and they all packed into my Pathfinder. We got out and it was like the funny car where they keep coming out and they looked like they’re bigger than what can actually fit inside the car.” When attending games with family and friends, Hense roots for the Panthers, though it’s slightly different when Carolina comes to Seattle. “Inside, I’m kind of rooting for both even though on the outside, I’m just rooting for Panthers,” he said. “For some reason, as big of a Seahawks fan as I am, there’s still something about
family that you just can’t quite get over.” Hense said he’s currently trying to find a No. 92 Carolina Panthers Super Bowl jersey to purchase for the big game. His plans are to watch it at home, as he recently started a new job. His brothers and sisters are trying to plan a road trip, renting an RV and going down for the big game in Santa Clara. And there’s no doubt what Hense, or any of Edwards’ other family members, are rooting for come Feb. 7. “We’d just like to see him cap off his career with a Super Bowl ring, that’s what we’re all saying now,” Hense said. “It would be cool to cap off a career with a nice ring, especially from Super Bowl 50.”
Mercer Island woman creates thoughtful news app By Marnie DelCarmen Special to the Reporter
Nikki Piplani is far from her native Chandigarh, India. The New York University Information Systems graduate worked at Time, Incorporated in Manhattan Island, but chose Mercer Island to raise her family. Her app is called ThinkFiend. ThinkFiend creates a spot where one can find quality content from respected sources. It captures the spirit of someone who cannot survive without thinking; someone who does not merely want to skim the news, but has to read thoughtful, well-written content. Elaborating on the name, Piplani said, “I wanted to portray that good content is fun, not boring and serious,
so I picked a name that had thinking, but also a more rebellious, fiendish bent to it. The basic thought came from my personal experience and passion. I love reading The New Yorker, and Harper’s magazine, etc. But when I had time to read online, I had no idea where to start. My social sources were filled with listicles, simplifications, and the like, but it was still too noisy. I wanted one spot where I could always find high quality content, ideally personalized, but not too much, because the point is discovering new topics and sources.” With stints at Microsoft and Amazon, Piplani is adept at building technology solutions for customers, and so falling short of available options, she quit her job at Amazon and started
ThinkFiend. “ThinkFiend focuses on lifestyle issues relevant to families and parents, such as education, design, technology trends and how they affect our lives. These interests are largely ignored by current media trends, but are important to us,” said Piplani. There is a website at www. thinkfiend.com and an app
for iPhones on the Apple App Store. Piplani moved to the United States for job opportunities and adventure. “I’ve always been fascinated by good writing and working at Time, Incorporated was a dream come true. I learned how obsessively they fact
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CALENDAR
SUBMISSIONS: The Reporter welcomes calendar items for nonprofit groups and community events. Please email your Island event notices to jlivarchik@mi-reporter.com. Items should be submitted by noon on the Thursday the week before publication. Items are included on a spaceavailable basis. CALENDAR ONLINE: Post activities or events online with our calendar feature at www.mi-reporter.com. Events may be directly added to the calendar on our home page. Click on the “Calendar” link under Community.
PAGE 18 | WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2016
WEDNESDAY | 3 TOWN CENTER VISIONING JOINT COMMISSION MEETING: 6-9
p.m., City Hall, 9611 SE 36th St. PROBUS CLUB MEETING: 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, Presbyterian Church, 3605 84th Ave. SE. Jeb Wyman will speak on the topic, “Ordinary Soldiers: Stories of Veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars.” Open to the public.
THURSDAY | 4 MERCER ISLAND VISUAL ARTS LEAGUE GALLERY OPENING:
5:30-9:30 p.m., MIVAL, 2836 78th Ave. SE. Supporting local artists and featuring local artwork since 1961. Gallery changes every month with new artists and artwork. YELLOW WOOD ACADEMY OPEN HOUSE: 6:30 p.m.,
9655 SE 36th St., Suite 201.
EVENTS | SJCC 3801 EAST MERCER WAY 206-232-7115 WWW.SJCC.ORG SJCC EARLY CHILDHOOD SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 10
a.m. and 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4. The SJCC Early Childhood School is a school of excellence rooted in Jewish values, with a curriculum inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy. Learn more about the school’s curriculum, visit their classrooms and meet the teachers. RSVP for an open house. New family
MERCER ISLAND REPORTER | www.mi-reporter.com
Prospective families and professionals that would like to learn about the full-time school program, courses for credit, tutoring, SAT, ACT, ISEE and EOC testing and more. Visit www.yellowwoodacademy.org for more information.
playing in an orchestra alongside other female prisoners. $10 pre-sale tickets can be purchased online or from cast members. $15 at the door, $5 senior tickets.
WEST MERCER PRESENTS ‘BEAUTY AND THE BEAST JR.’:
FRENCH FILM ‘LOLA MONTES’:
7-8:30 p.m. Feb. 4-5, West Mercer Elementary gym, 4141 81st Ave. SE. Sixty students will act, sing, dance, and narrate this 90-minute extravaganza. Tickets are $5 at the door. To view the entire rehearsal schedule visit www.mercerislandschools.org/Page/12373. MIHS DRAMA PRESENTS ‘ARTHUR MILLER’S PLAYING FOR TIME’: 7-9 p.m. Feb. 4-6,
Mercer Island High School, 9100 SE 42nd St. Based on a true story, this play follows the harrowing journey of French opera singer Fania Fenelon, who survives Auschwitz by singing and registration for the 201617 school year begins Wednesday, Feb. 11. ALL YOU KNEAD IS CHALLAH:
6:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4. Learn challah-making or refine your skills in this hands-on, all-levels class. Participants will each make a challah to take home. $10-15. CUPCAKES AND HAVDALAH:
5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6. Learn about and celebrate Havdalah with cupcakes and cocoa. There will be crafts, music and a Havdalah service. Geared toward families with young kids. Snacks and dessert provided. Free. RSVP at
FRIDAY | 5
9 a.m.-2 p.m., main Fire Station, 3030 78th Ave. SE. Sign up online at MyParksandRecreation.com or via telephone at 206-2757847. Cost is $55. For more, contact Jolene Judd at 206275-7607.
SUNDAY | 7
6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5, Aljoya, 2430 76th Ave. SE. Hosted by the Mercer Island Sister City Association, the Mercer Island Arts Council and Aljoya, with a complimentary wine and cheese reception before the film. Lance Rhodes, a featured scholar in the Humanities Washington’s Speakers Bureau, will provide introduction and post commentary for the film. The film will be in French with English subtitles. Free to the public.
a.m.-12 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 7, Emmanuel Episcopal Church Fellowship Hall, 4400 86th Ave. SE. Come and be welcome at the 12th annual Troop 457 Pancake Breakfast. You can’t beat allyou-can-eat pancakes for $5 for a single, $15 for a family and $3 for a senior. All cooking, cleaning and serving will be done by the scouts.
SATURDAY | 6
LONG-TERM CARE FACILITY MEETING: 1-2 p.m., Caucus
BOYSCOUT TROOP 457’S ANNUAL PANCAKE BREAKFAST: 8:30
TUESDAY | 9 Room at City Hall, 9611 SE 36th St. If you are an adult family home or long-term care facility on Mercer Island, join this group for their bi-annual meetings to discuss how to respond and recover from a disaster. For more, contact officer Jennifer Franklin at 206-2757905.
FIRST AID AND ADULT CPR:
sjcc.org. SJCC PRESENTS GARY GULMAN:
8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18. A finalist on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” Gary Gulman will perform a one-night-only appearance at the SJCC. $20-25. For tickets and information, visit http://sjcc.org/ cultural-arts/comdey/.
MERCER ISLAND UTILITY BOARD MEETING: 7 p.m., City Hall
Council Chambers, 9611 SE 36th St. The Mercer Island Utility Board is an advisory board to the City Council on matters regarding all utilities on the Island. The board meets on the second Tuesday of the month unless otherwise posted. For more, visit www.mercergov.org.
TWEEN FITNESS, AGES 9-13: 3:45-4:45 p.m.
Wednesdays. Kids will learn to use bands, balls and their own body weight to work on cardiovascular and weight training. Free for members, $10 for guests. For more, visit www.sjcc. org.
WEDNESDAY | 10 MIYFS ANNUAL GIVING FROM THE HEART BREAKFAST: 7-8:30
a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, Mercer Island Community and Event Center, 8236 SE 24th St. An annual fundraiser celebrating the services provided by the city’s Youth and Family Services department (MIYFS). Honorary co-chairs Sandy and Ken Glass welcome all Islanders (and friends) to attend the 14th annual breakfast, learn about MIYFS and make a donation to support future programming. Register at www.miyfs.org or by calling 206-275-7756. ARTS COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING: 6:30-8:30 p.m.,
Mercer Island Community and Event Center, 8236 SE 24th St. For questions, contact Amber Britton at amber. britton@mercergov.org or 206-275-7864. INFANT/CHILD/ADULT CPR WITH AED: 7-9 p.m., main
Fire Station, 3030 78th Ave. SE. Sign up online at MyParksandRecreation.com or via telephone at 206-2757847. Cost is $30. For more, contact Jolene Judd at 206275-7607.
EVENTS | UPCOMING CERCLE FRANCOPHONE - FRENCH CONVERSATION EVENING: 7-9
p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23. The Mercer Island Sister City Association will sponsor an informal French conversation evening for anyone who wants to improve his/ her French at the home of Beth Brennen on Mercer Island. The only “rule” is that
Mercer Island Places of Worship
9:00am - Worship and Sunday School for all ages 10:30am - Worship and childcare
3200 78th Ave SE
St. Monica
4301 - 88th Ave S.E., M.I.
www.stmonica.cc
Redeemer
Lutheran Church
6001 Island Crest Way 232-1711
Sunday Worship & Kids' Church 10:00am Fellowship & Bible Study 11:00am www.RedeemerLutheranMI.org
4400 88TH AVE. SE 206-236-3537 WWW.KCLS.ORG/MERCERISLAND CHILDREN AND FAMILIES PLAY AND LEARN: 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays. Have fun singing songs, telling stories, reading books, creating art and playing. Ages 5 and younger with adult. YOUNG TODDLER STORY TIMES:
10:30 a.m Tuesdays through Feb. 23. Ages 12 to 24 months with an adult. Come for stories, songs, rhymes and fun in this 30-minute program. Toddler story times (ages 2-3) follow at 11:30. INFANT STORY TIMES: 10:30 a.m. Thursdays, Feb. 4-25. This lapsit program is especially for babies. Social Time with shakers and bubbles takes place right after. Preschool Story Times (ages 3-6) at 1 p.m. TEENS INTRODUCTION TO EV3 ROBOTICS: 3 p.m. Saturday,
Feb. 6. Presented by Bricks4Kids. Using the most advanced LEGO system ever created, the MINDSTORMS EV3, students will learn how to build and program their very own robots using
CALENDAR | PAGE 19
Sunday Worship | 8 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. spiritual formation for all ages; includes Godly Play and nursery
We are a community of faith called to Welcome, Worship, Witness and serve. 4400 86th Ave SE 206-232-1572 | emmanuelmi.org
CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH
232-2900
Saturday Vigil: 5:00pm Sunday: 9:00am & 11:00am
EVENTS | LIBRARY
EMMANUEL EPISCOPAL CHURCH
evergreenchurch.cc (206) 232-1015
Catholic Church
the group speaks French. All levels of French are welcome. For more information and driving directions, contact Beth Brennen at 206232-7650 or Monica Howell at 206-232-2983.
Welcome Visitors and Sunday School Students! CHURCH & SUNDAY SCHOOL Sun 9:00 AM TESTIMONY MEETING Wed 7:30 PM 7070 SE 24th Street
(United Methodist Church)
206-232-0175 www.fccsmi.com
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ELCA ELCA ELCA ELCA ELCA ELCA Welcome toWorship! Worship! Welcome to Welcome to Worship! Worship! to WelcometotoWorship! Worship! Welcome UNDAYS: : SSUNDAYS
SUNDAYS UNDAYS:: SUNDAYS UNDAYS SAM : : with 8:00AM Worship with with 8:00 Worship 8:00--AM - Worship
Sunday Services Mercer Island Congregation
4001 Island Crest Way
(425) 591-4590 www.mormon.org
Presbyterian Church SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2016 7:45am Breakfast Served in the Community Life Center
8:00 AM - Worship 8:15am Worship in the 8:00AM AM Worship with with Holy Communion 8:00 - -Worship with Holy Communion Holy Communion Holy Communion Community Life Center E Holy Communion 9:00AM AM Adult Forum Holy Communion 9:00 AM -- Adult Forum 9:00 --AM Adult Forum && && 9:00 Adult Forum 9:00AM AM -Adult Adult Forum & 10:00 AM --Forum Sunday School 10:00 AM Sunday School 9:00 & 10:00 AM Sunday School 10:00 AM Sunday School 9:15am Christian Education for All ELCA 10:00AM AM -AM Sunday School 10:00 -- Traditional &&New 10:00 AM Traditional New SongSong Sunday School 10:00 --Worship! Traditional &&New Song 10:00 Traditional New Welcome 10:00 AMto-:Worship -AM Traditional New SongSong Worship SAM UNDAYS Worship with 10:00 Traditional &&with New Song with Worship with 10:35am Worship in the Sanctuary 8:00 AM - WorshipWorship with with Holy Communion Holy Communion Worship with Holy Communion Holy Communion Holy Communion 9:00 AM - Adult Forum & Holy Communion Holy Communion available for all services 10:00Childcare AM - Sunday School Nursery/Childcare Available Childcare available forall all services Childcare available for services 10:00Childcare AM - Traditional &available New Song all services Childcare available forallallfor services Worship with Childcare available for services Join us! Holy Communion
Joinus! us! Join Childcare available forJoin all servicesus! th us! Join 8501 thSE 40 Street 206.232.3270 us! th us! Join 8501SE SE40 40thJoin Street 206.232.3270 8501 Street 206.232.3270
8501 40 206.232.3270 Street www.htlcmi.org 206.232.3270 8501 SE 40SE office@htlcmi.org 8501 SE4040ththStreet Street office@htlcmi.org www.htlcmi.org206.232.3270 office@htlcmi.org www.htlcmi.org 8501 SE Street 206.232.3270 office@htlcmi.org www.htlcmi.org office@htlcmi.org www.htlcmi.org office@htlcmi.org www.htlcmi.org Reconciling in Christ Congregation office@htlcmi.org www.htlcmi.org th
Reconciling in Christ Congregation
Reconciling in Christ Congregation
Reconciling Christ Congregation Reconciling ininChrist Reconciling in Congregation Christ Congregation Reconciling in Christ Congregation Reconciling in Christ Congregation
Top of the Hill on Island Crest Way 3605 84th Ave SE (206) 232-5595 | www.MIPC.org
Mercer Island United Methodist Church SUNDAY WORSHIP 10:00 am Christian Education 11:00 am Worship Service 7070 SE 24th Street Mercer Island, WA 98040
206-232-3044 www.miumc.org
MERCER ISLAND REPORTER
| www.mi-reporter.com
Comedian Gary Gulman to perform at SJCC By Reporter Staff dians to have appeared on “Last Comic Standing” every single late-night comfinalist and “Inside Amy edy program. He appeared Schumer” alumnus, come- with Dane Cook, Jay Davis and Robert dian Gary Kelly on Dane G u l m a n , Cook’s 2005 returns to Tourgasm and Seattle for hosted the an exclusive final season of one-night“Comedy Allonly appearStars” on New ance at the England Sports Stroum Jewish Network. Community Gulman has Center on tickled thouThursday, Feb. sands with 18. Gary Gulman two one-hour Blending C o m e d y endearing selfCentral specials; his 20th deprecation with warm amusement at everyday anniversary tour, the “It’s experience, Gulman is About Time Tour,” is on among only a few come- now and selling out theaters
across the country. The hilarious Gulman had a small but memorable role in Megan Griffiths’s 2013 film, “Lucky Them,” portraying the charming Craig, lovable groomsman and aspiring psychotherapist. The movie was shot on location in and around Seattle. Gulman brings his wry observations and semiserious deadpan wit to the SJCC’s 358-seat cultural arts venue on Mercer Island, which re-opened in 2014 with an extensive renovation. Gulman’s performance begins at 8 p.m.; doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25, or $20 for seniors, students,
youth and SJCC members. Tickets and information are at http://sjcc.org/culturalarts/comedy/. Gary Gulman at the J is part of the Stroum Jewish Community Center’s 201516 cultural arts calendar. Featuring comedy, film, music, lectures and global culinary delights, Cultural Arts at the J is bigger and better in 2016 than ever. Later this spring, Emmy Award-winning comedian Judy Gold (“The View,” “25 Questions for My Jewish Mother,” “Kill Me Now” podcast) will bring the laughs to the SJCC in a onenight-only engagement on Saturday, June 11.
West Mercer presents ‘Beauty and the Beast Jr.’ By Reporter Staff
West Mercer Elementary will present “Beauty and the Beast Jr.” at 7 p.m. Feb. 4-5 in the West Mercer gym. “Beauty and the Beast Jr.” is comprised of more than 60 fourth and fifth grade West Mercer Elementary students. The students, along with the play’s director longtime E2 specialist and teacher David Baxter and the school’s new music specialist Clara Kurtenbach, have contributed hundreds of hours to put together a spectacular show. Last fall, students started after-school rehearsals. They have also worked weekends on the play’s set and costumes. The 60 students will act, sing, dance and narrate the 90-minute extravaganza.
Contributed Photo
West Mercer teacher Tom Tivnan helps students with the castle stairs as they build sets for “Beauty and the Beast Jr.” Many students also volunteered their talents to create the amazing sets and costumes as well as work
CALENDAR | FROM 18 motors, sensors, and LEGO bricks. Space is limited. STUDY ZONE: 3:30 p.m. Thursdays, grades K-12. Drop in for free homework help from trained volunteer tutors. Proofreading help is available. Check at the desk for location. TEEN ADVISORY BOARD MEETING: 7 p.m. Tuesday,
Feb. 9. Voice your opinions on the programs and services the library offers you. Come with feedback and bring your ideas to discuss. Munch pizza and earn volunteer credit. ADULTS TALK TIME: 1 p.m. Mondays. Improve your speaking and listening skills in this English conversation group. Learn more about American culture and meet people
behind the scenes as stagehands in the West Mercer Gym. Tickets are $5 and can be obtained at the door 88TH ACADEMY AWARDS PREVIEW PARTY: 1 p.m.
from around the world. Registration not required. Walk-ins welcome. FELTED FLOWERS: 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20. Presented by Flora Carlile-Kovacs, felt designer and instructor. Ages 18 and older. Participants will create a unique, durable felt piece that will be used to create flowers. All supplies provided. Registration required. OPERA PREVIEW - MARY STUART/MARIA STUARDA BY GAETANO DONIZETTI: 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 24. This free lecture, provided to increase enjoyment and appreciation of Seattle Opera productions, will feature Norm Hollingshead with recorded musical excerpts. Space is limited. First come, first seated.
Saturday, Feb. 27. In anticipation of the Academy Awards Ceremony to be held on Feb. 28, film historian Lance Rhoades will share highlights and controversies from previous ceremonies, discuss the current nominees and even offer his own Oscars predictions. Come dressed in your own “red carpet” outfit if you choose — and if your prefer to dress down, that’s great too. DON’T KEEP PUTTING IT OFF:
7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 29. Presented by Sylvia Farias, MSW, Swedish Medical Center. A discussion led by an oncology social worker on end-of-life planning, including medical powerof-attorney, living wills and hospice. Handouts provided. Registration requested. Call 1-800-793-3474 to register.
prior to the night performances. Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast Jr.” is the adaptation of the story of transformation and tolerance. The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a small French town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household of charming characters will be doomed for all eternity. To view the entire rehearsal schedule, visit www.mercerislandschools. org/Page/12373.
EVENTS | MICEC 8236 SE 24TH ST. 206-275-7609 WWW.MERCERGOV.ORG CAPTAIN’S LICENSE TRAINING:
8 a.m.-4 p.m., Feb. 8-19. Getting your Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel and Master 100 Ton license is an important step in earning industry-wide distinction as a maritime professional, and for many pursuits afloat, is also a legal requirement. Tuition includes all course materials, nautical charts, student workbooks, navigation tools and reference materials. United States Coast Guard examinations are administered in class at no additional cost, and Flagship’s exclusive credentialing service is included. For more, visit www.flagshipmaritimellc. com.
Wednesday, February 3, 2016 | Page 19
Russian Chamber Music Foundation of Seattle presents ‘Winter Nights’ By Reporter Staff
The Russian Chamber Music Foundation of Seattle (RCMFS) presents pianists Eleonora Karpukhova from Moscow and artistic director, Mercer Island resident Natalya Ageyeva, with cellist Haeyoon Shin in a Valentine’s Daythemed program incorporating romantic Russian music, dance and more for its ninth “Winter Nights” concert at Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall in Benaroya Hall at 5 p.m. on Feb. 14. The concert’s romantic centerpiece is Rachmaninoff ’s Suite No. 2, Op. 17 for Two Pianos performed by guest pianist Eleonora Karpukhova and RCMFS Artistic Director, Natalya Ageyeva. The duo will also play Rachmaninoff ’s beloved Vocalise Op. 34, No. 14. Haeyoon Shin and Ageyeva will collaborate for the exquisitely lush third movement of Rachmaninoff ’s Cello Sonata. Adding spice to the romance of the Russian composers, Shin and Ageyeva will present Oblivion by the master of Argentinian tangos, Astor Piazzola accompanied by local dancers. In addition, Eleonora Karpukhova will play Chopin’s Waltzes in F major, Op. 34, No. 3, in D-flat major Op. 64, No. 1, and A-flat
APP | FROM 17 checked and how editorial decisions were made. I was in the office on Sept. 11, 2001. As everyone was fleeing downtown and leaving Manhattan, some of my co-workers headed towards the disaster. I witnessed a journalist’s inquisitive nature in action, “she recalled. Piplani moved to the West Coast due to her husband’s work. “With two little children, the New York lifestyle was becoming very stressful and we wanted a better place to raise our kids. We chose Mercer
major Op. 34, No. 1, Tchaikovsky’s Impromptu and Meditation Op. 72, and Tchaikovsky/Pletnev “Andante Maestoso” from The Nutcracker. For nearly a decade, RCMFS has featured musicians of the highest quality in unique collaborations. Some of our past signature concert guests have included Joshua Roman, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Elisa Barston, The Prima Trio, Alexandre Dossin, St. Petersburg String Quartet, RimskyKorsakov Quartet, Atrium Quartet, Dmitry Berlinsky, Erin Keefe, Arnaud Sussmann, Amos Yang and more. Please join early for a special pre-concert recital featuring the winners of December 2015’s Russian Music Festival/ Competition. Young artists from across the state will perform solo piano, cello, violin, chamber music, and piano duets at 3 p.m. Entry is included with the purchase of a “Winter Nights” ticket. Tickets prices: Valentine’s Day special-$10 off two adult tickets, adults-$30, seniors-$22, college students-$10, kids up to age 18-free. Tickets and additional information can be found at www.russianchambermusic.org or by calling (425) 829-1345. Island because of its location, schools, parks and family-friendly feel. “When we moved here, I was working at Microsoft and my husband at Nordstrom in downtown Seattle, our son was starting school. We rented an apartment on the Island, and thought about moving, but when we started looking at houses, we didn’t want to leave the community. Initially, it felt strange bumping into someone we knew every time we left the house, but now even Toffee, our labradoodle, has friends, and that’s what we love about the Island.”
For all y www. our Island n MI-Re e porte ws r.com
MERCER ISLAND REPORTER
| www.mi-reporter.com
Wednesday, February 3, 2016 | Page 23
KEEP MERCER ISLAND SCHOOLS STRONG
Y YES!
YES!
RENEW LEVIES
✔ Capital Projects and Technology ✔ Transportation
RENEW W LEVIES S
• No change to current overall school assessment rate
• Replace failing roofs and building systems; renovate turf fields and track; upgrade playfield lighting and Mary Wayte pool infrastructure • Continue to advance technology equipment, digital curriculum and teacher training
• Ensure a safe bus fleet through maintenance and vehicle replacement Unanimously approved by Mercer Island School Board Directors: Dingle, Drinkwater, D’Souza, Jorgenson and Myerson. Unanimously endorsed by City Council Members Bassett, Bertlin, Grausz, Sanderson, Weiker, Wisenteiner and Wong; State Representatives Clibborn, Senn and Senator Litzow; and former School Directors Blake, Braman, Ferrell, Frohnmayer, Fry, George, Jarrett, Kaplan, Paull, Pottmeyer and Strauch Eggers.
Vote Yes Twice and mail in your ballot today! Ballots due February 9, 2016
www.YesMIschools.org Paid for by the Committee for Mercer Island Public Schools
Page 24 | Wednesday, February 3, 2016
MERCER ISLAND REPORTER
| www.mi-reporter.com
View all of our listings at coldwellbankerbain.com/MercerIsland
COLDWELL BANKER BAIN MERCER ISLAND OFFICE | 7808 SE 28th Street #128, Mercer Island |
206-232-4600
To see every home that is for sale in Western Washington go to coldwellbankerbain.com
Low Bank
$3,988,000
Light and bright 4BR/4.25BA home with two kitchens, master on main floor, 122 feet of low bank waterfront, incredible gardens and plenty of parking. #876808
Carol Hinderstein 206-595-5722
◆ MI New List
$1,400,000
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Lindy Weathers 206-920-8842
Mid Island
$2,538,000
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$2,299,950
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Don Samuelson 206-226-8338
North Bend
$1,275,000
You will love the setting of this 4.78ac parcel in the heart of the North Bend. This parcel is zoned R4, and can be subdivided to build new single family homes. 3BR/1.5BA. #868503
Betty Carleton 425-444-3507
Bainbridge Island
$459,900
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Harrison & St.Mary 206-919-9992
Kirkland
$400,000
NEW 2015 CONSTRUCTION 3BR /2.5BA home sited on a private lot. Terrific floor plan with airy living spaces and all bedrooms upstairs. Granite kitchen counters with tile backsplash. #808537
This alluring condo community emphasizes the luxury of downtown Kirkland living: experience waterfront, several parks, groceries, lively restaurants, bars, quirky shops & more. 1BR/1.5BA #876735
Wendy Burroughs 206-780-6130
Peggy Watkins 206-230-5444
◆ New on Market
Virtual Tours
West Seattle
$348,888
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Peggy Watkins 206-230-5444
MI Wtft Land
Sumner
$269,900
1.26 acres. Master bedroom & bath on main. Large living/dining area with open concept kitchen/breakfast bar. Freestanding stove. Large loft overlooking living area upstairs. 4BR/2.25BA. #870479
James Shute 206-230-5421
$2,225,000 Sammamish
$1,750,000 Mercer Island
Start your dream today with this premier MI Lake Washington 110’+/- waterfront lot. Build your custom home on cleared 10,147sf end of lane lot with straight on view of Mt. Rainier. #808240
Builders, developers & investors take notice! Desirable Pine Lake Community surrounded by elegant custom homes. Over 3.5ac, zoned R-4, opportunity for development. Lk WA School Dist. #865240
Melinda LeClercq 206-349-6116
Curt Peterson 425-503-4230
Ready to Build?
Previews International
$575,000 Capitol Hill
$815,500 Renton Land!
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Keith McKinney 206-230-5380
Amanda Reynolds 206-230-5395
$350,000 Vacant Land
$150,000 Snoqualmie!
Lot For Sale, Suburban Street Appeal Near Established Newer Homes. Extends South into Beautiful Natural Pacific Northwest Setting. Partially Bordered by Park. View Lot. Contact Broker for Info #775235
Rare find. 3 adjacent lots totaling 15,000sqft. Build your dream home or 2 townhomes. Lake Union & Queen Anne views, close to city center, Broadway & more. Amazing location! #678887
Large 2.5 acre lot near Lake Youngs and Gary Grant Soos Creek Park in quiet neighborhood surrounded by luxury homes. Close to schools, shopping & an ideal place to build your dream home! #781813
Galen Hubert 206-778-9787
Patricia Temkin 206-579-5073
Amanda Reynolds 206-230-5395
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
$795,000
Beautiful 19,360sf mid-island building lot zoned R9.6. Westerly territorial and potential lake views from the upper section of the property. Utilities located in the street. #876031
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On the corner of Ober Strasse and St. Anton Strasse is a great piece of land on which to build an amazing retreat with this huge open canvas of glorious mountain views. #678836
Scott MacRae 206-499-5766 Becky Nadesan 206-230-5377
Stop by our COLDWELL BANKER BAIN Mercer Island office for a Hot Sheet of New Listings, Sunday Open Houses or Sold Properties in your neighborhood!