Local Services

Local Holiday Treats

Mercer Island Chamber CEO Jen Dean’s Gift List Article by Jen Dean, Chamber CEO | Photography by Mercer Island City Lifestyle We asked Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce CEO, Jen Dean, for her top local holiday gifts - she made a list - check it twice - for many treats, all nice! Carin Suzanne: Timeless sparkle for the gem in your life. Island Books : From bestsellers to quirky treasures. Macrina Bakery : Deliciousness wrapped in flaky, buttery joy.   MBellish : Give the gift of...

Food + Beverage

Stewed Apple Tequila

A Seasonal Taste Sensation for Chilly Nights Article and Photography by Bunny M. Wordsmith, Crawlspace Gastropub Sweeten your holidays with apples and spice - and a little tequila makes everything nice… When fall settles over Mercer Island, Bartender Bunny—the creative force behind Crawlspace Gastropub’s bar—leans into the season with a signature flair. The Stewed Apple Tequila cocktail is a playful twist on comfort and mischief, inspired by caramel apples and crisp orchard air. Stew Granny...

Arts + Culture

MIHS Mean Girls Shine on Stage

Live theater by MIHS Drama for all to enjoy Article and Photography by Kelly Goto The stage is set at Mercer Island High School as rehearsals wrap up for this fall’s musical, Mean Girls. For months, students have been working every day after school and a few long weekends — perfecting songs, rehearsing choreography, running lines, building sets, and working tech. Now, it’s time to share it with the community. Director Katy Ramsey says the show captures both the fun and the challenges of high...

Finance + Legal Services

A New Era, Navigating Wealth

What the new Tax Reform Means for Your Legacy Article by Chris Ishii | Photography by LPL Financial When I first read about the new tax reform passed on July 4, 2025, I turned to someone I trust for clarity: Matt Tabler, Founder of Pinnacle Private Wealth Advisors. Matt has long emphasized that real wealth is not just about accumulation—it’s about clarity, intention, and living with purpose. With that lens in mind, we discussed the practical impacts of the new tax reform, bringing some of the...

Style + Beauty

Holiday Sparkle & Shine

Holiday Radiance with Barb Hovsepian: Style Confidence Article by Barb Hovsepian, Au Courant POSH | Photography by Mercer Island City Lifestyle Holiday Radiance with Barb Hovsepian: Style, Confidence & the Season to Shine When it comes to effortless elegance, no one embodies the art of looking and feeling your best quite like Barb Hovsepian. As the creative force behind POSH Style Consulting and Au Courant Hair & Beauty, Barb brings a signature blend of warmth, precision, and chic to every...

Food + Beverage

The Next Course

Denise Moriguchi carries Uwajimaya’s tradition into tomorrow Article by Chris Ishii | Photography by TBD For Mercer Islander Denise Moriguchi , food has always been more than sustenance, it’s a language of connection, heritage, and belonging. As CEO of Uwajimaya , she continues a family story that began nearly a century ago, one that has nourished both body and community across generations. Uwajimaya’s roots trace back to 1928, when Denise’s grandfather, Fujimatsu Moriguchi , started a...

Life + Culture

Golden Reunion Thankful Lasting Bonds

MIHS Class of ’75 celebrates five decades with joy, memories, and reconnection Article by Frank Schott MIHS‘75 | Photography by Frank Schott It was 1975.  President Richard Nixon had just resigned, and the “Fall of Saigon” marked the end of the Vietnam War.  On Mercer Island, one of Mercer Island’s largest senior classes with 511 students was getting ready to graduate at the Seattle Center Arena. The MIHS Class of 75 came together in August 2025 to celebrate their 50-year reunion.  The week...

Life + Culture

John Gordon Hill

In Loving Memory of a Community Champion, Artist, Husband, Father and Friend June 21, 1952 — August 10, 2025 Article by Sharon Perez | Photography by Hill Family & MICL It is with a grieving heart and grateful spirit that I share this memorial for my boss, mentor, visionary, renaissance man and friend, John Gordon Hill. A Mercer Island native, proud son, husband, father and grandfather, arts supporter, community champion and mean harpsichord plucker, John gave his all to so very much.  We are...

Sports + Recreation

Service Above Self in Action

Mercer Island Rotary Hosts Inaugural Pickleball Tournament at Luther Burbank Park Article by Sharon Perez & Pat Turner | Photography by Mercer Island Rotary Mercer Island Rotary brought the community together this summer with its inaugural pickleball tournament at Luther Burbank Park. The event drew players of all ages and skill levels to the scenic waterfront courts, celebrating one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. Teams competed in spirited matches while spectators enjoyed the...

Food + Beverage

Festive Mezze Platter

Fall Entertaining Made Easy Article by Sharon Perez | Photography by Mercer Island City Lifestyle Fall is the perfect season for effortless entertaining—gathering friends and family around a table filled with cozy flavors and colorful bounty. One of the simplest ways to welcome guests is with a festive mezzo platter, a shareable spread that looks abundant, tastes delicious, and requires very little preparation. Perfect for tailgates, potlucks, or cozy nights at home—a festive fall mezze...