Health + Wellness

Get Active

Promoting Health and Wellness: Mercer Island Parks & Recreation Article by Sharon Perez | Photography by Mercer Island Parks & Rec Mercer Island is known for its scenic beauty, close-knit community, and a robust commitment to health and wellness. Mercer Island Parks & Recreation plays a pivotal role in fostering an active, healthy lifestyle for residents of all ages. From fitness classes to mental health programs, the department offers an array of services that enhance the well-being of the...

Health + Wellness

Bright Smiles, Compassionate Care

Dr. Carrie York and Dr. Allena Novak Combine Innovation and Heart to Redefine Dentistry on Mercer Island Article by Chris Ishii For Dr. Carrie York, DDS, dentistry is about more than just healthy teeth—it’s about providing patients of all ages with care that’s both cutting-edge and deeply personal. After over a decade of practicing dentistry on Mercer Island, Dr. York continues to embrace the latest advancements to enhance patient comfort and results. Joining her in this mission is her new...

Food + Beverage

Brain Booster

Start the Year Clear-Headed with the Brain Booster Northwest Spirits Premier Pour of the Month Article by Northwest Spirits | Photography by AnneMarie Zarba January is the season for fresh starts, and what better way to kick off a new year than with a vibrant mocktail? As we dive into resolutions and routines, a delicious non-alcoholic drink like our Brain Booster is the perfect companion. Packed with coconut water, citrus, and guava, it’s a refreshing reset that fuels both mind and body with...

Sports + Recreation

Two Wheels, Endless Horizons

How Mercer Island's Cycling Community and Scenic Routes Inspire Adventure and Connection Article by Chris Ishii | Photography by J Garner Photography Mercer Island has earned a reputation as a cycling haven, offering enthusiasts of all levels the perfect mix of scenic routes, camaraderie, and adventure. Not only is Mercer Island a location, it also serves as the center of an enthusiastic community of riders. Whether it’s the smooth, uninterrupted flow of road cycling on Mercer Island or the...

Sports + Recreation

Outdoors For All

Enriching the quality of life for children and adults with disabilities through outdoor recreation. Article by Sharon Perez & Marissa Bower | Photography by Outdoors for All Outdoors for All Foundation: Enabling Adventure for Everyone Founded in 1979, a small organization known as Ski for All Foundation was founded to teach children with disabilities to ski. In 1985, it added Nordic skiing and snowshoeing and further evolved in 1991 with the start of summer adaptive therapeutic activities...

Food + Beverage

A Holiday Feast

Missy Claridge of Von’s 1000Spirits shares her father's cherished holiday tradition: his renowned Bolognese recipe. Article by Von’s 1000Spirits | Photography by AnneMarie Zarba Bobbee’s “All Day” Bolognese  Ingredients :  1# Von’s 1000Spirits Sourdough Pasta  1# Italian sausage or spicy  1# ground beef   2 tablespoons olive oil   1 tablespoon butter   Sofrito (1 medium onion,1 large carrot, 1 celery stalk. All finely chopped)  4 garlic cloves, finely chopped   1 (6oz) can tomato...

Shopping

Mercer Island Makers

Shop Local with Special Holiday Gifts by MI Designers Article by Sharon Perez | Photography by Amber Fouts, Ling Ling Zheng Looking for the perfect holiday gift with a personal touch?  We suggest these locally designed treasures that capture the spirit of our community.  Haley Street, The Westerly Co. Photos by  The Westerly Co. is a coastal-inspired blanket company based on Mercer Island. The blankets are thoughtfully designed by Haley to embrace a casual coastal style with colors picked...

Arts + Culture

The Children’s Dance Conservatory of Mercer Island

Island Youth Ballet’s Gifts to Dancers and Audiences for Decades: It’s Nutcracker Season! Article by Chris Ishii | Photography by J Garner Photography For decades, Susan Valencia has been a guiding force for young dancers on Mercer Island. As the founder and artistic director of The Children’s Dance Conservatory or Mercer Island: The Official Ballet School for Island Youth Ballet (IYB), a nonprofit formed in 1998 to sponsor high-quality performance opportunities, she has instilled in her...

Finance + Legal Services

Mercer Island Women Leading Venture Capital

Empowering Founders through Education, Mentorship, and Investment Article and Photography by Laura Ohata Women in venture capital on Mercer Island are not only breaking barriers but also creating powerful opportunities for education, mentorship, and involvement for anyone looking to make a difference in a male-dominated industry. At intimate house parties, women like Jennifer Wrenn Henry, a fund manager at VentureUs, are creating spaces where founders, investors, and mentors can connect...

Life + Culture

Seattle Samurai: From the Bride’s Eyes

Honoring Japanese Heritage Through the Art of Shigeru “Sam” Goto Article by Chris Ishii | Photography by Goto Media This fall, Seattle Samurai, a unique blend of Japanese heritage and cartoons, was released at Island Books. The collection, created by the late Mercer Islander Shigeru “Sam” Goto, was compiled by his daughter, Kelly. Sam, inspired by comics like Lil Abner and Peanuts, used his art to blend humor and Japanese culture. Kelly organized his work around key aspects of Japanese...