Our monthly “Island Links” blog post is a curated list of the recent notable Mercer Island-related links from around the web. Here’s what we’ve been reading lately:

Islanders in the News
‘Seattle Children’s receives $60 million donation, second largest in its history;’ the gift supports uncompensated care and is from late Mercer Island business man Bruce Leven. [King5 News]
‘New endowment at UW to continue legacy of Islanders Aubrey, Henrietta Davis’ [Mercer Island Reporter]
‘A record 135 MIHS students qualify for state DECA competition’ [Mercer Island School District]
‘Mercer Island recognizes golden Girl Scout;’ Congrats, Kari Anderson! [Mercer Island Reporter]

Islanders in their own words
‘Those of us in the middle must speak up and act for gun laws‘ – Guest Column article by Mercer Island resident Sue Eastman [The Seattle Times]
‘”Try new things” — and 11 other rules for first grade and beyond‘ – My Take personal essay by Mercer Island resident and former Seattle Times journalist John Hamer [The Seattle Times]

Arts, Culture & History
‘YTN brings international art project to Mercer Island’ [Mercer Island Reporter]
‘Mercer Island Center for the Arts forges a new path’ [Mercer Island Reporter]
‘A revived Mercer Island Historical Society opens up the past’ [Mercer Island Reporter]

Business
‘MIYFS announces Orthodontic Associates of Mercer Island as philanthropy award winner’ [Mercer Island Reporter]
‘Mercer Island’s Auto Spa welcomes new owner’ [Mercer Island Reporter]
‘With innovative relaxation technology, Spa Celeste opens on Mercer Island’ [Mercer Island Reporter]

City
‘Passing the gavel: Mercer Island City Council selects Debbie Bertlin as mayor’ [Mercer Island Reporter]
‘Mercer Island’s new Fire Station 92 earns national architectural award’ [Mercer Island Reporter] / ‘The Nine Winners of the 2018 AIA’s Institute Honor Awards for Architecture’ [Architect Magazine]
‘MIYFS Foundation Breakfast Fundraiser Exceeds Goals’ [MI Weekly]
‘Learn About the City’s Financial Challenges;’ provide your input and help the City balance the budget [MI Weekly]

Environment & Sustainability
‘Lakeridge students petition council to ban styrofoam on Mercer Island’ [Mercer Island Reporter]
Help preserve air quality; reduce woodsmoke pollution [MI Weekly]
‘Save the Date: Annual Spring Recycling Event April 7’ [MI Weekly]

Real Estate
Convenant Shores named in ‘6 luxurious places to retire in the US’ [CSNBC]
‘Patti Payne’s Cool Pads: ‘Beauty and the Beast’ Mercer Island manse listed at $3.8 million’ [Puget Sound Business Journal]
‘King County Raises 2018 Taxes; facts and information about property taxes and the increases’ [MI Weekly]
‘Assessor urges eligible homeowners to seek relief from property tax increases’ [Mercer Island Reporter]

Schools
In the February special election, Mercer Island voters approved the replacement of an educational maintenance and operations levy.  [Mercer Island Reporter]
‘Mercer Island School District announces new director of learning services’ [Mercer Island Reporter]

Humor
‘Rebranded MICA Unveils Plan For Giant Toilet In Mercerdale Park’ [Mercer Island Distorter]

Light & Fun
‘Mercer Island dog wins Sunrise Pet of the Year contest’ [Mercer Island Reporter]

Feature image credit: Lara Swimmer / AIA.org