APRIL 2024 MERCER ISLAND Jennifer Dine & Peter Kelly JOURNEY TO TRANSFORMING GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY WITH GROW FURTHER PHOTO BY ALEX SHIU PHOTOGRAPHY
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This section is here to give our readers easier access when searching for a trusted neighborhood partner to use. Get to know the businesses who make this magazine possible. Please support them in return and thank them if you get the chance! ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY Island House Assisted Living MBKSeniorLiving.com BANKING / WEALTH MANAGEMENT Merrill Lynch Weese Hanover Group (425) 990-2212 pwa.ml.com/weeseharrishanovergroup BILLIARDS Golden West Games (253) 475-2322 goldenwestgames.com CARPET/UPHOLSTERY CLEANING Mercer Island Carpet Care (206) 922-4385 www.mercerislandcarpetcare.com CATERING Design Perfect Catering (425) 467-8129 www.dpcatering.com COMMUNITY SYNAGOGUE Island Synagogue (206) 275-1539 www.islandsynagogue.org CONTRACTOR / REMODELING Mercer Builders, LLC (206) 275-1234 www.mercerbuilders.com DERMATOLOGY & SKIN Seattle Skin and Laser www.island-derm.com FACIALS / SKIN CARE Christine Face & Body (206) 232-2262 www.christinefaceandbody.com FLOORING/INSTALLATION Footprints Floors of Kent (206) 707-1602 Footprintsfloorsofkent.com GARAGE - FLOORING/ ORGANIZATION Garage By Omega (425) 224-6155 garagebyomega.com GAS AND SERVICE Mercer Island Chevron (206) 232-8190 www.mercerislandchevron.com GUTTER SERVICES Bulldog Gutters and Rainwear (425) 393-5490 gutterbulldog.com GYM / PERSONAL TRAINER Core Havn (206) 708-6495 corehavn.com HEALTH CLUB Bellevue Club (425) 455-1616 bellevueclub.com INTERIOR ARCHITECT/DESIGNER Abode Consulting Helen Torris (206) 395-5458 abode-consulting.com JEWELER Alvin Goldfarb Jeweler (425) 454-9393 agjeweler.com LANDSCAPE DESIGNER/ LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR Cambium, Inc (206) 860-7625 www.cambiumlandscape.com LUMBER, HOME IMPROVEMENTS, HARDWARE & SH The Stewart Lumber & Hardware Company (206) 324-5000 www.thestewartlumberco.com MORTGAGE Axia Home Loans - Jim Campell (206) 914-8651 www.jimcampbellhomeloans.com MORTGAGE BROKER Wells Fargo Private Mortgage - Laura Eng (206) 275-2057 www.wfhm.com/loans/laura-eng/ mobile-index.page ORAL MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY Mercer Island Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Dr. Matthew Streelman (206) 690-5417 www.mioralsurgery.com ORGANIC MATTRESSES & BEDDING The Sleep Store (425) 454-8727 www.thesleepstoreusa.com ORGANIZING / DECLUTTERING Shantaeize Your Space (206) 931-6499 syourspace.com Kelly Weisfield Real Estate (206) 355-3863 www.kellyweisfield.com Petra Varney - Windermere Mercer Island (206) 696-2390 PetraVarneyHomes.com Robyn and Rachel (206) 295-2247 www.robynandrachel.com REMODELING/ DESIGN/ BUILD New Generation Builds (916) 579-4886 newgenbuilds.com RESTAURANT Schwartz Brothers Restaurants (425) 455-3948 danielsbroiler.com ORTHODONTICS Factoria Orthodontics Dr. Adam Skrypczak (425) 747-3300 4100 Factoria Blvd SE Ste B Belleuve, WA 98006 www.factoriaortho.com Islander Orthodontics (206) 940-3363 www.IslanderOrtho.com REAL ESTATE Greg Rosenwald Real Estate (206) 914-0417 greg rosenwald.com greetmag.com Your Stories. Your Photos. Your Community. © 2024 The N2 Company, Inc. 6 April 2024 DISCLAIMER: This publication, also known as Mercer Island Living, is owned by The N2 Company and is not affiliated with or sponsored by any club, developer, or homeowners association. Articles and advertisements in this publication and opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of N2 but remain solely those of the author(s) or advertiser(s). The paid advertisements contained within this magazine are not endorsed or recommended by N2.
Publisher’s Note Dear Mercer Island, It is with mixed emotions and a heart full of gratitude that I share with you the news of my decision to sell my beloved magazine. After 11 incredible years of pouring my passion into these pages, and for telling your stories, it’s time for me to embark on a new chapter of self-discovery and personal growth. I truly love you Mercer Island and I’m the person I am today because of you. This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, filled with moments that have enriched my life in ways words cannot express. The heart and soul of this magazine lie in the vibrant community that surrounds it, and I am immensely thankful for the connections forged and the friendships made along the way. As I pass the torch, I am delighted to announce that the magazine will be in the capable hands of Jana Riggan. Jana is not only a seasoned professional as she has been running the Newcastle/Newport Hills publication, but she is also someone deeply rooted and loved in Mercer Island. I have the utmost confidence that she will carry the torch forward, maintaining the spirit and integrity that define our publication. I predict she will make it even better. I want to express my deepest appreciation to each and every one of you—our readers, contributors, and supporters—for being an integral part of this incredible journey. Your enthusiasm and engagement have been the driving force behind the success of our magazine. While I bid farewell to this role, the memories and friendships forged will forever hold a special place in my heart. I am grateful for the opportunity to have started and served as the Publisher of this publication, and I look forward to witnessing its continued growth under Jana’s leadership. I also want to say thank you to The N2 Company. This is a company who walks the walk and my favorite part of N2 is their worldwide philanthropy efforts and so that is where my passion rides. It’s my next chapter. Much love to all of you. Wishing you all continued joy, inspiration, and success. With heartfelt gratitude, Jacqulyn Paneque 206.304.4212 » Weddings » Baby/Bridal Shower » Celebration of Life/Funeral » Happy Hour and Fun Stations » Themed Events » Corporate Catering Menus for events of all sizes and occasions from backyard family BBQs to formal charity galas. 425.467.8129 • dpcatering.com 8 April 2024
ATHLETE OF THE MONTH Carley Simpson DOGG!T: Revolutionizing the Dog Ownership Experience BY JACQULYN PANEQUE I n a world where dogs are more than just pets – they are cherished members of our families – the quest for responsible breeding and suitable matches between dogs and owners has never been more critical. DOGG!T, founded by siblings and Mercer Island natives Cameron and Carley Simpson, emerges as a visionary solution to address the gaps in the current dog ownership landscape. With a mission to be the one-stop-shop for modern dog owners, DOGG!T leverages cutting-edge technology and expert knowledge to redefine the way we approach dog ownership. 10 April 2024 The journey to find the perfect furry companion can be overwhelming, with prospective puppy buyers often lacking a comprehensive and trustworthy resource to connect with responsible breeders. The lack of clear guidelines and information makes the process stressful, leading to potential mismatches and, unfortunately, contributing to the number of dogs surrendered to shelters. DOGG!T steps in as a trusted authority in the dog matching, training, and resource space. By integrating advanced technology and the expertise of leading professionals, DOGG!T aims to provide a seamless experience for puppy buyers. The platform not only matches individuals with the right dog breeds based on lifestyle and preferences but also connects them with responsible and health-verified breeders. Cameron and Carley Simpson, the driving force behind DOGG!T, bring a wealth of experience and passion for dogs to the table. Growing up surrounded by dogs, participating in Junior Showmanship, and achieving accolades such as 3rd place at the Westminster Dog Show, their deep connection to the canine world is
1 / Carley and Cameron in completion as teenagers. Carley and Cameron as young girls. evident. With backgrounds in operations and television production, the siblings combine their skills to create a platform that addresses the evolving needs of modern dog owners. The DOGG!T ExperienceOGG!T offers a range of services to make the dog ownership journey smoother: 1. Puppy Matcher: • Utilizing a preventative approach to shelter overpopulation, DOGG!T’s Puppy Matcher recommends the top 10 breeds based on an individual’s lifestyle and preferences. • By understanding the unique traits of each breed, the platform helps prevent mismatches that often lead to dogs being surrendered to shelters. 3 2. Matchmaker Services: • When ready to bring a puppy home, DOGG!T provides Matchmaker services to connect users with responsible breeders. • The platform ensures transparency and education throughout the process, offering tools and resources to verify breeders and prioritize the health of the puppies. DOGG!T emphasizes responsible breeding practices as a cornerstone of their mission. By connecting buyers with reputable breeders who prioritize health clearances, proper living conditions, and overall welfare, the platform aims to reduce the number of dogs in shelters and contribute to the betterment of individual breeds. DOGG!T invites qualified investors to join their journey and contribute to building this comprehensive resource. With an opportunity to be part of the Friends and Family round, investors can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of responsible dog ownership. In a world where dogs bring immeasurable joy and companionship, DOGG!T emerges as a beacon of responsibility, education, and support for both prospective puppy buyers and responsible breeders. By combining technology, expertise, and a commitment to ethical practices, DOGG!T is poised to redefine the dog ownership experience and contribute to a future where every dog finds a loving and suitable home. For further information please visit https://doggit.app. 2 / Cameron Simpson. Photo by Ashley Genevieve. 3 / Cameron and Carley Simpson. Photo by Ashley Genevieve. 1 2 Mercer Island Chevron is a Full Service station that offers the following services: Foreign & Domestic 30/60/90K Mile Services at HALF the price as the dealer Brake Service • Rotor & Drum Turning Oil Changes • Conventional & Synthetic Air Conditioning Repair & Service Wheel Alignments • Foreign & Domestic Tune-Ups • Cool System Service & Flushing • Check Engine Light Electronic Diagnosis • Wheel Balancing Flat Repair and much, much MORE! Goodyear Tires • Monroe Shocks & Struts AC Delco Batteries • Mobile 1 Synthetic Oil Mercer Island Chevron Family owned and operated since 1965, come see Marty Jr. and Willie! 7655 Sunset Hwy Next to Alijoya & Interstate 90 206.232.8190 Greet Mercer Island 11
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How Two Mercer Islanders Found Each Other to “GROW FURTHER” AFTER A NATIONWIDE SEARCH, ISLAND RESIDENT PETER KELLY FOUND AN ALLY IN THE BATTLE FOR BETTER GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY JUST DOWN THE ROAD. BY NATHANIAL GRONEWOLD W hen Peter Kelly feels like burning off some extra calories, or just steam, he’ll occasionally head out from his downtown Mercer Island apartment over to Luther Burbank Park on the island’s northeast shore to jog and soak up some of that Pacific Northwest air. Lately, Peter says this routine of his is no longer simply for exercise or a nice way to spend his free time. His jogs at the park are lately becoming a ritual celebration of all that he’s accomplished. “I will run down to the bottom of the ravine and back when I’ve got extra energy to burn off when I’m excited about the progress at Grow 14 April 2024 Further,” he said, referring to the nonprofit he founded in Seattle in 2018. Jennifer Dine often finds herself in a similar celebratory mood while enjoying the island’s great outdoors, only on the opposite shore. Perhaps we’ll spot her paddle boarding off Proctor Landing or swimming with her kids at Slater Park. Or Jen will occasionally head down to Pioneer Park for a walk for some time to contemplate all that she’s achieved at Grow Further since she joined up with Peter as the organization’s Membership Director about a year ago. “I’ll try to make it there once a day to refresh and enjoy with my dog,” she said. Jen also very much enjoys the fact that the community she calls home is surrounded by Lake Washington. “I live on a busy road, but can see the lake and walk down to it quickly, which I love.” Both Mercer Island residents, Jennifer Dine and Peter Kelly live just minutes from one another but only found each other after Peter conducted a nationwide search to expand Grow Further’s core management team. He cast as wide a net as possible to locate someone with the skill sets necessary to expand Grow Further’s core membership and donor base. He also needed a manager able and willing to encourage Grow Further members to
engage directly in the organization’s work in ways that no other food security-oriented nonprofit allows. You see, Grow Further’s donor-members not only help fund the philanthropic organization’s grant-giving operations, but they also play an integral role in scrutinizing and even selecting projects that meet Grow Further’s strict criteria. Most critically, winning grant applicants must be working on innovations in small-scale agriculture that hold real potential to enhance global food security and nutrition by transforming the lives of developing world smallholder farmers. Smallholders cultivate fields of only about an acre or a couple hectares in size but account for the vast majority of farmers and grow at least a third of the world’s food according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Though Peter and colleagues cast a wide net, searching the talent pool from coast to coast with the help of a recruitment agency, his search ultimately landed him right back on Mercer Island and to Jennifer Dine, who lives barely five minutes away. Mercer Islanders know that their community is a special place. Peter knows this, too. After spending years teaching at a university in China, Peter chose the Seattle area as the place for him to return stateside to pursue his dream of founding a one-of-a-kind nonprofit devoted to supporting unique approaches to improving smallholder farmers’ lives. There are many islands to choose from, but only one Mercer Island; quiet and cozy yet centrally located in the largest metropolitan area in the Pacific Northwest, a hub of innovative philanthropy. Peter moved to the island in 2015 after a brief stint in Redmond. “Lots of people live on an island, such as everyone in Indonesia and Japan,” he said. “But not many live on an island in a lake, except maybe in a vacation home, so it’s a special place.” What began as little more than a team composed of Peter, Grow Further’s founder and CEO, alongside a couple of consultants helping to guide his vision, Grow Further now operates with a core management team of a dozen professionals scattered across the United States. Ten others serve on the advisory committee, all of them either experts in agriculture or professionals who are simply passionate about food security. All management team members and advisors serve the organization remotely. Seattle is the legal headquarters of Grow Further, which was born at Impact Hub, a former coworking space oriented towards nonprofit startups in Pioneer Square. But in a way, Mercer Island is Grow Further’s true headquarters. It’s the only place where more than one Grow Further team member can be found; the organization’s CEO and its Membership Director both live and work here. On its main webpage, Grow Further boasts that its founder, staff, board, and members work together to “unleash the power of individuals to advance global food security.” Grow Further was established to fix a problem. “One of the greatest challenges facing humanity is improving agriculture to keep up with Exceptional Care. Amazing Smiles. Surgical Ortho • Airway Ortho Braces • Clear Aligners Free Consultation FactoriaOrtho.com 425.747.3300 Just 8 minutes away from Mercer Island, right next to T-Mobile HQ 4100 Factoria Blvd SE, Suite B Bellevue, WA 98006 Greet Mercer Island 15
a growing population, constantly evolving pests and diseases, and a changing climate,” as the young nonprofit explains on its “Why We Exist” web page. “Yet, selling patented technologies to smallholder farmers in developing countries is difficult, and government agencies and foundations too often overlook both fast-moving technology and indigenous knowledge.” According to the United Nations, 800 million people aren’t getting enough food to eat, a number that has been increasing in recent years, while several billion more face malnutrition. A growing population and the effects of climate change on farming, such as worsening droughts, call for innovation. Researchers are developing technologies to improve farming, but they’re often not relevant or affordable for small-scale growers. Unique to agricultural research philanthropy, Grow Further’s mission is to locate remarkable innovations and ideas in agricultural science that fall through the cracks–ideas that major aid agencies miss or ignore–and help these overlooked institutional research efforts push forward with their R&D. Everyone reading this now is invited to join Grow Further, because another unique feature to its work is the way Grow Further involves donors and members in both decision making and project monitoring. In other words, Grow Further members don’t just donate money; if they are willing and able, members are also afforded opportunities to donate their time and talents to help steer the organization’s work. With any luck, Grow Further will one day give a boost to some team quietly working on an idea that has the potential to feed millions while improving the lives of thousands of farmers in developing countries, farmers that don’t have the benefit of subsidized insurance and other big government programs. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that? “Innovation” is a central concept at Grow Further, the core of the organization’s ethos. The word speaks to not only what Grow Further looks for when scrutinizing grant-worthy research, but also how the organization itself approaches the mission of mobilizing 16 April 2024 the generous donations its partners and members pool to support its work. Grow Further’s motto is “connecting people and ideas for a food-secure future.” Peter says he was inspired to establish Grow Further as far back as his college days when he realized that there are only so many ways individuals can become involved in the fight for better food security and farming success in poorer countries. One could join as an employee one of the major government-driven aid agencies shrouded in acronyms— USAID, IFAD, FAO perhaps—and become directly engaged, or you could simply send money to a smaller non-profit where they will happily spend it doing what they want without any of your input. “There were some organizations that were very clear on how one could donate, volunteer, and otherwise get involved but hadn’t really accomplished much,” Peter explained. “Then there were others that had big important accomplishments transforming the future of food security but no way to get involved.” There was no third way until Grow Further entered the picture. Think of it as a “March of Dimes for food,” one analogy that’s often leaned on to explain what Grow Further is and what it does. The March of Dimes famously gathers donations from individuals to support medical research, and donors can select which medical research efforts they would like to support with their hard-earned currency. In a similar vein, Grow Further solicits (among other sources) direct donations from individuals to support agricultural research and development that’s aimed at supporting smallholder farmers in countries that often struggle to grow enough food for their populations. It can end there with a simple donation if that’s what the donor prefers, but Grow Further offers something extra. Donor-members not only get to feel good about supporting a worthy cause—innovation in the fight for better global food security—but they’re also invited to review, scrutinize, and ultimately select which projects will be awarded Grow Further grants. Donor-members get to meet with the researchers applying for Grow Further grants, and they are afforded opportunities to ask them questions and seek better clarification on what these teams are trying to accomplish with their visions for smallholder farm innovation. Members can also evaluate the progress of projects, gathering information that will inform their decisions in later grant application rounds. Grow Further issued its first two grants last year—donors and donor-members are now supporting scientific research in Ghana and Tanzania. The winning project in northern Ghana proposes greatly expanding the cultivation of Bambara groundnut, a drought-resistant superfood packed with nutrition and potential. In Tanzania, Grow Further is now funding R&D on a smartphone application that would help smallholder farmers detect the earliest signs of plant diseases and pest infestations. Peter was pursuing a career in academia in China before landing on Mercer Island. An agricultural economist by training, he said he enjoyed his time teaching at his tenure-track position in Beijing but was inspired to return to the United States thanks in part to some wisdom and inspiration imparted to him by none other than Bill Gates Sr., the late father of the famed Microsoft co-founder. Peter told Gates Sr. about his idea for a member-driven agricultural science nonprofit at an engagement both happened to be attending several years ago. “He told me that his son can’t solve the world’s problems alone and that if the first iteration of my idea doesn’t work the second will, and if the second iteration doesn’t work, the third will.” Bill Gates Sr. urged Peter to return to the United States from China and have a go at his dream. Peter says he moved to the Seattle area for the environment “and I stayed for the community.” “I moved to Mercer Island from Redmond so that I could be closer to Impact Hub in Pioneer Square, and stayed after Impact Hub closed,” he recalled. As noted earlier, Impact Hub played a crucial role in Grow Further’s birth. “I had chosen Redmond for the bike trails, but Mercer Island is a little more centrally located, and in recent
years I’ve learned to enjoy other sports, as well.” Aside from Luther Burbank Park, Peter said some of his other favorite Mercer Island haunts include Pioneer Park and the coffee shop where he and Jen will meet about every other work to discuss Grow Further’s progress, successes, and the road ahead. Jennifer Dine is a transplant from the East Coast. “I moved here nine years ago,” she explained. “Mercer Island was recommended by a real estate agent who also lived on the island, but showed other areas of Seattle, as well. The laid-back community feel, green spaces, water, and great schools for my kids were what drew me here.” Jen said she found the opening at Grow Further through a website where women in the nonprofit sector can network and share information and advice. She had no true background in agriculture or agricultural research, but saw it as an opportunity to learn. Jen explained that she already had an interest in global food security matters and found the approach that Grow Further is aiming for intriguing. “I was looking for a mission-driven role,” she recalled. “I wanted to leverage my previous relationship management and partnerships experience and use them in a role that I believe would have a beneficial impact on society.” She called the Grow Further model of donor membership-driven project scrutiny and selection something “that I had never seen before in philanthropy.” The member-driven approach wasn’t the only aspect that attracted Jen to the opportunity to become Grow Further’s first Membership Director. Grow Further solicits input from smallholder farmers directly in a bid to better understand their needs and whether or not a project that a research team at some nearby university is working on (and seeking a grant for) might actually be of any benefit or use to the farmers. When Peter traveled to Ghana and Tanzania on a due diligence mission, he not only met with the people applying for research grants, but he also ventured into the fields to see what the farmers themselves made of these potential innovative approaches to growing more food. For more information on Grow Further, and their events, scan here. That attitude and approach particularly drew Jen to Grow Further, she explained. “Grow Further’s angle on contributing to global food security issues by investing in agricultural R&D projects that include farmer participation and are carried out in universities in the grantee’s home country, essentially a bottom-up approach to international development, made a lot of sense to me,” she said. The membership-driven model means that the role of a membership director involves a lot more than simply soliciting individual and corporate donations, a feature that also appeals to Jen. “I had spent many years as a relationship manager and worked in partnership development, and enjoyed the relationships that came from that line of work,” she explained. “The fact that donors were engaged heavily in the organization made me more interested in the fundraising aspects of the role, as it meant I would get to spend more time building long relationships, which is a priority of the organization.” Grow Further’s nationwide search for a membership director was competitive. Jen ultimately decided to throw her hat into the ring, confident that she could excel in the position. In the end, it paid off. “After several interviews with a recruiter and Advisory Committee member, I was asked to meet with the founder,” she recalled. “At that point, it was shared with me that Peter also lived on Mercer Island, which was a funny and nice coincidence.” “I was a little surprised, though not shocked,” he said, recalling his reaction when the search agency informed him that the top candidate for the role of Grow Further Membership Director is also a Mercer Islander. “The Seattle area is a hotbed of innovative approaches to philanthropy, and Mercer Island is where many movers and shakers live.” Jen quickly hit the ground running. More institutional partners have come on board since, and the number of individual Grow Further donormembers is expanding at a nice clip. When Grow Further rolled out its first call for proposals the response was astounding—more than 700 applications came in, even though there were initially only enough resources to fund two. About 200 research proposals met the initial criteria. After a few more months of application reviews, ten of the best applications were put before the donor-members. The Ghana and Tanzania projects ultimately won out. Jen and Peter both traveled to Des Moines, Iowa last October, where Grow Further organized a distinguished panel to discuss the recently announced grants. The Borlaug Dialogue, the preeminent global agriculture and food security conference famed for its annual selection of the World Food Prize recipient, was something of a coming-out party for Grow Further. Locally, Jen and Peter will host a “meet Grow Further” event in Seattle on May 14 featuring former refugee, quinoa breeder, and inspirational speaker Cedric Habiyaremye and a reception with staff and members. Everyone is invited, they said, including fellow Mercer Islanders. All of the details can be found on their website, growfurther.org/events. Jen said she and Peter instantly hit it off when they first met. “I was excited by the idea of joining his effort,” she said. “Our 30-minute interview lasted about an hour and a half or more chatting through all of the details. I was impressed he didn’t rush me and spent the time answering all of my questions, which I thought was a good sign for a future boss.” Greet Mercer Island 17
So far, the sailing has been mostly smooth—some rough patches of seas here and there but nothing that Grow Further and its crew and captain can’t handle. As Peter can certainly tell you, founding an agricultural science nonprofit on a concept that had never been tried before is no simple task, but as Grow Further goes from strength to strength, Peter finds that there are ever more good reasons to treat himself to a brisk celebratory jog at Luther Burbank Park. There is plenty of hard work ahead; Grow Further is still a very young organization and has much further to grow in its quest to transform how the world finances agricultural research. But the signs are promising. Jen is now helping Peter steer this ship he’s created to clearer, calmer waters with a strong wind at its back. “I am a mother, and I cannot bear to think of children without food,” she said. “There are many challenging things in life you can get used to, but hunger is not one of them.” Jen and Peter are also finding ways to help each other enjoy their lives on Mercer Island. For instance, Peter recently discovered a local entrepreneur selling shoes that may be a better fit for his Island jogging. Jen ended up trying out a pair first. “I’m planning to buy some running shoes made by a company cofounded by a Mercer Island resident and Grow Further donor member, but haven’t yet done so,” Peter explained. “Jennifer has, and she says they’re great.” When these two Grow Further team members and Mercer Island residents get together, it’s almost always about the mission ahead, whether that means planning sessions during their 90-minute work meetings over coffee at Starbucks or Sano Café, or attending a metro-area conference together in their official capacities. But they’ll occasionally bump into each other as they get more and more involved in the island’s community, an instinct that helps drive their passion for fighting for a more food-secure future. For example, Peter mentioned how he once stumbled into Jen quite by accident at Pioneer Park—they both had independently signed up as volunteers to help remove invasive English ivy from the park on the same day. Peter Kelly is only too happy to occasionally roll up his sleeves and help keep Mercer Island beautiful. He said he can’t imagine living anywhere else in the area. “I take the east and west bridges off the island at almost exactly the same frequency,” Peter mused, “so if I were to leave to be closer to off-island destinations, I don’t know which way I’d go!” Mercer Islanders shouldn’t be too surprised to find Jennifer Dine strolling along the streets or at a park on any given day with her kids or dog. “It’s a beautiful place with great access to the water and many green spaces and beautiful trees,” Jen noted. “The sunsets over the water with the mountains in the background are like nothing I’ve ever seen.” Welcome to our warm, traditional synagogue ...no matter your Jewish background Offering a variety of Jewish services, classes and events, including: • Weekly Shabbat and holiday services and celebrations led by Rabbi Yechezkel Kornfeld • Classes on Jewish living, texts and Talmud • Hebrew School, ages 5-10, by Chabad of Mercer Island • Classes and presentations including Hebrew, history, health and recreation • A landmark mid-century-modern setting, featuring a special exhibit of synagogues around the world Join us for Sabbath services every Saturday between 9:30 and 12:00, and check our online calendar for our other upcoming events. Island Crest Way & SE 47th St., Mercer Island • 206.275.1539 • www.IslandSynagogue.org 18 April 2024
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FEATURED HOME 6930 96th Ave SE Let the sunrise be your alarm clock as the light sparkles onto Mt. Rainier. This timeless Odegard-built home features clean lines, light-filled spaces and an intelligent floor-plan. Expansive lake and mountain views. Two story entry, formal living and dining rooms, chef’s kitchen with butler’s pantry, family room, main-floor office and spacious bonus rm with bath (could easily be a main floor primary, theater room, nanny’s quarters). Upper level offers a luxurious primary suite w/fireplace & private deck plus 3 additional bedrooms. Lower level is where the fun begins! A wine lover’s paradise w/ expansive cellar. Additional spaces for gym/studio/storage. Private backyard for entertaining and play. This house truly has it all! BY GREG ROSENWALD 20 April 2024
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LIBATION STATION Frespañol Paloma RECIPE BY KYLE PATTERSON, BAR MANAGER AT CENTRAL BAR + RESTAURANT PHOTO BY JACKIE PHAIROW RECIPE: • 1.5 oz Mezcal (I Prefer Del Maguey Chichicapa) • 1 oz Fresh Squeezed Grapefruit Juice •.75 oz Grapefruit infused Lillet Blanc •.25 oz Agave Nectar • Shake and Strain into a Highball Glass with a Salted Rim • Top with Grapefruit La Croix • Garnish with a Grapefruit Wedge Grapefruit Infused Lillet Recipe: Peel 1 whole Grapefruit and put into a large closable container. Add 1 bottle of Lillet Blanc, seal container, and put in the refrigerator to chill for 24 hours. Pour Infusion back into Lillet Bottle, straining out grapefruit peels, and use for up to 2 weeks (keep refrigerated).
WHAT’S COOKIN’ Mushroom Tartines with Goat Cheese WRITTEN BY TAMMY CIRCEO, RESIDENT CULINARY CONTRIBUTOR Tartines are simply an open-faced sandwich. Sauteed mushrooms with shallot, garlic, and thyme piled on top of goat cheese makes the best tartine! Mushroom Tartines with Goat Cheese are a beautiful light lunch served with a salad, but most often, I serve them as an appetizer on small toasts. You can make them a bit of a more substantial lunch by adding some soft scrambled eggs or an over easy fried egg. Look for the freshest mushrooms possible. If you are fortunate enough to have an excellent grocery store or mushroom farm near you, count your blessings. If you are forced to buy mushrooms in a plastic bin with cellophane wrap around it, peer into it and make sure they are as fresh as possible, then remove them from that wrapping when you get home. Mushrooms are best stored in paper bags. Use whatever kind of mushrooms you prefer … oyster, shitake, chanterelles, creminis, brown buttons, white buttons … use one or use all! INGREDIENTS • 4 ounces mixed mushrooms, sliced • 1 Tablespoon butter • 2 Tablespoons shallots, chopped finely • 2 teaspoons garlic, finely minced • ¼ cup white wine • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves • 2-3 ounces soft goat cheese • Baguette rounds or sourdough toasts INSTRUCTIONS 1 / Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and when it is sizzling, add the mushrooms. (I recommend a cast iron skillet.) 2 / Cook them till the moisture is mostly released, then add the shallots and garlic. Allow them to cook 3-5 minutes until fragrant and cooked through and till the moisture is released. 3 / Deglaze the pan with the white wine and add the thyme leaves. Remove from the heat. 4 / Toast the bread, spread with the goat cheese, then top with the sauteed mushrooms. Garnish with more thyme sprigs. NOTES • The recipe specifies goat cheese, but I love to experiment with different cheeses. Brie is a favorite! • This recipe is, of course, small enough for a light lunch for a couple of people, or for appetizers for a small dinner party. Scale it as you need. I’ve often made it using two pounds of mushrooms rather than just four ounces! B on Appétit! Tammy Circeo, Freelance Recipe Writer www.tammycirceo.com IG: @tammycirceocheznous FB: TammyCirceoChezNous Greet Mercer Island 23
MERCER ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY Fun and Frolic at Fortuna Park THE ISLAND’S PARTY PLACE (The following was written by the late Hugh Cole, who moved to the Island with his parents in 1916. In 1989, after a career in insurance and real estate, he wrote down his early memories of growing up on Mercer Island. The column was edited by Jane Meyer.) BY HUGH COLE ANY DESCRIPTION OF MERCER ISLAND must include Fortuna Park. It had an impact on the Island which, while not major, added numerous pleasantries for many Island people. A large tract of land, some 40 acres, it had well over 1,000 feet of waterfront and extended back into the forest. It was owned by Captain John Anderson, who also owned the fleet of passenger boats that served the Island and the mainland to the east. The park was located in a bay on the East Channel. Captain Anderson developed the waterfront section back almost to the road into a recreational facility. The land was cleared and graded out into a field for baseball, foot races and picnicking. The beach was sandy, great for bathing, the result of the lowering of the lake level in 1916. A large dance hall was erected between the field and the big yard (formerly lake bottom) at the water’s edge. The terrain had a gentle slope enabling the dance hall to be built with an open daylight basement effect, so under the dance floor, all open to the yard and lake, were kitchen facilities. There was a big, flat-surfaced wood stove for cooking in quantity, and a couple of small stoves for smaller parties. Water was piped to the kitchen and other spots on the premises from springs back in the forest. There were many picnic tables under the hall, out among the trees and on the big front yard. Along the beach, a floating boathouse was moored. It contained many row boats and canoes for rent. The second story provided living quarters for the family of four who took care of the whole place. A swimming float with a springboard and diving platform was anchored out from the beach. To get people out there, Anderson, of course, had the boat system to use between scheduled runs, so he built a substantial dock near the boathouse. A solid dock was a necessity as on weekends large crowds of people came to Fortuna Park, and the passenger boats made many trips during the day and evening. 24 April 2024 Fraternal organizations, the Elks, Masons, Eagles and the Irish, Scottish and Scandinavians and others, including many business firms with large numbers of employees, leased the park for their people and a day of picnics and games, and dancing in the evening. The park often accommodated hundreds of people at these gatherings. All summer long the boats made many trips each picnic day, from docks at Leschi Park in Seattle, carrying people to Fortuna Park, and returning in the evening. Islanders who lived along the waterfront on the north end of the Island always knew when there was a picnic at Fortuna and its approximate size, by the number of trips and the crowds on the passing boats. In the evening, after all was over, the dance orchestra, returning to Seattle on the last boat, could be heard clearly by the residents along the shore, watching the lighted boats go by. That was a pretty sight indeed. If there was a big affair going on at Fortuna, word quickly got around among the young people on the Island, as they knew there would be a large dance band playing in the evening. Since there was no gate charge to get in (the leasing group paid Anderson’s fee) any kid with a car rounded up his buddies and girlfriends to go to the dance that night. When the drive-in gate was closed, it being a private party, they knew where (in the forest) the weak parts in the fence were. They either swung over, or the boys held the fence strands apart so the girls in their wide skirts could step through – no jeans in those days. What fun, dancing with your girl to the big bands until the place closed, then a little smooching on the way home! Jane Meyer Brahm is co-president with Terry Moreman of the Mercer Island Historical Society, one of the oldest organizations on the Island. For more information about MIHS, go to www.mercerislandhistory.org. Back issues of the Mercer Island Reporter are available at: http/mih.stparchive.com.
MERCER ISLAND YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES ON INTERNET GAMING BY DEREK FRANKLIN, MIYFS ADMINISTRATOR U nderstanding the impact of online gaming on you or your child can be very complicated. These days, on-line video games can be an important social hub, especially for youth and teens due to the popularity of collaborative, team, and multiplayer formats that allow real-time conversations, connection, and virtual “hang out” spaces. The virtual spaces in modern games are remarkably complex and often quite beautiful. However, they also can become an obsession that interferes with other important life functions or even a platform for bullying or abuse. Either way, they have become a part of youth and young adult culture and deserve thoughtful attention from parents. According to the American Psychological Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR), addiction to gaming is referred to as Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) in the section of conditions recommended for further study. Internationally, the World Health Organization included Gaming Disorder in the 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). In both cases, the diagnosis is described with a list of behavioral characteristics, such as preoccupation, difficulty quitting, playing despite negative consequences, and hiding gaming behavior. In addition, there is also a subjective component related to whether the behavior causes “significant impairment or distress” in someone’s life. In many ways, IGD sounds a lot like other chemical or behavioral addictions in that internet gaming, by itself and in moderation, can be a great way to blow off steam, build technical skills, and maybe even find some meaningful connections. However, with repetition and over time, a negative pattern can emerge that signals a problem due to the addictive potential of the behavior. In fact, brain imaging studies find that IGD can impact the chemicals in the brain like other types of addictions. There is evidence that rates of IGD increased significantly over the pandemic when youth were stuck at home and that we are seeing the impact of that today. So, with the worst of the pandemic behind us, parents might now consider stepping back and asking themselves about the extent to which gaming has become central to their child’s life, or their own. Part of addiction recovery can include the idea of resetting the dopamine system in the brain to decrease cravings and support re-engagement in developmentally appropriate activities. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain is impacted by excessive gaming, has a lot to do with feelings of pleasure, satisfaction, and motivation. Counselors at Mercer Island Youth and Family Services (YFS) typically refer youth and adults to their medical providers to help diagnose any medical condition while also suggesting the following “dopamine-enhancement behaviors” for individuals presenting with IGD-type symptoms: • Get outside in the sun (aka just get outside in the Pacific Northwest) • Start an exercise routine after consulting your medical provider • Engage in meaningful hobbies or work (off screens) • Try listening to music or taking-up an instrument It is also important to get behavioral and emotional support when it seems like gaming behavior is too hard to change. Remember, like dependence on alcohol or drugs, gaming can feel calming when in fact it is just reducing the cravings caused by gaming in the first place. Mercer Island parents and adults can reach-out to YFS’s confidential voicemail at (206) 275-7657 and ask to consult with a counselor for support or referral. Greet Mercer Island 27
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Hit the Road to a New Lap of Luxury: Casia Lodge & Ranch C asia Lodge & Ranch, formerly known by Methow Valley locals as Tice Ranch, is no stranger to Washington State’s celebrated portfolio of showstopping properties. For decades, it has stood as a venerable presence at the epicenter of a sprawling 300-acre ranch, surrounded by alfalfa fields, pastures, a horse barn and soothing lavender bushes that give the Lodge its new name, Casia. Bordered by the tranquil Beaver Creek, this enchanting destination is just a three and a half hour drive from Seattle and lies five miles southeast of the town of Twisp, WA. Thanks to the vision of two Seattlearea hospitality luminaries, Casia Lodge & Ranch is now open to the public as a premier local destination for luxury lodging, fine dining, and world class hospitality. The history of the property dates back to 1985 when celebrated motivational visionary Lou Tice built the main structure as a celebrity and executive retreat. Despite its size, measuring more than 14,000 square feet, the boutique hotel itself is an intimate space with oversized wood burning fireplaces, natural stone walls and towering ceilings. Each of its eleven guest rooms is adorned with handcrafted antique furnishings, offering a touch of rustic elegance. Patios and balconies in each room provide a personal connection to the breathtaking private natural surroundings. Group events find their place here perfectly, while the upscale dining room and two bars welcome the public every afternoon and evening. But Casia Lodge & Ranch, timeless as it may seem, is evolving. This year, it has embarked on a journey to carve out a new identity under the new ownership of Kevin Flamm, a resolute valley enthusiast with extensive hotel experience in Idaho, Utah and Montana. He invested in significant 30 April 2024 renovations and enlisted the help of a dynamic duo in food and hospitality: James Beard Award-winning Chef Jason Wilson and his wife, Mercer Island native Deborah Friend Wilson. With celebrated backgrounds in culinary arts, marketing and industry leadership with their local hot spot destinations The Lakehouse Bellevue and Civility & Unrest, the Wilsons have brought a fresh perspective and boundless creativity to the table. Since its opening last spring, the response has been overwhelming. Casia Lodge & Ranch has played host to various events, from high school proms to ski retreats, birthday parties to poetry readings, and corporate retreats to family reunions. The Wilsons envision a vibrant season ahead, with its popular weekend afternoon high tea service, guided winter’s eve snowshoe excursions, cross country ski treks, and upcoming horseback riding and guided fly-fishing excursions in spring and summer. “There is something for everyone here,” said Chef Jason. “This is the ultimate destination for those who want to experience the lap of luxury while also enjoying the incredible natural surroundings and seasonality of the North Cascades.”
James Beard Award winner Jason Wilson. Easily accessible over the pass, Casia lodge & Ranch is also a perfect new destination for Seattle’s vibrant wedding scene. With expansive indoor and outdoor event spaces, a James Beard Award-winning culinary team, plush accommodations, meticulous personal hospitality services, and jaw-dropping private scenery, it is a couple’s dream destination for celebration. accepting new wedding reservations through 2024 and 2025. “This is one of the most romantic destinations in the state, hands down,” said Deborah. “It’s so exciting to be able to offer a brand-new venue for weddings in our region.” Casia Lodge & Ranch has already become a sought out destination for couples and is still So, if you’re looking for a perfect local getaway, do yourself a favor and plan a road trip to this new jewel of a destination in the heart of Washington’s Methow Valley. Reservations are available at www.casialodge.com Greet Mercer Island 31
MEDVED MISSIVE Making Connections on Mercer Island BY DIANE MEDVED, PH.D. America, declared our Surgeon General Vivek Murthy in a spring, 2023 report titled “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation,” has a general problem with loneliness, and its impact isn’t good. But increased awareness of our social needs reminds of the many ways Mercer Islanders are happily connecting. Take Pickleball. During a recent winter break, my husband and I made a quick getaway to the sunshine, basically to swat my seasonal affective slump. We felt so privileged and grateful to see some blue sky and lie on a beach for a few days, even working around his job hosting a radio show. One of the women at a Zumba class I took invited us to join her weekly Pickleball group, 4:30 pm at the public park. “Do you play Pickleball?” she asked. “Not yet,” was my reply. I’d wanted to learn for awhile, after reading it’s the fastest-growing sport in the country for the fifth year in a row, with towns sub-dividing many tennis courts to accommodate its phenomenal popularity. Good idea, as four regulation Pickleball courts of 60 by 120 feet can fit in the space of a single tennis court. Luther Burbank Park offers three outdoor Pickleball-striped courts, and is currently in the permitting process to renovate the courts, having poured asphalt while considering other changes. According to a Mercer Island “Let’s Talk” posting, local legions of Pickleballers should have the new and improved courts completed by next summer. When I arrived at my sunny-escape Pickleball gathering, the friendly crowd included a variety of “drop-in” regulars, ranging from teens through octogenarians. Most brought folding camp chairs, lined up by the side of the court, for those watching during rotations. I was delighted when old and young approached to introduce themselves, and I even accepted an invitation to try a few rallies before play began. Pickleball is more like ping pong than tennis; the pace and many shots are similar. The ball has holes but is heavier than a wiffleball; the paddle small enough that it’s easy to control. 32 April 2024 The social opportunities are a large part of the appeal, and while players ranged in skill and competitiveness, everyone received encouragement and acceptance. The Surgeon General’s report became famous for equating social isolation to the health consequences of smoking fifteen cigarettes a day. He quoted research showing that without (enough) social connection, we suffer biologically (affecting stress hormones, inflammation and gene expression), psychologically (affecting meaning/ purpose, stress, safety, resilience and hopefulness), and behaviorally (affecting physical activity, nutrition, sleep, smoking and treatment). Dr Murthy offers many YouTube videos suggesting ways viewers can solve that problem, including topics such as the role of spirituality in resolving loneliness, meditation, and even “how to build the confidence to connect” for the painfully shy. You don’t have to be sports-minded to share an interest. The Pacific Northwest Magazine of the Seattle Times even started a column by Christy Karras called “Gather,” showcasing the many ways locals fight the Seattle Freeze.
If you haven’t heard of that, great—unfortunately in the last few years, the Space Needle has earned the reputation of a popsicle for the cold response newcomers report. The column has covered group opportunities in instrumentmaking, book clubs (apparently reading silently in a group is a “thing”), photography, karaoke, chess, plus more unusual activities you might not think would be socially shared. Happily, the sidewalks of Island Crest Way are usually busy with dog-walkers, scooter-riders and stroller-pushers all willing to look up as others approach for at least a brief smile and “hi.” When my husband walks to synagogue on Shabbat with his grabber and bag picking up litter, passing drivers often shout “thank you!” for his efforts. On my vacation I happened to read Tim Davis’ New York Times Magazine story about “listening sessions,” in which a collection of friends each brings a song or short piece of music to share with the other participants. Everyone listens attentively and respectfully to submissions, but other than that, comment, time between presentations, genres, snacks and social interaction over the group’s 15 years evolves. Having regular opportunity for connection is key. Mercer Islander Julie Hirsch looks forward to her monthly Sunday morning walks led by Susie Rosenstein through the Stroum Jewish Community Center. Every month Susie chooses a walking destination, about 4 ½ miles long. “Anxiety goes away because you’re walking,” Julie says. “You feel good when you walk.” She says the two-hour walks usually attract about 30 people, a mix of regulars and newcomers. “You walk with different people at different points,” Julie adds. “You’ll walk 5-10 minutes with one person, and then shift to walk with someone else. Then little pods will form, and soon the pods recompose, and you’re walking with a different group. The experience transcends generations. A class is a really great way to make friends. Plus, you’re passing beautiful things as you go along.” She remembered a walk through the Arboretum in the spring. Julie also enjoys her SJCC Water Aerobics class. “Everyone becomes friends from it,” she says, noting that some choose to use the time largely socially, chatting as much as exercising, while others prefer to focus more on the moves. My own exercise choice, Zumba, is more about interacting with the music than other people, though after class, talking with other participants, sharing their birthdays and life events has made them all friends. During Covid, we took classes together via Zoom, where the few minutes saying hi after class provided enough camaraderie that when I visited this winter, I was moved that the teacher actually welcomed me to class with a bouquet. The Surgeon General’s report on loneliness and isolation contains facts that should motivate Americans to take initiative. Heart disease risk increases 29%, and stroke risk 32% for those with poor social relationships. Loneliness increases inflammation in the body, and among older adults, increases the risk of dementia by about 50 percent. Adultswho report feeling lonely often “are more than twice as likely to develop depression as adults who report rarely or never feeling lonely,” adds the Surgeon General, citing a 2022 study. One suggestion in Dr. Murthy’s report, part of a larger governmental strategy to address loneliness, is to “cultivate a culture of connection.” He underscores that religion and spirituality can be instrumental to forming communities that create such a culture. For me, as a Jewish person (as are 25% of Mercer Islanders), having Shabbat (the Sabbath), a day centered on friends and family purposefully focusing on both Jewish tradition and those interpersonal relationships, provides a structure for the week. The Jewish calendar of holidays shapes the weekly structure over the year. My husband and I enjoy hosting a changing group of 12 or so every Saturday for lunch. I love the mix of our close friends, the “regulars” we see often, with less-usual guests and one or more “wild card,” someone with a unique background, a surprising story, a piquant personality. Yes, it’s hours of preparation, and then more hours of cleanup, but the combinations and conversations always find my husband and I gratefully laughing or commenting afterward on “another fantastic Shabbos.” A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study about benefits of social connection found “People with stronger social bonds have a 50% increased likelihood of survival (of heart disease) than those have fewer social connections.” Here I must add that the social media platforms that seem to be earning the wrath of parents and politicians can be used for bad—or good. A family member from El Salvador recently got a phone call from his cousin, whom he hadn’t seen in fifty years. The cousin, still in the rural village where they were children together, had found Evaristo on Facebook, through a friend-of-a-friend. The connection they were able to make only because of an amazing world-wide web brought each of the elderly cousins tears of joy and a renewed sense of family. Text messaging is especially useful to briefly reach out and show care or concern without intruding. Just texting “thinking about you,” adds to closeness. Texting photos allows recipients a snapshot into our lives; video clips give even more depth. My childhood seems so distant now that I’m reliant on my phone to allow connections 24/6 (not on Shabbat, of course). And those magical devices are also phones, and we should remember that speaking, with the possibility of instant emotional response, is valuable. In fact, valuing our connections motivates us to maintain them. To realize the brevity of our parents’, children’s and our own lives, elevates them and inspires us to preserve them. And perhaps one of the best ways we can do that is to verbalize gratitude, to say “thank you” for any kindness, caring and extension of self that others put forth. Appreciating others as well as appreciating the beauty in our environments magnifies that beauty, and motivates us to treasure them in the future. What an amazing place we live in. Diane Medved, Ph.D. is a psychologist, speaker, and author of seven books on marriage and family. She and her husband, author, Substack columnist and radio talk show host Michael Medved raised their three children on Mercer Island and can be seen here walking with grandchildren (with grabber and bag picking up litter). Reach Michael at MichaelMedved.com, and Diane at DianeMedved.com. Greet Mercer Island 33
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9151 Currency St. Irving, TX 75063 A Publication for the Residents of Mercer Island
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