Partnership runs deep between the City and Mercer Island School District (MISD): "We serve the same kids and families," says City Manager Julie Underwood. "We are interdependent." 

 

Many Islanders know the City funds mental health counselors in public schools, but the City-School partnership runs deeper. The counselors' work is backed and supervised by clinical staff at Youth and Family Services (YFS) who work with any students and families needing additional support, whether it's further counseling or legal help. The City also employs a full-time School Resource Officer in the Police Department to work directly in schools to support kids.

The City's Development Services Group (DSG) assigns senior-level, highly experienced staff to review MISD permit applications resulting in time and money savings for MISD.  A year-long City collaboration with MISD recently rezoned all school properties to "Public Institution" and created new zoning standards around each school, providing nearby neighbors and the District with certainty regarding development, and facilitating more cost-efficient permit reviews and inspections.

Parks and Recreation has paid for new turf fields on school properties (over $2M for South Mercer playfields and Islander Middle School fields). The City collects rental fees from third party users after school hours, with fees allocated towards field replacements.  The City also is paying to rehabilitate grass fields at four elementary schools and the high school.  City fields and tennis courts are available at no charge to school sports teams, saving the School District approximately $20,000 annually.  And the City's "Safe Routes to School" program keeps trails maintained for students walking to school.

"Our partnership with MISD reaches into just about every City department," says Underwood. "And the result is that our whole community benefits."    

Are you looking for a way to start new traditions on Thanksgiving this year?  Yogabliss, a yoga studio on the north end of Mercer Island, will again host  Practice of Gratitude on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 23.  

All proceeds from these five yoga classes (starting at 8:00am) will be donated to support the Emergency Assistance Program of  Mercer Island Youth and Family Services , the City's human services department that touches all Islanders through counselors in the schools, senior services, affordable family counseling, family assistance, a food pantry and a thriving thrift shop.

Class fees are $25 per student, cash or check to MIYFS, with the option to donate more, if you wish.  Sign up now, and plan to start your Thanksgiving in a grateful way.  Learn more here. Thank you Yoagbliss!

Starting Friday November 25, the Mercer Island Youth and Family Services Foundation holiday tree lot opens at the Farmers Insurance parking garage!

Operated in partnership with the Lions Club, Islanders can purchase fresh trees, wreaths and garlands and feel good about the proceeds supporting the charitable activities of both organizations. 

Open Thursdays-Sundays until December 22.  Learn more at  www.miyfs.org/donate/trees  

Once these warm rains end, colder temperatures will be just around the corner, and it is a good time to plan ahead for winter. The City reminds residents that saving money on home heating also helps the environment by reducing your carbon footprint. 

You can even go the extra mile and spend a few more dollars per month to support  Green Power , such as clean renewable wind energy.

According to  Puget Sound Energy  (PSE), heating your home can account for up to 50 percent of your energy bill.  But a number of simple measures can save you energy AND money quite easily. The following easy steps from PSE will help manage home energy use: 

• Set thermostats to 68 degrees when at home and awake, and lower it 7-10 degrees when asleep or away.

Click here  to learn more about energy saving tips and current rebates. You can also contact PSE for  free on-line support , or call 1-800-562-1482 Monday through Friday.

It's back... On Friday, December 22, the Argosy Holiday Ship will return to Luther Burbank Park with their onboard choir to sing carols from the boat to beachgoers. A ttendees will be cozy on the shore, feeling the warmth of a beach bonfire and enjoying warm drinks. 

Come one, come all, and join us for some holiday fun! Please gather at the south end swimming beach at Luther Burbank Park for this FREE event, appropriate for all ages; starts at 7:30pm and ends at 9:00pm.   Contact Kai Fulginiti at (206) 275-7864 with questions.