Issuu

The Pride of the Island: From Mercer Island to Manhattan

P R O F E S S I O N A L S E RV I C E S

HOME + DESIGN

E D U C ATI O N

TH E INSPIRING RISE O F PITCH YOU R PEERS: EM POWERING WO M EN AN D U PLI FTI NG M ERCER ISL AN D

YOU R H O M E: TH E U LTIM ATE ESCAPE

M IHS STU DENTS DESERVE BET TER: DRE AMS BECO M IN G A RE ALIT Y TH ROUGH CO M MU N IT Y EFFO RTS

D E C E M B E R 2 02 3

GIVING BACK TO OUR COMMUNITY. As the season of generosity draws near, I find myself reflecting on the profound importance of tending to our local community. Actively engaging with local charities and participating in community events brings me not just a sense of duty, but also immense joy. I am thankful that my career in real estate allows me to help my clients and give back to the community we love.

GREG ROSENWALD Founding Broker | Compass WA

Voted Best Agent on Mercer Island.

206.914.0417 greg.rosenwald@compass.com GregRosenwald.com

#1 in Lifetime Sales on Mercer Island Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.

ORGANIZATIONS I’VE CONTINUED TO SUPPORT IN 2023 • Mercer Island School District • Seattle Children’s Hospital • Mercer Island Youth and Family Service • Jewish Family Service • Stroum Jewish Community Center • Kindering • Obliteride • Rivkin Center • The Friendship Circle of Washington • Mercer Island High School Sports: Basketball Football Swim & Dive Soccer Baseball Wrestling

Elevating Dreams, One Home at a Time. As the holiday season unfolds, we are deeply grateful for the trust and connections of our Mercer Island community. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you! May your homes be filled with warmth and laughter, and may the new year bring peace and prosperity. Happy Holidays! - Kelly, Evi & Christine

Proud Community Supporter. $200 from every transaction donated to Mercer Island Youth & Family Services and M.I. Schools Foundation.

Kelly Weisfield J.D., CRS, ABR Founding Broker | Compass WA 206.355.3863 KellyWeisfield.com Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.

ISLAND INSIGHT YOU DESERVE

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December 2023 LIFESTYLE LETTER

In December let's celebrate Holidays and Giving Dear Readers, In this issue of Mercer Island City Lifestyle, our cover celebrates Illuminate, our beloved community Holiday tradition, and the dedicated Mercer Island Police Officers who serve our community day in and day out. Holidays lend way to unique family traditions. Read about one family's story and their cherished annual Holiday Bricks celebration. Through photos and an interview with family patriarch Mark Elster, we get an inside look at this decades-long tradition that has brought the clan together through the years. This showcases how to forge family Holiday bonds and create a legacy over the zaniest of things. If you haven't heard, the Mercer Island High School Marching Band will be traveling to NYC for Thanksgiving! The Pride of the Island will be one of 6 High School Bands to march in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade! We share a thought-provoking story about Artala Design and their philosophy of transforming homes into personal sanctuaries and retreats. Founder Amy May's approach focuses on creating daily getaways through interior design. We also profile an exciting effort underway to renovate the new Fitness Center at Mercer Island High School. Led by Eric Myklebust, this initiative has brought together students, parents, coaches, and the community to transform an outdated weight room into a modern, inclusive fitness center accessible to all students. Additionally, we share the inspiring story of Pitch Your Peers (PYP), a nonprofit empowering local women through a unique model of philanthropy that allows members to pitch passion projects. Founded by Alyson Burks and Erin Krawiec, PYP is making a real difference. Other highlights include the childhood friends behind Rising Wines Collective, holiday performances by the MIHS band and Island Youth Ballet, and the many seasonal events happening on the island this December. We also want to draw your attention to our MICL Local Holiday Events Calendar and our local businesses and business leaders, Carin Susann Designs, Island Orthodontics, IAM Center, and Northwest Lifestyle Homes. Thank you to Sharon Perez for rolling up her sleeves and becoming my valuable partner in making Mercer Island City Lifestyle a better and more inclusive asset of our community! We take pride in bringing you stories that showcase the people, organizations, and events that make our community so special. We hope you'll join us in celebrating the spirit of the season at Illuminate! Wishing you joy this holiday season, CHRIS ISHII, PUBLISHER @MERCERISLANDCITYLIFESTYLE

Chris Ishii | chris.ishii@citylifestyle.com CONTR IBUTING WR ITER

Mark Elster CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER

Katie Herzog

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

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Mercer Island City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Mercer Island City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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DECEMBER 2023

inside the issue The Holidays & Giving Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

14 Enduring Bonds Built Brick By Brick

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Inspired By PR O FES S I O NA L S E RV IC E S

Artist’s Palette EDU CAT I O N

Must See HO ME + DES I GN

Giving Back LI FE + C U LT U R E

Happy Hour FO O D + B EV ER AG E

Inspired By LI FE + C U LT U R E

Kids Corner EDU CAT I O N

The Elster Family's Cherished Holiday Tradition

18 The Pride of the Island From Mercer Island to Macy’s

22 Your Home The Ultimate Escape

24 The Inspiring Rise of Pitch Your Peers Empowering Women and Uplifting Mercer Island

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Katie Herzog Police Department in the Ornament: 2022 Tree Lighting Ceremony Left to Right: Officer August Owen, Officer Olivia Jensen, Cpl Samantha Hammer, and Officer Kelly Robinson

Elevate where life happens so you can discover the Art of Living.

Design is more than what is pretty and beautiful— It’s also about the ways the mood, feeling and function merge within our home, affecting our happiness and well-being.

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DECEMBER 2023

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

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1: Drum Major Elena Lill Making Adjustments 2: Courtney Cohen, Julie Hsieh, and Michele Janes at PYP Annual Pitch Night 3: Deborah Rappaport, Elizabeth Kaplan, Karla Rimmer, Aly Burks, and Dina Wampold at PYP Annual 4: Lesley Poole, Susan Kim, Stephanie Kornblum, and Christy Shiers at PYP Annual Pitch Night 5: Shannon Leversedge, Kim Kamolz, and Helen Kelly at PYP Annual Pitch Night 6: PYP members network at Annual Pitch Night

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C I T Y SC E N E

ENDURING BONDS B U I LT B R I C K BY BRICK ARTICLE BY MARK ELSTER AND CHRIS ISHII PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK ELSTER

The Elster Family's Cherished Holiday Tradition

Each December, families across the country gather to celebrate the holidays and partake in time-honored traditions. For the Elster clan, one tradition that has withstood the test of time is their annual Bricks celebration. I was fortunate enough to get a first-hand look at the Elsters' charming keepsake book. Flipping through its pages, one can't help but smile seeing photos of aunts, uncles, cousins and more enjoying paintball matches, lavish feasts, and creative costumes at gatherings through the years. In addition to reviewing the book, I had the pleasure of speaking with Mark Elster, family patriarch and compiler of The Bricks tradition memoir, at his beautiful downtown Seattle office. Hearing Mark reminisce about the early days of the tradition and its evolution over the past two decades gave me even greater insight into what makes it so meaningful for the family. Whether at their cabin in Cle Elum, their ranch in Oregon or beaches further afield, the Elsters have proven location means little when loved ones unite in the joyous spirit of this holiday tradition. Despite changes in venue or themes like pirates or

I NSP IR E D BY | PR OFESSI ONAL S E RVI CE S

television, the constant remains the deeply loved bricks and memories they continue to accrue. It's clear The Bricks celebration took on even greater significance after the passing of matriarch Dorene two years ago. Her infectious laugh now lives on in the event she so adored. I left knowing for the Elster clan, while tangible things may come and go, tradition helps keep family close in heart always.

A BRICK STORY FROM MARK ELSTER: It all started in the 1990s at 6037 California Avenue Southwest, Seattle, when my Great Aunt Boppy set the family home on fire—she swore it was sanctioned by the fire department! A pair of bricks (one later broke in half) were retrieved from the wreckage. These inspired Clark Elster’s award idea that quickly evolved into an annual party to bestow the same brick—festooned with a red ribbon upon a hideously ugly paisley–patterned tasseled pillow—to the family member who did the most outrageous or stupid thing that year. The winner must display the brick prominently in their home for a year and recount their tale to all who will listen. CONTINUED >

S TAY W E L L

Aunt Boppy with Firehose

Family Home on Fire

Elster Hawaiian Family Night

CONTINUED >

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Such stories make us laugh at ourselves and with one another. It also models for our children that adults are far from perfect, and able to humbly eat crow when they have done something crazy or risky.

Among the hundreds of stories and tales that have been told over the years since, there is one story that stands out as a memorable example of the sorts of stories we share… For instance, one day I received a call at my office from my wife, who was in tears and a state of distress, requesting that I rush home to “save” her. After learning that she was a little hurt but OK, I urged her to explain what was wrong, because she seemed reluctant to share any details. Finally, she was able to relay between sobs that she had a vacuum cleaner stuck to her head, and that her hair had caught on fire, but was now merely smoking! I rushed home, after promising my coworkers, who overheard the conversation, that I would take a picture. After snapping the incriminating image, I used scissors to cut her melted burnt hair out of the attacking vacuum and listened to her recounting of the story in more detail as she transitioned from sobbing to laughing heartily with me. Lying in bed at home sick from work watching daytime TV, it seems she had seen a dust bunny blow across the floor under our armoire. Not able to ignore the offending fluff, she retrieved our new upright vacuum. This one had a hose attachment that would enable her to reach under the furniture piece and suck the little vermin right up. Unfortunately for her, the beater bar on this unit kept spinning while the hose was attached. In an instant, her shoulder-length hair wound around the spinning bar and was melted and smoking seconds later.

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Almost in a panic, she flailed for the switch but couldn’t see or feel it (because a vacuum was stuck to her head!). She feared she would be unable to reach it when her fingers stumbled upon it and put an end to its ravenous consumption of her locks! But because of the melted hair, she couldn’t loosen herself from its clench. Laying on the floor the next problem was reaching the phone over on the other side of the bed (this was back in landline days). Finally, after several minutes of shimmying across the floor she was barely able to lever the heavy upright so she could flop on the bed and catch her breath before crossing her fingers that I was in and able to answer the phone — otherwise she was going to call the fire department to release her. Later that year at the awards event, Nancy Ellen was the odds-on favorite to win in the multi-round runoff voting process (we had lots of contenders). In a last-minute twist, also typical of these events, the women in the family formed a faction and voted for me to get the brick for the unchivalrous choice to take a picture before releasing my damsel in distress! To this day, the family thinks she won the brick that year. Such stories make us laugh at ourselves and with one another. It also models for our children that adults are far from perfect, and able to humbly eat crow when they have done something crazy or risky. Children that grow up with such healthy adult role models later become great storytellers in their own right and able to eat humble pie with the best of us.

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ARTICLE BY CHRIS ISHII PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRANCES GAUL AND JIM JANTOS

The

PRIDE OF THE ISLAND In the competitive sphere of Mercer Island High School (MIHS), there exists a harmonious oasis: the MIHS Band. More than just a musical assembly, the band stands as a testament to the resilience, unity, and spirit of its members. For countless students, the band provides solace amidst the rigors of academic pressures. As Elena Lill, one of the drum majors, eloquently states, “When everything is going badly, you still have the band.” It’s a rock, a grounding force, in the whirlwind of high school life. The MIHS Band program prides itself on its inclusive nature, inviting members from all musical backgrounds. The philosophy ignites in fifth grade, fostering a passion for music that intensifies with each subsequent year. A prime example of this is the annual “All Island Band Night”, which unites students from grades 5 through 12 in a joyous musical celebration. The anticipation is palpable for the upcoming October 13th parade. Coinciding with the homecoming game, this event also serves as a pivotal dress rehearsal for the band’s distinguished performance in the renowned Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. This isn’t merely about MIHS, but a representation of the entire Mercer Island community in front of an audience of 27 million viewers. This parade through town, CONTINUED >

From Mercer Island to Macy’s

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ED UCATI ON

Drum Major Elena Lill making adjustments

Full Band Photo Band director Parker Bixby and drum major Moa Valentin

Drum major Moa Valentin in action

Band Parents Doing Traffic Duty

Band director Kyle Thompson at Hazen game SMILE

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immortalized through the keen lens of Jim Jantos, celebrates the band’s dedication, unity, and vibrant spirit. Behind the scenes, ensuring the band’s story is relayed and revered is Martha Brant, a seasoned journalist with a knack for community building. While she manages the broad spectrum of media relations, Ian Henry from MI School District adeptly coordinates with KIRO-TV. Together, they ensure the enchanting story of the MIHS Band reaches the masses. Leslie Kinder, the vigilant Band Booster leader, encapsulates the deep-rooted community spirit of MI. It’s a regular sight at games: parents in the stands cheering fervently for the band, as they do for the athletes. This harmonious intertwining of the athletic and arts departments, especially the symbiotic relationship between the band and the football team, is quintessentially MIHS. With a robust lineup of 227 high school members and a sprawling program comprising over 650 members, the MIHS Band epitomizes a straightforward philosophy: “Get them early, keep plugging away, keep inspiring.” A testimony to this is the narrative of a young boy, utterly mesmerized by the “Trombone suicide” routine at MIHS. This spark in fifth grade propelled him on a journey that culminated in him becoming a section leader in the trombone section years later. In the heart of MIHS, where academics might wear a competitive mask, the band stands as a beacon, proclaiming that music, unity, and passion are universal. Soon, the nation will be privy to the collective heart and soul of Mercer Island.

Drum major Moa Valentin in action

Leo Garry and Joaquin Mathews

Keaton Hey --one of 14 sousaphones

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Holiday Community Events NOW - DECEMBER 15 MIVAL Holiday Show Mercer Island Community & Event Center | MICEC Hours NOVEMBER 25 - DECEMBER 10 MIYFSF & MIHS Holiday Tree Lot MI Presbyterian Church | Saturday 10:00AM-6:00PM | Sunday 10:00AM-6:00PM DECEMBER 1 Illuminate MI: Tree Lighting, MIHS Choir, Firehouse Munch Mercerdale Park | Friday 5:40PM | North End Fire Station | 6:00PM DECEMBER 2 Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce Holiday Market Mercer Island Community & Event Center |Saturday 10:00AM-3:00PM DECEMBER 3 Six13 Hanukkah Concerts Stroum Jewish Community Center | Sunday 1:00PM & 4:30PM DECEMBER 7 Mosaic MI Open Mic Suzanne Zahr Gallery | Thursday 6:30-9:30PM DECEMBER 9 Lighting of the Menorah Mercerdale Park | Saturday DECEMBER 9 Girl Scouts Toys for Tots Toy Drive Mercerdale Park | Saturday 10AM-4PM DECEMBER 15-17 Island Youth Ballet’s Excerpts from The Nutcracker Mercer Island High School Performing Arts Center | Friday 7:00PM Saturday 1:00PM & 5:00PM | Sunday 2:00PM DECEMBER 17 Argosy Christmas Ships Luther Burbank Park | Sunday

om r f s e h s i W Warm riends at e l y F t s fe i L Your y it C g d n i n t a r l o s p p u er I s c r n e i s M u n i jo e s a e pl NIGH

Home: The Ultimate Escape

When one thinks of the traditional role of interior designers, it’s often in the vein of rearranging spaces, optimizing functionality, or refreshing aesthetics. But Artala Designs doesn’t just redesign spaces; they redefine living experiences. Their primary goal isn’t simply to revamp a living room or kitchen; it’s to transform a house into a resort, a daily getaway for its inhabitants.

The essence of their design philosophy isn’t about creating mere spaces; it’s about cultivating experiences.

M UST SE E | HOM E + D ES I GN

Discovery Process

Founder, Amy May’s approach can best be described as a “Discovery Process.” Rather than a rigid checklist or a strict clinical diagnosis of what a room should be, they embark on a journey with the client. It’s a symbiotic relationship of exploration, where the team gleans insights from the client’s aspirations, emotions, and feedback. This is not about fitting into boxes; it’s about expanding horizons and realizing potential. Budget is often a sensitive topic in design projects. However, Amy’s team reframes this constraint into a guiding compass. Instead of seeing

ARTICLE BY CHRIS ISHII

budget as a limitation, they view it as a tool in the discovery process, a means of understanding and prioritizing what truly matters to the client. They’ve even equated the cost of redesigning a home to daily hotel charges, showing clients the lasting value, they’re receiving.

feel that returning home is merely transitioning from one retreat to another. They may have basked in the tranquility of a mountain lodge, but they return to the serenity of their own dwelling – their personalized, daily oasis.

Perpetual Getaway

The essence of their design philosophy isn’t about creating mere spaces; it’s about cultivating experiences. The tangible outcome might be a revamped living room overlooking a lake, but the intangible return is the warmth, serenity, and rejuvenation one feels within it. It’s the sensation of living daily in what feels like a luxury resort, without ever having to pack a suitcase.

The philosophy here is simple: Why save for a brief vacation when your home can feel like a perpetual getaway? Many of us seek out vacations to escape the monotony or stress of daily life, but what if our everyday environment was the sanctuary we so deeply crave? Amy often reflects on clients who, after a vacation,

Cultivating Experiences

In the modern world, where stress is a constant companion for many, the need for a sanctuary is more pronounced than ever. Amy and the team’s vision addresses this, bridging the gap between the functional and the aspirational. Their design mantra goes beyond aesthetics and functionality; it delves into the emotional and experiential realm, bringing the luxury and tranquility of a holiday into everyday living. In essence, they’re not just designing homes; they’re crafting personal resorts, where every day feels like a holiday, and the non-monetary returns are boundless.

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THE INSPIRING RISE OF PITCH YOUR PEERS EMPOWERING WOMEN AND UPLIFTING MERCER ISLAND ARTICLE BY CHRIS ISHII | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PITCH YOUR PEERS GALLERY

In the heart of Mercer Island, a remarkable story of community involvement and women's empowerment unfolded, centered around the inspiring journey of Erin Krawiec, Alyson Burks, and their organization, Pitch Your Peers, Inc. (PYP). Mercer Island City Lifestyle proudly presents this narrative, highlighting the transformative power of collective giving and the profound impact women can have when united by a shared purpose. Erin Krawiec, a dynamic and visionary leader, made her way to Mercer Island after a career spanning the demanding realms of corporate consulting and startups. Her transition from the fast-paced business world to the heart of philanthropy was driven by a deep-seated desire to

create tangible change. Erin currently serves as the President and Co-Founder of PYP, and her role as Communications Chair ensures that their message of collective giving and community involvement resonates far and wide. Alyson Burks, Erin's next-door neighbor, shares a similar commitment to uplifting the community. With roots extending from California to New England, Aly has made her mark in the realms of finance and real estate. Her journey now includes managing investments for a family office, but her passion for making a difference transcends traditional boardrooms. Aly rocks out as a member of a local rock cover band, proving that community involvement takes on diverse forms.

Member Photo

G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE

Together, Erin and Alyson have forged the foundation of PYP, an organization that transcends conventional philanthropy. PYP's unique approach empowers women to pitch their passion projects, creating an experience akin to "Shark Tank for charity." This not only channels funds to critical causes but also highlights the remarkable skills and talents of their members. It is a testament to the idea that women in high-pressure careers can leverage their skills for the greater good. My two remarkable friends have cultivated a sense of community involvement that extends far beyond their island's borders. Their dedication to uplifting women and fostering volunteerism has attracted a diverse group of like-minded women, each contributing their unique skills and backgrounds to the collective mission. This is far from a complete list of members, I just wanted to give a shoutout to the Board. Dina Wampold, with her background in retail and merchandising, Catherine Booms, a physician committed to social responsibility, Mina Velamoor, a tech-savvy engineer, Kim Kamolz, a

HAPPINESS HAPPENS HERE.

CONTINUED >

Erin's Welcome Remarks

7445 SE 24th Street | Mercer Island, WA 206-602-1365 | aegismercerisland.com

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professional coach, Sarah Morris, a social work advocate, and Jody Kris, a former lawyer who transitioned into community leadership, all share a common thread of passion for giving back. Together, they have woven a tapestry of talent and commitment within PYP that mirrors Mercer Island City Lifestyle's commitment to uplifting women and the community. PYP's unique approach to philanthropy involves granting up to three awards per year. Donations received are distributed among the winning projects, with the grant pool size varying based on member contributions and corporate matching. In 2022, PYP granted a total of $242,500, making a significant impact on local nonprofits. The process for nonprofits seeking funding from PYP is straightforward. Members interested in pitching a nonprofit, known as "Grant Champions," submit a Grant Request Form. If more than three forms are submitted, members vote to select the top three charities to be pitched. Grant Champions then present their proposals to fellow members during the annual Pitch Night, a captivating in-person event. In 2023, the 7th Annual PYP Seattle Pitch Night took place on October 18th at the Amazon Doppler Building in Seattle, WA. Each pitch, lasting no more than 15 minutes, was accompanied by a visual presentation, followed by a 5-minute Q&A session. The grant cycle schedule is currently in swing. The grant winner voting will be on November 29-30. Assuming the vote is conclusive, and a re-vote isn’t needed, winners will be announced on the evening of November 30.

This year, the 2023 Grant Champions and their causes exemplify the diverse range of projects supported by PYP: • Hamlin Robinson School aims to offer free STAR Early Literacy Screening and training to educators in King County, addressing the equity issue in early diagnosis of dyslexia. Shannon Leversedge is the passionate Grant Champion behind this cause. • Key to Change, a Black-led nonprofit, provides world-class music instruction to underserved youth in South King County. Funding supports their expansion and diversification efforts, with Linda Floyd and Jody Kris championing their cause. • The Healing Center provides crucial support for people who have experienced the loss of an important person in their lives. Julie Yee is the Grant Champion behind their cause, emphasizing the importance of reducing the isolation, fear, and stigma of grief. Pitch Your Peers Seattle, with its unique approach to philanthropy and the dedicated efforts of Erin, Alyson, the board, and members, redefined how communities can come together for meaningful change. Their story embodies the spirit of Mercer Island City Lifestyle's commitment to community involvement and uplifting women, showcasing how women's empowerment and collective giving can create a brighter future for all. Look for our follow-up story announcing the winner in an upcoming issue!

Mercer Island residents Emily Arnsdorf, Cassie Ford, Erin Azose, and Melike Alpay

G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE

“When I met Erin and Aly, I quickly felt the energy from this electric twosome. I love how they’ve made giving experiential, fun, and fulfilling!” — Chris Ishii

Everything Possible Together Feel optimistic about life and money.

PYP Seattle's 2023 Grant Champions: Shannon Leversedge, Linda Floyd, Jody Kris, and Julie Yee

2155 112th Avenue NE, Bellevue, WA 98004 425-998-9960 | tschettergroup.com D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ME R C E R I S L A N D

A Toast to Kindred Spirits

A LIFELONG BOND BUILDS AN INSPIRING B U S I N E S S PA R T N E R S H I P

ARTICLE BY CHRIS ISHII PHOTOGRAPHY BY RISING WINES COLLECTIVE

Cori and Sandy online

Streetvine and Maxine Lily Brands

H AP PY H OU R | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

Right here on Mercer Island, lifelong friends Cori Omundson and Sandy Everingham are celebrating the power of perfect pairings – those between kindred spirits, and fine wine with good company. Cori and Sandy's kindred spirits first connected through the mischief of childhood in Great Falls, Montana. Between bike rides around town and weekend sleepovers, the two became inseparable. But when Sandy's family moved away in elementary school, their paths diverged. Remarkably, years later, Sandy’s family ended up moving right back to the same neighborhood as Cori's family. The two friends effortlessly picked up right where they left off, reconnecting in middle school over their shared love of adventure. Though they lost touch again when Sandy moved away once more after 8th grade, fate had more in store for these destined friends. Over 20 years later in 2008, Sandy decided to search for Cori on a whim through social media. She was thrilled to discover Cori was living close by in Seattle too! Adding to this serendipity, the childhood friends had both settled on Mercer Island as adults. After rediscovering each other, Cori introduced Sandy to her passion for artisanal wines produced through sustainable practices and generations-old winemaking methods. Their regular tastings reopened Sandy’s long-held dream of entering the wine business. Sandy had been separately developing a passion for wine through her excursions to eastern Washington and Oregon in search of “another” hidden gem. Soon a vision unfurled: why not start an online direct-to-consumer

Cori and Sandy at Barrels

marketplace to showcase intimate, family-owned wineries? And so, Rising Wines Collective was born from two spirited women rediscovering their kindred friendship, and a shared love of wine, right in their own backyard on Mercer Island. Rising Wines Collective honors Cori and Sandy’s own story of serendipitous friendship. Its name reflects their mission to lift small producers, while the branding for their personal labels was specially designed by Cori’s daughters, incorporating personal meaning. Oddly enough, the pandemic proved that online sales were not only possible, but they were also a customer preference. Online wine sales have grown nearly 8 times since pre-pandemic levels and the growth will continue. Rising Wines Collective hopes to fill the void caused by most winemakers resorting to conventional methods of marketing vs. leaning into the very success they were forced to rely on during Covid. The online platform partners exclusively with family-run winemakers focusing on traditional techniques perfected over generations. Here, small-production hidden gems shine that would otherwise get lost among mass distribution. This is the niche for Rising Wines Collective. Sandy is always looking for the next small producer to shine and promote on the platform. As business partners, Cori and Sandy walk in step, guided by the same mutual trust, empathy and communication that has sustained their lifelong bond. At Rising Wines Collective, they have cultivated a team that shares their relentless positivity and drive. For Cori and Sandy, wine is woven into the fabric of friendship. Their unique wines, like their enduring relationship, are enriched by time and care. At Rising Wines Collective, two spirited women are leveraging the power of perfect pairings – those between kindred souls and fine wine shared in great company. As they say, the best partnerships, like the finest wines, only improve with age. Cori and Sandy’s lifetime of serendipity proves that some bonds evolve into ones that uplift us all.

Sandy and Cori, 5th grade photo Sandy and Cori at Barrels

And so, Rising Wines Collective was born from two spirited women rediscovering their kindred friendship, and a shared love of wine, right in their own backyard on Mercer Island.

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The City Lifestyle

Giving Campaign

2023 32

I NSP IR E D BY | L IFE + CULTURE

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This Giving Campaign is all about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them this holiday season.”

The annual City Lifestyle Giving Campaign is in its 4th year. Last holiday season we gave away over $300,000 to help 116 individuals and families in need, but we need your help to make it happen again this year. With nominations flooding in from community members and leaders such as judges, police officers, teachers, nurses, social workers, mentors and readers like you, we were able to reach people who might otherwise go unnoticed. Perhaps you know of a single parent struggling to provide for their family, an elderly person who has experienced loss, someone enduring a health issue, a co-worker suffering a sudden, unexpected tragedy or a neighbor with a financial hardship who has fallen between the cracks of getting assistance. Chances are you know someone with a specific need, even if no one else does. “We believe in giving back and serving the communities where we live in a real and tangible way,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “This Giving Campaign is about personally impacting the lives of people we know with an unexpected check in the mail just to say that someone thought of them during this holiday season.” “We believe God has blessed our company with continued success, so we in turn want to be a blessing to others,” Matthew Perry, President of City Lifestyle adds. City Lifestyle has also enacted an internal giving program whereby every employee in the company receives $100 to give away to someone in the community. “The idea is to encourage our employees to keep giving on their own,” Steven says. “Taking care of one another and blessing others is truly rewarding and it perpetuates a cycle of giving. It’s extremely important to me as a person and as a company to foster a culture of generosity.”

Scan Code to

Nominate Nominations accepted Nov. 27 – Dec. 10, 2023

Follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram for reminders! To submit a nomination, follow @CityLifestyle on Instagram and fill out the form found in the bio link. All entries will be read, and because this is not a raffle, there is no need to nominate someone more than once. The amount given to each recipient will be based on need. All nominations and recipients will be kept confidential. D ECEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ME R C E R I S L A N D

MIHS STUDENTS DESERVE BETTER

Future Weight Room

ARTICLE BY CHRIS ISHII | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT ROCKFELD

DREAMS BECOMING A REALITY THROUGH COMMUNITY EFFORTS

K I D S C OR N E R | ED U CATION

Luke Myklebust is the captain of the football team and on the field, is the holder of the MIHS tackling record. One day after practice, he was talking to his dad Eric and voiced a widespread, yet under-the-radar opinion. Luke told his father, “There are so many kids who don’t use the fitness center because it’s run-down, un-motivating, and unfit for this school and really, the community. You should see the fitness centers at other KingCo high schools. They put us to shame!” It was the spark that lit the fire! Eric Myklebust sprung into action and owned it. Without Eric’s determination and passion, dare we say, this may still be an under-the-radar predicament with students left holding the bag. They all deserve better! Eric immediately started talking to people that would listen and began getting support from all the coaches to completely renovate the fitness center into something better. Eric brought together boosters, parents, the community, and even alumni to raise funds.

“It’s been amazing how the community has rallied behind this amazing goal,” said Scott Rockfeld, another Mercer Island parent. Scott is spearheading the marketing and promotion of this incredible project. Thank you Scott for being the story-teller for MI City Lifestyle. “It will be a welcoming, All-Inclusive, stateof-the-art Fitness Center that will support ALL students – from those who are earning PE credits to our State-caliber athletes... and everybody in between.” - Lindsey Blaine Athletic Director The idea for the new MIHS Fitness Center is to create a welcoming, inclusive fitness center that would support all students and not just be a weight room. A true transformation! Weights will be rubberized for durability and longevity. “The school is also getting creative, adding things like TRX bands, rowing machines, and lighter bars to make it accessible all students too.” - Scott Rockfeld The total cost is estimated at $250k but the value in equipment and intangible ones, like pride, are so much more. The Freedmans, owners of the Fitness Outlet, have generously offered to provide everything at a significant discount, thereby making the money go further. The school district has covered $100k for much needed new flooring, which left $150k for the community to raise. After 18 months, the community has raised $140k, and is now $10k short of their goal. We all hope to see this change soon when MIHS has a new state-of-the-art fitness center that will be the center of student athletic life for years to come.

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