Mercer Island, WA November 2025

THE THANKFUL ISSUE

ISLAND ABUNDANCE OF COMMUNITY

GRATITUDE BEGINS AT HOME

We’re thankful for the trust our clients place in us and honored to help you find the place you call home.

A rare opportunity to own a Mercer Island mid-century modern home with timeless architectural appeal and extraordinary west-facing views. Perched to capture sweeping vistas of Lake Washington, the Seattle skyline, Olympic Mountains, and endless sunsets, this home blends iconic design with modern updates.

LIFESTYLE LETTER

NovemberThankful Issue

November is a season of gratitude, and here on Mercer Island, we are thankful for the spirit that makes our community so special. At Mercer Island City Lifestyle, we are especially grateful for the partners who support local news, celebrations, and gatherings. Their generosity allows us to highlight our neighbors, showcase Island businesses, and share the stories that bring us together. From markets and concerts to school traditions and neighborhood events, these moments remind us how lucky we are to call this place home. Thank you for believing in the value of connection and for nurturing the Island spirit that makes Mercer Island shine. With heartfelt thanks,

SHARON PEREZ & CHRIS ISHII

@MERCERISLANDCITYLIFESTYLE

November 2025

PUBLISHER

Chris Ishii | chris.ishii@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Sharon Perez | sharon.perez@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Frank Schott, Nadine Stellavato Brown, Pat Turner

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Lauren Baluseck, Frank Schott, The Hill family, Kara Mercer, Mercer Island Rotary

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

Proverbs 3:5-6

November 23, 2025 November 23, 2025

ARCHITECT

Gelotte Hommas Drivdahl

INTERIOR DESIGN

Hillary Young Design Associates

PHOTOGRAPHY

Tim Van Asselt

city scene

good wines and good tunes. Photography by Mercer Island City Lifestyle

John

ARTICLE BY SHARON PEREZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY HILL FAMILY & MICL

In Loving Memory of a Community Champion, Artist, Husband, Father and Friend June 21, 1952 — August 10, 2025

Gordon Hill

It is with a grieving heart and grateful spirit that I share this memorial for my boss, mentor, visionary, renaissance man and friend, John Gordon Hill. A Mercer Island native, proud son, husband, father and grandfather, arts supporter, community champion and mean harpsichord plucker, John gave his all to so very much.  We are so very thankful to you and your legacy, John. With appreciation to Megan, Anne and Michael - and families for sharing these remembrances and photos.

John Gordon Hill died unexpectedly but peacefully in his sleep August 10th, 2025.

He led a spectacular life filled with love, integrity, kindness, compassion, generosity, humor, intelligence, curiosity, and grace. A gentleman and a gentle man. He was as beloved as he was loving. A cheerleader to all. Devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother. An accomplished and acclaimed filmmaker (director, cameraman, and producer), theater director (Youth Theatre Northwest, 14/48), teacher and lecturer (YTN, Seattle Central Community College, UW, Langston Hughes Cultural Arts Center, Silent Movie Mondays at The Paramount), mentor, musician (piano, harpsichord, and guitar), composer, poet, arts advocate, history buff, science nerd, and philanthropist. He was a true renaissance man and lifelong student, always in the pursuit of learning more and expanding his knowledge without ego, only genuine interest and love.

John was born in Seattle in 1952 and was a Seattleite through and through. His love of this city and state was as deep and as vast as his encyclopedic knowledge of it. He graduated from MIHS and studied filmmaking at the University of Washington, graduating in General Studies, before there was an official film department. His main interest was in documentaries. One of the first documentaries he produced, in 1973, was a short called Sandy and Madeleine’s Family.

In 1975 he moved to Boston where he worked at American Public Television managing their film library and moonlighted as a taxi driver. It was there he met the love of his life, Ellen Smith. He fell in love at first sight (she took a little more time) and they married shortly after--a bonafide meet-cute. When they decided to start a family, they chose to build their life on Mercer Island and never looked back. Upon his return to the Northwest, he worked at Cinema Associates before starting his company, Hill Film, launching his career and the careers of many other filmmakers.

His filmmaking career spanned almost five decades, directing and shooting dramatic pieces, documentaries, and hundreds of television commercials and infomercials (one commercial for Valley Medical Center was the first and possibly only commercial ever to feature an actual birth). A member of Directors Guild of America, some of his work included major projects for the Discovery Channel, Fox Television, CBS, PBS, Lifetime, and A&E, and twenty-five episodes of America’s Most Wanted. John’s work received numerous Tellys, Addies, regional Emmys, a Clio, and a CINE Golden Eagle. His film Dawn on the Island chronicled the history of Mercer Island and his documentary on the 1962 World’s Fair, When Seattle Invented the Future, has aired on over 240 public television stations. He most recently was an Executive Producer for the acclaimed documentary Sweetheart Deal, and at the time of his death he was in the midst of working as Director of Photography on the independent film Arson of Crows.

An avid music lover, musician, and composer he produced several classical music albums. John composed numerous film scores and choral compositions. He sang with St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Choir and was active in the Seattle classical music community. He served on multiple boards throughout Seattle,

PLEASE CONSIDER A DONATION TO ORGANIZATIONS THAT BETTER THE LIVES OF OTHERS, THROUGH ARTISTIC AND CULTURAL ENRICHMENT OR HUMANITARIAN AID, SUCH AS YOUTH THEATRE NORTHWEST, AN ORGANIZATION JOHN SUPPORTED FOR 40 YEARS. THE WORLD CAN BE A DARK PLACE; MAKE YOUR CORNER BRIGHTER. JOHN DID.

including Chair of the Board of Trustees of Cornish College of the Arts and Board President of Youth Theatre Northwest. On Mercer Island, he lectured in his kids’ classrooms, taught film to middle schoolers, directed multiple productions at Youth Theatre Northwest, promoted school bond issues, and championed the Mercer Island Center for the Arts. He was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow by the Mercer Island Rotary for “Service Above Self”.

Although his credits are impressive and his career long, he was made up of so much more

than credits. There aren’t enough lines in an obituary to fully encapsulate his reach and the number of lives he touched.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Mary Frances Hill. He is survived by his beloved wife Ellen; children Anne Thomson and husband James Thomson, Megan Hill and partner Brad Krumholz, Michael Hill and wife Liz Berry; grandchildren Felix, Toby, and Jasper Thomson, George and Eleanor Hill; brother Steve Hill and wife Beverley Hill; and family and friends across the country and globe.

Golden Reunion Thankful Lasting Bonds

MIHS Class of ’75 celebrates five decades with joy, memories, and reconnection

It was 1975.  President Richard Nixon had just resigned, and the “Fall of Saigon” marked the end of the Vietnam War.  On Mercer Island, one of Mercer Island’s largest senior classes with 511 students was getting ready to graduate at the Seattle Center Arena.

The MIHS Class of 75 came together in August 2025 to celebrate their 50-year reunion.  The week of activities started with a friendly golf gathering followed by a highly competitive pickleball tournament.  On Friday, over sixty alums got a tour of the High School.  Some lamented the loss of the iconic Mushroom which doubled as a cafeteria and performing arts center.  And others asked, “where did the student lockers go”?

The alumni gathering on Friday night was hosted at the VFW Hall where long lost classmates reunited and mostly true memories of days gone by

were recounted.  Saturday night, the Gala Dinner was at the Mercer Island Community Center.  A video montage created by grads Tony Crosetto and Todd Shaw capped the evening with photos and music from the 70’s.    The memory table of grads that have passed away was moving and a table with MIHS memorabilia was a big hit.  Renowned concert violinist, Robin Lortenz, Class of 75, did a reprise of “Tradition” from the Fiddler on the Roof which she starred in during her senior year at MIHS.  Jeff Condiotty emceed a trivia quiz reminding everyone that, among other things, Dicks hamburgers were 19 cents in 1975.

Altogether, it was estimated that over 175 graduates enjoyed at least one of the reunion week events.  Phone numbers and email addresses were shared and “lost classmates” are already following up on lost connections.

The memory table of grads that have passed away was moving and a table with MIHS memorabilia was a big hit. “

Altogether, it was estimated that over 175 graduates enjoyed at least one of the reunion week events.

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Dean Jones, President & CEO and Shannon Olcese, Vice President of Sales, Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty

Scan to view the podcast and learn more at www.RSIR.com.

Experience the difference with us and inquire today."

— Dean Jones, CEO

Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty (RSIR) is a Northwestbased brokerage founded in 2010. RSIR is proudly aligned with the iconic Sotheby’s brand established in 1744. Not only do our real estate advisors go beyond transactions, they also curate meaningful lifestyles and deliver a client experience defined by excellence. As a brokerage, we empower real estate professionals who strive for more. Our real estate advisors consistently represent the highest average listing and sales values and volumes on both sides of closings and are among the highest producing agents compared to their peers

We offer bespoke support, a culture of collaboration, and a suite of powerful tools you won’t find anywhere else. To illustrate what makes RSIR different, we’ve identified 12 Advantages, which are the core pillars of our business designed to elevate our brand, support agent growth, and set our clients' listings apart in a competitive market.

Service Above Self in Action

Mercer Island Rotary brought the community together this summer with its inaugural pickleball tournament at Luther Burbank Park. The event drew players of all ages and skill levels to the scenic waterfront courts, celebrating one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. Teams competed in spirited matches while spectators enjoyed the festive atmosphere, complete with music, refreshments, and Rotary volunteers welcoming guests.

Beyond the friendly competition, the tournament highlighted Rotary’s commitment to service and community building. Proceeds from entry fees and sponsorships will support local programs benefiting youth, seniors, and families in need. Organizers plan to make the tournament an annual tradition, strengthening connections among neighbors while raising funds for important causes.

As the final games wrapped up and medals were awarded, the spirit of camaraderie and community pride shone brightly—proving that pickleball on Mercer Island is more than a game; it’s a way to serve together.

Mercer Island Rotary Hosts Inaugural Pickleball Tournament at Luther Burbank Park

Festive Mezze Platter

Fall Entertaining Made Easy

Fall is the perfect season for effortless entertaining—gathering friends and family around a table filled with cozy flavors and colorful bounty. One of the simplest ways to welcome guests is with a festive mezzo platter, a shareable spread that looks abundant, tastes delicious, and requires very little preparation. Perfect for tailgates, potlucks, or cozy nights at home—a festive fall mezze platter makes entertaining effortless and abundant. Start with a base of creamy local hummus from the Mercer Island Farmers Market. Surround it with crisp fall vegetables—carrots, radishes, peppers, and cucumbers—for dipping. Add wedges of roasted squash or beets for seasonal flair. For ease, stock up on Trader Joe’s favorites: canned dolmas (stuffed grape

ARTICLE BY SHARON PEREZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY MERCER ISLAND CITY LIFESTYLE

leaves) and falafel make satisfying additions without extra kitchen time. Round out the platter with olives, marinated artichokes, and a scattering of nuts or dried fruit for texture and contrast.

Arrange everything on a large wooden board or platter, grouping items by color to create a vibrant centerpiece. Serve with warm pita, crackers, or gluten-free options to keep it crowd-friendly.

The beauty of a mezzo platter is its versatility—mix and match what’s fresh, local, and on-hand. With minimal effort, you’ll have a show-stopping spread that invites conversation, encourages grazing, and embodies the season’s spirit of gratitude and abundance. Cheers!

ABUNDANT

Sanctuary ISLAND

A Home That Lives as Beautifully as It Looks

ARTICLE BY NADINE STELLAVATO BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY BY KARA MERCER

THANKFUL FOR HOME:   A SANCTUARY TO SHARE

Entertaining with Mid-Century Soul

When the owners of this classic Mid-Century Modern residence sought to reimagine their home, their vision was clear: they wanted a space designed for entertaining.

What they needed was more than a facelift — it was a thoughtful reconfiguration that honored the property’s architectural pedigree while making gatherings feel effortless, warm, and unforgettable. That’s when they turned to Studio Stellavato.

Designing for Connection

From the start, the focus was on creating an environment where guests would feel welcome, yet the home’s clean lines and bold geometry remained intact. Nadine Stellavato Brown, Studio Stellavato’s founder and designer, wove in layers of comfort and sophistication: open living areas that flow seamlessly into each other, a dining space primed for conversation, and intimate nooks that invite retreat even in the midst of lively gatherings.

Special attention was paid to the essentials of entertaining. Dining chairs were carefully selected for their comfort, ensuring guests could linger over meals and conversation for hours. In the living room, furniture was curated not just for style but for versatility — pieces that could accommodate large groups without sacrificing intimacy or flow. These choices underscore the home’s role as a true social hub.

Mid-Century with a Twist

While rooted in classic Mid-Century Modern design, the home tells its own story. The architectural bones — broad planes, expansive glass, and bold horizontals — remain celebrated. Yet, Nadine infused the interiors with a fresh twist: a curated interplay of rich textures, layered patterns, and unexpected pops of color that add depth and personality.

This balance of reverence and reinvention was recognized when the project became a Seattle Design Center Rising Star Award nominee — a testament to both innovation and respect for the home’s origins.

Grounded in Nature

Nestled among serene, wooded surroundings, the home feels intrinsically tied to its landscape. Large windows dissolve the boundary between indoors and out, while the palette was drawn directly from nature — from wallpapers alive with flora and fauna to color palettes that echo the greens, earth tones, and organic hues of the forest beyond.

In the dining room, a bold forest-inspired wallpaper sets a dramatic stage for entertaining, becoming both a conversation starter and a backdrop that makes gatherings feel vibrant and memorable. In the primary suite, jungle botanical motifs shift the mood, creating a more intimate, restorative retreat — a reminder of the natural world even in the home’s most private spaces.

The design embraces this harmony, ensuring the interiors never overshadow the architecture or the setting, but instead enhance the sense of place while supporting the homeowner’s vision of a home made for connection.

The Client’s Perspective

The true measure of success lies in the experience of the homeowners. For them, the redesign wasn’t just about beauty — it was about creating a home that would inspire daily joy:

“Nadine was the creative inspiration for a complete interior refresh of my 1960’s ranch house. Her vision and talent is endless and the finished space brings me so much joy every day. My goal was to have a house with interesting design, that was comfortable and functional. She is really good at creating a vision, executing on the vision, and her attention to all of the details made our home feel special and highly curated and personal. She exceeded my expectations and we had a lot of fun in the process.”

A Home That Lives as Beautifully as It Looks

Ultimately, the redesign is a portrait of balance: sophistication without pretension, timeless design with a modern heartbeat, and spaces made for both daily life and extraordinary gatherings.

Project by: Nadine Stellavato Brown, Founder & Designer, Studio Stellavato. More information and a gallery of additional projects at studiostellavato.com

H O P E

with YOU

The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?

The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.

Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.

“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”

Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”

Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:

SCAN TO NOMINATE

“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”

“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”

Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:

“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”

Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.

This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.

“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”

Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.

This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.

To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.

Cooking With Fresh Herbs

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD| PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Garlic Herb Butter

This butter is versatile and goes with just about anything. You can use this on top of bread, popcorn, veggies, as a sandwich spread and more.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

• 4 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tablespoon herb of your choice (dill, basil or oregano are my go-to herbs.)

• 1 clove garlic, chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• cracked pepper to taste

Process

Add all ingredients in a food processor (or mix by hand in a bowl). Transfer butter mixture on parchment paper or plastic wrap. Cover butter tightly and roll into a log. Place in refrigerator until firm. Enjoy!

Beneath the Surface:

45 Years Scuba Diving

Mercer Island's History

Mercer Island Community Center |

Presented by Mercer Island Histor, Speaker Matt McCaculey will focus on the Island's history from the perspective of the relics, wrecks (navy planes, parts of the ferry Dawn - and recently an Island dairy milk bottle) he's discovered in the lake since 1979 when he began scuba diving in the waters off Mercer Island as a high school sophomore.

Mercer Island High School

Drama Production

MIHS Performing Arts Center | 7:00 PM

Join the MIHS Drama Department for a fierce, funny, and fetch night of musical theater. Mean Girls: High School version brings all the iconic moments from the hit film to the stage— with unforgettable songs, savage wit, and a

November 14th–16th and 21st–23rd. Shows are at 7 pm with 2 pm matinees on Saturdays.  Tickets @

Mercer Island Farmers Market Harvest Market

Mercerdale Park | 10:00 AM

Get all of your Thanksgiving local produce, prepared foods, fresh cranberries, and holiday gifts at the one special November farmers market.  Sunday, November 23.