Mercer Island, WA September 2025 by City Lifestyle

The Style Issue S E P TE M B E R 2 02 5

SHOWCASE YOUR HOME IN ITS BEST LIGHT

In today’s market, presenting your property at its most appealing is the best way to attract interested buyers. Stylishly staging a home is an excellent strategy to invite potential buyers to picture themselves in your home, inspiring them to imagine their future in the space. From removing personal effects to installing

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decor and furniture that highlight your home’s best features, staging can entirely elevate your property. Through our market expertise, eye for design, and trusted connections, we can make the type of tweaks to your home that will attract attention and increase its value.

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RE-VESTA.COM Follow us on Instagram @revestagroup

Managing Broker | 206.250.5622 Rachel@re-vesta.com

© 2025 Sotheby’s International Realty. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark and used with permission. Each Sotheby’s International Realty office is independently owned and operated, except those operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. The Sotheby’s International Realty network fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

The Season of Self-Expression Dear Fellow Islander, As the leaves begin to hint at fall and a new season of reflection and refinement stirs, we welcome you to our September Style Issue—an edition that’s as much about substance as it is about style. When we think of style, we think not just of fashion, but of identity, intention, and evolution. Style is how we show up in the world—and sometimes, how we rediscover ourselves in it. From a closet that speaks to your truest self, to the walls of your home that deserve to be just as alive as your wardrobe, this issue is a celebration of expressing who we are—on our bodies, in our spaces, and within our communities. This month, we shine a spotlight on Hip Zephyr, a local Mercer Island boutique that has become much more than a fashion destination. Owner Dana Smith and Store Manager Amy Patton have curated a space that isn’t just about trendsetting— it’s about personalized design, community connection, and confidence-building wardrobes that endure well beyond seasonal shifts. For us, HZ is style with soul. You’ll also meet Timm Fenton, the subject of this month’s Mercer Island Voices. At age 59, Timm completed a 4,200-mile solo bike ride across America in honor of his mother and in support of ALS research. His journey—fueled by resilience, compassion, and purpose—reminds us that courage is its own kind of style. Grace, too. Elsewhere in the issue, we explore how to elevate your closet with evergreen essentials, tap into style as a form of personal identity, and even spruce up your walls with creative inspiration and practical guidance to make your home a better reflection of you. Style is more than surface. It’s the fabric of our experiences, stitched with meaning. Whether you’re redefining your wardrobe or reframing your space, may this issue be your invitation to step into your most authentic self. With admiration for your personal style—however you define it, Cheers,

September 2025 PUBLISHER

Chris Ishii | chris.ishii@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R

Sharon Perez | sharon.perez@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Tim and Jan Gillespie, Julie Hsieh, Pam Reid, Haley Williams C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Yuan Ru Art Center, J Garner Photography, Cassandra Castaneda, Tim Fenton

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt COO Matthew Perry CRO Jamie Pentz VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

CHRIS ISHII AND SHARON PEREZ @MERCERISLANDCITYLIFESTYLE Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Mercer Island City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Mercer Island area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

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.

SHOP MON-SAT 11-5PM | 2727 78TH AVE SE MERCER ISLAND | 206.905.6069

FALL STYLES HAVE ARRIVED Step into the season with our latest collection. Shop the looks you love and layer up in style! www.hipzephyrboutique.com

inside the issue SE PT EMBER 2 0 2 5 | ST Y L E

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Featured

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Style with Soul

Where Curated Fashion Meets Connection on Mercer Island

Style as Identity

Art and the exercise of self portraiture and reinvention.

On the Cover

Departments

“Gazing the Mirror” by artist Yang Lin, courtesy of Yuan Ru Art Center. Currently in a Mercer Island family’s private collection.

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Fashion Forward STYLE + BEAUTY

How To ARTS + CULTURE

Artist’s Palette ARTS + CULTURE

Local Limelight EDUCATION

Home Update HOME + DESIGN

Events

Eat Right FOOD + BEVERAGE

Mercer Island Voices

Cycling for a Cure: 4,200 miles for ALS Cure Photography: Courtesy of Yuan Ru Art Center

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SEPTEMBER 2025

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

JULIE HSEIH

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1: Devi Brunsch, Nancy Hill, Julie Hsieh enjoy the Issue Release party at Mercerwood Shore Club 2: It was a sultry night at the Mercerwood Shore Club dock with Elsom Cellars wines. 3: Arista Catering served a buffet fit for a yacht party for the Explore Issue Release 4: Mercer Island Country Club celebrated with a perfect evening for the Summer Party 5: MIXP, Mercer Island’s own superstar band entertained the dancing crowds at MICC’s summer party 6: Summer Celebration was a blast with multiple booths showcasing arts and culture. Molly brought plushies! 7: MICL Publisher Chris Ishii with MICL partner and portrait artist Devi Brunsch at Summer Celebration. Photography by Mercer Island City Lifestyle

C I T Y SC E N E

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8: MICL partner Dr. Alissa Borda of Islander Orthodontics and her family at Summer Celebration 9: MICL booth at Summer Celebration with partner Mercer Island Community Fund President, Jackie Brown. 10: Mercer Island Robotics Club students brought snail power and building fun to Summer Celebration 11: Mercer Island Schools Foundation reminded Islanders at Summer Celebration how much we appreciate our schools 12: Yacht captain (and July cover model) Ari Sheer with his family at Summer Celebration 13: Youth Theatre NW brought colorful spirit to the Summer Celebration parade. 14: Mercer Island Historical Society Co-Presidents Terry Moreman and Jane Meyer Brahm at Summer Celebration Photography by Mercer Island City Lifestyle

CONTINUED >

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city scene CONTINUED

15: Paperback Writer, Beatles tribute band, kicked off the Mostly Music in the Park 2025 season 16: Parks & Rec presented Mostly Music in the Park concert series to a record crowd 17: MICL is a proud sponsor of Mostly Music in the Park and had fun lego Photography by Mercer Island City Lifestyle

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SEPTEMBER 2025

business monthly A R O U N D U P O F N E W S F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

Macrina Bakery Opens on Mercer Island! Islanders Matt and Michelle Gavin have gifted our community with another delicious gathering place. Macrina Bakery opened its first Eastside café on Mercer Island, July 5, 2025, at 3051 78th Ave SE, across from Mercerdale Park. The 3,000 ft space features gorgeous indoor seating areas and an outdoor patio. Macrina Bakery offers artisan breads, pastries, soups, salads, sandwiches, cakes, and coffee. Macrina is open every day 6am-7pm. Menus can be found @ Macrina bakery.com

Scan to read more Photography by Mercer Island City Lifestyle

Aditi Chai in the Seattle Public Market In 2018 Mercer Islander, Aditi Master created Aditi Chai. Now she is building a permanent location in Pike Place Market as the original authentic Masala Chai company. Using a hundred year-old multi-generational family recipe, carefully selected estate-grown Assamese black tea leaves, local farm fresh organic lemongrass, ginger tubers, and fresh mint. Stop by when you are visiting Pike Place Market and say hi to our neighbor Aditi and "chai some”! Learn more @ aditichai.com

Scan to read more Photography by Mercer Island City Lifestyle

Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce & MICL Partnership Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce and Mercer Island City Lifestyle are partnering to bring you the top of the local business news each month. Join Chamber Director Jen Dean for the September, Coffee & Conversations series Wednesday, September 17, 9:00-10:00am at the MI Community & Events Center. It allows business leaders in the community to engage in an intimate setting with city and regional leaders for discussions that are affecting businesses directly. Registration is required @mercerislandchamber.com Photography by Mercer Island City Lifestyle

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

STYLE WITH SOUL

ARTICLE BY CHRIS ISHII PHOTOGRAPHY BY J GARNER PHOTOGRAPHY

FASH ION F OR WA R D | STYLE + BE AU T Y

WHERE CURATED FASHION MEETS CONNECTION ON MERCER ISLAND

Every stylish woman deserves a place where she feels seen—not just sized and styled. For many on Mercer Island, that place is Hip Zephyr. It’s not just a boutique; it’s a fashion experience. Owner Dana Smith and Store Manager Amy Patton have built more than a retail destination—they’ve created a community of confident, vibrant women rediscovering their edge.

STYLE FOR REAL LIFE

Let’s be honest—style isn’t just for runways. It’s for coffee runs, meetings, spontaneous getaways, and school pick-ups that turn into dinner dates. Hip Zephyr gets it. With international brands like Raffaello Rossi, Masons, and Zadig & Voltaire, the shop offers pieces that are both elevated and effortless. CONTINUED >

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Dana and Amy curate with intention. The collection is wearable, flattering, and always fresh. You’ll find soft fabrics, timeless silhouettes, and details that make you feel like you’ve still got it—because you absolutely do.

FASHION AS CONNECTION

Hip Zephyr also knows that style is more than what we wear—it’s how we connect. Events like the “Shop and Sip” night with Elsom Cellars or the “Summer Sale Kickoff Party” with Amadi Aesthetics and Au Courant Salon are true celebrations of local women-led businesses. They transform a shopping trip into a shared moment. It’s where friends meet up, new ones are made, and everyone leaves feeling inspired.

SERVICE WITH HEART

Dana and Amy aren’t just here to help you find clothes—they help you find your confidence. They remember your size, offer 24-hour holds, and even suggest bringing in your own pieces to build complete looks. Their guidance feels like chatting with a best friend who happens to be a personal stylist. At Hip Zephyr, there’s no pressure—just thoughtful service, authenticity, and care.

WHAT YOU’LL FIND

• Fashion in XS to XL • International labels with edge and elegance • Stylish shoes, leather boots, candles, accessories, and handbags • Seasonal curated collections • A peaceful, comfortable space where everyone is welcome Most of all, you’ll find a place that reflects who you are and how far you’ve come. Because great style doesn’t follow trends—it tells your story. Step inside Hip Zephyr. Come for the fashion. Stay for the friendship. Leave feeling fabulous.

FASH ION F OR WA R D | STYLE + BE AU T Y

Hip Zephyr

Hip Zephyr Team, Dana and Amy on right

Why We Love Hip Zephyr Hip Zephyr is Mercer Island’s go-to for elevated, everyday fashion—and the community that comes with it. Owner Dana Smith and Store Manager Amy Patton curate pieces that feel modern, flattering, and totally wearable, all while creating events that connect local women and businesses. Whether you’re browsing or building a whole new look, the experience is warm, personal, and always on point. Come for the style. Stay for the vibe. Leave feeling fabulous.

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E L E VA T E YO U R CLOSET 9 W AY S TO O R G A N I Z E A N D I N J E C T S T Y L E I N TO YO U R S PA C E

ARTICLE BY HALEY WILLIAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASSANDRA CASTANEDA

H OW TO | ARTS + C ULTURE

Every woman dreams of an organized and beautiful closet space, but it often comes last on the list of places that get their time and attention. Follow our nine tips for transforming and elevating your closet. How you organize your closet will of course differ based on the size of your space, the size of your wardrobe, and the kind of life you lead. But applying these guidelines will result in a much more organized and aesthetically pleasing space.

FACE CLOTHES THE SA ME DIRECTION

It may seem silly, but when dealing with a small space, little things count. Hanging all clothes the same direction is a no-brainer for continuity in your closet.

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USE REAL ESTATE WISELY Reserve the front and middle of the closet for clothes worn most often. For someone who gets dressed for work each morning at 6 a.m., work clothes should be at the front of the closet. Store lesser-worn items like formal wear and out-of-season clothes toward the back and on the upper shelves. A large mirror and counter with chair provides the perfect spot to select jewelry and finalize finishing outfit touches. While every closet is different, the key here is everything has a home.

HIDDEN STOR AGE Hidden storage is a game changer in keeping a closet visually clean. Tuck folded clothes behind closed cabinet doors if the space is multipurpose. The floor-toceiling built-ins in Keri’s closet contain folded clothes, athleisure and other items she needs as she gets ready each day. Tuck away the least-used items: Use hidden storage and the very top of the closet for out-of-season items and stuff only worn a few times a year.

NEGATIVE SPACE

Using space efficiently is important, but keep in mind every good design includes some negative space. For instance, consider adding built-ins on the long wall of your closet but keep the short wall open with a mirror.

ORGANIZE BY KIND AND COLOR

Group clothes by kind first and color second. This ensures quick location of that favorite shirt when it’s needed. Bonus - it’s easy on the eye. Group like with like: Gather belts, sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, work pants, dresses, button-down shirts, jeans, shorts, etc., and decide the best place to store each item as a group (e.g., hang pants in the closet, fold and stack sweaters in a bureau). Working with groupings will help you figure out how much space you need and the best way to store each type of item.

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UPGR ADED HANGERS The simplest and fastest way to make a BIG difference in your closet organization is to get matching hangers that go beyond the traditional plastic or wire hangers. And for sure ditch any with paper from the dry cleaner!

BAG & SHOE STOR AGE Alternate the way shoes are facing. This ultimately helps fit more on each row and provide a visually appealing way to display those prized possessions. Everyone understands the frustration of searching for that one clutch when rushing out for the evening. Bags benefit from a space all their own. Get clear container storage for small bags and purses so you can locate and access them easily.

LIGHTING Lighting is everything in a closet. Gone are the days of dim recessed lighting being sufficient. Consider adding a statement lighting fixture like a chandelier or pendant that provides ample bright lighting to your space, no matter how big or small.

H OW TO | ARTS + C ULTURE

09 M AKE A STATEMENT W H Y USE A N A R MCH A IR W HEN YOU H AV E ROOM FOR A SOFA? SLIDE UP A STOOL A ND COLOR FUL A R EA RUG TO COMPLETE THE LOOK. IF YOU H AV E EXCESSI V E WA LL SPACE, CONSIDER A MINI GA LLERY WA LL OR A STATEMENT WA LL W ITH WA LLPA PER TO POLISH THINGS OFF.

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2025 Futurecast Forum Our leading economists and dynamic luminaries have opined on the trendlines that will lead to the headlines, so you can stay ahead of the curve.” On June 5, industry professionals, thought leaders, and market experts gathered to discuss the trends shaping the market in the 2025 Futurecast Forum: “Thrive in 25.” Held at the Kirkland Performance Center, the illuminating panels and economist’s inspired those in attendance to look ahead and prepare for major changes during this exciting inflection point. For anyone hoping to navigate the market with success, the forum laid the foundation to know the industry influences. Our professionals at Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty are standing by to help. Topics Covered Include:: • Custom Homebuilding • Tech Integration in Homebuilding • Mortgage Trends & First Time Homebuyer Desires • Washington State’s House Bill 1110 • The Urban Renaissance 2.0 • The $90 Trillion “Great Wealth Transfer” • Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Industry Explore the full event recap at futurecastforum.com.

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LIN YANG AS THE EXAMPLE: ART AND THE EXERCISE OF SELF PORTRAITURE AND REINVENTION.

Style as

Identity ARTICLE BY SHARON PEREZ | PHOTOGRAPHY BY YUAN RU ART CENTER

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ARTS + CU LT U RE

Lin Yang, Mirror Domain 7, 2020 Mixed Media

Lin Yang, Mirror Domain 3, 2020 Mixed Media

YUAN RU ART CENTER: ELEVATING THE POWER OF ARTISTIC STYLE Showcasing artist Lin Yang’s series of self portraits At Yuan Ru Art Center, founded by Islander Julie Hsieh, style is more than just a visual signature—it’s the defining element that gives each work its character, mood, and meaning. The gallery is committed to presenting artists whose mastery of style reflects deep engagement with their medium, technique, and conceptual vision. Style in this context is seen as a refined interplay of form, texture, line, and composition. Whether through bold abstraction, structured minimalism, fluid brushwork, or intricate detail, each artist expresses a distinct aesthetic approach that guides the viewer’s emotional and intellectual response. As lead curator, Julie Hsieh takes great care to highlight how style shapes the identity of a work and serves as the foundation of the artist’s voice. A Platform for Stylistic Exploration The gallery’s exhibitions often emphasize the evolution of style—how an artist’s technique matures, shifts, or experiments over time. Some exhibitions might focus on a singular stylistic direction, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in a focused visual language, while others explore how artists push beyond traditional boundaries to create something entirely new. Yuan Ru Art Center is proud to present the evocative work of Lin Yang, a Taiwanese artist whose life journey from pop stardom to spiritual expression through painting adds depth to the gallery’s mission. Lin’s art— layered, textured, and symbol-rich—uses recurring motifs like pins, numbers, and grids to explore themes of memory, vulnerability, and inner tension. By spotlighting both refined techniques and bold departures like those found in Lin’s work, Yuan Ru Art Center showcases the full potential of style—not as a fixed category, but as an evolving form of expression. The emphasis is placed on craftsmanship, visual rhythm, and conceptual clarity, revealing how style guides the narrative and emotional impact of a piece. Style as Intention At its core, style is intentional. Whether restrained or expressive, minimal or ornate, the stylistic decisions made by each artist are deliberate choices that shape how their work is experienced. Julie honors this intention by curating exhibitions that allow these choices to resonate—placing works in dialogue with space, light, and one another to enhance their stylistic impact. The current showing of Lin Yang’s work exemplifies this ethos, inviting visitors to experience visual storytelling that is at once deeply personal and CONTINUED > S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ME R C E R I S L A N D

universally poignant. Her journey proves that true beauty is found in authentic reinvention—and that style, when intentional, can be transformative. About the Artist: Lin Yang Lin Yang is a Taiwanese visual artist whose creative journey began on an entirely different stage—as a beloved pop idol in the 1980s. After two decades in the spotlight, Lin made the courageous decision to step away from fame in 2003, turning inward to pursue a life of quiet artistic exploration and personal transformation. Her transition from music to painting marked not only a change in medium, but a profound shift in purpose. Lin’s work is rooted in abstraction and infused with symbolism, featuring recurring motifs such as pins, grids, numbers, and layered textures. These visual elements evoke themes of spiritual

searching, inner conflict, memory, and emotional resilience. Her pieces radiate a quiet intensity—offering viewers a glimpse into a contemplative world shaped by both vulnerability and strength. Guided by her deep faith and personal evolution, Lin’s paintings are rich in visual metaphor and emotional nuance. She considers art a form of healing, reflection, and reinvention—a belief that informs every brushstroke. Lin Yang is represented by Yuan Ru Art Center, where her work has found resonance with audiences drawn to her story of reinvention and the soulful complexity of her style. Her art speaks softly but powerfully, inviting contemplation and connection. Yuan Ru Art Center is open from 12–4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, and by weekday appointment. Learn more at yuanru.gallery or call 425.582.8878 to schedule a private viewing.

Artist Lin Yang

A RT IST ’S PA LE T T E | ARTS + CU LT U RE

Lin Yang, Outside the Mirror 2019, Mixed Media

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Building Community Together

Love Local

GiveToday

micommunityfund.org 34

ME R C E R I S L A ND

VOIC E S 36

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | EDUCAT ION

CYCLING FOR A CURE: 4,200 MILES FOR ALS CURE ARTICLE BY TIM AND JAN GILLESPIE PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIMM FENTON On May 1, Mercer Island resident Timm Fenton dipped his rear wheel in the Pacific Ocean, strapped on his helmet, mounted his bike, and began a remarkable solo 4,200-mile cross-country ride---all for a charity close to his heart. CONTINUED >

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After months of training, the 59-yearold cyclist left the Oregon coastal town of Florence headed east. For the next 67 days, he followed the classic TransAmerica bike route, climbing over 11,000 feet to cross the Continental Divide and passing through ten states before reaching his finishing line at Yorktown, Virginia in July. Fenton’s trek was in honor of his mother Jan, who died in 2017 after a twoyear struggle with ALS, the progressive neurodegenerative disease that has long

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | EDUCAT ION

resisted cure. The avid lifelong cyclist hoped during his ride to raise $50,000 for the ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI) in Massachusetts, the world’s first and largest nonprofit biotech focused solely on ALS research. As he said on one of his posts during his ride, “This is about reaching our goal and raising awareness to reduce and eventually prevent the suffering of those who have ALS.” As Fenton told ALS TDI author Jonathan Gang, “The memories of my mother and

“THIS IS ABOUT RAISING AWARENESS TO PREVENT THE SUFFERING WITH ALS.”

the struggles she faced with ALS are constantly with me. What I’m embarking on requires a level of endurance…But when I think about my mother and what she endured…it was remarkable, the courage and bravery she faced it with.” The upbeat Mercer Island man kept a blog, continually thanking those who supported his ride from start to finish, including his wife Kelly, his kids, and the Seattle bike shop Shots and Sprockets that loaned Fenton a high-tech bicycle owned by one of their former mechanics who’d passed away from ALS. Fenton’s

posts and film clips documented the vast beauties of our country and recounted many acts of kindness from people he met along the way as well as encounters with everything from rain, windstorms and snow to heat advisories and bike-chasing dogs. You can check out clips at: als.net/PedalsVsALS On July 11, Fenton dipped his front wheel in the Atlantic Ocean in Virginia, fifteen pounds lighter than when he started. As he said in a talk he gave to supporters at a stop in Montana, his mother’s spirit of grace and courage was with him on his

adventure. As of mid-July, he had raised over $53,000 for ALS TDI. As Timm said after his long trek, “Having completed the actual ride doesn’t mean the fund-raising efforts stop. We still need to fund (or find) a cure.” Donations to The Pedals Vs ALS fund to recognize Timm’s efforts can be made at: als.net/PedalsVsALS or sent to ALS TDI, 480 Arsenal Street, Suite 201, Watertown, MA 02472. To learn more about Timm’s remarkable ride, check these links: Facebook: www.facebook.com/ reel/1353617919041610 Instagram: www.instagram.com/reel/DLoF_ EzBv1F/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Author note: Tim and Jan Gillespie are Oregon writers whose son Nate, who lives with his family in Seattle, was diagnosed with ALS two years ago.

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IT’S MORE THAN

A MOVE - it’s YOUR story!

Award winning portraitist Devi Brunsch is now accepting limited private commissions.

Insta: devi_brunsch | Email: devi@brunsch.org

I F YO U A R E

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READING THIS... S O I S YO U R B E S T C L I E N T.

Mercer Island Resident. Global Real Estate Advisor.

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OLD WALL ,

ARTICLE BY PAM REID

H OM E U P DAT E | HO M E + D E SIGN

NEW TRICKS HANG UP THE OLD WAY AND TRY A GALLERY WALL HANGING SYSTEM IN YOUR HOME.

One of my happy places is sitting in front of a museum wall gallery. I can admire art for hours, and if I’m with a friend, there’s no telling how long we’ll sit, reflect, and share our individual perspectives. If you’ve admired gallery wall displays in magazines, catalogs, or on social media and would like to create one in your home, it’s much easier than you might think.

WHY CHOOSE A GALLERY WALL HANGING SYSTEM? The beauty of a gallery wall hanging system lies in its flexibility and ease of use. Traditional picture hanging methods can leave walls full of holes, making it cumbersome to adjust placements or update the display. A hanging system, however, allows for easy adjustments without additional damage to your walls. This feature is particularly advantageous for renters or anyone who likes to refresh their decor frequently.

DESIGNING YOUR GALLERY WALL The first step in creating a gallery wall is planning. Start by selecting a theme or color scheme that complements your space. Themes can be as varied as black-and-white photographs, abstract paintings, or a mix of personal and artistic prints.

MATERIALS YOU WILL NEED: • A gallery wall hanging system, which typically includes mounting rails, cables or rods, and hooks. You can find them pretty much anywhere, online or at your local home improvement store. • A collection of frames and artwork. • A level, measuring tape, and perhaps a laser pointer for precision.

CREATIVE ARRANGEMENTS • The arrangement of your gallery wall can follow several patterns, depending on your taste: • Linear: Artworks are hung in a straight line at eye level, creating a clean and orderly appearance. • Grid: Perfect for a collection of similarly sized frames, this layout emphasizes structure and uniformity. • Salon Style: This more traditional arrangement involves layering pieces closely together, often extending across the wall. It’s ideal for creating a rich, filled look. Enjoy curating a space that is uniquely yours, evolving with your tastes and lifestyle. CONTINUED > S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ME R C E R I S L A N D

INSTALL ATION TIPS: 01 MEASURE YOUR SPACE:

Carefully measure the wall space where you want to install the gallery. Consider the height and width available, keeping in mind furniture and other room features.

02 LAY IT OUT:

Arrange your artwork on the floor to finalize your layout. This “dry run” is crucial to get a feel for how the pieces will interact with one another. I like to use painter’s tape to create a visual of what my display will look like on the walls.

03 INSTALL THE RAILS

AND HANG YOUR ART:

Following the manufacturer’s instructions, mount the rails at the top of your wall. Ensure they are level and securely attached. Attach cables or rods to the rails, then use hooks to hang your frames. The beauty of the system is that you can adjust the height and position of each piece easily.

04 BALANCE

AND SYMMETRY: Step back to view your layout from different angles. Adjust the spacing and alignment as needed to achieve visual balance.

H OM E U P DAT E | HO M E + D E SIGN

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S EP TEMB ER 2 0 2 5 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ME R C E R I S L A N D

SEPTEMBER 2025

events A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LO C A L E V E N T S

CRAFTSMANSHIP YOU CAN TRUST

NEED A HAND? Complete Home Renovation Structural to Minor Repairs Handyman Services

SEPTEMBER 3 R D

Stay Active & Independent for Life (SAIL) Fitness Class Mercer Island Community & Events Center 8236 SE 24th Street SAIL is an evidence-based fitness program designed for adults 65 year and older. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 10:30-11:30am Drop-in Fee of $5 for Resident, $7 for Non-Resident. Punch Pass is available. Focus on improving strength, balance and overall personal fitness. Reduce the risk of falls and injury, helps stay active and independent, most effective when practiced 2-3 times per week. SEPTEMBER 4 TH

Restoration Event | City of Mercer Island Native Plant Nursery

TALK TO US (206) 681-6634 Info@Baklinski.com

Luther Burbank Park, Caretakers Building | 12:00 PM Calling all native plant lovers! Looking for volunteers to join us to help us care for the plants in our native plant nursery. Every year we host a couple thousand native plants in the nursery until they’re ready to be put in the ground in parks across the island. • Every First Thursday 12pm-2pm • Gloves, and tools provided.

WWW.BAKLINSKI.COM

• Registration: volunteersignup.org/ B4AFB SEPTEMBER 4 TH

Mosaic MI Open Mic & Listening Room Aljoya Mercer Island 2430 76th Ave SE | 7:00 PM Mosaic MI will kick off the Arts on the Island Weekend with live local music, Thursday, September 4 at Aljoya. Join

EVE N TS

for an en evening of music, connection and community. Lottery pick, 10 performers, 10 minutes each, open to high school and older - all skill levels welcome! Come, listen or make music and be a part of the Mosaic. S E P T E M BE R 5T H

Mercer Island First Friday Art Walk Mercer Island Town Center | 5:00 PM The second evening of Arts on the Island Weekend will be the September First Friday Art Walk 5-8pm at multiple Town Center businesses and galleries. Venues include MIVAL, Aljoya, Barrel’s, Caldwell Banker Bain, Clarke and Clarke, Engel & Volkers, John L. Scott, Realogics Sotheby’s, Suzanne Zahr Gallery. Meet and mingle amongst multiple art exhibits with neighbors and friends. S E P T E M BE R 5T H

Mercer Island Preschool Association Weekly Walk Mercer Island South End Starbucks 8415 SE 68th St. | 9:30 AM Weather permitting, meet up at the south end Starbucks on Fridays at 9:30 am to get outside, get a little exercise, and enjoy seeing friends. All walks are stroller friendly, but you can also join without kids. Can’t wait to see you! Email Lesley Malakoti (lmalakoti@gmail.com) to join the email list. MIPA membership not required! S E P T E M BE R 6T H

Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce Art Uncorked 2025 Greta Hackett Outdoor Sculpture Gallery Mercer Island | 3:00 PM An annual Island favorite is day three of Arts on the Island Weekend: Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce presents Art Uncorked 2025; an afternoon of Music, Art, Food Trucks, over 20 wineries offering Wine Tasting for 21+ guests. Embark on a flavorful and artistic journey from 3-7pm al fresco in the sculpture park. More information and tickets @ mercerislandartuncorked.com

Founder Zach Roberts is a fourth-generation builder with nearly 30 years of experience crafting PNW custom homes. From laborer to founder, he’s done everything, bringing unmatched insight, care, and integrity to every build. Let's build something extraordinary. RobertsBuiltHome.com

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events

CONTINUED

SEPTEMBER 7TH

Mercer Island Farmers Market Mercerdale Park | 10:00 AM

HI-TEK GROUP SMART HOME + ELECTRICAL TEAMS UNDER ONE ROOF

Finish the Arts on the Island Weekend with the culinary and floral artistic splendor at the Mercer Island Farmers Market. Revel in the fresh fall produce, local prepared foods, abundant flowers, arts vendors and live music by Kimball and the Fugitives. SEPTEMBER 9 TH

Mercer Island Library Book Group Mercer Island Library 4400 88th Ave SE | 1:30 PM

Lighting Control

Media Rooms

Monthly Book Group Sponsored by the Friends of the Mercer Island Library, Tuesday, September 9 at the library, 1:30-3:00pm. New members always welcome. September’s book selection is: All Creatures Great and Small: The Warm and Joyful Memoirs of the World's Best Beloved Animal Doctor by James Herriot

Motorized Shades Security & Cameras

Copies available for check out at the Mercer Island Library. Registration not required. SEPTEMBER 11TH

WiFi & Networking

Home Audio

Stop the Bleed Class Mercer Island Community & Events Center 8236 SE 24th Street | 6:00 PM The City is pleased to offer a free Stop the Bleed class on Thursday, September 11 from 6:00-7:30pm at the Community Center.

www.Hi-Tek.group 48

EVE N TS

Stop the Bleed is a hands-on class that teaches participants techniques including how to apply pressure to a wound and how to correctly apply a tourniquet. Become empowered to make a life-or-death difference when a bleeding emergency happens.

S E P T E M BE R 2 3 RD

Emergency Preparedness Workshop

S TAY W E L L

Mercer Island Community & Events Center 8236 SE 24th Street | 6:00 PM September is National Preparedness Month and Mercer Island Emergency Management will be hosting an emergency preparedness workshop for the community, 6-8pm at MICEC. The presentation will focus on hazards specific to Mercer Island, steps to help your household prepare for disasters, emergency kits, and more. The workshop is free to residents. Register @ mercerisland.gov/emergencymanagement/page/emergencypreparedness-workshop S E P T E M BE R 2 5T H

Book & Wine Club by Robyn & Rachel’s Re-Vesta Group Barrel’s Wine Bar | 3:00 PM Join fellow reading and wine enthusiasts for the monthly community book club at Barrel’s Wine Bar. Hosted by Robyn & Rachel’s Re-Vesta Group | Realogics Sotheby’s and Khue Dang, the special group gets books personally curated by Island Book’s owner, Laurie Rayes! 3:30-5:30pm every 4th Thursday. All welcome 21+ S E P T E M BE R 2 6T H

Mercer Island High School Homecoming Game Mercer Island High School Stadium | 7:00 PM Join the Mercer Island High School football team, cheer squads, and marching band for the annual Homecoming Game against Hazen High! All tickets for the 2025–2026 MIHS athletic season will be available through: • Online purchase (mihs.mercerislandschools.org/student-life/athletics) • Credit, debit card, apply pay or google pay at the gate Please note: Cash will not be accepted at any athletic events.

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eat

SW EE T P OTATO SCRAMBLE ( fo r o n e)

Vitamin A is essential to protecting the corneas of our eyes. By taking care of your corneas, you can extend the health of your eyesight and reduce vision loss with age. An easy way to remember what to eat for healthy eyes is to look for orange foods. Carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and butternut squash are all high in vitamin A.

INGR EDIENTS • • • • • • • • •

2 eggs Dash of flax milk Cumin Salt + pepper ½ sweet potato, cubed ¼ green onion, chopped ¼ cup spinach Handful of broccoli florets Ghee butter or avocado oil for cooking

TOPPING IDEAS PUMPKIN S W E E T P O TAT O E S CARROTS BU T T E R N U T S QUA S H

• • • •

Cooked salmon Hot sauce Chia seeds or flax seeds Fresh parsley

DIR ECTIONS 1. Whisk together your eggs, milk, and spices. 2. Prepare a skillet over medium heat with your ghee butter or avocado oil. Cook the sweet potato, green onion, and broccoli for 5-8 minutes. Add the spinach and cook for 1 more minute. 3. Pour your egg mixture into the skillet and scramble together until the eggs are your desired texture, roughly 3 minutes. 4. Immediately add your cooked salmon, seeds, parsley, or hot sauce and enjoy while it’s still hot!

ARTICLE BY HAYLEY HYER

EAT R IGH T | FO O D + BEVE RAGE

pretty

Stunning Mt Baker Traditional 3202 HUNTER BLVD S, SEATTLE LISTED AT $2,750,000

Storybook Craftsman

Turn-Key Stunner

8 SHORE LANE, MERCER ISLAND LISTED AT $2,995,000

5619 89TH AVE SE, MERCER ISLAND SOLD FOR $2,300,000

Kelly Weisfield J.D., CRS, ABR Founding Broker | Compass WA 206.355.3863 KellyWeisfield.com

“

We have sold two homes with Kelly and we have purchased two homes with Kelly over a decade of time. She is the consummate professional, knows the market inside out, is a skilled negotiator and her ethics are beyond reproach. We have trusted some of the largest financial transactions in our life to her very capable hands. I would recommend anyone in the high end market to seek out her services to gain market edge & position themselves in the best possible way for a successful transaction. -O.L, 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.