Learn all about the Mercer Island Art Bus!

 The Art Bus is a project being started for the Mercer Island Elementary Schools by Megan Hand.  We talked with her through email to learn more about what it will do for our kids and their love of art.

 


What made you decide to start this cool new project?

When my son entered kindergarten at Lakeridge I was astounded that there was not art classrooms or art teachers in any of the elementary schools on Mercer Island.  It was also brought to my attention that Bellevue and Bainbridge school districts both have certified art teachers on staff as well as full functioning art classrooms  --  so I thought why don’t we?  Unfortunately, since our district is completely overcrowded a dedicated art classroom is out of the question for Mercer Island right now.   Then, I thought --  perhaps we could re-purpose one of the school buses that was slated to be sold for scrap and make it into an art classroom.

Why are you passionate about this project? 

We all know as parents that every child learns differently, and some kids really do gravitate to art at a young age.  However, this self-expression is not valued the same as other core subjects by most classroom teachers for a number of reasons.  Mainly, because it is hard for a teacher without elementary art credentials to feel confident in teaching art to kids.  Art is not an easy subject to teach especially as students get older and learning how to actually manipulate the different forms of mediums come into play.

So, wouldn’t it be wonderful for those children who love to paint, draw and mold clay to be acknowledged by an art teacher?  An adult that tells them their creative thoughts and ideas are important?   I think that alone would be worth the 1000 of volunteer hours that have already gone into this project.

How does the art bus work? 

It will be a 21Century learning classroom dedicated to making art.   It will have the latest in classroom technology that will connect kids with artists and allow an art teacher to bring learning art to life.

Will the bus go to all school locations? Yes, all three elementary schools will benefit from this project --  and that is over 1,800 kids!

What can we do as a community to support the art bus effort?

The community can donate, spread the word, and volunteer by going to http://www.mifineartsed.org/artbus-faq.html. You can also “like” ArtBus on Facebook  Or email or call me at megan.hand@comcast.net or 206-232-1896

Join us for the Mercer Island Community Dinner: May 5th

 Ever get the feeling that we are ignoring the food that our kids are eating at school and sports events?  Well it's time you join the Mercer Island Food Revolution!!!  Headed by Linda Floyd, who was kind enough to do a Q & A with us, this revolution is all about healthier meals.  No one wants to see our kids deprived of a fun treat once in a while, but who doesn't want delicious whole food served to our kids for their daily meals?

Please take the time to come and join us at the Community Dinner on May 5th at 6:00PM at Islander Middle School.  Thank you Linda for answering all of our burning questions!

What inspired this revolution?
There has always been a strong interest in healthy foods for kids on Mercer Island.  A parent group formed a few years ago to help the district develop a Wellness Policy and to advocate for healthier hot lunches at school.  Now there is a national movement underway to change the way we feed our kids.  Mercer Island Food Revolution is continuing the good work of the previous parent coalition and gaining the interest of even more parents and teachers as this has become a visible issue in the media.

What is this community dinner all about?
Our first Community Dinner is on Thursday, May 5th at 6PM at IMS.  It’s an opportunity for families to come together to enjoy a healthy, delicious, freshly prepared meal.  Busy families can take time to eat together and to hear about Mercer Island Food Revolution and our partnership with Experience Food Project, a Whidbey Island-based nonprofit.  Chef Tom from EFP will prepare the meal along with district food staff.  Admission is first come, first served and by donation. Any proceeds from the dinner will go toward food programs for island kids.

What kinds of foods can the kids expect to see in the lunchroom?
There have been some positive changes to the lunches served at the elementary schools this year.  Desserts are rarely served now.  Fruits or vegetables are served on the trays daily.  There are occasional meal choices that are at least partly freshly made in the IMS kitchen.  We appreciate these efforts.  However, our group would like to see even bigger changes.  We’d like to get rid of frozen, processed meals and have fresh meals made from whole foods. We are advocating for freshly prepared meals that are organic and local when possible.

What can we do as parents to support the Mercer Island food revolution?
There are many ways parents can support the Mercer Island Food Revolution.  No one wants to deny treats for special occasions but for everyday snacks for school classes or sports teams try bringing fruits or vegetables; they are convenient and healthy.  Perhaps for your child’s sports team you could suggest kids bring reusable water bottles so no parent feels obliged to hand out sugary juices or sports drinks. Support the Boys and Girls Club and Parks and Recreation as they strive to bring healthier snack and concession choices to our kids.  Join our revolution by “liking” Mercer Island Food Revolution on Facebook.  And come to our community dinner.  We’d love to see you!

Community Dinner event page on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=151275388273190
Mercer Island Food Revolution page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=151275388273190#!/pages/Mercer-Island-Food-Revolution/193826360649983
Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution community page: http://www.jamieoliver.com/us/foundation/jamies-food-revolution/activists

Keep our water clean!!: Take Back Medicine Event

FREE EVENT to TAKE BACK UNWANTED MEDICINES

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is sponsoring a National Pharmaceuticals Take-Back Day on Saturday, April 30, 2011 from 10 a.m.– 2 p.m. at Mercer Island City Hall. This one day event takes place at sites that are staffed by participating local law enforcement officials.  It’s a great opportunity for our community to clean out their medicine cabinets and properly dispose of unwanted medicines, including controlled substances.

Why take unused medicines to this event?

·         Unused medicines are a danger to our children, families and the environment.

·         Washington State has one of the highest teen prescription drug abuse rates in the nation.

·         Medicine poisoning among children and seniors is increasing.

·         Medicines that are flushed or put in the trash can end up in our surface waters, groundwater and drinking water - exposing our families and hurting our environment.

The DEA has posted promotional materials for this event online at:  http://www.nationaltakebackday.com/toolbox/index.php .  We encourage your organization to get the word out about this great opportunity to safely dispose of unwanted medicines at this free event.   Thank you!

Unfortunately, these programs do not have a sustainable source of funding and are not a permanent solution.  To learn more about the problem and why Washington needs a permanent take-back program visitwww.TakeBackYourMeds.org

Transition Initiative Mercer Island (TIMI) Meeting

So you ask “What is the Transition Movement?”:  The Transition Movement is comprised of vibrant, grassroots community initiatives that seek to build community resilience in the face of such challenges as peak oil, climate change and the economic crisis.

Transition Initiatives differentiate themselves from other sustainability and "environmental" groups by seeking to mitigate these converging global crises by engaging their communities in home-grown, citizen-led education, action, and multi-stakeholder planning to increase local self reliance and resilience. They succeed by regeneratively using their local assets, innovating, networking, collaborating, replicating proven strategies, and respecting the deep patterns of nature and diverse cultures in their place.

Transition Initiatives work with deliberation and good cheer to create a fulfilling and inspiring local way of life that can withstand the shocks of rapidly shifting global systems.


Please join us for our Fourth in a series of discussions designed to create a healthy and resilient community.

For those of you who missed the last event, the evening will include a brief over view of the Transition Initiative Process.    We will plan together a series of community speaker events for next year, highlighting the fantastic energy of existing local groups & businesses that are part of the Transition Process on Mercer Island.

We will discuss how these activities fill-in a larger possible FUTURE VISION MAP for Mercer Island.
MONDAY, April 25TH, 2011 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm MI Public Library - Large Room (Over view of T.I. process starts at 7:00) MERCER ISLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY
TIMI
Transition Initiative Mercer Island email us at TIMercerIsland@gmail.com
April 25, 2011 (tonight)
6:30 – 9:00 pm
Mercer Island Public Library

Mercer Island School District honored by King County Green Schools Program

Way to go Mercer Island School District!!! Check out this article from the Mercer Island reporter about each school's involvement in the Green Schools Program.

Mercer Island School District honored by King County Green Schools Program

Leap for Green schedule: Saturday April 16th!!!

            LEAP For GREEN is coming!

Come to the best party in town this Saturday April 16^th from 10am to 2pm at the Mercer Island Community Center.  Brought to you by IslandVision and the City of Mercer Island with the invaluable support of our sponsors!

Our annual Earth-day Sustainability event is a fun free interactive event for kids of all ages hooking you up with what’s happening in your community and region!

This is a “YOU-Powered” event so get there under your own power and receive a small prize.  

Kids bring your bikes ready to test your skill in the BIKE RODEO!

Some of our exciting participants:

Friends of Luther Burbank will be leading two walks at 10am and 2:00pm; The Goat Lady will have goats to meet and greet; Marita Dingus is doing recycled art; Regina paints faces; Charlie and Jennifer bring their chickens; Patrick and Friends will be playing excellent music all day; The latest model Tesla – bright orange; test ride electric bikes; check out information on the natural environment around you; Did you know the Mercer Island School District is now a certified Green District; the Chamber of Commerce and the City of Mercer have just rolled out their Green Business Program; Great food:  Patty Pan Grill, Got Soup, Anita’s Crepes and Whidbey Island Ice Cream and sooooo much more!.

The entertainment line up:

10:00 am:  Walk Luther Burbank (see description below)

10:00am to 11:00 am:  Twirl Dance Studio (Marcie Spahi and Hoop to the Beat)

11:00am to 12:00pm:  Roving Reptiles

12:00pm to 1:00pm:  MI Martial Arts demonstrations

1:00pm to 2:00pm:  Guelaguetza – Guatemalan Dancers

2:00pm:  Walk Luther Burbank (see description below)

Friends of Luther Burbank is leading two walks of the park
Meeting location:  Both walks will meet on the patio off the Mercer Room

Time:  10:00AM 0 11:00am

Judith Roan, will lead an easy walk through LBP in search of bird life.  We will begin the walk from the back patio of the community center at 10:00am, and be back by 11:00am.  April is usually a good month to listen for singing males on territory and to spot birds building nests. Bring binoculars if you have them.

Time:  2:00PM - 3:00PM

Amanda Clark will lead an easy walk through LBP along the boardwalk to Calkins Point and back along the path by the old barn ruins. We will talk about the typical plants and animals of the wetlands. We will also discuss the history of the park from its beginnings as a boys school. We will begin the walk from the back patio of the community center at 2:00 PM, and be back by 3:00 PM.

A HUGE Thank You to our Sponsors:

Blue Sky Cleaners

Rotary Club of Mercer Island

Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle

Puget Sound Energy

Stroum Jewish Community Center

Steve Litzow

Cool Moms

Friends of Farrington

Visit this booth at Leap for Green: Green Man Gardens

We are quickly approaching April 16th when we will get together for a celebration of sustainability at the Leap for Green Fair at the Mercer Island Community Center.  If you are interested in native planting in your garden come and visit Brett at the GREEN MAN GARDENS booth.  He will be selling native plants and can answer all your burning gardening questions!  Here is a Q & A we did with him to get you excited about native plants!

Why should we plant native plants on Mercer Island?

Native plants should always be an option, where ever you are. Generally speaking, native plants are perfectly hardy whatever the weather throws at us, are better adapted to our soils, have better disease resistance, and attract more and more diverse wildlife than exotics do. Aside from that, there is nothing that provides a sense of place, of being home, like native plants do. Walk in the woods here and you will see things like trillium, Oregon grape, salal, Doug fir and big leaf maple, all the things that make this region so unique in the world. You can find tea roses and hybrid rhodies in gardens all over the world, but there is only one place where the licorice fern covers the branches of old maple trees, with a carpet of salal, sword fern and trillium at their feet. Planting these in the garden not only brings that sense of place home, it gives a home for all the birds, butterflies and other critters that call these plants home. That is the essence of habitat, and how you can transform your garden into more than just a bunch of pretty flowers.

Tell us about your company and what services you provide for Mercer Island residents.

My name is Brett Johnson and my company's name is Green Man Gardens.  I provide landscape design and consulting services with a focus on native plants and wildlife habitat. As well as being able to provide native plants to those who need them, I can also help by identifying what you have, both in native and non-native species, and provide help in developing a garden with native plants and wildlife in mind. If you want to attract hummingbirds, butterflies, or just have a healthier garden, I can help you choose plants that will thrive in your garden and attract wildlife.

What are the top three native plants you should have your garden?

Only three? That's not enough! Well, if I only get three...

1) red-flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum)- one of the easiest of the native shrubs to grow, with bright pink to red flowers in early spring. It's one of the first native shrubs to bloom, and one of the best to attract hummingbirds. All it requires is good drainage. It is not too picky about soil types, and is happy in sun or shade. It's easy to trim but generally doesn't need it. It is fast growing, and quick to flower even from a young age. It's almost always one of the favorites when in flower, but looks good out of flower too.

2) camas (Camassia quamash or C. leichtlinii)- the two native species are very similar, but both are excellent garden subjects. These bulbs were used by native Americans as a food source (they ate the bulbs), but we grow them for the flowers. Light to dark blue purple spikes of flowers, usually around Mother's Day, are highly attractive to almost all pollinators, from bees and butterflies to hummingbirds. The bulbs themselves are as easy to grow as daffodils or tulips. All they need is good sun, and decent soil. Hardy and quick growing, camas is one of the most beautiful wildflowers in the Washington flora.

 

Camassia leichtlinii

3) strawberries (Fragaria vesca, F. virginiana, and F. chiloensis)- we have three native strawberries to choose from. Most people grow the wood strawberry (F. vesca) for its fruit; small little sweet tart intense strawberries that make incredible jam if you have the patience to pick enough of them. It prefers moist light shade and is perfect under fruit trees and blueberries for an extra harvest, or in almost any protected sunny areas that get regular summer water. Beach strawberry (F. chiloensis) is mostly known as an aggressive groundcover for sunny dry spots, where it can get as dense as ivy but is much easier to control. It rarely produces berries but is worth growing for the shiny dark green leaves and contrasting pure white flowers anyway. The third of the three is my favorite- meadow strawberry (F. virginiana) has bluish leaves, is more drought tolerant than the wood strawberry but has just as good berries, if you can get them before the critters do. I like growing the fruiting ones in pots where they cascade over the edges so I can see and harvest the berries before the birds do.

 

 

There are many other species I would recommend, these aren't even necessarily my favorites!

What will you be doing at the Leap For Green Fair this year?

I will be selling plants, and have a table set up where kids of all ages can come and do leaf rubbings. I have pressed leaves and stems from several different native plants for people to use. I hope that as people walk through the parks, they will recognize how important these and other native plants are to our open spaces, both here on Mercer Island and in the whole region.

Thank you Brett for coming to the Leap For Green Fair!  Can't wait to see you there...

Mercer Island events for March and April

Hello fellow Islanders. Sustainability is alive and well on Mercer Island! He is a list of activities that may be of interest to you.

TIMI movie night!
Transition Initiative Mercer Island (TIMI) invites you to its Third Community
Film & Discussion Event with discussion designed to create a healthy and resilient vision for our community. This month’s film is entitled “The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil.” The evening will also include an overview of the
Transition Initiative Process and ask for input about next best steps.

Time and Location:
TUESDAY, March 29TH, 2011
6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
MI Public Library - Large Room

Leap for Green is coming!
The fourth annual Leap For Green Fair is on Saturday April 16th from 10:00am-2:00pm at the Community Center at Mercer View!  It is FREE and open to the public and is targeted at kids of ALL ages (that means you!).   This is Mercer Island’s very own Earth Day Event sponsored by IslandVision, the City of Mercer Island and Blue Sky Cleaners

There will be great music from Patrick and Friends, NEW Guatemalan Dancers in costume, a reptile man, Hula Hooping with Hoop to the Beat, Recycled Art projects to do, Face Painting, Goats and Chickens to visit with and the Farmers Market will be on hand to serve delicious food from Patty Pan Grill, Anita's Crepes, Whidbey Island Ice Cream, Got Soup and much more!! 

This year we have lots to celebrate: 
The Mercer Island School District is now a King County Certified Green District
The Green Business program is ramping up to launch!
The Green Ribbon Commission is launching a community wide “22 Ways – it’s easy being green” program
Transition Initiative Mercer Island (TIMI) is getting its start

This is a YOU-Powered event and you can win a prize if you power yourself (walk, bike, scooter or take the bus) to the event.  Please bring non-perishable foods to donate to the Mercer Island Food Pantry!  Come and be part of the movement.

Are you available to VOLUNTEER for this event?  We need help with set up and break down, “runners” during the event and helping at the IslandVision table.  Please contact Lucia Pirzio-Biroli at lucia@studioectypos.com

Remember - Leap for Green is all about  Environment, Economy and Equity – the triple bottom line of sustainability

See you on the 16th!!

Earth Hour
What began in 2007 as a campaign to get Sydneysiders to turn their lights off, has grown to become one of the world’s biggest climate change initiatives. On March 26th, 2011 at 8:30 PM (local time) people around the world will turn their lights for one hour – Earth Hour. Join more than 1 billion people who, together, can reinvigorate our fight against human-induced climate change.

Earth Hour 2011 is a global call to action to every individual, every business and every community, a call to stand up, to take responsibility and to get involved in working towards a sustainable future. Iconic buildings and landmarks from Europe to The Americas will stand in darkness. People across the world will turn off their lights and join together in creating the vital conversation about the future of our precious planet.

Earth Hour is a message of hope and action. Everyone can make a difference.
Join us for Earth Hour 2011! Turn off your lights at 8.30 PM Saturday, March, 26th! For more information visit http://www.worldwildlife.org/sites/earthhour/index.html.

Emmanuel Episcopal Church Takes the MI Carbon Challenge
Emmanuel Episcopal Church says Yes to taking the MI Green Ribbon Commission Carbon Challenge, "22Ways - It's Easy Being Green ...a challenge that is easy, informative, and coaches participants in how to become energy "fit" by working through 22 energy reduction action items.  Emmanuel sees creation care as part of their Christian duty.  Rector Hunt Priest has invited Emmanuel households to make the Carbon Challenge part of their spiritual discipline for Lent and Easter.

IslandVisioner Wins King County Award
IslandVision’s own Nancy Weil has been selected as the 2011 recipient of the Earth Heroes at School Award. The Earth Heroes at School Program celebrates King County students, teachers, staff, and volunteers who implement projects at their school or beyond to protect our environment. For more information on the Earth Heroes at School Program, visit http://your.kingcounty.gov/solidwaste/education/earth-heroes.asp. The award will be presented by King County Executive Dow Constantine at a recognition ceremony on April 14th.

Compiled by Dr. Jonathan Harrington
IslandVision Board

Upcoming events on Mercer Island!

Hello fellow Islanders. It may be chilly outside, but things are really heating up on the sustainability front.

·         IslandVision has a new Facebook page! We invite you to look us up at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Island-Vision/150088098365545
·         Leap for Green is fast approaching! The big event is on Saturday April 16th at the Mercer Island Community Center. We have some amazing things planned this year. We hope you can join us.
·         It is never too late to start thinking about our beloved Mercer Island Farmer’s Market. Opening day is Sunday June 12th. This year, the market day has been extended an additional hour. Vendors will be open for business at 10 AM. For more info, visit http://www.mifarmersmarket.org/welcome/
·         This coming Monday, February 28th an innovative new Island sustainability group called Transition Initiative Mercer Island (TIMI) is sponsoring a free community event moderated by Callie Ridolfi. Please join TIMI for their second in a series of films with discussion designed to help us create a healthier and more resilient community. This month, TIMI will feature David Brancaccio’s award winning film entitled “Fixing the Future” which highlights many Northwest innovations. Snacks and popcorn will be provided.

Place:
Emmanuel Episcopal Church
4400 86th Ave. SE
Mercer Island, WA

Time: 6:30-9:00 PM (film starts at 7:00 PM)


To learn more about IslandVision and our mission to encourage and support sustainable practices on Mercer Island, please visit our website at www.islandvision.org.
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Learn all about your fruit trees with City Fruit!

City Fruit will have a booth at our LEAP FOR GREEN FAIR this year on Mercer Island 

 

Leap for Green will be at the Community Center on Mercer Island on Saturday April 16th... mark your calendars!

It's February and time to oil up your pruners and dust off your garden boots.  

Fruit tree tips:   

• #1 -  Time to prune!  Don't take off a lot of wood, but tidy up your fruit trees and prune with fruit in mind.  
• #2 - Buy and plant. Now's the time to find bare root fruit trees in your local nursery. 
• #3 - Take a class and learn more.  See below.

Oldest apple tree: Last weekend I visited the oldest apple tree in the northwest, planted in 1826 by the Hudson Bay Company settlers at Fort Vancouver beside the Columbia River.  185 years old.  It puts things in perspective.   

City Fruit Events and Classes
City People-City Fruit:  City People's Garden Store in Madison Park sells bare root fruit trees (and other fruits and vegetables).  City Fruit and City People's are excited to co-sponsor some free fruit tree classes in the garden store this February.  Class size is limited, so register by contacting City People's at:  erincpgs@gmail.com or 206-324-0737.
Feb 19:  How to Plant Fruit Trees - 11 am - noon.  Taught by Jana Dilley, certified arborist and staff of City of Seattle Office of Sustainability and Environment.
Feb 19:  Best Fruits for Northwest Gardens -  12 - 12:30 pm.  Taught by Gail Savina, director, City Fruit
Feb 26:  Fruit Tree Pruning Basics  - 2 - 3:15 pm.  Taught by Ingela Wanerstrand, owner Green Darner Garden Design.

The following City Fruit classes cost $15 for members/$20 non-members.  Register by following the link or sending a check to City Fruit, PO Box 28577, Seattle 98118.

Feb 12, 10 am - noon   Fruit Tree Pruning: Demo and Mentoring.  This is a chance to prune fruit trees in a West Seattle home orchard under the guidance of John Reardon, a home orchardist and former vice president of the Seattle Tree Fruit Society.  Register by mail or contact City Fruit at info@cityfruit.org . Registrants will be informed of the location.

March 12, 10 am - noon.  Grafting New Fruit onto Existing Fruit Trees.   Learn how to do a whip graft, cleft graft, bud graft and pleach. Greg Giuliani grew up on a Snoqualmie Valley Farm with a 1930's orchard.  He learned to graft in order to re-create heritage fruit varieties.

Mason Bees: We turned people away from Dave Hunter's popular mason bee class on Jan 29 and are considering holding another class.  If you are interested, email info@cityfruit.org .

Other events and classes: 
Feb 5   Winter Vineyard Care. Snohomish County Extension, Silvana.  www.snohomish.wsu.edu/ag/workshops/viticulture2011.pdf
Feb 12  Plant Amnesty Prune-A-Thon.  Sky Nursery.  Free pruning demonstrations all day. www.plantamnesty.org or 206-783-9813
Feb 12  Grafting Techniques, Lynnwood. With Greg Giuliani, Gil Schreiber and Bill Davis.  Seattle Tree Fruit Society. Feb 26  Pruning work party with coach/mentor, Holy Cross Orchard in Bellevue.  jkftahiti@comcast.net  425-401-9337
Feb 26  Dormant Fruit Tree Pruning, Sultan. With Gary Moulton. WSU Snohomish County Extension.  Register at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/136751
Mar 5    Plant Amnesty's Fruit Tree Pruning Field Day,  Danny Woo Community Garden, Seattle. Lectures and pruning demos. www.plantamnesty.org or 206-783-9813.
Mar 5    Alleycat Acres Ride Hard! Grow Forth!  60-mile bike ride to benefit the urban farming collective.  To help: http://bit.ly/aaride
Mar 19  Field Trip to Home Orchard Society's Fruit Propation Fair - the largest scion exchange on the West Coast. Seattle Tree Fruit Society. Call Lori at 206-715-4149 or lorineb@mindspring.com

Want more?  Check out the Seattle Tree Fruit Society calendar .

Seattle Youth Garden Works is looking to hire a Farm Coordinator.  Email sygw@seattletilth.org .

Orchard Stewards in Seattle Parks:  More than 30 community stewards caring for fruit trees at five Seattle Parks have embarked on a series of workshops to learn about fruit tree care.  The first workshop, Fruit Tree Biology, was held last week, and we move on to Fruit Tree Pruning the end of February.

Thanks to everyone who joined or renewed membership with City Fruit in January!  It was a record month for us, membership-wise, and we are thrilled. Your memberships go directly to support this year's fruit harvest.  Benefits to you -- beside the satisfaction of supporting a good cause -- include a free City Fruit class, reduced fees on all classes -- and now we are tax deductible.  For those of you who haven't joined us yet, use the attached membership form or go to www.cityfruit.org .

That's it for February.  Time to get outside.  And remember to follow us at our Blog (http://cityfruit.org/blog/) on Twitter (http://twitter.com/cityfruit ) and on Facebook.

Gail

Transition Initiative Mercer Island

Hello fellow IslandVisioners! Happy New Year! I am pleased to have this opportunity to inform you about two great events that are coming up in the near future. Our Fourth Annual Leap for Green extravaganza is scheduled for April 16^th, 2011 at the Community Center. This year, we are offering sustainability minded members of our community an opportunity materially support our efforts by becoming an official event sponsor. We offer three levels of sponsorship that fit almost any budget.

A new and exciting organization, Transition Initiative Mercer Island, invites you to a free community event moderated by our dear friend and IslandVision co-founder Callie Ridolfi. Please join us for our first in a series of films with discussion designed to allow us to create a healthy and resilient vision for our community. We will be screening the award willing film, The End of Suburbia, which will be followed by facilitated open discussion about the film and how it relates to our Island. Light snacks will be provided. The screening is scheduled for Monday, January 24^th, 2011 6:30-9:00 PM at the Mercer Island Library.

We hope you can join us!

Finally, in case you didn’t know, IslandVision is now on Facebook! You can find us at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Island-Vision/150088098365545

Have a great weekend!

Dr. Jonathan Harrington

IslandVision Board