Find out more about solar energy at July 8 workshop
The city’s solar installation campaign is well underway. Almost 70 residents attended the first workshop in early June, with 45 signing up for free site assessments. The Solarize Mercer Island goal is for 30-60 homes to be set up.
Interested residents should attend the informational workshop from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 8 at the Mercer Island Community and Events Center to find out more. After attending the workshop, residents will be eligible for a free site assessment.
There are several options available for shaded roofs, as well as outbuildings, patios, gazebos, boathouses, etc. Low interest loans are also available.
With tax credits and incentives from the state, other local campaigns have shown that these rooftop systems pay back between six or nine years. By participating in the Solarize program through the city, homeowners receive about 15 percent off regular installation costs. According to the city’s sustainability manager Ross Freeman, the first installation is already underway.
To pre-register or for more information, contact Freeman at 275-7662, or visit the city’s solar web page at www.mercergov.org.
Sound Transit open house on MI East Link station
Sound Transit is holding an open house for Islanders to review current designs, meet the East Link project team and provide feedback on the East Link Extension’s Mercer Island Station.
The open house is set between 5 and 7 p.m., July 10, at the Mercer Island Community and Events Center.
The design plans for the Mercer Island station are now 60 percent complete. Project staff is looking for input on landscaping, materials, plans for bus rail transfers and more.
Sound Transit planners will also have a booth at Summer Celebration to talk with Islanders.
For details, drawings and more, go to soundtransit.org.
Thrift Store adds more hours
To meet increased customer demand, the Mercer Island Thrift Shop will extend its store hours on Saturdays to 8 p.m., beginning July 5. New store hours will be Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The store will also be open on July 4, for holiday store hours between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Donation Center hours will remain unchanged: Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For donation appointments, contact Coordinator Suzanne Philen at (206) 275-7753. To become a volunteer, contact Logan Ens at (206) 275-7766.
The revenue from Mercer Island Thrift Shop supports programs of Mercer Island Youth and Family Services.
Bike 4 Friendship riders on the road to California
In an effort to raise awareness and funds for programs that support children with special needs, 13 women from around the country have joined Investors Bank Bike 4 Friendship, a 1,500 mile cycling trip from Seattle to Los Angeles. A group left the Mercer Island Town Center on Sunday, July 29.
Investors Bank Bike 4 Friendship promotes the mission of Friendship Circle, an international organization which connects teenage volunteers with children, teens and young adults with special needs to foster a sense of companionship and community.
The cyclists, ranging from ages 20-69, are seeking to enhance awareness and understanding of the unique gifts of those with special needs. They are also asking everyone—friends, admirers and well-wishers alike—to make a donation in keeping with the theme of “Bike 4 Friendship.”Want to bike cross-country? Cyclists can join in for a day, week, or the full trip. Apply now at Bike4Friendship.com.
