Will kiss for schools

On May 8, Islander Middle School science teacher Doug Davis was selected by student votes to kiss a pig, raising over $12,000 in his name.

Truely a piglet, brought to school by Debbie Andersen for the honor, came in a baby blanket wrap.

At IMS, students, parents and teachers raised over $44,000 toward the Mercer Island Schools Foundations “Bridge the Gap” spring fundraiser, with a goal of $1.2M. For more, visit mercerislandschoolsfoundation.com.

The staff of R.W. Thorpe are celebrating the 40th year in business and recent re-location. From left they are, Steven Speidel, ASLA, Senior Associate; Robert W. Thorpe, AICP, Principle & President; Bruce Bassett, Mayor of City of Mercer Island; David Blum, Montgomery Gulf Corporation, Affiliate Planner; Lee Michaelis, AICP, Senior Managing Associate (contributed photo).

R.W. Thorpe & Associates celebrate 40th year

R.W. Thorpe & Associates  began in 1974 as a part-time venture, on evenings and weekends in the Islander Apartments on Mercer Island.

In 1976, the firm moved to Seattle Tower for 6 years with Mundy & Associates, then to the Alaska Building for six years, the Hoge Building for 22 years and has returned to its Mercer Island roots, having moved from the Hudesman-Three Sisters Legacy project site to 2737 78th Ave S.E.

The firm specializes in urban planning, landscape architecture, urban design, permitting, environmental, and economics, with offices in Denver, Anchorage and Winthrop.

Mercer Island projects include Starbucks Drive-thru, Starbucks South-end, Beach Club, Country Club, Shore Club, Emmanuel Church, and school projects include Yeshiva High School and High School Complex Parking Master Plan; as well as plats, shorelines permits and landscape plans. Donated services include Roanoke Historical Designation, Mercer Island Boys & Girls Club PEAK project, and the VFW Remodel Landscape Plan.

The firm has greatly enjoyed its new Mercer Island location, and looks forward to many successful endeavors in the future on opportunities provided by a rebounding real estate market.

Godefroys celebrated

On May 1, the Mercer Island Bridge Club hosted a 50th Anniversary celebration honoring Julie and Ole Godefroy.

Bridge was played, of course.

The Godefroys have been playing bridge together in the Greater Seattle area for the past 46 years.  Local bridge players who have been fortunate enough to either partner with Ole or Julie, play a team event with them, or just know them and love them, were pleased to celebrate the event.

Dinner was served for the 24 teams registered to play, followed by a Stratified Team Game complete with duplicated boards and hand records.

Ole served as Co-Chair of the last two Seattle NABC’s as well as serving on the local Board of Directors.  Julie served on the Unit 446 Board of Directors as Membership Chairman.

Both Julie and Ole have been an active part of the bridge community for the entire 46 years.  The Godefroys own and operate Godefroy Realty in Seattle.

The Club would like to thank all who contributed food, worked in set-up and tear-down, loaned supplies, and helped direct the game.