City news in Mercer Island.
Island recognized nationally for supporting play
Hundreds of cities and towns, including Mercer Island, earned recognition last week from national non-profit KaBOOM! as 2016 Playful City USA communities for their efforts to increase play opportunities for children. This is the ninth year the city’s Parks and Recreation Department has received this award.
The Island offers diverse options such as the award-winning Adventure Playground giving children the opportunity to experiment with construction and tools, the Deane’s Children’s Park encouraging imagination and many recreation events during the year.
Contact Diane Mortenson, recreation superintendent, at 206-275-7861 for more.
Nominations now open for Flash Award
Nominations are now being accepted for the Flash Family Inspirational Award (FFIA), which honors a Mercer Island senior adult (55 and older) who exemplifies the spirit of good sportsmanship or community leadership, and who possesses an optimistic attitude and friendly demeanor while acting as a role model to others.
As Phil Flash once said, this award should be given to a community member who: “Keeps busy, exercises, eats healthy food, never, ever sweats the small stuff and always stays positive.” Flash passed away in April 2015.
The winning recipient of the FFIA rides as a “Hometown Hero” in the Summer Celebration Parade on July 9, receives a gift and has their name added to the perpetual plaque inside the Mercer Island Community and Event Center.
Nomination forms are available at www.mercergov.org/files/FFIA_Nomination_Form2016.pdf, or in person at the Community and Event Center or the Mercer Island Youth and Family Services office in Luther Burbank Park.
You can request a form to be mailed by calling 206-275-7754. The deadline for submissions is June 17.
MIFYS sponsors health insurance advice for seniors
Mercer Island Youth and Family Services (MIYFS) announced a partnership with the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner that provides State Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) to help consumers with information, assistance and advocacy about their rights and options for health insurance, health access and prescription drugs.
MIYFS will be providing office space at the Luther Burbank Administration Building for a SHIBA volunteer to come and meet with senior consumers face-to-face in a confidential and low stress environment.
“The biggest benefit I see for our senior population on Mercer Island is getting free and unbiased information on health insurance options, customized for their individual needs,” said Betsy Zuber, senior services specialist at MIYFS.
The volunteer is available by appointment only. Contact Zuber at 206-275-7752 or betsy.zuber@mercergov.org for scheduling, or for additional information, and to learn about all the senior services offered at MIYFS.
