Arbor Day, Halloween, and More...

October 25, 2023

Arbor Day Event Restores Luther Burbank Habitat, Shoreline Trail Reopened

Last Saturday, October 21, volunteers, City staff, and members of the City Council gathered for an Arbor Day planting event at Luther Burbank Park. While planting events take place throughout the year, this Arbor Day marked a special occasion: the opening of the restored Luther Burbank South Shoreline Trail.

The City recently completed this large project to restore 900 feet of eroding shoreline, stretching from the park's waterfront plaza to the swim beach, using ecological design focused on improving native salmon habitat. The adjacent shoreline trail was rebuilt, improving accessibility for park visitors and creating space for shoreline vegetation which stabilizes the lakeshore. 36 volunteers, as well as councilmembers and City staff, gathered to help plant new trees and plants along the newly-opened trail for the event.

Before the shovels hit the ground, Mayor Nice shared welcoming remarks about the trail's significance and thanked the many volunteers who gathered to help. Overall, 425 native plants were added to the trail and shoreline during this event.

The City thanks our many volunteers, staff, and partner organizations that supported this project. Make sure to check out the new trail on a sunny day sometime soon!

Be Aware: Simulated Sound Transit Drill

You may hear or see sirens and emergency activity near Sound Transit light rail tracks this Saturday, but don't fret: it's just a drill.

On Saturday, October 28, Sound Transit and area first responders are participating in a full-scale training exercise focused on the Bellevue Light Rail tunnel. This activity simulates a major emergency in the tunnel and helps police, fire, and EMS responders train for the unique needs of a transit emergency.

There will be a variety of activity near or in the tunnel during this training exercise. You may see smoke, emergency vehicles, and volunteers simulating victims, and Sound Transit asks that people not linger or disrupt the exercise.

If you have questions or concerns about this exercise, contact Rachelle Cunningham at rachelle.cunningham@soundtransit.org.

It's Almost Hallo-Weekend

Don't forget: this Friday marks the start of Hallo-Weekend on Mercer Island.

Enjoy Trick-or-Treating in Town Center on Friday, October 27 from 4:00pm - 6:00pm, and the annual Pumpkin Walk on Sunday, October 29 from 5:00pm - 8:00pm. Many local businesses are also running Halloween specials. It's a great opportunity to gather with family, friends, and neighbors for fun. Learn more about both activities on the City Website.

Med Take Back Day Returns

Unused and expired prescription medications pose many public safety and health concerns, including misuse and abuse. To make it easier for Islanders to safely dispose of unwanted or unneeded drugs, the City participates in two annual Med Take Back Day events. Islanders can drive up and safely dispose of prescription drugs, no questions asked. This program is widely successful across the nation, with thousands of pounds of medications correctly disposed of, helping remove hazards from our communities.

The following medications will be accepted:

Any unused or expired prescription medication (including Schedule II through V controlled substances)
Any used or expired over-the-counter medication
Any pet medication

To drop off medications, simply drive up to the City Hall Parking Lot (9611 SE 36th Street) between 10:00am - 2:00pm on Saturday, October 28.

As always, if you know someone struggling with prescription misuse, call or text the Washington Recovery Line at 866-789-1511 or call the Mercer Island Youth and Family Services intake line at 206-275-7657.

Don't Miss It: Sister City Association Welcome Reception

The City of Mercer Island and the Mercer Island Sister City Association invite you to a welcome reception for

the arriving French exchange students and chaperones from our sister city, Thonon les Bains, France. The reception will be held on Thursday, October 26 from 5:30pm - 6:30pm at the Mercer Island Community and Events Center. Light refreshments will be served.

This reception welcomes the second half of a 10-day student exchange that began last February, when Mercer Island students visited Thonon les Bains and stayed with students who they were matched to. Now, the French students are coming to stay on Mercer Island with their student exchange counterparts. Come meet our French guests and their Mercer Island hosts, and learn about the exchange program between our two communities.

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City of Mercer Island

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