September 6, 2023
Council Issues Proclamations for September
After its August recess, the City Council reconvened for the first meeting of the month yesterday, September 5, and passed several proclamations. These proclamations formally support social, cultural, and public safety recognitions on Mercer Island:

Proclamation No. 313 recognizes September as National Preparedness Month. This annual recognition focuses on the importance of emergency preparedness and reminds communities to prepare for disasters.

Proclamation No. 314 commemorates National Recovery Month on Mercer Island, which raises awareness that recovery is for “Every Person, Every Family, Every Community” and promotes resources for prevention, intervention, and treatment on Mercer Island. The City’s Youth and Family Services Department provides many support services to Island residents.

Proclamation No. 315 recognizes September 21, 2023 as Peace Day on Mercer Island. Established in 1981 by a unanimous United Nations resolution, the International Day of Peace ("Peace Day") provides a globally-shared date for communities to commit to peace above all differences.

Proclamation No. 316 proclaims September 23, 2023 as No Islander Goes Hungry Day. This proclamation raises awareness about the No Islander Goes Hungry campaign, the national Hunger Action Month, and the regional Mayor’s Day of Concern for the Hungry. The Youth and Family Services Department operates programs to assist with food security on Mercer Island.

Islanders can learn more by reviewing each proclamation.
Council Receives City Audit Report
Each year, cities in Washington are audited by state officials to ensure accuracy and accountability in their finances. Two types of audits are performed annually: a Financial Audit and an Accountability Audit. At yesterday's City Council meeting, representatives from the Washington State Auditor’s Office presented the results of the Financial and Accountability Audits for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021 to the City Council. The State Auditor's Office found that City operations complied with internal policies and State Law, with no material misstatements.

Islanders can watch the presentation online or review the exit conference report on the City Website.
Don't Miss Community Coffee Blue Friday
Ready for the game? Join neighbors and City staff for the next Community Coffee event this Friday, September 8, from 9:30am - 11:30am in celebration of Blue Friday. For this special edition, head down to the Mercer Island Community and Event Center wearing your favorite Seahawks gear to kick off the season with fellow fans. You can enjoy coffee, tea, and snacks, plus stick around to play NFL Bingo from 11:00am - 12:00pm for a chance to win great prizes. Contact the Community and Event Center team with questions or for more information on this event.
Heads Up: Swimming Event at Luther Burbank Park this Weekend
This Saturday, September 9, Swim Across America will hold the Seattle Open Water Swim at Luther Burbank Park. This annual fundraiser hosts over 600 swimmers and supporters for a charity swim - participants swim varying distances across the lake to raise funds for cancer research at Fred Hutch Cancer Center.

Be aware that Luther Burbank Park and surrounding areas will be busy due to the event, and parking may be limited. Learn more about the event on the organization's website.
This Friday: Art Walk and Art Uncorked
Mercer Island's First Friday Art Walk is set for a special edition to coincide with the annual Art Uncorked event for an evening of fun - catch both events on September 8 for a creative exploration of art, wine, and more in Town Center.

Art Walk participants include Aljoya with a display from 13 MIVAL artists, Clarke & Clarke Art + Artifacts with a premier for artist Alexa Budd, and many more. Art Uncorked will feature a tasting garden, live music, and food. See the schedule and get your tickets on the event website.
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