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Photo courtesy of John Hamer A sold-out crowd of more than 700 people packed the Ocean Shores Convention Center for the 15th annual Roanoke Conference.

Opinion

Conference started with a couple of beers at Roanoke Inn | John Hamer

The Roanoke Conference is an annual gathering held on the last weekend of January at Ocean Shores.

Robert Whale can be reached at robert.whale@soundpublishing.com.

Opinion

Grappling with the finality of an oncologist’s statement | Whale’s Tales

Perhaps my brain injected a bit of humor to cover the shock. But I felt the gut punch.

Photo courtesy of John Hamer Mercer Island Police Chief Ed Holmes with Nancy Lee at a recent Mercer Island Rotary Club meeting.

Opinion

How individual citizen action can reduce gun violence | John Hamer

When I was growing up, there were several guns in our house. My father taught my sister and…

Dr. Emmanuel Navon, an Israeli political scientist and author of “The Star and the Scepter.” (Courtesy photo)

Opinion

Between land and ideology: An interview with Dr. Emmanuel Navon

Political scientist discusses the Israel-Palestine conflict. By Jayendrina Singha Ray, guest columnist.

Roanoke Park, at 70th SE and West Mercer Way, is scheduled to be renovated this year. (Photo courtesy of the city of Mercer Island)

Opinion

We can help shape the future of MI playgrounds | John Hamer

Here’s a chance for you to make your voices heard and play a constructive role.

Cartoon by Frank Shiers

Opinion

Legislature back in session next week | Cartoon

State lawmakers return Jan. 8 to Olympia.

Robert Whale can be reached at robert.whale@soundpublishing.com.

Opinion

A plea for sanity and ‘better angels’ in the New Year | Whale’s Tales

Like many of you, I have a wish list for the coming year.

Courtesy photo About 300 people gathered at the MI Community and Events Center on Oct. 22 for the Friendship Circle’s 10th annual Friendship Walk. Rabbi Bogomilski, founder of Friendship Circle, welcomed the crowd that included the MI High School Cheerleaders. The organization pairs high-school students with disabled kids as their mentors. The event featured a breakfast bar, information tables, games, face-painting, balloon-tying, cotton candy and free popcorn. Participants did a 1-K walk in Luther Burbank Park. The theme was “Community Kindness Day.”

Opinion

Looking forward to a positive 2024 on Mercer Island | John Hamer

As we begin a new year with many dark clouds on the horizon, I hope my columns have…

Cartoon by Frank Shiers

Opinion

Santa doesn’t drive a Kia | Cartoon

Cartoon by Frank Shiers.

The Menorah Lighting at Mercerdale Park on Dec. 7. (Photo courtesy of John Hamer)

Opinion

‘Festival of Lights’ means more this year on Mercer Island | John Hamer

Silence is complicity. We cannot be silent.

(Photo courtesy of Greg Asimakoupoulos)

Opinion

The unsent Christmas card and a call to action | Greg Asimakoupoulos

Like an unsent Christmas card or unmailed birthday card, unspoken expressions of affection are missed chances to remind…

Guest columnist Greg Asimakoupoulos is chaplain at Covenant Living at the Shores in Mercer Island.

Opinion

Remember to say ‘thanks’ this weekend and beyond | Greg Asimakoupoulos

Dementia is an unkind companion of too many people we love.

From left: Mercer Island School District Superintendent Fred Rundle, Alexandra Hyman, Jason Li, Sol Park, Elena Lill, College and Career Readiness Coordinator Jen McLellan.

Opinion

Mercer Island students deserve a fist bump | John Hamer

With young people like these, our future is in good hands.