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Opinion

Another invisible child: Interview with a survivor of familial trafficking

I met Jessica (pseudonym), a survivor of familial sex trafficking, and Audrey Baedke from the nonprofit REST (Real…

Greg’s neighbor Linda Nicholl holding front page of Sept 9, 1963 LA Times featuring her father’s cover story Photo courtesy of Greg Asimakoupoulos

Opinion

A puff felt around the world | Greg Asimakoupoulos

Today marks the 75th anniversary of Billy Graham’s first major evangelistic crusade.

Ofri Reiner with a photo of her family. One of her twin brothers, an Israeli soldier, was killed by Hamas terrorists on Oct. 7. Photo courtesy of John Hamer

Opinion

Survivors of Oct. 7 Hamas attack share their stories | Hamer

“History needs to see how cruel humanity can become.”

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Opinion

A tale of three amigos in Mercer Island | Greg Asimakoupoulos

As we were settling into life on Mercer Island, two individuals sought me out and introduced themselves to…

Exterior of the SJCC. File photo

Opinion

Jewish Community Center welcomes everyone | Hamer

“I’m surprised at how many people think they have to be Jewish to join.”

Courtesy of Greg Asimakoupoulos

Opinion

A Labor Day weekend reflection | Greg Asimakoupoulos

But now, without a paying job, I feel naked.

Mercer Island resident John Hamer is a retired journalist and grandfather of four. Email him at jhamer46@gmail.com.

Opinion

Are we going to hell in a handbasket? Maybe not | Hamer

A “Road Warrior/Mad Max” post-apocalypse breakdown of civilization is a real possibility, some believe.

This banner outside Greg Asimakoupoulos’ home illustrates that a competitor in the Olympics of Life lives inside. Courtesy photo

Opinion

Anyone can participate in the Olympics of life | Greg Asimakoupoulos

We don’t need to wait for the Los Angeles Olympics to participate in the “Olympics of Life.”

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Opinion

Practicing what I’ve preached as a father of the bride | Greg Asimakoupoulos

This month I begin my 20th year as the faith and values columnist for the Mercer Island Reporter.…

Novelett Cotter of Mercer Island and Katrina Dohn of Tukwila Rotary Clubs, at “Kids Without Borders” Children’s Clothing Bank, started by Dohn. (Photo by John Hamer)

Opinion

MI Rotarians deliver clothes to refugees and asylum seekers | Hamer

Are you a Mercer Island kid who ever lost anything at elementary or middle school?

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Opinion

An unforgettable Olympic moment | Greg Asimakoupoulos

As we watch the athletes from around the globe compete over the next couple weeks, we will see…

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Opinion

Never underestimate the power of the past | Greg Asimakoupoulos

Recently I came across a letter a pastoral mentor mailed me 31 years ago. It was from Bud…

From left to right: Mercer Island Rotarians Novelett Cotter, Benson Wong, Pat Turner, Dana Weiner of Stroum Jewish Community Center, Rotarian John Hamer. The MI Rotary members collected 20-plus bags of children’s lost and found clothing from SJCC and Mercer Island School District. They washed, sorted and folded all the clothes, which will now be donated to local nonprofit organizations that help low-income families. Courtesy photo by Mariana Parks

Opinion

‘People of action’ help local Rotary Club thrive | Hamer

Mercer Island Rotary Club is 60 years old this year.