Farmers market thanks supporters

On behalf of the Mercer Island Farmers Market (MIFM), we’d like to thank Mayor Bruce Bassett, the Mercer Island City Council, and the city of Mercer Island for their support during our 2015 market season.

Our 13-member volunteer board and our Market Manager, Patty Spahr, work smoothly with the city of Mercer Island seven months out of the year to provide a unique, community-oriented, well-managed farmers market.

Thank you for helping us to achieve our mission, which is to support Washington farmers and agriculture, and to sustain the stewards that provide food on our tables.

We would like to specifically thank several members of the city staff who have gone above and beyond the call of duty for MIFM:

—Bruce Bassett, Mayor, who has been a staunch supporter of MIFM since our first Market

—The Mercer Island City Council

—Dan Grausz, Deputy Mayor

—Kirsten Taylor, Assistant City Manager

—Merrill Thomas-Schadt, Facility Scheduler

—Analisa Cartwright, Customer Service Representative

—Jason Kintner, Parks Superintendent

—Brian Hartvigson, R.O.W. Team Leader

Mindy Landsman, Board President; Patty Spahr, Market Manager

Mercer Island Farmers Market

Volunteers, pledges keep Mercer Island School District first in state

It’s a relief to be done with a busy election season.  While there were many different issues, one thing everyone could agree on was the continued support for our excellent Mercer Island Schools.  It’s the community support for our bonds, levies, PTAs, and the Mercer Island Schools Foundation that has allowed us to become the #1 school district in the state.

A huge thank you to all our Island residents for renewing their commitment to our schools with a donation to our annual Fall “ALL IN FOR KIDS” Phone-a-Thon campaign last week. And a further shout-out is due to all our volunteers who tirelessly called residents to share information about our schools.

Your gifts have been crucial to ensure that Mercer Island Schools maintain their tradition of excellence and allow us to grant funds to the Mercer Island School District for new classroom curriculum, enrichment materials, student support programs, and teacher professional development. Please remember to return your pledge envelope or donate online at www.misf.com/donate.

David D’Souza and Cliff Sharples

Co-presidents, Mercer Island School Foundation