Community news on Mercer Island.

UW fraternity to work with Boy Scouts to restore Mercer Island trail

The University of Washington Kappa Sigma chapter will provide more than 50 members to work with the Mercer Island Parks Department and Boy Scout troops to improve the trail on Southeast 32nd Street, from Mercerdale Park to First Hill. They may be joined with scouts from three Mercer Island troops.

Efforts are being coordinated by Andrew Prince of the Parks Department and Island resident and fraternity advisor Robert Thorpe, who also serves to coordinate all Eagle Project selections on the Island.

Kappa Sigma’s efforts are a part of their Recolonization Public Service Requirements.

They have previously provided over 350 hours in rebuilding the Dunny trail on Southeast 32nd Street, from 80th Avenue Southeast to Island Crest Way.

Islander honored on top 400 financial advisor list

Erin J. Scannell, a private wealth advisor with Heritage Wealth Advisors on Mercer Island, was named to the list of “FT 400 USFinancial Advisors 2016” published by the Financial Times.

The annual list recognizes the most outstanding financial advisors who represent the highest levels of ethical standards, professionalism and success in the business.

To receive the award, a wealth manager must meet six criteria associated with quality client service, client assets undermanagement, professional designations, favorable regulatory history, online accessibility and a minimum of 10 years in theindustry. The rankings are based on data provided by brokerages, private banks, registered investment advisers and researchby the Financial Times by over 1,000 of the nation’s most productive advisors.

As a private wealth advisor, Scannell provides customized financial advice that is anchored in a solid understanding of clientneeds and expectations, and provided in a one-on-one relationship with his clients.

Visit ft.com/reports to view the full list.

Mercer Island students inducted into The Honor Society

Mercer Island residents Rachel Bowdle, Alexander Tseng and Ricardo Wenger were recently initiated into The Honor Society ofPhi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.

Bowdle was initiated at University of Puget Sound, Tseng at Texas A&M University and Wenger at University of Massachusetts.

These students are among approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year.

Membership is by invitation and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5percent of juniors, having at least 72 semester hours, are eligible for membership.

Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty,professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

Founded in 1897 at the University of Maine and headquartered in Baton Rouge, Lousianna, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’soldest and most selective all-discipline honor society. The society has chapters on more than 300 college and universitycampuses in North America and the Philippines. Its mission is “To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields ofhigher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others.”

Convenant Shores honored as top fundraiser

Covenant Shores, a faith-based, nonprofit continuing care retirement community on Mercer Island, was recently recognized by the American Cancer Society as one of the top 10 fundraising companies in the greater Seattle area. Resident life director Roxanne Helleren, fitness coordinator Jim Brockmeyer and sales representative Leslie McGee worked together last fall to makethe Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Warm-Up Walk on Covenant Shores’ lakeside walking trail a success.

Residents, staffand their family members of all ages laced up their walking shoes to raise more than $4,000. In addition to raising funds, each month residents participating in the “Jam Sessions” assemble and donate 100 lunch bags that include peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, chips, a cookie, fruit and water to two homeless shelters. Since 2006, the Stitches from the Heart club has knitted, crocheted and donated 2,200 baby caps, booties, sweaters and other items to local charities dedicated to supporting families in need.

“These activities represent just a part of over 20,000 hours of volunteer service given by our residents and staff to thecommunity over the past year,” said Executive Director Bruce Erickson. “We’re proud to see our staff and residents recognizedfor their efforts.”

For more information, call 877-385-8613 or visit www.covenantshores.org.