Community news in Mercer Island.

Wildflowers bloom in Island Crest Way medians

Wildflowers bloomed in the Island Crest Way medians in July. The idea to plant flowers instead of just weeding the medians came from the city of Mercer Island’s right-of-way manager Brian Hartvigson.

The Pacific Northwest Wildflower seed blend was designed to help the honeybee population, which is in decline, and with aesthetics and drought tolerance in mind, according to the city.

Hartvigson’s field team turned his idea into reality, planting approximately 28 varieties of flowers. Almost 6,000 people have read the story posted on the city’s Facebook page, which received hundreds of likes and positive comments. Residents can let the city know if they have other planting locations in mind for next year.

Banner Bank to host community appreciation day

Join Banner Bank on Mercer Island for its 11th annual Community Appreciation Day and a free hot dog lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 11.

The bank is also collecting food for the Mercer Island Food Pantry. Bring a non-perishable food item to the event.

Former Islander Marni Nixon dies

Marni Nixon, who used to live on Mercer Terrace Drive, died of breast cancer in New York City on July 24 at age 86.

Nixon was a soprano and playback singer for featured actresses in movie musicals, including “The King and I,” “My Fair Lady” and “West Side Story.”

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, she hosted a children’s television show in Seattle on KOMO-TV channel 4 called “Boomerang,” and won four Emmy Awards for best actress for her work.