The Firehouse Munch is a holiday tradition and much more. Chili is served. Cookies and hot cocoa are snatched up by hands both big and small. The Firefighters host the event at their spotless firehouse; the City, local businesses and the Chamber of Commerce coordinate the event. Many others such as city employees and business people, who may not live here, also make it happen. Many if not most of these community events — films in the park, free summer activities, events for young and old and Summer Celebration! — are pulled together with panache and skill by the City of Mercer Island employees.

The Munch, and events like it, represent what Islanders and those everywhere who love their communities, value: A sense of tradition, pride, belonging and fun. One thing that makes this Island feel special are not just the people who live here, but those who work here too — at the city, in our schools and in Island businesses. Our community is a richer place for those who travel a bridge to spend their days here. In many ways, it is their town too.

This coming weekend, the community will gather for another celebration, the opening of the new Community Center at Mercer View. The vision for a new community center did not come easily. The old building, originally a junior high school, provided needed space for community activities and events for young and old, city offices and outreach. But the building was not the kind of place that could change and grow with the community that Mercer Island has become — and wants to be.

The City and its contractors and citizens who got involved in the process and design of the building, should be proud. The center came in on time and under budget. The building will be a place of pride for a long time to come — not for just the citizens here but also the people who work in this town and take pride in it as well.