Hi there,

• The biggest news is that New Seasons Market on Mercer Island will become Metropolitan Market by mid-2020, as reported by the Puget Sound Business Journal and The Seattle Times. I'm a frequent shopper at New Seasons Market, and I've enjoyed getting to know their staff. I hope they will be hired by Metropolitan Market.
   
• Overall, I'm hearing mostly excitement from friends and neighbors about a Metropolitan Market opening on Mercer Island – and some have been hoping for one for years. Here's a little grocery store history from my earlier My Mercer Island reporting.
   
• In brief – when Albertsons closed in 2015 and the owner of the Albertsons property was in secret negotiations with a "natural foods market," the former Metropolitan Market CEO and Founder showed up to a City Council meeting to express interest and throw Metropolitan Market's "name in the hat." Metropolitan Market also ran a social media campaign to gather support for a Mercer Island location. Many islanders showed enthusiasm for Metropolitan Market then, but even more rallied for a PCC on Mercer Island. It was soon after announced that newcomer New Seasons Market would open in the former Albertsons location, and New Seasons Market officially opened their doors on November 10th, 2016. It has been a good run. Thank you, New Seasons. We'll visit when we travel to Portland! 
   
• Speaking of new ownership of favorite local food establishments, have you been to L'Experience Paris? It is exceptional. I don't have the words to adequately describe how much I enjoy their patisserie. You have to try it for yourself, and for the background story, read our newest blog post about this delightful new cafe: "Convivial transforms to L'Experience Paris, a French cafe."
   
• In real estate news, here's our latest market update, with monthly real estate stats, sold properties, and a design spotlight – this month, we're featuring a stunning westside mid-century modern remodel.
   
•  As a side note to our market update, we are looking to feature more great design, architecture, remodels, new construction, interior decorating, and garden and landscaping projects on Mercer Island. If you have one in mind, please contact me.
   
• Congratulations to Mercer Island high school students who produce the radio station KMIH 88.9 The Bridge. KMIH is a finalist in 39 categories of the annual Intercollegiate Broadcast System Media Awards, and for the first time is a finalist for the category of Best High School Radio Station. Are you tuning in? (889 The Bridge Facebook Page)
   
• This weekend's events include: Trickle Down Town movie screening and discussion; Island Youth Ballet performances of Excerpts of the Nutcracker; A Children's Craft Workshop; Youth Theatre Northwest production shows of The Reluctant Dragon; and more.
   
• Thank you to Creation Dance Studio and Krisanna for allowing me to share the beautiful photo above capturing a Creation Dance Studio ballet performance at Aegis Mercer Island. (My MI Instagram)