New Education Destination for Kids K-12 with Free Resources

Common Sense Media Curates List of Educational Recommendations to Help Kids learn and Keep Them Engaged Indoors

5 Ways Families Can Avoid Overspending This Summer — And Beyond

Summer spending doesn't have to break the bank! Here are a few ways to cut back while still having some big fun all year.

Helpful Pregnancy Advice That Moms-To-Be Should Embrace

If you're pregnant, don't stress— a new book explains just what to do while making your baby, from healthy diets to the checklist you need.

Tidying Up: How To Declutter Our Lives As Parents

It's common to feel suffocated by all of our material objects. Luckily, there are some ways to simplify our lives as parents and people.

7 Expert Tips On Managing Your Picky Little Eaters

Every parent wants to crack the code on their picky eaters — without having to force-feed them. Here are some techniques that will help.

Traveling With A Toddler: Pro Tips And Avoidable Fails

Planning a getaway with a toddler? It might not be as sunny as you hoped, if you're not prepared. Here are some tips to remember!

7 Signs You Might Be Over-Parenting

A recent book suggests that over-parenting your child could be doing more harm than good — but how do you know when you're guilty of it?

What Is A Lawnmower Parent — And Are You One?

You've heard of the helicopter parent, but there’s a new term sweeping the playgrounds. Are you guilty of it?

6 Ways To Balance Parenthood And A Successful Career

With a little creative thinking, courage, and planning, you can find a modern-day workflow that actually works for you and your family.

Char Fox Girl Forward Application Now Open

The application process for the 2018 Char Fox Girl Forward Award in Mercer Island is now open for girls ages 16 and up.

14 Christmas Lights Displays To Visit Near Mercer Island

Homeowners and professionals across Puget Sound are decorating whole neighborhoods, parks, and zoos. Here are 14 to check out.

11 Years After 'Heaven,' What Life is Like for the Burpo Family

The movie, in stores July 22, is about a real-life boy who says he went to Heaven and met Jesus during surgery. We spoke with the family behind the film about how it can help start a discussion in your town.

24 Amazing Ways Residents Inspire Their Communities

Patch readers told us who the "Everyday Inspirations" in their communities are, and we're sharing their stories and the work they've done locally.

Everyday Inspirations: Incredible Ways People Give Back Locally

Patch readers told us who the "Everyday Inspirations" in their communities are, and we're sharing their stories and the work they've done locally.

'Coupon Queen' Gets $800 Grocery Bill Down to $7, Gives Savings Away

A New York woman is so good at bargain shopping that she's used her skills to donate groceries and other goods to charity. Learn how you can follow her lead locally.

Charitable Children: 'No Matter What Age You May Be, You Can Change the Life of Another'

As a part of our "Everyday Inspirations" series, we look at how children across the country are making big impacts locally.

Harp Healing: Woman Uses Music Therapy to Help Hospital Patients

After losing three people close to her in eight months, Edie Elkan picked up a harp for the first time in 28 years. Now she runs a program training others to play the instrument for patients in hospitals.

Nominate 'Everyday Inspirations' in Your Town

Patch wants to share stories about people who work every day to change others' lives for the better.

Man Steals from Coffee Shop—and You’ll Never Guess What Happened Next

Who says the punishment always has to fit the crime?

Second Grader’s “Buddy Bench” Goes Viral

Christian Bucks’ idea to foster friendship spreads to 32 states—and counting.

The Week's Best Good News: A Winning Wedding, 26 Days of Kindness and More

Here's our roundup of the most uplifting and feel-good stories from Patch towns across the country.

The Week's Best Good News: Man Finds $98K in Desk, Holocaust Survivor Reunited with Soldier

Here's our roundup of the most uplifting and feel-good stories from Patch towns across the country.

Butterball Turkey Hotline Helps Home Cooks Conquer Thanksgiving

Fifty turkey experts will answer questions on meal prep and turkey emergencies this holiday season.

How to Order Butterbeer at Starbucks

It's not on the menu, but customers can give baristas a special recipe that will produce a drink similar to the beverage enjoyed by the fictional witches and wizards from the Harry Potter books.

The Week's Best Good News

Here's our roundup of the most uplifting and feel-good stories from Patch towns across the country.

ICYMI: The Week's Best Good News

We rounded up the most uplifting stories trending across the country.

High School Student with Down Syndrome Scores Touchdown [VIDEO]

A football dream comes true for a high school senior in New York.

Time for the Great Pumpkin: King County Pumpkin Patches

Plenty of King County farms have patches filled with bright orange pumpkins. Here, we've updated our list with info for 2013.

Islander Wins Awards at Cordoba, Spain International Film Festival

Leeran Raphaely won two Jerry Goldsmith Awards for Best Score in Animated Short Film and Best Song for the animated short "En Passant" on June 26

Do You DIY?

Air Force Pilot From Mercer Island Summits Everest

Adopt this Pet: Baby is a Silly Chihuahua and Lewis is Ready to Jump Around

Baby and Lewis are among the adoptable pets at the Seattle Humane Society featured this week on Mercer Island Patch. Check this column soon to meet another featured adoptable pet.

Adopt This Pet: Toodles is a Sweet, Silly Guy

Toodles is one of the adoptable pets at the Seattle Humane Society featured this week on Mercer Island Patch. Check this column soon to meet another featured adoptable pet.

What Should Go Here at SE 27th and 78th Ave?

Do you have a vision for this vacancy?

Eastside Teen Suicides Prompt Prevention Forum in Kirkland July 25

Bellevue youth agency Youth Eastside Services will conduct the forum to help parents recognize the risks factors in teen suicide and take steps to prevent such tragedies.

Adopt this Pet: Suzie Enjoyes Curling Up on Her Blanket

Suzie is one of the adoptable pets at the Seattle Humane Society featured this week on Mercer Island Patch. Check this column soon to meet another featured adoptable pet.

Downtown Commuters Get Incentive for Taking Transit, Biking or Walking

Starting today, downtown residents and workers can earn gift cards and be entered for monthly drawings by taking a bus, vanpool or a bike, or walking to work.

Adopt this Pet: Smokey the Kitten has Dashing Good Looks

Smokey is one of the adoptable pets at the Seattle Humane Society featured this week on Mercer Island Patch. Check this column soon to meet another featured adoptable pet.

520 Tolls to Rise July 1: How Have First Six Months of Tolls Affected You?

Next Friday marks six months of the 520 tolls. The first of four annual increases will start the Sunday after.

Bellevue Woman Killed in Seattle Shooting Rampage Identified

Bellevue woman killed in a carjacking during a rampage by a Seattle man was identified by multiple news sources as Gloria Koch Leonidas, a mother of two.

Adopt this Pet: Callie is a Calico Cutie Looking for a Calm Home

Callie is one of the adoptable pets at the Seattle Humane Society featured this week on Bellevue Patch. Check this column soon to meet another featured adoptable pet.

Seattle Humane Raises $1.2 Million at Tuxes and Tails Fundraiser

The annual event, held Saturday, broke records as it brought in $1.2 million, that will help Seattle Humane Society shelter local animals.

Adopt this Pet: Grant Would Love to Run by Your Side

Grant is one of the adoptable pets at the Seattle Humane Society featured this week on Bellevue Patch. Check this column soon to meet another featured adoptable pet.

Seattle Area Gives Twice as BIG This Year

The Seattle Foundation announced that more that $7.4 million was raised for area nonprofits May 2, more than twice last year's $3.6 million total for the 24-hour event.

Sunny Skies Sunday and Warmth This Week, Says Weather Service

The National Weather Service reports that skies will be sunny Sunday and Monday with temperatures -- finally -- in the 60s and 70s. However, showers are expected mid-week.

Do You Bike to Work? May is Commute Challenge Month

According to Cascade Bicycle Club, 114 Mercer Island residents participated in the Group Health Commute Challenge last year. Bike to Work Day is May 18.

520 Bridge Weekend Closure Slated for June 1-4

Crews installed 42 girders over the most recent weekend closure, reports the Washington State Department of Transportation. The next weekend closure slated for June 1-4.