Microsoft Corp. co-founder and billionaire investor Paul Allen has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and is undergoing chemotherapy.
In a memo sent to employees, Jody Allen, Paul Allen's sister and the CEO of his investment firm Vulcan Inc., said the 56-year-old received the diagnosis early this month. According to the memo, Paul Allen has diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, a relatively common form of lymphoma.
Allen battled another form of immune system cancer, Hodgkin's lymphoma, more than 20 years ago and survived. The CEO wrote that Allen "is optimistic he can beat this, too."
"Paul is feeling OK and remains upbeat," she added. "He continues to work and he has no plans to change his role at Vulcan."
Allen founded Microsoft with Bill Gates, a high school friend and fellow computer enthusiast, in 1975.
Submitted by Rose Egge on Monday, November 16th, 02:06pm
The Mercer Island Visual Arts Leagueis opening a new arts gallery in the Town Center this Thursday, Nov. 19. It will be located in the Avellino Building at 2836 78th Ave. S.E. and staffed by MIVAL artists.
It is the first art gallery of its kind showcasing Mercer Islander artists. Find out more on the organization's Web site.
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Photo shows the painting "Snowy Day at Saunders House" by artist Ester Akrish.
Submitted by Ray Marcham on Sunday, November 15th, 11:03am
It was very, very tight, but in the end, the Mercer Island Islanders won their first state girls swimming title since 1998, beating KingCo rival Juanita by 4.5 points to grab the 3A crown.
MIHS finished with 246.5 points, just ahead of Juanita's 242. The Islanders had finished 2nd three times since winning seven titles in a row from 1992-98 (including 4A titles in 1992-96 and 3A titles in 1997-98). Including the 4A title in 1987, Mercer Island has now won nine state girls swimming titles.
Congrats to coach Chauntelle Johnson and the rest of the state champion Islanders on bringing the title back to Mercer Island!
Submitted by Rose Egge on Tuesday, November 10th, 12:43pm
King County Executive Elect Dow Constantine announced today that his former primary rival, State Sen. Fred Jarrett of Mercer Island, will join his administration as Deputy Executive, the highest ranking staff position in the incoming administration.
Jarrett will give up his legislative seat in order to take the reins of the day-to-day operations of King County government. Jarrett will also oversee the implementation of Constantine’s ambitious reform agenda.
Jarrett served four terms in the House of Representatives as a Republican representing the Eastside’s 41st Legislative District He was elected to the Senate in 2008 after switching to the Democratic Party.
Submitted by Casey Norton on Tuesday, November 10th, 10:52am
Hardcore hydroplane fans know the stops past and present on the ever changing circuit.
For decades the thunderboats have at times roared through Madison, Evansville, Tri-cities, Detroit, San Diego, Miami, Washington, D.C., Honolulu, Las Vegas and even as far afield as Mexico.
Now, a new venue, literally half a world away—Qatar in the United Arab Emerates on the weekend of November 21.
Planning for this excursion started a year ago. All the boats, equipment, trucks and supplies were placed on a cargo ship in Florida and have now arrived in the Middle East. The voyage took 37 days.
Teams won’t say what it cost to go to Qatar, but Sheikh Hassan Al Thani is footing the bill.
He races offshore boats, but says he loves the unmatched speed to the hydros. He even is envisioning a global circuit and possible getting into the sport as an owner.
Drivers are promising to put in the Sheikh the best boat race he’s ever seen.
Mercer Island’s Ken Muscatel says "we have the fastest, most spectacular, most exotic racing vehicles in the world. And, by God, the world is going to see it."
Team owners say the money could be as breathtaking as the Qartari skyline, but that no matter what, Lake Washington will always be home for the hydros.
Submitted by Rose Egge on Friday, November 6th, 02:37pm
Selected King County pharmacies are receiving limited supplies to begin vaccinating at-risk people, which includes: pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, people between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old, people between 25 through 64 years of age with chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems and health care and emergency workers with direct patient contact.
The Rite-Aid at 3023 78th Ave. S.E., is vaccinating children 3 and older. Call them at 206-236-0776 to make an appointment.
As supplies change, you can find an updated list of pharmacies online. Pharmacies may charge a fee for administering the vaccine, typically between $12 and $22 (not to exceed $22). This fee is covered by most health insurance.
Submitted by Heather Reese on Tuesday, November 3rd, 10:32pm
King County released the first round of unofficial election results Tuesday night.
With 4,990 Mercer Island votes counted, incumbent Dan Grausz is leading Ira Appelman 56% to 44% for City Council position 2. This is the only contested council race.
Dave Myerson has a 52% to 48% lead over Terri Caditz for a seat on the school board.
**For updated results, check back on Wednesday after 4:30 p.m.**
