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Which Documents Should You Shred, and When?
As the spring cleaning bug hits, many of us will finally be tackling those stacks of paperwork that have been piling up throughout the year. It’s tempting to chuck it all in the recycle bin and be done with it. However, did you know that it’s actually legal for someone to dig through your trash/recycling once it hits the curb? What’s more, seemingly innocuous documents—like junk mail—can actually contain sensitive info to help someone steal your identity. Scroll down for our list of what you should shred and when (pssst…you can bring it all to our free shredding event happening on Saturday, May 13th from 9am-2pm!).
Shred Immediately
- Expired IDs & records: passports, driver’s licenses, old insurance cards, identification cards/badges, etc.
- Utility and credit card bills that have been paid
- Receipts not needed for tax deductions or warranties
- ATM receipts
- Resumes that are no longer needed
- Junk mail credit card offers
- Address labels from junk mail and magazines
- Any unneeded documents containing your address, signature, social security number, PIN, passwords, account numbers, medical records, or other sensitive/private information you wouldn’t want publicly shared
Shred Within a Year
- Paycheck stubs, once you’ve confirmed the info matches your W-2
- Bank statements
- Monthly/quarterly retirement statements (keep annual summaries until you retire or close the account)
- Medical bills that have been paid
Shred After 6 Years
- Records from home or condo sales
Shred After 7 Years
- Tax returns
- W-2 and 1099 forms
- Mortgage interest statements
- Property tax records
- Statements, cancelled checks, and receipts used as documentation for tax deductions
Do NOT Shred – But Do Store Securely
Keep these items indefinitely in a locked filing cabinet/room, safe, or safe deposit box:
- Social Security cards
- Birth certificates
- Adoption papers
- Current passports or citizenship documentation
- Marriage and divorce records
- Death certificates of family members
- Deeds & titles for property/automobiles for as long as you own them
While these tips are helpful, they can’t replace the advice of a tax professional. Consult an expert if you have questions.
© Copyright 2023, Windermere Real Estate/Mercer Island.
Holiday Happenings Around the Sound
Holiday shows are BACK for 2021 and ready to lift your spirits. Whether it’s meandering through a dazzling light show, watching the “snow” fall at Bellevue’s Snowflake Lane, or taking a holiday-themed cruise, there are so many ways to brighten up your Northwest holidays. Here’s the skinny on dates, times, food, parking, and safety requirements…
WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo
West Entrance: 5500 Phinney Ave. N, Seattle, WA 98103
South Entrance: 750 N 50th St, Seattle, WA 98103
www.zoo.org/wildlanterns
Click here to get tickets
- Dates/Times: Open nightly Nov. 12, 2021 – Jan. 30, 2022 | 4:00 – 8:30 pm.
- Cost: $25.95 – $30.95 per person (ages 2 and under are free).
- Promotions: Zoo members get 20% off tickets.
- Parking: $5 parking is available at all lots after 3:30 pm (admission at both gates).
- Food: Refreshments are available at food kiosks throughout, plus the Pizza Corner at 1899 Grove, and Gather & Graze (with covered seating provided). You are also welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Special Activities: Tianyu Art Performances by the carousel, WildLights Trail through the Habitat Discovery Loop, & up-close Ambassador Animals at the Broadleaf Theater.
- Closures: Mondays (except for Dec. 20 & 27); Nov. 25, Dec. 24 & 25.
- Health & Safety: Proof of vaccination or negative COVID test required for ages 12+. Masks required for ages 5+.
Image courtesy of zoo.org
Winterfest at Seattle Center
305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA 98109
www.seattlecenter.com/winterfest
- Dates/Times: Nov. 26, 2021 – Dec. 31, 2021. Seattle Center Luminata with winter light & music display at International Fountain daily at 6pm; ice sculpting Nov. 27, Dec. 4, 11, & 18; Winter train & village open daily Nov. 26 – Dec. 31 | 10 am – 6 pm.
- Cost: Free for all ages.
- Parking: Paid parking available at the Mercer Garage, 5th Ave N Garage, and Theatre Commons ADA Lot. Click here for the campus map.
- Food: A multitude of dining options await you in the Armory.
- Special Events: Ice sculpting, live stage entertainment at the Armory, the Winter Train & Village, and more!
- Holiday Closure: Dec. 25
- Health & Safety: Masks required for ages 5+. For indoor spaces, proof of vaccination or negative COVID test required.
Image courtesy of seattlecenter.com
Garden d’Lights at Bellevue Botanical Garden
12001 Main Street, Bellevue WA 98005
http://gardendlights.org
click here to get tickets
- Dates/Times: Open nightly Nov. 27, 2021 – Dec. 31, 2021 | 4:30 – 9:00 pm
- Cost: $5 per person (ages 10 and under are free)
- Parking: Premium parking is $5 per car in the Garden’s lot (cash only) as space allows OR park for free at Wilburton Hill Park
- Food: Hot drinks and snacks are available on site
- Holiday Closures: None
- Health & Safety: For indoor spaces, masks required for ages 5+
Image courtesy of bellevuebotanical.org
Snowflake Lane at the Bellevue Collection
Bellevue Way & NE 8th Street, Bellevue WA 98004
http://snowflakelane.com/
- Dates/Times: Nightly Nov. 26, 2021 – Dec. 24, 2021 | 20 minute show starts at 7 pm
- Cost: Free for all ages
- Parking: Free parking at Bellevue Square, Bellevue Place and Lincoln Square
- Food: A variety of dining options (from happy hour, to kid fare, to gourmet) are all within walking distance
- Special Events & Activities: Ice Skating, Santa Photos
- Health & Safety: Masks requested for ages 5+
Image courtesy of snowflakelane.com
Christmas Ship Festival
Launch locations include Seattle Waterfront – Pier 55, Shilshole Bay Marina, Hyatt Regency Lake Washington, Lake Union Park, and Kirkland City Dock.
www.argosycruises.com
click here to get tickets
- Dates/Times: Click here for the full schedule
- Cost: $37 – $68 per person (kids 3 and under are free)
- Parking: Varies by location – click here for details
- Food: While dining ahead of time is recommended, there are snacks and drinks available for purchase on the ship. You can also pre-order FareStart Catering boxed meals, snacks and Ivar’s clam chowder (with vegetarian and gluten-free options) at least 72 hours prior to your cruise. Outside food/drinks are not allowed.
- Special Events: Opening Night, Parade of Boats, Grand Finale
- Health & Safety: Proof of vaccination or negative COVID test required for ages 12+. Masks required for ages 5+.
Image courtesy of argosycruises.com
Westlake Center Tree Lighting & Holiday Activities
401 Pine St., Seattle, WA 98101 (Westlake Park)
https://downtownseattle.org/events/holidays
- Tree Lighting Celebration: Evening of Nov. 26 in Westlake Park, time TBD (also streamed live on DSA’s Facebook page).
- Light Sculptures: Nov. 22, 2021 – Jan. 9, 2022 in Westlake Park & Occidental Square.
- Augmented Reality Adventure: Nov. 26, 2021 – Jan 10, 2022 around Westlake Park & Occidental Square.
- Pop-Up Sweets & Treats: Nov. 27, Dec. 4, 11 & 18 | 2-6 pm in Westlake Park.
- Holiday Concerts: Nov. 28, Dec. 5, 12 & 19 | 12-2 pm in Westlake Park.
- Happy Holidays Booths: Dec. 5, 12 & 19 | 11 am – 2 pm in Occidental Square.
- Cost: Free for all ages
- Parking: Access the Republic Parking garage from Olive Way between 4th & 5th Ave, or check out this interactive map of city parking
- Health & Safety: Masks requested for ages 5+
Image courtesy of downtownseattle.org
Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98407
www.pdza.org/event/zoolights
click here to get tickets
- Dates/Times: Open nightly Nov. 26, 2021 – Jan. 2, 2022 | 4:30 – 10 pm
- Cost: $12-$15 (free for kids 2 & under)
- Promotions: Discounted tickets for zoo members & BECU members
- Parking: Free parking in zoo lots (carpooling recommended)
- Food: Dinner, drinks & snacks to-go are available at the Plaza Cafe & outside stands
- Activities: Carousel, Kids’ Zone with meerkats & goat feeding
- Holiday Closures: Dec. 24 & 25
- Health & Safety: Masks required for ages 5+
Image courtesy of https://www.pdza.org
But wait, there’s more…
Holiday theatrical & musical shows
“A Christmas Carol” at ACT Theatre
“The Nutracker” by Pacific Northwest Ballet
The Polar Express train ride at Mt. Rainier Railroad
Gingerbread Village at the Sheraton Grand Seattle
We earn the trust and loyalty of our brokers and clients by doing real estate exceptionally well. The leader in our market, we deliver client-focused service in an authentic, collaborative, and transparent manner and with the unmatched knowledge and expertise that comes from decades of experience.
2737 77th Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040 | (206) 232-0446
mercerisland@windermere.com
© Copyright 2021, Windermere Real Estate/Mercer Island.
Safe Holiday Events Around Seattle
Have some holiday cheer, 2020 style! While traditional gatherings may be off the table, you can still make the most of the season with a new take on these favorite local events. Safety is foremost with virtual platforms or a combo of social distancing & mask protocols. Just be sure to reserve your tickets early as attendance is limited this year. Scroll down for the details…
WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo
5500 Phinney Ave. N, Seattle, WA 98103
www.zoo.org/wildlanterns
click here to get tickets
- Dates/Times: Open Tues-Sun, 11/13/20 – 1/17/21 | 4:00 – 8:30 pm
- Cost: $23.95 – $28.95 per person (ages 2 and under are free)
- COVID Protocols: Masks covering the mouth and nostrils are required for everyone age 5 and up, and encouraged for ages 3-5 as well. Mesh/lace/exhaust valve style masks are not accepted. Limited admission during purchased time slot only. Social distancing.
- Promotions: Zoo members get 20% off tickets.
- Parking: $4 parking is available in all zoo lots
- Food: Outdoor and grab-&-go refreshments are available at the pizza trailer on the North Meadow, and at Gather and Graze (with covered seating provided). You are also welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Event map
- Closures: November 26, December 24 & 25
Image courtesy of Woodland Park Zoo WildLanterns
Virtual Winterfest at Seattle Center
305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA 98109
www.seattlecenter.com/winterfest
- Dates: 11/27/20 – 12/31/20
- Cost: Free for all ages
- Parking: Paid parking available at the Mercer Garage, 5th Ave N Garage, and Theatre Commons Lot. Click here for the campus map
- Food: A multitude of dining options await you in the Armory
- Special events:
- Campus Luminata, with specialty light features across the grounds after dark (including a special display at Cornish Playhouse)
- Virtual student showcases
- PTSA Reflections Virtual Art Exhibit
- Winterfest Coloring Contest
- Campus Luminata, with specialty light features across the grounds after dark (including a special display at Cornish Playhouse)
A Christmas Carol by ACT Theatre
Radio-style audio play streamed on-demand at your convenience
https://acttheatre.org/a-christmas-carol-2020
click here to get your ticket
- Dates/Times: Streaming on-demand 11/27/20 – 12/27/20
- Cost: $20-$45 per household
- Promotions: For households purchasing tickets at the $45 level, get your name and a special message added to the ACT website as a memento of the play
Reimagined Snowflake Lane at the Bellevue Collection
Bellevue Way & NE 8th Street, Bellevue WA 98004
http://snowflakelane.com/
- Dates/Times: Nightly 11/27/20 – 12/24/20 | 5-9 pm
- Cost: Free for all ages
- COVID Protocols: Masks and social distancing
- Parking: Free parking at Bellevue Square, Bellevue Place and Lincoln Square
- Special Events: Intermittent snow & holiday music, virtual tree lighting on Friday, 11/27 viewable at snowflakelane.com.
Image courtesy of snowflakelane.com
Westlake Center Virtual Tree Lighting & Holiday Activities
400 Pine St., Seattle, WA 98101 (Westlake Park)
https://downtownseattle.org/events/holidays/
- Dates/Times: Virtual tree lighting ceremony live-streamed on 11/27/20 at 5pm. Holiday light displays & augmented reality adventure 11/27/20 – 1/9/21.
- Cost: Free for all ages
- COVID Protocols: Masks and social distancing for in-person activities
- Parking: Access the Republic Parking garage from Olive Way between 4th & 5th Ave, or check out this interactive map of city parking
- Food: Food trucks will be at Westlake Park daily.
Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98407
www.pdza.org/event/zoolights
click here to get tickets
- Dates/Times: Open nightly 11/27/2020 – 1/3/2021 | 5 – 9 pm
- Cost: $10-$14 (free for kids 2 & under)
- COVID Protocols: Masks covering the mouth and nostrils are required for everyone age 5 and up, and encouraged for ages 3-5 as well. There are special dates/times for those with medical conditions that prevent them from wearing a face covering. Limited admission during purchased time slot only. Social distancing.
- Promotions: Discounted tickets for zoo members; BECU members save $1
- Parking: Free parking in zoo lots
- Food: Grab to-go dinner, drinks or snacks from the Plaza Cafe & food stands
- Holiday Closures: December 24th & 25th
Image courtesy of https://www.pdza.org
Find a Home | Sell Your Home | Property Research
Neighborhoods | Market Reports | Our Team
We earn the trust and loyalty of our brokers and clients by doing real estate exceptionally well. The leader in our market, we deliver client-focused service in an authentic, collaborative and transparent manner and with the unmatched knowledge and expertise that comes from decades of experience.
2737 77th Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040 | (206) 232-0446 mercerisland@windermere.com
© Copyright 2019. Information and statistics derived from Northwest Multiple Listing Service.
Free Recycle & Shred Event May 18th
Hosted in our Parking Lot:
2737 77TH AVE SE
MERCER ISLAND
Bring your recyclable items (working or not) to the event. All recycling services are free!
We’re also sponsoring a Confidential Data Disposal truck for free, secure shredding of sensitive documents.
Saturday, May 18th
9 am – 2 pm
What we can recycle:
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We cannot accept the following:
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ABOUT WINDERMERE MERCER ISLAND
We earn the trust and loyalty of our brokers and clients by doing real estate exceptionally well. The leader in our market, we deliver client-focused service in an authentic, collaborative and transparent manner and with the unmatched knowledge and expertise that comes from decades of experience.
© Copyright 2019, Windermere Real Estate/Mercer Island
2018 Holiday Happenings in the Seattle Area
Our Northwest holidays may be wet, but they’re still bright! Make the most of the season with Seattle favorites—such as dazzling light displays and the Parade of Boats—along with new additions like the “Enchant” event with light mazes and ice skating inside Safeco field. Scroll down for all the details…
WildLights at Woodland Park Zoo
5500 Phinney Ave. N, Seattle, WA 98103
www.zoo.org/zoolights
click here to get tickets
- Dates/Times: Open nightly 11/23/18 – 1/5/19 | 5:30 – 8:30 pm
- Cost: $9.95 – $14.95 per person (ages 2 and under are free)
- Promotion: Get a 10% group discount on WildLights tickets for groups of 20+ (12/14/18 – 1/5/19).
- Parking: Free parking is available at all lots after 4:30 pm (admission at both gates)
- Food: Refreshments are available at food kiosks, Pizza Corner, and at the Pacific Blue Chowder House (with covered seating provided). You are also welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Special activities: Carousel, fire pits, select indoor animal exhibits, ZooStore, & indoor snowball fights at the Snowmazium
- Closures: December 12, 24 & 25, 2018
Image courtesy of https://zoo.org/zoolights
Winterfest at Seattle Center
305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA 98109
www.seattlecenter.com/winterfest
Map
- Dates/Times: Winter train & village open daily 11/23/18 – 12/31/18 | 10 am – 6 pm
Winterfest Ice Rink open 11/23/18 – 1/6/19, Sun-Thu from 11 am – 8 pm, Fri-Sat from 11 am – 10 pm - Cost: Free for all ages (ice skating is $2 – $8 including rental)
- Parking: Paid parking available at the Mercer Garage, 1st Ave N Garage, 5th Ave N Garage, and Theatre Commons Lot. Click here for the campus map
- Food: A multitude of dining options await you in the Armory
- Special events: Ice skating at the Winterfest Ice Rink, ice sculpting, caroling, the Winter Train & Village, and more!
- Holiday Closure: 12/25
Enchant at Safeco Field
1250 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134
https://enchantchristmas.com/seattle/
click here to get tickets
- Dates/Times: 11/23/18 – 12/30/18 | Sun-Thu from 4 – 10 pm, Fri-Sat from 4 – 11 pm
- Cost: $19 – $32.99 per person (ages 3 and under are free) | VIP passes with dinner starting at $64.99
- Promotions: Discount days on 11/27, 12/4 & 12/11 | Discount on final 2 hours of any day | Group discounts for 15 or more
- Parking: $8 – $60 at Safeco Field Garages or check out the city’s Interactive Parking Map
- Food: Seasonal food and treat concessions throughout
- Activities: Ice skating trail, light maze, visits with Santa & Mrs. Claus, nightly live music & shows, gift market
- Closures: 11/26, 12/3 & 12/10
Garden d’Lights at Bellevue Botanical Garden
12001 Main Street, Bellevue WA 98005
https://bellevuebotanical.org/garden-dlights/
click here to get tickets
- Dates/Times: Open nightly 11/24/18 – 12/30/18 | 4:30 – 9:00 pm
- Cost: $5 per person (ages 10 and under are free)
- Promotion: Free admission nights on November 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 & 29
- Parking: Premium parking is $5 per car in the Garden’s lot (cash only) as space allows OR park for free at Wilburton Hill Park
- Food: Hot drinks and snacks are available at the Aaron Education Center
- Activities: Gingerbread village, live music
- Holiday Closures: None
Image courtesy of https://gardendlights.org/
Snowflake Lane at the Bellevue Collection
Bellevue Way & NE 8th Street, Bellevue WA 98004
http://snowflakelane.com/
- Dates/Times: Nightly 11/23/18 – 12/24/18 | 20 minute show starts at 7 pm
- Cost: Free for all ages
- Parking: Free parking at Bellevue Square, Bellevue Place and Lincoln Square
- Food: A variety of dining options (from happy hour, to kid fare, to gourmet meal) are all within walking distance
- Special Events & Activities: Ice Skating, Santa Parade & Tree Lighting, Santa Photos
Image courtesy of http://bellevue.com/snowflake-lane
Christmas Ship Festival
Launch locations include Lake Union Park, Kirkland City Dock, Hyatt Regency Lake Washington, Des Moines Marina, Port of Poulsbo, Seattle Waterfront – Pier 55, Tacoma (Dock Street Marina), Edmonds, and Shilshole Bay Marina
www.argosycruises.com
click here to get tickets
- Dates/Times: Click here for the full schedule
- Cost: $22 – $68 per person (kids 3 and under are free)
- Parking: Varies by location – click here for details
- Food: While dining ahead of time is recommended, there are snacks and drinks available for purchase on the ship. You can also pre-order Ingallina’s boxed meals (with vegetarian and gluten-free options) at least 72 hours prior to your cruise. Outside food/drinks are not allowed.
- Special Events: Parade of Boats Night, Kid Cruise, Grand Finale Night
Ivar’s Clam Lights at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park
1201 Lake Washington Blvd N, Renton, WA 98056
https://rentonwa.gov/clamlights
- Dates/Times: Open nightly 11/30/18 – 1/1/19 | 5 – 9 pm
- Cost: Free for all ages
- Parking: Park for free at the Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park parking lot
- Kickoff Event on November 30th, 2018, 5:30-8:30: Music, selfie-station with Santa & Mrs. Claus in their sleigh, official lighting ceremony, Parade of Boats viewing, and a visit from the Christmas Ship and Dickens Carolers
- Holiday Closures: None
Image courtesy of https://rentonwa.gov/clamlights
Westlake Center Tree Lighting & Holiday Activities
400 Pine St., Seattle, WA 98101 (Westlake Park)
http://redtri.com/seattle/westlake-center-tree-lighting/
- Dates/Times: Tree lighting ceremony on 11/23/18 at 4:30 pm. Holiday market Fri-Sun beginning 11/23 through 12/23. Carousel and other festive attractions through January 1st, 2019
- Cost: Free for all ages
- Parking: Access the Republic Parking garage from Olive Way between 4th & 5th Ave, or check out this interactive map of city parking
- Activities: Carousel, Holiday Market at Westlake Park
Image courtesy of http://redtri.com
Zoolights at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98407
www.pdza.org/event/zoolights
click here to get tickets
- Dates/Times: Open nightly 11/23/2018 – 1/6/2019 | 5 – 9 pm
- Cost: $10-$12 (free for kids 2 & under)
- Promotions: $6 for zoo members; Scout discount night 12/4; Military discount nights Nov. 26, 28 & Dec. 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, & 19
- Parking: Free parking in zoo lots (carpooling recommended)
- Food: Warm drinks & treats available at the cafe and kiosks
- Activities: Camel rides, carousel, aquarium, Kids’ Zone with animals
- Holiday Closure: 12/24
Image courtesy of https://www.pdza.org
ABOUT WINDERMERE MERCER ISLAND
We earn the trust and loyalty of our brokers and clients by doing real estate exceptionally well. The leader in our market, we deliver client-focused service in an authentic, collaborative and transparent manner and with the unmatched knowledge and expertise that comes from decades of experience.
© Copyright 2018, Windermere Real Estate/Mercer Island.
Free Recycling & Shredding Event May 19th
Hosted in our Parking Lot:
2737 77TH AVE SE
MERCER ISLAND
Bring your recyclable items (working or not) to the event. All recycling services are free!
We’re also sponsoring a Confidential Data Disposal truck for free, secure shredding of sensitive documents.
Saturday, May 19th
9 am – 2 pm
What we can recycle:
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We cannot accept the following:
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