Calendar

Events I-90 Two-Way Transit & HOV Stage 2 Groundbreaking: 1-2 p.m., April 14, Mercer Island Boat Launch, 3600 East Mercer Way. Sound Transit breaks ground on a new Eastbound HOV lane between Mercer Island and Bellevue Way. www.soundtransit.org. “Youth on the Fringe and Cabaret”: April 15-18, Youth Theatre Northwest, 8805 S.E. 40th St. 7 p.m., April 15; 8 p.m., April 16-17; 2 p.m., April 18. Annual student showcase of short plays and musical theatre written, directed and performed by teens. Tickets: $10. (206) 232-4145, ext. 109, www.youththeatre.org. Shakespeare’s 446th Birthday Party: “From the Streets of Shakespeare to the Court of Elizabeth,” 2 p.m., April 17, literary performance featuring Tames Alan. “Shakespeare and His Contemporaries: Playwriting in the 16th Century”: 3:15 p.m., lecture by Jeffrey Woolley. Location: Aljoya Conference Center, 2430 76th Ave. S.E. Showing of “Othello” (1952): 1:30 p.m., April 18, with introduction by Lance Rhoades and cartoons and popcorn for families at 12:30 p.m. Floraleda Sacchi Harp Concert: 7:30 p.m., April 21, Mercer Island Presbyterian Church, 3605 84th Ave. S.E. Admission: $10. Discounted $5 youth tickets available at Bli Music on Mercer Island. www.brownpapertickets.com/event/106731. Leap for Green Celebration: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., April 24, Community Center at Mercer View, 8236 S.E. 24th St. Celebrate Earth Day with the Mercer Island community. For kids of all ages, featuring the Reptile Man, Alleyoop, recycled arts and crafts, folk music by Patrick and Friends, electric bikes, and a nature tour presented by Friends of Luther Burbank Park. Bring nonperishable food items to donate to the Mercer Island Food Pantry. Free. (206) 275-7609, www.mercergov.org/leapforgreen. Crest Plant Sale: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., May 1, Crest Learning Center, 4150 36th Ave. S.E. Features a variety of herbs, vegetables and flowers to choose from, and live music. “Raising Kids and Changing Today’s Drinking Culture: Uniting Community Leaders to Offset Powerful Norms”: 7-9 p.m., May 4, Mercer Island High School Commons, 9100 S.E. 42nd St. Help MI Youth and Family Services/Communities That Care take underage substance abuse prevention to a new level at this presentation and community dialogue featuring Nancy Lee, Islander and social marketing expert. Limited space. RSVP to Sharon Broz: sharon.broz@mercergov.org.

April 13, 2010 12:46 pm
The remains of an evergreen tree fill the front lawn of a home in the 3400 block of 72nd Place S.E. on April 8. According to a passerby
The remains of an evergreen tree fill the front lawn of a home in the 3400 block of 72nd Place S.E. on April 8. According to a passerby

Events

I-90 Two-Way Transit & HOV Stage 2 Groundbreaking: 1-2 p.m., April 14, Mercer Island Boat Launch, 3600 East Mercer Way. Sound Transit breaks ground on a new Eastbound HOV lane between Mercer Island and Bellevue Way. www.soundtransit.org.

“Youth on the Fringe and Cabaret”: April 15-18, Youth Theatre Northwest, 8805 S.E. 40th St. 7 p.m., April 15; 8 p.m., April 16-17; 2 p.m., April 18. Annual student showcase of short plays and musical theatre written, directed and performed by teens. Tickets: $10. (206) 232-4145, ext. 109, www.youththeatre.org.

Shakespeare’s 446th Birthday Party: “From the Streets of Shakespeare to the Court of Elizabeth,” 2 p.m., April 17, literary performance featuring Tames Alan. “Shakespeare and His Contemporaries: Playwriting in the 16th Century”: 3:15 p.m., lecture by Jeffrey Woolley. Location: Aljoya Conference Center, 2430 76th Ave. S.E. Showing of “Othello” (1952): 1:30 p.m., April 18, with introduction by Lance Rhoades and cartoons and popcorn for families at 12:30 p.m.

Floraleda Sacchi Harp Concert: 7:30 p.m., April 21, Mercer Island Presbyterian Church, 3605 84th Ave. S.E. Admission: $10. Discounted $5 youth tickets available at Bli Music on Mercer Island. www.brownpapertickets.com/event/106731.

Leap for Green Celebration: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., April 24, Community Center at Mercer View, 8236 S.E. 24th St. Celebrate Earth Day with the Mercer Island community. For kids of all ages, featuring the Reptile Man, Alleyoop, recycled arts and crafts, folk music by Patrick and Friends, electric bikes, and a nature tour presented by Friends of Luther Burbank Park. Bring nonperishable food items to donate to the Mercer Island Food Pantry. Free. (206) 275-7609, www.mercergov.org/leapforgreen.

Crest Plant Sale: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., May 1, Crest Learning Center, 4150 36th Ave. S.E. Features a variety of herbs, vegetables and flowers to choose from, and live music.

“Raising Kids and Changing Today’s Drinking Culture: Uniting Community Leaders to Offset Powerful Norms”: 7-9 p.m., May 4, Mercer Island High School Commons, 9100 S.E. 42nd St. Help MI Youth and Family Services/Communities That Care take underage substance abuse prevention to a new level at this presentation and community dialogue featuring Nancy Lee, Islander and social marketing expert. Limited space. RSVP to Sharon Broz: sharon.broz@mercergov.org.

Classes

“Back to the Greeks” Two-Part Series: 7 p.m., Aljoya Conference Center, 2430 S.E. 76th. April 15: Part One, “Greek Art and Philosophy.” April 29: Part Two, “Homer’s Odyssey.” Speaker: Lance Rhoades, Mercer Island Art Council “Classics on Film Program” scholar, lecturer and leader. Multimedia presentations and discussions. Free admission and parking. www.mercergov.org/artscouncil.

Volunteer Emergency Well Operation Training: 9 a.m.-12 p.m., April 17, Mercer Island Emergency Well, 4320 88th Ave. S.E. Second disaster preparedness class in the Emergency Volunteer Series; designed to instruct volunteers on emergency well operation. With a (CERT) Community Emergency Response Team Base. Classes are held monthly. RSVP to Officer Franklin: (206) 275-7905.

Katan Art Workshop: Tea Party, 10-11 a.m., April 18, Katan Children, 2856 80th Ave. S.E. Second session: glaze tea cups, create a blend of tea with herbs and loose tea leaves. $38 per child, includes materials. For ages 4 and up. To register: (206) 399-2199, www.katanchildren.com.

CPR Classes: Infant/Child/Adult CPR with AED: 7-9 p.m., April 22, May 17, June 28; $15 check/cash at event. First Aid and Adult CPR with AED: 9 a.m.-2 p.m., May 1 and 15, June 5; $30 check/cash at event. Mercer Island Fire Station, 3030 78th Ave. S.E. Reserve a space: (206) 275-7607.

Drawing for Botanical Illustration: 10 a.m.-1 p.m., May 10-11, Aljoya Artist Studio Room, 2430 76th Ave. S.E. Workshops open to the public. $95. Louise Smith, instructor at the UW and the Center for Urban Horticulture, will teach how to draw our natural flora. To sign up, contact Charlette Haugen: (206) 282-1813, chhaugen@aol.com.

Volunteer Emergency Communications: 9 a.m.-12 p.m., May 15, City Hall Council Chambers, 9611 S.E. 36th St. Third disaster preparedness class of nine in the Emergency Volunteer Series, to focus on emergency communications. With a (CERT) Community Emergency Response Team Base. RSVP to Officer Franklin: (206) 275-7905.

Groups

Greater Seattle Jewish Business Network: Networking Reception, 6:15-7:15 p.m., April 15, Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 East Mercer Way. Precedes lecture by Noah’s New York Bagels’ founder, Noah Alper. Reception is free; lecture is $5 for reception attendees. Advanced RSVP required: RoniA@sjcc.org; include “GSJBN Networking Reception” in the subject line.

Noah Alper at SJCC: 7:30 p.m., April 15, Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 East Mercer Way. Speaker: Noah Alper, founder of Noah’s New York Bagels and author of “Business Mensch,” talks on entrepreneurism and incorporating Jewish values into your life and career. $15 general admission. www.sjcc.org.

Mountains to Sound Greenway Volunteer Event: Invasive plant removal at Mercerdale Hillside Park, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., April 17. www.mtsgreenway.org.

Earthcorps Volunteer Event: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Clarke Beach: April 18, 24, remove blackberry patch, English ivy. Island Crest Park: May 8, remove invasive plants. Snacks, tools, gloves provided. Sign up online: www.earthcorps.org.

Mercer Island Historical Society: meeting, 1 p.m., April 19, Community Center at Mercer View, 8236 S.E. 24th St. “A Look Back 100 Years: The Coal Mines of Cougar Mountain.” Speaker: Stephen Grate. (206) 236-3274, www.mihistory.org.

MIVAL Art Gallery: Thursday Artist and Gallery Reception, 5-7 p.m., April 22. With “Into Spring” new monthly exhibition. (206) 683-9455, www.mival.us.

Katan Children: Earth Day Celebration, April 24-25, Katan, 2856 80th Ave. S.E. A variety of children’s eco-friendly activities in celebration of Earth Day are offered. www.katanchildren.com.

Emergency Volunteer Lead Quarterly Meeting: 11 a.m.-1 p.m., April 29, City Hall Council Chambers, 9611 S.E. 36th St. Emergency preparedness meeting consists of team leads from committees such as Disaster Medical, Search & Rescue, Shelter. Officer Jennifer Franklin: (206) 275-7905.

Puget Sound Association of Phi Beta Kappa: “Kaffeeklatsch: In the Footsteps of Remarkable Women,” 2 p.m., May 8, Community Center at Mercer View, 8236 S.E. 24th St. Julie Hungar will read excerpts from her recent book, co-written with Janet Lieberman: “The Wisdom Trail: In the Footsteps of Remarkable Women.” The public is invited. Suggested donation: $5. president@psa-pbk.org; www.psa-pbk.org.

Library

4400 88th Ave. S.E.

(206) 236-3537

www.kcls.org/mercerisland

Adults

Saturday Matinee Film Series: “One, Two, Three”: 1 p.m., April 17. Screenings of Billy Wilder’s most notable films, including refreshments and commentary by film historian, Lance Rhoades.

STARS Workshop: “Making Science Fun,” 1 p.m., April 22. Discover ideas for designing creative science activities with low-cost materials and ways to teach basic science concepts. Speaker: Dr. Sobey, author of “Wacky Water Fun With Science” and “Fantastic Flying Fun With Science.” Provides 2 hours of STARS credit in Curriculum Development.

Opera Preview: “Amelia,” 7 p.m., May 5. Presented by lecturer Norm Hollingshead, with musical excerpts. “Amelia” is Seattle Opera’s first world-premiere opera in more than three decades; based on an original story by Stephen Wadsworth.

Great Singers — Three Post-War Italian Tenor Greats: Giuseppe Di Stefano, 7 p.m., May 10; 7 p.m., May 20, Carlo Bergonzi; 7 p.m., May 24, Luciano Pavarotti. Lectures presented by lecturer Norm Hollingshead, with musical excerpts.

Urban Chickens 101: 2 p.m., May 15. Get a brief, general overview on what to consider when raising chickens. Registration required.

Book Group: “Digging to America,” by Anne Tyler, 7:30 p.m., May 17.

Children

Story Time for Wonderful Ones: 10 a.m., Wednesdays, through April 21. Ages 12 to 24 months with adult.

Story Time for Terrific Twos: 11 a.m., Wednesdays, through April 21. Ages 2-3 with adult.

Baby Rhyming Times: 10 a.m., Tuesdays, through April 27. Books, music, nursery rhymes, tickles, bounces and fun for pre-walkers. Ages 3-12 months with caregiver.

Preschool Story Times: 11 a.m., Tuesdays, through April 27. Ages 3-5.

Pajamarama Story Time: 7 p.m., May 3. Ages 3 to 7 with adult.

Baby Rhyming Time: 10 a.m., May 4. Books, music, nursery rhymes, tickles and bounces for pre-walkers. Ages 3 to 12 months with adult.

Preschool Story Time: 11 a.m., May 4. Ages 3 to 5 with adult.

“I am NOT Sillye”: 10:30 a.m., May 12. An interactive show with original songs, crowd-pleasing favorites and silliness. Dan Cohen is an award-winning singer/songwriter who has performed on Disney’s JoJo’s Circus and Nickelodeon television. Ages 3 and older with adult.

Chinese Story Times: 10:30 a.m., Saturdays, through May 22. Ages 3-7 with adult.

Teens

SAT Prep with Sandweiss: 2-5 p.m., Sundays, through April 25. The series includes three prep sessions, a practice test and a review of test results. Participants must register for and attend all five sessions.

SAT Prep Series with Kaplan: 12 p.m., May 8 and 15. Join Kaplan for a practice SAT, as well as a score and strategy session. Registration required.

Teen Advisory Board: 7 p.m., May 18. Earn one volunteer credit hour and voice your opinions on teen materials, services and programs.

Meet the Author: Laurie Halse Anderson, 1 p.m., May 22. Laurie Halse Anderson will discuss her works, “Speak,” “Chains” and “Wintergirls,” and take questions from the audience via video conference. http://blogs.kcls.org/onlineteenreaders.

Teen Zone: 1:30 p.m., Mondays, through May 24. Hang out, do homework, play board games. Ages 12 and up.

Homework Time with Boys & Girls Club: 1:45 p.m., Mondays, through May 31. Start with Homework Time at the library and get help from Boys & Girls Club tutors. Then, catch a van to the club for games, crafts, activities. Contact (206) 436-1947. Register at www.mipositiveplace.org.

Parks & Recreation

Events take place at the Community Center at Mercer View (CCMV) unless otherwise noted.

8236 S.E. 24th St.

(206) 275-7609

www.myparksandrecreation.com

Spring/Summer 2010 Registration: The new catalog is available online, at the library and the Parks and Recreation office. Sign up online or call 275-7609 for spring classes and summer camps.

Super Babysitting Course: 9 a.m.-2 p.m., April 17. Training in basic babysitting skills, safety and infant care. Taught by Overlake Hospital Medical Center instructors. For ages 11-17. $50 per course.

Powerful Tools for Caregivers: 9:45 a.m.-12 p.m., Mondays, April 19-May 24, Clarke Room. Educational series to help family caregivers take care of themselves while caring for a relative with a chronic illness. Registration required.

Men’s & Coed Softball Leagues: 6-9:30 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays, May through August. Each league has two divisions: intermediate and advanced. Games are played once a week. Ryan Daly: (206) 275-7863. $677/team. Location: Homestead Park.

Senior Golf: Mondays, through Oct. 25. Registration is required for any golf outings: $22/season.

Seniors

Widow and Widowers Grief & Loss Support Group: 1-2:30 p.m., May 13. A support group for senior adult men and women who have lost a spouse or partner in death. Free. To reserve a spot, call Betsy Zuber at (206) 275-7752.

Senior Lunch at Covenant Shores: 12 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays. Park at CCMV and ride the shuttle; transportation is also available round-trip from your home. $5. Registration required: call 275-7895 and press 2 to leave a message to reserve a spot.

Grocery Shopping Transportation: Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Get transportation to a North-end grocery store and one errand. Call 275-7895, press 1, leave a message by 4 p.m. the day before shopping. $2.

Off-Island

“Dreams From My Childhood”: 7 p.m., April 15, Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue. MIHS senior Leah Li is performing and producing an Asian arts and dance show as part of her high school culminating project. Sponsors: American Asian Performing Arts Theatre and Northwest Asian Weekly Foundation. Li has invited some renowned Chinese artists from the greater Seattle area to be a part of the performance. Tickets ($15-$50) are available at (206) 287-9998 or www.AAPAT.org.

Women Painters of Washington Gallery: “2010 Annual Members’ Show,” through April 27, Kaewyn Gallery, 10101 Main St., Bothell. Free. Open to the public. www.womenpainters.com.

Planning for Senior Care: 4-6 p.m., May 6, The Hilton Bellevue, 300 112th Ave. S.E., Bellevue. Speaker: Paul Hogan, CEO of Home Instead Senior Care, will offer a free public talk on planning for senior care, available options, financial planning, being a caregiver to an elderly parent, insurance options and the state of senior care in America.