Tsunami relief garage sale is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5, at Island Park Elementary, sponsored by the Island Park student council. Cash only please. All proceeds go to the American Red Cross.

Tsunami relief donations will be accepted by all QFC stores, on and off the Island, and forwarded directly to the Red Cross for international relief efforts in southern Asia and eastern Africa.

The Mercer Island High School Drama Department presents “Fuddy Meers” at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Feb. 3 and 10, Fridays, Feb. 4 and 11, and Saturdays, Feb. 5 and 12. Tickets are $5 at the door, $8 for students and $10 for adults. Call 236-3421 for reservations; seating is limited. “Fuddy Meers” is not recommended for children under 13.

“Charlotte’s Web” will run at 7 p.m. Fridays, Feb. 4 and 11, with matinees at 2 p.m. Saturdays, Jan. 29, Feb. 5 and 12, and Sundays, Jan. 30, Feb. 6 and 13, on the Youth Theatre Northwest mainstage. The cast consists of 31 7- to 15-year-old actors. Tickets are $15 for opening night and $11 for regular reserved seats. For tickets, call 232-4145, ext. 109. Youth Theatre Northwest is located at 8805 S.E. 40th St.

“The Sea Horse,” presented by The Mercer Island Players, will be at 7:30 p.m., Fridays Feb. 4, and 11, Saturdays, Feb. 5 and 12, and Thursday, Feb. 10, on Mercer Island’s Second Stage, 8805 S.E. 40th St. Directed by Irving Zimmer.

Storytelling at Island Books is at 11 a.m. Saturdays: Feb. 5, Karen Haas, “Flights of Fancy;” Feb. 19, Kathy Currie, “Let it Snow;” Feb. 26, Farida Dowler, “A World Full of Tales.”

Mock SAT is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5, in the MIHS commons. Registration is from 8:30 to 9 a.m. This is the same test that was given in September. New this year will be a Mock ACT from 9 to 1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 12, with an optional essay. The cost of each test is $20. Registrations must be postmarked by Feb. 2. Contact Kim York at 230-9237 or e-mail at BruceKim@aol.com

“Giving from the Heart” MIYFS annual breakfast fundraiser to support Mercer Island’s families and youth will be from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9, in the Mercer Island Presbyterian Church fellowship hall. Reservations must be made in advance. Call Cindy Goodwin at 236-3535 or e-mail cynthia.goodwin@ci.mercer-island.wa.us . Sponsors include Mercer Island Pediatrics, Shorewood Apartments, Starbucks and John and Ellen Hill.

Rabbi Yaakov Marcus of Jerusalem, scholar in residence at Yeshiva, will speak at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11, and at 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, at Northwest Yeshiva High School. The topic will be the “Mystical Hebrew Alphabet.” Hosted by Congregation Shevet Achim, Mercer Island’s Orthodox synagogue. For more information or Shabbat dinner reservations, call 206-275-1539 or www.shevetachim.com or info@shevetachim.com

The Mercer Island Sister City Association will host a Raclette party at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11, in the Fellowship Hall of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. Enjoy a traditional, but casual dinner of the Haute Savoie, consisting of roasted potatoes, melted Gruyere cheese, served with cornichons, pickled onions and more. Games for the children and fun for all. The cost is $15 for adults and $5 for children under 14. For tickets, call Christine Bardon at 275-3994.

The Garageniks, a local rock n’ roll band, will play a fundraising concert for Youth Theatre Northwest from 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Feb. 12, at the VFW Hall. Admission is $20 per person and $35 per couple; $5 per child or $40 per family.

Remove holly and laurel: Volunteers are needed from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, at Mercerdale Hillside. Check in at canopy on S.E. 34th Street. Sponsored by the city of Mercer Island.

Banner Bank ribbon cutting is at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 17, at 2918 78th Ave. S.E., formerly Pacific Northwest Bank. All are welcome.

Library

The following events take place at the Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave. S.E., unless otherwise noted. Please call 236-3537 for more information.

Classics on film will show “The Grapes of Wrath” at 1:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 6.

“Anansi the Spider” and other tales from Africa will be read in celebration of Black History month at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 25. Presented by Clay Martin’s Puppet Theater. Folktales from Africa with an emphasis on animal heroes. Puppet designs are based on African art from collections at the Seattle Art Museum.

Toddler time for 2- to 3-year-olds and caregiver, is at 10 a.m. Tuesdays, to Feb. 22. Call to register.

Preschool storytime for 3- to 5-year-olds is at 11 a.m. Tuesdays, to Feb. 22. Call to register.

Organizations

Mercer Island Radio Operators (MIRO) meets at 7 p.m. every third Thursday of the month at the north-end fire station. MIRO is a volunteer organization that provides back-up emergency communications for the Mercer Island Public Safety Department. For information, call Bill Ellis at 232-4881.

Mercer Island Preschool Association www.mipreschoolassociation.org : Adult groups are forming; members are needed for the book club, Bunco, dinner club, running club, investment club, ski club and scrapbooking. Contact Leslie at 275-2811 if interested.

* Moms’ night out is from 7 to 9 p.m. tonight, at the InSpa in Factoria Mall. Includes manicures, pedicures, partial or full massage, facials and more. R.S.V.P. to Leslie 275-2811 or leslieandrick@bigplanet.com

* “Little Red Riding Hood” is at 11 a.m. or 12:45 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 10, at the Kirkland Storybook Theater. Tickets are $6 each. R.S.V.P. to Erinann at 232-9662.

* Rainy day activities for 2- to 7-year-olds, are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, at Islander Middle School. Admission is $5 per child (MIPA member), $6 per child (non-member). Infants and adults are free. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, call Sachie at 236-6493, Claudia at 275-0477 or Tracey at 232-1270.

* Monthly coffee social is from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Feb. 16. Open to all moms and their young children. R.S.V.P. to Bridget, 275-3070, for directions.

The ProBus Club of Mercer Island meets at 10:30 a.m. today at the Mercer Island Presbyterian Church. The speaker is from the Seattle Crime Lab and will present a review of some of the latest developments in the use of forensics.

The Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce luncheon is at noon Thursday, Feb. 3, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. Bob Drewell, executive director of the Puget Sound Regional Council, is the speaker. Lunch is $12 for members or $15 for non-members. Call 232-3404 for reservations.

The Mercer Island Visual Arts League (MIVAL) meets at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3, at the Mercer Island Library. The board meets at 11 a.m. Linda Demetre, an artist with a fine arts degree from the University of Montana, will demonstrate oilbar painting. Everyone is welcome.

The Mercer Island Women’s Club’s luncheon is at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 7, at the Presbyterian Church. The program features travel expert Rick Steves, speaking about “smart” European travel. The public is welcome. For tickets, contact Kathy Gusdorf at 275-1836.

Mercer Island Republican Women will meet at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 7, at the Mercer Island Library. The speaker will be Ann Adams, serving the 8th Congressional District Executive Board and out-going 41st Legislative District chair.

B.C. (Brain Child) Education Center’s open house is at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16, at its new Mercer Island facility, 2947 76th Ave. S.E. #92D. The center will offer free assessment testing, registration fee waiver and a free two-week trial for new students at the open house. Call 206-359-2363 for more information.

Seniors

For locations or more information, check www.miparks.net or call 236-3545.

Solemates is from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 2, 9 and 16. Meet in the main parking lot at Luther Burbank Park. Cost is $2 per walk.

Caregivers support group is from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3, at the Mercer Island Library.

AARP free income tax aide is at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 4 and at 4:45 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5 at the Mercer Island Library.

Eastside stroke group is from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 7, at St. Andrews Church in Bellevue.

Harrison Hot Springs trip is Tuesday, Feb. 15 and Wednesday, Feb. 16, with 7 a.m. pick-up at Mercer Island City Hall. The cost is $220/double occupancy and $248/single occupancy.

Feeding the Elk at Oak Creek is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18. The cost is $70. Call for reservations.

Emerald Queen Casino trip is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 18. Pick-up at Luther Burbank Park. The cost is $11.

Senior lunch is at noon Tuesdays and Thursdays, at Covenant Shores in the lodge. The fee is $4.25. Call Lynda King at 236-3549 by 10 a.m. the day before to place your order. There is no parking at Covenant Shores, but a free shuttle service leaves at 11:45 a.m. from the south Luther Burbank parking lot and returns after lunch. Call 236-3456.

“Crafts on your own” for seniors is from 9:30 a.m. to noon, Tuesdays, at Covenant Shores Lodge. Bring your favorite craft hobby and meet new friends. The cost is $3.50.

Classes

A landslide seminar will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3, at the north-end fire station. Steven Palmer, from the geology division of the state’s Department of Natural Resources, will discuss landslide risk, causes, preventative measures and steep-slope restoration. A question-and-answer session will follow.

CPR and first aid classes will be held at the north-end fire station. Instructors are Mercer Island firefighters. To register, call 236-3600. Class schedule is as follows:

? First aid and adult CPR is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26. The fee is $30.

? Adult CPR is from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 16 and March 23. The fee is $15.

? Infant/child CPR is from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, March 16. The fee is $15.

Parks & Rec

The following are programs run by the Parks & Recreation Department. For locations, go to www.miparks.net or call 236-3545.

Doggie academy is from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturdays, Feb. 5 to March 12, at the North Mercer gym. The cost is $91.

Weight loss through hypnosis is from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, Feb. 10 to 24, at the Boys & Girls Club gym. The cost is $81.

Family Valentine’s Day dance for 3- to 10-year-olds is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11 at the VFW. The cost is $16 per child, which includes one guest, $5 each additional guest. Call to register.

Babysitting class is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, at the Boys & Girls Club. The cost is $45.

Beginning bridge is from 9:45 to 11:45 a.m. Tuesdays, to Feb. 15, at Covenant Shores. The cost is $53.

Pilates matwork level 1 is from 9:45 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays through Feb. 16, at the Boys & Girls Club. The cost is $72.

“Adventures in creative writing” camp for fifth- through seventh-graders is from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22, through Friday, Feb. 25, at West Mercer Elementary. Unleash your creativity and wild imagination with Barbara Winkelman during mid-winter break. The cost is $75.

JCC

Unless noted, all events take place at the Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 E. Mercer Way. For more information, call 232-7115.

Free cooking demonstration is at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2. Learn to make your favorite Jewish specialties. Peter Glick, owner of Roxy’s Deli, will demonstrate cheese-filled pierogi, latkes and blintzes. Bagels, cream cheese and lox available for snacks. R.S.V.P. to Roni Antebi at ext. 269.

“How to date like you are the best” is at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3, in the JCC auditorium. Dr. Sharon Romm, psychiatrist and author, will be the speaker.

“From the Shadchan to J-Date: The History and Wisdom of Jewish Matchmaking” is at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17, in the JCC activity room. Rabbi Yohanna Kinberg will speak on matchmaking and the role the Shadchan played in Jewish society.

Baby sign language is from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 8. Learn words your 6-month-old can learn to sign. The cost is $15 per family. Contact Carla Hershman at ext. 304 for more information.

Food talks will be offered from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Thursdays, Feb. 10, “Food as fuel: Changing the weight-loss paradigm;” March 24, “Mental gymnastics: Food and mood;” April 14, “Power eating: build muscle, boost energy, cut fat;” May 12, “Can 8-a-day keep cancer away? The latest science on water and health.” The cost is $15 per lecture or $55 for the entire series. To register, contact Karla Anderson at ext. 272 or e-mail karlaa@sjcc.org

Live jazz at lunchtime is at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17. Jazz pianist Richard Dean plays the piano. Program is free, with a $1 suggested donation for refreshments. Bring a brown bag lunch and enjoy.

Early Childhood programs open registration for 2005-2006 will be Tuesday, Feb. 22. Programs are for 3 months through 6 year-olds. For more information call Hila Michaely at extension 253.

Winter camps at the JCC for kindergarten through eighth grade, field trips, sports, swimming, arts and more. The cost is $50 per day, JCC camp membership is required. Contact Nicci Burrell at ext. 242 for dates.

Galleries

The Chamber Art Gallery’s new show continues through March 31, featuring paintings by Kevin Curry and Robert Pare. Hours are 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The gallery is located at the Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce, 7612 S.E. 27th St.

Colleen Mohn and Jean Davis will show their paintings at Ana’s Restaurant in February and March.

Religion

Mercer Island Presbyterian Church: Registration for the MIPC preschool is in progress; for more information, call Molly van der Burch at 232-5596, ext. 250. MIPC preschool open house is from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 5. Winter Alpha course is at 6:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through April 19, and includes dinner. A “Tribute to Black History — Lift Every Voice in Song” concert, by Ronald Campbell will be at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11. Valentine’s night out with adult-supervised childcare is from 5:30 to 10 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 14. R.S.V.P. to Steph Boyer by Feb. 10. For more information, contact the church at 232-5595. The church is located at 3605 84th Ave. S.E.

Congregational Church of Mercer Island: A dinner and discussion led by Father Sawitski will be at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 4. For more information, call 232-7800. The church is located at 4545 Island Crest Way.

Mercer Island Covenant Church: Women’s ministry meetings will continue from 9:15 am. to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday , with free childcare available. The winter session will explore various topics via video and guest speakers. Each Wednesday, a community dinner takes place at 5:30 p.m., for $3 per person. Kid’s Club happens at 6:15 p.m. each Wednesday, followed by Alpha class at 6:30 p.m. The men’s retreat will be from Feb. 11 to 13 at Warm Beach Conference Center. Call the church for a registration form. For more information, call 232-1015. The church is located at 3200 78th Ave. S.E.

Emmanuel Episcopal: Registration for Emmanuel Day School begins Feb. 14, for EDS and Emmanuel families. On Wednesday, Feb. 16, registration opens to the public. The annual church meeting is rescheduled for Sunday, Feb. 13, following the 9 a.m. service. The new building will be dedicated by Bishop Warner on Sunday, March 6. For more information, call 232-1572 or e-mail the church at mail@emmanuelmi.org . The church is located at S.E. 44th St. and 86th Ave. S.E.

Herzl-Ner Tamid conservative congregation: Dinner and dancing fundraiser entitled “Cafe Buenos Aires” happens from 8 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 29. Tickets are $118 per person, and tango lessons will be available throughout January. For more information, contact Herzl-Ner Tamid at 232-8555. The synagogue is located at 3700 E. Mercer Way.

The Christian Science Reading Room: The Christian Science Church is beginning a series of book discussions on books about the Bible. The first book in the series is “The Reforming Power of the Scriptures: A Biography of the English Bible,” by Mary Metzger Trammell and William G. Dawley. The book is available at the church’s Reading Room counter, open from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Mondays and after services Sunday mornings at 11 a.m. and at 8:30 a.m. Wednesdays. The book discussion is from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 8 at PrayerWorks, 7420 S.E. 24th St., Suite 4. For more information, call the church at 232-0175 or e-mail fccsmi@attglobal.net

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church: The semi-annual congregational meeting takes place Sunday, Feb. 6. Church youth will have a dinner at 6:15 p.m. and then assemble care packages for college students on Wednesday, Feb. 2. Call 232-3270 for more information. The church is located at 8501 S.E. 40th St.

Mercer Island United Methodist Church: Teleios mens group meeting is 9 to 10 p.m. every Tuesday this month. The church is located at 7070 S.E. 24th St. Call 232-3044 for more information.

Redeemer Lutheran Church: Bible teacher and evangelist Don Lee guest teaches on Jan. 30 and Feb. 6. For more information, contact the church at 232-1711 or e-mail Pastor Bill Clements at pastor@redeemerlutheranchurch.us The church is located at 6001 Island Crest Way.