Events
Lakeridge Elementary Scholastic Book Fair: through Dec. 5, Lakeridge Library. Hours: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., through Friday. Family Shopping Night: 6-8 p.m., Dec. 4. Theme: “Book Fair Safari.” Books for preschoolers, middle schoolers, adults. Open to community. 236-3415.
Holiday Tree Lighting and Firehouse Munch: Dec. 5. Tree lighting ceremony: 7 p.m., Mercerdale Park. Music, photos with Santa, firehouse chili, light refreshments, children’s activities to follow in the North Fire Station for the Firehouse Munch. Bring an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots Drive.
Holiday Gift Bazaar: 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Dec. 6; 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Dec. 7; Island Square Club Room, 2758 78th Ave. S.E. Handcrafted gifts from around the world. Zavida Gemstones, Full Circle Studio, Luminosity and others. Benefits MI Youth & Family Services. Roger Kjos: 275-7751, roger.kjos@mercergov.org.
MIHS Marching Band Canned Food Drive: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Dec. 13, door-to-door, and Albertsons. Donors not home can leave items by their doors. Nonperishable food will be collected to stock MI Youth & Family Services Food Bank. Cheryl Manriquez: 275-7869.
Friends of Luther Burbank Park Tree Planting: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Dec. 13. Plant oaks, dogwoods. Sue Stewart: 232-7402. www.mtsgreenway.org.
Community Hanukkah Celebration: noon-3 p.m., Dec. 14, Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 East Mercer Way. Candlelighting, gift bazaar, games, menorah making, dreidle spinning. Free. www.sjcc.org.
Argosy Christmas Ship Festival: 5:30 p.m., Dec. 21, Luther Burbank Park Beach. Beach bonfire, hot chocolate, coffee, treats. Bring flashlight. Free.
MI Lions Club Christmas Tree Lot Sale: 2:30-8 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 1:30-8 p.m., Friday; 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday; 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday. 232-8736. www.lionwap.org/mercerislandlions.
Holiday Shows
Community “Messiah” Sing-Along: 7:30 p.m., Dec. 6, Islander Middle School. Handel’s “Messiah.” Features chamber orchestra, soloists. Guest conductor: David Waltman, of Rainier Symphony. Bring “Messiah” chorus books. Jim Jansen: 232-1015.
“Winter Wonderland”: 6-7:30 p.m., Dec. 7, Museum of History and Industry, 2700 24th Ave. East, Seattle. Pontiac Bay Symphony Orchestra to perform music from holiday favorites; “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” Charlie Brown TV specials, “Chronicles of Narnia,” “The Polar Express.” $17/general; $15/students, seniors, children. (206) 364-0907, www.pontiacbay.org.
Pacific Sound Chorus Holiday Show: Dec. 16, East Shore Unitarian Church, 12700 S.E. 132nd Street, Bellevue. Rehearsals: 7 p.m., Tuesdays, Community Center; open to female high school students, women. The Chorus partners with TreeHouse 4 Kids for donations of warm winter clothing to local foster children. (425) 820-9825, www.pacificsound.org.
“Off to See the Wizard in Winter” Handbell Concert: 7:30 p.m., Dec. 19, MI Presbyterian Church. Emerald City Ringers, community handbell choir, to perform. Family holiday concert. $10/adults, $8/seniors/students, $5/children. www.emeraldcityringers.org.
Arts
“Jack and the Beanstalk”: Dec. 4-14, Youth Theatre Northwest, 8805 S.E. 40th St. 7 p.m., Friday/Saturday; 2 p.m., Saturday/Sunday. Opening show: 7 p.m., Dec. 4. $8. 232-4145. www.youththeatre.org.
MIVAL Arts and Crafts Juried Holiday Show: through Dec. 19, CCMV, 8236 S.E. 24th St. Paintings, ceramics, photography, sculpture, fiber arts. Hours: 6:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Monday to Friday; 8 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday. info@mival.us.
Classes
“Working With Your Child/Teen With ADHD on Homework and Other Organizational Challenges”: 7-8:30 p.m., Dec. 8, MI Fire Station, 3030 78th Ave. S.E. Sponsor: ADD Resources. Speaker: Susan Small, Educational Tutoring and Consulting/ETC Preparatory Academy Student Services Director. Free. jscarlin@juno.com, www.addresources.org.
Tips and Tricks on Digital Imagery for Genealogy: 7 p.m., Dec. 8, JCC Auditorium, 3801 East Mercer Way. Learn how to use digital imagery for photos, records, other genealogical data. Speaker: Sally Mizroch. Free/JGSWS members; $5/nonmembers. www.jgsws.org.
Topics in Practical Halacha: 7-8 p.m., Mondays, Northwest Yeshiva High School, 5017 90th Ave. S.E. Teacher: Rabbi Yechezkel Kornfeld of Congregation Shevet Achim. Free.
Prenatal Yoga: 6 p.m., Thursdays, Yogabliss; 2:15 p.m., Sundays, MI Physical Therapy. Rachel Dawn Lowe, E-RYT, ACE: (206) 979-3008. www.MercerIslandYoga.org.
Clubs
Girls 5th-8th Grade Lacrosse Information Rally: 7 p.m., Dec. 10, IMS Library. Learn about the spring 2009 season. Meet coaches. Registration ends in January. Joan Delay: jedelay@comcast.net.
MI Business Women’s Group: luncheon/meeting, 12-1:30 p.m., third Tuesday. #120. Patty Volk: (206) 769-8824, patty.volk@sterlingsavings.com.
Pacific Northwest Audio Society: 7:30 p.m., second Thursday, MI Congregational Church basement, 4545 Island Crest Way. Dedicated to exploration/enjoyment of fine audio and music since 1978. www.audiosociety.org.
MI Covenant Church Knitting Group: last Monday. Knitting/crocheting garments for Russian orphans. Accepting contributions of leftover wool yarn, acrylic, needles, unfinished projects. Sallie: (425) 881-7210.
Toddlers of Mercer Island (TOMI by MIPA): 10-11:30 a.m., Tuesdays through June, VFW Hall, 1836 72nd Ave. S.E. Ages 0-6. $3/child, MIPA members; $5, nonmembers. www.mipreschoolassociation.org.
Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS): 9:30-11:30 a.m., first/third Friday, MI Covenant Church. For mothers with children ages birth-K. Childcare provided. www.micc.org.
Mercer Island Children’s Hospital Guild: seeking help with producing the annual Mercer Island Directory. If you have moved, changed your address or phone number, or are new to the Island, contact the Guild at 232-1844.
Senior Foundation of Mercer Island: accepting grant applications for innovative services or programs benefiting the health, safety and well-being of Island seniors. Application deadline: Dec. 15. To get a form, call 232-4597.
Volunteers
AARP Tax-Aide Program: seeks volunteer tax counselors to provide free personal income tax preparation/counseling. Training: December-January. Tax service: Feb. 1-April 15. Also seeking front desk Client Facilitators. 1-888-687-2277, volunteer.wa1@comcast.net. www.aarp.org/taxaide.
Library
4400 88th Ave. S.E.
Registration required: 236-3537
www.kcls.org/mercerisland
Adults
Computer Classes: 9 a.m. Microsoft Word Level I: Dec. 4. Microsoft Word Level II: Dec. 11. Search the Internet for Beginners: Dec. 18.
Classics on Film: “Unforgiven,” 1 p.m., Dec. 6. Discussion with film historian, Lance Rhoades.
Friends of the Library Winter Book Sale: Dec. 10-14. Browse sale tables during open hours.
Write Your Memoir: 7 p.m., Dec. 17. Learn key concepts to write/market your personal story.
Talk Time: 7 p.m., Wednesday, through Dec. 17. English conversation classes. Improve speaking/listening skills.
Children/Families
Rain-Deer: 11 a.m., Dec. 9. Ages 3 and up.
Sounds of the Season with the Cascade Brass Quintet: 7:30 p.m., Dec. 10.
The Dickens Carolers: 3:30 p.m., Dec. 14.
Teens
Teen Advisory Board: 7 p.m., Dec. 16. Earn one volunteer credit hour.
Teen Zone: 1:45 p.m., Mondays in November/December.
Study Zone: Grades K-12. Free homework help from volunteer tutors.
Parks &
Recreation
Community Center at Mercer View (CCMV), 8236 S.E. 24th St.
Registration required: 275-7609
www.myparksandrecreation.com
Cooking Class with Lisa Odegard: “Stews and Braising,” 5:30-7:30 p.m., Dec. 4. $63.
Jeff Johnson’s Cartooniversity: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Dec. 13, Groveland Room. Learn cartoon drawing from local editorial cartoonist, Jeff Johnson. Bring 25-30 sheets of white copier paper, pencils, sharpener, extra fine point Sharpie marker, felt-tip Flair pen, sack lunch. Ages 9-15. $56. www.cartooniversity.com.
Beginning Dog Obedience Training: 4:30-5:30 p.m., Sunday, through Dec. 14, North Mercer Gym. Ages 14 and up. Instructor: Joyce’s Dog Obedience Services, Inc. $96.
Yoga Hatha Style: 6-7 p.m., Tuesday, through Dec. 16; 10:30-11:45 a.m., Tuesday/Thursday, through Dec. 18, Dance Room. For adults, teens. Instructor: Maude Pauletto. $68. Drop-ins: $15.
Beginning Ballroom Dancing: 6:30-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, through Dec. 17, Dance Room. For adults. Instructor: Jacob Matthew. $41.
Beginning Salsa Dancing: 7:45-8:45 p.m., Wednesday, through Dec. 17, Dance Room. No partner needed. For adults. Instructor: Jacob Matthew. $41.
After-school Nature Program: 2:30-4:30 p.m., Monday. Ages 4-9. $47.
Mom & Baby Boot Camp/Strollercise Classes: Thursday mornings, Luther Burbank and CCMV.
Indoor Rock-climbing Series: Parks and Rec. partners with Outdoors for All to offer rock-climbing series.
Parks & Rec. Seniors
Bellevue Botanical Gardens Trip: 6-9 p.m., Dec. 11. Departs from CCMV; home pick-up available. $11.
Senior lunch at Covenant Shores: noon, Tuesday, Thursday. Shuttle, transportation available. Sign up: 275-7895, press 2, leave message. $4.25.
Grocery Shopping Transportation: Wednesday mornings, get picked up at home for grocery shopping and errand. Sign up: 236-3456, leave message by 4 p.m. the day before. $1.
Volunteer senior bus driver needed: special endorsements not required. Jeannette: 275-7841.
Boys &
Girls Club
2825 West Mercer Way
232-4548
www.mipositiveplace.org
My Gym Bellevue Classes: Wednesday, through Dec. 10. Terrific Tots, ages 2½-3½: 10-11 a.m. Mighty Mites, ages 3½-4½: 11 a.m.-12 p.m.; $66.
Rainy Day Gym: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Wednesday, through May 27. Active indoor play space for preschoolers, toddlers. $3/child.
JCC
Jewish Community Center 3801 E. Mercer Way
232-7115
www.sjcc.org
Pacific Northwest Jewish Camp Fair: 1:30-4 p.m., Dec. 7. Overnight and day camps, grants, scholarships, parent workshops, kids’ activities. www.JewishInSeattle.org/CampFair.
Getting Ready for Kindergarten Panel Discussion: 7-8:30 p.m., Dec. 11. Free. stephanieparmenter@hotmail.com.
Free Beginning Ladino: 12-1 p.m., Wednesday, through Dec. 31.
Mah Jongg: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Tuesday; 12:30-3:30 p.m., Friday. Free/JCC members, $2/nonmembers.
Bridge Group: 12:30-3 p.m., Friday. Free/JCC members, $2/nonmembers.
Calling all chess players: JCC is forming a new chess group. Joel Grossman, (206) 229-8663, grossman39@yahoo.com.
Religion
Congregational Church of Mercer Island: Sunday worship at 10:30 a.m., nursery care provided. 4545 Island Crest Way. 232-7800. office@ucc-ccmi.org, www.ucc-ccmi.org.
Congregation Shevet Achim: Northwest Yeshiva High School sanctuary, 5017 90th Ave. S.E. President Rich Gilmore, 232-1060. www.shevetachim.com.
Emmanuel Episcopal Church: Sunday worship services/Holy Eucharist, 8 a.m., 10:30 a.m. Contemporary: 5 p.m. Adult Education/Sunday School: 9:15-10:15 a.m. St. Nicholas Fest: 4 p.m., Dec. 6. “Black Nativity”: 2 p.m., Dec. 13, REP Theater, Seattle Center. Emmanuel Book Club: 9:30 p.m., first Monday. Layweeders Volunteer Gardeners: Monday. Bible Study: Tuesday. Healing Service: Wednesday. Covenant Shores Holy Eucharist: third Wednesday. Tea & Talk Knitting: Thursday. Accepting Northwest Harvest food donations. 4400 86th Ave. S.E. 232-1572. www.emmanuelmi.org.
First Church of Christ, Scientist: services and Sunday School, 10 a.m. S.E. 47th & Island Crest Way. Wednesday meetings: 7:30 p.m. Childcare available. Reading Room: open weekdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 7605 S.E. 27th St. 232-0175. fccsmi@hotmail.com.
First Taiwanese Presbyterian Church: Christian Education, 9:15 a.m. Worship: 10:40 a.m., Sunday, Fireside Room. MI Presbyterian Church, 3605 84th Ave. S.E. 232-5595.
Herzl-Ner Tamid Conservative Congregation: services, 6 p.m., Friday; 9:15 a.m., Saturday. Daily Minyan: 7 a.m. Minyan at 9 a.m. on Sundays, secular holidays. 3700 E. Mercer Way. 232-8555. www.h-nt.org.
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church: Sunday worship services, 8 a.m., 10:15 a.m. Education hour: 9 a.m. Advent Fair: 11:30 a.m., Dec. 7; soup suppers: 6 p.m. Vesper service: 7 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 3-10, 27. Festive Christmas Dinner: 6 p.m., Dec. 13. Pastor’s Bible Study: 10 a.m., Thursday. 8501 S.E. 40th St. 232-3270. www.htlcmi.org.
Mercer Island Covenant Church: Sunday worship services; 8:30 a.m., Traditional Service; 9:45 a.m., Sunday School; 11 a.m., Contemporary Service. Wednesday Night Community Dinner: 5:30-6:30 p.m. 9th Annual Children’s Craft Workshop: Dec. 6. Middle school youth group: 7 p.m., Tuesday. High school youth group: 6:30 p.m., Sunday. 3200 78th Ave. S.E. 232-1015, ext. 100. www.micc.org.
Mercer Island LDS Church: First meeting: 9 a.m. Sacrament: 9 a.m. 4001 Island Crest Way. 236-2957.
Mercer Island Presbyterian Church: Sunday worship — Breakfast Service, 8:15 a.m.; Traditional Service, 10:35 a.m.; Evening Service, 5 p.m. Christmas Teas: Dec. 12. Winter Walk: Dec. 13, Madrona Park to Mt. Baker. “Gloria” Concert by Rutter: Dec. 14. T@I “Theology at the Islander [Pub]”: 8:30 p.m., second/fourth Monday. Young Adult Dinners: first/third Monday. Women’s Bible Study with Kelle: Monday. Men’s Open Gym Pick-Up Basketball: Thursday. 3605 84th Ave. S.E. 232-5595. www.mipc.org.
Mercer Island United Methodist Church: Sunday worship schedule: 11 a.m. Childcare available. Sunday School: 10 a.m. 7070 S.E. 24th St. 232-3044. www.miumc.org.
New Hope International Church: Sunday services, 10 a.m. (English), 2 p.m. (Thai). A prayer service is available for those who need healing. 9170 S.E. 64th St. 275-1042. www.newhic.org.
Redeemer Lutheran Church: worship and kids’ services, 10 a.m. Fellowship and Bible study: 11 a.m. “Mostly Live” Drive-Thru Nativity: 5-7 p.m., Dec. 14; Jubilee Trombone Choir to perform Christmas music; hot chocolate served, benefits MIYFS. 6001 Island Crest Way. Pastor Bill Clements, 232-1711. www.redeemerlutheranchurch.us.
St. Monica Catholic Church: Faith Formation Programs ongoing; register at www.stmonica.cc/ff/FaithFormation.html. Preschool: 9:30 a.m., Sunday. Elementary: 4-5:30 p.m., Wednesday. Middle school: 7-8:30 p.m., Monday. High school: 7-8:30 p.m., Sunday. Confirmation Class: 4:30-6 p.m., Sunday. RCIA: 7:30-9 p.m., Wednesday; Dan Stevenson, 232-9829. 4301 88th Ave. S.E. 232-2900. www.stmonica.cc.
