Wednesday | 13

Candidates Forum for 41st and 48th Legislative Districts: 7-9:30 p.m., Oct. 13, Bellevue City Hall, 450 110th Ave. N.E., in downtown Bellevue. Session 1: 41st District, 7-8 p.m. Session 2: 48th District, 8:30-9:30 p.m. The Bellevue Downtown Association (BDA), in partnership with Sound Publishing, invites the community to a 2010 Candidates Forum featuring 12 candidates, six in each district, vying for the state Senate and House in the 2010 general election. Questions will address many issues such as the economy, education, taxes, transportation and the candidates’ views on the ballot initiatives. Two panels comprised of editors and reporters from Sound Publishing’s Bellevue, Mercer Island, Kirkland and Redmond Reporters will pose questions and lead the discussion in each session. Audience questions will be taken. Admission: free, open to the public. Seating is limited, and the BDA requests advance registration online at www.bellevuedowntown.org or by phone at (425) 453-1223.

Thursday | 14

Widow and Widowers Grief and Loss Support Group: 1-2:30 p.m., Oct. 14, Community Center at Mercer View, 8236 S.E. 24th St. Sponsor: Mercer Island Youth and Family Services. Free. Reserve a spot: call Betsy Zuber, (206) 275-7752.

2010 Voters Forum: 7-9 p.m., Oct. 14, Islander Middle School, 8225 S.E. 72nd St. Reception: 7-7:30 p.m. Forum: 7:30-9 p.m. Meet and hear from local candidates for the 41st Legislative District of the Washington State Legislature. Sponsors: League of Women Voters, Mercer Island Reporter.

Sunday | 17

How to Invest in Apartment Buildings Seminar: 2-3 p.m., Oct. 17, Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave. S.E. Free educational seminar open to the public. www.FreeAndClearApts.com.

“Thinking Big Without Being Big; How small NGOs can leverage change by demonstrating creative ideas”: 3-5 p.m., Oct. 17, Community Center at Mercer View, 8236 S.E. 24th St. Presentation by Dr. Shashi Enarth, World Bank international consultant. Benefits Vishal Himalaya Foundation projects in India. RSVP: Eva Agrawal, VHF_US@comcast.net. www.vishalhimalaya.org.

Monday | 18

Mercer Island Historical Society Meeting: 1 p.m., Oct. 18, Community Center at Mercer View, 8236 S.E. 24th St. Speaker: Patricia Junker, the Ann M. Barwick curator of American Art at the Seattle Art Museum. www.mihistory.org.

MIVAL Gallery Halloween Costume Workshop: Class II: 3:15-4:45 p.m., Oct. 18, ages 4-8; $25 per child. Location: Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 4400 86th Ave. S.E. For children. (206) 261-4195. Register with susanne-foster@comcast.net.

Thursday | 21

Oktoberfest and Root Beer Garden: 12-1:30 p.m., Oct. 21, Community Center at Mercer View, Mercer Room, 8236 S.E. 24th St. Registration is required: call (206) 275-7609 to reserve a spot and ride. For ages 55 and over. $5.

Mercer Island Radio Operators meeting: 7 p.m., Oct. 21, Mercer Island Fire Station 91, 3030 78th Ave. S.E. Learn about amateur radio communications and emergency preparedness. www.mirohams.org.

Saturday | 23

Islander Middle School PTSA Ski Swap Sale: 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Oct. 23, Islander Middle School. Consignment goods check-in: 3-6 p.m., Oct. 21; 3-7:30 p.m., Oct. 22, Islander Middle School Gym. 50% off sale: 3-4 p.m. Sponsor: Sturtevant’s Winter Sports. nannettebas@gmail.com, www.miskiswap.net.

Earthcorps Urban Forest Restoration Volunteer Event: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Oct. 23, Ellis Pond. Remove invasive plants, do general site maintenance. Sign up in advance at www.earthcorps.org/volunteer.php.

Artwork Unveiling and Dedication: Honoring Ted Rand, 1 p.m., Oct. 23, Mercer Island Library, Children’s Room, 4400 88th Ave. S.E. Unveiling ceremony of the “Salt Hands” painting by Mercer Island artist, Ted Rand. Sponsor: Friends of the Mercer Island Library.

Upcoming

Halloween Party: 4:30-6 p.m., Oct. 29, Mercer Island Care & Rehabilitation, 7445 S.E. 24th. Features games, food and safe trick or treat for children under age 12. Contact: Judy Vu, (206) 402-1680.

Flu Shot Clinic: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Nov. 1, Congregational Church on Mercer Island, 4545 Island Crest Way. For ages 65 and up, chronic illness or health care providers. Appointment required: call (206) 275-7609 to schedule.

The New Job Search in the New Economy Workshop: 7 p.m., Nov. 3, Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave. S.E. In this workshop, learn how to shift your approach to match the new job environment and smooth your path to finding employment. The workshop covers the key differences in today’s labor market, as jobs have changed dramatically over the past decade. The public is invited. Registration not required. (206) 236-3537.

A Time to Grieve: 10-11:30 a.m., Nov. 6, Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 4400 86th Ave. S.E. A monthly drop-in group for adults who have experienced the death of a loved one in the past year. Presented by Providence Hospice of Seattle. Registration not required. (206) 749-7704. www.providence.org/hospiceofseattle.

Louisianathon 2010: 12:30 p.m.-9 p.m., Nov. 7, Mercer Island VFW Post 5760, 1836 72nd Ave. S.E.

Cajun/zydeco all-day dance. Cost: $20 for the day, at the door. Bands: The Riptide Ramblers, Big Squeezy, Folichon, Swamp Soul, Les Chattes Creoles, Zydeco Explosion and special guests The Midnite Ramblers. Dance lesson with Mary Lee Lykes: 1:15 p.m. Contact: Ted Granger, (206) 522-2919, tedgranger@juno.com.

Events | Ongoing

Lakeridge Elementary Scholastic Book Fair: now through Oct. 15, Lakeridge Elementary, 8215 S.E. 78th St. Theme: “Here’s to Our Heros! Reading Saves the Day!” The book fair offers a wide selection of new, high quality books for all ages, including preschool, elementary, middle school and adult titles. The community is invited. Hours: Wednesday and Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday: 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Mercer Island Farmers Market: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Oct. 17, Mercerdale Park. The last day 2010 farmers market. Winter orders can be placed with CSAs like Crown S Ranch and Full Circle Farms. Pre-order turkeys with Crown S Ranch. Music provided by Jazz Connection, sponsered by MI Arts Council. Kids table: pumpkin decorating. Special pre-Thanksgiving market: Nov. 21. www.mifarmersmarket.org.

Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale: Oct. 21-24, Mercer Island Library. Oct. 21, 5-9 p.m.: presale for members only, join at the door. Oct. 22: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 23: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 24: 1-5 p.m.: Half Price Sale, all day. Features thousands of books of all genres, plus media.

Groups | Ongoing

Mercer Island Chamber Gallery: art exhibition features photographer David Fishman from Oct. 18 through Nov. 30. Botanical photography exhibited. Meet the artist opening: 5:30-7:30 p.m., Oct. 21.

Eastside’s Month of Concern for the Hungry: now through Oct. 23. Help fill local foodbank shelves and feed neighbors in need. Drop-off locations on Mercer Island: Albertsons, Community Center at Mercer View, Mercer Island High School, Rite Aid (South end), Mercer Island Youth and Family Services. Items most needed include peanut butter, canned items, dry pasta or macaroni, 100% fruit juice, cereal, rice, powdered milk, vegetable oil, jars of baby food, nutrition shakes. www.eastsideforum.org/fooddrive.

Mercer Island Guild: The Mercer Island Guild is beginning work on the 2011 issue of the Mercer Island Directory. Contact Karen Pangborn at (206) 232-7046 to add or update a home listing, or Molly Tyler at tylermidir@comcast.net to advertise. Deadline for ad copy: Nov. 1. Donations support uncompensated care at Seattle Children’s Hospital.

Library

www.kcls.org/mercerisland

Adults

Opera Preview: “Lucia di Lammermoor,” 7 p.m. Oct. 13. In this lecture, Norm Hollingshead will illustrate his commentary with musical excerpt from his own collection of recordings.

Saturday Matinee Film: “Raise the Red Lantern,” 1 p.m., Oct. 16. Join film historian, Lance Rhoades, for a viewing of the film, discussion and free popcorn.

Friends of the Library Silent Book Auction: now through Oct. 20. Located in the glass display case near the lobby, the auction features 100 special books. Bid winners can pick up their items Oct. 22-24 during the Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale. Proceeds from the sale benefit library programs.

The Life and Times of Picasso: 7 p.m., Oct. 27. This month the Seattle Art Museum opens a major exhibit, “Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso, Paris,” which will include works from every phase of Picasso’s life. Join art historian Susan Olds for a slide presentation on Picasso’s life and art. The exhibition will feature more than 150 paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints and photographs.

The New Job Search in the New Economy: 7 p.m., Nov. 3. In this workshop, learn how to shift your approach to match the new job environment and smooth your path to finding employment. The workshop covers the key differences in today’s labor market. Registration not required — everyone is welcome.

Computer Class: If you need extra help on the computer, a KCLS volunteer instructor can provide one-on-one assistance. Call to make an appointment: (206) 236-3537.

Children/Families

Getting Your Child Ready to Read: 6:30 p.m., Oct. 15, Coal Creek YMCA, 13750 Newcastle Golf Club Rd., Newcastle. Early Literacy skills are developed through early experiences with books, stories, dramatic play, talking, singing, nursery rhymes and art projects. Learn about Early Literacy along with stories, rhymes, activities and songs.

Halloween Harvest Evening Story Time: 7 p.m., Oct. 25. Ages 3-7 with adult.

Baby Rhyming Time: 10 a.m., Tuesdays, through Oct. 26. Ages 3-12 months with adult.

Preschool Story Times: 11 a.m., Tuesdays, through Oct. 26. Ages 3-5 with adult.

Story Times for Wonderful Ones: 10 a.m., Wednesdays, through Oct. 27. Ages 12-24 months with adult.

Story Times for Terrific Twos: 11 a.m., Wednesdays, through Oct. 27. Ages 2-3 with adult.

Mandarin Chinese Story Times: 6:30 p.m., Nov. 5, KidsQuest Museum, 4091 Factoria Square Mall,

Bellevue, 98006.

Teens

Online Teen Readers: Join OTRs (ott-ers), teens who are reading and talking about books on their own schedule online. http://blogs.kcls.org/onlineteenreaders.

Teen Advisory Board: 7 p.m., Oct. 19. Voice your opinions on teen materials, services and programs while earning one volunteer credit hour and munching on light refreshments.