French Film: “Joyeux Noel” (Merry Christmas), 7:30 p.m., Dec. 10, Aljoya Theater, 2430 76th Ave. S.E., with the Mercer Island Sister City Association.
Saturday | 11
Terrorist Response Training for emergency volunteers: 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Dec. 11, City Hall Council Chambers, 9611 S.E. 36th Street. Ninth CERT preparedness class in Emergency Volunteer Series. The series repeats in March 2011.
Open Space Conservancy Trust Walk: 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Dec. 11, Pioneer Park, S.E. 68th and Island Crest Way. Guided walk with a birder and Wash. native plant steward who will identify birds and native plants. Terrain: mostly flat. Free. www.mercergov.org.
Sunday | 12
The Jewish Touch Lecture Series: 4 p.m., Dec. 12, Stroum JCC, 3801 East Mercer Way. Features Seattle Philharmonic Orchestra Music Director Adam Stern. Topic: Aaron Copland, one of America’s greatest composers. “The Jewish Touch” series has evolved from the “Opera Sings the Soul” lectures. The new wave of lectures will go beyond opera to address a larger variety of topics and themes. www.sjcc.org.
Wednesday | 15
Early Childhood School Open House: 3-5 p.m., Dec. 15, Stroum JCC, 3801 East Mercer Way. The SJCC invites families interested in enrolling for the 2011-12 school year to meet administrators and teachers, see classrooms and learn more about SJCC philosophy. www.sjcc.org.
“Heroines of the Bible”: “Her Story, My Story,” 7:30 p.m., Dec. 15, Community Center at Mercer View, 8236 S.E. 24th Street. A new six-lesson monthly series. First class: “Sarah: Mother of Intention.” Presenter: Devorah Kornfeld. Discover the triumphs of six celebrated personalities in Jewish history and learn how their heroism and character can help shape your own life story in modern society. To register, e-mail roshchodeshmi@gmail.com.
Thursday | 16
Community Center at Mercer View 5th Anniversary Party: Open House, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Dec. 16. Reception Celebration: 6:30-8:30 p.m., 8236 S.E. 24th Street. Festivities will include live music, games, food. The Mercer Island community is invited. (206) 275-7609. www.mercergov.org/ccmv.
MIVAL Gallery Artist Reception & Festivities: 12-7 p.m., Dec. 16, 2836 78th Ave. S.E. Features more than 25 local artists in December. Reception and festivities for 3rd Thursday Art Walk. www.mival.us.
Mercer Island Radio Operators meeting: 7 p.m., Dec. 16, Mercer Island Fire Station 91, 3030 78th Ave. S.E. Learn about amateur radio communications and emergency preparedness. www.mirohams.org.
Groups | Ongoing
Mercer Island Lions Annual Community Christmas Tree Sale: 1-8 p.m., Tuesday-Friday. Saturday: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Farmers New World Life Insurance Company lot, 3003 77th Ave. S.E. Closed on Mondays. Sale proceeds support MI Youth & Family Services, MI Boys & Girls Club, senior citizen programs, community events, youth activities and Lions Sight & Hearing programs. Wreaths and garlands also for sale.
Widow and Widowers Grief & Loss Support Group: 1-2:30 p.m., Dec. 9, Community Center at Mercer View, 8236 S.E. 24th Street. A monthly support group for senior adult men and women who have lost a spouse or partner in death. Sponsor: Mercer Island Youth & Family Services. Free. Reserve a spot with Betsy Zuber: (206) 275-7752.
Events | Ongoing
Art Lecture Series: “A Celebration of American Art,” 7-9 p.m., Dec. 9, 16, 21, Stroum JCC, 3801 East Mercer Way. Dec. 9: “This Land is Our Land: Artists Paint America from New York to California.” Dec. 16: “American Folk Art Traditions.” Dec. 21: “In the American Grain: The World of Andrew Wyeth.” Contact: Roni Antebi, ronia@sjcc.org.
“Fantastic Mr. Fox”: through Dec. 12, Youth Theatre Northwest, 8805 S.E. 40th St. Thursday/Friday: 7 p.m. Saturday/Sunday matinees: 2 p.m. For tickets and information: (206) 232-4145, www.youththeatre.org.
Mercer Island Guild of Seattle Children’s Hospital: The Guild is preparing the 2011 Mercer Island Directory. Residents who have moved to the Island or changed addresses or phone numbers, please send an update for the directory. Contact: Karin Pangborn, (206) 232-7046, miphonebook@gmail.com.
