Calendar | Mercer Island community

Mercer Island Visual Arts League (MIVAL) Meeting: 6 p.m., Oct. 7, Aljoya Retirement Center, 2430 76th Ave. S.E. Lisa Spreacker from Cascade Frames will give a framing and matting presentation. www.mival.us. Friday | 8 Mercer Island Women’s Club: 9-10 a.m., Oct. 8, South end Starbucks, 8415 S.E. 68th St., #100. Newcomers will have an informal meeting. For all new members or those interested in joining. Contact: Helen Taylor, (206) 992-5799. www.mercerislandwomensclub.org.

Thursday | 7

Mercer Island Visual Arts League (MIVAL) Meeting: 6 p.m., Oct. 7, Aljoya Retirement Center, 2430 76th Ave. S.E. Lisa Spreacker from Cascade Frames will give a framing and matting presentation. www.mival.us.

Friday | 8

Mercer Island Women’s Club: 9-10 a.m., Oct. 8, South end Starbucks, 8415 S.E. 68th St., #100. Newcomers will have an informal meeting. For all new members or those interested in joining. Contact: Helen Taylor, (206) 992-5799. www.mercerislandwomensclub.org.

Saturday | 9

First Aid and Adult CPR with AED Class: 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Oct. 9, Mercer Island Fire Station, 3030 78th Ave. S.E. $30 by check or cash at event. This is not a health care provider class. Call (206) 275-7607, Monday through Friday, to reserve a space.

Mercer Island Parks Volunteer Event: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Oct. 9, Mercerdale Hillside. Volunteer for upcoming invasive plant removal maintenance with Mountains to Sound Greenway. Meet at 76th Avenue S.E. and S.E. 37th Street. www.mtsgreenway.org.

Sunday | 10

“A Lecture on Woody Allen: Love, Sex, Death and the Meaning of Life”: 4 p.m., Oct. 10, Stroum JCC, 3801 E. Mercer Way. Professor Foster Hirsch of Brooklyn College will discuss what is particularly “Jewish” about Allen’s humor, philosophy and worldview. SJCC members: free. General admission: $10. Seniors: $5. Refreshments served. www.sjcc.org.

“Maguey Journey: Discovering Textiles in Guatemala” Celebration: 5 p.m., Oct. 10, Island Books, 3014 78th Ave. S.E. “Maguey Journey” is a new book by Kathryn Rousso. The name “maguey” refers to various forms of the agave, also called the century plant. (206) 232-6920, islandbooks@seanet.com.

Monday | 11

MIVAL Gallery Halloween Costume Workshop: Class I, 2:30-4:30 p.m., Oct. 11, ages 6-10; $35 per child. 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. Children can create their own Halloween costumes out of recycled materials. All materials free, recycled or brought from home. Instructor: Susanne Foster, fabric artist and MIVAL president. (206) 261-4195. Register with susanne-foster@comcast.net.

Tuesday | 12

Mercer Island Women’s Club General Meeting and Luncheon: 11:30 a.m., Oct. 12, Mayflower Hotel. Guest speaker: Wayne Johnson, executive chef of Andaluca Restaurant, will give a presentation on healthy cooking. Reservations are required. Contact Vanessa Quiroz: vanessamquiroz@comcast.net. www.mercerislandwomensclub.com.

Wednesday | 13

Flu Shot Clinic: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Oct. 13 and Nov. 1, Congregational Church on Mercer Island, 4545 Island Crest Way. For ages 65 and up, chronic illness or health care providers. Medicare Part B will cover the cost of your shot; Medicare card required. Transportation is available for the November clinic. Appointment required: call (206) 275-7609 to schedule.

Thursday | 14

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. State representative position 1: Marcie Maxwell vs. Peter Dunbar. State representative position 2: Stephen Strader vs. Judy Clibborn. State senator: Steve Litzow vs. Randy Gordon. Sponsors: League of Women Voters, Mercer Island Reporter.

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. A support group for senior adult men and women who have lost a spouse or partner in death meets monthly on the second Thursday. Sponsor: Mercer Island Youth and Family Services. Free. Reserve a spot: call Betsy Zuber, (206) 275-7752.

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. Financial strategies for the 21st century: Free and Clear Apartments. Monthly cash flow, tax advantages, appreciation. www.FreeAndClearApts.com.

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. (206) 236-3274, info@mihistory.org. www.mihistory.org.

Upcoming

Oktoberfest and Root Beer Garden: 12-1:30 p.m., Oct. 21, Community Center at Mercer View, Mercer Room, 8236 S.E. 24th St. Enjoy a frosty root beer float along with your traditional Oktoberfest lunch. Registration is required: call (206) 275-7609 to reserve a spot and ride on the bus. 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. MIRO Chairman Dave Cook: (206) 230-0397. www.mirohams.org.

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. New, gently used, clothing and equipment for winter sports. Sponsor: Sturtevant’s Winter Sports. Make money on the items you consign and help the IMS PTA fund its programs. Nannette Bassett, (206) 232-8148, nannettebas@gmail.com. www.miskiswap.net.

Expressive Drawing for Teens Workshop: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Oct. 23, Community Center at Mercer View, 8236 S.E. 24t St. To register for Parks and Recreation programs, call (206) 275-7609 or go to www.myparksandrecreation.com. $105.

Events | Ongoing

Mercer Island Farmers Market: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Oct. 10, Mercerdale Park. Global Work Party Day: “You-Powered Event.” Come to the market via feet, bike, scooter or carpool. Fresh fruit and produce. Live music and kids’ table activity. Last market is Oct. 17. www.mifarmersmarket.org.

Lakeridge Elementary Scholastic Book Fair: Oct. 11-15, 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: Monday, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday: 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Family Shopping Night: 6-9 p.m., Oct. 12.

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

Playball: every Wednesday, starts Oct. 6 at PEAK. Introductory sports class for ages 2.5-9. (206) 275-7863. www.myparksandrecreation.com.

Islander Middle School PTSA Donation Drive: now through Oct. 8. Donations of ski and snowboard gear and clothing, gently used and in saleable condition, can be dropped off at Island Park, Lakeridge and West Mercer elementary schools and Islander Middle School. Donations are tax deductible. Contact Nannette Bassett for pick-up: (206) 232-8148, nannettebas@gmail.com.

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

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.

Saturday Matinee Film: “The Gods Must Be Crazy,” 1 p.m., Oct. 9. “Raise the Red Lantern,” 1 p.m., Oct. 16. Join film historian, Lance Rhoades, for a viewing of the film, discussion and free popcorn.

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.

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: One-on-One Assistance. 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

Story Times for Wonderful Ones: 10 a.m., Wednesdays, Oct. 6-27. Ages 12-24 months with adult.

Story Times for Terrific Twos: 11 a.m., Wednesdays, Oct. 6-27. Ages 2-3 with adult.

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.

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.