Regional road work begins early

The 2009 WSDOT construction season starts this month and will run through October. The biggest projects include repairing and replacing several stretches of roadway and uneven pavement on I-5 between the Ship Canal Bridge and 145th Street, and expansion joints on one of the I-90 floating bridges. Plan ahead by checking www.wsdot.wa.gov/construction/2009 before you go.

Firefighters at QFC

Mercer Island firefighters will be competing in the Scott Firefighter Stairclimb at the Columbia Center on Sunday, March 8, to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Firefighters will be on hand the next two Thursday nights at the North end QFC from 5 to 8 p.m. Donations are also accepted at the main Mercer Island Fire Station, 3030 78th Ave. S.E. Call 275-7963 for details.

Youth Theatre NW community meeting

YTN is holding a community meeting at 6 p.m., Feb. 19, at the theater to address their acute funding needs. Find out how you can help. Go to www.youththeatre.org.

Australia fire relief

Cellar 46 is holding a fundraiser to help those harmed by the massive fires in Australia. The wine bar will hold a relief party between 2 and 6 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 22, at Cellar 46 with the proceeds going to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal through the Red Cross.

There will be a $25 cover charge at the door for a sample flight of wines and hors d’oeurves. Call (206) 407-3016 for more information.