Lights and blessings

Join your neighbors at the annual Community Hanukkah Celebration from noon until 3 p.m., Dec. 14, at the Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 East Mercer Way. There will be a candlelighting, gift bazaar, games, menorah making, dreidle spinning and fun. Free. For information, go to www.sjcc.org.

Get in the Book

The Mercer Island Guild, which produces the Mercer Island Directory every year, wants to hear from you. If you are new to the Island or have changed your address or phone number, contact the Guild at 232-7046 or miguild@comcast.net.

Food for the hungry

This coming Saturday, Dec. 13, the members of the Mercer Island High School Marching Band will be fanning out across the Island to collect food for the needy. Band members will knock on your door or pick up food left outside. For information or pick-up, call 275-7869.

Sugarplum Fairies

“Excerpts from the Nutcracker” featuring students of the Children’s Dance Conservatory and Island Youth Ballet has become a Mercer Island tradition. Performances begin on Dec. 13 at Youth Theatre Northwest. Tickets at the door, one-line at www.iybnutcracker.com or call 275-4750.

Shopping tip

Looking for a unique gift that is all about Mercer Island? Look no further than our own Island Books or Finders for a copy of “Dawn on the Island,” a history of the Island’s early days. For more information, call 232-0738 or 232-7622.