THIS WEEK

Published 3:16 pm Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Penguins, bugs

Make sure to see Youth Theatre Northwest’s production of “Mr. Popper’s Penguins.” Performances continue through Nov. 18 at YTN, 8805 S.E. 40th St., call (206) 232-4145.

The MIHS production of “The Insect Play” continues at the MIHS Auditorium this weekend, Nov. 15-17. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. and costs $15 for adults and $10 for students. Discount $5 tickets can be purchased in advance through the MIHS main office during school hours.

Flu shots

Flu shots are available at Walgreens, 2-8 p.m., Nov. 15. Cost is $25. Call 232-1197.

Mercer Island Primary Care offers the shots by appointment. Free with health insurance; or $30. Call 275-3588. For other locations call the King County’s Public Health line, (206) 296-4949, or go to www.metrokc.gov.

Self-improvement

Find out how to improve your athletic performance at an improvement workshop; take part in a discussion on goals and dreams for the second half of life at “Next Chapter,” a facilitated conversation over coffee; find out how to clean that garage at a “Living Organized” class. Check our Calendar section, beginning on page B4, to learn about these classes and more.

Lend a hand

More wetlands restoration work is set for 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Nov. 17, north Luther Burbank Park. Meet in north parking lot. Tools supplied; wear boots, rain gear and bring a sack lunch. Coffee and treats provided. For more information, e-mail Upperlutherburbank@hotmail.com.

Events

West Mercer Fall Book Night: 6:30-8:30 p.m., Nov. 15, Island Books, 3014 78th Ave. S.E. Start holiday shopping; shop anytime Nov. 15 to support West Mercer. Swap book titles over drinks and treats with your friends. (206) 232-6920.

“The Insect Play”: 7:30 p.m., Nov. 15-17, MI High School auditorium. $5/advance tickets, $10/students, $15/adults. http://misd.k12.wa.us/MIHSDrama.

Opening Day Festivities at the new South Mercer multi-purpose turf field: 9-10 a.m., Nov. 17. Celebrate with an opening ceremony, sports demonstrations and light refreshments. www.mercergov.org/southmercerplayfields.

Wetlands Restoration work: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Nov. 17, north Luther Burbank Park. Join Friends of Luther Burbank Park and high school E-team, meet in north parking lot. Tools supplied; wear boots, rain gear; bring sack lunch. Upperlutherburbank@hotmail.com.

“Mr. Popper’s Penguins”: through Nov. 18, Youth Theatre Northwest, 8805 S.E. 40th St., (206) 232-4145, www.youththeatre.org.

MI Visual Arts League Holiday Show: ongoing through Dec. 21, CCMV, 8236 S.E. 24th St. Diane Mortenson, (206) 230-6849; (206) 236-3545. MIVAL artists’ art is on display during November at Island businesses.

Flu shot clinics on MI

Walgreens: 2-8 p.m., Nov. 15. $25. 232-1197.

MI Primary Care: by appointment. For members and non-members. Free with health insurance; $30 without health insurance. 275-3588.

King County’s Public Health flu shots: call the Public Health line, (206) 296-4949, www.metrokc.gov.

MI Care and Rehab will offer flu shots soon. (206) 232-6600.

Clubs

MI’s Women Painters of Wash. 2007 Membership Show opening night reception: 5-8 p.m., Nov. 15. Exhibition: Nov. 15, 2007-Jan. 3, 2008, Arts Council of Snohomish Co., 1507 Wall St., Everett, Wash., 98026. Free. Janet Hamilton, (425) 337-0981, www.womenpainters.com.

Gather the Harvest Dinner, Auction: 6 p.m., Nov. 17, Vasa Park Lodge on Lake Sammamish. November fundraiser to benefit Overlake Service League’s “Focus on Youth” programs for Bellevue community children, families. RSVP: (425) 451-1175, www.overlakeserviceleague.org.

MI Historical Society: 1 p.m., Nov. 19, CCMV, 8236 S.E. 24th St. Topic: Washington history. Speaker: Junius Rochester, author, former regional history radio commentator. (206) 232-6187.

French conversation evening: venez et parlez, 7-9 p.m., Nov. 20, Cellar 46, 7650 S.E. 27th. Free parking in The Mercer garage. Jane Meyer Brahm, 232-0701.

Holiday Sale to benefit MI Youth & Family Services Foundation: 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Nov. 30; 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Dec. 1, CCMV, 8236 S.E. 24th St. Features Lee Gelb, Zavida Gemstones; Kate Di Santis, Full Circle Studio, Inc.; Nancy Meade, Terra Bella; Betsy Balch; Patricia Markevitch, Alicia Peru. Roger Kjos, (206) 236-3543, roger.kjos@mercergov.org.

MI Republican Women meets at 11:30 a.m., first Monday of the month, Market House Deli & Catering, 7525 S.E. 24th St., Suite #100. Virginia Hale, (206) 930-1564.

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 5760 meets at 7:30 p.m., first Tuesday of the month, VFW Hall, 1836 72nd Ave. S.E. (206) 232-6390.

MI Radio Operators: 7 p.m., third Thursday of the month, North end fire station, 3030 78th Ave. S.E. Don Sandstrom, 550-4148.

Senior Foundation of MI is accepting grant applications until Dec. 15. If you need capital to begin a service/program or augment one that benefits Island seniors, request an application at 232-4597. Mail completed forms to P.O. Box 51, Mercer Island, 98040.

National Charity League, Evergreen Chapter: If you are a former member who has a 6th grade daughter and would like to become re-involved with NCL, please call Nancy Bird, (206) 232-3880, by Jan. 15, 2008.

Volunteer drivers needed in Group Health Cooperative’s Special Transportation Program to transport the elderly. GHC membership not required. (206) 326-2800, resource.l@ghc.org.

Classes/Services

Mazuma Retirement Investment workshop: 5:30-7 p.m., Nov. 15, 2208 Senior Services of Seattle/King County, 2nd Ave., Seattle. Free. To sign up: (206) 268-6707, www.mazumaretirement.org.

Grief and the Holidays workshops: “Where to Begin,” 6-7:30 p.m., Nov. 15, Providence Hospice of Seattle, 425 Pontius Ave. N, Seattle 98109. Free. Purpose: help those who have lost loved ones to cope with holiday season’s challenges. More workshops on Nov. 29, Dec. 13, Jan. 3. Ailey Armstrong, (206) 749-7702.

Driving Company Performance: 6-8 p.m., Nov. 15, CCMV, 8236 S.E. 24th St. Executive briefing aligning product strategy, market maturity, execution. To register: (425) 891-6272, info@pivotalpm.com.

“Next Chapter” facilitated conversation: 6:30-7:30 p.m., Nov. 15, Tully’s Coffee, 7810 S.E. 27th St. Free discussion on your goals, dreams for the second half of life. www.nextchapterps.org; Debra Alderman, (206) 268-4118.

Explore the world of Narnia lectures: 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m., Nov. 18, CCMV, Mercer Room, 8236 S.E. 24th St. Meet author C.S. Lewis through Perry Lorenzo, Seattle Opera’s education director, popular lecturer. Film presentation of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”: 3-5:30 p.m., Nov. 25. (206) 236-3545.

Bill Meyer’s Performance Improvement Workshop: 4:30-5:30 p.m., Nov. 26, Dec. 10, CCMV. Sign up: patti_iswimusa@hotmail.com, (206) 999-5640. For parents, children. Limited space: first 30 people to sign up will get a spot. Increase athletic performance.

CCMV computer classes: ongoing. Learn tech basics, computer maintenance, security. Suggested donation: $20. Reserve a space: (512) 825-7549, crazycrystal@gmail.com.

Senior Care Classes, Support Groups for fall 2007, offered by Overlake Hospital Medical Center, Bellevue. Alison Estep, (425) 688-5177, alison.estep@overlakehospital.org; www.overlakehospital.org.

Divorce Lifeline: Adult therapy groups for those dealing with divorce, separation. Lutheran Community Services Northwest. 433 Minor Ave. N., Seattle. (206) 694-5788, braynor@lcsnw.org.

Mary Wayte Pool: Adapted aquatic lessons for children, adults with special needs. One-on-one lessons. $9/lesson. 296-4370.

Provide Comfort in a Time of Crisis — volunteer at Providence Hospice of Seattle for hospice patients, families. Monthly core training for volunteers: 5- 9 p.m., Dec. 4. Volunteer Hotline, (206) 320-7169.

Schools

MI Lacrosse Fall Ball for boys, grades 1-8, through Nov. 25. Weekly program. Clinics, scrimmages prepare current/prospective players for spring season. Grades 1-4 practice 11 a.m.-12 p.m.; grades 5-6, 12 p.m.-1 p.m.; grades 7-8, 1 p.m.-2 p.m. To register: mercerislandlacrosse.com. Chris Juergens, (206) 240-3745; Jody Beckwith, 232-1489.

Saturday Little Dribblers for boys grades 3-9 has begun registration. The season starts 8 a.m., Dec. 1, for grades 3/4; 9 a.m., grades 5/6; 10 a.m., grades 7-9. $90. Registration forms: www.mibasketball.org. Petur, (206) 940-1125, peturkarl@comcast.net

MIHS Band Concert: 7:30 p.m., Feb. 23, 2008, MIHS Performing Arts Center. MIHS Wind and Jazz Ensembles will perform with world-famous musicians Allan Vizzutti, Vince DiMartino. Informal musicians’ reception afterward in MIHS Commons area. Fundraising effort for MIHS tour in China, March 2008. Tickets: cathy-ramsay@comcast.net, (206) 236-1958.

Childfind: the MI School District is offering to locate and evaluate students ages birth-21 with suspected disabilities who live on MI. If your child’s development is of concern, contact: Student Services Department, (206) 236-3329.

Little Acorn Day School has fall openings. Children must be at least 2-1/2. Tiana, 236-0480, Littleacorninc@msn.com.

MI Toddlers has openings for fall 2007 parent/child weekly classes. Sponsor: BCC Parent Education Program. Sue, (425) 564-2365.

High School Reunions

MIHS football players toast: Nov. 23, MIHS, for retiring football coach Dick Nicholl. “Reunions with Class,” (425) 644-1044.

Lincoln High School Class of 1958 50th reunion: Aug. 16, 2008, Lynnwood Convention Center, Lynnwood, Wash. www.lincolnlynxseattle.org; rchartrand@comcast.net; The Lincoln Lynx Alumni Association, P.O. Box 31056, Seattle, WA 98103-1056.

Library

The following events take place at the Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave. S.E., unless otherwise noted. Please call 236-3537 for more information.

Adults

E-mail Level II: 9 a.m., Nov. 15. Attachments, address book.

E-mail Level III: 9 a.m., Nov. 20.

Children and Families

Eric Ode Music Concert: 7 p.m., Nov. 15. Hand motions, puppets, rhythm instruments, Eric’s Amazing Book Machine. For ages 3 and up. Sponsor: MIPA.

Toddler Story Time: 10 a.m., Nov. 20, 27, Large Meeting Room. Stories, music, fingerplays, activities for ages 24-36 months and caregiver. Registration required.

Preschool Story Time: 11 a.m., Nov. 20, “Thankful for Thanksgiving.” Stories, early literacy activities, music, puppets for ages 3-5. Registration required.

Pajama Story Time: 7 p.m., Nov. 26. Come dressed ready for bed. Ages 3-7.

Once Upon a Fairytale Stories for preschoolers: 11 a.m., Nov. 27. Fairy tales, songs. Ages 3-5.

Teens

Teen Zone: 1 p.m., Nov. 19, 26. Hang out, do homework; board games, DDR, Guitar Hero.

Teen Advisory Board: 7 p.m., Nov. 20. Voice opinions on library’s teen materials, programs. Earn one volunteer credit hour.

Game On: 7 p.m., Nov. 27. DDR, Guitar Hero, GameCube, Wii, PS2 games.

Boys & Girls Club

All events take place at the Boys & Girls Club, 2825 West Mercer Way, unless otherwise noted. To register: 232-4548, www.mipositiveplace.org.

Music Works — Guitar: 3-3:55 p.m., Mondays, age 11 and younger; 4-4:55 p.m., Mondays, age 12 and older. Through Nov. 19. Acoustic and popular guitar. Books provided. $210.

Writing Club: 4-6 p.m., Tuesdays. Grades 3-4. Author Barbara Winkelman. Children present a reading at Starbucks at session’s end. $80.

MI Judo Dojo practices 6:15-8 p.m., Tuesdays. Instructor: Harold Yamada, fourth degree black belt, U.S. certified Judo coach, teacher, international referee. Sign up: ongoing. Evergreen State Open Judo Tournament at Boys & Girls Club: April 5, 2008, free admission.

Chess on Wednesdays: Beginning, 4-5 p.m. Intermediate, 5-6 p.m. Grades K-5. $108.

No-school days: activities include field trips, snack, arts and crafts, indoor/outdoor games, $45 per day. Care for teacher conferences: $25/day; $100/five days.

Preschool Rainy Day Gym: 9:30-12:30 p.m., Wednesdays through May 1, 2008. Indoor playground for toddlers, preschoolers. $3 per visit.

Teens: Hang out at the Boys & Girls Club on Saturdays. $3. Open gym, movies, XBOX, Internet, karaoke, open-mic nights, foosball, ping-pong, pool. Free pizza, soda. Nate, 232-4548.

Parks & Recreation

Call 236-3545 or register online at www.myparksandrecreation.com to receive a catalog of the Mercer Island Parks & Recreation Department events. All events are held at the Mercer Island Community Center, 8236 S.E. 24th St., unless otherwise specified.

Drop-in preschool at Community Center: 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday. $5/hour. 236-3545.

Jazzercise at CCMV: 9:30-10:30 a.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday.

Bridge lessons: 10 a.m.-noon, Tuesdays, Thursdays. $63/six weeks. Instructor: Aidee Pokroy. 236-3545.

Volunteer bus drivers needed for Island senior transportation. No endorsements necessary. Jeanette, 230-6845.

Parks & Rec. Seniors

Grief & Loss Support Group: 1-2:30 p.m., Nov. 15, CCMV, 8236 S.E. 24th St., for senior adult widowed men, women who have lost a spouse or partner. Free. Betsy Zuber, (206) 236-3525.

Grocery shopping transportation: Wednesday mornings. Call 236-3456; leave a message by 4 p.m., the day before shopping. $1 round trip.

Senior lunch at Covenant Shores: noon, Tuesdays, Thursdays, dining room. Ride CCMV shuttle. Transportation also available round-trip from home. Registration required: Jackie, 230-6846. $4.25.

JCC

All events take place at the Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 E. Mercer Way, unless noted. Please contact Roni Antebi, (206) 232-7115, ext. 269, to register for all events.

Music class: The Great Piano Concertos from Bach to the Present, 1-2:30 p.m., Nov. 14, 21. Lecturer Steven Lowe. $35/members, $45/non-members.

The Movie Club: The Komediant (2000), 12:45 p.m., Nov. 15, auditorium. Burstein family story, history of Yiddish theatre. Free. Please RSVP.

Digital Photography 101: 6-9 p.m., Nov. 15. Instructor: Duke Coonrad. $40.

Bridge Group, ongoing: 12:30-3 p.m., Nov. 16, room 200. All levels welcome, prior bridge playing experience necessary. Bring brown bag lunch. Free/JCC members, $2/non-members.

Mah Jongg, ongoing: 12:30-3:30 p.m., Nov. 16, Polack Lounge. Ancient Chinese game of skill, chance. Free/JCC members, $2/non-members.

The Sunday Exchange Club presents: women composers throughout music history, 10:30 a.m-12:30 p.m., Nov. 18, auditorium. Lecturer: Steven Lowe. Works by Fanny Mendelssohn, Clara Schumann and others. $1 per person.

Clearwater Casino Trip: 8:45 a.m.-4 p.m., Nov. 19. Bus leaves JCC, 8:45 a.m.; returns by 4 p.m. Limited space for first 24 people. Free.

Poker game: 12:30-3 p.m., second, fourth Tuesdays of the month. Watch out for the sharks.

Jewish Meditation classes: 3- 4 p.m., first, third Friday of the month. Co-sponsor: Bet Alef Meditative Synagogue. Guide: Olivier BenHaim. Free, $5 suggested donation. Please register.

JCC Seniors

All senior social programs will be held in the auditorium.

The Active Seniors Club presents Joel Connelly, Seattle P.I. columnist: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Nov. 21. Free.

Senior chair exercises: 10:15-10:45 a.m., Mondays, Thursdays, auditorium. Free for basic members, J fitness members, JCC Silver Sneakers members. Instructor: Minna Levitt.

Senior water exercise: 11 a.m.-noon, Mondays, Thursdays. Fitness members only.

Religion

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Sacrament meeting: 9 a.m. Sunday school: 10:10 a.m. Priesthood, Relief Society, Young Women: 11:10 a.m. 4001 Island Crest Way. 236-2957.

Congregational Church of Mercer Island Sunday worship: 10:30 a.m., nursery care provided. Children’s Sunday school during worship. Adult Education: 9 a.m., Sundays. Senior lunch after worship: Nov. 18. High School Youth Group/Sunday school: 6 p.m. Middle School Youth Group: 6-8 p.m., Wednesdays. Bible Studies: 7:45 p.m., Wednesdays; 6:15 p.m., Thursdays. 4545 Island Crest Way, (206) 232-7800, office@ucc-ccmi.net, www.ucc-ccmi.org.

Congregation Shevet Achim morning minyan: 6:45 a.m., Monday, Thursday; 6:55 a.m., Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday. Daily Tanya class: 30 minutes before morning minyan. Shabbat services: 9 a.m. between Sukkot and Pesach, and 9:30 a.m. between Pesach and Sukkot. Spiritual dimensions of the weekly parsha lectures: 7:30-8:30 p.m., Mondays. Sanctuary of Northwest Yeshiva High School. President Rich Gilmore, (206) 232-1060.

Emmanuel Episcopal Church Sunday services: Holy Eucharist, 8 a.m., 10 a.m.; church school, nursery care; children’s choir, 11:30 a.m. Contemporary service: 5 p.m., Holy Eucharist in the chapel. Holy Eucharist, healing service: 9:30 a.m., Wednesdays. 4400 86th Ave. S.E. 232-1572, mail@emmanuelmi.org.

First Church of Christ, Scientist: Thanksgiving Day service at 10 a.m.; all are welcome. Services and Sunday school: 10 a.m. Wednesday meetings: 7:30 p.m. Childcare available. Reading Room: open weekdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 7605 S.E. 27th St. 232-0175, fccsmi@hotmail.com.

First Taiwanese Presbyterian Church: Christian Education, 9:15 a.m. Worship: 10:40 a.m., Sundays, Fireside Room. 3605 84th Ave. S.E.

Herzl-Ner Tamid Conservative Congregation services: 6 p.m., Fridays and 9:15 a.m., Saturdays. Daily Minyan: 7 a.m. Minyan at 9 a.m. on Sundays and secular holidays. PreShabbat Oneg: 5:30 p.m., Fridays. FirstFridays at HNT, young adults: 7:30 p.m. 3700 E. Mercer Way.

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Sunday worship schedule: 8 a.m., 10:15 a.m. and 5 p.m. (contemporary evening service in Fellowship Hall). Sunday school classes: 9 a.m. 8501 S.E. 40th St. (206) 232-3270, www.htlcmi.org.

Mercer Island Covenant Church regular worship services: 8:30 a.m., 11 a.m. Sunday school for all ages: 9:45 a.m. “LIFT” contemporary evening service: 6:30 p.m., Nov. 18. Middle School Youth Group: 7 p.m., Tuesdays. Men’s Open Prayer Group: 6:15 a.m., Wednesdays. Community Dinner: 5:30 p.m., Wednesdays, $3/person. High School Youth Group: 7 p.m., Thursdays. Women’s Prayer Ministry: 8 a.m., Thursdays. Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 a.m., Saturdays. Women’s Oasis (Precepts Study of Daniel): 9:15 a.m., Thursdays, childcare provided. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers): 9:30 a.m., Nov. 16 and first, third Fridays. Children’s Craft Workshop: 1-4 p.m., Dec. 1, children make gifts for family, teachers, friends. Forms available at MICC Office, www.micc.org. 3200 78th Ave. S.E. 232-1015 ext. 100.

Mercer Island Presbyterian Church: Breakfast worship, 8:15 a.m., Fellowship Hall; worship,10:35 a.m. and 5 p.m., sanctuary; nursery available. Thanksgiving at Plymouth on Stewart: Nov. 22, help prepare, cook/serve, Elaine Bolger, (206) 275-2654, bolger8166@comcast.net. African Children’s Choir: 8:15, 10:35 a.m., Nov. 25, sanctuary. No 5 p.m. service, Nov. 25. Super 60’s & Beyond: 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Nov. 28, special program, lunch. Christmas Teas for all: Dec. 7, 12 p.m. with Christmas music/story and/or 6 p.m. with handbells/instrumentals in Courtyard; $10/each; reservations, Beth Johnson, (206) 232-4440, Ruth Ann Biggers, RuthAnnB@MIPC.org. Kindermusik registration: Haley Montoya, (206) 325-1233, adovesong@gmail.com. 3605 84th Ave. S.E. (206) 232-5595.

Mercer Island United Methodist Church: Sunday School, 10 a.m. Sunday worship: 11 a.m. Childcare available. All are welcome. 7070 S.E. 24th St. 232-3044.

New Hope International Church Sunday services: 9 a.m. (English), 2 p.m. (Thai). A prayer session is available for those who need healing. 9170 S.E. 64th St. 275-1042 ext. 3, www.newhic.org.

Redeemer Lutheran Church worship and kids’ services: 10 a.m. Fellowship and Bible study: 11 a.m. Celebration of the national holiday of Thanksgiving with a service on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22, 10 a.m. The theme is: “Hearts of thanksgiving.” It seems as though every time you watch the news, there is a new study out telling us to take better care of our hearts. Heart health is a wise thing to pursue if you want to live a long, healthy life. And there seems to be a large percentage of Americans taking the studies “to heart” and changing their lifestyles. There’s also another type of “heart care” that you don’t hear much about, and few studies have been done on it: the spiritual condition of the heart. While science has not proven that a heart filled with faith will beat longer, it will beat for eternity. And a faith-filled heart is full of thanksgiving. On this celebration of thanksgiving, we offer up to the Lord our “hearts of thanksgiving.” You are welcome to join us. 6001 Island Crest Way. Handicap accessible with ample parking. Pastor Bill Clements, 232-1711, www.redeemerlutheranchurch.us.

St. Monica Catholic Church: Are you interested in learning about the Catholic faith? You are invited to join St. Monica Catholic Church’s RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation Adults) program, an ancient church process to enable non-Christians or non-Catholics to learn about and participate in the Roman Catholic faith. Some attend for enrichment purposes as well. All are welcome to join. The class meets 7:30-9 p.m., Wednesdays, St. Monica School Library, 4320 87th Ave. S.E.; Dan Stevenson, 232-9829. Childcare provided. 4301 88th Ave. S.E. 232-2900.