THIS WEEK

Published 3:16 pm Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Lions’ trees at Farmers

For the 33rd consecutive year, the Lions Club will be selling Christmas trees beginning this Saturday, Nov. 24 in the Farmer’s Insurance parking lot. Mercer Island Boy Scout Troop 647 will help the Lions Club set up trees at the lot. Trees will be on sale from 1:30 to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays; and Sundays beginning at 10 a.m. Proceeds go to Mercer Island charitable community organizations.

Business of the Year nominations

Today is the last day to nominate that special business for the Mercer Island Chambers’ Business of the Year Award. The award recognizes businesses who serve the community. Businesses do not need to be a member of the Chamber. For more information, please call the Chamber office at 232-3404.

Grants

The Senior Foundation of Mercer Island is accepting grant applications until Dec. 15. If you need funding to begin a service or 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.

African Children’s Choir

The world-renowned African Children’s Choir, a group of African students, will perform at Mercer Island Presbyterian Church at 8:15 and 10:35 a.m. on Nov. 25. For information, go to www.mipc.org.

Thanksgiving Eve Service

An All Island ecumenical Thanksgiving Eve Service will be held at 7:30 tonight, Nov. 21, at Holy Trinity Church, 8501 S.E. 40th St. For information, call 232-3270.

Islander plays the blues

Mercer Island High School graduate Colin Lake and his band, “Colin Lake and Wellbottom,” will perform this Saturday, Nov. 24, at the Conor Byrne Pub in Ballard. Lake has carved a unique niche in the West Coast blues scene. A man of several musical talents, Lake’s latest passion is the lap-side guitar. And his talent is no secret. Earlier this year, the 26-year-old took first place in the Telluride Acoustic Blues Competition in Colorado. Lake won for his solo performance — a soulful combination of deep vocals and blues guitar. The Islander has since returned to the Northwest, bringing his music with him. With a number of note-worthy shows (including the Widmer Brothers Brewing’s Oktoberfest) and debut record, “Wax Wane,” under its belt, “Colin Lake and Wellbottom” is ready to show Seattle just what they’re missing. The Conor Byrne Pub show starts at 9 p.m. $5. For more information, go to www.colinlake.com.

Events

Holidoors Art Party: 1:30-3:30 p.m., Nov. 27, North Mercer Gym. Bring your children and ideas; create festive door decorations for Covenant Shores, Ellsworth House; help residents ring in the holidays. Snacks provided. MI Preschool Association, (206) 236-3033.

Holiday Sale to benefit MI Youth & Family Services: 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Nov. 30; 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Dec. 1, CCMV, 8236 S.E. 24th St. Features Full Circle Studio’s home decorations, Zavida Gemstone’s jewelry, B This and That’s linens, Terra Bella’s home/garden decor. Roger Kjos, (206) 236-3543, roger.kjos@mercergov.org.

World AIDS Day worship service: 7 p.m., Dec. 1, MI Presbyterian Church, 3605 84th Ave. S.E. Support and pray for those who have HIV/AIDS worldwide. All are welcome. (206) 232-5595, www.mipc.org.

Holiday festivities at MI Covenant Church: make gifts for family, teachers, friends at Children’s Craft Workshop, 1-4 p.m., Dec. 1. Women’s Christmas Brunch: 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m., Dec. 8, author/speaker Betty Southard on “Hassle-free Holiday,” $10/person. Christmas dessert theater, “A Christmas Prayer” musical: 7:30 p.m., Dec. 14-15, $3/person. 3200 78th Ave. S.E., (206) 232-1015, www.micc.org.

Community Hanukkah Celebration: Noon-3 p.m., Dec. 2, Stroum JCC, 3801 East Mercer Way. Festival of Lights candlelighting, games, arts and crafts, gift bazaar, Jewish bands, ceramic workshop. Storytelling, face painting, music for kids. Free admission. Lunch, latkes for purchase. Concert by youth group Dor Sheni of Kiryat Malachi, Israel. Roni Antebi, (206) 232-7115, ext. 269.

Puget Sound Blood Drive: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Dec. 3, Farmers New World Life, 3003 77th Ave. S.E., rooms 2, 3. 1-800-398-7888, www.psbc.org.

Book signing for author Ben Sherman: Dec. 4, Island Books, 3014 78th Ave. S.E., 232-6920.

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

Clubs

MI Probus Club annual holiday luncheon: Dec. 5, Covenant Shores. Buses will shuttle members, guests from MI Presbyterian Church, 3605 84th Ave. S.E. between 11:15-11:45 a.m. Bob Simonds, (206) 236-2190.

Holidoors: 10-11:30 a.m., Dec. 7, MI Convenant Shores. Island preschool classes will decorate doors, bringing holiday cheer to CS residents. MIPA, Kirstin Larson, (206) 232-6888; Dina Deitz, (425) 864-0947.

MI Women’s Club annual Holiday Bazaar: Dec. 11, Glendale Country Club in Bellevue. Fundraising event. Opens at 10:30. Luncheon: noon. Make reservations by Nov. 30. Lynn Kloppenburg, (206) 230-9363.

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.

MI Senior Foundation 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.

MI’s Women Painters of Wash. 2007 Membership Show Exhibition: through Jan. 3, 2008, Arts Council of Snohomish Co., 1507 Wall St., Everett, Wash., 98026. Free. Janet Hamilton, (425) 337-0981, www.womenpainters.com.

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.

Cellar 46 wine tasting: 2-6 p.m., Saturdays, Mercer Building, 7650 S.E. 27th St., Suite 120. Free. Ryan Allison, (206) 407-3016, www.cellar46.com/events.

Tatters Holiday Fundraiser for Youth & Family Services: Dec. 5-24, 7605 S.E. 27th St. #105. Proceeds from sales at Tatters, a women’s clothing store, will go to YFS. Roger Kjos, (206) 236-3543, roger.kjos@mercergov.org.

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

Explore the world of Narnia: 3-5:30 p.m., Nov. 25, CCMV, Mercer Room, 8236 S.E. 24th St. Film presentation of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” with refreshments. (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.

Mazuma Retirement Investment workshop: 5:30-7 p.m., Nov. 28, Bellevue Regional Library, 1111 110th Ave. N.E. Senior Services of Seattle/King County. Free. To sign up: (206) 268-6707, www.mazumaretirement.org.

Grief and the Holidays workshops: Nov. 29, Dec. 13, Jan. 3, Providence Hospice of Seattle, 425 Pontius Ave. N, Seattle 98109. Free. Ailey Armstrong, (206) 749-7702.

Brain Matters 101: 7-9 p.m., Nov. 29, MI Presbyterian, 3605 84th Ave. S.E. Learn about the irreversible, damaging effects of alcohol, drugs on the brain. Presenter: Victoria Tennant, M. Ed. Sponsor: Communities That Care Project. (206) 236-3525.

Volunteer at Providence Hospice, Seattle: Monthly core training for volunteers, 5- 9 p.m., Dec. 4. Provide comfort for hospice patients, families in crisis. Volunteer Hotline, (206) 320-7169.

WA State Parks NASBLA boating safety two-day course: 5-9 p.m., Dec. 12-13, Jan. 9-10, Jan. 22-23. MI Marine Patrol’s State Parks certified instructors. $15. Pre-register: Marine Patrol, (206) 236-5309, keith.mcdonough@mercergov.org. www.mercergov.org/boatersafety.

“Cool Tools for the Real Estate Investor” seminar: 6:30-8 p.m., Dec. 12, CCMV, 8236 S.E. 24th St. Christine Kenyon, (206) 275-3779. Register: MI Parks and Recreation, (206) 236-3545.

Parenting from the Heart, Positive Discipline: 6:30-8:30 p.m., Dec. 13, Stroum JCC, 3801 East Mercer Way. Speaker: Dr. McVittie, parent educator, expert in positive discipline. $10/person; $17/couple. No JCC membership necessary. Pre-registration suggested. Andy, andyl@sjcc.org, (206) 232-7115 ext. 304.

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

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.

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.

Schools

MI Lacrosse Fall Ball for boys, grades 1-8, through Nov. 25. Weekly program. 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. 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. Musicians’ reception in MIHS Commons area. Fundraising effort for MIHS China tour, 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

Classics on Film, Alfred Hitchcock’s “North by Northwest”: 1 p.m., Dec. 8, MI Library. Presenter: Lance Rhoades, film historian. Free admission.

Children and Families

Toddler Story Time: 10 a.m., Nov. 27, Large Meeting Room. Stories, music, fingerplays, activities for ages 24-36 months and caregiver. 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. 26. Hang out, do homework; board games, DDR, Guitar Hero.

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.

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

Solemates: 8:30-11:30 a.m., Nov. 21, 28, from CCMV. $2.

Low Vision Support Group: 1:30-3 p.m., Nov. 29, CCMV, Calkins Room. New low vision aids.

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

Senior lunch, 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 or RSVP for all events.

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

“You Are What You Eat”: 1 p.m., Nov. 26. Presenter: Adam Rinde, N.D., Bastyr University graduate. Learn about nutritional ways to improve your health. Please RSVP.

Community Hanukkah Celebration: Noon-3 p.m., Dec. 2. Celebrate the Festival of Lights with candlelighting ceremony, games, arts and crafts, gift bazaar, Jewish bands, ceramic workshop, kids’ activities.

Poker game: 12:30-3 p.m., Nov. 27, second, fourth Tuesdays of the month. Watch out for sharks.

Bridge Group: 12:30-3 p.m., Nov. 23, room 200. All levels welcome, prior bridge playing experience necessary. Bring brown bag lunch. Free/JCC members, $2/non-members.

Mah Jongg: 12:30-3:30 p.m., Nov. 23, Polack Lounge. Ancient Chinese game of skill, chance. Free/JCC members, $2/non-members.

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. 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 Island Thanksgiving Eve service: 7 p.m., Nov. 21, community is welcome. 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. Middle School Youth Group: 7 p.m., Tuesdays. Regular activities are cancelled this week from Wednesday to Friday. Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 a.m., Saturdays. Women’s Oasis (Precepts Study of Daniel): 9:15 a.m., Thursdays, childcare provided. 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. NO 5 p.m. Worship Service, Nov. 25, or Christian Education, 9:15 a.m., Nov. 25. 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., Christmas music/story; 6 p.m., handbells/instrumentals in Courtyard; $10/person; 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). Celebrate Thanksgiving: 9 a.m. this Sunday, Nov. 18; bring your family, rediscover the contentment that only comes through a grateful heart and enjoy a New Hope Youth video production. A free Thanksgiving lunch will follow the worship service. 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. Celebrate Thanksgiving with a service on 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.