Benefit for Habitat for Humanity cocktail party hosted by Six Walls is at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28, at the Mercerwood Shoreclub, 4150 East Mercer Way. Tickets are $100 per person or $175 per couple and include hors d’oeuvres, two cocktails and entertainment including Texas Hold `Em Poker, music, dancing and a silent auction. Proceeds go to Habitat for Humanity. Contact Six Walls at 275-3399 for more information.

Louisianathon II, the second Annual Northwest Cajun-Zydeco Music and Dance Festival, is from 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Oct. 29, and from noon to 10 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30, at the VFW Hall, 1825 72nd Ave. S. E. All proceeds go to the New Orleans Musicians Clinic Relief Fund. All musicians in the festival donate their performances. Contact Ted Granger at 324-3726.

Mercer Island High School Cheer Clinic for kindergarten through fifth grades is at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30, at the MIHS gym. The children will cheer at the MIHS vs. Mt. Si football game at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4. Participants may register and pay at the door. Contact Arlene_Naganawa@msn.com for more information.

Harvest Hop Dance to benefit Mercer Island Youth and Family Services is from 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, at the Mercer Island Congregational Church, 4545 Island Crest Way. Tickets are $75 per person and include drinks, food and fun. Casual dress. Mail checks to MIYFS, 2040 84th Ave. S.E., Mercer Island, 98040.

Meet Carl the Dog from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, at Island Books, 3014 78th Ave. S.E. Alexandra Day, author of the “Carl” children’s books, will present her newest book “Carl’s Sleepy Afternoon.”

Islander Middle School Ski and Snowboard Swap is from 8:30 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Nov. 5, at the IMS gym, 8225 S.E. 72nd St. New and gently-used Alpine and Nordic ski equipment, snowboard gear and apparel will be available at discounted prices. Consignment items will be accepted between 4 and 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4, at IMS.

Volunteers

Volunteers are needed at Mercer Island Youth & Family Services, 2040 84th Ave. S.E. For more information, contact Janis Honkawa at Janis.Honkawa@ci.mercer-island.wa.us or call 236-3525.

Clubs

Mercer Island Preschool Association events:

? The Coffee Social is from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Oct. 27, at 7250 92nd Ave. S.E. Contact Shannon at 236-8802 or Lauren at 275-3709 for more information.

Mercer Island Women’s Club:

? Invites women interested in joining the club to a Halloween potluck lunch at 11:30 a.m. today at the home of Mary Ann Simonetti. R.S.V.P. to Barbara Stevens at seattlebarb@comcast.net or 275-3220.

? Luncheon is at 11:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 14, at the Women’s University Club, 1105 6th Ave., Seattle. It features style consultant Audrey Beaulac. A social hour begins at 10:30 a.m. R.S.V.P. to Catherine Cole at 232-0282 no later than Saturday, Nov. 5.

Friends of Luther Burbank Park will meet from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, at the Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave. S.E.

Emergency Preparedness Class at the ProBus Club is at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2, at the Presbyterian Church, 3604 84th Ave. S.E. Dee Totten, emergency preparedness manager for the City of Mercer Island, will present a program on family and neighborhood preparedness for an earthquake or other disaster. The public is encouraged to attend.

Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce membership luncheon is at noon Thursday, Nov. 3, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 8501 S. E. 40th St. Gary Pollock, executive director of the Moyer Foundation, will be the speaker. The cost is $12 for members and $15 for non-members. R.S.V.P. to 232-3404.

Mercer Island Visual Arts League will meet at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3, at the Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave. S. E. The speaker will be Nancy Fulton, watercolor artist. All are welcome. The MIVAL board will meet at 11 a.m.

Boy Scout Troop 624 is accepting new members. Boys 11 to 18 can join by attending a meeting at 7 p.m. Mondays at Mercer Island Presbyterian Church, 3605 84th Ave. S.E. Call Jon at 230-5640 for information.

Sons of Norway meets at 7:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month at Mercer Island United Methodist Church, 7070 S. E. 24th St.

Mercer Island Radio Operators meets at 7 p.m. every third Thursday of the month at the North Fire Station. The group provides backup emergency communications for the Mercer Island Public Safety Department. For information, call Bill Ellis at 232-4881.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.

All Island Classics on Film Series will show the film “War of the Worlds,” adapted from the original 19th century novel by H. G. Wells, at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30. Wearing costumes is encouraged. Free popcorn and other refreshments will be provided. At 3 and 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31, the famous Orson Welles’ fantasy radio broadcast based on the novel “War of the Worlds” will be aired.

All Island Book Group is at 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month. On Nov. 1, “The Mouse That Roared” by Leonard Wibberley will be discussed. Sally Porter, managing librarian, will lead the talk.

Talk Time English Conversation Class is from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays.

SCORE Counseling for business owners is at 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. every third Thursday.

Boys & Girls Club

Unless noted, all events take place at the Boys & Girls Club, 2825 West Mercer Way. Register online at www.mipositiveplace.org or call 232-4548.

Saturday Music Appreciation for 4- to 6-year-olds is from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m., to Dec. 17. The cost is $90. Register online.

Judo Program for 6- to 15-year-olds is from 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. The cost is $35 per month. Call to register.

Hip-Hop for Children 10 and older is from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays. The cost for eight hours is $100. Register online.

Growing Up Female for fourth to seventh grade daughters and their moms or dads. From 6:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8. Co-sponsored with Planned Parenthood, this program provides information about health issues. The cost is $15. Call to register.

Growing Up Male for fourth to seventh grade sons and their fathers or mothers is from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16. This program provides information and encourages ongoing communication about issues and changes associated with becoming a young man. The cost is $15. Call for times and to register.

AM/PM Pals for children in full-day kindergarten through fifth grade. From 6:30 to 9 a.m. and from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Staff members accompany your child to and from the school buses to the three public elementary schools, prepare nutritious snacks, plan arts and crafts, assist with homework, play large-group games, and supervise free play with Legos, board games, computer time and more. Register online or call Sue at 232-4548.

Parks & Rec

The following programs are run by the Parks & Recreation Department. Call 236-3545, or register online at www.myparksandrecreation.com.

Yoga Hatha Style is from 9 to 10:15 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 27 to Dec. 8, at the Boys & Girls Club dance room. The cost is $80.

Bridge is at Covenant Shores, 9150 Fortuna Drive. Intermediate is from 10 a.m. to noon Mondays, Oct. 31 to Dec. 5; beginning is from 9:45 to 11:45 a.m. Tuesdays, Nov. 1 to Dec. 6. The cost is $61.

Pilates are Wednesdays in the dance room at the Boys & Girls Club, 2040 84th Ave. S. E. Level 1 is from 9:45 to 10:30 a.m. Level 2 is from 10:45 to 11:30 a.m. The cost is $61.

Solemates walk Wednesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Meet at the Luther Burbank main parking lot.

Stretching and Abs Class is from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the North Mercer Gym, 8817 S.E. 40th St.

Seniors

The Congregational Church of Mercer Island, 4545 Island Crest Way, is offering:

? Flu Shots from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 14. Call 236-3545 for an appointment.

? Free Vision Screening from 10 to noon today.

? New Medicare Prescription Drug Plan informational meeting is from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3. No cost. R.S.V.P. to Betsy Zuber, geriatric specialist at Mercer Island Youth & Family Services, at 236-3525.

Financial Workshops for Seniors sponsored by Mercer Island Parks & Recreation Department are from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the North End Fire Station, 3030 78th Ave. S.E. The fee is $3.

? Coordinating estate planning, asset titling and beneficiary designations is today.? Everything You Need to Know About Investing, You Learned in Kindergarten is Wednesday, Nov. 2.

Yoga for Seniors 55-plus is from 1 to 2 p.m. Thursdays, Oct. 27 to Dec. 8, at the Boys & Girls Club dance room, 2040 84th Ave. S.E. The instructor is Maude Pauletto. The cost is $68.

Grief and Loss Support Group is from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, at the Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave. S. E.

Low Vision Support Group is from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27, at the Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave. S. E.

First Friday Transportation to various malls. Must call 236-3456 for reservations by Monday, Oct. 30. The cost is $2.

Parkinson Support Group is from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1, at the Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave. S.E. A University of Washington associate professor of neurology and psychiatry, will speak on “Non Motor Complications of PS.”

Late Life Depression, a community discussion, is from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Nov. 1, at the North End Fire Station, 3030 78th Ave. S. E. Betsy Zuber, geriatric specialist for Mercer Island Youth & Family Services, will discuss helpful community resources. The cost is $3. Call 236-3545 to register.

Family Caregivers Support Group is from 3 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2, at the Mercer Island Senior Health Center, 7707 S.E. 27th St. Betsy Zuber, geriatric specialist for Mercer Island Youth & Family Services, will discuss helpful community resources. Free to all spouses and adult children who are concerned about an aging loved one. Call 425-688-5641.

Tulalip Casino and New Outlet Mall Trip is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18. The group departs from Luther Burbank Park. The cost is $12.

JCC

Unless noted, all events take place at the Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 E. Mercer Way. For more information, call 232-7115.

Creating an Ethical Will is from 1 to 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31. Led by Don Armstrong, the Jewish Family Services director of aging and disability services. Call Marjorie Schnyder at 461-3240, ext. 3146, or jfle@jfsseattle.org.

JCC/AishSeattle Jewish Parenting Lecture Series “How to Raise a Mentsch” is from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1. No cost. Contact Techiya Levine for more information at tlevine@aish.org.

JCC’s Annual Meeting is at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3, in the Benaroya auditorium. A light dessert will be served. An $18 donation is requested. R.S.V.P. to Marcie Wirth at 232-7115, ext. 261, or e-mail marciew@sjcc.org.

Opening Reception of “Wall Earrings,” an art show by Jay Levey, is at 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, and will run through Wednesday, Dec. 21, at Kafe Keneret. The display includes works of stone, wood, metal and fiber.

AARP Driver Safety Course for ages 50-plus is from noon to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7, and Thursday, Nov. 10. The cost is $10. To register contact Ron Radke at 232-7142. Class size is limited.

Slide Show and Discussion of “The Gentleman From Finland: Adventures on the Trans-Siberian Express” by Seattle author Robert M. Goldstein is at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10.

Rosh Chodesh Group, a celebration of women and the new moon, is from 6:30 to 8:30 Sundays, Nov. 13 and Dec. 11. Confidential location. No cost. Childcare is provided at no cost with a request in advance. Call Michelle or Julie at Project DVORA, 461-3240. For Jewish women who have experienced abuse by an intimate partner.

Galleries

The Chamber Art Gallery’s mixed-media holiday art show runs through Friday, Jan. 1, at 7613 S.E. 27th St.

Photographs by Judith Roan will be on display at the Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave. S. E., through November.

Helen Schwedenberg, Dave Tracy and Don Stewart will exhibit their artwork at Island House, 7810 S.E. 30th St., to Nov. 15.

Yolanda Agress, Pia Messina and Colleen Mohn will exhibit their artwork at The French Market Cafe, 7525 S.E. 24th St., through November.

Religion

Mercer Island Presbyterian Church: The second MIPC pipe organ dedicatory concert is at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28, with organist David Di Fiore. Tuesday night classes will run through Nov. 22. Local disaster relief committee meeting is at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3, in the fireside room. Call Marilyn Jensen at 232-5596, ext. 212, for more information. The marriage course meets from 7 to 9 p.m. in the courtyard. A study of the book “God’s Politics” by Jim Wallis is from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in adult classroom A. The Ten Thousand Villages Sale will be Friday, Nov. 11, through Sunday, Nov. 13. The church is at 3605 84th Ave. S.E.

Congregational Church of Mercer Island: Worship service and Sunday school are at 10:30 a.m. Sundays. High school youth meet after worship. Middle school youth meet from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays. Bible study classes are at 7:30 and 8 p.m. Wednesdays and at 10 a.m. and 6:15 p.m. Thursdays. Spiritual formation group is at 7:30 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays of each month. The church is at 4545 Island Crest Way.

Mercer Island Covenant Church: Sunday services are at 9 and 10:45 a.m. and 6 p.m. Adult and children’s Sunday schools are at 9 a.m. The high school youth group meets at 4:45 p.m. Sundays. Middle school youth meet at 7 p.m. Tuesdays. Community dinners are at 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Alpha and Kids Club meet Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. Women’s Oasis is at 9:15 a.m. Thursdays. Scot Knight, author of “The Jesus Creed,” will be guest speaker at both morning services. For more information, call 232-1015, ext. 100. The church is at 3200 78th Ave. S.E.

Christian Science Church: The Christian Science Reading Room is at the Christian Science Church at Island Crest Way and S.E. 47th Street. The room is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Mondays. The public is invited. Call 232-0175 for more information, or e-mail fccsmi@attglobal.net.

Emmanuel Episcopal Church: Sunday services are at 8 a.m. (Rite I) and 10 a.m. (Rite II), with children’s choir at 11:30 a.m. There will be a pumpkin carving night at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, in the parish hall, with games and hot cider for all. The church is at S.E. 44th Street and 86th Avenue S.E.

Herzl-Ner Tamid Conservative Congregation: Help us help the victims of Hurricane Katrina by sending a check made out to Herzl-Ner Tamid and earmarked “Hurricane Relief.” For more information, call 232-8555. The synagogue is at 3700 East Mercer Way.

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church: Sunday worship services are at 8 a.m. in the chapel and at 10:15 a.m. in the sanctuary. Education hour is at 9 a.m. Dinner service is at 6 p.m. Wednesdays, followed by Bible studies and outreach projects. Emergency preparedness event is from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10. The knitting and crocheting group will meet the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. All ages, men or women are welcome. Call Pastor Constance at 232-3270. The church is at 8501 S.E. 40th St.

Mercer Island United Methodist Church: Christian education is at 9:45 a.m. Sunday and worship is at 11 a.m. The church is at 7070 S.E. 24th St.

St. Monica Catholic Church: Friends of the Needy will help serve and deliver food to downtown shelters from 5:15 to 7:15 p.m. Tuesdays. Meet in the church kitchen. For information, contact the youth minister at 232-9829 or at sage@stmonica.cc. The church is at 4301 88th Ave. S.E.

Off Island

Eighth Annual Men’s Health Event KNOW STROKE is from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Swedish Hospital/First Hill campus, 747 Broadway, Seattle. The fee is $25. Lecture on general health information and free screenings for cholesterol, blood pressure, body composition, PSA (prostate-specific antigen) and colon cancer. Continental breakfast is included.

Exploring Interfaith Relationships is from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, Nov. 1 through Nov. 29, at Hillel at the University of Washington, 4726 17th Ave. N. E., Seattle. The cost is $60 per couple. Scholarships are available. Taught by Marjorie Schnyder, MSW, of Jewish Family Services, and Rabbi Dov Gartenberg, of Panim Hadashot. Contact Marjorie Schnyder at 461-3240 for more information.

Building Healthy Marriages and Healthy Community is from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, at Temple Beth Am, 2632 N. E. 80th St., Seattle. The cost is $12 in advance; $15 at the door. Scholarships are available.