Events

Summer Learning Fair is from noon to 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 12 at the Stroum Jewish Community Center. The fair will have many booths with all sort of activities for kids from Pacific Science Center, Kidsquest Museum, Mercer Island Library, Mills Music, and many others. Plus, the first 500 kids at the fair will receive a free book from Usborne Books. Contact Sarah Shero at 232-7115, ext. 242, for more information.

Summer Learning Fair is from noon to 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 12 at the Stroum Jewish Community Center. The fair will have many booths with all sort of activities for kids from Pacific Science Center, Kidsquest Museum, Mercer Island Library, Mills Music, and many others. Plus, the first 500 kids at the fair will receive a free book from Usborne Books. Contact Sarah Shero at 232-7115, ext. 242, for more information.

Grief and loss support group for senior adult widowed men and women who have lost a spouse or partner meets from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on July 12 at the Community Center at Mercerview. If you would like to join, please call Betsy Zuber at 236-3525. It is free.

Microsoft Word Level I meets from 9 to 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 12 at the library. Learn the basics of Microsoft Word, such as how to create and save a document, insert images and more. Join us for this fun computer class! Newcomers are always welcome. Call the library to register.

“Get Outside” volunteer projects: Upper Luther Burbank Park invasives removal is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 14. Meet at 84th Avenue S.E. and 84th Avenue S.E. To register visit www.mtsgreenway.org.

Birding trip: Roaming the higher east slope at Snoqualmie Pass will take place from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on July 16. The fee is $65. Please call 236-3545 for more information and to register.

Reading Buddies meets at 2 p.m. on Mondays, July 16, 23, and 30 in the Children’s Room of the library. Children ages 5 to 8 are invited to stop by the children’s area between for a 20-minute reading session with a local teen with literacy training. Drop-in, no registration required.

Get a Clue Concert is at 11 a.m. on July 18 for ages 4 and older at the library. Presented by Eric Ode. Someone has stolen Eric’s apple pie, and super sleuth Benjamin Dog is on the case.

Perry Lorenzo lecture on Shakespeare in the Park will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 21 in Luther Burbank Park. Lorenzo, a world-class arts lecturer, will discuss the history and insights of “The Merchant of Venice.” For more information, contact the Mercer Island Arts Council at 236-3545.

Harry Potter celebration is from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Friday, July 20 at the CCMV gym. Watch a Harry Potter movie, dress up, and participate in games and activities. When the clock strikes midnight, the last book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will be yours. Contact 236-3545, for more information.

Puss in Boots, the Creole Cat is at 2 p.m. on July 24 for ages 4 and older at the library. Live Zydeco and Cajun music add spice to this fairytale.

Casino trip to Clearwater Casino on the Kitsap peninsula is from 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 25. It’s senior’s day! Spend a few hours trying to hit the jackpot and get 50 percent off the buffet. The group will leave the JCC at 8:45 a.m. Discount coupons provided upon arrival; sign up with Ron Antebi at 232-7115, ext. 269. Space is limited for the first 24 people.

Omega Photo in downtown Bellevue presents a photo exhibition entitled “Abandoned” by Terry DeHart. The exhibit will run through July 31. Omega is located at 1100 Bellevue Way N.E. #6, Bellevue, WA. Please contact (425) 455-2126 for more details.

All Mercer Island tennis tournament to benefit Children’s Hospital will take place Aug. 20 through Aug. 29. Entries are due July 27. $25 entrance fee. Please contact mitournament@yahoo.com for more information.

Lunchtime Hoops join city employees for lunchtime basketball at the CCMV from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Call Harvey Barnes for details at 230-6848.

Mercer Island Thrift Shop needs volunteers of all ages for sorting, pricing and displaying donated items. Training is under way for evening and Saturday cashier and customer service positions. Call Suzanne Philen at 236-3454 for an interview.

Clubs

Girl Scout Troops are forming for fall. For more information and to be placed on a list to join a troop, please contact Anne Hritzay at 275-2322 or ahritzay@comcast.net.

Mercer Island Visual Arts League (MIVAL) Junior Art Show will be held July 14 and 15. Entries are being accepted at Wells Fargo Bank on Monday, July 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There is a fee of $2 per entry. Show is open to kindergarten through high school. Contact 232-6354 for more information. Members’ work is currently being shown. Wanda Hughes, Avellino Apts. 2836 78th St; Franca Martin at Mercer Island Florist, 3006 78th Ave. S.E.; Judith Roan, Sterling Savings Bank, 7803 S. E. 27th, #170; Norman Yang, La Belle Spa, 8425 S. E. 68th St.; Karen Amanda, Mercer Island Eyeworks, 2729 78th Ave. S. E.; Charlotte Haugen, Dr. Troy Thomas, 2055 80th Ave.; Jean Jack, Mercer Island Physical Therapy, 7900 S. E. 28th St., #102; Helen Schwedenberg, Mercer island Library,4400–88th Ave. S. E.; Laurie Malmfeldt, All Best Pet Care, 3937 78th Ave. S.E.; Esther Akrish, Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce, 7613 S. E. 27th St. These showings will continue through August.

Mercer Island Radio Operators meets at 7 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month at the North-end fire station, 3030 78th Ave. S.E. Contact Don Sandstrom at 550-4148.

All Island Book Club meets at 7:30 p.m. the last Thursday of each month at Island Books, 3014 78th Ave. S.E.

Mercer Island Republican Women will meet at 11:30 a.m., the first Monday of each month at Market House Deli & Catering, 7525 SE 24th St. Island Corporate Center Suite #100. Come for an informative discussion on community affairs and enjoy lunch of your choice. Virginia Hale can provide additional information at 930-1564.

Classes/Schools

Youth Theatre Northwest: The 24th Summer Stock Season will begin in early July and run through Labor Day weekend with three productions over a 10-week timeline. The three plays are: “Footloose” (July 12 through July 22), “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” (Aug. 3 through Aug. 11) and “Once Upon A Mattress” (Aug. 24 through Sept. 2). Each show will feature a new Thursday, midday performance. Additional information about the plays and the upcoming season is available online at www.youththeatre.org

Computer classes are ongoing at the CCMV. Learn Tech basics and computer maintenance and security. All donations will go to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training. A $20 donation per class is suggested. Contact 512-825-7549 or crazycrystal@gmail.com to reserve a space.

Real estate seminar, “Stepping into Adulthood: Financial Savvy for the Next Stage of Your Life,” is from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 8 at CCMV. The seminar is free, but please register by calling 236-3545.

Mary Wayte Pool: For schedules and information on upcoming classes and events at the pool see the new City Parks and Recreation Spring Catalog.

  • Adapted aquatic lessons for children and adults with special needs are now being offered. Instructors are trained through the Children’s Hospital Adapted Aquatics program. Lessons are one-on-one for optimal individualization. Cost is $9 per lesson. Call 296-4370 for more information.

    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.

    Detective Science meets at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 10 for ages 5 and older. How do world famous detectives use science to solve their most baffling cases? Solving crimes and finding the culprit often involves logic, creative thinking skills and imagination. Can you solve “The Case of the Runaway Bubble Gum?” No registration required.

    Microsoft Word Level I meets from 9 to 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 12. Learn the basics of Microsoft Word, such as how to create and save a document, insert images and more. Join us for this fun computer class! Newcomers are always welcome. Call the library to register.

    Summer Stories for twos and threes, is at 10 a.m. Tuesdays, July 10, 17, 24 and 31. Please register by calling the library.

    Reading Buddies meets at 2 p.m. on Mondays, July 9, 16, 23, and 30 in the Children’s Room. Help your child really love reading while making a new friend! Children ages 5 to 8 are invited to stop by the children’s area between for a 20-minute reading session with a local teen with literacy training. Drop-in, no registration required.

    Story Sleuths: Folktales to Figure Out meets at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 11 in the large meeting room. What’s the fastest way to count to 10? How can you wrap fire in paper? Ponder these questions and more as Nat and Jen Whitman share folktale riddles from around the world. No registration required.

    Tiny Tot Summer Tales and Fun! meets at 10:30 a.m. on Fridays, July 13 and 27 in the large meeting room for ages 15 to 23 months and caregiver. Stories, music, activities designed for the very young toddler.Call the library to register, 206.236.3537.

    Teen Advisory Board is at 6:45 p.m. the Thursday, July 17. Voice opinions on materials, services and programs the library should provide for teens.

    Get a Clue Concert is at 11 a.m. on July 18 for ages 4 and older. Presented by Eric Ode. Someone has stolen Eric’s apple pie, and super sleuth Benjamin Dog is on the case.

    Puss in Boots, the Creole Cat is at 2 p.m. on July 24 for ages 4 and older at the library. Live Zydeco and Cajun music add spice to this fairytale.

    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.

    Teens: Need a place to hang out on Saturdays? Visit the Boys & Girls Club. The cost is only $3. Open gym, movies, XBOX, Internet, karaoke, and open mic nights. Play foosball, Ping-Pong or pool. Free pizza and soda. Sponsored by Sahara. Call Nate at 232-4548.

    Preschool Rainy Day Gym, indoor playground for pre-schoolers accompanied by parents, is from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Trikes, scooters, balls, and climbing equipment provided.

    Parks & Rec.

    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.

    Birding trip: Roaming the higher east slope at Snoqualmie Pass will take place from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on July 16. The fee is $65. Please call 236-3545 for more information and to register.

    Lunchtime Hoops join city employees for lunchtime basketball at the CCMV from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Call Harvey Barnes for details at 230-6848.

    EcoDeals.org is a free online shopping guide that shows King County residents how to save money by purchasing products that are better for our environment. Visitors can find coupons to print and information about retailers, products and services that conserve resources, and offer real savings. For more tips, please visit www.mercergov.org/sustainability.

    Summer Celebration boat ride around the Island tickets are now for sale at CCMV. Boat rides are Saturday, July 14 at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. the cost is $10 a person. The fireworks cruise is from 8:30 to 11 p.m. and is $40 per person. Call CCMV for more information at 236-3545.

    Bridge lessons are from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Thursdays. The cost is $63 for six weeks. The instructor is Aidee Pokroy. Call 236-3545 for more information.

    Volunteer bus driver needed for senior transportation. Parks and Rec provides transportation to senior adults on the Island who no longer drive. The bus is easy to drive and no endorsements are needed. Please call Jeanette at 230-6845 to join this group of volunteers.

    Seniors

    Grief and loss support group for senior adult widowed men and women who have lost a spouse or partner meets tomorrow, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on July 12 at the Community Center at Mercerview. If you would like to join, please call Betsy Zuber at 236-3525. It is free.

    Niner’s 9-hole senior golf program, Mondays through Oct. 22. Call 236-3545 to register.

    Solemates: Four miles of walk and talk followed by a stop at a coffee shop. From 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., Wednesdays. No walks in June. Meet in the lobby at the CCMV. The fee is $2 per person, per walk.

    Grocery shopping transportation: Pick up every Wednesday at your home, take you to one grocery store and a quick errand on the Island. Will carry your groceries into the house. Call 236-3456 and leave a message by 4 p.m. the day before shopping. The cost is $1 round trip.

    Meals on Wheels: Senior Services’ Meals on Wheels program offers nutritious, home-delivered frozen meals to home-bound seniors. We have recently replaced several less popular meals with new selections. For more information about this program please contact Jackie at the CCMV at 236-3545.

    Senior lunch program is Tuesdays and Thursdays. Served in the Covenant Shores dining room. Transportation provided from CCMV. Call us if you need a ride from home. Call 236-6845 to register. The cost is $4.25.

    Senior Adult Newsletter mailing list. Contact 236-3545 if you wish to be added to the mailing list.

    JCC

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

    Sunday Matinee at the J featuring “El Ultimo Sefaradi” (The Last Sephardic Jew) is at 4 p.m., Sunday, July 8. Join us once a month for an afternoon of fun, gathering and education. Free. Please RSVP with Roni Antebi at 232-7115 ext. 269.

    Beginning Hebrew class at the SJCC from 11 a.m. to noon on Fridays, June 1 through July 6. This class is designed for students who have little or no Hebrew background and are looking for basic reading and speaking skills beginning with the Alef-Bet, simple words, and grammar. Instructor: Hagit Shekel, A native Hebrew speaker and experienced teacher. Cost is $80 for member and $100 for non-member.

    JCC Seniors:

    All senior social programs will be held in the auditorium.

    Casino trip to Clearwater Casino on the Kitsap peninsula is from 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 25. It’s senior’s day! Spend a few hours trying to hit the jackpot and get 50 percent off the buffet. The group will leave the JCC at 8:45 a.m. Discount coupons provided upon arrival; sign up with Ron Antebi at 232-7115, ext. 269. Space is limited for the first 24 people.

    Mah Jongg ongoing from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Fridays. Please bring a Mah Jongg set if possible. Free for members., $2 for non-members.

    Bridge games: will be from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. on the first and third Friday of each month. Free for JCC members, $2 for non-members.

    Sunday matinee movies: Are from 2 to 4 p.m. Call extension 269 for information. Preregistration is required.

    Religion

    Congregational Church of Mercer Island: Discovery Wednesdays are from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. weekly; take part in a potluck and intergenerational activities. Men’s Spirituality Group is at 7 a.m. on Friday, July 6. Sunday Worship is at 9:30 a.m. (Summer schedule ). The church is located at 4545 Island Crest Way, 232-7800, www.ucc-ccmi.org.

    Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Sacrament meeting is at 9 a.m. Sunday School is at 10:10 a.m. and Priesthood, Relief Society and Young Women meet at 11:10 a.m. Church is located at 4001 Island Crest Way. Call 236-2957 for more information.

    Emmanuel Episcopal Church: Sunday services: 8 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I; 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II, Church School and nursery care; 11:30 a.m. children’s choir, 5 p.m. A new Contemporary service with guitar and piano, storytelling, and Holy Eucharist in the Chapel. Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist and healing service. The church is located at S.E. 44th Street and 86th Avenue S.E.. Contact: 232-1572 or e-mail mail@emmanuelmi.org

    First Church of Christ, Scientist: Church Services and Sunday school are held at 10 a.m., Wednesday evening meetings are at 7:30 p.m. Child care is available at all services and meetings. The community is welcome. The Reading Room, a place for individual worship and prayer, as well as study, and research is open to everyone on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 7605 S.E. 27th St. Call 232-0175 for more information, or e-mail fccsmi@attglobal.net. The church is at Island Crest Way and S.E. 47th Street.

    Herzl-Ner Tamid Conservative Congregation: Services Friday at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Services are at 9:15 a.m. Saturday. Daily Minyan 7 a.m. and Sunday through Friday Minyan at 9 a.m. FirstFridays at HNT for young adults is at 7:30 p.m. The synagogue is at 3700 E. Mercer Way.

    Holy Trinity Lutheran Church: Summer hours begin on Sunday, June 17: One service will be at 9 a.m. in the sanctuary; there will be no 5 p.m. contemporary worship service until after Labor Day. Vacation Bible School is Aug. 20 through Aug. 24, registration forms are available at http://www.htlcmi.org or call the church office at 232-3270. Old-fashioned church picnic is at 11:30 a.m. on June 24 at Luther Burbank Park after the congregational meeting. Movies in August will be every Wednesday, complete with soda pop, candy and popcorn. Families — watch for us in the parade at the Mercer Island Summer Celebration on July 14 for pirate booty. The church is located at 8501 S.E. 40th St.

    Mercer Island Covenant Church: Summer Sunday services are at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. High school youth group meets at 7 p.m. on Thursdays. Middle school youth group meets at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays. There is no Community Dinner over the summer. Men’s open prayer group meets at 6:15 a.m. on Wednesdays. Women’s prayer ministry meets at 8 a.m. on Thursdays. Mothers of preschoolers will be having a Bible study at 9:15 a.m. every Friday, childcare is provided. For additional information call 232-1015, ext. 100, or check www.micc.org. The church is located at 3200 78th Ave. S.E.

    Mercer Island Presbyterian Church: Sunday, July 1: Pancake breakfast in the fellowship all; worship to follow at 10 a.m. Plymouth Housing Group sizzling summer scavenger hunt and sensational smorgasbord is noon to 2 p.m., contact Kelly Nelson at 275-3013. Vacation Bible School is July 9 through 13, 9:30 a.m. to noon, contact Eliana Maxim at 232-5596 or elianam@mipc.org. Potluck at the Creswell’s house is Thursday, July 12; for more information contact cresfamily@comcast.net. Hike to Blanca Lake, meet at church at 8 a.m. on July 14, contact Brad Fowler at 232-3307 or bradleyfowler@hotmail.com. Urban IMPACT Summer Academy Lunch Program is July 16-19, contact Mikie Helman at 275-2377. For general information contact Ruth Ann Biggers at 232-5596, ext. 203 or ruthannb@mipc.org. or Dale Sewall at dales@mipc.org. The church is at 3605 84th Ave. S.E.

    Mercer Island United Methodist Church: Sunday school is at 9:45 a.m. Worship is at 11 a.m. All are welcome. The church is at 7070 S.E. 24th St.

    New Hope International Church: Services are at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sundays. The speaker is Dr. Peter Wyns. A prayer session for those who need healing in their family is available. Bible School is from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. from Aug. 13 through Aug. 17. Come join kids in kindergarten through sixth grade for fun games, crafts, drama, snacks and lots of friends. Sue Carpenter and Carolyn Boyd of Carpenter Cross Ministries, an international child evangelism ministry, will be coming to lead in Bible teaching, puppets and singing. The church is located at 170 S.E. 64th St. Call 275-1042, ext. 3 or www.newhic.org.

    Redeemer Lutheran Church: Worship and kid’s church services are at 10 a.m. Fellowship and Bible study is at 11 a.m. The church is located at 6001 Island Crest Way. Contact Pastor Bill Clements at 232-1711.

    St. Monica Catholic Church: daily masses: Monday through Friday 6:05 and 8 a.m., Saturdays 8 a.m. weekend masses: Saturday Vigil at 5 p.m., Sunday, 8, 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, the Rosary and Benediction at 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Moms’ group from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Contact Juliana Stachurski at 275-9706 or Michelle Klecan at 425-373-1237. Rosary makers meet from 8:45 to 11:30 a.m. in Rectory room. Church office phone number is 232-2900. Pastor is Father Dennis Kemp. The church is at 4301 88th Ave. S.E.