Alpha Course: 6:30 p.m., Sept. 12, at Mercer Island Covenant Church. Enjoy a community dinner at 5:30 p.m. as the Alpha Course commences with its introductory session. Alpha provides the opportunity to engage in a discussion about faith, the Bible and Christianity. Beginning Sept. 19, the class will feature a video series and small-group discussion. Alpha will meet Wednesdays at MICC, 3200 78th Ave. S.E., room 203. The cost for dinner is $3, and the course is free. All are welcome. For more information, call the church office at (206) 232-1015, ext. 100.
Fall Recycling event: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Sept. 15, Mercer Island City Hall. Safely dispose of old equipment and household items that have been cluttering your basement or garage! Visit the city’s Web site for a list of accepted items. Island recycling events happen twice per year, provided by the City of Mercer Island for the convenience of Island citizens. The city is committed to waste reduction and other sustainable practices for a healthy environment. For more information, please call (206) 236-3613 or visit www.mercergov.org/sustainability.
Annual JCC Book Swap: 10:30 a.m-12:30 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 16 in the auditorium. Presented by the Sunday Exchange Club. Get together with old and new friends at the book swap. We’ll listen to mini reviews by our members and collect new reads for the season ahead. Each person is invited to bring their books, current or classic, fiction or nonfiction, paperback or hardcover. Books will be credited to your selections. Those who do not have books for the swap are able to purchase books for 25 to 50 cents each.
MIHS Fall Cheerleading Clinic: 1-3 p.m., Sept. 16 and 23, Mercer View Gym in the community center. Would you like to be a cheerleader? All elementary students are invited. The cost is $40 for one day; $60 for two days. Participants will receive a T-shirt and will be able to cheer with the MIHS Varsity Cheerleaders at the MIHS home football game on Sept. 28. For registration or questions, please contact Paige Linton at (206) 230-9033 or pglinton@aol.com.
Mercer Island Community Art Walk: 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 20. You don’t have to visit the Louvre in Paris or the Smithsonian in New York to appreciate and admire art of all genres. Enjoy snacks, wine tasting, music and, of course, art at this very fun community building local event!
“Simplify Your Life Now!” Join us 7-9 p.m., Friday, Sept. 21, at Mercer Island Covenant Church, 3200 78th Ave. S.E., for dessert, coffee and a message that may change your life! Marcia Ramsland is well known as “The Organizing Pro” for her practical skills and tips to manage busy lives. She is an international speaker/author and appears on national radio, TV and in magazines like Woman’s Day and Better Homes and Gardens (April 2007). Tickets cost $10. For more information, call Gay Brook: (206) 498-4473.
Aircraft Noise 101: 7-9 p.m., Sept. 25, CCMV, 8236 S.E. 24th St. Island residents are invited to join their City Council in a workshop to learn about airport noise effects and provide input for the airport noise study jointly funded by the City of Renton and the City of Mercer Island. In April of 2007, both cities agreed to wait on decisions about Renton airport development until more information is gathered and their residents are consulted about impacts on their neighborhoods. Since then, both cities have selected a noise consultant to determine the noise effects of several different development options. Both cities will work together to solicit public input, draft the scope of work for the study, and share the results with residents. For more information about the Renton Municipal Airport, please visit www.rentonwa.gov.
MIHS Reunions
Class of 1967 40th reunion will be at 7 p.m. on Oct. 6 at the VFW Hall, with a barbecue at 8:30 p.m. A casual ‘grads only’ gathering will be at the Roanoke Inn the Friday night preceding. Reunion ’67 Committee: Gail Gilbert Hjorten, Laurie Hirshberg Koehler, Janet Keating Campbell, Janice Nudelman Seino, Jim Pishue, Steve Potter, Marc Connelly and Tori Olson.
Class of 1977 30th reunion: Saturday, Sept. 15, Pratt Fine Arts Center, Seattle; contact “Reunions with Class” at (425) 644-1044.
Class of 1987 20th reunion: Oct. 13, Community Center at Mercer View. Contact “Reunions with Class” at (425) 644-1044.
MIHS football players will gather Nov. 23 to toast retiring football coach Dick Nicholl at the high school. Contact “Reunions with Class” at (425) 644-1044.
Clubs
The League of Women Voters will meet at 9:15 a.m., Sept. 13, at the home of Lissa Wells. The topic for discussion is the Washington State ferry system. Call Martha Jordan for information at (425) 883-9143.
Island Baseball Club: There will be baseball tryouts for Island Baseball Club 2008 MI players between the ages of 13 and 19 for Pony, Koufax, Mantle, Colt and Palomino select teams. The tryouts will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Sept. 15 and 16, at Island Crest Park. Sign-ups will begin at 8:30 a.m. Please visit the Island Baseball Club Web page at http://eteamz.active.com/IslandBaseballClub/index.cfm for specific sign-up times based on players’ ages. In case of rain, tryout dates will be re-scheduled for 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Sept. 22 and 23, at Island Crest Park. For more information, please visit the IBC Web page shown above; questions or concerns can be sent to IBC at islandbaseballclub@yahoo.com. You can also contact Chris Mead at (206) 963-2572 or Dave MacMillan at (206) 228-1088.
Y Guides and MI Princesses: Hey parents of K-3rd grade girls and boys! Join us for our annual kickoff and program introduction. Pack a picnic and bring the family for an evening of professional storytelling and a campfire with s’mores at 5:30 p.m., Sept. 16, Amphitheater Pavilion at Luther Burbank Park. Mercer Island is home to one the nation’s most active YMCA parent/child programs. Find out more at yguides.wikispaces.com or call Andrea Millikan at the Lakeheights YMCA: (425) 644-8417.
Mercer Island Historical Society meets at 1 p.m., Sept. 17, for a scientific presentation about global warming. Elizabeth Hardisty, a Climate Project volunteer, will present a multimedia slide show and lead a discussion. Location: CCMV, 8236 S.E. 24th St.
Friends of Luther Burbank Park is sponsoring a “Candidate Forum,” 7-9 p.m., Sept. 26 at the Mercer Island Library. Former mayor Aubrey Davis will be the moderator. The public is invited to attend and ask questions of the candidates.
Island Book Club meets Sept. 27 at Island Books for a facilitated discussion about the Emperor’s Children. Open to anyone at no cost.
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.
Mercer Island Visual Arts League (MIVAL) artists showing their art during September and October: Norman Yang, La Belle Spa, 8425 S.E. 68th St.; Judith Roan, Avellino Apts., 2836 78th Ave. S.E.; Helen Schwedenberg, M.I. Library, 4400 88th Ave. S.E.; Pia Messina, M.I. Chamber of Commerce, 7613 S.E. 27th; Charlotte Haugen, Dr. Troy Thomas, 2955 80th Ave. S.E. #105 and M.I. Florist, 3006 78th Ave. S.E.; Mary McKelvy, Sterling Savings Bank, 7803 S.E. 27th; Karen Amanda, Expressions Salon & Spa, 7803 S.E. 27th; Suzanne Foster, M.I. Eyeworks, 2729 78th Ave. S.E.; Velma Segers, Fitness Together, 3011 78th Ave. S.E.; Laurie Malmfeldt, All the Best Pet Care, 3937 78th S.E.; Jean Jack, M.I. Physical Therapy, 7900 S.E. 28th #102; Yogabliss, Raleigh Mowers, 7650 S.E. 27th St. #134.
Classes/Schools
Emergency Preparedness Class: Everyone Prepared — Pass It On, 7-8 p.m., Sept. 25, Community Center. This class could save your life! This lively, fast-paced presentation is all about personal disaster preparedness. The class is free. DVDs about personal preparedness and disasters (earthquakes) will be available for purchase.
MIPA Full Membership meeting: 7-9 p.m., Sept. 25, VFW Hall, 1836 72nd Ave. S.E. A great opportunity to meet new members and renew friendships, and to hear about all of the exciting things we will have going on this year for your families and the community. Refreshments will be provided. Contact Tamar Mar at 724-2242.
Computer classes are ongoing at the CCMV. Learn tech basics, 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.
Mercer Island Toddlers have openings for parent/child classes beginning in fall 2007. The classes meet once a week with a preschool program for the children and parent education for the adults. Openings for Toddler Ones (must be age 1 by Aug. 31) are on Wednesday and Thursday mornings. Openings for Toddler Twos (must be age 2 by Aug. 31) are Monday and Tuesday mornings. Sponsored by Bellevue Community College Parent Education Program. To register, call Sue at (425) 564-2365.
Little Acorn Day School has summer and fall openings for six-hour and all-day preschool, two to five days per week. Children must be at least 2-1/2 to enter the program. Please contact the director, Tiana, at 236-0480 or e-mail Littleacorninc@msn.com for more information.
Mary Wayte Pool: For schedules and information on upcoming classes and events at the pool see the new City Parks and Recreation catalog.
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.
Silent Auction: Sept. 4 through Oct. 14. Come and bid on any of 100 unique books on view in the Mercer Island Library display case. This sale previews some of the best and most interesting books for sale. For all ages. This event is hosted by the Friends of the Mercer Island Library. Proceeds from the auction will benefit library programs.
Computer class: Searching the Internet for Beginners, 9-10 a.m., Sept. 20. Discover new and fun ways to search the Internet and get great searching tips from a librarian. Registration required. Classes start promptly at 9 a.m.
Teen Advisory Board meeting: 6:45 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 18, in the large meeting room. Voice your opinions on the materials, services and programs the library should get for teens while earning one volunteer credit hour and sipping on light refreshments. Registration required.
Shake, Rattle and Roll! Music and Activities: 10 a.m., Wednesdays, Sept. 12, 19 and 26 in the large meeting room. Children age 12-23 months with caregiver. Bring your youngster and join singer/songwriter Nancy Stewart. Learn early literacy activities and music you can do with your little one that will enhance brain development and learning. Registration begins Sept. 1.
Toddler story time: 10 a.m., Tuesdays, Sept. 18 and 25 in the large meeting room. Stories, music, fingerplays and activities for ages 24-36 months and caregiver. Registration required.
Preschool story time: 11 a.m., Tuesdays, Sept. 18 and 25 in the large meeting room.
Stories, early literacy activities, music, puppets and fun for ages 3-5. Registration required.
Boys & Girls Club
All events take place at the Boys & Girls Club, 2825 West Mercer Way, unless otherwise noted. 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.
All events are held at the Mercer Island Community Center, 8236 S.E. 24th St., unless otherwise specified. Call 236-3545 or register online at www.myparksandrecreation.com to receive a catalog of the Mercer Island Parks & Recreation Department events.
Jazzercise at the CCMV: 9:30-10:30 a.m., Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Jazzercise class will continue in the fall quarter at the CCMV.
Drop-in preschool at the Community Center: 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Monday, Wednesday and Friday, starting Sept. 10. $5 an hour. Call 236-3545 for more information.
The Community Center at Mercer View Gallery, coordinated by the Arts Council, presents Nancy Bogni, Marianne Harlor, Marlene Marczewksi and Barbara VanDyke Shuman through Oct. 5.
EcoDeals.org is a free online shopping guide that shows King County residents how to save money by purchasing products that are better for the 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.
Bridge lessons: 10 a.m.-noon, Tuesdays and Thursdays. The cost is $63 for six weeks. The instructor is Aidee Pokroy. Call 236-3545 for more information.
Volunteer bus drivers 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.
Parks and Rec. for seniors
Grief & Loss Support Group: A group for senior adult widowed men and women who have lost a spouse or partner meets 1-2:30 p.m., Sept. 13, at the Community Center at Mercer View, 8236 S.E. 24th St. If you would like to join us, please call Betsy Zuber at (206) 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. 8:30-11:30 a.m., Wednesdays. Meet in the lobby at the CCMV. Transportation fee: $2 per person.
Grocery shopping transportation: Wednesday mornings, get picked up at home and go to one grocery store and a quick errand on the Island. Will carry your groceries into the house for you. Call Parks & Rec at 236-3456 and leave a message by 4 p.m. on 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 60 years and over. We have recently replaced several less popular meals with new selections. For more information about this program, please contact Jackie: (206) 230-6846.
Senior lunch at Covenant Shores: noon, Tuesdays and Thursdays, served in the Covenant Shores dining room. Park at CCMV and ride the shuttle to Covenant Shores. Transportation is available round-trip from your home if you no longer drive. Call us if you need a ride from home. Registration is required. Please call Jackie at 230-6846 to reserve your spot. The cost is $4.25.
Senior Adult Newsletter mailing list: contact 236-3545 if you want to be added to the mailing list.
JCC
All events take place at the Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 E. Mercer Way, unless noted. For more information, call 232-7115.
JCC holiday closures:
Erev Rosh Hashanah — 5 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 12
Rosh Hashanah — Thursday & Friday, Sept. 13 and 14
Erev Yom Kippur — 3 p.m., Friday, Sept. 21
Yom Kippur — Saturday, Sept. 22
Erev Sukkot — 5 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 26
Sukkot — Thursday & Friday, Sept. 27-28
Annual Book Swap: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Sept. 16. All books not swapped will be donated to the Brandeis University Women’s Committee’s book sale. If you wish to do a mini book review, please call Claire Kelson at (206) 528-8050. This has been one of our most fun events, so y’all come and bring those books you no longer have room for and have been meaning to donate to the library or another charity.
Tulalip Casino Trip: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 18. Spend a few hours trying to hit the jackpot! Leave the JCC at 9 a.m. and return by 3 p.m. Space is limited for the first 24 people. Free for JCC members, $3 for non-members.
Free computer classes — Word 1, 2, 3: 11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Sept. 17 and 24. Computer classes taught by the King County Library System. Learn more about Word. Participants must have prior experience using the computer and must attend all three meetings. Class size is limited to eight students. Please register with Roni Antebi at (206) 232-7115, ext. 269.
Poker game: 12:30-3 p.m. Takes place on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. Come have a great time and watch out for the sharks! Call Roni Antebi at ext. 269.
JCC Seniors
All senior social programs will be held in the auditorium.
Mah Jongg: 12:30-3:30 p.m., Fridays, room 207. Come and play this ancient and fun Chinese game of skill and chance. Free for JCC members, $2 for non-members.
Senior chair exercises: 10:15-10:45 a.m., Mondays and Thursdays, in the auditorium. Free for basic members. The class meets twice a week for those in need of a more moderate exercising program. The class is designed to enhance the cardiovascular system by promoting circulation; increase coordination, flexibility and range of motion; and improve muscular strength with the use of resistance balls and stretch tubing. A portion of the class is performed standing up to incorporate weight-bearing activity for increased bone density, improved balance and enhanced cardio-pulmonary function. Note: if preferred, the standing portion of this activity can also be performed seated. Exercising in this friendly and supportive group adds the sociability factor, another ingredient in maintaining a healthy life style. This class is free for fitness members of the J and for the JCC Silver Sneakers members. Taught by instructor Minna Levitt.
Senior water exercise: 11 a.m. to noon, Mondays and Thursdays. Open to fitness members only.
Religion
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. 4001 Island Crest Way. Call 236-2957 for more information.
Congregational Church of Mercer Island: Worship at 10:30 a.m. Nursery care provided. Children’s Sunday School during worship. Youth Group, Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m. Bible studies: Wednesday at 7:45 p.m. and Thursday at 6:15 p.m. The church is located at 4545 Island Crest Way. (206) 232-7800, www.ucc-ccmi.org.
Congregation Shevet Achim morning minyan: 6:45 a.m., Monday and Thursday; 6:55 a.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and 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. Rabbi Kornfeld lectures on spiritual dimensions of the weekly parsha Monday evenings, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Class in Pirkei Avos on Shabbat, 45 minutes before Mincha services. Location: sanctuary of Northwest Yeshiva High School. Call (206) 275-1539 or visit www.shevetachim.com for more information.
Emmanuel Episcopal Church: Sunday services: Holy Eucharist, 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.; church school and nursery care; children’s choir, 11:30 a.m. A new contemporary service at 5 p.m. with guitar and piano, storytelling and Holy Eucharist in the chapel. Holy Eucharist and healing service, 9:30 a.m., Wednesdays. Location: S.E. 44th Street and 86th Avenue S.E. 232-1572, 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. Childcare is available at all services and meetings. The community is welcome. The Reading Room, a place for individual worship, prayer, study and research, is open to everyone on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 7605 S.E. 27th St. Church location: Island Crest Way and S.E. 47th Street. Call 232-0175 or e-mail fccsmi@attglobal.net for more information.
Herzl-Ner Tamid Conservative Congregation: Services at 6 p.m., Fridays, unless otherwise noted. Services at 9:15 a.m. on Saturdays. Daily Minyan: 7 a.m., weekdays. Minyan is at 9 a.m. on Sundays and secular holidays. PreShabbat Oneg: 5:30 p.m., Fridays. FirstFridays at HNT for young adults is at 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. (the evening service is contemporary, offering a less formal atmosphere in the Fellowship Hall). Sunday School classes start at 9 a.m. — a great time to come and meet old and new friends! 8501 S.E. 40th St. For more information and ongoing activities, please call (206) 232-3270 or visit www.htlcmi.org.
Mercer Island Covenant Church: Regular worship schedule includes services at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., with Sunday School for all ages at 9:45 a.m. Middle School Youth Group is on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. High School Youth Group is on Thursdays at 7 p.m. Alpha and community dinner begins tonight at 5:30 p.m. Men’s Open Prayer Group meets on Wednesdays at 6:15 a.m. Women’s Prayer Ministry meets on Thursdays at 8 a.m. The “Lively Saints” senior adult ministry’s next luncheon will be on Sept. 18 at noon for $7/person and will feature two Mercer Island residents who recently traveled to Israel. For additional information, call 232-1015, ext. 100 or check our Web site, www.micc.org. 3200 78th Ave. S.E.
Mercer Island Presbyterian Church: Breakfast worship, 8:15 a.m., Fellowship Hall; worship,10:35 a.m. and 5 p.m. in the sanctuary; nursery available. Blood Drive: 1-3 p.m. and 4-7 p.m., Sept. 19, in Fellowship Hall; to sign up, contact Robert Sims at (206) 232-4770. Organ Concert: Jieun Kim Newland, MIPC organist and artist, Friday evening, Sept. 28. Join the TEAM MIPC in the 21st annual Seattle AIDS Walk: 8 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 29; for more information, contact Steve and Carter Case at (206) 232-3225. “Seekers/Joiners” Class: Sunday, Sept. 30, 12:30-4:30 p.m. in Fireside Room; for more information, contact Ruth Ann Biggers at (206) 232-5596, ext. 203, or ruthannb@mipc.org. MIPC Picture Directory Time: Register at the church on Sundays, Sept. 9-30; photos will be taken Oct. 2-14. Kindermusik Registration: For information, contact Haley Montoya at (206) 325-1233 or adovesong@gmail.com. For general information, contact the church at (206) 232-5595. The church is located at 3605 84th Ave. S.E.
First Taiwanese Presbyterian Church: Christian Education is at 9:15 a.m., and worship is at 10:40 a.m. in the Fireside Room, Sunday, Sept. 9. Location: 3605 84th Ave. S.E.
Mercer Island United Methodist Church: Sunday School is at 10 a.m. Sunday worship is at 11 a.m. Childcare is available. All are welcome. The church is at 7070 S.E. 24th St. Call 232-3044 for more information.
New Hope International Church: Sunday services are at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. The speaker is Dr. Peter Wyns. A prayer session is available for those who need healing in their families. 170 S.E. 64th St. Call 275-1042, ext. 3, or visit www.newhic.org.
Redeemer Lutheran Church: Worship and kids’ church services are at 10 a.m. Fellowship and Bible study is at 11 a.m. 6001 Island Crest Way. Contact Pastor Bill Clements at 232-1711.
St. Monica Catholic Church daily masses: 6:05 a.m. and 8 a.m., Monday through Friday. 8 a.m., Saturdays. 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. 4301 88th Ave. S.E. Contact the church office at 232-2900.
