French Conversation Evening is tonight from 7 to 9 p.m. at the home of Jane Meyer Brahm, 7420 North Mercer Way. Sponsored by the Mercer Island Sister City Association. All levels of French are welcome; refreshments will be served. For information, call Jane Meyer Brahm at 232-0701.
Interfaith service of prayer and remembrance for the Virginia Tech victims is Thursday, April 26, at 7 p.m. Held by the Mercer Island Clergy Association at Mercer Island United Methodist Church, 7070 S.E. 24th St. Call 232-3044 for more information.
Spring paperback book sale will be held at the Mercer Island Library on Friday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, April 28, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, April 29 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. There will be a silent auction with winners announced April 29. For more information call 236-3537.
Mercer Island Preschool Association Circus is coming — the annual event will be from 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, April 28 at Mercer Island High School, 9100 S.E. 42nd St. Everyone is invited. Admission is free, and tickets for games are $.50 each. Most games cost one ticket. Kids can earn prizes by simply enjoying the games.
Island Children’s Choir auditions will take place April 28 and May 5 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Mercer Island Covenant Church. All children currently in third through fifth grade are invited to audition. No appointment necessary and nothing needs to be prepared. For more information contact Marsha Woerner at 232-8007 or islandsound@comcast.net.
Community Preparedness Week: Purchase emergency supplies at a discount through April 29. Mercer Island QFC stores are offering a discount on bottled water (three cases of 24 for $10). True Value is offering a 15-percent discount on 6-volt lantern flashlights, battery included. Watch for your postcard in the mail. Also, discounted emergency kits will be available for purchase at the Emergency Preparedness Roundtable Discussion on April 25, 7 to 9 p.m. at CCMV. For a complete list of Community Preparedness Week events, please visit www.mercergov.org For questions regarding this community event, please contact Joy Bueling, City of Mercer Island communications coordinator at 236-7238.
“Celebrating Our Diversity” concert is Sunday, May 6 from 4 to 6 p.m.Takes place at the Congregational Church of Mercer Island — 545 Island Crest Way. For information or directions call 232-7800.
Island Books Second Saturday Music and Story Time: Gather for storytelling and musical events at Island Books. Events are free, and are recommended for ages 3 and up. May 12: Nancy Stewart — Sing Along! June 9: Recess Monkeys — School’s Out Jam! Island Books is located at 3014 78th Avenue S.E., call 232-6930 for more information.
Kiwanis Eastside Baby Corner is on Saturday, May 12 from 9 to 6 p.m. Kiwanis members will be collecting baby articles (clothing, food, diapers, toiletries, etc.) at the north-end Albertson’s. Call (425) 427-9341 for more information.
Lively Saints luncheon program is May 15 at noon. All who are 50-years-old and up are invited to “Lovin’ the Lord’s Little Lambs.” The cost is $6 for sign-ups by May 11 and $7 thereafter. Located at Mercer Island Covenant Church, 3200 78th Ave. S.E. Call (425) 392-4655 or e-mail jeannehenning@msn.com.
MEOW benefit is Sunday, May 20 at CCMV. “Fine Wines and Felines Too,” a wine tasting and silent auction benefiting MEOW, a nonprofit cat rescue organization that promotes lifelong relationships between people and companion animals. There will be more than 300 unique items to bid on, including vacations, art, jewelry, crafts, spa services, local museum passes and much more! Admission is free; wine tasting is $15 per person. For more information, please visit www.meowcatrescue.org.
Community Yogathon Benefit will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 19 at the Community Center at Mercer View. It will include a variety of class styles taught by local instructors. Fees will be donated to Mercer Island Youth and Family Services. All levels of experience are welcome, but classes will be taught with the beginner in mind. Please wear comfortable clothing, and bring a yoga mat or beach towel, water and a light lunch. For questions, call 236-3525. There is a minimum donation of $20 at the door.
Kindergarten registration continues through April at all elementary schools.
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
Mercer Island Visual Arts League (MIVAL) will meet on Thursday, May 3 at 11:30 a.m. at the Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th S. E. Pia Messina, well-known Mercer Island artist will demonstrate her way of salvaging old watercolor paintings and turning them into contemporary acrylics. There will be a potluck of finger foods. The Board will meet at 10:30 a.m. All are welcome to attend. Members’ work is currently being shown. Lucia Neagu, Avellino Apts. 2836 78th St.; Wanda Hughes, Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave. S.E.; Esther Akrish, Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce 7613S. E. 27th St.; Barbara Veldee and Dr. Troy Thomas, 2055 80th Ave.; Jean Jack, Mercer Island Florist, 3006 78th Ave. S. E.; Nola Nevers, La Belle Spa, 8425S. E. 68th St; Velma Seegers, Mercer Island Physical Therapy, 7900 S. E. 28th St., Suite 102; Laurie Malmfeldt, All the Best Pet Care, 3937 78th Ave. S. E.; Karen Amanda and Charlotte Haugen, Countrywide Home Loans,7650 S. E. 27th St., #112; All showings will be exhibited through June.
Mercer Island Women’s Club newcomers event on Thursday, April 26 at 7 p.m. — “Ladies Night Out.” Please RSVP to Fiona Skelly at 275-3342 or Debbie Constantine at 232-6677. Club Luncheon will take place Tuesday, May 8. Social time begins at 11 a.m. with lunch at noon. The speaker will be Peter Boal, artistic director of the Pacific Northwest Ballet. At Overlake Golf and Country Club, 8000 N.E. 16th St. Medina. Please contact Joyce Ford at (425) 453-3159 or Janet Hornbecker at 230-8384 for information and reservations before Monday, April 30.
All Island Book Club meets at 7:30 p.m. the last Thursday of each month at Island Books, 3014 78th Ave. S.E. April 26, “Three Cups of Tea” by Greg Mortenson; May 31, “The Highest Tide” by Jim Lynch.
Probus Club of Mercer Island meets Wednesday, May 2 at 10:30 a.m. at the Presbyterian Church, 3605 84th Ave. S.E. The speaker, Dr. Terry Bergeson, Washington state superintendent of public instruction, will discuss her views and goals for public school education in the state and how the WASL supports their achievement. The public is welcome. For information, e-mail probobus@comcast.net.
Mercer Island Republican Women will meet at 11:30 a.m., the first Monday of each month at: Market House Deli & Catering, 7525 S.E. 24th St. Island Corporate Center Suite #100. Come for an informative discussion on community affairs and enjoy lunch of your choice. Virginia Hale will provide additional information 930-1564.
Classes/
Schools
Sogetsu School of Ikebana will offer Japanese flower arrangement classes, June 1 to July 13 (no class on July 6). Classes are held each Friday from 10 a.m. to noon. The cost is $60 for six classes. Sogetsu School will hold their 17th Annual Exhibition on June 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and June 3 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Demonstrations will start both days at 2 p.m.. CCMV, 8236 S.E. 24th Street, Mercer Island, WA 98040. Call 236-3545 or Shirley (425) 558-0889 or e-mail hillshirley@comcast.net www.misogetsu.org for more information.
Youth Theatre Northwest registration is underway for summer classes for children and teens, ages 3 to 18. Call 232-4145 or go to www.youththeatre.org to register online and for more information or to buy tickets for the theatre’s latest production, “King Arthur.”
Computer classes are on-going 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.
Little Acorn Sprouts Toddlers program for 1- to 2-year-olds has part-time and full-time openings. Call 232-0940 or e-mail Denisepaquette@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 Spring 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.
“Spring into Organization” lecture is Monday, May 21at 7 p.m. Mindy Jeppesen will demonstrate a simple, step-by-step system to establish and maintain order. This system can be applied to any organizing project at home or in the office. Come find out how to make this year’s spring cleaning the most effective yet. For more information please call (206) 599-9614 or visit www.RejuvOrg.com
Second Annual Sonnet Workshop and Contest is Saturday, May 12 from 4 to 5 p.m. Join Jeffrey Woolley, Renaissance and Romantic literature expert, and try your hand at the art of sonnet-writing at this interactive workshop. Winners of our contest will receive prizes. No registration required.
Opera preview is May 2 at 7 p.m. Join Opera expert, Norm Hollingshead, for an engaging lecture on Puccini’s “La Boheme.” Held in the large community room to the left of the lobby. Free.
Great Singers: George Gershwin Part I is Monday, May 7 at 6:45 p.m. Join music enthusiast and educator, Norm Hollingshead, for an engaging three-part lecture on the life and work of George Gershwin. The lectures take place at the Mercer Island Library in the large community room on the left side of the lobby. Free.
Teen Academic Mentors are available from 4:15 to 5:45 p.m. for children in second through eighth grade. Stop by for some casual homework help. High school students are available in nearly every subject.
Teen Advisory Board is at 7 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month. Voice opinions on materials, services and programs the library should provide for teens. Earn one volunteer credit hour.
Teen Anime and Manga Club meets from 7 to 8 p.m. the first Tuesday of every month.
Toddler story time is Tuesday, May 1 at 10 a.m. Ages 2 to 3 are welcome with caregiver. How does your garden grow? Stories, songs and activities about gardening. Plant a little seed, too! Registration required.
Preschool story time is Tuesday May 1 at 11 a.m. Ages 3 to 5 are welcome with caregiver. Gardening fun! Stories, music and activities. Start your own garden! Registration required.
SCORE Counseling for business owners is offered from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and noon the third Thursday of each month. Call to register.
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.
Summer camp registration is now underway. Check out www.mipositiveplace.org for weekly day camps for all ages between 5 and 14 — Island Adventures for 5 to 9-year-olds; Adventure Camp for 10- and 11-year-olds; and Teen Camp for middle school students. All camps include well-trained and positive leadership, many diverse weekly themes, field trips, swimming, arts and crafts, snack and an opportunity to make new friends! Adventure and Teen Camps include daily field trips, and overnight trips.
Lego Building from 5 to 6 p.m. on April 23, 30, and May 7, 14, 21. For ages 6 through 10. Self-paced course designed for builders using LEGO System, Technic, Znap, Bionicle, and more. Get exposure to working on miniatures, mechanics, mosaics, and beginning sculpture. Instructor Dan Parker is a LEGO Certified Professional. Materials provided. Cost is $55. Contact 232-4548 for more information.
Smart Girls for third- through fifth-grade girls is from 4 to 5 p.m. Thursdays. Session 2: May 3, 11 and 12, sleep-over. Session 3: May 17, 24, 31 and June 7 and 14. Fee is $15.
Guitar basics for 11-year-olds and under, from 1 to 1:55 p.m. Saturdays, through May 19. Bring half or three-quarter size acoustic guitar. Books provided. Maximum five students. Fee is $210.
Teen guitar for 12-year-olds and up, from 2 to 2:55 p.m. Saturdays, through May 19. Bring an acoustic guitar and a small amplifier. Books provided. Fee is $230.
Teen Scene after school for middle school students, is from 3 to 6 p.m. Register on line. The cost is $75 per month per person.
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.
Boating classes and programs registration is now underway. Visit www.seattle.gov/parks/boats/Mtbaker.htm for more information and to register.
Sogetsu school of Ikebana Japanese flower arrangement classes are at 10 a.m. every Friday beginning March 23. Contact Shirley at (425) 558-0889.
Bridge lessons are at 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Thursdays. The cost is $63 for 6 weeks. The instructor is Aidee Pokroy. Call 236-3545 for more information.
Caregiver’s support group is Thursday, April 19 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the Slater Room.
Adult children of loved ones with Parkinson’s disease, support group meets Monday, April 16 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Board Room.
Investing workshop, “Everything You Need to Know About Investing You Learned in Kindergarten” is Monday, April 30 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the Luther Room.
Seniors
Niner’s 9-hole senior golf program, Mondays, April 2 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. Meet in the lobby at the CCMV. The fee is $2 per person, per walk.
Low-vision support group is Thursday, April 26 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Meeting will take place at the Community Center at Mercer View in the Calkins room.
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.
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.
The Movie Club is Thursday, April 26 at noon. Special screening for Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel Independence Day). Falafel lunch and 2 films: “West Bank Story” and “39 Pounds of Love.” RSVP to Roni Antebi 232-7115, Ext. 26. $4 suggested donation.
The Five Wishes: Planning for Serious Illness workshop is Thursday, May 3 at 12:15 p.m.
Join Bellevue psychotherapist Karen Gorrin for a frank discussion about planning for serious illness. The Five Wishes is an easy-to-use legal document that lets adults of all ages plan how they want to be cared for in the event they become seriously ill. Medical, personal, emotional and spiritual needs are addressed. Participants will each receive a copy of The Five Wishes for personal use. Free. RSVP to Roni Antebi 232-7115, Ext. 269.
Spring opening Mahj and welcoming Brunch is Friday, May 4, 11:30 a.m. Come and enjoy our welcoming brunch, meet our Mah Jongg group and stay for a Mah Jongg play afterwards. Brunch at 11:30, Mahj begins a 12:30. Free. RSVP to Roni Antebi 232- 7115, Ext. 269. The Mahj group meets every Friday at the JCC.
Introduction to computers class is Tuesdays, May 8, 15 and 10 at 11:15 a.m.
Beginner computer classes taught by The King County Library System. The class will cover the following topics: What computers consist of Hardware /Software, How the mouse works, Windows. Free. RSVP to Roni Antebi 232- 7115, Ext. 269.
Make Your History Alive workshop and presentation is Thursday, May 10 at 12:30 p.m. Local documentarian and filmmaker Leonard Davis will be hosting a workshop and presentation on creating video oral histories with loved ones. Come learn the basics of oral history video making from a pro. Learn how to conduct an interview, how to generate questions, how to go beyond dates and facts to include ideas and reflection and much more. Sample work from already produced oral histories will be shared. Free. RSVP to Roni Antebi 232- 7115, Ext. 269.
Junior Sports skills on Wednesdays from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. for 4- to 5-year-olds.
Mighty Movers I for 1- to 3-year-olds on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Mighty Movers II for 4-year-olds on Mondays from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. and Wednesdays 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Tot Shabbat is on Fridays from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. April 20 through June 8. Children up to 3-years-old are welcome.
Pilates classes are on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:$5 to 10:45 a.m., and Sundays from 9 to 10 a.m.
JCC Seniors:
All senior social programs will be held in the auditorium.
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.
Ongoing programs, Mondays and Thursdays:
Religion
Congregational Church of Mercer Island: Adult Class, “A Hidden Wholeness, the Journey Toward an Undivided Life” by Parker Palmer takes place Sundays at 9 a.m. Tuesdays will feature Living the Questions Video Series at 7 p.m. LOGOS is on Wednesdays after school until 6:45 p.m. Youth group grades six through nine is on Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. Bible Study group is on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. and Thursdays at 6:15 p.m. The church is located at 4545 Island Crest Way. Call 232-7800 or visit 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 at S.E. 47th Street.
Herzl-Ner Tamid Conservative Congregation: Services Friday at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Services Saturday at 9:15 a.m. 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: Regular Sunday Services are at 8 and 10:15 a.m. The new Contemporary Service is at 5 p.m. and offers a different music style and an informal atmosphere. Sunday School is at 9 a.m., except for holidays or MI School vacations. Midweek Bible Study is on Thursdays at 10 a.m. and Men’s Bible Study is on the first and third Saturdays of each month at 8 a.m. April 29, Adult Forums with Mark Houglum will take place. The church is located at 8501 S.E. 40th St.
Mercer Island Covenant Church: Sunday services are at 8:30 and 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday School for all ages is at 9:45 a.m. High School Youth Group meets Sundays at 6:30 p.m. Middle School Youth Group meets Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Community Dinner is on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. Cost is $3 per person. Men’s Prayer Group meets on Wednesdays at 6:15 a.m. Women’s Prayer Ministry meets on Thursdays at 8 a.m. Women’s Oasis Study Groups are Thursdays at 9:15. For additional information call 232-1015, ext. 100 or check our Web site, www.micc.org. The church is located at 3200 78th Ave. S.E.
Mercer Island Presbyterian Church: Sunday worship at 8:15, 10:35 a.m. and 5 p.m. On April 27, 7:30 p.m.: Organ Concert featuring Erik Floan, Directory of Worship, Music & Arts at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, Bellevue. April 28 is the Habitat for Humanity work party, meet at MIPC at 8 a.m. Work on Snoqualmie Ridge site and return by 5 p.m., contact Sally Garrett for more information 206-236-0954 or sally.garrett@gmail.com. An Evening for South Africa is April 30 at 7 p.m.; come hear about the most recent trip to Child Academy and get updated on the ongoing work. May 17 through 20 is Men’s Weekend in Malibu, BC, contact Dale Sewall at 206-232-5596, ext. 202 or dales@mipc.org. Looking ahead: Vacation Bible School is July 9-13. 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 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. 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.
