The Mercer Island High School Drama Department presents “Fuddy Meers” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb.10, Friday, Feb. 11, and Saturday, Feb.12. Tickets are $5 at the door, $8 for students and $10 for adults. Call 236-3421 for reservations; seating is limited. “Fuddy Meers” is not recommended for children under 13.

“Charlotte’s Web” will run at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11, with matinees at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb.12, and Sunday, Feb. 13, on the Youth Theatre Northwest mainstage. The cast consists of 31 7- to 15-year-old actors. Tickets are $15 for opening night and $11 for regular reserved seats. For tickets, call 232-4145, ext. 109. Youth Theatre Northwest is located at 8805 S.E. 40th St.

“The Sea Horse,” presented by The Mercer Island Players, will be at 7:30 p.m., Friday Feb. 11, Saturday, Feb.12, and Thursday, Feb. 10, on Mercer Island’s Second Stage, 8805 S.E. 40th St. Directed by Irving Zimmer.

Safe-Rides volunteers will wash cars from 9 to noon Sunday, Feb. 13, at the Auto-Spa. Tickets are $10 from student volunteers or from Leanne Reel at 236-7363. Vacuuming, window washing and baked goods are offered.

Storytelling at Island Books is at 11 a.m. Saturdays: Feb. 19, Kathy Currie, “Let it Snow;” Feb. 26, Farida Dowler, “A World Full of Tales.”

Mock ACT: New this year will be a Mock ACT from 9 to 1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 12, with an optional essay. The cost is $20. Registrations must be postmarked by Feb. 2. Contact Kim York at 230-9237 or e-mail at BruceKim@aol.com

Rabbi Yaakov Marcus of Jerusalem, scholar in residence at Yeshiva, will speak at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11, and at 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, at Northwest Yeshiva High School. The topic will be the “Mystical Hebrew Alphabet.” Hosted by Congregation Shevet Achim, Mercer Island’s Orthodox synagogue. For more information or Shabbat dinner reservations, call 206-275-1539 or www.shevetachim.com or info@shevetachim.com

The Mercer Island Sister City Association will host a Raclette party at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11, in the Fellowship Hall of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. Enjoy a traditional, but casual dinner of the Haute Savoie, consisting of roasted potatoes, melted Gruyere cheese, served with cornichons, pickled onions and more. Games for the children and fun for all. The cost is $15 for adults and $5 for children under 14. For tickets, call Christine Bardon at 275-3994.

The Garageniks, a local rock n’ roll band, will play a fundraising concert for Youth Theatre Northwest from 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday, Feb. 12, at the VFW Hall. Admission is $20 per person and $35 per couple; $5 per child or $40 per family.

Remove holly and laurel: Volunteers are needed from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, at Mercerdale Hillside. Check in at canopy on S.E. 34th Street. Sponsored by the city of Mercer Island.

Dr. Frederick Stegall will present “Treatment of AD/HD: Medications and other clinically proven treatments” at the ADD Resources Parent Support Group meeting from 7-9 p.m. Monday, Feb. 14, at the north-end fire station. Stegall is a psychiatrist in private practice in Seattle. For more information, call Jayne Carlin at 230-9071.

Banner Bank ribbon cutting is at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 17, at 2918 78th Ave. S.E., formerly Pacific Northwest Bank. All are welcome to attend the event.

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.

“Anansi the Spider” and other tales from Africa will be read in celebration of Black History Month at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 25. Presented by Clay Martin’s Puppet Theater. Folktales from Africa with an emphasis on animal heroes. Puppet designs are based on African art from collections at the Seattle Art Museum.

Toddler time for 2- to 3-year-olds and caregiver, is at 10 a.m. Tuesdays, to Feb. 22. Stories, songs finger plays and fun! Call to register.

Preschool storytime for 3- to 5-year-olds is at 11 a.m. Tuesdays, to Feb. 22. Stories, songs, puppets and fun! Call to register.

Opera Preview: Florencia en el Amazonas is at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23. Presented by Norm Hollingshead. Sponsored by the Friends of Mercer Island Library.

Pajama storytime is at 7 p.m., Monday, Feb. 28. Come dressed ready for bed and enjoy stories, songs and puppets.

Organizations

Mercer Island Radio Operators (MIRO) meets at 7 p.m. every third Thursday of the month at the north-end fire station. MIRO is a volunteer organization that provides back-up emergency communications for the Mercer Island Public Safety Department. For information, call Bill Ellis at 232-4881.

Mercer Island Preschool Association www.mipreschoolassociation.org : Adult groups are forming; members are needed for the book club, Bunco, dinner club, running club, investment club, ski club and scrapbooking. Contact Leslie at 275-2811 if interested.

? “Little Red Riding Hood” is at 11 a.m. or 12:45 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 10, at the Kirkland Storybook Theater. Tickets are $6 each. R.S.V.P. to Erinann at 232-9662.

? Rainy day activities for 2- to 7-year-olds, are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, at Islander Middle School. Admission is $5 per child (MIPA member), $6 per child (non-member). Infants and adults are free. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, call Sachie at 236-6493, Claudia at 275-0477 or Tracey at 232-1270.

? Monthly coffee social is from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Feb. 16. Open to all moms and their young children. R.S.V.P. to Bridget, 275-3070, for directions.

The League of Women Voters will meet at 9:15 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 10, at the home of Lissa Wells, 7651 S.E. 40th St. Discussion topics will include economic development of the metropolitan Seattle area. For more information, call Martha Jordan at 425-883-9143.

Formal dress drive fundraiser for Cinderella’s Trunk, a non-profit organization benefiting teens, women, and men of all ages, will be held during the month of February. Drop-offs can be made at the Four Seasons’ Dry Cleaners, Corry’s C02 Dry Cleaners, MIHS counselor’s office. For pick-up service ,call Cynthia Schreiber at 236-1071.

Seniors

For locations or more information, check www.miparks.net or call 236-3545.

Solemates is from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 9 and 16. Meet in the main parking lot at Luther Burbank Park. Cost is $2 per walk.

Grief and loss support group will meet from 1 to 2:30 Thursday, Feb. 10, at the Mercer Island Library.

Eastside stroke group will meet from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Monday, at St. Andrews Lutheran Church in Bellevue.

Parkinson’s support group will meet from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15, at the Mercer Island Library.

Harrison Hot Springs trip is Tuesday, Feb. 15 and Wednesday, Feb. 16, with 7 a.m. pick-up at Mercer Island City Hall. The cost is $220/double occupancy and $248/single occupancy.

Feeding the elk at Oak Creek is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18. The cost is $70. Call for reservations.

Senior lunch is at noon Tuesdays and Thursdays, at Covenant Shores in the lodge. The fee is $4.25. Call Lynda King at 236-3549 by 10 a.m. the day before to place your order. There is no parking at Covenant Shores, but a free shuttle service leaves at 11:45 a.m. from the south Luther Burbank parking lot and returns after lunch. Call 236-3456.

“Crafts on your own” for seniors is from 9:30 a.m. to noon, Tuesdays, at Covenant Shores Lodge. Bring your favorite craft hobby and meet new friends. The cost is $3.50.

Classes

CPR and first aid classes will be held at the north-end fire station. Instructors are Mercer Island firefighters. To register, call 236-3600. Class schedule is as follows:

? First aid and adult CPR is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26. The fee is $30.

? Adult CPR is from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 16 and March 23. The fee is $15.

? Infant/child CPR is from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, March 16. The fee is $15.

Parks & Rec

The following are programs run by the Parks & Recreation Department. For locations, go to www.miparks.net or call 236-3545.

Tax help for taxpayers with middle and low-incomes is at 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Fridays, through April 9 and from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays, through April 9 at the Mercer Island Library. Call 236-3545 for reservations.

Doggie academy is from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturdays, to March 12, at the North Mercer gym. The cost is $91.

Weight loss through hypnosis is from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, Feb. 10 to 24, at the Boys & Girls Club gym. The cost is $81.

Family Valentine’s Day dance for 3- to 10-year-olds is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11 at the VFW. The cost is $16 per child, which includes one guest, $5 each additional guest. Call to register.

Babysitting class is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, at the Boys & Girls Club. The cost is $45.

Beginning bridge is from 9:45 to 11:45 a.m. Tuesdays, to Feb. 15, at Covenant Shores. The cost is $53.

Pilates matwork level 1 is from 9:45 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays through Feb. 16, at the Boys & Girls Club. The cost is $72.

“Adventures in creative writing” camp for fifth- through seventh-graders is from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22, through Friday, Feb. 25, at West Mercer Elementary. Unleash your creativity and wild imagination with Barbara Winkelman during mid-winter break. The cost is $75.

Paintball for 11- to 15-year-olds is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23. The cost is $61.

JCC

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

“From the Shadchan to J-Date: The History and Wisdom of Jewish Matchmaking” is at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17, in the JCC activity room. Rabbi Yohanna Kinberg will speak on matchmaking and the role the Shadchan played in Jewish society.

Food talks will be offered from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Thursdays, Feb. 10, “Food as fuel: Changing the weight-loss paradigm;” March 24, “Mental gymnastics: Food and mood;” April 14, “Power eating: build muscle, boost energy, cut fat;” May 12, “Can 8-a-day keep cancer away? The latest science on water and health.” The cost is $15 per lecture or $55 for the entire series. To register, contact Karla Anderson at ext. 272 or e-mail karlaa@sjcc.org

Live jazz at lunchtime is at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17. Jazz pianist Richard Dean plays the piano. Program is free, with a $1 suggested donation for refreshments. Bring a brown bag lunch and enjoy.

Emerald Queen Casino trip is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 18. Pick-up at Luther Burbank Park. The cost is $11. Contact Roni Antebi at ext. 269 to register.

Early Childhood programs open registration for 2005-2006 will be Tuesday, Feb. 22. Programs are for children 3 months through 6 years of age. For more information, call Hila Michaely at ext. 253.

Early Childhood services art show is from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 27. Artwork by kids using the theme of “light.”

Galleries

The Chamber Art Gallery’s new show continues through March 31, featuring paintings by Kevin Curry and Robert Pare. Hours are 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The gallery is located at the Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce, 7612 S.E. 27th St.

Colleen Mohn and Jean Davis will show their paintings at Ana’s Restaurant in February and March.

Religion

Mercer Island Presbyterian Church: Ash Wednesday service is at 6:30 p.m. today. Registration for MIPC preschool is in progress; for more information, call Molly van der Burch at 232-5596, ext. 250. The annual congregational meeting is at 11:45 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 13. Lunch will be served. Winter Alpha course will be from 6:30 to 9 p.m. every Tuesday through April 19, and includes dinner. A “Tribute to Black History — Lift Every Voice in Song” concert by Ronald Campbell will be at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11. There will also be a Valentine’s night out with adult supervised childcare for children from 5:30 to 10 p.m. on Feb. 14. R.S.V.P. to Steph Boyer by noon on Feb. 10. For more information, contact the church at 232-5595. The church is located at 3605 84th Ave. S.E.

Congregational Church of Mercer Island: A SpeakUP 2005 youth event, a weekend retreat for high school students will be Friday, Feb. 11 through 13. Men’s breakfast happens at 7:30 a.m. on Feb. 12, followed by an outside work party from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information, call 232-7800. The church is located at 4545 Island Crest Way.

Mercer Island Covenant Church: Women’s ministry meetings will continue to be from 9:15 am. to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays , with free childcare available. The winter session will explore various topics via video and guest speaker. Each Wednesday, there will be a community dinner at 5:30 p.m., at a cost of $3 per person. Kid’s Club happens at 6:15 p.m. each Wednesday, followed by Alpha class at 6:30 p.m. Registration has begin for the women’s retreat, held March 11-13 at Camp Cascades in Yelm. Call the church for a registration form. For more information, call 232-1015. Covenant Church is located at 3200 78th Ave. S.E.

Emmanuel Episcopal: Registration for Emmanuel Day School begins Monday, Feb. 14, for EDS and Emmanuel Church families. On Wednesday, Feb. 16, registration opens to the public. The annual church meeting is rescheduled for Sunday, Feb. 13, following the 9 a.m. service. The new building will be dedicated by Bishop Warner on Sunday, March 6. Call 232-1572 or e-mail the church at mail@emmanuelmi.org . The church is located at S.E. 44th Street and 86th Avenue S.E.

Herzl-Ner Tamid conservative congregation: A special presentation, “Bringing the Bible Alive in the Modern Age,” featuring Dr. Robert Alter will be held Feb. 11 to 13. “Men cooking for Shabbat” will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday evenings through Feb. 15, and also on March 1 in the HNT kitchen. Materials fee is $65. For more information, contact Herzl-Ner Tamid at 232-8555. The synagogue is located at 3700 East Mercer Way.

The Christian Science Reading Room has been relocated to the Christian Science Church at Island Crest Way and S.E. 47th. The room is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Mondays, at 11 a.m. Sundays and at 8 p.m. Wednesdays. Call 232-0175 for more information, or e-mail fccsmi@attglobal.net

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church: Services at 5 p.m. Sundays will be replaced by regular 6:30 p.m. services on Wednesdays. Ash Wednesday service starts at 6 p.m. today, with a simple dinner, followed by service with imposition of ashes at 6:30 p.m.; no education hour will follow. Wednesdays in Lent, Feb. 16 through March 16, there will be 6 p.m. dinner, 6:30 vesper service, 7 to 8 p.m. education for all ages. “Lunch bunch” meets at noon for a senior lunch on Feb. 10. Call 232-3270 for more information. The church is located at 8501 S.E. 40th St.

Mercer Island United Methodist Church: Adult Bible study happens at 7 p.m., Mondays through Feb. 28. Men’s fellowship and prayer meetings are at 9:30 a.m. and women’s fellowship and prayers are at 10 a.m., both every Tuesday. Ash Wednesday service will happen at 7 p.m. today. An administrative council meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15. The church is located at 7070 S.E. 24th St. Call 232-3044 for more information.

Redeemer Lutheran Church: Parent’s night out for Valentine’s weekend will be from 6 to 11 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 11, with healthy activities, movies, music and fun for children ages 3 through 11. For more information, contact the church at 232-1711, or e-mail Pastor Bill Clements at pastor@redeemerlutheranchurch.us . The church is located at 6001 Island Crest Way.

Congregation Shevet Achim: Rabbi Yaakov Marcus, scholar-in-residence at Yeshiva, will speak on “The Mystical Hebrew Alphabet” at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11, and at 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12. For further information or Shabbat dinner reservations, call 206-275-1539, or visit the Web site at www.shevetachim.com . Congregation Shevet Achim is located at 5017 90th Ave. S.E. in Northwest Yeshiva High School.