Penny for your thoughts?
The Mercer Island Reporter is conducting an online reader survey. Readers will be asked for their opinion of the Reporter and its content, including what they read or don’t read and what they would like to see added or changed. And for your trouble, participants will be entered in a drawing for prizes including a $3,000 grand prize, $1,500 first prize and $500 second prize. To take part go to www.pulseresearch.com/mercer. What you tell us will be kept confidential.
All-Island Hanukkah Festival
Celebrate the Festival of Lights with candlelighting, games, arts and crafts, a gift bazaar, Jewish bands and a ceramic workshop. And there is more: storytelling and face painting for kids, lunch and latkes for purchase, and a concert by youth group Dor Sheni of Kiryat Malachi of Israel. Noon until 3 p.m., Dec. 2, Stroum JCC, 3801 East Mercer Way. Free. Roni Antebi, (206) 232-7115, ext. 269.
AIDS Day concert
Student musicians will perform an all-acoustic show at 7 p.m., Sat. Dec. 1 at the Boys & Girls Club, 2825 West Mercer Way. Tickets are $5 in advance, $7 at the door. For information call 232-4548. Proceeds will be donated to YouthAIDS.
Gingerbread, stories and fun
Children and families are invited to Gingerbread Story Times at the Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave. S.E. Children ages 2-3 are welcome at 10 a.m., Dec. 11. Children ages 3-5 are welcome at 11 a.m., Dec. 11. Call ahead to register. 236-3537.
Firehouse Munch
Don’t forget the annual gathering for chili and fun at the North end fire station on Dec. 7.
Late-start transportation study session
On Thursday, Nov. 29, the Mercer Island School District will hold a public presentation of transportation options for the proposed late-start Wednesday schedule during the 2008-09 school year. The session is 6 p.m.-6:50 p.m. in the district administration building. One possibility to be discussed is arranging a split schedule where middle- and high-schoolers have a late-start Wednesday while elementary schools continue the early-release Monday. The meeting is open to the community, but board members will not call for public participation.
Events
Holiday Sale for MI Youth & Family Services: 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Nov. 30; 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Dec. 1, CCMV, 8236 S.E. 24th St. Items will include Full Circle Studio’s home decorations, Zavida Gemstone’s jewelry, B This & That’s linens, Terra Bella’s home/garden decor. Roger Kjos, (206) 236-3543, roger.kjos@mercergov.org.
World AIDS Day worship service: 7 p.m., Dec. 1, MI Presbyterian Church, 3605 84th Ave. S.E. Support, pray for those who have HIV/AIDS worldwide. All are welcome. (206) 232-5595, www.mipc.org.
Holiday festivities at MI Covenant Church: make gifts at Children’s Craft Workshop, 1-4 p.m., Dec. 1. Women’s Christmas Brunch, “Hassle-free Holiday”: 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m., Dec. 8, author/speaker Betty Southard, $10/person. Christmas dessert theater, “A Christmas Prayer” musical: 7:30 p.m., Dec. 14-15, $3/person. 3200 78th Ave. S.E., (206) 232-1015, www.micc.org.
MI Artist’s Holiday Open House: 2-7 p.m., Dec. 2, Painted Ladies Art Studio, 485 Front St. N., Issaquah. Islander Barbara VanDyke-Shuman. Paintings, pastels, prints, jewelry, dolls. (206) 769 9008, bvdart@msn.com, www.bvdart.com.
Community Hanukkah Celebration: Noon-3 p.m., Dec. 2, Stroum JCC, 3801 East Mercer Way. Festival of Lights candlelighting, games, arts and crafts, gift bazaar, Jewish bands, ceramic workshop. Storytelling, face painting for kids. Lunch, latkes for purchase. Concert by youth group Dor Sheni of Kiryat Malachi, Israel. Free. Roni Antebi, (206) 232-7115, ext. 269.
Puget Sound Blood Drive: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Dec. 3, Farmers New World Life, 3003 77th Ave. S.E., rooms 2, 3. 1-800-398-7888, www.psbc.org.
Book signing for author Ben Sherman: Dec. 4, Island Books, 3014 78th Ave. S.E., 232-6920.
Holiday Tree Lighting and Firehouse Munch: 7-9 p.m., Dec. 7. Tree lighting, sing-along in Mercerdale Park. Munch — music, Santa photos, chili, refreshments — in North Fire Station. Bring unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots Drive. Parks & Recreation, (206) 236-3545.
MI Visual Arts League Holiday Gallery: ongoing through Dec. 21, CCMV, 8236 S.E. 24th St. Diane Mortenson, (206) 230-6849. MIVAL artists’ art is on display during November at Island businesses.
The Dream Project: Seattle holiday ornaments are available for purchase through December at Island Books. Proceeds benefit Dream Project, helping disadvantaged high school students attend college. www.dreamproject.washington.edu.
Holiday shows
“Letters to Santa”: 7 p.m., Dec. 1; 2 and 7 p.m., Dec. 2, MI High School. Swinging, dancing show. MI Children’s Choir, Prep Choir. $12. Lynn Vanderwall, 230-8681.
“Angels”: 7 p.m., Dec. 8; 2 and 7 p.m., Dec. 9, MI High School. MI Island Sound Choir. Guest performer: KIRO’s Dave Ross. $12. Lynn Vanderwall, 230-8681.
“Excerpts from the Nutcracker”: 2 p.m., Dec. 15-16; 2 and 7 p.m., Dec. 20-21, Youth Theatre NW. MI Island Youth Ballet, Children’s Dance Conservatory. $20; reserved, $30. (206) 275-4750, MercerIslandNutcracker@gmail.com or Lynn Vanderwall, 230-8681.
“An Old-Time Radio Holiday Show”: 7 p.m., Dec. 9, Edmonds Center for the Arts, 410 Fourth Ave. N., Edmonds. Pontiac Bay Symphony Orchestra. 1940s music, performances of classic radio episodes from Jack Benny, Red Skelton, Fibber McGee and Molly. $12-$15 advance tickets. www.brownpapertickets.com, www.pontiacbay.org, (206) 364-0907.
Classes
Mazuma Retirement Investment workshop: 5:30-7 p.m., Nov. 28, Bellevue Regional Library, 1111 110th Ave. N.E. Senior Services of Seattle/King County. Free. To sign up: (206) 268-6707, www.mazumaretirement.org.
Grief and the Holidays workshops: Nov. 29, Dec. 13, Jan. 3, Providence Hospice of Seattle, 425 Pontius Ave. N, Seattle 98109. Free. Ailey Armstrong, (206) 749-7702.
Brain Matters 101: 7-9 p.m., Nov. 29, MI Presbyterian, 3605 84th Ave. S.E. Learn about irreversible, damaging effects of alcohol, drugs on the brain. Presenter: Victoria Tennant, M. Ed. Sponsor: Communities That Care Project. (206) 236-3525.
Art classes: 12-3 p.m., Dec. 3, 10, Painted Ladies Art Studio, 485 Front St. N., Issaquah. Pastel technique. Barbara VanDyke-Shuman. (206) 769-9008, bvdart@msn.com, www.bvdart.com.
Volunteer at Providence Hospice, Seattle: Monthly core training for volunteers, 5- 9 p.m., Dec. 4. Provide comfort for hospice patients, families in crisis. Volunteer Hotline, (206) 320-7169.
Turn Strategy Into Action Seminar: Dec. 5, CCMV, 8236 S.E. 24th St. Management consultant Terry Schmidt, Harvard MBA. Register: 8 a.m. Seminar: 8:30 a.m.-4:45 p.m. Lunch. $395/Club members, $595/non-members before Dec. 1. Groups of three or more: 10% discount. RSVP: contactus@hbsps.com, Club Office, (206) 624-4185.
A Wealth of World Jewish Records: 7-9:30 p.m., Dec. 10, Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 E. Mercer Way. Michael Goldstein, Jerusalem-based APG genealogist, on Israeli archives, Internet sites. $5. president@jgsws.org, www.jgsws.org.
Boating Safety two-day course: 5-9 p.m., Dec. 12-13, Jan. 9-10, Jan. 22-23. MI Marine Patrol’s parks certified instructors. $15. Pre-register: Marine Patrol, (206) 236-5309, keith.mcdonough@mercergov.org. www.mercergov.org/boatersafety.
“Cool Tools for the Real Estate Investor” seminar: 6:30-8 p.m., Dec. 12, CCMV, 8236 S.E. 24th St. Christine Kenyon, (206) 275-3779. Register: MI Parks and Recreation, (206) 236-3545.
Parenting from the Heart, Positive Discipline: 6:30-8:30 p.m., Dec. 13, Stroum JCC, 3801 East Mercer Way. Speaker: Dr. McVittie, parent educator, expert. $10/person; $17/couple. No JCC membership necessary. Pre-registration suggested. Andy, andyl@sjcc.org, (206) 232-7115 ext. 304.
CCMV computer classes: ongoing. Learn tech basics, computer maintenance, security. Suggested donation: $20. Reserve a space: (512) 825-7549, crazycrystal@gmail.com.
Divorce Lifeline: Adult therapy groups for those dealing with divorce, separation. Lutheran Community Services Northwest. 433 Minor Ave. N., Seattle. (206) 694-5788, braynor@lcsnw.org.
Clubs
MI Probus Club annual holiday luncheon: Dec. 5, Covenant Shores. Buses will shuttle members, guests from MI Presbyterian Church, 3605 84th Ave. S.E. between 11:15-11:45 a.m. Bob Simonds, (206) 236-2190.
Holidoors: 10-11:30 a.m., Dec. 7, MI Covenant Shores. Island preschool classes will decorate doors, bringing holiday cheer to CS residents. MIPA, Kirstin Larson, (206) 232-6888; Dina Deitz, (425) 864-0947.
MI Women’s Club annual Holiday Bazaar: 10:30 a.m., Dec. 11, Glendale Country Club in Bellevue. Fundraising event. Luncheon: noon. Make reservations by Nov. 30. Lynn Kloppenburg, (206) 230-9363.
The League of Women Voters meeting: 9:15 a.m., Dec. 13, Lisa Wells’ home, 7651 S.E. 40th. Speaker: Elizabeth Celms, MI Reporter education reporter, on her experiences returning home after visiting her land of origin. Martha Jordan, (425) 883-9143.
MI Republican Women meets at 11:30 a.m., first Monday of the month, Market House Deli & Catering, 7525 S.E. 24th St., Suite #100. Virginia Hale, (206) 930-1564.
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 5760 meets at 7:30 p.m., first Tuesday of the month, VFW Hall, 1836 72nd Ave. S.E. (206) 232-6390.
MI Radio Operators: 7 p.m., third Thursday of the month, North end fire station, 3030 78th Ave. S.E. Don Sandstrom, 550-4148.
MI Senior Foundation is accepting grant applications until Dec. 15. If you need capital to begin a service/program or augment one that benefits Island seniors, request an application at 232-4597. Mail completed forms to P.O. Box 51, Mercer Island, 98040.
National Charity League, Evergreen Chapter: If you are a former member who has a 6th grade daughter and would like to become re-involved with NCL, please call Nancy Bird, (206) 232-3880, by Jan. 15, 2008.
Cellar 46 wine tasting: 2-6 p.m., Saturdays, Mercer Building, 7650 S.E. 27th St., Suite 120. Free. Ryan Allison, (206) 407-3016, www.cellar46.com/events.
Tatters Holiday Fundraiser for Youth & Family Services: Dec. 5-24, 7605 S.E. 27th St. #105. Proceeds from sales at Tatters, a women’s clothing store, will go to YFS. Roger Kjos, (206) 236-3543, roger.kjos@mercergov.org.
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.
Holiday closures
Christmas Eve: Dec. 24
Christmas Day: Dec. 25
New Year’s Eve: 5 p.m., Dec. 31
New Year’s Day: Jan. 1
Adults
Classics on Film, Alfred Hitchcock’s “North by Northwest”: 1 p.m., Dec. 8, MI Library. Presenter: Lance Rhoades, film historian. Free.
Children/Families
Wacky Winter Adventure Puppet Show: 11 a.m., Dec. 4. Ages 3 and up. Join Pepe the Dog and Freezy, a snowgirl, as they meet penguins, Snowball King, Gingerbread Princess at the North Pole.
Gingerbread Story Time: 10 a.m., Dec. 11. Ages 2-3. Gingerbread stories, finger plays, decorate cookies. Please register.
Gingerbread Story Time Fun: 11 a.m., Dec. 11. Ages 3-5. Gingerbread stories, decorate gingerbread cookies. Please register.
Teens
SAT Practice Test & Scoreback Session: 1 p.m., Dec. 2, 9. Timed practice test. Strategy session. Led by Princeton Review to help you improve your score. Practice test attendance not required.
Teen Zone: 1 p.m., Dec. 3, 10, 17. Hang out, do homework, play board games, DDR, Guitar Hero, chat. Complete group work for school, catch up with friends.
Teen Advisory Board: 7 p.m., Dec. 18. Voice opinions on library’s teen materials, services, programs. Earn one volunteer credit hour. Refreshments.
Parks & Recreation
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.
Bellevue Botanical Gardens Trip: 5-8:30 p.m., Dec. 13. See the “Garden of Lights.” $6.
Argosy Christmas Ship festival: 5:30-6:30 p.m., Dec. 16, Luther Burbank Park Beach. Argosy’s Spirit of Seattle ship. Beach bonfire, hot chocolate, coffee, treats. Bring unwrapped gift to donate to local charity, and flashlight.
Drop-in preschool at Community Center: 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday. $5/hour. 236-3545.
Jazzercise: 9:30-10:30 a.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday, CCMV.
Bridge lessons: 10 a.m.-noon, Tuesdays, Thursdays. $63/six weeks. Instructor: Aidee Pokroy. 236-3545.
Volunteer bus drivers needed for Island senior transportation. No endorsements necessary. Jeanette, 230-6845.
Parks & Rec. Seniors
Solemates walking group: 8:30-11:30 a.m., Nov. 28, from CCMV. $2.
Low Vision Support Group: 1:30-3 p.m., Nov. 29, CCMV, Calkins Room. New low vision aids.
Parkinson Disease Support Group: 2-3:30 p.m., Dec. 4, CCMV Calkins Room. “Universal Design & Aids for Daily Activities,” Lisa Blanchart, ADApations.
Grocery shopping transportation: Wednesday mornings. Call 236-3456; leave a message by 4 p.m., the day before shopping. $1.
Senior lunch, Covenant Shores: noon, Tuesdays, Thursdays, dining room. Ride CCMV shuttle. Transportation also available round-trip from home. Registration required: Jackie, 230-6846. $4.25.
Youth
Late-start transportation study session: 6-6:50 p.m., Nov. 29, District Administration Building. The Mercer Island School District will hold a public presentation of transportation options for the proposed late-start Wednesday schedule during the 2008-09 school year. Open to the community.
Saturday Little Dribblers for boys grades 3-9 has begun registration. The season starts 8 a.m., Dec. 1, for grades 3/4; 9 a.m., grades 5/6; 10 a.m., grades 7-9. $90. Registration forms: www.mibasketball.org. Petur, (206) 940-1125, peturkarl@comcast.net.
“The Princess Bride”: 7 p.m., Dec. 7; 3 and 7 p.m., Dec. 8; 3 p.m., Dec. 9, Lake Washington High School Cadle Theatre. Eastside Catholic High School adaptation of S. Morgenstern’s book. $10/adults, $7/students. Sarah Wolz, (206) 275-2423.
MIHS Band Concert: 7:30 p.m., Feb. 23, 2008, MIHS Performing Arts Center. MIHS Wind and Jazz Ensembles, world-famous Allan Vizzutti, Vince DiMartino. Musicians’ reception, MIHS Commons area. Fundraising effort for MIHS China tour, March 2008. Tickets: cathy-ramsay@comcast.net, (206) 236-1958.
Childfind: the MI School District is offering to locate, evaluate students ages birth-21 with suspected disabilities who live on MI. If your child’s development is of concern, contact: Student Services Department, (206) 236-3329.
Kids Corps: Does your child need some extra help with school? Kids Corps, the MIHS tutoring club, has volunteer tutors available for elementary school-aged students. Abby Trimble, abbyjean@trimble.net.
Boys & Girls Club
All events take place at the Boys & Girls Club, 2825 West Mercer Way, unless otherwise noted. To register: 232-4548, www.mipositiveplace.org.
Writing Club: 4-6 p.m., Tuesdays. Grades 3-4. Author Barbara Winkelman. Children present a reading at Starbucks at session’s end. $80.
MI Judo Dojo practices 6:15-8 p.m., Tuesdays. Instructor: Harold Yamada, fourth degree black belt, U.S. certified Judo coach, teacher, international referee. Sign up: ongoing. Evergreen State Open Judo Tournament at Boys & Girls Club: April 5, 2008, free.
Chess on Wednesdays: Beginning, 4-5 p.m. Intermediate, 5-6 p.m. Grades K-5. $108.
No-school days: activities include field trips, snack, arts and crafts, indoor/outdoor games, $45 per day. Care for teacher conferences: $25/day; $100/five days.
Preschool Rainy Day Gym: 9:30-12:30 p.m., Wednesdays through May 1, 2008. Indoor playground for toddlers, preschoolers. $3 per visit.
Teens: Hang out at the Boys & Girls Club on Saturdays. $3. Foosball, ping-pong, pool. Free pizza, soda. Nate, 232-4548.
JCC
All events take place at the Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 E. Mercer Way, unless noted. Please contact Roni Antebi, (206) 232-7115, ext. 269, to register or RSVP for all events.
Community Hanukkah Celebration: Noon-3 p.m., Dec. 2. Celebrate the Festival of Lights.
Poker game: 12:30-3 p.m., second, fourth Tuesdays of the month. Watch out for sharks.
Bridge Group: 12:30-3 p.m., Fridays, room 200. All levels welcome, prior bridge-playing experience necessary. Bring brown bag lunch. Free/JCC members, $2/non-members.
Mah Jongg: 12:30-3:30 p.m., Fridays, Polack Lounge. Ancient Chinese game of skill, chance. Free/JCC members, $2/non-members.
Jewish Meditation classes: 3- 4 p.m., first, third Friday of the month. Co-sponsor: Bet Alef Meditative Synagogue. Guide: Olivier BenHaim. Free, $5 suggested donation. Please register.
Religion
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Sacrament meeting: 9 a.m. Sunday school: 10:10 a.m. Priesthood, Relief Society, Young Women: 11:10 a.m. 4001 Island Crest Way. 236-2957.
Congregational Church of Mercer Island Sunday worship: 10:30 a.m., nursery care provided. Children’s Sunday school during worship. Adult Education: 9 a.m., Sundays. High School Youth Group/Sunday school: 6 p.m. Middle School Youth Group: 6-8 p.m., Wednesdays. Bible Studies: 7:45 p.m., Wednesdays; 6:15 p.m., Thursdays. 4545 Island Crest Way, (206) 232-7800, office@ucc-ccmi.net, www.ucc-ccmi.org.
Congregation Shevet Achim morning minyan: 6:45 a.m., Monday, Thursday; 6:55 a.m., Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday. Shabbat services: 9 a.m. between Sukkot, Pesach; 9:30 a.m. between Pesach, Sukkot. Northwest Yeshiva High School sanctuary. President Rich Gilmore, (206) 232-1060.
Emmanuel Episcopal Church Sunday services: Holy Eucharist, 8 a.m., 10 a.m.; church school, nursery care; children’s choir, 11:30 a.m. Contemporary service: 5 p.m., Holy Eucharist in the chapel. Holy Eucharist, healing service: 9:30 a.m., Wednesdays. 4400 86th Ave. S.E. 232-1572, mail@emmanuelmi.org.
First Church of Christ, Scientist services and Sunday school: 10 a.m. Wednesday meetings: 7:30 p.m. Childcare available. Reading Room: open weekdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 7605 S.E. 27th St. 232-0175, fccsmi@hotmail.com.
First Taiwanese Presbyterian Church: Christian Education, 9:15 a.m. Worship: 10:40 a.m., Sundays, Fireside Room. 3605 84th Ave. S.E. (206) 232-5595.
Herzl-Ner Tamid Conservative Congregation services: 6 p.m., Fridays and 9:15 a.m., Saturdays. Daily Minyan: 7 a.m. Minyan at 9 a.m. on Sundays, secular holidays. Pre-Neg: 5:30 p.m., Fridays. 3700 E. Mercer Way. (206) 232-8555, www.h-nt.org.
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Sunday worship schedule: 8 a.m., 10:15 a.m. and 5 p.m. (contemporary evening service in Fellowship Hall). Sunday school classes: 9 a.m. 8501 S.E. 40th St. (206) 232-3270, www.htlcmi.org.
Mercer Island Covenant Church regular worship services: 8:30 a.m., 11 a.m. Sunday school for all ages: 9:45 a.m. “LIFT” contemporary evening service: 6:30 p.m., Dec. 2. Children’s Craft Workshop: 1-4 p.m., Dec. 1, make gifts for family, teachers, friends. Women’s Christmas Brunch: 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m., Dec. 8, $10/person. “A Christmas Prayer” musical: 7:30 p.m., Dec. 14-15, $3/person. Middle School Youth Group: 7 p.m., Tuesdays. Men’s Open Prayer Group: 6:15 a.m., Wednesdays. Community Dinner: 5:30p.m., Wednesdays, $3/person. Women’s Prayer Ministry: 8 a.m., Thursdays. Women’s Oasis (Precepts Study of Daniel): 9:15 a.m., Thursdays, with childcare. High School Youth Group: 7 p.m., Thursdays. Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 a.m., Saturdays. 3200 78th Ave. S.E. (206) 232-1015 ext. 100, www.micc.org.
Mercer Island Presbyterian Church: Breakfast worship, 8:15 a.m., Fellowship Hall; worship,10:35 a.m. and 5 p.m., sanctuary; nursery available. Super 60’s & Beyond: 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Nov. 28; lunch, Judy Ginn, Missa Harden on Africa. Christmas Teas for all: Dec. 7, 12 p.m., Christmas music, story; 6 p.m., handbells, instrumentals in Courtyard; $10/person; reservations, Beth Johnson, (206) 232-4440, Ruth Ann Biggers, RuthAnnB@MIPC.org. World AIDS Day worship service: 7 p.m., Dec. 1. Festival Christmas Choir presentation: 10:35 a.m., Dec. 16. Longest Night worship service: 7 p.m., Dec. 20, Fireside Room. Christmas Carol Sing-Along: 9:15 a.m., Dec. 23. Kindermusik registration: Haley Montoya, (206) 325-1233, adovesong@gmail.com. 3605 84th Ave. S.E. (206) 232-5595.
Mercer Island United Methodist Church: Sunday School, 10 a.m. Sunday worship: 11 a.m. Childcare available. All are welcome. 7070 S.E. 24th St. (206) 232-3044.
New Hope International Church Sunday services: 9 a.m. (English), 2 p.m. (Thai). Revival Night: 7:30 p.m., Dec. 7, seek God’s presence and intimacy, as the Psalmist wrote, “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” A prayer session is available for those who need healing. 9170 S.E. 64th St. (206) 275-1042 ext. 3, www.newhic.org.
Redeemer Lutheran Church worship and kids’ services: 10 a.m. Fellowship and Bible study: 11 a.m. All are welcome. 6001 Island Crest Way. Pastor Bill Clements, (206) 232-1711, www.redeemerlutheranchurch.us.
St. Monica Catholic Church: Are you interested about the Catholic faith? You are invited to join St. Monica Catholic Church’s RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation Adults) program, an ancient church process to enable anyone to learn about and participate in the Roman Catholic faith. All are welcome. The class meets 7:30-9 p.m., Wednesdays, St. Monica School Library, 4320 87th Ave. S.E.; Dan Stevenson, 232-9829. Childcare provided. 4301 88th Ave. S.E. (206) 232-2900.
