Events

The Big Read with author Gary Paulsen: 7 p.m., June 3, Mercer Island High School Theater, 9100 S.E. 42nd St. Meet Gary Paulsen, author of “Hatchet” and over 175 books for children and adults, who will share stories and experiences for the centennial of the Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition. Ages 8 and up. 236-3537.

Farmers Market Kick-off/Volunteer Meeting: 7 p.m., June 4, North Fire Station, 3030 78th Ave. S.E. Learn how to get involved with the Mercer Island Farmers Market, which opens on Sunday, June 21. Allison Schwartz: alliecampbell@gmail.com. www.mifarmersmarket.org.

National Trails Day “Trail Trek”: 1-3 p.m., June 6, Pioneer Park, southeast quadrant, S.E. 68th and Island Crest Way. A unique trail event in honor of National Trails Day with “CSI” mystery theme. Solve a mystery along the trail, forensics activities, demonstrations from local law enforcement. First 50 kids receive a Jr. Investigator Kit. Dannie Wit, Parks & Recreation: 275-7891.

Island Children’s Choir Spring Concert: “Broadway’s Best,” 7 p.m., June 6; 2 and 7 p.m., June 7, Mercer Island High School Performing Arts Center. Tickets: $14. Marsha Woerner: 232-8007, islandsound@comcast.net.

Movie Nights at the Mercer Island Pool: Sundays, June 7-July 26, Mary Wayte Pool. Bring the whole family and enjoy watching a movie in the comfort of the community pool. Diving board not available during movie nights. $5/person; $14/family. 275-7609.

Parks & Recreation All-Island Garage Sale: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., June 13, Community Center at Mercer View. Vendor space available for $28/space. 275-7862.

Second Saturday Stories: 11-11:30 a.m., June 13, Island Books, 3014 78th Ave. S.E. “Bats, Bunnies and Bears,” with Margaret Read McDonald. For ages 3 and up. 232-6920. www.mercerislandbooks.com.

“Into the Woods” Musical: through June 13, Youth Theatre Northwest, 8805 S.E. 40th St. Friday/Saturday: 7 p.m. Saturday/Sunday: 2 p.m. Evening performances are for ages 10+ and matinees are for ages 6+. School-day matinee shows and ASL performance also scheduled. YTN 25th anniversary finale. Reserved seating: $13. 232-4145, ext. 109. www.youththeatre.org.

“People Helping People” Evening Gala: 6:30-9 p.m., June 20, Congregational Church, 4545 Island Crest Way. Presented by Senior Foundation of Mercer Island. $25. Reservations: 236-1389.

Mercer Island Boys Summer Basketball Camp: 9-11:30 a.m. (grades 3-6) and 12:30-3 p.m. (grades 6-8), June 22-25; 9-11:30 a.m. (grades 3-6) and 4:30-7 p.m. (grades 9-12), June 29-July 2, Mercer Island High School, 9100 S.E. 42nd St. $125. Mike Huber: mthuber@hotmail.com. www.MIBasketball.org.

Wine Tasting: 4-6 p.m., Fridays, Cellar 46, 7650 S.E. 27th St., Suite 120. Free. (206) 407-3016.

Classes

“How to Select & Work With an Architect” Seminar: 3 p.m., June 6, Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave. S.E. Overview of architect services and fees, how to find the right architect for your new home design or remodel project. Learn about the American Institute of Architects and its resources for homeowners. Presenter: Lane Williams, AIA, of COOP 15 Architecture for Living. Free. (206) 284-8355.

“Helping Your Child/Teen with AD/HD Build Social Skills”: 7-8:30 p.m., June 8, Mercer Island Fire Station, 3030 78th Ave. S.E. Sponsor: ADD Resources. Speaker: Pete Weiss, Child, Adolescent, & Family Therapist, Seattle Child Therapy. Free. jscarlin@juno.com, www.addresources.org.

“Lady Luck on the Hungarian Archives Roller Coaster”: 7:30 p.m., June 8, Stroum Jewish Community Center, Auditorium, 3801 East Mercer Way. Learn tips about researching Jewish family history in Hungary and Slovakia. Speaker: Theodore Grossman. Presented by Jewish Genealogical Society of Washington State. Free/JGSWS members, $5/nonmembers. www.jgsws.org.

CPR: Infant/Child and Adult CPR Class, 7-9 p.m., June 9, Main Fire Station, 3030 78th Ave. S.E. $15. Reservations: Jolene Judd, 275-7607.

“Buy A Home? Yes, You Can!”: 6-7:30 p.m., Mondays, through June 29, Mercer Island Windermere, 2737 77th Ave. S.E. Discussion, Q&A with a volunteer panel of experts. Free. Diane Rae Jones: (206) 406-5232. www.windermeremercerisland.com, www.WeHelpYouBuyAHome.com.

Topics in Practical Halacha: 7-8 p.m., Mondays, Northwest Yeshiva High School, 5017 90th Ave. S.E. Teacher: Rabbi Yechezkel Kornfeld of Congregation Shevet Achim. Free.

Aquarobics fitness classes: 7:30-8:30 a.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Mercerwood Shoreclub Pool, 4150 E. Mercer Way. Time changes to 7 a.m. as of June 19. Carolyn Scott: (425) 894-0045, info@aquarobics.com.

Mercer Island Yoga: Baby Strollercise, 10:30 a.m., Tuesdays, Community Center at Mercer View, 8236 S.E. 24th St. Prenatal Yoga: 5:45 p.m., first/third Thursdays, Mercerwood Shoreclub. (206) 979-3008.

PUSH Exercise Class: 11:15 a.m., Fridays, through June, Community Center at Mercer View Dance Room. A mix of strength, sports drills, intervals, balance, flexibility, play. Instructor: Elizabeth Andrews. $20/drop-in. (206) 922-3218.

Groups

The League of Women Voters: end-of-year luncheon, 11 a.m., June 11, Estelle Wertheimer residence. Anticipated speakers are new reporters from the Mercer Island Reporter. Martha Jordan: (425) 883-9143. www.seattlelwv.org.

Earthcorps Volunteer Park Restoration: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., June 13, Island Crest Park. Remove invasive plants. Snacks, tools, gloves provided. Lina Anne Rose: (206) 322-9296, ext. 225. www.earthcorps.org.

Mountains to Sound Greenway Luther Burbank Restoration Project: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., June 20, Luther Burbank North Wetlands. Invasive plant removal. Half-day option available. www.mtsgreenway.org.

Mercer Island Job Finder’s Club: workshop, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Tuesdays, through June 16, Community Center at Mercer View. Facilitator: Terry Pile (Career Advisors). Sponsor: Mercer Island Youth & Family Services. Free. Registration required: 275-7869, cheryl.manriquez@mercergov.org.

Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce Gallery: Elementary Art Display featured through June 17, 7613 S.E. 27th St. Includes 100 paintings from West Mercer second-graders. 232-3404.

Mercer Island Arts Council: New Mercer View Gallery show, “Expressions in Art,” runs through June 26. Community Center at Mercer View, 8236 S.E. 24th St.

Senior Men’s Tennis Doubles: seeking players, 6:45-8:15 a.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Location: Homestead Field, during spring. Al Skinner: 232-3450.

Toddlers of Mercer Island (TOMI by MIPA): 10-11:30 a.m., Tuesdays, VFW Hall, 1836 72nd Ave. S.E. Ages 0-6. $3/child, MIPA members; $5/nonmembers. www.mipreschoolassociation.org.

Pacific Northwest Audio Society: 7:30 p.m., second Thursday of month, Mercer Island Congregational Church (basement), 4545 Island Crest Way. Dedicated to the exploration and enjoyment of fine audio and music since 1978. www.audiosociety.org.

Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS): 9:30-11:30 a.m., first/third Friday, MI Covenant Church. For mothers with children ages birth-K. Childcare provided. www.micc.org.

Women Painters of Washington: “Summer Dreaming” gallery exhibition, through July 31. 701 Fifth Ave., Suite 310. (206) 624-0543, www.womenpainters.com.

Mercer Island High School Class of 1979 Reunion: Sept. 12, Maggiano’s Little Italy, 10455 N.E. 8th St., Bellevue. (425) 644-1044. www.reunionswithclass.com.

Library

4400 88th Ave. S.E.

236-3537

www.kcls.org/mercerisland

Registration required.

Adults

Talk Time: 7 p.m., Wednesdays, through June 17. Improve speaking and listening skills in English conversation group.

Break Into Fiction: 2 p.m., June 20. New York Times bestselling author Dianna Love and award-winning author Mary Buckham, co-authors of “Break Into Fiction® Power: Plot Your Novel,” offer aspiring writers advice and resources for starting a novel.

Children/Families

Big Read: 7 p.m., June 3, Mercer Island High School, 9100 S.E. 42nd St. Meet Gary Paulsen, author of “Hatchet” and over 175 books for children and adults, who will share stories and experiences. Ages 8 and up.

Summer Reading Program Sign-Up Party: 1:30 p.m., June 15. Come for an ice cream party, learn about new library events and create your own bookmark. All ages welcome.

Preschool Story Time: 11 a.m., Tuesdays. Stories, music, puppets, Early Literacy alphabet activities. Ages 3-5.

Teens

Teen Zone: 1:45 p.m., June 8. Hang out, do homework or play video games.

Summer Reading Program Ice Cream Kick-Off Party: 1:30 p.m., June 15. Build an ice cream sundae, pick up Read 3 forms and find out about library programs.

Teen Advisory Board: 7 p.m., June 16. Earn volunteer credit while making the library a more inviting place for teens.

Book Buddies Training: 3 p.m., June 22. A required orientation and training session for teens who will be reading with children this summer in the Book Buddies program.

Parks & Recreation

Community Center at Mercer View (CCMV)

8236 S.E. 24th St.

275-7609

www.myparksandrecreation.com

Registration for summer camps and beginner adult sailing is open. See the spring/summer Recreation Guide for full descriptions or www.myparksandrecreation.com.

Cooking Class: Picnic Treats, 6-7:15 p.m., June 4. $49.

Adult Day Trip to Snoqualmie Casino: 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., June 5. $15.

Youth After-School Adventure Program: 2:30-4:30 p.m., June 8, Craft Room. Wiggly Worm: June 8. Hands-on after-school programs with a Nature Vision Naturalist. Explore a nature topic; story, snack. Limited to 10-20 participants. Ages 4-9. $77.

Beginner Adult Sailing: 5:30-8 p.m., June 9-11, Luther Burbank Park marina. Learn the basics of sailing and how to safely handle a boat on your own. Two people per boat. $277.

Counselor in Training Program: 6-7:15 p.m., Wednesdays, through June 10. Learn all aspects of working with children in a day camp setting. Each C.I.T. will become First Aid and CPR certified. Experience hands-on training by shadowing at a camp for one week this summer. Ages 13-16. $132.

Beginning Ballroom Dancing: 6:30-7:30 p.m., Wednesdays, June 10-July 22. $58.

Beginning Salsa Dancing: 7:45-8:45 p.m., Wednesdays, June 10-July 22. $58.

Dance Team: 3:30-5 p.m., Wednesdays, through June 17, Dance Room. Learn dance or improve your technique. Basics of “spirit squad” style dance: Jazz, hip-hop, pom dance styles. Open to all levels from beginning to advanced. Ages 11-16. $152 (10 weeks).

“Let’s Go Fishing”: 1-3 p.m., June 20, Luther Burbank Park, Boat Dock. Instructors: Roger and Linda Urbaniak. Learn how to fish from a dock to catch trout, perch and bass. Includes a tackle box with supplies. Ages 6-15 with adult. $22.

KAMP ROCK! Summer Camp: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., June 29-Aug. 14. Theme weeks, field trips, games/crafts. Ages 6-11. $190/week; extended care available.

Men’s Softball Teams: The City of Mercer Island is looking for a few teams to round out its yearly softball league. Games will be played between mid-May and the end of August. Teams will play weekly on Wednesdays at 6 or 7:30 p.m. $677/team. 275-7863.

Seniors

Parks & Recreation Senior Golf Program: Mondays, “Niners” and “Handicappers” take weekly trips to various golf courses in the area.

Widow and Widowers Grief & Loss Support Group: 1-2:30 p.m., June 11. A Youth & Family Services support group for senior adult men and women who have lost a spouse or partner in death. Free. Reservations: Betsy Zuber, 275-7752.

Senior Lunch at Covenant Shores: noon, Tuesday, Thursday. Reservations: call 275-7895, press 2, leave a message. $5.

Grocery Shopping Transportation: Wednesday morning. Call 236-3456, leave a message by 4 p.m., the day before. $1.