Events

Island Books Summer Storyteller Series: “Bedtime for Bears,” 7-7:30 p.m., July 2, Island Books, 3014 78th Ave. S.E. Evening pajama party with Pat Peterson. For children ages 3 and up. “African Tales”: Kunie Oguneye, July 9. “Musical Stories”: Farida Dowler, July 16. (206) 232-6920. www.mercerislandbooks.com.

Mercer Island Summer Celebration: “Around the World,” July 11-12, Mercerdale Park. Annual community festival with parade, boat rides, fireworks cruise, Art Boat Celebration, arts and crafts, car show, international food court, Youth 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament. “It’s A Small World” Parade: 10 a.m., July 11; along 78th Avenue S.E. www.misummercelebration.com.

Mercer Island Farmers Market: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Sundays, through Oct. 11, Mercerdale Park, on 77th Avenue S.E. and S.E. 32nd Street. Over 65 Day: July 5, cherry sampling from 11-1 p.m.; welcoming senior citizens with Bluegrass music by Down the Road from 12-3 p.m. Closed July 12 for Summer Celebration and Aug. 2 for Seafair. Free parking at Farmers New World Insurance; handicapped parking at Rite Aid. www.mifarmersmarket.org.

Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition Centennial Special Gallery Show: Aug. 3-Sept. 11, Community Center at Mercer View, 8236 S.E. 24th St. Features Native Alaskan arts and crafts, history of the AYP and Mercer Island. “Day of Celebration”: 12-4 p.m., Aug. 16, with Salmon Bake, Native American storyteller, Inuksuk building contest for kids, art and more. Tickets required for Salmon Bake, pre-sold starting July 1. 275-7609. www.mercergov.org/artscouncil.

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

Classes

“The Interview As Opportunity”: 7-8:30 p.m., July 8, Herzl-Ner Tamid Conservative Congregation, 3700 East Mercer Way. Presenter: Jewish Family Service. Free. Adam Halpern: (206) 861-8784, familylife@jfsseattle.org.

“AH/HD and Learning Disabilities: How to Tell the Difference”: 7-8:30 p.m., July 13, Mercer Island Fire Station, 3030 78th Ave. S.E. Speaker: Rochelle Coffey, Ph.D., clinical psychologist. Sponsor: ADD Resources. Free. jscarlin@juno.com, www.addresources.org.

“The Safe Side – Stranger Safety for Kids Workshop”: 1-3 p.m., July 25, New Hope International Church, 9170 S.E. 64th St. A fun way to learn important safety information. Parents provided with simple and engaging ways to discuss this subject with their children. Emmy Award-winning show that teaches kids how to avoid dangerous situations with strangers. Speakers: Julie Clark and John Walsh. For elementary kids. Snack provided. Free. Sign up in the church lobby by July 19 or e-mail BSupasatit@msn.com. (206) 275-1042.

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: 7-8:30 a.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Mercerwood Shoreclub Pool, 4150 E. Mercer Way. 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.

Groups

Pacific Northwest Audio Society: 7:30 p.m., July 9, 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.

Mercer Island Visual Arts League (MIVAL): Art works, paintings, collages, photography, sculptures, computer art and jewelry for the 35th Annual Junior Art Show, July 11-12, are being accepted. Deliver art: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., July 6, to Wells Fargo Bank, 3001 78th Ave. S.E. Open to grades K-12. Entry forms are available at schools, Wells Fargo Bank, Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce and the MI Library. 232-2162.

Earthcorps Volunteer Environmental Restoration: Week-long Youth Project at Ellis Pond, “Keeping It Going”: July 13-17; sign up at www.campfire-usa.org/YVC/opportunities.htm. Pioneer Park: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., July 25, Island Crest Way and S.E. 68th Street. Lina Anne Rose: (206) 322-9296, ext. 225. www.earthcorps.org.

Emmanuel Vacation Bible School: “Caring for God’s Creation – Kids and the World God Has Made,” 9 a.m.-12 p.m., July 13-16; 10:30 a.m., July 19, Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 4400 86th Ave. S.E. For children age 4 through fifth grade. Hear Bible stories, pray and sing together, fun activities. Learn about caring for the Creation. (206) 232-1572. www.emmanuelmi.org.

VeBS 2009 Vacation Bible School: 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m., July 13-17, New Hope International Church, 9170 S.E. 64th St. For kids in kindergarten through sixth grade. Games, crafts, drama, snacks. Sue Carpenter and Carolyn Boyd of Carpenter’s Cross Ministries will lead in Bible teaching, puppets and singing. To register: www.newhic.org. $10. (206) 275-1042.

Mercer Island Radio Operators: 7 p.m., July 16, Mercer Island Fire Station, 3030 78th Ave. S.E. Learn about amateur radio communications and emergency preparedness. Members and the public are welcome. Dave Cook, MIRO Chairman: (206) 230-0397. www.mirohams.org.

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

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.

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA): Train to become a volunteer advocate for abused and neglected children in court. Help the legal system work toward a safe, permanent home for children. Must be 21. References and 28 hours of training required. (206) 296-1120, casa.group@kingcounty.gov. www.metrokc.gov/kcsc/depcasa.htm.

Library

4400 88th Ave. S.E.

236-3537

www.kcls.org/mercerisland

Registration required.

KCLS Summer Reading Programs

Be Creative @ Your Library — the 2009 Summer Reading Program, through Aug. 31. Read 500 minutes and receive a halfway prize; read 1,000, receive the finisher prize and be eligible for the grand prize drawing of a laptop computer. Prizes are distributed beginning July 15. The grand prize winner is announced in September. Teens: Check out the Summer Edition of Read Three, Get One Free. Read three books, write a review for each, get a free book and earn prizes.

Adults

Talk Time: 7 p.m., July 1. Improve your speaking and listening skills in this English conversation group.

Computer classes: 9 a.m. E-mail Level I: July 9. E-mail Level II: July 16. E-mail Level III: July 23.

Children/Families

Wombat Stew: 10:30 a.m., July 7. Puppet show based on Marcia Vaughan’s popular books. Ages 3-6.

Story Time for Wonderful Ones: 10 a.m., Wednesdays, July 8-29. Ages 12-24 months with adult.

Story Time for Terrific Twos: 11 a.m., Wednesdays, July 8-29. Ages 2-3 with adult.

Juggletunes: 2 p.m., July 9. Join Linda Severt for circus arts, music, stunts and puppets. Ages 3 and older.

Steffan Soule’s Magic and Wonder of Reading: 11:15 a.m., July 11. Join magician Steffan Soule for a theatrical show. This event is part of Summer Celebration at the Mercerdale Park stage, 77th Avenue S.E. and S.E. 32nd Street.

Whales, Sails, Treasures and Tales: 10:30 a.m., July 14. Set sail with Cyndi Soup and her puppet mates in a pirate adventure. Ages 3 and older.

Harry Potter Hurrah: 3:30 p.m., July 17. Celebrate the release of the final film in the Harry Potter series.

Wiggle, Waddle, Stomp and Sing: 10:30 a.m., July 21. Join Eric Ode for puppets and concert. Ages 3-6.

Up, Up and Away: 2 p.m., July 23. Ages 4 and up. See spellbinding scientific experiments that explore the principles of air pressure.

Reading Buddies: 2 p.m., Mondays, through Aug. 3. Read with a local teen who has literacy training. Ages 5-8.

Teens

Harry Potter Hurrah: 3:30 p.m., July 17. Celebrate the release of the final film in the Harry Potter series.

Teen Advisory Board: 7 p.m., July 21. Voice your opinions on teen programs and earn volunteer credit.

“Read Three, Get One Free Summer Edition; Read, Flip, Win”: Read three books, write three reviews and get a prize book for free. This summer will also feature a video book review contest: Read a book, make a movie and put it on YouTube.

Parks & Recreation

Community Center at Mercer View (CCMV)

8236 S.E. 24th St.

275-7609

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

Jeff Johnson’s Cartooniversity: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., July 6-10. Ages 9-15. $252.

Music Together: 9:30-10:15 a.m., 10:30-11:15 a.m., Tuesdays, July 7-Aug. 11. Ages 2 months to 4. $98 ($68 sibling fee).

Ballet: 2:10-3 p.m., 3-4 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday, July 8-17. Ages 3-4; 5-6. $47.

Summer Celebration! Boat Rides: 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., July 11. Tickets: $10, available at the CCMV. Fireworks Cruise: 8:30-11 p.m.; $40.

Teen Scene: Amps & Ramps, July 12. Mercerdale Park: Battle of the Bands and Skate Jam. Band reservations: Katie, 275-7862.

KAMP ROCK! Summer Camp: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., through 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 until the end of August. Teams play weekly on Wednesdays at 6 or 7:30 p.m. $677/team. 275-7863.

Seniors

Widow and Widowers Grief & Loss Support Group: 1-2:30 p.m., July 16. For senior adult men and women who have lost a spouse or partner in death. Free. To reserve a spot: call Betsy Zuber, (206) 275-7752.

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

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.

Stroum JCC

3801 East Mercer Way

232-7115

www.sjcc.org

Registration required.

Health Talk: “The Rest of Your Days Depend on the Rest of Your Nights,” 12 p.m., July 8. A talk on sleep by Ralph Golan, M.D., who practices a blend of nutritional, naturopathic and alternative approaches along with conventional medicine

The Active Seniors Club: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., July 12, July 22. Features speakers, outings, picnics, brunches, films, a book exchange and book reviews. Age 60 and up.

“Religion and Violence”: 11 a.m., July 12. Speaker: James K. Wellman, Associate Professor at the University of Washington Jackson School of International Studies and chairman of the Department of Comparative Religion.

Drop in Mah Jongg: 12:30-3:30 p.m., Wednesdays in June, Polack Lounge. Free/SJCC members, $2/nonmembers.

Drop in Bridge: 12:30-3 p.m., Wednesdays in June. All levels welcome, prior bridge playing experience necessary. Free/SJCC members, $2/nonmembers.