Events

“Alone in the Dark: Mercer Island’s Haunted Forest”: Oct. 22-Nov. 1, Island Crest Park. Thursday: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Saturday: 6-10 p.m. Sunday: 2-4 p.m. 45-minute guided tour and performance with Youth Theatre Northwest actors through trails. Outdoor, rain or shine event. www.mercerislandshauntedforest.com.

Community Open House on Tent City: 7-9 p.m., Oct. 22, Community Center at Mercer View, 8236 S.E. 24th St. Forum for additional public input and an overview of the draft Temporary Encampment ordinance. Discuss the lessons learned from the Tent City experience. Comments and questions can be directed to George Steirer, Principal Planner: (206) 275-7719, george.steirer@mercergov.org. www.mercergov.org/tentcity.

Fall Recycling Event: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Oct. 24, I-90 Boat Launch, S.E. 36th Street and East Mercer Way. Safely dispose of old equipment and household items. For a list of acceptable items, go to www.mercergov.org. (206) 275-7608.

Disney’s “101 Dalmatians”: Oct. 30-Nov. 22, Youth Theatre Northwest, 8805 S.E. 40th St. Friday: 7 p.m. Saturday/Sunday: 2 p.m. Opening Night Gala: Oct. 30, includes intermission dessert; $17 (adults), $15 (seniors, youth). School Show: 10 a.m., Nov. 12. “101 Dalmatians” is the first production in YTN’s 2009-2010 school season lineup. Tickets: $15 (adults); $13 (seniors, youth under 18). (206) 232-4145, ext. 109. www.youththeatre.org.

I-405 Public Open House: 4-7 p.m., Nov. 5, Kirkland City Hall, Peter Kirk Room, 123 5th Ave. As part of the Eastside Corridor Tolling Study, WSDOT is gathering feedback on adding an additional lane to I-405 that, with the existing HOV lane, could operate as an express toll lane from Puyallup to Lynnwood. www.wsdot.wa.gov/Tolling/EastsideCorridor.

Lakes Halloween Food Drive: Oct. 31. The Lakes neighborhood opens up to the community on Halloween night to all children for “Trick or Treat.” Those who trick or treat are asked to contribute to the food drive. All donations go to the Mercer Island Food Bank.

Mercer Island Preschool Association Toy Swap: Nov. 7, Islander Middle School, 8225 S.E. 72nd St. Regular Sale: 9-11 a.m. Half Price Sale: 12-1 p.m. Consignment sale of gently used kid’s toys, clothes, furniture and more. Items up to age 12. www.mipreschoolassociation.org.

Classes

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.

Real-Time Stock Market Investing with Gatis Roze: 6:30-8:30 p.m., Wednesdays, through Nov. 11, Community Center at Mercer View, 8236 S.E. 24th St. (425) 564-2263.

Sogetsu School of Ikebana Mercer Island Branch Japanese Flower Arranging Class: 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Fridays, through Dec. 4, Community Center at Mercer View, 8236 S.E. 24th St. $80. Shirley: (425) 558-0889, (206) 954-3833, shirleyhill@live.com.

Groups

Mercer Island Visual Arts League (MIVAL): MIVAL Holiday Show 2009, Opening Reception: 6-8 p.m., Oct. 22, Community Center at Mercer View, 8236 S.E. 24th St. Meet the artists, refreshments served. Artist recipients of show prizes will be announced. Features MIVAL People’s Choice Award and Silent Auction. Presented by the Mercer Island Gallery and Arts Council. The show runs through Dec. 19. Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday: 8 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Earthcorps Urban Forest Restoration: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Oct. 24, Ellis Pond. Help keep Mercer Island green and make the parks healthier forests. Snacks, tools, gloves are provided. Groups are welcome. Sign up in advance: www.earthcorps.org.

Northwest Yeshiva High School Information Night: 7:30 p.m., Oct. 25, NYHS, 5017 90th Ave. S.E. Prospective students for grades 9-12 and their parents are encouraged to attend and learn about NYHS’s unique curriculum and culture. (206) 232-5272, rym@nyhs.net.

Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust Volunteer Tree Planting: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Oct. 31, Luther Burbank Park. Half-day option available: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Halloween costume event. Sign up: (206) 812-0122, www.mtsgreenway.org.

Probus Club of Mercer Island: 10:30 a.m., Nov. 4, MI Presbyterian Church, 3605 84th Ave. S.E. Jay Vasconcelos, Retired Capt. U.S. Public Health Service, will describe the infectious hazards of travel and leisure. The public is welcome. Bob Simonds: (206) 236-2190.

Lively Saints (50+ Years Young): luncheon, noon, Nov. 10, MI Covenant Church, 3200 78th Ave. S.E. Honoring MICC WWII veterans whose stories were recorded on video. The presentation touches on the highlights of their experiences. $7. To register: (206) 232-1015.

Islander Middle School New Family Coffee: 9-10:30 a.m., Nov. 12, IMS Library, 8225 S.E. 72nd St. Come for coffee, treats and conversation with other new families, IMS staff and PTA members. All grade level parents are welcome. Connie Sotelo, IMS New Family chair: (206) 275-0230, info@blimusic.com.

Mercer Island Guild of Seattle Children’s Hospital: The Guild is currently seeking new members and meets every third Friday of each month. The all-volunteer fundraising organization supports uncompensated health care for children and will kick off the 2010 Mercer Island Directory project. MaryAnn Lusby, membership director: (206) 232-5836.

Pumpkin Patch Fundraiser: blown glass pumpkins and jewelry are now available for purchase. Proceeds benefit Mercer Island Youth & Family Services. Pumpkins are at: CCMV, City Hall, MIYFS (Luther Burbank Park), Island Books, Mercer Island Florist, Mercer Island Thrift Shop, Finders, Chamber of Commerce, Banner Bank, David Weed’s office, Expressions Spa, Pilates on Mercer, Six Walls, South Mercer Chevron, Sterling Savings Bank. Pumpkins will also be at Albertsons, Oct. 23.

MI Chamber of Commerce Gallery Artists Reception: Current gallery display through Oct. 30: “Backyard Birds,” by photographers Judith Roan and Ron Reeder. 7605 S.E. 27th St., #109.

Women Painters of Washington: First Thursday Gallery Reception, 4-6 p.m., Nov. 5. “Connections” Gallery Exhibition, Nov. 3-Jan. 29, 701 Fifth Ave., Suite 310. www.womenpainters.com.

Library

4400 88th Ave. S.E.

236-3537

www.kcls.org/mercerisland

Registration required.

Adults

Computer Classes: 9 a.m. E-mail Level II: Oct. 22. E-mail Level III: Oct. 29.

Friends of the MI Library Fall Book Sale: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Oct. 23; 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Oct. 24. Presale for members only, join at the door: 5-9 p.m., Oct. 22. Half Price Sale: 1-5 p.m., Oct. 25.

Mercer Island Library Saturday Matinee: 1 p.m. “The Shining”: Oct. 31. “Lolita”: Nov. 7. “Dr. Strangelove”: Nov. 21. Stanley Kubrick films with commentary by film historian Lance Rhoades.

Talk Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m., Wednesdays in October. listening skills in this English conversation group.

Michelangelo On A Moped – Art In Italy: 3 p.m., Nov. 8. In this hour-long slideshow, Gene Openshaw traces the life, work and travels of “Earth’s Greatest Artist,” visiting the Italian cities where he created his masterpieces.

STARS Workshop: “Listen, Sign, Sing & Create,” 7 p.m., Nov. 9. Through American Sign Language, reduce frustration and aid early communication for hearing babies and toddlers.

Computer Class: Using the Library Catalog, 9 a.m., Nov. 19.

Teens

Homework Time with Boys & Girls Club: 1:45 p.m., Mondays, Oct. 26-Nov. 9. Join Mercer Island’s Teen Scene. Start with Homework Time at the library with help from Boys & Girls Club tutors. Then, catch a van to the Boys & Girls Club for games, crafts, activities. Joan Calden, Ben Ramage: (206) 436-1947. Register online: www.mipositiveplace.org.

Bookstock: 7 p.m., Oct. 27. Hear music of all varieties from bands and individual performers.

Teen Zone: 1:30 p.m., Mondays, Nov. 2-30. Ages 12 and up. Hang out, do homework, play board games.

Teen Advisory Board: 7 p.m., Nov. 17. Voice your opinions on teen materials, services and programs while earning one volunteer credit hour.

New Moon Party: 4:30 p.m., Nov. 20. Party with the Twilighters from Newport Way. Snacks, a scavenger hunt and photo opp, watch scenes from the movie.

Clay Animation Workshop for Home Schoolers: 10 a.m., Nov. 27. Ages 9-13. Create a clay character, change its shape and learn how to operate a digital camera to create a clay animation movie. Receive a DVD of your work.

Study Zone Online: Grades K-12. Use a library computer to connect with a Study Zone tutor online. Visit www.kcls.org/studyzone for tutoring schedules.

Children

Scarecrow Fest: 7 p.m., Oct. 26. Bring old jeans, shirts, hats, shoes and whatever you like to create your own scarecrow. Listen to Halloween stories and enjoy treats. Please register.

Story Time for Terrific Twos: 10 a.m., Tuesdays, Oct. 27-Nov. 24. Age 2 with adult.

Preschool Story Times: 11 a.m., Tuesdays, Oct. 27-Nov. 24. Ages 3-5 with adult.

Story Time for Wonderful Ones: 10 a.m., Oct. 28, Nov. 4, Nov. 18. Age 1 with adult.

Baby Story Time: 10 a.m., Nov. 6. Ages 3 to 9 months with adult.

Rock! Rock! Rock!: 7 p.m., Nov. 19. Rowbes performs his original children’s rock songs with puppets.

Story Time with Biscuit the Dog and Friends: 7 p.m., Nov. 30. Ages 2-6 with adult.

Parks & Recreation

Community Center at Mercer View (CCMV)

8236 S.E. 24th St.

275-7609

www.myparksandrecreation.com

See the Fall/Winter Recreation Guide for more information. To sign up, go to www.myparksandrecreation.com or call (206) 275-7609.

Pilates: Oct. 28-Dec. 16. Beginning: 10:45 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Wednesday, Friday; $77. Advanced: 9:45 a.m.-10:40 a.m., Wednesday, Friday; $152. Instructor: Janis Levine. Ages 18 and up.

After School Nature Program: 2:30-4:30 p.m., Mondays, Nov. 2-23. Hands-on programs with a Nature Vision Naturalist. Explore a nature topic, share a story; snacks provided by Friends of Luther Burbank Park. Notify of any food allergies at time of sign-up. Ages 4-9. $62.

Beginning Ballroom: 6:30-7:30 p.m., Wednesdays, through Nov. 4. $50.

Beginning Salsa: 7:45-8:45 p.m., Wednesdays, through Nov. 4. $50.

Dog Obedience: Sundays, 5:30-6:30 p.m., through Nov. 22, North Mercer Gym. Ages 14+. $96.

Beginning Guitar: Mondays, through Nov. 23. Youth: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Teens: 4-5:30 p.m. Adults: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Writing Club: Grades 2-3, 4:15-6:15 p.m., Tuesdays, through Dec. 8. $122. Grades 4-6: 4-6 p.m., Thursdays, through Dec. 10. $122.

Children’s Technology Workshops: Robotics Club, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Thursdays, through Dec. 10. This workshop introduces kids to construction techniques and programming through LEGO-based control systems and robotics projects. Video Game Design: 5:45-6:45 p.m., Thursdays, through Dec. 10. Get your own laptop during class to create a variety of non-violent computer games using CTW’s Gamemaker tutorials. Ages 8-13. $155. 1-877-299-2546, www.ctworkshop.com.

Hula Hoop Dance Class: Level One, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Sundays, through Dec. 17; $108. Level Two: 12:30-1:30 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, through Dec. 17; $222. Half-sessions available. Drop-in fee: $15. Instructors: Marcie Spahi, Merissa Sweetland. Age 16 and up.

Ballet: 4-5 p.m., Tuesdays/Thursdays, through Dec. 17. Ages 5-6. $132.

Pre-Ballet: 3:10-4 p.m., Tuesdays/Thursdays, through Dec. 17. Ages 3-4. $132.

Seniors

Flu Shot Clinic: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Nov. 2, Congregational Church of Mercer Island, 4545 Island Crest Way. By appointment only. For age 65 and up, those with chronic illness or health care providers. Transportation available. No fee with Medicare Part B; Medicare card required. $30/HMO members. (206) 275-7609.

Senior Lunch at Covenant Shores: 12 p.m., Tuesdays, Thursdays. Shuttle goes from CCMV to Covenant Shores, and transportation is available round-trip from home. Registration required: call 275-7895 and press 2 to leave a message.

Grocery Shopping Transportation: Wednesdays. Transportation provided to one grocery store and errand. Call 236-3456 and leave a message by 4 p.m., the day before shopping. $2 round trip.

Boys & Girls Club

2825 West Mercer Way

232-4548

www.mipositiveplace.org

Art Classes with Jaimie Terada

Clay Sculpture: 4-6 p.m., Thursdays, Oct. 22-Dec. 10. Ages 7-11. $140.

Anime: 4-5 p.m., Mondays, through Nov. 16. Ages 7-11. $60.

Lango Foreign Language Classes for Kids: Mandarin Classes, 1-1:45 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, Oct. 20-Dec. 10. Ages 4-5. $285 plus $25 materials fee. Spanish Classes: 1-1:45 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays, through Dec. 9. Ages 4-5. $266 plus $35 materials fee.

Annual Fundraising Breakfast with Husky Football Coach: 7-8:15 a.m., Oct. 27. Guest speaker: Husky coach Steve Sarkisian. Free; suggested donation is $150. Reservations: Mary Lynn Thompson, (206) 436-1949, mthompson@positiveplace.org.

Stroum JCC

3801 East Mercer Way

232-7115

www.sjcc.org

Registration required for all events.

Swim lesson registration is now open. Lessons are open to non-members. Sign up online.

Health Talk: “Naturopathic Approaches to Women’s Health,” 12 p.m., Oct. 22. Join Seattle naturopathic physician Dr. Deborah Epstein for a primer on natural approaches to menopause and women’s health.

The Jewish Touch – Exploring the Cultural Connection of Jews and the Arts: “Bernard Herrmann: Great Film Composer of Hitchcock Movies and More,” 6:30 p.m., Oct. 27. The new lecture series has evolved from the “Opera Sings the Soul.” Speaker: Adam Stern.

“Iran, Women & Geopolitical Conflict”: 12:30 p.m., Oct. 28. Topic: the relationship between women’s rights, status, roles and the possibility of outside intervention (both military and non-military) in Iran. Speaker: UW Professor Arzoo Osanloo. RSVP and payment due by Oct. 26. Space is limited. $5.