Here’s our weekly round-up of upcoming events from April 30 – May 6 on Mercer Island: 
Story Times at the Library
Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave SE
Join the Mercer Island Children’s Librarian for stories, songs, rhymes, and fun in these programs designed especially for you and your young child.
Tuesday, April 30
Young Toddlers (12 – 24 months) – 10:30 – 11 am
Toddlers (ages 2 – 3) – 11:30 am – Noon
Wednesday, May 1
Play & Learn (ages 5 and younger) – 10:30 am – Noon
Thursday, May 2
Infants (0 – 12 months) – 10:30 – 11 am
Preschoolers (3 – 6 years) – 1 – 1:30 pm
Mercer Island Schools Foundation Breakfast of Champions
Tuesday, April 30, 7 am
Mercer Island High School, 9100 SE 42nd Street
You’re invited to join 600 parents, community leaders, businesses and educators as they gather to celebrate exceptional students, outstanding teachers and award-winning alumni for this extraordinary showcase event, the Breakfast of Champions.
First Church of Christ, Scientist Open House
Tuesday, April 30, 5:30 – 7 pm
First Church of Christ, Scientist, 2864 77th Ave SE
Please join the First Church of Christ, Scientist and the Chamber of Commerce for an Open House & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to celebrate the congregation’s new facility. The building and parking lot were redone in 2018 and the congregation is excited to show the community their new space. There will be light refreshments and a ribbon cutting ceremony at 5:30pm.
Caroline Fraser, Author of Prairie Fires
Tuesday, April 30, 6:30 pm
Island Books, 3014 78th Ave SE
Caroline Fraser, author of the Pulitzer Prize winning Prairie Fires: The American Dreams of Laura Ingalls Wilder, will be in Mercer Island for the Pathfinder Awards and will be at Island Books for a signing. Stop by, say hello to this Mercer Island native, and get a book signed! Millions of readers of Little House on the Prairie believe they know Laura Ingalls—the pioneer girl who survived blizzards and near-starvation on the Great Plains, and the woman who wrote the famous autobiographical books. But the true saga of her life has never been fully told. Now, drawing on unpublished manuscripts, letters, diaries, and land and financial records, Caroline Fraser—the editor of the Library of America edition of the Little House series—masterfully fills in the gaps in Wilder’s biography.
The Bayeaux Tapestry: History in Stitches
Tuesday, April 30, 7 pm
Mercer Island Community and Events Center, 8236 SE 24th Street
Well-known art historian Rebecca Albioni presents a talk on the Bayeaux “Tapestry,” actually a 230-foot-long swath of embroidered linen, which vividly tells the story of the Norman Conquest. Both artistic masterpiece and invaluable historical document, it shows us William, Harold and the tangled motivations of 1066. Tickets are $15, available online or at the door.
Medicare Made Clear
Tuesday, April 30, 7:15 pm
Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave SE
This workshop will give you an overview of the different parts of Medicare (Parts A, B, C, and D) and supplements: what they cover, and how they work. There will be a discussion of the different ways you can receive your benefits, including the pros and cons of each, as well as the approximate costs. We will also cover enrollment and eligibility guidelines. The goal of the meeting is to provide useful information that will put you in a better position to make an informed decision on your Medicare coverage. The presenter is not connected to the Federal Medicare program.
Karen Treiger: “My Soul is Filled With Joy: A Holocaust Story”
Tuesday, April 30, 7:30 pm
Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 East Mercer Way
“My Soul is Filled with Joy: A Holocaust Story,” tells the tale of local author Karen Treiger’s in-laws, Sam and Esther Goldberg. Sam was one of approximately 65 people to survive the Treblinka Death Camp, where more than 870,000 people were murdered. Sam escaped the camp and ran to the nearby forest where he met Esther, who had been hiding there for more than a year with the help of two gentile families. Treiger’s book tells the story of her family’s journey of ancestry and discovery as they retrace Sam and Esther’s steps from Treblinka to the Polish forest to liberation. A former editor-in-chief of the New York University Law Review, Treiger retired from her law practice in 2015 to research and write this true and harrowing story of hope, love, and survival. Book sales and signing.
Senior Technology Workshop
Wednesday, May 1, 11:15 am – 2:15 pm
Mercer Island Community & Event Center, 8236 SE 24th Street
Have tech questions? This 3-hour program provides a flexible approach to improving your knowledge of electronics. Led by teenagers from Mercer Island High School, the session will be split into an instructional course and an opportunity to ask questions one-on-one concerning specific tech-related problems.
Play Chess
Wednesday, May 1, 4 – 6 pm
Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave SE
Come to the library for an afternoon of chess! Challenge yourself and others. Chess boards and other games will be provided. 10 minutes/game on the Big Board. All ages and families welcome.
Wine Wednesday
Wednesday, May 1, 5 – 9 pm
Caruccio’s, 2441 76th Ave SE, Suite 100
Stop by for the community-inspired Wine Wednesday. When you purchase your wine by the glass or bottle from our rotating selection of wines, you may enjoy an aperitivo-style buffet on our 21 foot curved countertop.
First Annual MIHS Empty Bowl Fundraiser
Wednesday, May 1, 6 – 8 pm
MIHS Commons, 7605 SE 27th Street, Suite 107
Art Club Students, High School ceramic teacher Chantel Torry, and the Fine Arts Advisory Council invites you to the First Annual Empty Bowl Fundraiser. For $30 per person, you will receive a ceramic bowl made by Art Club students, soup to fill your new bowl, bread, and a delightful evening mingling with other art enthusiasts and supporters. All proceeds raised will be donated to the Bread of Life Mission. Please register here.
If there are any questions, please email Marni Sheppard.
Book Discussion for Grandparents with Nancy Stewart
Wednesday, May 1, 7 – 8:30 p
Island Books, 3014 78th Ave SE
Join Nancy Stewart for a lively discussion of Anna Quindlen’s new book, “Nanaville, Adventures in Grandparenting.” Quindlen’s books are always spot on and this one is even more so. Her account is deeply personal, but somehow universal as well. It’s humorous, touching, and will make your heart sing! If you don’t get a chance to read the book before Wednesday, come anyway. If you are a grandparent you’ll have no trouble joining the discussion!
Tabletop Thursdays
Thursday, May 2, 4 – 7 pm
Mercer Island Community & Event Center, 8236 SE 24th Street
Drop by for an afternoon of board games, video games, playing pool or ping-pong, and hanging out. There’s a huge selection of games, and the staff is always up to taking on a new competitor. Games include: Codenames, Mission Red Planet, Settlers of Catan, Carcassonne, Ticket to Ride, Connect 4, Monopoly, and more. Free for ages 7 – 14.
For more information, call MICEC at 206-275-7909 or email at [email protected]
After Hours Business Networking & Social Event
Thursday, May 2, 5 – 7 pm
Island House, 7810 SE 30th Street
Island House is opening their beautifully remodeled facility to the Chamber of Commerce and our members for a networking and social event from 5 – 7 pm. Light appetizers and wine will be served. Come see the beautiful space, meet the new Director of Sales, Cathy Cooper, and network and socialize with fellow business members.
Pre-Mother’s Day Pop-up at Caruccio’s
Thursday, May 2, 5 – 8 pm
Caruccio’s, 2441 76th Ave SE
Moms! Swing by Caruccio’s for a very special pre-Mother’s day evening. Buy a glass of wine or beverage and take home a Caruccio’s housemade Mother’s Day cookie! While you’re here, you can shop for some gorgeous Italian scarves by Carlo Scanagatta and learn more about our sponsor tonight – St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Carlo Scanagatta will donate 10% of the proceeds to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Family Sing Along Thursday, May 2, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave SE
Bring your guitar or other instrument for a true community sing-along with Nancy Stewart. Lyrics & chords will be projected on a screen so you can read, sing and play along. If you attend all five sing-alongs, your guitar-playing skills will get a good workout! Linda Ernst, Children’s Librarian will share special stories. All ages welcome!
MIHS Drama presents “Much Ado About Nothing”
Thursday May 2 – 4, various times
Mercer Island High School, 7605 SE 27th Street, Suite 107
Mercer Island High School Drama Department invites you to see their spring play, “Much Ado About Nothing,” by William Shakespeare. Love is in the air! Beatrice and Benedick, two of Shakespeare’s wittiest characters, have sworn off love. Hero and Claudio have jumped into love and all their friends and enemies get involved in the action. Showing May 2 – 4 at 7pm. Presale tickets are $10, and $15 at the door. Seniors 65+ are $5. Pay-what-you-can performances on May 4th at 2pm! Tickets can be purchased from members of the cast or online.
First Fridays with Friends: Lemonade with Leap
Friday, May 3, 10:45 – 11:30 am
Mercer Island Community & Event Center, 8236 SE 24th Street
Bring your kids of all ages and enjoy interactive games during Indoor Playground, snacks and a special guest who will join in on the play!
For more information, call MICEC at 206-275-7909 or email at [email protected]
Stories & Sing-Alongs in Leap’s Pad
Friday, May 3, 11:30 am – 12 pm
Mercer Island Community & Event Center, 8236 SE 24th Street
Join the mascot, Leap the Frog, on the first Friday of each month to sing songs and tell stories with Nancy Stewart and Sue Anderson in Leap’s Pad! Through music and stories, explore and learn about nature and the environment in the nature themed children’s play area.
For more information, call MICEC at 206-275-7909 or email at [email protected].
First Friday Art Walk
Friday, May 3
Come out for Mercer Island’s First Friday Art Walk. Art galleries on Mercer Island will be hosting their art walk events on the first Friday of the month (and some have free wine!). Clarke + Clarke, MIVAL Gallery, & SZ Gallery, will be participating.
Clarke & Clarke Art + Artifacts
Hours: 5 – 8 pm
7605 SE 27th St, Suite 105
Suzanne Zahr / SZ Gallery
Hours: 5 – 8 pm
2441 76th Ave SE, Suite 160
MIVAL Gallery
Hours: 5 – 8 pm
Avellino Building, 2836 78th Ave SE
Meet the Artists: Barbara Bouman Jay & Scott Gibson
Friday, May 3, 5 – 8 pm
Saturday, May 4, 1 – 5 pm
Clarke & Clarke Art & Artifacts, 7605 SE 27th Street, #105
Meet the artists, Barbara Bouman Jay and Scott Gibson, at the opening of “Spontaneous Expressions.” Refreshments will be served and there will be an exploration of texture, form, shape, and composition, as well as spontaneity in their individual styles of expression.
2nd Annual Canciones para Puerto Rico
Friday, May 3, 7 – 9 pm
Congregational Church of Mercer Island, 4545 Island Crest Way
The opera returns to Mercer Island! Award winning musicians will accompany local, professional opera singers who will perform Spanish zarzuelas and canciones. There will be bites, wine, dessert, coffee, and tea. All ticket sales will benefit the Juan Sanchez Rivera Fishermen’s Association located in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, to replace much needed fishing equipment lost during the back-to-back hurricanes in September 2017.
Youth Theatre Northwest presents “Sideways Stories from Wayside School”
Friday, May 3 – Sunday, May 14, various times
Youth Theatre Northwest, 4400 86th Ave SE
A play adapted from Louis Sachar “Wayside School” novels and suited for ages 8+. Mrs. Jewls’ classroom on the 30th floor of the Wayside School is inhabited by 28 students, 2 teachers, 1 ghost, and a dead rat. The students are terrified of the kindly Mrs. Jewls. Mrs. Jewls is terrified of her adorable students. Through a series of amusing escapades they’ll learn that their problems may be ridiculous, but they’re not so terribly different after all. Saturday, May 4 at 2:00 p.m. and Saturday, May 11 at 2:00 p.m. are Free Tickets for Teachers days! All teachers can get 2 free tickets to either of these shows.
Crest Plant Sale
Saturday, May 4, 9 am – 3 pm
Crest Learning Center Greenhouses, 4150 86th Ave SE
The Crest Learning Center annual Horticulture Plant Sale opens this Saturday for the first of three weekends. The sale will take place in the greenhouses of the Crest Learning Center. Students of the Crest Learning Center Horticulture program host the sale; they have also grown the plants, which include herbs, vegetables, fruits, and flowers.
Community Baby Shower
Saturday, May 4, 10:30 am – Noon
Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave SE
Expectant and new moms (babies under one year welcome!) are invitied to the Community Baby Shower. Great information on reading & singing to babies, a mini concert, time to visit & share gift bags for Moms & Moms-to-be. Guests welcome so bring your friends & relatives! Please RSVP to Nancy to reserve your gift bag at [email protected].
Mercer Island Little League Opening Day
Saturday, May 4, 9 am
South Mercer Playfields, SE 78th St & 84th Ave SE
Mercer Island Little League Opening Day will kick off with a Parade of Teams, beginning at 9 am, followed by a short ceremony outlining the day’s events, happenings in Little League, the ceremonial first pitch, a few prize giveaways, and more. After the ceremony, families are encouraged to stay at South Mercer for a few additional events for young players. South Mercer 1 will host a baseball homerun derby for 11 to 14 year olds. South Mercer 2 will host a relay races vs. teams in your division, South Mercer 3 will host a homerun derby for 8 to 10 year olds, and South Mercer 4 will host a homerun derby for 5 to 7 year olds. All events are free, and participants can purchase BBQ, hamburgers, hot dogs and concession snacks, as well as Mercer Island apparel. There will be face painting, a photo booth, and a Dunk Tank with proceeds supporting Team Ewan. The Bridge, KMIH (HS Radio Station) will also be there broadcasting live.
Mercer Island Little League website >>
Washington on Wheels: Odd & Innovative Transportation Ideas from the Pacific Northwest
Saturday, May 4, 2 – 3 pm Aljoya, 2430 76th Ave SE
Though Boeing is the best-known innovator in travel to have emerged from Washington State, there are many others. From canoe journeys to flying cars (that actually worked!), explore the history and culture of travel in Washington State. Author and broadcaster Harriet Baskas takes audiences on a tour of notable highlights of state transportation history, examining not just how we get around, but why we travel and where we might be going next. Audiences will be invited to share family stories of migration, memories of first flights and unforgettable car trips, and consider a future of autonomous cars and vacations in space.
Chocolate Class
Saturday, May 4, 7 pm
Oh! Chocolate, 2703 76th Ave SE
Oh! Chocolate hosts “Chocolate” classes at our Mercer Island chocolate shop for those who want to know more about their favorite indulgence and for those who just want to “play in the chocolate!” The classes usually last from 1.5 to 2 hours and includes the art of tempering chocolate and dipping special treats to take home. The class is $79 per person. Class sizes are limited and regularly sell out so please be sure to register in advance.
Local Author Festival
Sunday, May 5, 2 – 4 pm
Island Books, 3014 78th Ave SE
It’s time, yet again, to celebrate the talent of our fantastic writer community in the Pacific Northwest. You’ll be able to meet and greet some of the top writing talents in the region, sample their work, ask questions, and even take home an autographed book. Or two, or three, or… Be sure to visit all the author stations for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate good on your next visit. Our guests are – Bill Erxleben, Doug Walsh, Caitlin Dundon, Romney S. Humphrey, Mary Rose O’Reilley. In addition to this great lineup, there will be drinks and snacks to share. Bring your friends!
Reading with Rover
Sunday, May 5, 1:30 – 2:30 pm
Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave SE
Elementary school-age children accompanied by an adult are invited to build reading skills and confidence by reading aloud to a certified therapy dog in a welcoming environment. Reading with Rover is a community-based literacy program working with schools and libraries throughout the greater Seattle area. Space is limited. Sign-up sheet at the door.
Talk Time Monday, May 6, 1 – 2:30 pm
Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave SE
Improve your speaking and listening skills in this conversation group for English language learners. Walk-ins welcome.
Mixed Media Art Studio with Genny Reese
Monday, May 6, 1 – 4 pm
Mercer Island Community & Event Center, 8236 SE 24th Street
Bring your own supplies, and join other artists in a bright, lakeview room to work on your art! MIVAL’s own Genny Rees facilitates this non-instructional, weekly studio at the Community Center. Meet other creators, and connect over your love for art. Please use non-toxic materials. $10 Drop in fee.
Register at www.MIRecConnect.com or 206.275.7609.
