Here’s our weekly round-up of events from December 3 – 9 on Mercer Island:
Mercer Island Youth & Family Services Giving Tree
Monday, December 3 – Friday, December 16
Mercer Island Community & Event Center, 8236 SE 24th St
The Mercer Island Youth & Family Services Giving Tree is up at the Mercer Island Community & Event Center! Help spread holiday cheer by selecting a gift tag asking for donations of grocery gift cards, health care products, and cleaning supplies for families in need. Youth & Family Services makes these products available at the food pantry during the holidays and throughout the year. Items can be dropped off at the MICEC or at the YFS office through Friday, December 16th.
For more information, please contact Kim Richards at (206) 275-7754.
Talk Time
Monday, December 3, 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. Learn more about American culture and meet people from around the world. Walk-ins welcome.
Swing Your Socks Off & Fabulous Foxtrot
Monday, December 3, 7 – 8 pm | 8:15 – 9:15 pm
SJCC, 3801 East Mercer Way
Review basic swing steps and partnering, then learn fun and playful East Coast swing and “swing-blues” variations. Classes are beginning/intermediate levels. No partner needed. Take in conjunction with Foxtrot for a fabulous night of dance fundamentals!
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, December 4
Young Toddlers (12 – 24 months) – 10:30 – 11 am
Toddlers (2 – 3 years) – 11:30 am – Noon
Wednesday, December 5
Play & Learn (ages 5 and younger) – 10:30 am – Noon
Thursday December 6
Infants (0 – 12 months) – 10:30 – 11 am
Preschoolers (3 – 6 years) – 1 – 1:30 pm
Storybook Corner
Wednesday, December 5, 10:30 – 11 am
Island Books, 3014 78th Ave SE
Bring your little ones to enjoy popular picture books read by Island Books’ staff or special guests.
Book Fairs at Island Books
Island Books, 3014 78th Ave SE
Island Books will be hosting Book Fairs for local schools on Mercer Island from November – December. If you mention the school’s name at checkout, Island Books will donate 20% of your purchase to that school! So start your holiday shopping and support your local school! There will be delicious bites and beverages while you shop and mingle with friends. The book fair schedule is listed below.
Island Middle School – Tuesday, December 4
Mercer Island High School – Thursday, December 6
Community Coffee Hour
Wednesday, December 5 & Friday, December 7, 9 – 10 am
Mercer Island Community & Event Center, 8236 SE 24th St
Join Mercer Island Parks & Recreation for Community Coffee Hour every Wednesday and Friday!! This is a free program for kids, teens, adults, seniors, and families. Enjoy a hot cup of coffee or tea while catching up with old acquaintances or meeting new friends.
For more information, call MICEC at 206-275-7909 or email at [email protected].
Wine Wednesdays at Caruccio’s
Wednesday, December 5, 5 – 9 pm
Caruccio’s, 2441 76th Ave SE, Suite 100
Purchase your wine by the glass from a rotating selection of wines. Each glass includes delicious appetizers served buffet-style. No need to purchase tickets for Wine Wednesday.
Mercer Island Christmas Tree Sale
Former Tully’s Coffee location, 7810 SE 27th St
Thursdays & Fridays 1 – 7 pm; Saturdays & Sundays 10 am – 5 pm
Buy a quality tree and give back to our local community! Choose from Noble, Nordmann, and Douglas Firs (available from 5 ft to 10 ft tall). Be sure to get your mixed green wreaths and cedar garlands as well. Products are sourced from Hunter Christmas Trees, a family farm dedicated to quality and service since 1948. All proceeds support Mercer Island Youth & Family Services and Mercer Island Lions Club charitable giving.
Chamber of Commerce December Member Luncheon
Thursday, December 6, Noon to 1 pm
Mercer Island Community & Event Center, 8236 SE 24th St
This luncheon will be the last event of 2018 for the Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce and they will be holding their Board of Directors’ elections.
Tabletop Thursdays
Thursday, December 6, 4 – 7 pm
Mercer Island Community & Event Center, 8236 SE 24th St
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].
“Light Up – Mercer Island” Hanukkah event at New Seasons
Thursday, December 6, 5:45 – 8 pm
New Seasons Market, 2755 77th Ave SE
Join in the fun at the “Light Up – Mercer Island” Hanukkah Celebration at New Seasons. Get a bite from the Kosher Food Truck (first time on the island!); be part of the grand menorah lighting with a six-foot menorah; and enjoy our special presentation on how we make fresh olive oil.
First Fridays with Friends: Fruit with a Firefighter
Friday, December 7, 10:30 – 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! This week, meet a firefighter and learn about their role in our community!
For more information, call MICEC at 206-275-7909 or email at [email protected]
Stories & Sing-Alongs in Leap’s Pad
Friday, December 7, 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].
Suzanne Zahr: Annual Holiday Party in the Persian Garden
Friday, December 7, 5 – 8 pm
SZ Gallery, 2441 76th Ave SE, Suite 160
The SZ Gallery will host their Annual Holiday Party in the “Persian Garden,” featuring ceramic artistry by Monir & Mehdi Ghanbeigy (back by popular demand). “Persian Garden” is an exhibit that tells culturally rich stories of Persian culture through contemporary and classically-influenced pieces. Monir and Mehdi Ghanbeigy from Iran have created multimedia artwork together since 1970, combining Mehdi’s detailed work with Persian miniatures and painting, Monir’s background in ceramics and pottery, and their mutual love and appreciation for the history of Persian art. Join us for vibrant art, engaging conversation, along with sparkling refreshments and seasonal bites.
Tree Lighting at Mercerdale Park & Firehouse Munch
Friday, December 7, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Mercerdale Park, 77th Avenue SE and SE 32nd Street
Gather with your family, friends, and neighbors for an evening of holiday merriment at the community tree lighting ceremony and caroling at Mercerdale Park. Arts and crafts, Santa photos, treats, and musical entertainment will follow at the North Fire Station. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots drive to help a child in need have a better holiday season. The tree lighting and caroling at Mercerdale Park will take place from 6:30 to 7pm, and the Firehouse Munch and festive activities will take place at the North Fire Station from 7 to 8:30 pm.
Island Youth Ballet presents: “Excerpts from the Nutcracker”
Friday, December 7, 7 pm
Friday, December 14, 7 pm | Saturday, December 15, 1 pm & 5 pm | Sunday,
December 16, 1 pm & 5 pm
Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 East Mercer Way
Island Youth’s Ballet “Excerpts from the Nutcracker” has become a cherished Mercer Island tradition and a must-see for all who wish to experience the holiday magic of one of ballet’s most cherished classics. Whether this is a family tradition or you are experiencing it for the first time, this holiday offering will delight your spirit and imagination. Beautiful costumes, theatrical lighting and sets, and spirited dancing transport you to magical places where mice and soldiers battle, snowflakes dance, and a beautiful sugar plum fairy reigns.
Opening Reception
Friday, December 7, 5 – 8 pm
Clarke & Clarke Art + Artifacts, 7605 SE 27th St, Suite 105
“Spirit Bowls/Paper Works” by Noble Golden will be featured in the gallery for the First Friday Art Walk. Noble will be in the gallery and she will introduce you to her multifaceted techniques and creations. Her process, which began with learning traditional weaving, has evolved into the creation of non-traditional vessel compositions that she calls “Spirit Bowls” along with her “Paper Works”. Also continuing in the gallery, “Undercurrents” by Valaree Cox and “Observations” by Susanne Werner.
First Friday Art Walk
Friday, December 7
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, and SZ Gallery will be participating.
Clarke & Clarke Art + Artifacts
Hours: 5 – 8 pm
7605 SE 27th St, Suite 105
Meet artist Noble Garden and her stunning Spirit Bowls and Paper Weavings, paintings by Susanne Werner and Valaree Fox
Learn more >>
Suzanne Zahr / SZ Gallery
Hours: 5 – 8 pm
2441 76th Ave SE, Suite 160
“Persian Garden” Opening Reception featuring multimedia artwork by Monir & Mehdi Ghanbeigy
Learn more >>
MIVAL Gallery
Hours: 5 – 8 pm
Avellino Building, 2836 78th Ave SE
“Places Near and Far” featuring artists Susan Menchel, Anita Miller, & Pat Howie with 10% off all items from Dec. 5 – 9
Learn more >>
YTN presents: Fantastic Mr. Fox
Friday, December 7 – December 16, various times
YTN Parish Hall Theatre, 4400 86th Ave SE
Mr. Fox will do anything for his family. That includes stealing from local farmers, Boggis, Bunce, and Bean. But now the three nasty humans have teamed up to stop Mr. Fox. They’ve destroyed his home and sent him on the run. Can he outwit his foes and lead his family to safety? Join us as our youngest actors present a rollicking adventure based on the legendary children’s book. Best for ages 5+.
Classics on Film: The Seventh Seal
Friday, December 7, 7:30 pm
Aljoya, 2430 76th Ave SE
The Classics on Film series, sponsored by the Arts Council, celebrates the amazing variety of chess-themed cinema with the film, The Seventh Seal. Film historian Lance Rhoades will introduce and lead a Q&A following the film. All screenings are free and open to the public.
SeaJAM
Saturday, December 8 – Sunday, December, 9, various times
SJCC, 3801 East Mercer Way
SeaJAM is a new cultural festival featuring emerging and amazing Jewish and/or Israeli dance, comedy, music, theater, and more. It’s Hanukkah and we’ll be jamming at the J all weekend long!
Saturday, December 8
Abraham Inc., 6:30 Happy Hour, 7:30 Show
An all-out klezmer-funk hip-hop dance party!
Sunday, December 9
The LeeVees: “Hanukkah Rocks” Family Dance Party, 12:00
A concert full of rocking and rolling Hanukkah songs? It’s a Hanukkah miracle! Plus, Hanukkah games, art, food trucks, and a candle lighting.
Dance & Live Music: “birds sing a pretty song”, 5:00
A new dance performance piece combining dance, interactive media, and film from emerging choreographer/dancer Rebecca Margolick and composer/graphic artist Maxx Berkowitz.
Comedy Show with Cathy Ladman, 6:30 Happy Hour, 7:30 Show
One of the country’s top comedians, Cathy Ladman draws laughter from exposing personal neuroses. She is a preschool teacher by day and a comedian by night.
Holiday Charity Craft Fair benefiting Room Circus Medical Clowning
Sunday, December 9, 10:30 am – 4:30 pm
VFW Hall, 1836 72nd Ave SE
Visit Santa and shop the marketplace featuring gifts handmade with love by local indie crafters. Special entertainment provided by Room Circus Clown Doctors and Youth Theatre Northwest, plus children’s activities, gift basket raffle, and more. Over 30 crafters, artists, and artisans participating with 10-20% of vendor proceeds donated to Room Circus.
The Dickens Carolers
Sunday, December 9, 1:30 – 2:15 pm
Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave SE
For almost 40 years, The Dickens Carolers has been a local holiday tradition. Your holiday favorites, both traditional and contemporary, are sung in beautiful four-part harmony. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Mercer Island Library.
