Here’s our weekly round-up of events from December 4 – 10 on Mercer Island:

Fall 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 30-minute programs designed especially for you and your young child.

Tuesday December 5
Young Toddlers (12 – 24 months) – 10:30 – 11 am
Toddlers (2 – 3 years) – 11:30 am – Noon

Thursday December 7
Infants (0 – 12 months) – 10:30 – 11 am
Preschoolers (3 – 6 years) – 1 – 1:30 pm

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Middle School Book Club
Tuesday, December 5, 3 – 4 pm
Islander Middle School, 7447 84th Avenue SE

*Note: This will be taking place at the Islander Middle School library!
This book club is for middle school students who want to read books together, share books, and talk about books. Bring your own books to share. There will be treats, too!

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MIHS Orchestra Program Winter Concert 
Tuesday, December 5, 7 – 8:30 pm
MIHS Performing Arts Center, 9100 SE 42nd St

The Mercer Island Orchestra Program, under Mrs. Vicki White Miltun, serves over 230 students from grades 5th through 12th. Admission is free and the entire community is welcome. See you there!

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Reception for Councilmember Dan Grausz
Tuesday, December 5, 6-7 pm
Mercer Island City Hall Council Chambers, 9611 SE 36th St

The Mercer Island City Council invites you to a reception honoring council member Dan Grausz for 18 years of service to the Mercer Island community.

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Community Coffee Hour
Wednesday, December 6 & Friday, December 8, 9 – 10 am
Mercer Island Community & Event Center, 8236 SE 24th Street

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 in a fun and engaging atmosphere with people from the community.

For more information, call MICEC at 206-275-7909 or email at [email protected].

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Storybook Corner
Wednesday, December 6, 10:30 – 11 am
Island Books, 3014 78th Ave SE

Bring your little ones in to enjoy popular picture books read by our staff or special guests.
Learn more >>

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Kaleidoscope Play & Learn
Wednesday, December 6, 10:30 am – Noon
Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave SE

Have fun singing songs, telling stories, reading books, creating art, and playing. Kaleidoscope Play & Learn is in English. Ages 5 years and younger with caregiver. Sponsored by the Friends of the Mercer Island Library.

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Wine Wednesdays @ Caruccio’s
Wednesday, December 6, 4:30 – 7:30 pm
Caruccio’s, 2441 76th Avenue 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.

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Hebrew Children’s Play: “The Town Mouse & The Country Mouse”
Wednesday, December 6, 5:30-6:30 pm | 5 pm doors open
SJCC, 3801 East Mercer Way

The Israeli American Council and the Stroum Jewish Community Center are proud to co-present Israel’s Orna Porat Theater for Children and Youth’s performance of “The Town Mouse and The Country Mouse.” Bobby and Chupchik are two mice growing together as best friends until their ways depart. Bobby moves to the big city and Chupchik settles down in the countryside. Will the two manage to stay friends with each coming from different places and with different opinions on the best place for a mouse? Come and see this classic story about friendship, tolerance, and respecting one another. The show is mostly in Hebrew.
Learn more>>

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Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce Membership Luncheon
Thursday, December 7, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Mercer Island Community & Event Center, 8236 SE 24th Street

This month’s luncheon will be a holiday celebration with over 20 artists, MIHS Jazz Band, and a MIHS Drama performance. Time has been extended to enjoy the festivities. Make sure to RSVP online ahead of time.
Learn more >>

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Tabletop Thursdays
Thursday, December 7, 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].

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Dream States: Opening Reception 
Thursday, December 7, 5 – 8 pm
MIVAL Gallery, Avellino Building, 2836 78th Avenue SE

Join MIVAL as they open their newest show, Dream States. Stop by for refreshments and to meet the artists. There will also be an anniversary sale, where pieces are 10% off from December 7 – 10.
Learn more >>

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Soup & Sound Advent Concert Series
Fridays, December 8 & 15
Soup served at 11:30 am; Performance begins at Noon
Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 4400 86th Avenue SE

The 4th season of Emmanuel’s Soup & Sound Advent Concert Series features music on the newly refurbished von Beckerath organ. The concert series moves from music for organ solo to organ duo (4 hands and feet!), and ends with a trio of organ, cello, and flute. The series features organists Susan Bloomfield, Sam Libra, Wyatt Smith, and Susanna Valleau; cellist Carson Farley; and flutist Ian McKnight. Free admission.

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The Adventures of Rikki-Tikki-Tavi
December 8 – 16 | Fridays 7 pm, Saturdays & Sundays 2 pm
Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 4400 86th Avenue SE

Adapted from The Jungle Stories of Rudyard Kipling (The Jungle Book), charm, comedy, and enchantment combine to create children’s theatre at its best! Our storyteller from India sparks the audience’s imagination to see a lush and enchanting jungle filled with many amazing creatures – cobras, monkeys, wolves, crocodiles, camels, elephants, and the wily mongoose, Rikki-Tikki-Tavi. When a British family in old India is in jeopardy from marauding cobras in league with Shere Khan, the arrogant tiger, only Rikki can save them. Best for ages 3+

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STARS Workshop: Sing and Move into Reading
Saturday, December 9, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Avenue SE

Join singer-songwriter Nancy Stewart for this interactive, adults only workshop and learn the science behind the fun of singing to build literacy skills. In addition to twenty simple songs for infants and toddlers, you’ll learn how to make simple props and rhythm instruments, and how to use library materials and technology in a new way. You’ll also learn how to tap into Nancy’s extensive free website resources. Provides (2) STARS credit hours in Child Growth and Development or Curriculum and Learning Environments. Register online at www.kcls.org/stars. This event is for adults only.

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MIHS Midnight Blues Jazz Choir
Saturday, December 9, noon – 1 pm
Mercer Island Library,  4400 88th Avenue SE

Come to the library to hear our local high school jazz choir! The Mercer Island High School Midnight Blues Jazz Choir will perform winter favorites.

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Island Youth Ballet presents “Excerpts from The Nutcracker” 
Saturday, December 9, 2 pm
Sunday, December 10, 1 pm & 5 pm
SJCC, 3801 East Mercer Way

Island Youth’s Ballet “Excerpts from the Nutcracker” has become a cherished Mercer Island tradition and 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 like no other. Luscious costumes, theatrical lighting and sets, and beautiful dancing transport you to magical places where Mice and soldiers battle, Snowflakes dance, and in the Land of the Sweets, a beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy reigns.

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Parents Night Out: Holiday Party with Santa
Saturday, December 9, 5 – 10 pm
Mercer Island Community & Event Center, 8236 SE 24th Street

It’s the perfect time for parents to finish up holiday shopping or attend a holiday party while your kids have a great time with MI’s Parks & Rec Staff! There will be refreshments, crafts, a holiday movie, and more! Santa and his elves will also make an appearance for photos. Reservations required;  call (206) 275-7609 to reserve your spot. For ages 5 – 12 (course ID: 17299).

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Parents Night Out at SJCC
Saturday, December 9, 5:30 – 9 pm
SJCC, 3801 East Mercer Way

It may be called Parents Night Out, but let’s be honest… it’s really for the kids! There will be a pizza party, and kids can play gym games, do arts and crafts, swim, and watch a movie. Open to ages 3 to 5th grade.
Learn more >>

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Island Sound presents “Christmas in the USA!”
Saturday, December 9, 7 pm | Sunday, December 10, 7 pm
Mercer Island High School, 9100 SE 42nd St

Mercer Island girls’ choirs, Prep (2nd through 4th graders), Island Girls (4th through 6th graders), and Island Sound (7th through 12th graders) will delight audiences with these festive performances.

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Creative Cupcakes for Holiday Baking
Sunday, December 10, 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Avenue SE

Presented by Laurie Pfalzer, Pastry Craft, get in the holiday spirit with decorated cupcakes! Chef Laurie will guide you through how to use pastry bags, make frosting, and create colors for decorating. Go home with your own decorated cupcakes! This event is for ages 13 and older; parents may attend with teens. Space is limited – first come, first seated.
Learn more >>