Here’s my weekly round-up of upcoming events for the week of February 1st – 7th for 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 30 to 45-minute programs designed especially for you and your young child.
Tuesday, February 2
Young Toddlers (12 – 24 months) – 10:30 – 11:15 am
Toddlers (2 – 3 years) – 11:30 am – Noon
Thursday, February 4
Infants (0 – 12 months) – 10:30 – 11 am
Preschoolers (3 – 6 years) – 1 – 2 pm
Storybook Corner
Wednesday, February 3, 10:30 – 11 am
Island Books, 3014 78th Ave SE
Bring your little ones in to enjoy popular picture books read by our staff.
Learn more >>
Play and Learn at the Library
Wednesday, February 3, 10:30 am – Noon
Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave SE
Have fun singing songs, telling stories, reading books, creating art and playing. Play & Learn is in English. Sponsored by the Mercer Island Friends of the Library.
Chamber of Commerce Membership Luncheon
Topic: It’s Time to Hear From the Business Community: What is Your Town Center Vision?
Thursday, February 4th, Noon
Mercer Island Community & Events Center, 8236 SE 24th St
Public spaces, heights, density, retail incentives, streetscapes architectural standards, parking (!), residential uses, open spaces and more. As the Town Center Visioning process nears the end, this luncheon will be a last opportunity for members of the business community to give their input about the future of Mercer Island’s downtown.
The program will feature these panelists:
Ellen Miller-Wolfe – Economic Development Director, Kirkland
Karen True – Pioneer Square Business Alliance (previously with Crossroads Mall and Third Place Books)
Colin Brandt – Visioning Commission Member & Architect
Morgan Shook – Director, EcoNW and Consultant to the City. EcoNW specializes in urban planning & development.
Peter Orser – Director, Runstad Center at UW, former City Council and Planning Commissioner will moderate the discussion
Chamber of Commerce website >>
Beauty & The Beast Jr.
Thursday, February 4 & Friday, February 5, 7 – 8:30 pm
West Mercer Elementary Gym, 4141 81st Ave SE
Tickets: $5 (sold at the door)
Beauty & The Beast Jr is comprised of more than 60 4th and 5th grade West Mercer Elementary students. The students, along with the play’s director long-time E2 specialist/teacher David Baxter and the school’s new music specialist Clara Kurtenbach have contributed hundreds of hours in order to put together a spectacular show. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr is the adaptation of the story of transformation and tolerance. The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a small French town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household of charming characters will be doomed for all eternity.
Learn more >>
Playing For Time
Thursday, February 4 – Saturday, February 6, 7pm
MIHS Performing Arts Center, 9100 SE 42nd St
Please join Mercer Island High School’s Drama 2 as they present Arthur Miller’s moving production, Playing for Time. Based on a true story, this play follows the harrowing journey of French opera singer Fania Fenelon, who survives Auschwitz by singing and playing in an orchestra alongside other female prisoners. This is a story of survival, hope, music, inspiration and sisterhood. 10 pre-sale tickets can be purchased online or directly through members of the cast. $15 tickets can be purchased at the door. Senior tickets (65+) are $5.
Seussical Jr. the Musical
Presented by Youth Theatre Northwest
February 5 – 7
Friday, 7 pm; Saturday 2 pm & 7 pm; Sunday 2 pm.
Stroum Jewish Community, 3801 East Mercer Way
Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat, and all of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters spring to life in this fantastic musical extravaganza! Transporting audiences from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus, our feline narrator (in a very large hat) tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos. The story takes off and away when Horton is also called upon to guard an abandoned egg that’s been left in his care. Best for ages 5+
Introduction to EV3 Robotics
Saturday, February 6, 3 – 4:30 pm
Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave SE
Using the most advanced LEGO® system ever created, the MINDSTORMS EV3, students will learn how to build and program their very own robots using motors, sensors, and LEGO® bricks. Space is limited. Please register starting Tuesday, January 19. Sponsored by the Friends of the Mercer Island Library. Age group: Tweens
PJ Storytime
Saturday, February 6, 6:30 – 7 pm
Island Books, 3014 78th Ave SE
On the first Saturday of every month, Island Books hosts a children’s pajama story time. This month’s storyteller is Meg Lippert with special guest opener, musician and singer Nancy Stewart. Geared especially for children over three; refreshments will be served.
Learn more >>
