Here’s my weekly round-up of upcoming events for the week of February 22nd– 28th 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 23
Young Toddlers (12 – 24 months) – 10:30 – 11:15 am
Toddlers (2 – 3 years) – 11:30 am – Noon
Thursday, February 25
Infants (0 – 12 months) – 10:30 – 11 am
Preschoolers (3 – 6 years) – 1 – 2 pm
Mercer Island Drill Team Dance/Drill Clinic 2016
February 23 – 25, 6:30 – 8 pm
MIHS West Gym, 9100 SE 42nd St
For 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Students: Do you like to dance? Are you considering trying out for Drill Team in high school? Or do you just want to brush up on some of your moves with friends? This 3-day clinic teaches drill team and dance techniques including Pom, Hip Hop, and Military. Wear tennis shoes or jazz shoes, shorts or comfortable pants and bring plenty of water. Registration is $35 per student. To register, please email Jennifer Mattox at [email protected] or pick up a registration packet at Islander Middle School.
Storybook Corner
Wednesday, February 24, 10:30 – 11 am
Island Books, 3014 78th Ave SE
Bring your little ones in to the charming children’s section of Island Books to enjoy popular picture books read by our staff.
Learn more >>
Play and Learn at the Library
Wednesday, February 24, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
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.
New to MISD Registration Night
Wednesday, February 24, 4:00 pm
Mercer Island High School Library, 9100 SE 42nd ST
This event is for new Mercer Island High School students, grades 9-12, and their families.
Learn more >>
Open Book Club
Wednesday, February 24, 7:30 pm
Island Books, 3014 78th Ave SE
In February, we’ll be discussing the sensational novel by Emma Donoghue, Room, which is now a major motion picture. Even six years after initial publication, Room offers a powerful jumping off point for many subjects, such as parenthood, courage, and the stories we see in today’s media.
Learn more >>
Opera Preview: Mary Stuart / Maria Stuarda by Gaetano Donizetti
Wednesday, February 24, 7 – 8 pm
Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave SE
This, the greatest of Donizetti’s three “Tudor Queen” operas, was first performed in 1835. It is a not-very accurate retelling of the rivalry, both political and romantic, between Queen Elizabeth I of England and Mary Queen of Scots. Some of the most exciting music Donizetti ever wrote was given to Mary/Maria as she battles for her life against the more powerful Elizabeth. Mary/Maria’s farewell to her friends and supporters will bring even a cynic to tears. This free lecture, provided to increase enjoyment and appreciation of Seattle Opera productions, will feature Norm Hollingshead…
Community Service Shabbat Dinner
Friday, February 26, 5:30 – 8 pm
Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 East Mercer Way
We’re bringing families together over food and a desire to give back. We’ll eat dinner, make blankets to donate to hospitalized children, and create plans for future service projects. This event is geared toward families with school aged children. Cost for family dinner is $30 and registration is required.
Learn more >>
Sing With Our Kids – Babysitters Class 
Saturday February 27, 10:00 – 11:30 am
Mercer Island Community & Event Center, 8236 SE 24th Street
Learn how to engage babies and young children with simple singing activities, and how these benefit their development. You will build a kit of activities and resources to keep kids happy, busy and growing under your care! Certificate of completion included. This is a FREE course, but registration is required.
Learn more >>
88th Academy Awards Preview Party!
Saturday February 27, 1:00 – 2:30 pm
Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave SE
We all love a good party, especially for the Oscars! In anticipation of the Academy Awards Ceremony to be held on February 28, film historian Lance Rhoades will share highlights and controversies from previous ceremonies, discuss the current nominees, and even offer his own Oscars predictions! Come dressed in your own “red carpet” outfit if you choose–and if you prefer to dress down, that’s great as well!
Parents’ Night Out
Saturday February 27, 5 – 10 pm
Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 East Mercer Way
It may be called Parents Night Out, but let’s be honest… it’s really for the kids! All evenings will be gym and swim: your favorite games and splashin’ in the pool, followed by dinner and a movie.
Learn more >>
Family Dessert Theater: “Mercer Girls”
Saturday February 27, 6:30 pm
Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 East Mercer Way
The 5th Ave Adventure Musical Theatre for Kids presents an original show about the first eleven “Mercer Girls,” recruited by the University of Washington’s President in 1864 to work as teachers in the Washington Territory. This original musical tells the story of the women who became the teachers, wives, mothers and grandmothers of the founding families of the Puget Sound region. Desserts included! Tickets: $10 | $5 SJCC members, students, seniors, youth
Learn more >>
Brian Doyle, Author of Children and Other Wild Animals
Saturday, February 27, 7:00pm
Island Books, 3014 78th Ave SE
Island Books is proud to welcome bestselling Northwest writer Brian Doyle to our store. Best known as a novelist for his beloved modern classics such as Mink River and The Plover, he is also an essayist par excellence, and in his award-winning new collection Children and Other Wild Animals, he describes encounters with astounding beings of every sort and shape. These true tales of animals and human mammals (generally the smaller sizes, but here and there elders and jumbos) delightfully blur the line between the two. Admission is free!
Learn more >>
