Here’s our weekly round-up of events from January 16 – 22 on Mercer Island:
Parent Edge Presentation: Talking With Our Children About Race
Speaker: Dr. Caprice Hollins
Tuesday, January 17, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Islander Middle School, 7447 84th Ave SE
Recent research has shown that children have a complex understanding of differences and stereotypes. They can judge their peers based on stereotypes that adults want to believe children in today’s generation don’t have. In this presentation, Dr. Caprice Hollins will explore how young people learn about race and privilege. And, she will demonstrate how to find teachable moments to promote anti-bias messages that actively counter what children may witness and internalize from the world.
Learn more >>
KidsQuest: Sensational Shapes
Tuesday, January 17, 10:30 – 11:30 am
Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave SE
Today we will explore the shapes and colors that occur in our world. Shapes are everywhere and make up things different things in different ways. Today we will try to look at our shapes and colors in many different place. Ages 1-3 years with adult. No registration required but only 25 slots for children available, so first come, first served.
Kaleidoscope Play & Learn
Wednesday, January 18, 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.
Storybook Corner
Wednesday, January 18, 10:30 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 >>
Soup’s On!
Wednesday, January 18, 7 – 8:30 pm
Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave SE
Join Chef Laurie Pfalzer and celebrate our bounty of vegetables while learning to make hearty soups. Learn knife skills while chopping vegetables for the soup we’ll create together. Find out the basics of soup-making, learn about seasonal vegetables and herbs, and discuss the benefits of local organic food. Enjoy soup in class and take home a set of recipes so you can make soup for your family! For middle and high school students. Please register online or call the library. Sponsored by the Friends of the Mercer Island Library.
Beat the Winter Blues Senior Lunch
Thursday, January 19, Noon – 1 pm
Mercer Island Community & Event Center, 8236 SE 24th Street
Soup’s on! Join us in beating the winter blues by celebrating National Soup Month. We will be ladling up goodness with a variety of amazing soups for you to choose from, paired with tasty salads and breads. Enjoy some Blues music, bingo games and door prizes . . . we will have a SOUPER time.
Light Rail Outreach Open House / Listening Session
Thursday, January 19, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Mercer Island Community & Event Center, 8236 SE 24th Street
The construction of any large public works project, such as light rail to the Eastside, brings some adjustments for residents. The City and your council members have been working diligently to gain the maximum transportation benefit possible for citizens while minimizing undesirable impacts to the daily routines of all Islanders. This meeting was originally envisioned as an opportunity to gather public opinion on one component of the overall rail project: the best way to add commuter parking to the Town Center area, and resident preferences for future access to the rail station. That input will still be solicited, but has been rescheduled until February 2017. Instead, the open house has been repurposed into a listening session with the new City Manager Julie Underwood, who would like to hear first-hand from residents their concerns over light rail construction, the potential loss of I-90 access, and negotiations with the relevant agencies.
3rd Thursday Film: MR. GAGA
Thursday, January 19, 7:30 pm
Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 East Mercer Way
An intimate documentary immersing us in the beauty of contemporary dance through an exclusive, behind-the-curtain look at renowned choreographer Ohad Naharin, artistic director of Israel’s Batsheva Dance Company. Eight years in the making, the film by acclaimed director Tomer Heymann (PAPER DOLLS) immerses the audience in the unique creative process behind Batsheva’s unique performances. Using rehearsal footage, extensive unseen archive materials, and stunning dance sequences, MR. GAGA tells the fascinating story of an artistic genius who redefined the language of modern dance. Skype Q&A with the director after the film. Co-presented with Seattle Theatre Group in anticipation of Batsheva’s February 11, 2017, performance at The Paramount Theatre.
Learn more >>
Classics on Film Winter Series
Friday, January 20, 7:30 – 9:30 pm
Aljoya – Theatre, 2430 76th Ave SE
This week’s film is The Gold Diggers of 1933 (1933). The Mercer Island Arts Council, with support from The Mercer Island Sister City Association, present the Classics on Film Series. Screenings begin with an introduction by film historian Lance Rhoades and end with a Q&A session. Free and open to the public, with refreshments provided courtesy of Aljoya. All films are presented with English subtitles unless otherwise indicated.
Planting Event
Saturday, January 21, 9 am – 3 pm
Gallagher Hill Open Space, Meet: City Hall parking lot, 9611 SE 36th St
Want to make a difference in 2017? Great news! We are kicking off the 2017 season with more planting and invasive plant removal work parties scheduled in January and February! As always, bring your enthusiasm, a water bottle, and dress for the weather! We’ll supply the tools, supplies, and plants.
Womxn’s March in Seattle
Saturday, January 21, 10 am – 4 pm
Start Location: Judkins Park 2150 S Norman St, Seattle, WA
The Congregational Church on Mercer Island (CCMI) will be marching with our sisters and brothers in the Womxn’s March in Seattle. We invite you to march with us, if you wish. Call Rev. Roberta Rominger at 206-232-7800 for details. We encourage people of all gender identities, ethnicities, ages, abilities, religions, and sexual orientations to participate, in solidarity with the national Women’s March in Washington D.C. This is an opportunity to express the need for equal treatment of all people.
Start Location: Judkins Park 2150 S Norman St, Seattle, 98144
10:00 am – Start time (arrive, find a group with which you’d like to march)
10:30 am – Rally/speakers begin
11:00 am – Groups begin marching
End Location: Seattle Center, 400 Broad St, Seattle 98109
Route Length: 3.6 miles
Womxn’s March website >>
January Jumpstart: Embrace Healthy Fats
Saturday, January 21, 10 – 11 am
New Seasons Market, 2755 77th Ave SE
Join our nutritionist, Tran, for a class focused on the foundational concepts and tools you need to develop a new healthy habit. Registration required.
Learn more >>
