Here’s our weekly round-up of upcoming events for the week of October 19th – 25th on Mercer Island:
Lake Washington Maritime History
Monday, October 19, 1 pm
Mercer Island Community & Event Center, 8236 SE 24th St
This region is rich in maritime history and Lake Washington is home to much of this legacy – ferries, logging, and industry. Michael will discuss this and the larger picture of Puget Sound’s roots in boats and the maritime industries. Michael Luis is an author, lecturer, and City Council member from Medina and current Executive Director of Seattle’s Center for Wooden Boats.
Learn more >>
Family Sing-Along & Stories
Monday, October 19, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave SE
Drop in for a fun relaxing bedtime event. Wear your PJs if you’d like! Bring your guitar or other instrument for a true community sing-along. Lyrics and chords will be projected on a screen so you can read, sing, and play along. If you attend all five sings-alongs, your guitar-playing skills will get a good workout! Nancy will be glad to tune your guitar and help you with chords before we start. And Mercer Islands Library’s Children’s Librarian, Linda Ernst, will share a special bedtime story before you leave. Family program, all ages welcome with adult.
Mercer Island VFW Candidates Forum
Tuesday, October 20th, 6:30 to 9 pm
VFW Hall, 1836 72nd Ave SE
All candidates have been invited to a Voter’s Forum at the VFW Hall. Each candidate will have time to address the audience with a statement and will then answer questions from the audience. This is a great opportunity for all Islanders to hear each of the candidates’ positions on community issues.
Find the Right Colleges for You
Tuesday, October 20, 7 – 8:30 pm
Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave SE
There are over 2000 colleges in the United States. How can high school students know what to look for in a college? Learn how to recognize what types of colleges might be a good fit and how to evaluate the many factors that need to be considered. Students and parents welcome! Sponsored by the Friends of the Mercer Island Library. This program is part of the Life After High School series.
Storybook Corner
Wednesday, October 21, 10:30 – 11 am
Island Books, 3014 78th Ave SE
Island Books is excited to welcome bestselling author Alexandra Day (real name: Sandra Darling) to the store. She’ll be joining us for our new and already popular Storybook Corner, along with a very special guest – her dog, Carl!
Learn more >>
Town Center Visioning Joint Commission Meeting
Wednesday, October 21, 6:30 – 9 pm
City Hall Council Chambers, 9611 SE 36th St
On August 31, 2015, the City released the Town Center Visioning and Development Code Update Interim Report to the community, reflecting work to date on the Town Center process Looking forward, the Planning and Design Commissions are convening together (known as the “Joint Commission”) for the next phase of work: recommendations for actual Town Center development code language and directly-related updates to the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
This meeting follows the kickoff meeting that occurred on October 7 at City Hall. The meetings use the Interim Report as a guide to bring the Joint Commission members up to speed on the work conducted to date and also include a public comment component. Interested residents may also continue to use the Town Center Visioning online form to submit comments on the process.
AARP Life Re-imagined Check-Up
Wednesday, October 21, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave SE
We all think about “what’s next” but often wonder where to start and how to make it real. Get a Life Reimagined Checkup with AARP, a free two-hour experience to help you get inspired about your possibilities. Use a Life Reimagined journal (provided) to reflect on different phases of your life, your gifts, passions, values, and goals for the future. Advance registration required.
Story Times at the Library
Thursday, October 22
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.
Young Toddlers (12 – 24 months) – 10:15 – 10:45 am
Toddlers (2 – 3 years) – 11:15 – 11:45 am
Preschoolers (3 – 6 years) – 1 – 1:45 pm
Thursday Night Football: Seahawks vs 49ers
Thursday, October 22, 5 pm
SJCC, 3801 East Mercer Way
Cost: FREE
Don your favorite Seahawks gear and watch Russell Wilson, Richard Sherman, and the Seahawks battle the 49ers. We’ll have beverages and snacks, award prizes for the most spirited family, and have a great time cheering on our hometown team! BYODD (bring your own dairy dinner). Please RSVP so we know to expect you.
Learn more & RSVP >>
Parents Night Out
Friday, October 23, 5 – 10 pm
Mercer Island Community & Event Center, 8236 SE 24th St
Ages 4 – 12 | Cost: $15/child; $10/sibling
Leave the kids with us and hit the town! Kids will have a blast with our staff playing games, doing arts and crafts, enjoying a pizza dinner and more!
Fall 2015 City Recycling Event
Saturday, October 24, 9 am – 3 pm
Mercer Island Boat Launch, 3600 East Mercer Way
Safely dispose of the old equipment and household items that are cluttering your basement or garage at the Mercer Island Fall Recycling Event. Discounted compost and worm bins will also be available (at City Hall) to use in soil-building projects around the garden. Click here to view the event flyer – it provides extensive information on accepted items.
Saturday, October 24th & Sunday, October 25th
Saturday Tours: 10 am to 3 pm | Sunday Tours: 1 pm to 3 pm
Tickets: $10 for children | Parents and babes in arms are free!
Children ages 3 to 8 are invited to come help solve the mystery of The Witch in Which Wood? Creative drama tour-guides from Youth Theatre Northwest will lead youngsters on this twisted tale through Luther Burbank Park to spot magical creatures and storybook characters and solve the mystery of the mysterious witch.
Learn more >>
Shabbat Unplugged
Saturday, October 24, 2 – 4 pm
SJCC, 3801 East Mercer Way
Unplug from technology and plug in to your family and community. Shabbat Unplugged features a variety of activities open to our entire community. We’ll have family yoga, a gym obstacle course, swimming, PJ Library®storytelling, and Shabbat arts and crafts. We end with a group song session.
Learn more >>
Ehud Banai Unplugged
Sunday, October 25, 7:30 pm
SJCC, 3801 East Mercer Way
$40 | SJCC members $35
VIP Red Carpet and kosher reception: $50 | SJCC members $45
Ehud Banai, one of Israel’s most highly regarded and influential musicians, brings his acoustic duo to the J. Banai uniquely combines his Persian background with a wealth of influences: from ‘60s rock and British blues to ‘80s new wave and folk music. Israel’s renowned rock troubadour, Banai’s music also references Jewish psalms, Arab-Israeli music, and the politics of the day. Co-produced by Ilanit Inbar.
Learn more & buy tickets >>