Here’s our weekly round-up of events from October 31 – November 6 on 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, November 1
Young Toddlers (12 – 24 months) – 10:30 – 11:00 am
Toddlers (2 – 3 years) – 11:30 am – Noon
Thursday, November 3
Infants (0 – 12 months) – 10:30 – 11 am
Preschoolers (3 – 6 years) – 1 – 1:30 pm
Play and Learn 
Wednesday, November 2, 10:30 am – Noon
Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave SE
Have fun singing songs, telling stories, reading books, creating art and playing.
Take My Spouse, Please!
Wednesday, November 2, 7 pm
Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 East Mercer Way
In love, as in comedy, timing is everything. One bad night doesn’t mean it’s time to quit. Have patience: great marriages, like a successful comedy career, take time. Turns out the cardinal rules of comedy have an uncanny resemblance to building a strong marriage. With humor and grace, in this comic author talk and performance, Dani Klein Modisett helps us navigate rough patches, bad jokes, and tough nights when you bomb with wit and wisdom. Book sales and signing at the event. Dani Klein Modisett is the comedian-turned-author, who, before children, worked as a comedian at clubs and colleges across the country and taught stand-up comedy at UCLA for nearly a decade. “This book makes you realize how valuable laughter is in a marriage. Buy it for your spouse and add years to your relationship.”—Ben Stiller
Learn more >>
Credit: Sound Transit
Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce Luncheon
Light Rail Negotiations Update
Thursday, November 3, Noon
Mercer Island Community & Events Center, 8236 SE 24th St
Learn more about the effects of the light rail coming to Mercer Island. Senior City staff and members of the City Council will present an update on the City’s negotiations with Sound Transit and Washington State Dept. of Transportation.
Basic information:
- Sound Transit is extending light rail to the Eastside, opening 2023
- There will be short-term and long-term impacts to Mercer Island, such as the closure of the I-90 center HOV lanes in mid-2017
- Before Sound Transit can close the express lanes, WSDOT must make some changes (e.g. adding new HOV lanes)
- There must also be an agreement (an MOU) between the City and Sound Transit on a package of mitigation items (incl. parking, traffic congestion, etc.)
This meeting is an opportunity for all business people to learn about current status and negotiations, ask questions, and make suggestions.
Learn more & register >>
First Thursday: Art & Wine
Thursday, November 3, 4:30 – 7:30 pm
Suzanne Zahr / SZ Gallery, 2441 76th Ave SE, Suite 160
Join us this First Thursday, November 3rd, for our monthly Art & Wine Tasting event, hosted at the SZ Gallery on Mercer Island. The Islander will be pouring wine tastings paired with seasonal bites.
ART:
Wearable & 3D Art by ANNA SKIBSKA
Since 1984 Skibska has presented 54 individual exhibitions all over the world. Her glass filigree explorations integrate her virtuosity as a fine artist with her love of architecture. Skibska’s jewelry is equally stunning, as she transforms gems and stones into wearable art. “…designing my jewelry following my mood…my moods, my whims, commemorating the beauty of everyday life”. (5% of all art & jewelry sales goes to Art with Heart)
WINE:
The Islander – Stock Your Cellar Event & Wine Tasting
Taste 20+ wines, all 10% above cost! Check out the Featured Wines On Sale
Learn more >>
MIVAL Holiday Show & Artists’ Reception
Artists’ Reception – Thursday, November 3, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Holiday Show – October 30 – December 16
Mercer Island Community & Event Center Gallery, 8236 SE 24th Street
The Mercer Island Visual Arts League’s annual holiday art show opens at the Mercer Gallery at MI Community and Event Center on Sunday, October 30 and runs through Friday, December 16. The show is presented by the Mercer Island Arts Council in conjunction with Mercer Island Parks and Recreation Department as well as MIVAL. Featured art includes painting, sculpture, jewelry, fabric art, cards and other work of the talented MIVAL artists and is a wonderful place to shop for quality artwork and holiday gifts. This year’s juror is artist Virginia Paquette. Please join us for the Opening Reception and Award Ceremony, with hors d’oeuvres, refreshments and live music.
Youth Theatre Northwest Presents Treasure Island
A play based on the novel by Robert Luis Stevenson. Adapted by Tina LaPlant. Directed by Zoe Wilson.
November 4 – 20 – Friday & Saturday evenings at 7 pm; Saturday & Sunday matinees at 2 pm
Parish Hall Theatre, 4400 86th Ave SE
Youth Theatre is excited to commence its 33rd School Season by bringing back one of its most popular shows of all time. Join us on an epic journey to the seafaring days when pirates roamed the open oceans in search of treasure. Based on the classic novel by Robert Luis Stevenson and adapted by Tina LaPlant, Treasure Island follows in the footsteps of Jim Hawkins as he pursues the clues on a dusty old map to the legendary Treasure Island.
MIPA’s Toy Swap
Saturday, November 5, 9 am – 1 pm
Islander Middle School, 8225 SE 72nd St
Every year, the Mercer Island Preschool Association (MIPA) organizes a giant consignment sale of gently used toys, children’s clothing, and equipment. This year’s event is coming up this Saturday! MIPA is seeking consignments and donations. Many Islanders plan for this annual event as an opportunity to clear out their closets and play rooms as well as a great shopping event to find deals before the holiday gift-giving season. The proceeds (35% of consignment sales and 100% of donations sales) go toward funding MIPA charities and operations. Shoppers will find gently used children’s toys, clothing, books, bikes, scooters, maternity clothing, pack n’ plays, strollers, and furniture.
Fall 2016 Recycling Event
Saturday, November 5, 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 City’s annual Mercer Island Fall Recycling event. This year, instead of rain barrels, residents can pick up a FREE counter-top food scraps container (gallon size) to use with your curbside yard/food waste service. Learn about the permitted and non-permitted donation items by visiting the link below.
PJ Story Time with Nancy Stewart
Saturday, November 5, 6 – 6:30 pm
Island Books, 3014 78th Ave SE
This month’s singer/storyteller is Nancy Stewart. Geared especially for children over three; refreshments will be served.
Learn more >>
Mercer Island Band Boosters Presents A Night of Funk
A BAND TOGETHER Funkraiser for Grades 5 – 12
Saturday, November 5, 6 – 10 pm
Mercer Island Community & Events Center, 8236 SE 24th Street
Don’t miss this unique evening to support Mercer Island School District band programs. The celebratory evening will feature a funky mix of music, wine, beer, hors d’oeuvres and desserts with one-of-a-kind live and silent auction items. Tickets for this adults only event are available in limited quantity for $75 per person*.
Learn more & buy tickets >>
