Here’s our weekly round-up of events from September 18 – 24 on Mercer Island:

Gathering of the Greens – Sustainability Overview Meeting
Monday, September 18, 6 – 9 pm
City Hall, 9611 SE 36th Street

The City’s sustainability program is convening a “Gathering of the Greens” meeting to provide an update to interested residents on the program and sustainability planning. The meeting is open to all, although presentations will not review introductory sustainability principles in order to save time for discussion.

The suggested audience for this meeting is anyone who wants to discuss sustainability and carbon footprint issues; the City encourages residents who also want to get involved as constructive volunteer collaborators.

The first two hours of the agenda will review past advisory group recommendations, highlight some recent sustainability accomplishments, and unveil the City’s new Greenhouse Gas (GHG) tracking software. From 8 – 9 pm, interested residents are invited to provide feedback on the City’s sustainability plan draft framework, discuss the suggested actions necessary to achieve carbon footprint reductions, how to focus limited resources, and identify where the City needs help with staffing, research, or expertise.

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Poets on the Island
Monday, September 18, 7 – 9 pm
Island Books, 3014 78th Ave SE

This poetry reading is co-sponsored by Humanities Washington and ArtsWA/Washington State Arts Commission.The headliner for the event will be current Washington State Poet Laureate Tod Marshall, author of, among other works, Dare Say. Also on the bill are Ramona Behnke (literary blogger at Pleasures from the Page), David Horowitz (founder of Rose Alley Press), and Laura Totten (founder of the Mercer Island High School Poetry Club).
Learn more >>

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Fall 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-minute programs designed especially for you and your young child.

Tuesday September 19 
Young Toddlers (12 – 24 months) – 10:30 – 11 am
Toddlers (2 – 3 years) – 11:30 am – Noon

Thursday September 21
Infants (0 – 12 months) – 10:30 – 11 am
Preschoolers (3 – 6 years) – 1 – 1:30 pm

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Pastrome and Chainline Beer Event
Tuesday, September 19, 3 – 8 pm
Caruccio’s, 2441 76th Avenue SE, Suite 100

No need to buy tickets — stop by and try some delicious offerings from Pastrome! Caruccio’s invites you to ‘eat-in’ or ‘take-out’ between 3:00 pm and 8:00 pm for hot pastrami sandwiches, knishes, and tasty sides. They will also be featuring locally-made Northwest style beer from Chainline Brewing Company.
Learn more >>

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Community Coffee Hour
Wednesday, September 20 & Friday, September 22, 9 – 10 am
Mercer Island Community & Event Center, 8236 SE 24th Street

Join Mercer Island Parks & Recreation for Community Coffee Hour every Wednesday and Friday! This is a free program for kids, teens, adults, seniors, and families. Enjoy a hot cup of coffee in a fun and engaging atmosphere with people from the community.

For more information, call MICEC at 206-275-7909 or email at [email protected].

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Storybook Corner
Wednesday, September 20, 10:30 – 11 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 >>

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Kaleidoscope Play & Learn
Wednesday, September 20, 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.

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Congressman Adam Smith: Constituent Services Outreach
Wednesday, September 20, 11 am – 1 pm
Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave SE

Congressman Adam Smith’s office will be hosting mobile office hours to make their services more convenient and accessible to you. His staff members are able to assist constituents with Federal Agency issues such as Social Security, Internal Revenue Service, and State Department. They can also provide housing and financial support resources and help with federal grants.

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Tabletop Thursdays
Thursday, September 21, 4 – 7 pm
Mercer Island Community & Event Center, 8236 SE 24th Street

Drop by for an afternoon of board games, video games, playing pool or ping-pong, and hanging out. There’s a huge selection of games, and the staff is always up to taking on a new competitor. Games include: Codenames, Mission Red Planet, Settlers of Catan, Carcassonne, Ticket to Ride, Connect 4, Monopoly, and more. Free for ages 7 – 14.

For more information, call MICEC at 206-275-7909 or email at [email protected].

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Shofar in the Park
Thursday, September 21, 5 pm
Luther Burbank Park, North Entrance, 2040 84th Ave SE

Duck out of the hubbub for an hour of reflecting in Luther Burbank Park with Chabad Mercer Island. Return to a simpler, more essential state together with fellow community members. Hear the stirring, unadulterated blasts of the Shofar, and stay for a meaningful Tashlich service following the Shofar blow. There will be an apple and honey bar, and special prizes for children. This event is free and open to all and will happen rain or shine!
Learn more >>

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Anti-Inflammatory Diet Essentials with a New Seasons Market Nutritionist 
Saturday, September 23, 10 – 11 am
New Seasons Market, 2755 77th Ave SE

Uncontrolled inflammation lurks at the core of many chronic disorders. Learn the key concepts of an anti-inflammatory diet, and how to incorporate them into your daily fare. This event is free, but registration is required.
Learn more >>

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Jonas Kulikauskas, Author of Yosemite People
Saturday, September 23, 4 – 6 pm
Island Books, 3014 78th Ave SE

Pairing his black-and-white photographs with oral histories from those who live and work at Yosemite, Jonas Kulikauskas curates a feeling of intimacy and familiarity to share a view of the park beyond flat depictions of postcard-perfect landscapes. Yosemite People is a collection of more than a hundred photos taken by Kulikauskas over the two years he dedicated to documenting the people of the park. These photos, beautifully printed, move from the overwhelming majesty of nature to the intimate moments of human life.

Island Books will be exhibiting a collection of these amazing images from 2 pm until closing. A reception with the author/photographer including refreshments and a presentation begins at 4 pm
Learn more >>

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Mindful Movement Therapy Workshop for Women
Sunday, September 24, 10 am – Noon
SJCC, 3801 E Mercer Way

Drawing inspiration from and breathing intention into the Jewish High Holidays, this two-hour workshop for women explores themes of teshuva (repentance), forgiveness, and renewal. Therapist Shanti Krigel uses dance movement therapy, yoga, and mindfulness to help women build inner strength and resilience as they share and process experiences of trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, and addiction in a safe space. This event is in partnership with Jewish Family Service.

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Mercer Island Farmers Market
Sunday, September 24, 10 am – 3 pm
Mercerdale Park, North End, 77th Ave SE & SE 32nd Street

Celebrating their 10th season, the Mercer Island Farmers Market is open every Sunday from June – October! Enjoy the sunshine and check out the freshest fruits and vegetables of the season, as well as locally made food and drinks, local artisan crafts, and fun activities for the whole family. Visit the website for weekly updates and special events.
Learn more >>