Here’s my weekly round-up of events for the week of May 2 – 8 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, May 3
Young Toddlers (12 – 24 months) – 10:30 – 11:15 am
Toddlers (2 – 3 years) – 11:30 am – Noon
Thursday, May 5
Infants (0 – 12 months) – 10:30 – 11 am
Preschoolers (3 – 6 years) – 1 – 2 pm
Storybook Corner at Island Books
Wednesday, May 4, 10:30 to 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 >>
Play and Learn at the Library
Wednesday, May 4, 10:30 am – Noon
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.
Opera Preview: The Flying Dutchman by Richard Wagner
Wednesday, May 4, 7 – 8 pm
Mercer Island Library, 4400 88th Ave SE
Richard Wagner was only 28 when The Flying Dutchman was first performed in 1841. Unlike many Wagnerian operas, The Flying Dutchman is relatively short, but this opera lets audiences know from the very first note of the overture that this is an opera (and a composer) to whom attention must be paid. The opera’s tale of a man who must sail the seas forever until he can find a woman to be true to him unto death echoed Wagner’s own complicated relationships with women. This free lecture, provided to increase enjoyment and appreciation of Seattle Opera productions, will feature Norm Hollingshead with recorded musical excerpts.
Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce Luncheon
Speaker: John Wilson, King County Assessor
Wednesday, May 5, Noon
Mercer Island Community & Events Center, 8236 SE 24th St
Questions about that check you just wrote to the King County Treasury? King County Assessor John Wilson is the man to ask. King County Treasury collects property taxes on behalf of the state, cities, and taxing districts, and then distributes the revenue to local governments. In some parts of King County, as much as 50 percent of 2016 property taxes are a result of voter-approved measures. Property taxes are the primary funding source for schools, public safety, parks and libraries. John Wilson was elected in November 2015 as the 38th King County Assessor and will speak on “What do your property taxes do?” Luncheon cost is $15 for members and $20 for non-members and members without reservations. Deadline for reservations is Tuesday, May 3rd, 4 PM. Please call the Chamber office, 232-3404 to reserve your space.
Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce website >>
Suzanne Zahr’s monthly Art & Wine Tasting Event
Thursday, May 5th, 4:30 – 7:30 pm
Suzanne Zahr Gallery, 2441 76th Ave SE, Ste 160
This Thursday, Suzanne Zahr kicks off a monthly Art & Wine Tasting event, hosted at the SZ Gallery on Mercer Island. On the first Thursday of each month, The Islander will be providing wine tastings paired with seasonal bites. Bottles & cases will be made available at Wine Club prices. On the tasting menu this month: Moet & Chandon Brut Champagne & Browne Sauvignon Blanc. As a serene backdrop to this festive event, SZ is featuring POETRY, by artist, Gitte Peters.
MIHS Drama Department presents Shakespeare’s “As You Like It”
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, May 5 – 7, at 7 pm
MIHS Performing Arts Center, 9100 SE 42nd St
All the world’s a stage! Join the Mercer Island High School drama department as they present their spring play, William Shakespeare’s comedy, “As You Like It.” It’s 1992 in Seattle. Join Rosalind, Orlando, Duke Senior and their friends as they run off to Gasworks Park, where they will encounter love at first sight, mistaken identity, and the music of the Seattle grunge scene. Pre-sale tickets can be purchased from the cast or on campus during lunch for $10. Tickets purchased at the door are $15. Seniors 65 and over and children under 7 are $5. MISD families may also purchase tickets online through the district website.
Learn more >>
Run Like a Girl – Hard, Fast & Strong
Saturday, May 7, 9 am
Luther Burbank Park, Meadow Area
Calling all girls, ladies, and women! Join us for this all female 5K fun run or walk through Luther Burbank Park. Shorter route added for the younger ones! A fun event to do with your mom for Mother’s Day! Free t-shirt for all runners. Registration fee supports Mercer Island Parks & Recreation activities, events, and programs for all ages. Adult: $25; 17 & under: $20
Learn more & register >>
Why We Need to Talk about Racism
Saturday, May 7, 2 – 4 pm
Mercer Island Presbyterian Church, 3605 84th Ave SE
Join Peggi Erickson as she examines the definitions and concepts of racism, the obstacles to identifying racism, and the reasons we need to talk about it. Come prepared for discussion! Peggi is a passionate educator who has facilitated conversations about racism in many communities, including Bainbridge Island and Bremerton. This is the second event in our series called “Conversations for Strong Communities.” Look for the final events on May 21!
PJ Story Time with Nancy Stewart
Saturday, May 7, 7 – 7:30 pm
Island Books, 3104 78th Ave SE
On the first Saturday of every month, Island Books hosts a children’s pajama story time. This month’s singer/storyteller is Nancy Stewart. Geared especially for children over three, refreshments will be served.
Learn more >>
