Events

Kumbhamela 2009: Come and enjoy the many concerts, plays, interactive displays, kids games with prizes, gourmet food. Aug. 13-16. Vedic Cultural Center – The Happy Pink Building, 1420, 228 Avenue SE, Sammamish. Info: 425 208 5036 or ryerrams2003@yahoo.com.

Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Centennial Day of Celebration: Aug. 16. Features salmon bake, Native American storyteller, Inuksuk building contest for kids, art and more, to celebrate the AYP Exposition Centennial. Tickets required for the Salmon Bake are now available for pre-sale. Gallery show runs Aug. 3-Sept. 11 at Community Center at Mercer View, 8236 S.E. 24th Street, Mercer Island. 206-275-7609..

Ice cream social for pets: All the Best Pet Care, 1590 NW Gilman Blvd. Aug. 20, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. The Ice Cream Social will actually be little individual servings of yogurt made from all human grade ingredients, all natural, and made to appeal to the paletes of cats and dogs. Timmy, our official store dog/greeter will be here to help serve. Coupons will be available for shoppers, but no purchase is required to get a cup of yogurt. www.Allthebestpetcare.com, 425-369-8383.

Providence Marianwood’s Annual Summer Family Fair: Aug. 15, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The fair will include food, music and lots of games for residents and families. Providence Marianwood is located at 3725 Providence Point Drive SE in Issaquah. www.providencemarianwood.org. Providence Marianwood is the only not-for-profit skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility on the Eastside of King County.

Lakeside Center for Autism: community event. Thursday, August 27, 4-8 p.m. We welcome all prospective parents, current parents, pediatricians, and the community. This is a family friendly event. Please stop by for food, drinks, live entertainment, raffle drawings, and more. Lakeside Center for Autism, 1871 NW Gilman Blvd, Issaquah. 425.657.0620 or Rebecca@lakesideautism.com to RSVP

Sammamish Nights: hosted by the Sammamish Chamber of Commerce. A spectacular venue and evening of premier wine, food and smooth jazz (non alcoholic beverages available.) 6–10 p.m., Aug. 29, under the stars at the Sammamish Commons, Sammamish City Hall. This is a 21+ event. Portions of the proceeds to benefit the Chris Elliott Fund for Glioblastoma Brain Cancer Research in partnership with the Swedish Medical Center Foundation. Tickets on sale now for $35 – include 5 free wine tastes and concert with local Jazz Musician Darren Motamedy. Purchase them at www.sammamishchamber.org. For your comfort – be sure to bring a blanket or beach chair.

Concerts on the Green: presented in a wonderful outdoor setting, right here in Issaquah. Now in its 13th year, Concerts on the Green will be held each Tuesday evening through Aug. 25. Families, friends and coworkers can enjoy each week’s highly acclaimed musical selection of Northwest artists on the Community Center Green in the heart of historical downtown Issaquah – 301 Rainier Blvd. S. The concerts run from 7-8:30 p.m., but the crowds often begin gathering as early as 6 p.m. for community picnicking. No alcohol or pets please. The concerts are presented by Issaquah’s Parks and Recreation Department and the Issaquah Arts Commission, in collaboration with the Issaquah Kiwanis Club. 425-837-3300. www.ci.issaquah.wa.us/parks.

Eastside Preparatory School: to host guest speaker Alan Lightman – author of “Einstein’s Dreams.” Eastside Preparatory School is proud to announce the launch of an annual guest speaker program featuring nationally acclaimed scholars. The first featured scholar for Eastside Prep’s inaugural Visiting Thinker Night is author and physicist Dr. Alan Lightman. Dr. Lightman is the author of Einstein’s Dreams, Good Benito, The Diagnosis, Reunion, Ghost, in addition to books on science and several essays and fables. Thursday, Sep. 17, 7:30–9p.m. There is no admission fee, but seating is limited. Tickets will be reserved based on the order in which requests are received. tlindsey@eastsideprep.org. 425-822-5668, www.eastsideprep.org.

Tomato Celebration at The South 47 Farm: Featuring samples of the farm’s heirloom tomatoes, wagon rides, music, farm animals, refreshments, and more. Seasonal fruits and vegetables. U-pick and farmstand. The farm grows seven varieties of hard-to-find tomatoes, including Cherokee Purple, Green Zebra, and Brandywine. All crops grown using organic methods. From 11 a.m. Aug. 22 and 23. 15410 NE 124th St., Redmond. 425-869-9777, farmllc@yahoo.com.

Nightlife

Pogacha of Issaquah: Saturdays, Live music, no cover. Acclaimed local jazz saxophonist Darren Motamedy will entertain guests at a dinner/dance open to the public. Paul Green on Saturday, Aug. 15 from 8 to 11 p.m. Ricky Venture Revue on Saturday, Aug. 22 from 8 to 11 p.m. Pogacha of Issaquah 120 NW Gilman Blvd., Issaquah, 425-392-5550. steve@pogacha.com. www.pogacha.com.

Vino Bella Wine Bar: Performances 7:30-11:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Ongoing: 8-10 p.m. Wednesdays, comedy nights. 99 Front St. N., Issaquah. 425-391-1424 or www.vinobella.com.

Twede’s Cafe Open Mic: Anyone is welcome to sing, play an instrument, or put on an act. 6 p.m., Tuesdays. Twede’s Cafe 137 W. North Bend Way, North Bend. 425-831-5511.

Bake’s Place: The Senate – Up coming acoustic trio. 6 p.m. Aug 14. Tingstad and Rumbel: Husband and Wife duo playing Americana Roots music featuring fingerstyle guitar, double reed and ocarina. 6 p.m. Aug 15. 4135 Providence Point Dr., Issaquah. 425-391-3335. events@bakesplace.org

Benefits

Big Sale Charity Event: Saturday, Aug 22, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (no early birds) at Cimarron Park 1409 229th Ave NE in Sammamish. Housewares, furniture, sporting goods, infant items and lots of misc. You need it, we got it!!! All proceeds to benefit the ARAS Foundation. www.arasfoundation.org. Donations of saleable items welcome. Volunteers needed from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. To donate or volunteer contact Mary Trask, 425-868-8448, mary@arasfoundation.org or Cindy VanWambeck 425-836-4431, cindy@vanwambeck.net

Walk for Wishes: The Make-A-Wish Foundation announces its family-friendly 5K walk to provide participants with an opportunity to enjoy a beautiful summer morning while getting some exercise and helping a great cause. Walkers of all fitness levels and ages are welcome. 9 a.m., Aug 16. Marymoor Park 6046 W. Lake Sammamish Parkway NE, Redmond. 206-623-5999, broberts@nwwishes.org

Issaquah Food Bank: Accepts online cash donations, non-perishable food and usable clothing items (especially children’s and infants clothing). Food and clothing donations can be dropped off at 179 First Ave. S.E. Client hours: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays; 5-7 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays of the month. Volunteers also needed. 425-392-4123 or 425-392-5836.

Groups

Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group: provide a place for people to learn, share and gain support from others caring for a person with dementia. Contact Nallely Marron for information about the Issaquah group. Faith United Methodist Church 3924 Issaquah Pine Lake Rd SE, Issaquah. 425-313-7364.

La Leche League meeting: Whether you’re breastfeed your baby six days, six weeks or six months, mothers find La Leche League meetings supportive and informative. Mothers with their nursing babies and mothers-to-be are welcome. Overlake Hospital’s Issaquah Campus classroom 22510 SE 64th Place, Suite 120, Issaquah. 425-605-0837. lll.tsf@gmail.com.

Sammamish Citizen Corps: holds a refresher/advanced training class for CERTs on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 7-9 p.m. at Eastide Fire and Rescue Station #82. e-mail SammamishCitizenCorps@hotmail.com for more information and to register. The Corps also needs community volunteers experienced in marketing; web design, building and management; fund raising; grant writing; volunteer coordination; recruiting and more as we help educate and keep our community safer before, during and after natural and man-wrought disasters.

Music

Master Chorus Eastside: Master Chorus Eastside is holding auditions in all sections for its 2009-2010 season. All interested singers must have choral music experience and basic music reading ability. For an audition appointment please call the Master Chorus Eastside office at 425-392-8446. More information on the Chorus can be found on the web at www.masterchoruseastside.org. Master Chorus Eastside exists to share the power of choral music to inspire and bring joy.

Violin virtuoso: Well-known violin virtuoso Lenore Vardi will use her talents with brush and bow to help her new home town recreate life in North Bend 100 years ago. Centennial organizers are transforming the Si View Community Center into Festival Hall “an 80 seat Toulouse Lautrec style café” that will showcase Snoqualmie Valley artists and performers during North Bend’s Festival at Mt. Si centennial celebration. Lenore’s performance Aug. 8 at the Festival at Mt. Si centennial celebration will mark her return to public playing after falling and injuring herself minutes after her last appearance at Carnegie Hall. Info: 206-947-9694, vardiart@vardiart.com

Live music on the Depot deck: During June, July and August, the Issaquah History Museums will have the Train Depot open on Thursday evenings from 4-8 p.m. in addition to their usual hours of 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. We will also have live music on the Train Depot deck on Thursday evenings. A chance to visit the museums at your leisure in the evenings and enjoy music at the same time.

Family

Japanese and Chinese star festivals: Sponge, a children’s language center, invites families to “You’re a Star!” – a free event celebrating the Japanese and Chinese star festivals of the summer. Sponge, Eastside Location, 375 N.W. Gilman Blvd., Issaquah. Sunday, Aug. 30, 10 a.m.-noon. Please RSVP by calling 425-274-5188 or emailing events@spongeschool.com. Info: www.spongeschool.com.

Sports/Fitness

Aquarobics: If your goal is a leaner, stronger, fit body and want to have fun while you get there – Aquarobics is for you. Our water fitness program uses the water’s resistance and buoyancy to promote quicker muscle tone and a vigorous cardiovascular workout. 7 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Mercerwood Shore Club, 4150 E. Mercer Way, Mercer Island. 425-894-0045, info@aquarobics.net.

Free Nithya Yoga: Attend free Nithya Yoga sessions at Grass Lawn Park in Redmond every Saturday at 7:30 a.m. Experience your every movement becoming a meditation; every moment becoming vibrant and full of life. rishirazdan@gmail.com

Introduction to Ayurveda Workshop: Saturday, August 29, 10-11:30 a.m. Complimentary. Please register by calling Fern Life Center at 425-391-3376 or email at info@fernlifecenter.com. www.fernlifecenter.com

Volunteers

Hospice Volunteer Training: Highline Medical Center’s Hospice program: is a non-profit organization serving terminally ill patients and their families in South and East King County. Highline Hospice is recruiting caring and compassionate people interested in supporting terminally ill patients and their families. If you have a heart for being with others through difficult times, volunteering with Hospice may be right for you. Volunteers provide patient support and companionship, caregiver respite, bereavement support, or office help. Comprehensive training provided. Michele Fawcett-Long at 206-439-9095 or mfawcett-long@highlinemedical.org.

Mary Queen of Peace: Can you donate 2-4 hours each month? Mary Queen of Peace needs your help during our bi-monthly meetings for just 2 hours to watch our children (ages birth to six years), while we build our spiritual connections through the partnership of MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers). We typically meet on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays from 9:10-11:30 a.m. from Sept.-May. If you’re interested in finding out more information please contact blankwendy@comcast.com

History Museums maintenance: Volunteers with carpentry and mechanical skills needed to assist the Issaquah History Museums in the maintenance and upkeep of the Train Depot and Gilman Town Hall. Please email Karen at volunteer@issaquahhistory.org or phone 425-392-3500.

Galleries/Exhibits

Art Show: Sep. 18, at 2 p.m. Meadow Creek Professional Center 22525 SE 64th Pl. Issaquah. Info: Sheryl Brown 425-652-1413, sunraysheryl@gmail.com.

Alexis Chavez photographs at Pogacha of Issaquah: Alexis Chavez will show an exhibit called “On Safari,” a collection of wildlife photographs taken in Africa. Chavez captures a distinctive personality as she gets to know each animal face-to-face and understands their individual character. From Aug. 22 to October 3. Pogacha of Issaquah 120 NW Gilman Blvd. 425 392-5550.

Outdoors

Cedar River Watershed: Visit, explore, and absorb the dramatic old growth forests of the Cedar River Watershed. Saturday, Aug. 15, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Join Clay in an exploration of some of the best low-elevation and high-elevation old-growth forests in the Cascades. www.Seattle.gov/util/crwec. Registration is required. 206-733-9421 or email: crwprograms@seattle.gov.

Nature Walk: Join us for a free Ranger led tour of the Mercer Slough wetland and Environmental Education Center. Explore the plants and wildlife that call Mercer Slough home. No registration necessary. All ages welcome. 2 p.m., Aug. 15 and Aug. 22. Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center’s Visitor Center 1625 118th Ave SE, Bellevue. 425-452-2565, MSEEC@bellevuewa.gov

Public Utilities Naturalists: Join Seattle Public Utilities Naturalists this summer for a unique public tour of the Cedar River Municipal Watershed, the source of 70 percent of the Seattle area’s drinking water. This 2.5 hour interpretive journey by bus and by foot into the 90,638-acre protected watershed (which is closed to unauthorized public access) is an unparalleled opportunity to experience a very special place of protected lakes, forests and waterfalls. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through September 6. Registration is required. 206-733-9421, crwprograms@seattle.gov.

Green Redmond Partnership work party: Volunteer with the Green Redmond Partnership. Join us for hands-on restoration the last Saturday of every month. We remove invasive plants and re-plant with native forest plants. No experience necessary. Wear sturdy shoes, we provide gloves and tools. 206-905-6943. greenredmond@cascadeland.org

Train to Trek: Father’s Day Celebrations. Board vintage railcars for a relaxing day-long excursion on the Train to Trek. It’s a mixture of wildlife and history with presentations by expert naturalists and area historians that ends with a day at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. Saturdays, Aug 15, Sept 12 and Oct 3. Train departs at 8:30 a.m. and returns at 5:30 p.m. Departures are from Freighthouse Square near the Tacoma Dome. For tickets and more information, visit www.nwtrek.com.

Library Activities

Issaquah Library 10 West Sunset Way, Issaquah

425-392-5430

www.kcls.org/issaquah/.

Talk Time: For Adults. Improve your speaking and listening skills in this English conversation group.

Strategy Games Club: Stop by the library to play video games on Wii or PS2, try a board game, run DD 4 and have a snack. It’s free and open to teens in middle and high school. 3 p.m. Aug 21. 425-392-5430, jrgomes@kcls.org

Sammamish Library, 825 228th Avenue SE, Sammamish

425-868-7444

www.kcls.org/sammamish/.

Talk Time: For Adults. Improve your speaking and listening skills in this English conversation group.

Baby Story Times: Ages 6 to 12 months with adult. 11 a.m., Fridays.

Young Toddler Story Times: Ages 12 to 24 months with adult. 10 a.m., Fridays.

Spanish Story Times: Ages 3 and older with adult. 10 a.m., Saturdays.

Classes

CPR class: CPR classes twice a month at our office in Redmond. We also offer CPR online with a skills test in person at our office. Please call to sign up at 425 739-0700. PreventionMD 14681 NE 95th ST, Redmond. 425 739-0700. reception@preventionMD.com

ArtEAST art classes: Gayle Picken from Gallery by the Bay in Stanwood will teach a 3-class series for artists: “Get Your Web Site Up and Running in 30 Days.” Jean B. Mills, co-author of Fearless Design for Every Quilter, will teach a once-a-month 10-month class using design principles and fabric collage to explore creativity. Ricco diStefano and Gail Baker will be offering hands-on workshops in painting, mixed media, and drawing. Other workshops include glass fusing with Karen Abel, mixed media with Cyndi Moring, and painting with Miska. www.arteast.org. 425-392-3191. ArtEAST is located at UP Front Gallery at 48 Front Street in downtown Issaquah.

English Language Classes: Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m., to August 10. Pine Lake Covenant Church, 1715 228th Ave SE Sammamish. Class Fee $50 – Scholarships available if needed. Bus Routes 216 and 269. More info: paulah-c@comcast.net, 425-313-8937 or elipeter@juno.com.

Public Boating Course: Bellevue Sail & Power Squadron is offering the course starting Sept. 17, at Bellevue High School. The classes are held on Thursdays, 7–9 p.m., and run for 9 weeks. Topics covered in this course include: Aids to Navigation, Boat Terms & Types, Boat Handling, Adverse Conditions, Piloting, Navigation Rules, Tides & Currents, and Government Regulations. www.bellevuepowersquadron.org/Education, diannegre57@comcast.net.

Boards etc.

Youth Advisory Board: Issaquah Youth Advisory Board applications are now available for the 2009-10 school year. All current fifth through 11th graders are welcome to apply. Pick an application up at the Issaquah Community Center, in school offices or online at www.ci.issaquah.wa.us under “Board & Commissions” For more information, call Cathy Jones at 425-837-3317.