Events

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 $25 – include 5 free wine tastes and concert with local Jazz Musician Darren Motamedy. After July 22 price will increase to $35. Purchase them at www.sammamishchamber.org. For your comfort – be sure to bring a blanket or beach chair.

Garden Club Home Garden Tour: The Providence Point Garden Club is hosting a Home Garden Tour from 1-4 p.m., July 25. with a High Tea from 3-5 p.m. There will be 10 homes and 1 special garden all located in the Providence Point community. Tickets are on sale at the Providence Point Real Estate Office. 4135 Providence Pint Dr SE, Issaquah

Seattle Tilth events – in partnership with the City of Issaquah’s Resource Conservation Office.

Children’s Garden Harvest Classes: Wednesdays, until Oct. 7, 10 a.m.-noon. Pickering Barn in Issaquah. We introduce children and parents to the magic of garden ecology, singing songs, finding colors and shapes, and tasting the flowers and plants that grow in the garden. Dress for weather and mess. $20 Seattle Tilth members, $30 non-members. Ladybug Picnic – Ladybugs of all shapes and sizes come to feast. Learn insect anatomy. Pre-registration is required for all classes. www.seattletilth.org.

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

ArtWalk Issaquah: Summer 2009 in Downtown Issaquah. Issaquah will once again be the cultural center for visual, lyrical, and musical performances and myraid of artistic genres. With live music around every corner, hands on art projects, and some special suprises. 5 p.m., first Fridays. Downtown Issaquah. 425-269-6239, events@downtownissaquah.com.

Arts in the Parks: Redmond Arts Commission presents Arts in the Parks at Redmond City Hall Campus. Bring a picnic and blanket, and enjoy the beautiful summer days.

Comedy of Errors: An early Shakespeare play about identical twins accidentally seperated at birth. Performed by GreenStage. 7 p.m. July 24.

Lelavision: Inventive instruments and vehicles will weave together an entertaining performance fun for all ages. 12 a.m. July 28.

Richard III: Wooden O Theatre presents Shakespeare’s historical play about the Machiavellian rise to power and subsequent short reign of Richard III of England. 7 p.m. July 31.

Redmond City Hall Green Space 15670 NE 85th Street, Redmond.

Auditions: Thunderbolts and Dunderheads – Auditions at Redwood Theatre. 5 p.m. Aug. 2. Faith Lutheran Church 9041 166th Avenue NE, Redmond. auditions@redwoodtheatre.org.

5th District Democrats Speaker Series : The 5th District Democrats Speaker Series will host Port Commissioner Gael Tarleton, who will discuss issues facing the Port. Open to the public. For further information, check http://5thdems.org. 6 p.m. July 30. Issaquah Public Library 10 West Sunset Way.

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. Astro Cats, Saturday, July 25 from 8 to 11 p.m. Paul Hanover, Saturday, Aug. 1 from 8 to 11. 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.

Visiting Songbird Series: Cindy Scott Quartet – New Orleans Jazz Vocalist- 6 p.m. July 18. Pearl Django – Hot Club Swing – 6 p.m. July 25. Bake’s Place 4135 Providence Point Dr., Issaquah. 425-391-3335. events@bakesplace.org

Bake’s Friends: Summer BBQ Party! 6 p.m. July 24. Bake’s Place 4135 Providence Pt. Dr. SE, Seattle. 425-391-3335. events@bakesplace.org

Benefits

Evergreen Healthcare Auxiliary Tea: to benefit Neuroscience Institute. 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, Willows Lodge, 14580 NE 145th St., Woodinville. Program includes Pinky’s Passion, a vintage fashion show, and a presentation by certified tea etiquette consultant Susan Springer. Guests are encouraged to wear vintage clothes or traditional afternoon tea party clothing including gloves and hats for this fun event. Scones, sandwiches, pastries and tea, small silent auction. A limited number of tickets are available for $40 per person. www.evergreenhealthcare.org., or 425-899-3000.

Prom Dreams … Pass It On: We are hoping to collect enough prom dresses between now and early next year to support a series of “prom boutique events” for girls attending their 2010 Senior Prom. More info: 425-395-1212 .

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.

Eastside Baby Corner: Needs donations of new or gently-used clothing for children (newborn to size 14), strollers, high chairs, cribs, toys, blankets, diapers and more. Donations – 1510 Maple Street NW in Issaquah, on Monday evenings from 7 – 8:30 p.m., or on Thursday mornings, 9 – 11 a.m. Volunteers, including families, groups or individuals, are all welcome to help sort and package the clothes. For more info: visit www.babycorner.org or call 425-865-0234.

Groups

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.

Boy Scout Troop 751: Meets Mondays, 6:50 p.m. at the Community Church of Joy, 723 233rd Ave NE, Sammamish. All boys age 11 and older that are interested in outdoor based activities are welcome. More info: www.troop751.com.

Glory Days Preschool: We currently have openings in our afternoon program for 4 and 5-year-olds this fall 2009. The class will meet either Mon.-Thurs. or Tues.-Thurs. from 12:45 – 3:15 p.m. To enroll, children must be 4-year-olds by Aug. 31, 2009. Monthly tuition $310 for the 4-day/week class, or $245 for the 3-day/week class. Sammamish Presbyterian Church. To register or for more information, contact Heather Choco, Preschool Director, at 425-868-5186 x128.

Music

Opera Preview – Wagner’s Ring: Siegfried: Hear opera expert and enthusiast Norm Hollingshead discuss the third of Richard Wagner’s Ring. The lecture will discuss details of Wagner’s life and analysis of the story of the opera with musical excerpts. 7 p.m. July 29. Issaquah library 10 West Sunset Way, Issaquah. 425-392-5430.

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.

Mostly Music In The Park: Local bands play a variety of music under the covered Veteran’s Recognition Pergola, from 7 p.m. The Nudie Suit Stardusters (Country Western of ’40s-60s): July 19. Soul Provider (Soul/Funk): July 23. Mark DuFresne Blues Band: July 26. Stay Tuned (Bluegrass): July 30. Mercerdale Park 3249 78th Ave. S.E., Mercer Island. 206-275-7609

Seeking new musicians: The Sammamish Symphony Orchestra is composed of adult volunteer musicians dedicated to performing concerts and maintaining outreach programs. Rehearsals are Thursdays 7:15 – 9:45 p.m. at Eastlake High School. The orchestra has openings in all string sections, principal bassoon, principal clarinet, and second oboe. More info: 206-517-7777, or go to their website at www.SammamishSymphony.org.

Galleries/Exhibits

Photography show: Robert Rose will show a new exhibit called “Photography for Good – Portraits of Nepal and India,” a collection of photographs taken on his many trips to the region. Pogacha of Issaquah. More info: 425-454-7676 or rrosephoto@comcast.net.

Essential Traces: Bellevue artist Christina Strigenz’ whimsical floral and landscape paintings. Essential Traces will be on display at Pogacha of Issaquah, 120 NW Gilman Blvd, to Aug. 22. 425-392-5550. www.pogacha.com.

2009 Northwest Watercolor Society: Signature Members Exhibition runs until Oct. 17, at University House, Issaquah. This exhibition showcases the rich and diverse watercolors by The NWWS Signature Members. More info: University House, 425-557-4200.

Family

Issaquah Parks and Rec

The City of Issaquah Parks and Rec Department is offering the following upcoming classes/courses. More info. 425-837-3300 or www.issaquahparks.net.

Issaquah Community Center: Summer hours: (June 1-Aug. 31) Monday-Friday: 5 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.; Sunday: Closed.

Shadow Puppets – Anansi the Spider: Presented by Oregon Shadow Theatre. Ages 4 and older. Enjoy a West African trickster story with live music and beautiful shadow puppets. Performed in a dark room, not appropriate for very young children. Free tickets available July 24 at the Sammamish Library Information Desk. 4 p.m. July 30. Sammamish Library 825 228th Avenue SE, Sammamish.

Movie Life of Mammals: Opportunists – Have you ever wondered why those pesky raccoons dig in your garbage? The mischievous and misunderstood opportunists of the world are finally exposed. This movie looks at the lives of raccoons, skunks, fox, grizzly and other unusual opportunists. Best for 10+. All children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. No registration necessary. 5 p.m. July 31. Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center’s Douglas Fir Community Room 1625 118th Ave SE, Bellevue. 425-452-2565. MSEEC@bellevuewa.gov.

Sports/Fitness

The Issaquah Community Center: is offering a wide range of sports camps over the summer period. Sports covered include peewee soccer, basketball, T-ball, and sneakers and socks soccer. For information, cost, and times, call 425-837-3300 or go to www.issaquahparks.net.

Aquarobics: This 60-minute workout will get you in shape while reducing the risk of injury and impact to your joints. Our shallow water workout does not require swimming skills and is perfect for all levels of fitness. Get in. Get fit. Redmond District Pool 17535 NE 104th, Redmond. 425-894-0045. info@aquarobics.net.

Dragons 13U Baseball tryout: Tryouts for the 2010 Issaquah Dragons 13U Baseball Club will be held on Sunday, July 26 at Veteran’s Memorial Baseball Field in Issaquah. The tryouts will run from 11 a.m-1p.m. Dragons baseball is a highly competitive team and will play in the Sandy Koufax league next year as well as several local, state,regional and national tournaments. There will also be two additional tryouts on Aug. 9 and Aug. 16 at Tibbetts Park #2 in Issaquah, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. both days. Mark Gibson 206-409-5671 or Mike Kerr 206-778-5882.

Outdoors

NW Paragliding Club Tiger Mountain Fly-In: NW Paragliding Club is hosting the Tiger Mountain Fly-In July 25. Each year adventure seekers come out to experience the magic of flying Tiger. This is your opportunity to try a tandem paragliding flight at a reduced cost to help us support Tiger Mt. 9 a.m. July 25. Issaquah Hobart Road, Issaquah

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. 9 a.m. July 25. Farrel-McWhirter Park, 19545 Redmond Road, Redmond. 206-905-6943. greenredmond@cascadeland.org

Summer Sports Ministry Camp at Pine Lake Covenant Church: July 27-31, 9 a.m.–12:15 p.m., Mon–Fri. Join us for a fun week of sports and bible study. To register, go to www.plcc.org or contact Kim Strobaugh at kims@plcc.org or 425-395-5516.

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.

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. July 25, Aug. 1. Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center’s Visitor Center 1625 118th Ave SE, Bellevue. 425-452-2565. MSEEC@bellevuewa.gov.

Ranger Program – Lichens. Join a Park Ranger at the Visitor Center for a free 30-minute program to learn what lichens are, how to identify them and their important role. Dress for the weather. No registration necessary. All ages welcome. 2 p.m. July 19.

Library Activities

Issaquah Library 10 West Sunset Way, Issaquah

425-392-5430

www.kcls.org/issaquah/.

Strategy Games Club: Play video games on the big screen or a board game, have a snack and hang out. It’s free and only open to teens in middle and high school. 425-392-5430, jrgomes@kcls.org.

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

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.

Sammamish Book Group: For adults: Three Junes by Julia Glass

Hogwarts – The Next Generation Game: For Teens. Part 3: Tuesday, July 28, 4 p.m. Participate in the massive multi-user edition of Hogwarts: The Next Generation. Carnation Library 4804 Tolt Avenue, Carnation.

Classes

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. 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. Applications at Issaquah Community Center, in school offices or www.ci.issaquah.wa.us. Cathy Jones at 425-837-3317.