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. 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.

Big Plane Pull: Plane pulling competition. Are you up for the challenge? Come pull a plane and participate in the fun. Imagine you and 19 of your closest friends and co-workers coming together, combining your strengths for the ultimate in plane pulling competition. 10 a.m., July 18. Boeing Field/KC International Airport 7277 Perimeter Road, Seattle.

Snoqualmie 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament: The streets will come alive for the 3rd Annual Snoqualmie Casino 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament at Snoqualmie Ridge. The event will showcase a wide variety of participants of all ages, ranging from children and families to competitive athletes. 7 a.m., July 18. Snoqualmie Ridge SE Ridge St, Snoqualmie. info@orswellevents.com

Nightmare at Beaver Lake: Everyone who has volunteered at or is interesting in learning more about the Nightmare at Beaver Lake event is welcome to attend a Volunteer Picnic on Sunday, July 12, from 3 p.m. to dusk at Beaver Lake Park. A barbeque will be provided with a potluck for salads and desserts. Volunteers will be briefed on the themes for this year’s event. Info: www.NightmareAtBeaverLake.com.

Calvary Chapel Eastside’s Free Community BBQ: Free food, puppet shows, legos, face paint, balloons. Something for all ages. 11 a.m., July 15. Lake Sammamish State Park. 425-736-8090. mike@calvarychapeleastside.com

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.

69th Annual Derby Days: New this year – Derby Days Parade, Kids Parade and Grand Parade combined. Bicycle criterium, entertainment, great food, beer wine gardens, carnival, kids activities and a great fireworks finale. 10 a.m., July 11. City Hall Campus, 15670 NE 85th Street, Redmond. 425-556-2360. larhodes@redmond.gov.

A Jazzy Litttle Christmas… in July!: Bells of the Sound present a program of holiday favorites. 7 p.m., July 13. Mercer Island Presbyterian Church, 3605 84th Ave. SE, Mercer Island. 206-931-7669. info@bellsofthesound.org

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. Alleyoop Music – Musical performance, games and audience participation make for a fun afternoon. 12 a.m., July 14. You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown – SecondStory Repertory presents a play based on the comic strips by Charles Schultz. The show is bright, fun and adorable. 7 p.m., July 17. Redmond City Hall Green Space 15670 NE 85th Street, Redmond.

Lavender Farm Celebration: Fun on the farm, featuring wagon rides, music, farm animals, refreshments. Seasonal fruits and vegetables, U-pick and farm stand. All crops grown using organic methods. July 18 and 19. 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. Astro Cats, Saturday, July 11 from 8 to 11 p.m. Train Wreck on July 18 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.

Visiting Songbird Series: Amandah Jantzen Quartet – Portland jazz vocalist. 6 p.m., July 10. Gypsy Soul – Celtic-Americana Acoustic Duo, July 11. Bake’s Place, 4135 Providence Pt. Dr. SE, Issaquah. 425-391-3335. events@bakesplace.org.

The 5th District Democrats Speaker Series: will feature Port Commissioner Gael Tarleton on Thursday, July 30 from 7-9 p.m. at the Issaquah Public Library, 10 West Sunset Way. She will discuss the major issues facing the Port and SEATAC and take questions from the audience. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. For further information: http://5thdems.org.

Benefits

Evergreen Healthcare Auxiliary Tea: to benefit Neuroscience Institute. 2 p.m. Saturday, August 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

The Decemberists at Marymoor Park: The Decemberists with special guests Andrew Bird and Blind Pilot at Marymoor Park. For more information please visit STGPresents.org. 6 p.m., July 17. Marymoor Park 6046, W Lake Sammamish Parkway NE. 206-457-5510.

Death Cab for Cutie at Marymoor Park: Death Cab for Cutie with special guests Ra Ra Riot and New Pornographers at Marymoor Park on July 18 at 6 p.m. For more information please visit STGPresents.org. Marymoor Park 6046, W Lake Sammamish Parkway NE, Seattle. 206-457-5510

Opera Preview – Wagner’s Ring, Das Rheingold: Hear opera expert and enthusiast Norm Hollingshead discuss the first 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 15. Issaquah Library 10 W 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.

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 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, from July 11 to Aug. 22. 425-392-5550. www.pogacha.com.

Paula Maratea Fuld at Pogacha of Issaquah: Display of three-dimensional plastic, glass and paint assemblies, as well as canvas paintings inspired by the geometric forms found in those assemblies, in a new exhibit called “Light Interpretations.” Pogacha of Issaquah, 120 NW Gilman Blvd. 425-392-5550, cynthia@flashmediaservices.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

Day Out With Thomas: Thomas, the beloved and courageous storybook engine, is set to roll into the Northwest Railway Museum. This fun-filled event offers preschoolers and their families the opportunity to take a ride with a 15-ton replica of Thomas the Tank Engine. 9 a.m., July 10, 11 and 12. 38625 SE King Street, Snoqualmie.

Kamp Rock: Calling all kids – Join Kamp Rock for a summer full of fun. Kamp Rock will be the place to be this summer for games, arts and crafts, swimming, field trips, smoothie days and so much more. Bring your friends, make new friends and enjoy your summer. 9 a.m., July 13. Community Center at Mercer View 8236 SE 24th St., Mercer Island. 206.275.7609. katie.borden@mercergov.org

The Magic of Reading: Steffan Soule’s Magic and Wonder of Reading, a show filled with creative, theatrical magic for families. A magic show by a magician who learned his art through reading. Sponsored by the MI Friends of the Library. 11 a.m., July 11. Mercerdale Park Stage, corner of 77th SE SE 32nd, Mercer Island.

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.

Parenting with love and logic: Ages 18+. 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays until July 22. This class provides simple and practical techniques to help parents of children up to the age of six have less stress and more fun while raising responsible kids. Love and logic is easy to use, raises responsible kids and changes lives. Would you like childcare to be available during class? Let instructor Liann Smith know and efforts will be made to accommodate. For more information and to register, contact Smith at 425-890-2081 or www.ImpactParenting.com. $75/single, $100/couple.

One day art workshops: Ages 5-18. Join us for a day (or two, or three) as we work in different media and at different locations, drawing and painting something different each Saturday. No experience required. Dress for “mess” on days of painting. All art materials provided. Register online at www.TheDrawingBoardArtInstruction.com. Location: Issaquah Community Center. Watercolor Postcards. Ages 6-11. Noon-2 p.m. Saturday, July 11. Fee: $16.

Sports: 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.

Outdoors/Health

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.

First 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, July 18, 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.

Olympic Peninsula wildflower trip: July 11-12, 11 a.m. Hurricane Ridge/Dungeness Spit. Info: Bill Schmidt 425-881-6037.

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. 7 a.m. July 10, 13, 15 and 17. Redmond District Pool 17535 NE 104th, Redmond. 425-894-0045. info@aquarobics.net

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., July 10.

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

Spanish Story Times: Ages 3 and older with adult. 10 a.m., July 11, 18.

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

Hogwarts – The Next Generation Game: For Teens. Part 1: Tuesday, July 14, 4 p.m. Part 2: Tuesday, July 21, 4 p.m. 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

SeniorNet Computer Classes: Registration for the Fall semester of senior computer learning classes will take place Tuesday, July 21 from 9:30 a.m. till noon at New Hope Ministries Church, 15760 NE 4th St, Bellevue. Early birds can obtain a number for the registration at 8:00 a.m. Seniors, over 50, can enroll in a variety of classes taught by seniors at a “senior pace.” The complete catalog of course offerings and dates can be viewed at www.seniornetps.org or call 206-232-5892 for more information.

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., June 23-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.