Events

All-American Independence Celebration: Ring in Independence Day in Issaquah’s historic Pickering Barn with songs, readings, sing-alongs and stories that commemorate the Fourth of July. Celebrate our fascinating history and the vigorous variety of American musical styles. 3 p.m., Sunday, June 28. All admission discounted at $9 each or $25 per family from the same household.

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.

Fourth on the 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. 11 a.m. July 4 and 5. 15410 NE 124th St., Redmond. 425-869-9777. farmllc@yahoo.com.

Meet the Author: Christopher R. Mattix. Join the author of “Nobody” as he discusses his story of poverty, desperation and ultimately, redemption. 7 p.m., June 30. Issaquah Library 10 W Sunset Way, Issaquah

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 from July 7 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.

The Amphibian Extinction Crisis: Special lecture at Bellevue’s Mercer Slough, 7 p.m., June 27. Frog populations have been declining worldwide at unprecedented rates, and nearly one-third of the world’s 6,418 amphibian species are threatened with extinction. Explore critical issues surrounding the impending extinction of one of our most precious resources in a lecture at the Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center in Bellevue. 1625-118th Ave. SE. General admission is $5.

Online high school info session: Wednesday, July 29, at 6 p.m. Students and parents are invited to explore online education before registration deadline. University of Phoenix, 3380 146th Place SE #202, Bellevue. Free and open to the public.

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., July 3. Downtown Issaquah. 425-269-6239, events@downtownissaquah.com.

The Green, Clean and Lean Home Tour: Bennett Homes’ 5-Star Built Green, Northwest Energy Star and American Lung Association Health Certified single-family home will be open to the public June 26-27, to educate and inspire with the latest in green strategies and certification programs. 1 p.m., June 26. 315 NE Eagle Way, Issaquah Highlands. 425-460-8230. builtgreen@mbaks.com.

Free Mom and Me Art Class at Kidz Bounce: Hey Parents! Bring your children by Kidz Bounce and explore painting and crafts with Maureen from Black Horse Art Studio. We’ll even clean up. $5 suggested donation for art supplies. 10 a.m., June 26. Kidz Bounce 8178 304th Ave SE, Issaquah. 425-222-5439. info@kidzbounce.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, June 27 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., June 23. Twede’s Cafe 137 W. North Bend Way, North Bend. 425-831-5511.

Ted King and Mike Horsfall: “From BeBop to Broadway – 35 Years of Music and Friendship.” 6 p.m. July 3. Bake’s Place, 4135 Providence Pt. Dr. SE, Issaquah. 425-391-3335. events@bakesplace.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 .

Westie Walk: First annual Westie Walk for Rescue. All proceeds will fund medical care for Westies in rescue. Funds will be split between WestieMed and Westie Rescue in WA and OR. We only survive on your support and donations to insure all orphan Westies can be saved. 11 a.m., June 27. 6046 W. Sammamish Pkwy. NE Lot A, Redmond. 206-661-6961. tilburyk@yahoo.com.

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.

Theater

Show Boat at Village Theatre: Tickets are now available for Village Theatre’s production of Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II’s romantic masterwork, Show Boat. Will run in Issaquah until July 3. More info: call 425- 392-2202, or 866-688-8049, or go to www.villagetheatre.org.

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.

Harry Potter Countdown: For teens. Catch up on the wizarding world as we watch a movie each week. 6 p.m., July 2. Redmond Regional Library, 15990 NE 85th Street, Redmond.

Groups

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 years old by August 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

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 opens June 11 and runs through October 17, 2009 at University House, Issaquah. This show will also be included in the Issaquah Art Walk, July 3 from 5–7:30 p.m. 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.

ARC Guardstart: Ages: 11-14. The Guardstart day camp is an American Red Cross Course for the lifeguards of tomorrow. Students will learn basic water rescue techniques, adult CPR/AED, and first aid skills. In addition, students will have the opportunity to go on a trip to Wild Waves to see the lifeguards in action during this course. Spots are limited, so sign up now. Each student should bring a sack lunch, beverage and water bottle each day. Prerequisite: Level 4 swim skills. Call 425-837-3350 for details. Location: Julius Boehm Pool. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday, July 6-10. Fee: $250/5 classes.

Parenting with love and logic: Ages 18+. 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays, June 24-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.

Outdoor Watercolor Landscapes. Ages 5-18. Noon-2 p.m. Saturday, June 27. Fee: $16.

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

REI in the Greenway: Saturday, June 27 – Trail Maintenance Project at Squak Mountain in Issaquah from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The work will primarily involve trail tread improvements and construction of a new turnpike to help elevate the trail through a wet area.

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., June 26. 7 a.m., July 3. Redmond District Pool, 17535 NE 104th, Redmond. 425-894-0045. info@aquarobics.net.

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.

Green Redmond Partnership work party: 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., June 27. Idylwood Beach Park, 3650 West Lake Sammamish Parkway, Redmond. 206 905 6943, greenredmond@cascadeland.org

Ninth Annual Symphony of Gardens Tour: benefiting the Bellevue Philharmonic Orchestra. Visit five private gardens in Bellevue, Yarrow Point and Kirkland, with classic cars, live music, refreshments. June 28, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tickets $25, at www.brownpapertickets.com, or call 800-838-3006; also available at Bellevue and Wells Medina nurseries and Ravenna Gardens in Kirkland. Info: 425-990-1011.

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.

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., 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 Sep. 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.