Saturday 29

Ometepe Calendar: The 16th edition of the “Kids Make a Difference” calendar will be on sale Nov. 29-30 and Dec. 5-7 to support Ometepe charities. Boo Schneider’s third grade Ordway class will be at Ace Hardware, Bainbridge Bakers, Blackbird Bakery, Safeway, Silver Screen, Soul Mates, and T&C. This year’s theme, “Underwater World,” is meticulously hand-drawn by the students. Proceeds go to charities on our sister island, Ometepe, Nicaragua. Info: ometepeordway@gmail.com.

Winter Market: the Bainbridge Island winter farmers market runs 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 29 at Eagle Harbor Church, inside and out. Find seasonal produce; pastries and confections; jams and jellies; artglass; photography; jewelry; paintings; island wines, and much more. New this week: holiday wreaths and garlands. Info: www.bainbridgefarmersmarket.com.

Gift Wrapping Service: Blakely fourth grade families are offering a gift wrapping service for Winslow holiday shoppers from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 29. Get your gifts wrapped while you wait at 166 Winslow Way, hosted at the new Prudential NW Real Estate office. Donations gladly accepted and will go toward this year’s Blakely fourth grade Outdoor Education Program. Information: 842-5310.

KiDiMu’s Holiday Sale: Just in time for the holidays, Kids Discovery Museum’s gift store will hold a special sale on all merchandise Nov. 29-30 and Dec. 5-7. All current and new members will enjoy a 25 percent members’ appreciation discount, and visitors will be offered 10 percent off all purchases. Get stocking stuffers, books, toys and puzzles! Proceeds support outreach and educational programs. Information: 855-4650.

Fall Family Afternoon: The fifth annual Fall Family Afternoon takes place from noon-4 p.m. Nov. 29 at IslandWood. Information: www.islandwood.org.

Downtown Holiday: Downtown Bainbridge merchants invite all island families and friends to the Home for the Holidays open house and downtown tree lighting celebration on Nov. 29. The open house, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., includes holiday treats, music and holiday merriment. The tree lighting with Mayor Kordonowy takes place at 6:30 p.m. in the Bank Plaza. Santa and his elves will arrive by fire truck; the BHS Band and the Community Singers will lead the holiday sing-along. Info: www.bainbridgedowntown.org.

Pegasus Tunes: The Sam Marshall Trio, www.sammarshallnet, plays at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 29 at Pegasus Coffee House. Suggested donation: $5. Info: 842-6725.

Sunday 30

Advent Opportunity: Pam Scalise of Fuller Theological Seminary will offer a three-Sunday series on Old Testament preparation for Christ’s coming, helping to put messianic prophecies in the context of Old Testament prophecy. Classes meet at 8:45 a.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 7 and 14 in the Fellowship Hall of Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church. All welcome. Information: 842-3098.

Alternative Gift Fair: Eagle Harbor Church is sponsoring an Alternative Gift Fair from 10:30 a.m. to noon Nov. 20. The fair will feature poinsettias sold by the Girl Scouts, woolen Items from Snow Leopard Trust, cookbooks from and to benefit Harmony House, items from Cedars Unitarian Alternative Gift Project Catalog; and opportunities to make gift donations. Info: blinsert@comcast.net.

Open Mic: All ages and styles welcome for songs, instrumentals, poems, and readings at MCR Open Mic, 7-9:30 p.m. Nov. 30 and every Sunday at Pegasus Coffee House. Hosted by Rick Barrenger. Information: www.pegasuscoffeehouse.com.

Monday 1

Parkinsons Support: The Young at Heart Parkinson’s Support Group will meet at 1 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Fire Hall on Phelps Road. Information: Steve Bohannon, 842-0226.

Sustainable First Monday: Island resident Bill Cleveland presents “Between Grace and Fear: The Role of the Arts in a Time of Change,” at the next Sustainable First Monday meeting, 7-9 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Commons, 402 Brien Dr. Hear stories about and discuss the vital role of creativity and art-making in the development of sustainable communities. Free and open to the public. Info: www.sustainablebainbridge.net or 842-4439.

Tuesday 2

Holidays around the World: Teachers Marilyn Putnam and Chari Allen invite children to a series of new project-based KiDiMu enrichment camps. On the first two Tuesday and Thursday mornings each month, children will research a new topic through hands-on activities, creative drama, fact-gathering and meetings with expert guests. From 9:15 a.m .to 12:15 p.m. Dec. 2,4, 9 and 11, children will explore international holiday traditions. Cost per series: $125 members, $145 non-members. Registration: 855-4650.

Santa’s Little Helper Club: Starting from 10:30 a.m. to noon Dec. 2, Kids Discovery Museum invites young crafters to make unique gifts for friends and family, and share the holiday spirit. Each week, classes will feature a different project guided by an art docent. Supplies provided. Helpers of all ages welcome. For a full schedule, see www.kidimu.org.

Wednesday 3

December Delights: A storytime and craft program for preschoolers, their families and caregivers will be held at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 3 at the Bainbridge Public Library. Info: 842-4162.

Thursday 4

First History Thursday: The Bainbridge Historical Museum will host a free First Thursday beginning Dec. 4. Stop in and see our latest permanent exhibit, “The Big One,” from 1-4 p.m. at 215 Ericksen Ave. Info: ww.w.bainbridgehistory.org.

Book Sale: Friends of the Library will hold a book sale from 1-4 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Bainbridge Public Library. Proceeds benefit the library. Info: www.bifriends.org.

Rhody Society: The Kitsap Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society will present a free program by Bob Zimmerman, local rhododendron expert, titled “My Life With Big Leaves: A Thirty-year Retrospective of the Giants of the Genus.” Meet at 7 p.m. Dec. 4 at Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church, 11042 Sunrise Dr. Visitors encouraged. Contact: Carol, (360) 779-9272.

Potlatch: Kids, bring your moms and dads to a Tyee Nation potlatch and magic show, from 7-8:30 p.m. Dec. 4 in the Woodward Middle School Commons. Come learn about Tyee Nation, Bainbridge’s YMCA Adventure Guides program. Open to all. Info: www.tyeenation.com.

Friday 5

Christmas in the Country: The 15th annual Christmas in the Country takes place Dec. 5-7. Full details and a downloadable map are at www.christmasinthecountry.info.

Winter Studio Tour: The 25th annual Winter Studio Tour runs 10 a.m to 6 p.m. Dec. 5-7 at venues around the island. For a brochure and complete artist listing, see www.bistudiotour.com.

Coming Up

St. Nicholas Fest: Enjoy a Christmas party for all at the St. Nicholas Festival, 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 6 in Conger Hall, St. Cecilia Catholic Church. We’ll have professional photos with Santa, a pancake breakfast, kids’ games and crafts, and festive shopping at our Scholastic Book Fair, Christmas Market and bake sale. Tickets at the door: $10/person,$35/family. Info: www.saintceciliashool.org.

Outdoor gear: The Blakely, Ordway and Wilkes Outdoor Education programs will hold a fundraiser from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 6 and 7 at Wildernest on Winslow Way. Five percent of sales will go to Outdoor Ed, benefiting all three public island elementary schools. Summit Sales will also sell discontinued products and samples at reduced prices with 25 percent of proceeds going to Outdoor Ed. Info: robinnigash@gmail.com.

Weed Warriors: “Work, eat, and plan,” or a combination of all three, from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 6 at Miegs Farm, just off SR 305 on east side of Koura. Afterward, we’ll head to Jeannette Franks’ house nearby for an informal potluck lunch and planning session. Information: 855-0911 or jfranks@bainbridge.net.

Voyager Gift Sale: The third annual Voyager Montessori Gift and Craft Sale will take place 10 a.m to 4 p.m. Dec. 6 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 7 at the school, 8225 High School Rd. Get quality handmade and environmentally friendly crafts from local artists and the Voyager community. Info: www.voyagerschool.org.

Santa Photos: Photos will be taken with the big red guy from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 6, 13 and 20 at American Marine Bank. Nick Felkey will shoot in exchange for a $5 donation or a non-perishable food item for Helpline House. Info: www.bainbridgedowntown.org.

Festival of the Table: Suquamish United Church of Christ, 18732 Division, will hold a “Festival of the Table” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 6, featuring a silent auction of creative centerpieces and gift baskets. Info: maiermike@msn.com.

Mixed Nuts: Mixed Nuts, taking place Feb. 6-March 3, is a special exhibition at Bainbridge Arts and Crafts that gives kids a chance to learn about how art galleries work and being a professional artist. From 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dec. 6 and Jan. 3, BAC Education Director Victoria Josslin will be on hand to talk with kids about art and galleries. Info/appointments: call Josslin at 842-3132.

Muppet Christmas Carol: A free screening of this charming holiday film will be at 12:45 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Bainbridge Pavilion Cinema. A toy or financial donation to Toys for Tots is appreciated. Info: www.cookfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Youth Writers’ Workshop: How do you create an exciting atmosphere with your writing? Local author Joe Upton will lead a workshop for kids ages 8 to 11 from 9-11 a.m. Dec. 6 at the Boys & Girls Club of Bainbridge Island. Come learn how to give your stories that extra thrill. Cost: $10 club members, $20 non-members. Info: bi@positiveplace.org.

Holidays on the EDGE: BPA’s third annual holiday FUNdraiser takes place at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at Bainbridge Performing Arts. Information and tickets, $25, at www.bainbridgeperformingarts.org.

Bainbridge Chorale: The Bainbridge Chorale holiday concert, “Tidings of Great Joy,” takes place at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6 and 3 p.m. Dec. 7 at Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church. At 2 p.m. Sunday, Zon Eastes will give a pre-concert lecture, “Grace Notes.” Info: www.bainbridgechorale.org.

Youth Orchestra: Bainbridge Island Youth Orchestra will perform works by Bach, Grieg, Dvorak and Handel at their Fall Concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 7 at Bethany Lutheran Church, at High School and Finch Roads. Information: www.biyo.us.

O Antiphons: Experience a quiet liturgy designed to ground and center us. The O Antiphons begins at 7 p.m. Dec. 7 at Grace Episcopal Church. Seven chants are at the heart of this service of prayer, poetry and song. Come welcome in the season of hope and love. Info: www.gracehere.org.

Jakata Tales: The Jataka Tales are the stories of the Buddha’s former lives. Born as a monkey, an antelope, a crow, or an elephant, the Buddha-to-be is seen learning the lessons and developing the qualities that led to his full awakening. Canadian storyteller Margo McLoughlin returns to Bainbridge Island to tell the story of the Kosiya – a miserly treasurer who rivals Scrooge – and other timely tales. Doug MacKenzie accompanies on world percussion instruments. We’ll begin at 7 p.m. Dec. 8 at Seabold Hall. Admission by donation. Information: Elizabeth Turner, (206) 427-5314 or izturner10@hotmail.com.

Pool Carnival: Dive in to the holiday pool carnival from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Aquatic Center. Kids will delight in games, prizes, and activities. Kids under 17 pay $5 and can bring an adult for free. Info: 842-2302.

Once Upon a Mattress: Join Bainbridge Performing Arts for a retelling of the beloved Broadway musical “Once Upon a Mattress.” The show runs Dec. 11-21 at BPA, with performances at 7:30 p.m. Thurs-Sat and 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets, $24/$18, are at www.bainbridgeperformingarts.org.

Meaning of Christmas: Nationally known dancer and storyteller Betsey Beckman and writer-artist Christine Paintner bring to life the wonder, anticipation and promise of Christmas and our invitation to slow down and savor the depth of this holy season. Come at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 at St. Cecilia Catholic Church. Donations accepted at the door. Info: (206) 201-3039.

Boating Course: The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will conduct an American’s Boating Course from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Bainbridge Commons Kalgren Room, 402 Brien Dr. The course offers recreational boaters a variety of information and instruction on safety equipment, boat handling and trailering, navigation, rules of the road and much more. Completion meets Washington state’s mandatory boating educational requirements and graduates can apply for the Boater’s Education Card. Cost: $35. Registration: Joe Dunstan, 780-0523.

Las Posadas: Share a cross-cultural experience at Bethany Lutheran Church as we celebrate ìLas Posada” at 6 p.m. Dec. 13. This festive event includes singing in Spanish and English, eating tamales and other potluck dishes, and watching the youth blast a piÒata. The free event is a traditional Mexican re-enactment of Mary and Josephís trials as they travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of lodging and are eventually welcomed into comfort and security. Contact: Bethany Lutheran, 842-4241 or Carlos Valenzuela, (360) 697-5050.

Winter Concert: The Island School invites the community to its first annual Winter Concert, featuring students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade in choral and class presentations. Enjoyable musical interludes provided by Mike Derzon and Jon Green. Refreshments will be served. The concert will be held from 7-8 p.m. Dec. 15 at the school’s Webster Hall, 8553 Day Rd. Free. Contact: Kathy Matulys, 842-0400 or kathy@theislandschool.org.

Field’s End: Children’s book author George Shannon discusses the topic “Does Size Really Matter? Age of Reader – Length of Book,” from 7-8:30 p.m. Dec. 16 at the Bainbridge Public Library. Shannon is the author of more than 30 books for children, including picture books, folk tales and “puzzlers,” and was recently among this year’s recipients of the Washington State Book Award for “Rabbit’s Gift.” Open to writers of all levels and interests. Info: www.fieldsend.org.

Give the Gift of Life: Puget Sound Blood Center wil hold blood drives from noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 19 at the Bainbridge Commons, 370 Brien Dr., and noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 29 at the American Legion Hall, 7880 Bucklin Hill Rd. (closed 3-3:45 p.m.). Info: madbromley@aol.com.

Night at the Museum: Kids Discovery Museum offers a unique opportunity to welcome the New Year with fun activities for the whole family from 6 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. New Year’s Eve. We’ll have arts and crafts, movies, exhibit exploration, music, and a New Year’s countdown at midnight. Food and nonalcoholic beverages will be served. Childcare also available for ages 4 and up. Cost: $100 per family; childcare: $75 per child minus $20 for each additional child. Registration/info: 855-4650.