ongoing

coat Drive: Girl Scout Troop 50879 is holding a winter coat drive for Helpline House through Nov. 21. Please donate coats and cold weather clothing in all sizes, new or used and in good condition. Drop boxes are at Wilkes, Ordway and Blakely Elementary schools and Sakai Intermediate School. Contact: Carole Cottle, 780-3009 or ccottle@bainbridge.wednet.edu.

Operation Christmas Child: Another Christmas season is approaching – the season of giving, of love and goodwill. Just pack a shoe box or six-quart plastic box with small toys, school supplies, hygiene items, hard candies, or small clothing items. Choose to purchase for three age groups: boys or girls ages 2-4 yrs., 5-8 yrs., or 10-14 yrs. Shoe boxes or donations can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. now through Nov. 24 at Island Church, 9624 Sportsman Club Rd. Contact: Linda Lowe, 842-8213.

Holidays Around the World: Registration is now open for a new monthly, project-based KiDiMu Enrichment Camp. On the first two Tuesday and Thursday mornings children will research a new topic through hands-on activities, creative drama, fact-gathering and meetings with expert guests. In December, children will get ready for diverse local holiday celebrations. Meet from 9:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Dec 2, 4, 9 & 11. For ages: 4-6. Cost: $125 members, $145 non-members per month. Space limited. Registration/info: 855-4650 or www.kidimu.org.

Agate Passage Friends: Agate Passage Friends Meeting (Quaker silent worship) meets at 10 a.m. every Sunday at Seabold Hall, 14454 Komedal (with a 9:30 a.m. meeting Dec. 1). The Agate Passage Friends discussion of spiritual poetry is at 9 a.m. the first Sunday of each month, also at Seabold Hall. Info: tembree@hotmail.com.

Sustainable Holiday Ideas: Sustainable Bainbridge is compiling an online catalog of the many resources on Bainbridge Island that can contribute to a green and sustainable Bainbridge holiday season. Send information on arts and crafts sales, do-it-yourself gift workshops, charitable giving options, local events and experiences available as gift certificates, family holiday events, and Bainbridge stores and businesses that sell locally-made or “green” gifts to info@sustainablebainbridge.net, or call 842-4439.

Oliver!: Tickets are on sale now for Ovation! Musical Theatre Bainbridge’s holiday production of the family musical “Oliver!” There are nine performances Dec. 5-21. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets, $22/$18/$15, are at Winslow Drug, Mills Music in Poulsbo, online at www.ovationmtb.com or by phone at 842-0472.

Theatre School Registration: BPA Theatre School is now accepting registration for its winter classes for grades 1-8. Director, instructor, and choreographer Lee Ann Hittenberger guides students in “Winnie-the-Pooh,” BPA Theatre School’s winter offering for grades 1 – 4. Classes meet Jan. 20 – March 10, BPA Artistic Director Steven Fogell leads grades 5 – 8 in “The Little Prince.” Classes meet Jan. 20 – March 13. Download registration forms online at www.bainbridgeperformingarts.org/education/theatreschool.html or call 842-8578.

Creation Station: In addition to current exhibits at the Kids Discovery Museum, on Wednesdays children are invited to have fun and use their imagination while creating, building or experimenting with different materials. Each week a different adventure awaits young explorers! Free with admission or membership. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Info: 855-4650 or www.kidimu.org.

Coat & Blanket Drive: Helpline House and Skookum Clothing are holding their second annual winter coat drive. Drop warm men’s, women’s, and children’s coats by Skookum at Winslow Green. Also needed are blankets and sleeping bags. Info: 842-0681.

BPA Gallery: Having recently performed in “As You Like It” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” contemplative photographer Diane Walker takes her camera to Italy and finds the music of Shakespeare in everything she sees. See “Shakespeare’s Italy” through November in the BPA Gallery, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tues-Fri and one hour prior to each performance. Info: Steven Fogell, 842-1163.

Gallery at Grace: Now through Dec. 31, Richard Badger shows photographs of the natural world, “Memories of Comfort,” at the Gallery at Grace Episcopal Church, 8595 Day Rd.. Info: www.gracehere.org.

Restorative Yoga: Join restorative yoga classes from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each Friday at the Bainbridge Commons. Through modification of traditional yoga poses by use of “props” and breath work, participants are guided in postures that relax and restore. Info: 842-1616.

Exploring Childhood: This Bainbridge High School class, taught by Susan Nielsen, operates a preschool two days a week from 1-3 p.m. through June. Contact: Jeanne Hanson, 780-1394.

Suquamish Photovoice: View “Suquamish Photovoice,” student commentary, in words and pictures, on their community, through Nov. 30 at the Bainbridge Public Library. Info: 842-4162.

Athletic Club Art: Donna Martin is now showing her pet portraits at the Bainbridge Athletic Club, 11700 Meadowmeer Circle. On Bainbridge since 2005, she has had a lifelong love of animals and knows firsthand the special places pets have in a person’s heart. Also exhibiting is island resident Catherine Martinez, with her still life and floral oil paintings. Both artists’ work will be on display through December. Info: www.bainbridgeathleticclub.com.

Volunteer at KiDiMu: Kids Discovery Museum offers opportunities for teenagers (14 and older) and adults to assist with special events, camps, day-to-day operations, programming and more. Short-term and long-term commitments are welcome. Make friends, make a difference, help the kids and get experience for a college application or just for fun! A paid birthday party assistant opportunity now also available (must be 16 or up). Info: Anne Griesser, 855-4650 or anne@kidimu.org.

folk Dancing: European Folk Dancing with instruction will be held from 7-9 p.m. Thursday evenings at Bainbridge Ballet, 945 Hildebrand Lane. Cost: $5/$3. No partner necessary, but please bring comfortable, non-street shoes for dancing. Contact: Fred or Linda, 780-8036.

Flowers & Gardens: Gray skies are going to clear up at Roby King Galleries in November, with seven artists’ paintings of “Flowers & Gardens” in acrylic, oil and pastel. Info: robykinggalleries@gmail.com.

Fall Crafts at KiDiMu: Each Tuesday this fall, come to the Kids Discovery Museumto make season-inspired artistic creations. This week’s project features pinecone turkeys – perfect for the Thanksgiving table. The program is appropriate for arts and crafts enthusiasts of all ages. This guided activity is presented by staff and volunteers. Free with admission or membership. Info: 855-4650 or www.kidimu.org.

Juggling Club: Join other local jugglers to practice, share knowledge and have fun. All ages and experience levels welcome, but note that there is no official teacher on-site. Please bring your own equipment. Club meets from 1-3 p.m. every Sunday through Nov. 29 at Strawberry Hill Park’s Mini-gym. Cost: $5 drop-in fee. Info: karterr4@aol.com.

BAC in November: The horizon is the first decision the artist makes, and is a key element in landscapes from Pompeii to Monet. Catch Bainbridge Arts and Crafts’ November show “Horizons,” through Nov. 29. Also on view in November: “The Unexpected Table.” For more information: www.bacart.org.

Chinese Brush Painting: Bainbridge Mandarin Learning Center offers its first Chinese culture enrichment class, Chinese Brush Painting, for youths and adults, from 10-11:30 a.m. Nov. 23. Chinese Mandarin class registration continues, too. Info: www.bainbridgemandarinlc.org or call 842-3928.

BITV Classes: Register for November BITV classes now! Classes include Mac Basics, Final Cut Pro 2, Moviemaking and more. Information: www.bitv.org.

KiDiMu Exhibits: On view at KiDiMu right now is Arthur’s World, a national touring exhibition based on Marc Brown’s popular book and PBS television series. Through hands-on displays, children engage in role-playing and reading activities in their favorite Arthur settings. And don’t miss “Under the Sea,” a custom-designed exhibition that introduces audiences to early literacy and basic math concepts through ocean-themed settings and imaginative play. The exhibit is accompanied by books, maps and activity guidelines. First Thursdays are free to all. For hours and details, see www.kidimu.org.

Evening Healing Prayer: A contemplative service blending song, story, ritual and prayer with the intention of opening our hearts, mind and bodies to a healing presence. Designed and led by Kathie McCarthy and Ann Strickland. Held the first Thursday of every month at Grace Episcopal Church. Info: www.gracehere.org.

The Big One: Small earthquakes happen every day and go largely unnoticed, but Pacific Northwesterners all remember the “Big One,” the Nisqually earthquake of 2001. Can it happen again? The Big One: Earthquakes in the Pacific Northwest, on display through Dec. 31 at the Bainbridge Historical Museum, demystifies the power of earthquakes in our region. Info: www.bainbrigehistory.org.

Speak Japanese: Madrona School is offering community Japanese language classes for children and adults, taught by Madrona School’s accomplished Japanese teacher, Aiko Shimada. Japanese for adults meets 3:30-4:30 p.m. Mondays; Japanese for ages 5-10 meets 3:30-4:30 p.m. Wednesdays; and Japanese for preschoolers meets 3-3:30 p.m. Mondays. Classes held at Madrona School’s Finch House, 219 Madison Ave. Cost: $20 per class/$200 for a 12-week series. Info: www.madronaschool.org.

Toastmasters: Speak with confidence – join Toastmasters. Meetings are from noon to 1 p.m. the first and third Thursday of each month and 7-8:30 p.m. and the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at the Winslow Arms, 220 Parfitt Way. Thursday info: Tim Longley, tim.longley@eofficeinnovations.com. Wednesday info: Elena Brenna, (360) 821-9543 or http://uspeakeasy.freetoasthost.com.

Storytime: Bring your young ones to storytime in November at the Bainbridge Public Library. Toddler storytime (18 mos.-3 yrs.) is 10:30-11 a.m. Mondays; baby storytime (infants to 18 mos.) is at 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays; pajama storytime (2-8 yrs.) is 7-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays; and preschool storytime (3-6 yrs.) is 10:30-11 a.m. Wednesdays. Info: 842-4162.

Wednesday 19

Memory Loss: Ruch Sanderson of the Alzheimer’s Association presents “Journey through Memory Loss” at 9 a.m. Nov. 19 at the Senior Community Center. She’ll discuss normal memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease and other types of memory loss. Questions and answers to follow. Info: 842-1616.

LWV: League of Women Voters, Bainbridge Island Unit, will hold its next group meeting at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 19 in a member’s home. Topic for discussion is the LWV-WA Report on Early Care and Education of Young Children, with unit responses to the study’s consensus questions. Information/directions: 842-3548.

Chamber Luncheon: This month’s Chamber of Commerce luncheon will be held at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 19 at Wing Point Golf & Country Club. The theme is Celebrating Women In Business, with author Julie Miller. Writing workshop will follow. Cost: $15 luncheon, $10 workshop. Register: 842-3700.

ACE: ACE, Adult Children of Elders, will meet at 3 p.m. Nov. 19 at Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church. No specific topic, just an opportunity for all to share their situations and worries and get some help. Contact: Beulah Downing, 780-8008.

Travelogue: Harry Rutstein will present “The Marco Polo Odyssey” at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Bainbridge Public Library. Rutstein was the first person to trace the 13,000-mile overland route taken by Marco Polo. Info: 842-4162.

The Crucible: West Sound Academy presents Arthur Miller’s timeless allegory, “The Crucible,” at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21-22 at Bainbridge Performing Arts. Tickets, $14 /$10, are at West Sound Academy, (360) 598-5954.

Thursday 20

West Sound Open: West Sound Academy, Kitsap county’s premier college preparatory school will be hosting a series open house teas at its Poulsbo campus, from 9-10 a.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m. Nov. 20 and 2-4 p.m. Nov. 23. Candidates for January enrollment and for fall 2009 are encouraged to come to these informational teas. West Sound Academy is located south of Poulsbo just off of highway 305 on Creative Drive. Map and directions at www.westsoundacademy.org.

Estate Planning: The final program in the Bainbridge Public Library’s estate planning series is “Charitable Planning Techniques, Tips on Getting Started with Personal Planning” with Bill Zook. Meet from 9-11 a.m. Nov. 20 at the library. Info: 842-4162.

MINIMU Sing-along: The youngest music fans are invited to the Kids Discovery Museum for a melodic adventure with Kindermusik educator Linda Slater, at 10:15 a.m. Nov. 20. Enjoy live music and everybody’s favorite songs. Recommended ages: 18 mos. to 5 years. Price included with all-day admission. Info: 855-4650 or ww.kidimu.org.

After Hours: Studio M will host this month’s Chamber After Hours. Meet from 5:30-7 p.m. Nov. 20 at 310 Madison Ave. No Reservations Necessary. Info: 842-3700.

Plan Comm: The Bainbridge Island Planning Commission will hold a special meeting at 7 p.m. Nov. 20 at City Hall. Agenda includes an Innovative Housing Ordinance study session; and an Affordable Housing Ordinance inclusionary housing study session. Info: 842-2552.

Spanish Book Club: Club de Lectores Iberoamericanos will meet at 7 p.m. Nov. 20 in the Bainbridge Public Library’s Ihland Way meeting room. We’ll be listening to the music and reading the lyrics of “musica de protesta” of Latin America. No advanced reading.. Info: 842-4162.

Friday 21

Genealogy: The Bainbridge Island Genealogical Society (BIGS) will meet at 10 a.m. Nov. 21 in the Bainbridge Public Library meeting room. Barbara Saunders will discuss “Getting the Most Out of Accessing the Family Search Library Catalog,” including a workshop. Suggested donation for non-members: $5. Info: www.bigenealogy.org or 842-6059.

BHS Fall Play: Bainbridge High School Theater Club performs the Italian comedy “The Servant of Two Masters,” at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21 and 22. An 18th century comedy performed with much slapstick and fast-paced fanfare, the play depicts actors performing street theater in Venice, Italy. Tickets: $10/$5. Contact: Barbara Hume, bhume@bainbridge.wednet.edu.

Circle Dance: Come join in the Dances of Peace, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Nov. 21 at Seabold Hall, Komedal Road Together we will dance simple movements, chants and songs of spiritual traditions from around the world. Live music. No experience necessary. Info: (206) 713-6263.

Pegasus Tunes: Cindy Minkler plays native flute, hand drum and piano, at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21 at Pegasus Coffee House. Suggested donation: $5. Info: 842-6725 or www.youtube.com/siouxpianist.

Saturday 22

Project Wishbone: Last year, Helpline House’s Project Wishbone provided 170 Thanksgiving dinners to families on Bainbridge. Helpline House will accept food donations from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 22 at 282 Knechtel Way. Earlier donations also welcome. Bring assorted canned food, send a check, or bring by an entire Thanksgiving meal. Info: 842-7621 or www.helplinehouse.org.

Winter Farmers Market: Eating local for Thanksgiving? The Bainbridge Island indoor-outdoor winter Farmers Market begins, running 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 22 at Eagle Harbor Church, corner of Winslow Way and Madison Avenue. Find seasonal produce from Laughing Crow, Butler-Green, Sundown Ridge and Persephone Farms, plus wonderful desserts, wines, and crafts for holiday shopping. Vendors inside and out, and plenty to eat while you shop. Info: 855-1500.

Arthur Meet & Greet: Come to the Kids Discovery Museum on Nov. 22 to meet the famous aardvark in person. Be sure to shake his hand and take a photo. Afterward, explore Arthur’s World, a new exhibit based on Marc Brown’s books and PBS series. Free with admission or membership. Info: 855-4650 or www.kidimu.org.

Zoo Shoes: Island children’s writer Lynn Brunelle presents a storytime program based on her new book, “Zoo Shoes: Learn to Tie Your Shoelaces!” at 11 a.m. Nov. 22 at Eagle Harbor Book Co. Info: www.eagleharborbooks.com.

Know Yo-Yo: Author Jim Whiting presents “Five Things You Don’t Know About Yo-Yo Ma,” along with fascinating and fun facts about some of the world’s other most famous and infamous figures, at 2 p.m. Nov. 22 at the Bainbridge Public Library.His lively program will appeal to both adults and students. Info: 842-4162.

Star Party: Battle Point Astronomical Association will host a planetarium show and star party, “The Best of the Southern Hemisphere,” at 5 p.m. Nov. 22 at Ritchie Observatory, Battle Point Park. The show will include an image-enhanced planetarium presentation about the current night’s sky, and if the sky is clear, astronomers will be on hand with telescopes, including the Ritchie Telescope, for a look at northern skies. Info: 842-9152.

Israeli Folk Dance: Come to the first annual Congregation Kol Shalom Israeli Dance Night and Bake Sale on Nov. 22 at 9010 Miller Rd. Israeli folk dance is fun, easy to learn, and great exercise – and when you get hungry, enjoy a nosh from our bake sale. Kids/family dance: is from 5-6 p.m., $5 a head, $12 a family. Teen/adult dance is from 7-9 p.m., $8 a head, $12 a family. Preschoolers get in free. Please wear no-scuff shoes. Contact: Carol Tice, c.tice2@comcast.net, or call CKS at 855-0885.

Pegasus Tunes: Carrie Clark, just back from a European tour with her CD “Seems So Civilized,” plays at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 22 at Pegasus Coffee House. Suggested donation: $5. Information: 842-6725 or www.myspace.com/carrieclark.

Uncle Bonsai: The popular Seattle folk-pop trio Uncle Bonsai will appear at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 22 at Island Center Hall, 8395 Fletcher Bay Rd. This is the fifth annual Bainbridge Island concert for the trio; concerts usually sell out, so buy tickets early! Cost: $20/$17 advance at Vern’s Winslow Drug. Doors open at 7 p.m. Info: www.unclebonsai.com.

New to Bainbridge: The New to Bainbridge Island Group is meeting at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 22 at Casa Rojas Restaurant in the Pavillion. Please join us for food, drinks, and conversation. If you have any questions or plan to join us, RSVP at newtobainbridgeisland@gmail.com.

Peter Spencer: A Peter Spencer CD release concert will be held at 8 p.m. Nov. 22 at Island Music Guild. The album, “From the Island,” evolved from a series of informal, relaxed sessions between guitarist Peter Spencer and pianist Dave Bristow during which they explored some novel guitar and piano arrangements of Peter’s songs.Admission: $10. Info: 780-6911.

Sunday 23

Posing Pets: Pose your pet with Santa! Bring furry – or not so furry – friend to Bay Hay & Feed, 10355 Valley Rd., during business hours on Nov. 23. There will be music, giveaways, coupons and the jolly old man himself. Info: 842-2813.

Open Mic: All ages and styles welcome for songs, instrumentals, poems, and readings at MCR Open Mic, 7-9:30 p.m. Nov. 23 and every Sunday at Pegasus Coffee House. A piano is available. Hosted by Rick Barrenger. Info: www.pegasuscoffeehouse.com.

Taize: Taize, a Christian Meditation, takes place at 8 p.m. Nov. Nov. 23 at St. Barnabas Church, 1187 Wyatt Way. This is a soothing, contemplative, 30-minute evening service in a quiet, candlelit church, following the worldwide Taize practice of meditation and prayerful chanting led by a cantor and a musician. Info: 842-5601.

Monday 24

Space in Cyberspace: S. George Djorgovski, professor of astronomy at Caltech, presents “Exploring Space in Cyberspace: Large Digital Sky Surveys and Virtual Observatory” at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 24 at Ritchie Observatory, Battle Point Park. He’ll speak about the effects of the incredible increase in the volume and complexity of astronomy information, mainly driven by large digital sky surveys nd the virtual observatory. Free. Info: www.bpastro.org.

Tuesday 25

Book Sale: Friends of the Library will hold a book sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 25 at the Bainbridge Public Library. Proceeds benefit the library. Info: www.bifriends.org.

Creative Drama ‘On the Farm’: The youngest aspiring artists are invited to the Kids Discovery Museum for animal-themed movement adventures with an instructor and performing artist Sean Pearson. The class involves interactive storytelling, theater games and role-playing. The fun runs from 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Nov. 25. Recommended ages: 3 1/2 and up. Adult participation is not required. Cost: $10 members, $12 Non-members. Registration/info: www.kidimu.org.

IFC Thanksgiving Service: Join the Bainbridge Island/North Kitsap Interfaith Council at this year’s Thanksgiving service, at 7 p.m. Nov. 25 at Bethany Lutheran Church. Fourteen different faith groups will participate with singing, music, readings and meditations, with the theme of Thanksgiving for our Earth. We’ll also be collecting food for Helpline House and passing the plate to support a reforestation program in Kenya, as part of the Greenbelt Movement International GBMI). Info: www.binkinterfaith.org.

Coming Up

Click! Computer Class: The next CLICK! computer class, at XXX Nov. XXX at the Bainbridge Public Library, will be an email ope lab. Sign up for a free email account or practice the basics of your existing email in this hands-on lab. Knowledgeable instructors will be available to answer questions. Registration: 842-4162.

Library Holiday Hours: Thanksgiving Holiday Hours at the Bainbridge Library will be 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Nov. 26, closed Nov. 27 and 28; and regular hours Nov. 29. Info: 842-4162.

Arthur Stortime: Come to the Kids Discovery Museum at 11 a.m. Nov. 28 for a special reading adventure. Listen to stories about Arthur and his friends and learn about the world created by Marc Brown through activities and hands-on exhibits. Free with admission or membership. Info: 855-4650 or www.kidimu.org.

Jingle Django Jazz: The Island Gallery kicks off the holiday season with an evening of gypsy jazz and extraordinary art. Ranger and the Re-Arrangers will perform at 8 p.m. Nov. 28 at the gallery, 106 Madison Ave., playing in the upbeat style created in the 1930s by Django Reinhardt and other European string players. Tickets: $20/$10. Seating limited; reservations recommended. Info: www.theislandgallery.net.

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 festive holiday treats, music, in-store specials, promotions, and holiday merriment to kick off the holiday shopping season downtown. the downtown tree lighting with Mayor Kordonowy takes place at 6:30 p.m. in teh Bank Plaza between American Marine Bank and Washington Mutual on Winslow Way. 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.

Advent Opportunity: Pam Scalise of Fuller Theological Seminary will offer a three-Sunday series on Old Testament preparation for Christ’s coming. By use of historical recital, covenants and the promise and experience of the Lord’s presence, Scalise will help us put specifically messianic prophecies in a larger context of Old Testament prophecy. Classes will meet at 8:45 a.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 7 and 14 in the Fellowship Hall of Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church. All are welcome. Info: 842-3098.

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. You’ll find quality handmade and environmentally friendly crafts available from local artists and the Voyager community. Info: 780-5661 or www.voyagerschool.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 sponsored by local businesses and individuals. Info: maiermike@msn.com.

Youth Writers’ Workshop: How do you create an exciting atmosphere with your writing? In the next Boys’ and Girls’ Club youth writers’ workshop, local author Joe Upton will lead an examination of several dramatic passages, and then participants will write their own. Meet from 1-3 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Boys’ & Girls’ Club, next to the Aquatic Center. Cost: $10 club members, $20 non-members. Reservcations/info: 855-8486 or bi@positiveplace.org.

O Antiphons: Experience a quiet liturgy designed to ground and center us. The O Antiphons begins at 7:30 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.

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 Island Commons, Kalgren Room, 402 Brien Dr. The course offers recreational boaters a wide variety of information and instruction on safety equipment, boat handling and trailering, navigation, rules of the road, water and weather, federal and state rerquirements for boating 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.

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.” The free monthly roundtable is open to writers of all levels and interests. Info: www.fieldsend.org.

Blood Drive: Puget Sound Blood Center wil hold a blood drive from noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 19 at the Senior Center, 370 Brien Dr. (closed 3-3:45 p.m.). Info: madbromley@aol.com.

Blood Drive: Puget Sound Blood Center wil hold a blood drive from noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 29 at the Senior Center, 370 Brien Dr. (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. Featured attractions will include arts and crafts, movies, exhibit exploration, music, a New Year’s countdown and a balloon drop at midnight. Food and nonalcoholic beverages will be served. Childcare option also available for children ages 4 and up. Admission: $100 per family; childcare option: $75 per child, $20 OFF per each additional child. Proceeds support the Museum’s exhibits and programming. Registration/info: 855-4650.