Community Calendar | Dec. 2-Dec. 31

Events calendar for Bainbridge Island from Dec. 2 to Dec. 31

Ongoing

Student Bookmark Contest: As Bainbridge Public Library commemorates its 50th anniversary, we invite all students in our community to participate in a special art and haiku bookmark contest.  There will be three divisions to the contest: grades K-4, 5-8, and 9-12.  The deadline for entry is Dec. 14.  Entries can be submitted to your school librarian or to the Bainbridge Public Library.  For more information visit www.bainbridgepubliclibrary.org.

Toys For Tots: Cook Family Funeral Home sponsors the U.S. Marine Corps “Toys For Tots” program during the holiday season.  The 2011 Toy Drive will begin Nov. 21 and end Dec. 23. There is a larger need this year to help needy children. Please bring your toy donations to the funeral home at 163 Wyatt Way. We will also be collecting funds and food to benefit Helpline House and Fishline in Poulsbo. Info: visit www.cookfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Lacrosse: An informational meeting for girls who are interested in learning about and playing lacrosse is from 7-8 p.m. Dec. 6 in the Woodward Commons.  This is an opportunity to get details about the upcoming spring season before registration opens on Dec. 15. Info: www.bainbridgegirlslax.com.

Save History: Tickets are on sale for the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum’s raffle drawing through noon on Monday. The drawing will take place at 2 p.m. Dec. 5 for up to $5,000 in cash, a handcrafted walnut bookcase donated by McKinnon Furniture, and an Apple iPad2 Wi-Fi+3G. Tickets: $10 each or 3 for $25, are available at the Historical Museum, or online at www.bainbridgehistory.org.

Elementary School Tennis: Sign-ups have begun for Bainbridge Community Tennis Association (BCTA) tennis at Blakely, Odyssey, Ordway and Wilkes. Program runs after school, Jan – Feb, in each school’s gym, is for 8-10 year olds, and ends with an all school tournament.  Contact Bainbridge Community Tennis Association (BCTA) at 855-0632 or bainbridgecta@gmail.com to reserve a spot.

KiDiMu: The award-winning museum is now open for fun seven days a week from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sundays from noon – 4 p.m. Info: www.kidimu.org or 855-4650.

Reiki Circle: Reiki Circle meets second and fourth Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. New members welcome. New to Reiki? No problem. Classes and attunements available. Call Mary at 206-384-7081.

Friday 2

Christmas in the Country: The 18th annual Christmas in the Country event is Dec. 2-4. Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Following a map, visitors drive the winding, tree-lined, rural roads of Bainbridge and stop at eight venues – quaint historic cottages, farms and community centers. Info: Visit www.christmasinthecountry.info or call (206) 291-7188.

Winter Studio Tour: The 28th annual Winter Studio Tour is from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 2-4 at 10 studios and community halls throughout the island. The free, self-guided tour features the work of 70 artists and can be accessed by car or bike. Directions and a map are available at www.bistudiotour.com.  Info: call Dinah Satterwhite at 842-0504.

HOLLY HUNT: Join the Land Trust, Weed Warriors and Park District as they remove a large holly tree at 1 p.m. Dec. 2  at the farthest end of Mandus Olson at the “Hilltop“ property. They will then put the holly into bundles for the Dec. 3 Winter Farmers’ Market at Eagle Harbor Congregational Church, where it will be given away for free. Bring clippers and gloves and dress to stay warm. Assembling of the bundles will be done in the Hilltop barn. A tour of Hilltop will be given afterwards for anyone interested. Info/directions: visit www.bi-landtrust.org or contact Jonnie at Jonnie@bi-landtrust.org.

First Friday Art Walk: Galleries, restaurants and other venues showing art will be open from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 2 for First Friday Art Walk. Info: visit www.bainbridgedowntown.org.

Policing Forum: Islanders for Collaborative Policing is hosting a forum on local policing issues from 6-7:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at Flowering Around, 200 Winslow Way West. Participants include Mike Gaffney (an expert on community policing), Trisha King-Stargel (member of the Tacoma Police Citizen Review Panel), Toby Nixon (board member from the Washington Open Government Coalition), and Scott Anderson (former officer, BIPD). This event will give the community information about the challenges facing its police department and an opportunity to express preferences about department priorities and services. This event is free and open to the public. Info: call (206) 679-0680.

BETHLEHEM EXPERIENCE: As a gift to the community, Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church is offering a drive-through, live-action village and nativity scene including dozens of costumed townspeople and Roman soldiers, and live animals. Experience a reenactment of the first Christmas on Dec. 2 – 3, between 6 – 9 p.m. at Sunrise Drive and Valley Road. Info: Call 842-3098.

BRIGADOON: Ovation! Musical Theatre Bainbridge presents nine performances of “Brigadoon” from Dec. 2-18 at the BHS Theatre, 9330 High School Rd. A live orchestra and a seasoned cast bring the magical village to life under the direction of Ron Milton with musical direction by Todd Hulet. Costume design by Shannin Strom-Henry.  Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays. Cost: $15-$25 at Winslow Drug, online at www.ovationmtb.com, by phone at 842-0472 and at the door.

The Holiday Show: Embrace your holiday “spirit” with an evening of hilarious entertainment and holiday classics starring Tim Davidson, Andrew Shields, Victoria Whitlow, Zandi Carlson, Rebecca Lane, Shannon Dowling, Lisa Mandelkorn, Justin Lynn and Alex MacKay, along with The EDGE Improv, Rule 62 and the Souled Out Horns ( Dec. 1), the Soul Siren Band (Dec. 2), Las Vegas Magician Mr. Right, and the BPA Theatre School Carolers. Suitable for ages 21+. Performances are at 8 p.m. Dec. 1-2 at BPA. Cost: $20. Info: Call 842-8569 or visit www.bainbridgeperformingarts.org.

Saturday 3

KEEP GAZZAM WILD! Rummage Sale: Clean out your closets now and donate to the KGW Garage Sale which will be from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 3 at 6705 Baker Hill Rd. Donations needed: anything that is in good condition and/or working order, household goods, books, clothes, shoes, tools, art, crafts, etc. If you have a higher end item, our volunteers can list it on eBay, Craigslist, IslandMoms, or Bainbridge Online Yardsale. When you have enough items, we will pick them up and take them to the host site. Or, drop off is available at the BI Aquatic Center lobby; look for the large donation box. Info: contact Kathy Cooper, (206) 313-4987 or islandcoopers@serv.net.

Farmers’ market: The Farmers’ Market is open from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Eagle Harbor Congregational Church through Dec. 26. The farmers will be outside selling produce and local grass-fed meats and inside you’ll find delicious specialty foods, fine arts and crafts, holiday trimmings and more. Ranger & the Re-Arrangers will play from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission is free. Info: visit www.bainbridgefarmersmarket.com.

Santa photos: Photographer Nick Felkey will be taking photos with Santa from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 3, 10 and 17 at Columbia Bank on Winslow Way. Bring a can of food or cash donation to benefit Helpline House. Info: www.bainbridgedowntown.org.

Santa Photos with Pets: T&C Photography will be taking photos of pets with Santa from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Dec. 3 at Bay Hay & Feed as a fundraiser for Kitsap Humane Society. Santa will be on hand for holiday photos of the whole family, including pets, with prints produced on the spot. Photo package options start at $20. Sittings will be arranged on a first-come, first-served basis. KHS will provide seasonal refreshments, festive music and raffle opportunities on the house as well as shelter calendars and other gifts for purchase. Info: call 360-692-6977 x1225. www.kitsap-humane.org.

Work party: Join the Student Conservation Corps and friends from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Dec. 3 at Blakely Harbor Park as they replant at Blakely Harbor Park where they have previously pulled invasive plants. Earn community service at the same time. Dress for the weather, bring gloves, your favorite tool and water. Info: Contact Jonnie at 842-1216 or Jonnie@bi-landtrust.org.

Pottery Studio Sale: The Bainbridge Island Metro Park and Recreation District sponsors the Eagledale Pottery Studio Open House and Student Sale from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 3 at Eagledale Park, 5055 Rose Ave. Visit the facility and learn about the fun classes being offered this winter. Student work will be on display and available for sale. Instructors will be present to demonstrate/show equipment and talk about the variety of approaches to creating with clay. All sales will be used to help to purchase a much needed electric kiln for the studio. Sponsored by the Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Rec District. Info: visit www.biparks.org or call 842-2306 #116.

Meet the Winemakers: The winemakers of Bainbridge Island will have an open house from noon-5 p.m. Dec. 3-4. Taste classic wines from Eastern Washington grapes as well as new favorites from island vines. Info: visit www.bainbridgewineries.com.

Aqua Zumba Classes: Make working out a splash at the Bainbridge Island Aquatics Center from noon -12:45 p.m. Saturdays and Dec. 3 and 10. Aqua Zumba classes are fun, calorie-burning Latin dance routines that are easy to follow for all ages. Classes are offered in the Ray Williamson Pool. Your first class is free and no pre-registration is required. $6 for adults; $5 for seniors. People can come to all or any single class. Info: 842-2302 or www.biparks.org.

Scandanavian Dance: The next Scandinavian dance will take place at 7 p.m. Dec. 3 at Island Center Hall, 8395 Fletcher Bay Rd. The musicians will be the Nordic Exposure from Olympia. The optional potluck supper begins at 6 p.m., the dance starts at 7 p.m.  Cost: $7 for adults and $3 for teenagers. Info: Fred or Linda at 780-8036.

The EDGE: Join The EDGE for an ingeniously improvised evening of on-the-spot comedy, all from audience suggestions at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3 at BPA. Tickets are $16 per person and $12 for seniors, students, youth, teachers and military. Info: www.bainbridgeperformingarts.org or call 842-8569.

Sunday 4

Bloedel Miniature Village: The miniature Holiday Village and Model Railroad exhibit hand-built by Dwight Shappell, former owner of Dwight’s Flowers on Bainbridge, will be back bigger and better this year from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 4-31 at Bloedel Reserve. Cost: Free with admission to Bloedel. Half-price day is Sunday, Dec. 4. Info: visit www.bloedelreserve.org.

YOGA FOR EVERYONE: Paul King leads yoga class at 11 a.m. Sundays at the The Grange, 10304 Madison Ave. Cost: donation. Info: (206) 459-6898.

Holiday Benefit Sale: A selection of alternative gifts and arts and crafts from island nonprofits including Clear Path International, Bainbridge Youth Services, Friends of the Farm, West Sound Wildlife Shelter and Keep Gazzam Wild is from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 4 at 4422 New Sweden Rd. (corner of Old Mill). Info: contact info@cpi.org.

DRUM CIRCLE: A drum circle led by Dennis Pryor is at 2 p.m. Sundays at The Grange, 10304 N. Madison Ave. All levels welcome. Bring a drum or borrow one. Cost: $10 donation. Info: (360) 598-2020.

Judaica Gift Shop: Need a Hanukkah gift? Menorahs, Hanukkah and Shabbat candles, fused-glass dreidels, challah covers, jewelry, and more are available to purchase at Congregation Kol Shalom’s gift shop at the synagogue at 9010 Miller Rd. A one-day sale: is from 2-4 p.m. Dec. 4. Info: call Janice at 842-9010 or email admin@kolshalom.net.

Monday 5

Mountain Bike team: All interested high-school age students and their parents are invited to an informational meeting for the Gear Grinders mountain bike team at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at the BI Senior Center, Bjune Drive. There will be information on mountain biking for fitness, recreation, cross-training and racing, as well as the second season of the Washington High School Mountain Bike League. Open to girls and boys; no experience required. Info: visit www.geargrinders.org.

Open Mic Science: OMS presents Mette Peters and Mary Derry at 8 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Treehouse Café. Peters and Derry will who will talk about their own experience with direct-to-consumer genetic tests from a company called 23andme. They will explain how the test is done, how the data is generated, what the results mean – and what they don’t – and hopefully generate some great discussion in the process. 23andme provides information about disease risk, drug response, traits and ancestry information. The presenters will also reveal some fascinating  personal data about their own ancestries. Open Mic Science presents the region’s leading scientists discuss their work and current trends in science and technology on the first Monday of every month at the Treehouse Café. Info: www.openmicscience.weebly.com.

Tuesday 6

Shakespeare: View part 1 of a four-part series, “In Search of Shakespeare,” at 2 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Bainbridge Commons, 402 Brien Dr. Hosted by Michael Wood, this free event aims to establish a chronology of the life of preeminent scribe William Shakespeare. The Bard’s adventures during the 16th century and his inspiration for his work are performed in part here by the Royal Shakespeare Company.  Find out why Shakespeare discovered that the duty of poets was “to speak what we feel and not what we ought to say.” Parts 2, 3 and 4 will be shown in 2012. Info: call 842-1616.

Holiday Card-Making: Learn clever techniques for creating holiday and winter-themed cards from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Bainbridge Public Library, 1270 Madison Ave. All materials will be supplied. Space is limited; sign up at the reference desk starting Nov. 14, or email sgraen@krl.org.

Go Solar Bainbridge: The final Go Solar Bainbridge workshop is  from 5:30-7 p.m. Dec. 6 at OfficeXpats,  on the second floor of the Pavilion building, 403 Madison Ave. Learn about new opportunities in solar energy. Go Solar Bainbridge is a limited time program that offers bulk purchasing discounts, a pre-selected contractor based on competitive pricing and professional qualifications, and easy financing options. Following the workshop you can sign up for a free solar site assessment with no obligation. We will also answer questions about Community Solar. This campaign is brought to you by the local non-profit Community Energy Solutions. Info: visit www.gosolarbainbridge.com, or call Joe Deets at 855-4893.

RECREATIONAL SINGING: Sing with a group from 7:30-9 p.m. Tuesdays at Island Music Guild. Led by David Webb, the group will sing traditional American folk songs. No experience required. Info: visit www.singalongalive.com.

Wednesday 7

HOLIDAY CARNIVAL: Celebrate the winter holidays at the pool from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Aquatic Center. There will be a performance along with games and activities for kids of all ages, both in and out of the water, including a water balloon toss, cupcakes, fishing derby in the lazy river, treasure hunt, duck races, log roll, water slide mania and more. One price for admission and all carnival activities, $5 for kids 17 and under. Bring in three items of canned or boxed food and get in for half price. Adults are admitted free. Info: visit www.biparks.org.

City Council Meeting: A City Council Study Session is at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 7 in Council Chambers, at City Hall, 280 Madison Ave.  The agenda includes: Staff Intensive (5:30p.m.) – Ft. Ward Hill design professional services agreement.  Public Hearing (5:35 p.m.) Ord. 2011-17, defining inns as a permitted use.  Staff Intensive continued (5:45 p.m.) includes second reading Ord. 2011-21, preliminary approval process for subdivisions; master lease for city-owned farmland; first reading Ord. 2011-24, fourth quarter 2011 budget adjustments);   Resolution No. 2011-27, capital construction fund; first reading Ord. 2011-25, Sewer Rate Reductions. Emerging Issues (6:40 p.m.) – UAC recommendations on Water Utility Ownership; first reading Ord. 2011-26, water rate reductions. Agenda items subject to change due to publishing deadlines. Info: Visit www.ci.bainbridge-isl.wa.us or contact Rosalind Lassoff, City Clerk, 780-8624, cityclerk@bainbridgewa.gov.

Thursday 8

Island School Open House: The Kindergarten Open House at The Island School is at 7 p.m. Dec. 8 at 8553 NE Day Rd. Interested parents are warmly invited to join faculty, alumni and current parents to learn about The Island School’s kindergarten program. The school keeps the joy of learning alive with rich, engaging curriculum and small class sizes. Serving grades K-5 and providing an extended day program.  Info: Call 842-0400 or visit www.theislandschool.org.

PLANNING COMMISSION: The Bainbridge Island Planning Commission will meet at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at City Hall. This meeting will be the Shoreline Master Program Update study session #14, covering Nonconforming Development and Vegetation Conservation. Visit the City’s website for additional information: www.ci.bainbridge-wa.gov or contact Ryan Ericson at 780-3767.

Financial advice: “How to Pay for College Without Jeopardizing Your Retirement,” a presentation by Joan Cartier is at 7 p.m. Dec. 8 in the Ihland Meeting Room on Madison Avenue across from the Bainbridge Library. Info visit www. collegeplanningrelief.com.

Kitsap Audubon Society: The next Audubon Society meeting, is from 7-9 p.m. Dec. 8 in the lower level of the Poulsbo Library. Program: “Tales from the Montlake Fill” presented by Connie Sidles. The ‘Fill’ is a 75-acre natural area in Seattle and a former dump. It is Sidle’s favorite place to bird. She will also read from her new book, “Second Nature,” her second book about the ‘Fill’.  Sidles is a master birder and board member of Seattle Audubon. Info:  visit www.kitsapauduon.org or call (360) 692-8180.

 

Coming up

IMC COncert: Island Music Center presents The Puyallup Valley Coattail Riders at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9 at Island Music Center. This merged band will give you a great night of tunes, songs and dancing. Dance to Scott Marckx’s inimitable fiddle; the wild, wooly West Virginia tunes of Jim Ketterman; close harmony singing with guitar monster Forrest Newton and banjo mad Jeanie Murphy. Enjoy Squirrely old tunes, old-time hymns, dark ballads, and curmudgeonly cranky songs. Info: visit www.islandmusic.org.

Nutcracker Suite: The Olympic Performance Groups presents Nutcracker 2011 with 10 shows Dec. 9-18, Fridays through Sundays at 7 p.m. and weekend matinees at 2 p.m. at BPA, 200 Madison Ave. Presented by NW Strength Lab and Bainbridge Ballet. With fast hip hop, graceful ballet, storytelling lyrical, and powerful contemporary dance styles, it’s not your average “Nutcracker.” Performances are at 7 p.m. Friday-Sunday and at 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Cost: $28 adults, $24 for seniors, students, youth, military and teachers and are available at www.bainbridgeperformingarts.org or by calling 842-8569. Info: visit www.olympicperformancegroup.org.

Boating Course: The US Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 48 (North Kitsap) will present its “About Boating Safely” course from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Dec. 10 at the Bainbridge Island Commons, 402 Brien Dr. This eight-hour course is for the new boater, those thinking of buying a boat and for boaters who want/need the Boater’s Education Card. Topics covered include chart reading, chart plotting and knot tying. This course meets the mandatory Boater Education requirements of the State of Washington for the Boater Education Card. Harbormaster Tami Allen and Marine Police Ben Sias also participate to educate participants. Cost: $35/person, $50/family. Contact Grant Winther at 842-5862 or Loretta Rindal at (360) 779-1657.

First Years open house: First Years Children’s Center will be having an open house from 8 a.m. – noon Saturday, Dec. 10, at 621 High School Rd. Santa and his elves will be there to take pictures with your child. Drop by and see what our amazing Center has to offer your family, visit with Santa, and have a light snack/juice with your child. Info: 842-6363.

Solstice Run: The 10th annual Solstice Run and Walk is Saturday, Dec. 10 in Winslow. The event will include a 5K road race  at 9:30 a.m., as well as a 1-mile fun run at 9 a.m. and kids’ dashes. Open to all ages and abilities, the Solstice Run is the annual fundraiser for Go Run!, a local nonprofit organization working to enhance the lives of girls physically, emotionally and socially via running activities. Pre-registration is $15 for students (18 and under) and $20 for adults, through Thursday, Dec. 8. Fees increase by $5 on race day. Race day check-in and registration open at 7:30 a.m. at BPA. Info: visit www.gorunhavefun.org/solstice-run-2/, or contact Island Fitness in person  at 190 Madison Ave. or call 842-5720.

Holiday Bazaar: Unique, handmade items for holiday giving are available from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 10 at 724 Ericksen Ave. Bring a canned donation or $1 donation for Helpline House to enter a raffle for a basket of wonderful gifts.

Gingerbread House Art Station: Visit a special Holiday Art Station at KiDiMu from Saturday, Dec. 10 to Sunday, Dec. 18. Create the season’s favorite and most delicious construction. This self-guided activity is sponsored by Cook Family Funeral Home. All materials will be provided. Available: Weekdays and Saturday, 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sunday: 12:30 – 3 p.m. Free with admission or membership. Info: 855-4650 or www.kidimu.org.

Holiday Tea with GLEE and Voce’!: Ring in the holidays with Ovation! Musical Theatre Bainbridge’s Show Choir programs – GLEE and Voce’ – as they present a Holiday Tea at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at Island Center Hall, 8395 Fletcher Bay Rd. Join them for caroling, holiday treats and more. Admission by donation. Info: Visit www.ovationmtb.com.

Amnesty International: Kitsap Amnesty International presents a Write-a-thon from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 at Winslow Co-Housing Common Room, 353 Wallace Way.  Your letters can help improve conditions and release prisoners of conscience. Hear local activists, review case sheets, enjoy snacks and write letters. Envelopes, paper, pens and stamps provided. Hand-written letters preferred, but using laptops is fine. Contact: Judy Friesem, jfriesem@gmail.com or Michael Camp, 350-598-5337, michaelwcamp@comcast.net.

Arts Studio Gallery: The closing party for artist Russell Schlosser’s “Totems and Wagons From A Dead Planet” is from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 10 at Arts Studio Gallery, 7869 Fletcher Bay Rd.  four driveways south of High School Rd. Info: Call 842-1294 or visit www.artsstudiogallery.com.

IMC Concert: The Honeyville Rascals will play at Island Music Center at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 at Island Music Center. The Honeyville Rascals are a jazz and blues inspired roots trio with the driving rhythms of a tenor and concert ukulele supporting the vocal melodies and harmonies of Sunga Rose and Michael Alexander. Sunga sings and plays a concert “paddlele” while Michael sings and plays a 6-string tenor “liliu”. Info: visit www.islandmusic.org.

Christmas Memories: Micha Rice and  St. Nicholas Theater present a poetry reading for the whole family at 7 p.m. Dec. 10 at Eagle Harbor Congregational Church.  From “The Night before Christmas” to “Gift of the Magi,” there is something for everyone. Come one, come all, to hear your favorite Christmas stories read aloud. Readers include Bob McAllister, Laura Sullivan, Hannah Lemberg and Micha Rice. The performance is free or by donation and some refreshments will be served at cost. Info: call 206-861-4416.

Holiday Concert: “Peace and Joy, a Christmas Celebration” is this year’s musical program by the Bainbridge Chorale featuring a beautiful and varied selection of seasonal music. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10 and 3:30 p.m. Dec. 11 at Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church. Cost: adults $20; seniors $17; students, teachers and military $12, children under 13 free. Info/Tickets: Call 780-3467 or visit www.bainbridgechorale.org.

Latin Night: Learn Latin-based dances with Gene and Sheila from 7:30 – 8 p.m. Dec. 10 at Island Center Hall, 8395 Fletcher Bay Rd. at a predance workshop.  Dance from 8-10:30 p.m. to Trombanga Latin Jazz band. No partner necessary.  A fun time with friendly people at all levels of dancing.  Finger foods welcome. Please bring clean-soled shoes leaving no black marks. $15 at the door which includes lesson and dance. Info: email at sheila@educatedfeet.net or visit. www.biparks.org.

Creche Festival: View a collection of nativity scenes and display your favorite nativity set so it may be viewed by all from 6-9 p.m. Dec. 10-12 at the LDS Chapel, 8677 Madison Ave. (next to Ordway). Hot cocoa/cider and cookies will be served. A free classical Christmas Concert will be from 7-8:30 p.m. Dec. 10 only featuring  performance of classical and Christmas music with harp, strings, woodwinds, piano, organ, bells and vocals. Drop off for nativities will be from 7-8:30 p.m. Dec. 8 or from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Dec. 9.  Collect them at your convenience. Info: Contact Leslie Hansen at lesliejhansen@gmail.com or (206) 290-1819.

Chmaber Music: Enjoy a free Viennese Christmas Concert at 3 p.m. Dec. 11 at Port Madison Lutheran Church, 14000 Madison Ave. The Centennial Quartet: Thomas Monk, violin; Lara Moore, viola; Barbara Deppe, cello; and James Quitslund, piano, will play. An offering will be taken for renovations to the church prior to our centennial celebration in May 2012. Langlois Pianos will be providing a seven-foot grand piano for this exiting concert.Info: visit www.portmadisonlutheranchurch.org.

Women’s Schola Nova sings the Office of Evensong on the second Sunday of each month, at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church.  Come hear traditional plainsong, anthems, psalms, and holiday carols, and let the grace of sung prayer refresh you during this busy and joyful season.  Next Service: December 11, at 7 pm.

CHRISTMAS IN SONG FROM MERRY OLDE ENGLAND with the EVERGREEN SINGERS – Tuesday December 13 11:00am Free. Nowhere was Christmas merrier than in old Britain. The season began on Dec. 16 and did not end until Jan. 6 – Twelfth Night. In the 17th century the wassail bowl was carried with mirth and song to the houses of the gentry and others. Hospitality was universal.  Please accept the hospitality and wassail bowl of the Evergreen Singers as they present spirited carols from Merry Old England. Enjoy traditional carols such as the Sussex Carol, the Coventry Carol, We Saw Three Ships and The Friendly Beasts. Then enjoy some wassail (spiced apple cider). Call 206-842-1616 for more information. In the Commons, 402 Brien Drive SE

HOLIDAY SONGFEST: Join the Evergreen Singers to help “sing in the season”. Get in the holiday spirit with beautiful Christmas carols, holiday pops, and audience sing-a-longs at 11 a.m. Dec. 13 at the Bainbridge Commons. Refreshments served afterward. Cost: Donation. Info: visit www.biparks.org.

The Bainbridge Island Genealogical Society (BIGS) will meet Friday, December 16th, in the Bainbridge Public Library Meeting Room at 10:00 AM for our annual “Show &Tell” gathering of members sharing ancestral tales and treasures.  Visit with members to find out what BIGS offers to those who join.  Suggested donation for non-members is $5.00.  For more information go to www.bigenealogy.org or call 206.855.9457.  BIGS is a 501c(3) non-profit organization.

Toys for Tots: Join us at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 17 for our free “Toys For Tots” screening of the family favorite “Elf” starring Will Ferrell at Bainbridge Cinemas. Buddy was a baby in an orphanage who stowed away in Santa’s sack and ended up at the North Pole. Later, as an adult human who happened to be raised by elves, Santa allows him to go to New York City to find his birth father, Walter Hobbs. Hobbs, on Santa’s naughty list for being a heartless jerk, had no idea that Buddy was even born. Buddy, meanwhile, experiences the delights of New York City (and human culture) as only an elf can. When Walter’s relationship with Buddy interferes with his job, he is forced to reevaluate his priorities. Info: visit www.bainbridgecinemas.com.

DICKENS READING DICKENS: Island Theatre at the Library presents Tim Tully in “Dickens Reading Dickens” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17 and at 2 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Bainbridge Public Library, 1270 Madison Ave. Directed by Steve Stolee, local actor Tully recreates the immensely popular live appearances given by Charles Dickens during the decade before he died in 1872. In authentic Victorian costume, Tully delivers a captivating depiction of the Great Master’s characters and situations from some of his most favored works including A Christmas Carol, Oliver Twist and Great Expectations. Free. Info: www.islandtheatre.org.

Free Community Caroling: Ovation! Musical Theatre Bainbridge and Bainbridge Chorale unite to present the fifth annual free community caroling event, “Home for the Holidays,” at 4 p.m. Dec. 17 at Eagle Harbor Congregational Church. Directed by Todd Hulet and accompanied by piano and a small ensemble. Songsheets provided. Free, but donations for Helpline House are accepted. Info: visit www.ovationmtb.com or www.bainbridgechorale.org.

Holiday Kids’ Night at kiDiMU: (aka Parents’ Night Out) is from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. Dec. 17 at KiDiMu. Kids are invited for a fun-filled evening of playtime, games, movies and a pizza dinner, while parents catch up on holiday errands or enjoy a night out. On this special evening, children will create seasonal crafts. Recommended ages: 3.5-10 years old. Participants must be able to use bathroom independently. Registration required by noon on Friday. $30 per child/ members and $40 per child/ non-members; $10 off per sibling. Info: 855-4650 or www.kidimu.org.

Beach Naturalist Walks: Join the Bainbridge Beach Naturalists for guided trips, now called Beach Naturalist Explorations, to explore our local beaches and learn more about the life of our shores. Bring rubber boots and a flashlight. Families welcome. Walk is at low tide at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22 underneath Bainbridge ferry dock. Info: call 842-5133 or email bainbridgebeach@gmail.com.

MESSIAH SING-ALONG: A benefit for the Chorale educational and community outreach programs, the third annual sing-along is at 7 p.m. Dec. 27 at Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church. Accompaniment will be provided by the Messiah Festival Orchestra. Cost: $10 suggested donation; children under 13 free. Info: call 780-2467.

New Years Eve Masquerade Ball: Celebrate New Year’s Eve with an evening of music and dancing Dec. 31 at BPA. Bring your own mask or purchase one at BPA for this masquerade ball and fundraiser for the Bainbridge Symphony Orchestra. Waltz at 9 p.m., swing at 10 p.m., and DJ at 11 p.m. Suitable for ages 21 and older. Dec. 31 from 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. Cost: $50 per person at 842-8569 or www.bainbridgeperformingarts.org.