Community Calendar | Dec. 23 to mid-January

The following is a list of events on Baimbridge Island.

Support groups

Alcoholics Anonymous: For Bainbridge meeting times and locations go to www.bainbridgeaa.com or call 855-8366.

Overeaters Anonymous: OA meets at 9:15 a.m. Saturdays in the Singer Room at Eagle Harbor Congregational Church. A Wednesday meeting starts at 5 p.m. at Island Terrace Apts. Community Room, at High School Rd. and Ferncliff. Info: Call 780-0121.

Grief Support Group: Support for anyone who has lost a loved one is on the second and fourth Thursdays, from 5-6:30 p.m. at Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church.  Sponsored by Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers; contact ivc@bainbridge.net or 842-4441.

Caregivers Support Group: Anyone caring for a loved one who is ill is invited to meet on Tuesdays, from 2-3:30 p.m., at Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church; sponsored by Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers. Contact ivc@bainbridge.net or 842-4441.

Support Group for Men: Men who have an illness of any kind meet on Mondays, from 11 a.m. – noon at Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church; supported by Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers. Contact Tom at tbarry56@msn.com or 360-698-4939.

Support Group for Women with Cancer: A group meets on Mondays from 1-2:30 p.m. at Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church.  Contact karen.carson@comcast.net or 842-3539.  This group is hosted by RBPC.

Ongoing

Young Singers: Bainbridge Chorale Young Singers is now enrolling youth in grades 1-3 and 4-8. Share your love of singing and performing with other young singers, with Music Director Jeremy Rothbaum. Young singers will meet on Tuesdays beginning Jan. 10, 2012.  Info or to register: visit www.bainbridgechorale.org or call 780-2467.

Fields End Winter Classes: Registration is underway for three Field’s End winter classes “The Art of Research, “ led by Wendy Call; “Marketing Your Book to Agents or Publishers” with Alice B. Acheson; and “Writing Your Memoir” with Corbin Lewars. Register soon; classes begin in January. Info: www.fieldsend.org or 842-4162.

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 open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. through Dec. 31 at Bloedel Reserve. Cost: Free with admission to Bloedel. Info: visit www.bloedelreserve.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 ends Dec. 23. There is a larger need this year to help needy children. Please bring 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.

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 23

Hanukkah Party: Congregation Kol Shalom’s Hanukkah party is at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23 at 9010 Miller Rd. Potluck dessert and a latke contest will feed us, along with song, arts and crafts, dreidel spinning and candle lighting. Kabbalat Shabbat starts off the night. Info: Call 842-9010 or email admin@kolshalom.net.

Saturday 24

Art House: A gathering of the work of select area artists, will be open Dec. 24 until 4 p.m. for last-minute shopping.  Find paintings, prints, artglass, metal sculpture for indoor and out, quilts and totes – plus Sunset-recommended tamales from Chele’s Gourmet.   Corner of Wyatt at John Adams, between Grow and Madison. Open at 10 a.m.

Sunday 25

christmas day: Have a wonderful and safe holiday.

Tuesday 27

Book Sale: Friends of the Library Book Sale is from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 27  at the Bainbridge Public Library, 1270 Madison Ave. Info: Call 842-4162 or visit www.bifriends.org.

Reporting the Arab Spring: Learn more about the uprisings in Tunisia and Libya at a free presentation from 7-8:30 p.m. Dec. 27 at the Bainbridge Public Library.Info: www.krl.org.

MESSIAH SING-ALONG: Bainbridge Chorale invites the community to join in the third annual Sing-Along of Handel’s “Messiah.”  Join Chorale members and the Messiah Festival Orchestra in the thrill of singing the most popular choruses and arias, at 7 p.m. Dec. 27, at Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church, 11042 Sunrise Dr.  Admission is by suggested donation to support its youth and educational programs: Adults and seniors $10; students, teachers, military $5; Children under 13 admitted free.  Info: visit www.bainbridgechorale.org or call 780-2467.

Wednesday 28

Free movie:  The Bainbridge Island Police Guild will present a free screening (including soft drinks and popcorn) of “How To Train Your Dragon” at 11 a.m. Dec. 28 at Bainbridge Cinemas. The Guild’s membership consists of Bainbridge Island police officers who donate their time to help various community causes. Donations appreciated.

City Council Meeting: The Bainbridge Island City Council will reconvene on Jan. 4. Info: Visit www.ci.bainbridge-isl.wa.us or contact Rosalind Lassoff, City Clerk, 780-8624, cityclerk@bainbridgewa.gov.

Thursday 29

Parks Board meeting: The BI Metro Park and Recreation District will hold a special board meeting at 6 p.m. Dec. 29 at Strawberry Hill Center, 7666 High School Rd. Agenda includes Hilltop closing. Info: Call 842-2306.

Coming Up

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. Swing at 9 p.m. and DJ dance music at 10 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.

Kiwanis Speaker: The Bainbridge Kiwanis Club presents Kiwanis Speaker Series with “Death with Dignity” in Washington State by Dr. Richard Baker at 7 a.m. Jan. 4 at Wing Point Golf & Country Club. Kiwanis Breakfast Meeting Cost: $10. Public is invited.  Info: www.bikiwanis.org.

Book Sale: Friends of the Library Book Sale is from 1-4 p.m. Jan. 5  at the Bainbridge Public Library, 1270 Madison Ave. Info: Call 842-4162 or visit www.bifriends.org.

Historical Museum: Admission to the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum is free on the first Thursdays of the month. Visit the prize-winning Ansel Adam’s “A Portrait of Manzanar” exhibit. New expanded hours are 10-4 weekdays and 1-4 weekends. 215 Ericksen Ave. 842-2773 www.bainbridgehistory.org.

Kirtan: A monthly Kirtan and Celebration of Light is at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 5 at Grace Church, 8595 Day Rd.  Chants are led by Comfort Station: Jon Crane on tabla, Misty Fasig on percussion, vocals, Clay Hotchkiss on guitar, vocals and Ann Strickland on harmonium and vocals. Chant Jam! Bring your acoustic instrument and join the band for the second half of the evening. Pay what you can donation. Info: visit www.gracehere.org or email annie@gracehere.org or call 842-9997.

Weed Warriors: The next Weed Warrior/BI Park event is from 1-3 p.m. Jan. 6-7 at Pritchard Park. Help save the revegetation projects before the “baby butterfly killer bush” buddleia takes over. Volunteers needed both days.  Park on the east side, off of Creosote Pl. on Friday, and the main lot on Eagle Harbor Dr. just past Taylor on the left on Saturday. Info: call Jeannette at 855-0911.

Library Speakers’ Forum: The Bainbridge Public Library Speaker’s Forum presents “Our Future, Our Kids: K-12 Public Education” from 10:30 a.m.-noon Jan. 7 in the library’s meeting room.  In the third forum of the series on education, “The Community in the Schools” looks at ways the community can support schools in Washington state. This is an opportunity to learn what Bainbridge organizations are doing to enhance our schools’ efforts, and to hear about the ways we can help in, or outside of, the schools. Free Info: call 842-4162 or visit www.bainbridgepubliclibrary.org.

Holiday Tree Recycling: Keep your car clean and the Island green by having   Boy Scout Troop 1564 recycle your holiday tree on Saturday, Jan. 7.  A tradition for 15 years, it’s easy and it’s green to turn your holiday tree into mulch for use on Bainbridge Island.  To schedule a pick-up, sign up at www.treerecycle.net or call 780-2722 and leave a message.  A $10 donation is requested.  Attach cash or a check to BSA Troop 1564 in a plastic bag on the tree and leave at the curbside by 8 a.m. Bainbridge Island addresses only.  Your donation has helped Troop 1564 accomplish a number of community service projects, build equipment, and participate in scout experiences.

Seattle Opera Preview: Norm Hollingshead leads participants through “Attila” from 2-4 p.m. Jan. 7 at the Bainbridge Public Library. The King of the Huns and his conquering hordes clash with cunning women warriors and a scheming Roman general in this dramatic work of historical fiction from the undisputed Italian master. Complete with assassination plots, dirty politics, and plenty of pomp and circumstance, this rousing showdown between good and evil boasts expressive melodies, glorious choral pieces, and stand-out arias. Free. Info: visit www.krl.org or call 842-4162.

The EDGE Improv: Kick off the New Year and calibrate your funny bone with an evening of improv comedy starting at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 7 at BPA. Join The EDGE for an ingeniously improvised evening of on-the-spot comedy, all from audience suggestions. Tickets: $16 adults, and $12 seniors, students, youth, military and teachers. Info:  842-8569 or visit www.bainbridgeperformingarts.org.

Mochi Tsuki : Celebrate 2012 with the 23rd anniversary of a Bainbridge Island Japanese American community tradition, Mochi Tsuki, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8 at IslandWood, 4450 Blakely Ave. Staff and volunteers will offer tours of the award-winning School in the Woods. The event is free and donations for mochi are welcome. Parking is limited at the site and nearby Blakley Elementary School; carpooling is strongly encouraged. Highlights include performances from the acclaimed Seattle taiko drum group Kokon Taiko, and to comply with fire safety laws, each of the three taiko drum performances will be limited to 175 seats. Free tickets for each performance will be available on a first come, first served basis. Info: visit www.islandwood.org.

First Sundays Concert: First Sundays at the Commons presents TangleTown Trio on Jan. 8 at 4 p.m. at the Bainbridge Commons, 402 Brien Dr.  The trio, which is comprised of mezzo-soprano and composer Sarah Mattox, violinist Jo Nardolillo, and pianist Judith Cohen, is dedicated to the idea that the music of our own time should speak to us profoundly and connect with the audience. Their concert will present a  program called “Song Nouveau,” which features newly composed art songs by Sarah Mattox and Mark Olivieri that combine elements of nature and life. The program also includes a Sonata by Aaron Copland performed by Cohen. Tickets, $20 per person, are available on line at www.brownpapertickets.com. Info: Visit www.tangletowntrio.com or www.firstsundaysconcerts.org.

Toddler Storytime: Bring your toddlers to enjoy stories, rhymes, songs and fun with our children’s librarian at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 9 at the Bainbridge Public Library. Age guideline: 18 months – 3 years. Free. Info: visit www.krl.org or call 842-4162.

Teen Leadership Forum: The Bainbridge Library Teen Leadership Forum presents: “Introduction to Credit” from 6-7 p.m. Jan.9 at the Bainbridge Library. This month’s topic is presented by Patricia Kelley from the Kitsap Credit Union, as part of KCU’s community programs. Participants will establish an awareness and understanding of healthy credit, the rights and responsibilities of using credit and learn how to manage credit responsibly. The Teen Leadership Forum is a series of monthly workshops that focus on building personal, academic, and vocational leadership skills to prepare young adults in grades 9-12 for life beyond high school. Dinner will be provided before the workshops.  Space is limited, sign-up at the reference desk or email sgraen@krl.org.

CLICK! Digital Download Class: Learn to download ebooks, audiobooks and music to your computer or portable device from 10 a.m.-noon Jan. 10 at the Bainbridge Library. Free. Class size is limited. Pre-register at the Bainbridge Public Library information desk or call the library at 842-4162. Info: www.krl.org.

Personal Career Coaching: Schedule an appointment to have a professional career coach critique your resume or cover letter, improve your interview techniques, or simply talk with you about your job search or career change. Appointments will last for half an hour. Drop-ins are welcome if time remains.Session is from 10:30 a.m.-noon Tuesday, Jan. 10, at the Bainbridge Public Library. Free. Info: visit www.krl.org or call 842-4162.

Teen Gaming: Come and play the Wii and PS3 from 3-5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13 at the Bainbridge Public Library. Free. Games rated Teen and under. Grades 7-12. Info: call 842-4162  or visit www.krl.org.

Book Sale: Friends of the Library Book Sale is from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 14 at the Bainbridge Public Library, 1270 Madison Ave. Info: Call 842-4162 or visit www.bifriends.org.

The Outsiders: BPA presents “The Outsiders” Jan. 13-22.: Based on S. E. Hinton’s book, “The Outsiders” has been read by millions of teenagers and has influenced young adults around the world. Though set in 1960s rural Oklahoma, this coming-of-age play — with its themes of family strife, class division, and bullying — is immediate and relatable. Suitable for PG-13 audiences. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.; A Pay-What-You-Can preview is at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12 ; Opening Night reception is at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13. Tickets: $27 for adults, $22 for seniors, and $19 for students, youth, military, and teachers are available by calling 842-8569 or at www.bainbridgeperformingarts.org.

Auditions: Ovation! Musical Theatre Bainbridge will hold auditions for the Gilbert & Sullivan comedy “The Pirates of Penzance“ from 3-8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14 at the Bainbridge Commons, 402 Brien Dr.  All parts are open. This production has been selected to commemorate Ovation!’s 20th show. It was produced in 2004 and was Ovation!’s most popular show.  This will be a new staging. For the audition prepare a song from musical theatre, opera or operetta (in English) and bring piano music in your key for the accompanist.  A monologue is not required.  The production will be directed by Ron Milton with music direction by Todd Hulet and choreography by Babette Gazarian-Cherne’. Info: Visit www.ovationmtb.com.

Peter and the Wolf: BSO Screening of Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf” at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at Bainbridge Cinemas at the Pavilion.  Pre-program activities begin at 10 a.m.

Shake off the winter doldrums and enter the magical, musical world of Prokofiev, where French Horns play the part of a wolf that just might eat somebody, and stringed instruments represent a boy overcoming his fears. Cost: $5 suggested donation. Info: call 842-8569 or www.bainbridgeperformingarts.org.

Field’s End Roundtable: Marcia Rudoff presents “Know Yourself to Know Your Characters” at the Field’s End Writers’ Roundtable, 7-8:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 17, at the Bainbridge Public Library, 1270 Madison Ave. Free; open to writers of all levels and interests. Info: www.fieldsend.org or 842-4162.

Auditions: January 17 & 19: BPA Auditions for PRIVATE EYES. PRIVATE EYES offers roles for adults ages 20 and older. Run dates are March 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, and 25, and rehearsals extend January – March 2012. Those auditioning are requested to prepare one 1 – 2-minute memorized monologue. Visit online at www.bainbridgeperformingarts.org for full audition details. Auditions: Tuesday & Thursday @ 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Appointments: Email Deirdre Hadlock for an appointment at dhadlock@bainbridgeperformingarts.org (preferred) or 206.842.4560. Performance dates are June 15-July 1.  For more information, visit www.ovationmtb.com or see Ovation! Musical Theatre Bainbridge on Facebook.  To make an audition appointment, email info@ovationmtb.com or call 206-842-0472.