ART

Bay Area Studio Artists will present “Herd,” an exhibit of paintings in acrylics and oils at Orinda Books, 276 Village Square, Orinda, during the month of October. You’re invited to the artists’ reception from 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 6. Or stop by the bookstore during regular hours. BASA is a group of local artists who have been painting and showing their work together since 2010. Their show “Herd” explores the herd instinct, that urge to gather with others of your own kind. It explores herds of many kinds, including some whimsical varieties. For more information on BASA, see the website: http://www.bayaareastudioartists.com.

Fall Exhibitions at the Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art through Dec. 16, opening reception 4 to 7 p.m. on Sept. 20. “Graphicanos: Contemporary Latino Prints” from the Serie Project and “Stanley Koppel: Artist as Activist.” https://www.stmarys-ca.edu/museum

In the spirit of the season, the Moraga Art Gallery presents “Holiday Magic in Porcelain and Paint,” a colorful new show featuring the works by two of Lamorinda’s most celebrated artists: Lafayette’s Donna Arganbright and Orinda’s Maria SantaStefano. The show, which includes paintings, jewelry, ceramics, photographs, and many other gifts of art by the gallery’s 14 members and guest artists, runs from Oct. 24 to Jan. 5. The public is invited to a free opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27. For more information, visit www.moragaartgallery.com or call (925) 376-5407.

MUSIC

Acalanes High School is proud to present its first Instrumental Music Department concert of the year at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18 at the Acalanes High School Performing Arts Center. This concert will feature the String Orchestra and Symphonic Wind Ensemble as well as music performed by the full Symphonic Orchestra. The Symphonic Wind Ensemble will be joined by amazing guest artist Riley Lindsey, who graduated from DePaul University in Chicago with a Masters in Performance on Tuba.

Crowden Music Center presents Community Music Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct 21. at Crowden Music Center, 1475 Rose Street, Berkeley. Crowden’s Community Music Day is a free musical carnival, with Instrument Petting Zoos, San Francisco Chamber Orchestra, face painting, prizes and more. Free. For more info see https://www.crowden.org/concerts-and-events/community-music-day or call (510) 559-6910 or email concerts@crowden.org.

The Sun Kings – two nights two shows at Town Hall Theatre Company in Lafayette: Friday, Nov.  2, “Very Best of The Beatles;” Saturday, Nov. 3, “The Beatles White Album 50th Anniversary Gala Celebration.” Doors open at 7 p.m. and music starts at 8 p.m. Tickets: $35 advance; $40 at the door. Tickets and more information at www.towhalltheatre.com.

The Lamorinda Big Band featuring Terry Miller, Brian Nova, Leslie Darwin O’Brien and Michael Henning debuts at 7 p.m. on Nov. 7 at Orinda Community Church, 10 Irwin Way, Orinda (above Safeway). Tickets: $10 at the door. Questions? Visit tmkids.org.

THEATER

Town Hall Theatre Company presents “The Revolutionists” through Oct. 20 at the Town Hall Theatre Company, 3535 School Street, Lafayette. For tickets, prices, and showtimes: www.townhalltheatre.com; Box Office: (925) 283-1557.

The Lafayette-based Peter Pan Foundation and the Bay Area chapter of the Make a Wish Foundation have partnered this year to bring wishes to life for children with life-threatening illnesses on almost 40 occasions. The foundation will come together again for a benefit performance of Wish Upon a Star at 2 p.m. followed by a concert at 7 p.m. on Oct. 20 at the Orinda Community Center. Cost: $10. All proceeds will be donated to the Make a Wish Foundation.

12 Angry Jurors - An Acalanes DramaDons Production at 7 p.m. on Oct. 24 in the Acalanes High School Little Theater, 1200 Pleasant Hill Road, Lafayette. Students: $7, General: $12. An emotionally impactful and mature presentation by the Acalanes High School DramaDons. Tickets and Information at AHSPerformingArts.org.

Diablo Ballet opens its 2018-19 season with “A Swingin’ Holiday and Carnival of the Imagination,” Nov. 9 through 11 at the Del Valle Theatre in Walnut Creek. Single tickets are $15-$49. Please visit www.lesherartscenter.org. or call (925) 943-SHOW (7469) for tickets. www.diabloballet.org.

LECTURE & LITERATURE

Town Hall Theatre is excited to announce their new staged reading series, “In the Wings,” which launches with a one-night only reading of “Placebo” – a smart, new offbeat serio-comedy by Melissa James Gibson. “Placebo” will have one performance only at 8 p.m. on Nov. 12 at Town Hall Theatre Company, 3535 School Street, in Lafayette. Tickets are $10 general admission and free to subscribers, and are available through the Box Office at (925) 283-1557 or online at www.TownHallTheatre.com.

HALLOWEEN EVENTS

Halloween Parade for Tots at 1 p.m. on Oct. 25 in the Orinda Community Center Park located at 28 Orinda Way. Calling all Paw Patrol Marshalls and Chases, Princesses, Dinosaurs, and Yodas, come join the fun, and follow Glenda the Good Witch for a stroll around the park. Halloween themed activities will also be available for those wanting to participate. In case of rain, the event will be held indoors.

Trick-or-Treat Street from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 26 in Downtown Lafayette. For a fun, safe Halloween event, children and their parents are invited to trick-or-treat on Mt. Diablo Boulevard from Plaza Way to Dewing Avenue, Lafayette Circle and in La Fiesta Square.

Haunted Laboratory – beware of the evil scientist and watch out for the spooky experiments being done inside at the Lafayette Youth Commission Haunted House Saturday, Oct. 27 and Sunday, Oct. 28 at the Lafayette Community Center, 500 St. Mary’s Rd.  Times: 5 to 6:45 p.m. (Not Too Scary at $3 per person); 7:30 to 9 p.m. (Very Scary at $5 per person). Tickets on sale now at www.lafayetterec.org.
 
Trick-or-treat with the kids 3 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 31 at the Rheem Shopping Center in Moraga.

“Halloween Night Live” Halloween skit from 7 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 31 at 12 Lynwood Place, Moraga (off of Corliss.)  Don’t miss the 25th year of this annual performance.


KIDS, PARENTS & TEENS

Mindful Littles is partnering with some local chefs for our Cookin’ for a Cause program from 3 to 5 p.m. on Nov. 4 at Orinda Community Church, 10 Irwin Way, Orinda. For this service project, we are helping Operation Dignity. We will make dinner at a local kitchen in Orinda and then deliver the meal to Operation Dignity so that the residents can enjoy a hot meal. We will provide all supplies needed to cook the meals, so all you have to do is show up with a big heart and be ready to have some fun. Cost: $25. For more information and to register, please visit us at: https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/NDEwMjA=

OTHER

The Saklan School is pleased to host a screening of “Beyond Measure” by Reel Link Films beginning at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18 at the Lafayette Veteran’s Hall, 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd. For more info or to RSVP visit: www.saklan.org.

Women of Spirit is a group of inclusive, curious women seeking connection, shared learning and growth with other women of diverse faith traditions. Women of Spirit is not affiliated with any religious institution, and all are welcome. Their next meeting is from noon to 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19 at Orinda Community Church, 10 Irwin Way, Orinda.

Saint Mary’s College Guild presents “A Night in Italy” from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20. Delicious Italian cuisine, Bella Musica by Joe Simone Duo, great food and fellowship. This event will be open seating with the exception of full tables of eight or ten purchased under one reservation form. All proceeds benefit students seeking scholarships for financial aid. Make check of $45 payable to SMC Guild. Mail to: Donna Jollymour, 387 Calle la Montana, Moraga, CA 94556 For information call Donna Jollymour (925) 299-1651

The giant fall book sale sponsored by the Friends of the Moraga Library will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20 at the Moraga Library, 1500 St. Mary’s Road. Books, CDs, and DVDs of every category will be sold at prices ranging from 25 cents to $3.

East Bay Walk to End Alzheimer’s at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 20 at Heather Farms Park in Walnut Creek. Put on your walking shoes and invite friends and family to take part in the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s, the nations largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Last year, more than 2,300 people participated, raising more than half a million dollars. This year the goal is to raise over $650,000 locally. Register today at alz.org/walk.

Lafayette Res Run for Education beginning at 8 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 21 in Downtown Lafayette. Burn some energy with the kids in the 5k, put on your serious running shoes for the 10k around the Lafayette Reservoir or simply walk your dog or push the stroller in the 2-mile fun run/walk! All ages welcome. Awards for fastest runners. Live music plus Healthy Lifestyles Fair. Register now for the 5k (8 a.m.), 10k (8:15 a.m.) or the 2 mile (8:45 a.m.) and chose your local school: Acalanes Dons, Burton Valley Bobcats, Campolindo Cougars, Happy Valley Huskies, Lafayette Leopards, Miramonte Matadors, Springhill Scorpions and Stanley Wildcats. www.lafayettechamber.org/resrun

Brian Pennis, C.S., will be talking about “Finding Innocence that is Power, Not Vulnerability” at 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 21 at the Christian Science Church in Danville, 650 Danville Blvd. Everyone is welcome—loving, free child care is provided—and the talk is free. The event lasts just one hour. Traduccion Simultaneo al Espanol in the Sunday School room. Come treat yourself to an hour of peace, enlightenment and inspiration. Come to hear about God’s spiritual power to heal, guard, guide and love you.

Blessing of the Animals, beginning at 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 21, during worship celebration at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 451 Moraga Way in Orinda. Service begins at 11, and is followed by potluck lunch. Bring your furry, feathered, and scaled friends for a special blessing as we celebrate the love and wisdom given by our animal companions. Please bring cats in carriers and dogs on leads to ensure they feel safe and secure. More info, email pastor Michele Robbins, shalompastor3@gmail.com.

Lamorinda Toastmasters meetings 7:30 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday nights at Temple Isaiah - 945 Risa Road, Lafayette. Our mission is to provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth. Everyone over 18 is welcome. https://lamorinda.toastmastersclubs.org

LOPC Breakfast Group at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 24 at the Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, Davies Room. Speaker: Joe Terry, CEO of CVI Power Foundation. Topic: Where the Bible and Ironman intersect. $5 donation at the door for breakfast. RSVP by noon on Oct. 23 to janet@lopc.org or (925) 283-8722 x223.

Daughters of the Goddess Womyn’s Temple welcomes womyn and girls of all ages to join them for their annual Womyn’s Spiral Dance - A Multi-Cultural Celebration of Our Beloved Ancestors and Crones from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. on Oct. 26 at the Orinda Masonic Temple, 9 Altarinda Road, Orinda. During this multi-cultural ritual, led by Kahuna Leilani, and accompanied by spiritual elders of different traditions, we come together to honor and celebrate our loved ones who have passed away. We build a collective altar dedicated to our Ancestors; each of us adding photos and mementos of those who we miss and remember. Tickets: $23 advance by Oct. 22; $29 at the door. http://www.daughtersofthegoddess.com/2018-rituals/2018-spiral-dance/

Jeanette Fritzky tribute walk noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27 at the Moraga Commons Park. Details at jeanettefritzkytributewalk.com.
 
American Association of University Women (AAUW) members of the Orinda-Moraga-Lafayette Branch are hosting a Game Day from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Miramonte Gardens Clubhouse on Thursday, Nov. 1. After enjoying a catered lunch guests will play Bridge, Bunko or Dominoes. Reservations are $40 and are available by contacting Laura Monin at (925) 631-6667.

The music of Mexico is featured in this year’s All Souls Festival at 9:30 a.m. on Nov. 4 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 1035 Carol Lane, in Lafayette. With ravishing voice, an array of guitars, and beautiful violin, Cascada de Flores honors and advances Mexico’s rich musical traditions, builds multicultural bridges, and celebrates the gift of life. Families will honor loved ones by building a small altar, telling a few good family stories, sharing pan de muerto, and enjoying the amazing art of Carla Winters as she paints children’s faces in traditional Dia de los Muertos style. The morning is free but we still pass the plate around. For more details, click on the All Souls Festival banner at www.oslc.net.

Celebrate Veteran’s Day from 9 to 10 a.m. on Nov. 12 at the Moraga Commons Park. Speakers and refreshments.

POLITICAL GATHERINGS

Lamorinda Republican Women Federated’s meeting will take place at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 18 at the Orinda Country Club. Please join us to hear Kathleen Jenkins and Eve Phillips, candidates for Orinda City Council discuss their individual platforms. This event will provide voters an opportunity to listen to and ask questions of these two candidates. For additional information, visit www.evefororinda.com and www.ordindaparksandrec.org/397/City-Council-Candidate-Info--11618. Cost: luncheon and speaker $36; speaker only $15; speaker only student $5.

SENIORS

California Highway Patrol: Age Well/ Drive Smart, presented by a CHP Officer and CHP Sr. Volunteer Cindy Lima from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25 in the Elderberry Room, Lafayette Community Center. Discover the keys to driving safer and driving longer. You have the ability to change your driving habits or take other corrective steps that will allow you to stay safe on the roads. You will have the opportunity to speak in person with a California Highway Patrol Officer. Contact Lafayette Senior Services to register for your reserved seat in this class: Seniors@LoveLafayette.org or (925) 284-5050

GARDEN

The Moraga Garden Club will hold their next meeting at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 18 at the Holy Trinity Church, 1700 School Street, Moraga. The guest speaker will be Michelle Sneed of the California Water Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey. She will discuss “Water Availability and Land Subsidence in California.” Interested parties are welcome to attend the 9:30 a.m. social hour, the 10 a.m. meeting and the presentation by Michelle Sneed, immediately following the meeting.

Montelindo Garden Club October meeting will be at 9:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 19 at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center Community Hall. Presentation: Creating Pumpkulents; Speaker: Shawna Anderson, Horticultural Consultant and Manager of the Custom Container Department at Lafayette’s Orchard Nursery. Shawna will demonstrate how to create Pumpkulents, a craft using a pumpkin and succulents. You will discover how you can create these perfect fall decorations for your own home.