LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Calendar

	MUSIC AND CONCERTS AND THEATRE
	WomenSing, a 50 voice chorus, will perform Sunday, April 5 at 4:00pm, Saint Mary’s Chapel, 1928 Saint Mary's Road, Moraga: “Stars” by Dublanc and Randall Thompson, contemporary Norwegian music, music in celebration of Mendelssohn’s 200 birth anniversary, and the mystical Holst's Choral Hymns from the Rig-Veda. Ticket prices are: $25 reserved $20 general $18 Seniors/students $10 youth 18 and under. Tickets may be purchased online at www.womensing.org, at the door, or by calling (925) 974-9169. Lafayette Town Hall Theatre Company Presents “The Odd Couple. (Female Version)” through April 25. The Female Version Adds a Twist to Neil Simon’s Superbly Written Comedy (Rating – PG-13.) Contact the Town Hall Theatre Company Box Office for exact dates and times. For Tickets: 925-283-1557. Town Hall Theatre Company; 3535 School Street, Lafayette. ____________________________ Auditions for Spider’s Web; Blithe Spirit; and an old classic for Orinda Starlight Village Players summer season. Sunday, April 5th at 4PM; and Tuesday, April 7th at 7PM. 26 Orinda Way, at the Orinda Community Center Amphitheater and Room three. The Orinda Community Center Amphitheater is located across the street from Rite Aid and the Orinda Post Office.




	ART
	The Moraga Art Gallery’s new group show “Inner Spirit” opened March 17th and features the work of Nancy Robinson. Moraga Art Gallery, 570 Center St, Rheem Valley Shopping Center- next to Longs Drugs. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 12-5 pm.925.376.5407. ____________________________ The Lafayette Gallery invites you to join us for our new show, “Food, Glorious ____________________________ Food” through May 9th. Gallery artists show work in mediums including printmaking, oil and acrylic paintings, jewelry, collage, ceramics, photography, and more. Lafayette Gallery, 50 Lafayette Circle, 925-284-2788. Gallery Hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 11am to 5pm. Bring canned goods to the Gallery and when you make a purchase you will be automatically entered in our raffle. We are pleased to invite the community to join us as we celebrate “Food, Glorious Food” and the re-opening of our Sculpture Garden on Sunday, April 26 from 1 to 4pm. We will have new pieces in our Sculpture Garden and of course, food, glorious food. The Second Saturday walking tours of Walnut Creek’s prime public art works will resume on Saturday, April 11. Tour routes rotate each month. This first tour will cover the area surrounding the gallery and city hall. The 50-minute, docent-led tour departs from the front of the Lesher Center located at 1601 Civic Drive at the corner of Locust and Civic. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and sun protection. Tours start EVERY Second Saturday at 11am. Admission is $5 and includes a free pass to the Bedford Gallery. Tour schedules are subject to change. Reservations are suggested. Call (925) 295-1417.




	SPRING FAMILY EVENTS
	Orinda's Spring Egg Hunt for preschoolers, infants and toddlers – Thursday April 9 at the Orinda Community Park. The egg hunt is free and will start at 11 a.m. sharp. Tattoos, arts & crafts, cookies and juice will be available before and after the hunt starting at 10:30 a.m. We ask that you bring your own baskets and cameras for pictures with the Easter Bunny. Sponsored by the Orinda Rotary Club. ____________________________ The Lafayette Rotary Club’s “Annual Egg Hunt” will take place on Saturday, April 11, at 10:00 am. This event is open to all children ages 2-10 and takes place at Plaza Park (corner of Mt. Diablo Blvd. and Moraga Rd) The park lawn will be covered with candy for the kids to put in their baskets. The youngest are always given extra time to get their share! The Bunny will be there to take pictures with the kids. Please arrive on time. We start promptly at 10:00am. Join us for the fun. ____________________________ Moraga’s annual Spring Egg Hunt will be held Saturday, April 11, at the Moraga Commons Park located at corner of Moraga Road and St. Mary's Road. Two egg hunts will take place: one beginning at 10:00 a.m. and another at 11:00 a.m. The cost for the egg hunt is $5 per child and each participant should bring a basket for collecting the eggs. Tickets are available for purchase in advance at the Moraga Parks and Recreation Department, Hacienda de las Flores, 2100 Donald Drive, Moraga, (925) 888-7045 or online at www.moragajuniors.org. Tickets will not be sold at the event. Children can also enjoy a toy walk, face painting, arts and crafts, jumpy house fun, and other games. The fun and games begin at 9:00 a.m. Co-sponsored by the Moraga Junior Women's Club and the Moraga Parks and Recreation Department. ____________________________ The Lafayette Community Center Foundation is sponsoring its annual ‘Bunny Brunch and Family Fun’ event on Saturday, April 11th from 11a.m. until 12:30 pm at the Lafayette Community Center, 500 St. Marys Road in Lafayette. Tickets are $7 per person if purchased in advance [at the Community Center] or $9 per person at the door on the day of the event for a great pancake breakfast, a visit from the Easter Bunny, entertainment by a funny ventriloquist with the ‘Corny Crow Show’ and an Easter Egg Hunt! For more information please contact the Lafayette Community Center at 284-2232.” ____________________________ Take a Photo with the Easter Bunny - Bring Your Camera! Saturday, April 11th 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Easter Clown & Balloon Art. With your Rheem Valley Shopping Center receipts totaling $25.00 or more. Rheem Blvd. At Moraga Rd. in Moraga. www.rheemvalley.net. ____________________________ St. Giles Easter Egg Hunt, Sunday, April 12, After 9:00 Service. RSVP by April 8th. to dsisson@stgiles-moraga.org. Lamorinda Earth Day Festival- Sunday, April 19, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m, Stanley Middle School, 3455 School Street, Lafayette. The cities of Lafayette, Moraga and Orinda are coming together to host a unique Earth Day celebration around the idea of “Going Local.” This will be the first festival of its kind -- focused on five ways to go local: eat local, shop local, power local, move local, and act local. More information about the festival can be found at: http://www.sustainablelafayette.net/ events/earthday/ See Story page 10


	LECTURES
	Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about . . . Property Taxes and other Real Estate Stuff, but Were Afraid to Ask. Join Leslie A. Johnson, highly respected real estate transactional attorney with TJH, for an evening of useful information, presented in a fun and casual setting. Bring your questions about property taxes, home ownership, partnerships or anything else that’s been on your mind about real estate these days. Leslie helped devise the concept of delayed tax-deferred exchanges (i.e., 1031 exchange) with her former partner and mentor, Marvin Starr. Friday, April 3, 6:30 pm,St. Mark's United Methodist Church , 451 Moraga Way, Orinda . 925-254-5965. Suggested donation: $10. Refreshments. ____________________________ Dr. Catherine Murphy, Associate Professor of New Testament at Santa Clara University, will present a fresh perspective on the Jesus of history. She has traveled frequently to Israel, Greece, Turkey and Europe and written three books the latest being The Historical Jesus for Dummies (2008.) The event is open to the community and takes place Saturday April 4th 7:00 – 9:30. Bring a bottle of wine or a small plate of tapas to share. Book sales will be coordinated by the Lafayette book store and childcare will be provided. Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette (behind the car wash.) www.oslc.net. ____________________________ The Commonwealth Club- Jim Lehrer –Sunday, April 5, 5:30pm. Anchor of one the most respected news programs in America, Lehrer has dedicated his life to reporting informative and unbiased news coverage of the nation’s most pressing issues. Though his journalistic accomplishments are numerous, Lehrer is most proud of his success as a novelist. Join us as he talks writing, reporting and telling America’s story. 5 p.m. check-in, 5:30 p.m. program, 6:30 p.m. book signing. Cost: $12 members, $18 non-members. Premium $30 members, $45 non-members. $7 students (with valid ID). Veterans Memorial Hall, 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette. ____________________________ A Performance of Mary Betten’s “People of the Passion.” A dramatic reading of Jesus’s death from the viewpoints of nine eyewitnesses to the crucifixion. 7pm on April 5 at 66 St. Stephen’s Drive, Orinda. Free. Childcare is available by reservation. 925- 254-3770, office@ststephensorinda.org, www.ststephensorinda.org.
	OTHER
	Orinda Rotary’s 60th Anniversary Dinner Dance & Big Band Gala, Saturday, April 4, 6:00 pm, Orinda Country Club. Enjoy dinner, dancing, and listening to the joyful sounds of the 18-piece Mike Vax Big Band as it marks 60 years of community and charitable service. Tickets $125 each. Door prizes, $5,000 cash prize and change to win a Toyota Prius. Call David Pierce 925-253-5424 or email david.pierce@prurealty.com. ____________________________ The Lafayette-Rotary-sponsored Interact service club at Bentley School is having an “E-Waste Recycling Day” from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday April 4th, at the school lower parking lot (1000 Upper Happy Valley Road – by Hwy 24 in Lafayette). If you have old TV’s, computer monitors and equipment… even microwaves, here’s a chance to drop them off for free, while supporting Interact. ____________________________ GREEN RHEEM MOVIE NIGHT – Thursday, April 9 - “Garbage! The Revolution Starts at Home” - 6 pm appetizers, wine, “trashy” fashion show with local teens, & recycled art. 7 pm movie. $10 adults, $8 students. Purchase on-line at www.sustainablelafayette.net/green-rheem.html or at the door at Rheem Theater, Moraga. ____________________________ Mt. Diablo Business Women Networking Dinner will take place on April 9 from 5:45 to 8:30 p.m. at the Lafayette Park Hotel, 3287 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette. The “Networking Extravaganza!” will be facilitated by Donna Bedford, award winning trainer and workshop leader of “The Bedford Group”. For info and registration please contact: www.mtdiablobusinesswomen.org., $37 member, $55 guest. ____________________________ Smart Start, Teen Driver Safety Class-The California Highway Patrol offers this free class at Las Lomas. Thursday, April 9th, 6:30-8:30 pm, in the Theater. This CHP sponsored program is for parents and teens to attend together. It is designed to reduce the number of teenage injuries and deaths resulting from motor vehicle collisions. Please note; "Red Asphault", a graphic auto accident video will be shown, younger children should not attend. Space is limited, to register for the class, please sign-up in one of the following ways: Go to http://www.acalanes.k12.ca.us/ adulted/html/pehighschool.htm OR Email: schroter5@astound.net with “Smart Start” written in subject line. ____________________________ MORAGA MOVERS' monthly dinner meeting, at Soda Center, St. Mary's College , Monday, April 13, 4 PM = Social Hour with beverages--5 PM = Dinner . Steve Butler ("Mr. 401K) will speak on Staying Sane in this Insane World. Come listen to Mr. Butler try to fathom this upside down economy and put it in perspective. This should be a sellout, so make your reservations early (must be by Wednesday, April 8 by 5 PM) by calling (925) 376-6622. The $15, payable at the entrance, includes dinner. ____________________________ Transition from Middle-School to High-School - Panel discussion. Las Lomas High School Counselors Hanalee Washburn and Ellen Smith - Student Panel. Thursday, April 16, 2009, Noon - 1:30pm, library Walnut Creek Intermediate School, 2425 Walnut Blvd, Walnut Creek, CA 94597, no fee, register at the event or on-line at (course no 05-6111) Questions? Vera Babor at vbabor@acalanes.k12.ca.us ____________________________ Miramonte Presents: International Night-Supporting the Kapnek Trust, an organization that helps pediatric aids in Zimbabwe. April 16th, 7 p.m. Tickets sold at the door and on the MHS webstore. A night of Appetizers, Student Performers, Diversity, and Awareness. Free Bike Safety Rodeo on Sunday, April 19, 9am-2pm, Stanley Intermediate School, 3477 School St. Lafayette. See story below. The Orinda-Moraga-Lafayette Branch of AAUW will hold an Awards Night program on Tuesday, April 21st at 7 pm, at the Holy Trinity Serbian Church Cultural Center, 1700 School Street, Moraga. Dr. Karen Ramorino, founder of the Berkeley Lab Learning Institute at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, will speak on “Communication, Confidence and Commitment”, the three C’s for achieving success in educational and career goals. ____________________________ NEED MONEY FOR COLLEGE? Contra Costa Association of Realtors Scholarship Foundation is offering scholarships to residents of Contra Costa County that have completed one year of full-time college, completed courses with emphasis on real estate, finance and/or business and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. If you qualify, scholarship awards can range from $1,500 to $2,500. Further information and applications may be found on line at www.ccarscholarship.com. Deadline is April 24th. ____________________________ Senior Health Faire on Tuesday, April 21 at the Hacienda de las Flores (2100 Donald Drive) from 2 to 4 p.m. Learn about Memory Screening Testing (coordinated by the Alzheimer’s Association), Free VA Benefits for In-home Care, Elder Care Fraud (presentation by the Moraga Police Dept) and Nutrition & Exercise Tips. The event is free and reservations can be made through Senior Helpers at 925-376-9900. Self defense class for middle school girls-Sunday April 26th, from 3 to 6 p.m. organized by the Moraga Juniors. Self defense techniques will be taught in a fun and safe environment by Thomas Westernoff at at the Karate and Fitness Place, 1375 F Moraga Way (in the Moraga Shopping Center next to Pennini's). Applications are available online at www.moragajuniors.org. They have to be returned to the JM School Office with the $25 fee before April 17th. For additional questions send an email to lwang393@yahoo.com. ____________________________ STRESSED OUT?!? A Teen Panel on Stress Moderated by Merritt Rollins, Las Lomas Crisis Counselor. Come and hear a teen panel talk about the stresses that today's teen faces and best practices for helping to ease the situation. Thursday, April 23rd, 7pm in the Las Lomas Theater. This FREE event is sponsored by: Las Lomas PTSA Parent & Teen Education. Please sign-up in one of the following two ways: Online AUHSD Parent Ed #056058 -or- Email schroter5@astound.net with "STRESSED OUT" written in subject line. Please include your name and high school your student attends. ____________________________ Kids!!! Ready to run a 1K or 5K Race??? Join us on April 26th at 9am at the Miramonte High School Track for a Fun Run, Brunch and Great Music!!! The 1K will begin immediately following the 5K run and will involve running approximately two laps around the track. The cost is $10 and that includes the cost of the brunch and a great t-shirt. All kids under 10 years are welcome to run in the 1K event. Bring your older brothers, sisters and parents for the 5K walk/run. Registration for Adults is $30 and for under 18 year olds the fee is $15. For more information and registration check out our website at www.JFKapnekTrust.org. ____________________________ Moraga Treeline Triathlon- Saturday, April 25 - 7am Soda Center-Moraga. The Moraga Treeline Triathlon is the ideal venue for the beginning triathlete as well as the more advanced competitor. The swim is a challenging 400 meter sprint, followed by a 22 Km bike ride (about 13 miles) winding thru a scenic redwood forest. The event culminates with a 5 K (3.1mile) run. After the event, athletes, family and friends enjoy the post-race celebration . New this year will also be a raffle with prizes donated by local merchants. To register go to at www.moragatri.com ____________________________ The Moraga Women's Society will meet on Monday, April 20 at 9:30 a.m. at the Holy Trinity Cultural Center, 1700 School Street in Moraga. The speaker will be Contra Costa County Superior Court Judge, John Minney. His topic will be "Megan, Amber and More", explaining the disclosure and registration laws applicable to sex offenders. Visitors are welcome. Contact President, Roberta Klaproth, 376-0708 ____________________________ Divorce Recovery Workshop will be held at Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church on Thursdays from April 23- June 4 at 7:00pm. The church is located at 49 Knox Dr., Lafayette. The workshop is designed to help individuals gain insight into their own experience of divorce in a supportive environment. Topics include the stages of divorce, co-dependence, forgiveness, feelings, and more. The group is led by Ray Campton, MFT who is also and ordained Presbyterian minister. A donation of $125 is requested to help cover the cost of the workshop. Please contact Gerald at gerald@LOPC.org for more information. ____________________________ Las Trampas, Inc. presents “What’s in Our Hat?”Escape to Africa Event, Sunday, April 26, from 3pm – 6:30pm, Tickets $100 per person. Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa, 3287 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette. (Safari attire encouraged – optional) One Lucky person will win $10,000 from our Safari Hat! Live Music performed by Generations in Jazz-Raffle & Silent Auction. Proceeds support adults with developmental disabilities. Bonnie Peacock at (925)284-1462 ext. 239 email: ltrampas@pacbell.net. Change to WIN 2 TICKETS -Answer "Escape to Africa" Trivia questions: How many countries make up the continent of Africa? How long is the Nile River (from it's remotest headstream to its delta into the Mediterranean Sea? Please email your answers to ltrampas@pacbell.net by April 10 - winner will be notified by April 13. ____________________________ Lamorinda emergency preparedness committees will hold a workshop the evening of April 29th. Keynote speakers are Tanya Hoover, Assistant California State Fire Marshall, and Rob Van Wormer, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Battalion Chief. They will be joined by representatives from local fire and police services and local emergency preparedness groups. We will cover current threat assessments for Lamorinda, evacuation planning, fire resistant construction and landscaping, family and neighborhood emergency plans, and resources available to assist you in your efforts. 7-9pm at the Orinda Library Auditorium (26 Orinda Way). Registration 6:30pm in the Atrium Lobby (2d floor). ____________________________ Dads for Children’s Healthcare, a 501(c)(3) organization, has been formed by a group of dads from the East Bay. Our goal is to assist organizations like Children’s Hospital in Oakland, California to maintain and enhance the highest quality of medical care. For 2009 our goal is to purchase multiple, much-needed Drager Babytherm Warming Tables for Children’s Hospital Oakland. These Warming Tables provide a unique thermal environment to care for critically ill newborns. If you would like to contribute to this cause, please join us at our Winemaker’s Tasting, Dinner and Fundraiser Orinda Country Club, Friday, May 1. Call 925-906-5358 or email us at dads4ch@comcast.net. www.dads4children.org ____________________________ Another Big Band Ball Room Dance with the Rossmoor Big Band will be on Friday, May 1st at the Art Deco Rheem Theatre in Moraga. Doors open at 7:00 pm. Dancing from 7:30-10:00pm. Tickets $10 per person-available at the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce and the Rheem Theatre in Moraga. Sponsored by the Lafayette, Moraga, and Orinda Chambers of Commerce. Call 284-7404 or go to www.lafayettechamber.org.