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Hearst Gallery: Out of This World:
Real & Imagined Images of Our Solar System, through Dec. 13. This visually dazzling exhibition chronicles the relationship between space science and art, bringing together the explorers and the artists who have illustrated their discoveries. Highlights include: art of space science, Interactive computer programs, model of the JPL Mars Rover, computer simulation of Mars Mariner Valley fly-through, Rover & Voyager 1 & 2 images, planet surfaces & their moons by famous space artists. Special event, Tuesday, Nov. 17, evening [weather permitting], star-gazing with Ron Olowin. Soda Center front patio & lawn, plenty of high-powered telescopes for all. Free! The Hearst Gallery is located at Saint Mary’s College, 1928 Saint Mary's Road, Moraga. The building is directly behind the Chapel. Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Suggested admission donation: $3.
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“October Quartet, An Exhibit of Four Artists,” features Carla Williams Gelbaum, paintings and prints, Mindy Goldman, watercolors and mixed media, Margaret Lucas-Hill, jewelry, and Judy Miller, paintings. The exhibit continues through October 31 at the Lafayette Gallery, 50 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette.
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The Moraga Art Gallery presents a group show, "Bold Statements" by local Bay Area and Lamorinda artists showing watercolors, oil painting, collage, ceramics, photography, mixed media, jewelry and glass design through October 31. The Gallery is doubly featuring the work of Angelica Samame, painter, and jewelry designs by Laura Paige. Moraga Art Gallery, 570 Center St, Rheem Valley Shopping Center/next to Longs Drugs. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 12-5 pm. (925) 376-5407.
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Lafayette resident Steve Hobbs will be exhibiting his photography at Fastframe of Lafayette during the month of November. He will have an opening reception on November 15 from 12-4 p.m. His recent focus has been in and around Lafayette, with special interest in exploring the Lafayette Reservoir and the many faces of Mount Diablo. In his landscapes Steve is always inspired by the amazing interplay of color and light, and by the story within the photograph. FASTFRAME is located at 3571 Mt. Diablo Blvd., next to Postino’s. You may view Steve's photographs online at his gallery by sending him an e-mail at sjameshobbs@sbcglobal.net.
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“All That Glitters,” is the annual holiday exhibit at the Lafayette Gallery, 50 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette. Painting, prints, photography, ceramics, watercolor and mixed media art works feature memories and personal expression. Select gallery artists create artistic ornaments and cards to welcome the season. The exhibit opens November 3 and continues through December 24, 2009. Gallery hours Tuesday-Saturday 11am – 5 pm. (925) 284-2788, www.lafayettegallery.net.
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The Bedford Gallery in Walnut Creek is hosting another fun Culture + Cocktails event on Thursday, November 12 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Bring a friend to the hippest happy hour in Walnut Creek. While you check out fifty-five of the original 6ft by 4ft posters created by well-known Bay Area artists, you can enter to win prizes and participate in hands-on art activities. Admission is $7 (includes one drink ticket). Location: Bedford Gallery is located in the Lesher Center for the Arts at 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, four blocks south of the Walnut Creek BART station. Telephone: 925/295-1417. Website: http://www.bedfordgallery.org.

Vincenza Scarpaci Book Reading/signing on Thursday, Nov. 5, 12 - 1:00 pm, Saint Mary's College in the Hagarty Lounge. Vincenza Scarpaci is a professor/author whose new book "The Journey of the Italians in America", describes the experience of immigrants and their descendants; covering the life cycle of family, work, socialization and achievements as well as exploring the deeper impact of the process from immigrant to ethnic. For more information: contact: Professor Maria Grazia De Angelis at (925) 631-4044 or
mdeangel@stmarys-ca.edu.
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How Green is Obama? Assessment of President Obama's environmental record over his first 10 months in office by Robert K. Musil, Ph.D., M.P.H., International spokesman on global warming and national security; Scholar in Residence, School of International Service, American University; Visiting Scholar, Center for Theology and Public Policy, Wesley Theological Seminary; Former Executive Director and CEO, Physicians for Social Responsibility. Monday, Nov 2, at 7 pm at the Soda Activity Center, Saint Mary's College of California, 1928 St. Mary's Rd., Moraga. Free and open to the public.
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Forum: Business Faces the Health Care Challenge: In Search of Innovative & Practical Strategies Nov. 12, 2009, 6-8:30 p.m. Saint Mary’s College of California, Soda Activity Center, 1928 St. Mary's Road, Moraga. Join fellow business managers, leaders and working professionals to hear reports from Safeway and Oracle, two contemporary corporate success stories, on how they are responding to today's health care challenge. To register, RSVP at
https://www.stmarys-ca.edu/alumni-and-friends/alumni-events/
rsvp/index.html?event=434
Cost: $20 for SMC alumni, $25 for non-alumni, free for SMC students.
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Saint Mary's College History Dept Presents: Lincoln at 200 – in Fact Rather than Fiction. A lecture to commemorate the bicentennial anniversary of the birth of America's 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. U.S. History Lecturer Gerald Henig addresses questions such as: Was he genuinely interested in the welfare of African Americans? Was he an effective military commander? Henig examines Lincoln as great emancipator, commander in chief, political leader and attempts to separate fact from fiction. Monday, Nov 16, 7:00 pm, Saint Mary’s College of California, Soda Activity Center, 1928 St. Mary's Road,
Moraga. Free and open to the public. For more information contact: (925) 631-4611.
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Creative writing series features Rebecca Wolff, the founding editor and publisher of Fence and Fence Books, and of The Constant Critic, a poetry review website. Her books of poems are Manderley, which was chosen for the National Poetry Series in 2000; Figment, which won the 2003 Barnard Women Poets Prize; and The King. When: Wednesday, November 11, 7:00 p.m. Where: Soda Activity Center, Saint Mary's College of California, 1928 St. Mary's Rd., Moraga. Contact: Saint Mary's College's MFA Program at (925) 631-4457.

Lamorinda Moms’ 12th Annual Preschool Fair will be held on Thursday, November 12 from 6:30-9:00 pm at Oakwood Athletic Club in Lafayette. Representatives from over 30 Lamorinda preschools will be available to discuss their programs and answer questions. This event is free and open to the public. Children are welcome! You will receive a comparison of each of the participating preschools and have the opportunity to meet and talk with the directors and parents from each school. In conjunction with the annual LM Preschool Fair, the Community Outreach Committee will gather donations for the Bay Area Crisis Nursery (BACN). Learn more at
www.lamorindamoms.org.
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Nor Cal Kids Triathlon on Saturday, November 14, 9 am to about 1 pm. Miramonte High School, 750 Moraga Way, Orinda. Participation is open to all kindergarten through twelfth grade students (cap of 300 total participants.) Each individual participant will compete by time (time chips) sequentially in swim, bike and run courses. Course distances are adjusted for age appropriateness. Participation fee is $40. Additional child in same family discount rate is $35. Relay Team fee is $100 (all three members of team must be in same age category). Benefits Orinda Community Fund. For more info see
www.norcalkidstri.org.
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Moraga Junior Women's Club is proudly sponsoring three one hour Self Defense Classes for Middle School Girls at The Karate & Fitness Place USA in Moraga in November. Educate yourself and learn self defense techniques in a fun and safe environment. Sign up today, as space is limited! See exact dates and times and register at www.moragajuniors.org by Thursday October 29th. Cost is $30.00.
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Attention Parents of Middle School Girls! Ever wish you could have at your fingertips the wisdom of experienced moms to help you navigate the middle school years with your daughter? Here’s the next best thing: "How to Raise a Strong, Independent Daughter and Survive"-True Confessions of Mothers of Daughters”, a Q&A with a panel of moms who did. They will share their strategies, dilemmas and successes raising their own daughters in our community. Join us for a lively session Wednesday, November 4, 7:00-8:30 at JM Intermediate School. Light refreshments served. Sponsored by the Lamorinda AAUW Sister to Sister Conference Team.
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Town Hall Theatre Halloween Movie Night on Sat, Oct 31st. Free event for kids: THK Movie Night will show Aladdin, Muppet Treasure Island, and The Blob! Check out www.TownHallTheatre.com or call our Box Office at (925)283-1557.