Hearst Gallery presents Ralph Borge: A Symbolic Realist and His Circle, January 17 - March 14, 2010. A retrospective exhibition by California College of the Arts’ beloved master professor of painting and drawing, Ralph Borge (1921 - 2009), including a selection of works by some of his most noted former students. Opening Day Events: Sunday, January 17, 2-3 p.m. Panel discussion, moderated by Vincent Perez, with Philip Linhares, chief curator, Oakland Museum of California, Richard McLean, Jack Mendenhall, and Borge’s son, Jason. Reception following, from 3 to 5 p.m., with Martha Borge and many of the other artists in attendance. Musicians Julian Smedley and Michelé Borge, daughter of the artist, will perform during the reception. 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. The Opening Reception is free.

The Lafayette Gallery is pleased to announce the opening of our new winter show “Treasures from the Heart,” which focuses on distinctive gifts for the special people in your life. "Treasures from the Heart" will be on display from January 5 to March 6, 2010. The Gallery is open from 11:00 to 5:00 from Tuesday through Saturday. You are warmly invited to a Champagne and Chocolate Reception on Friday, January 29th, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Lafayette Gallery, located at 50 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette. Gallery hours Tuesday-Saturday, 11 AM – 5 PM, phone (925) 284-2788, www.lafayettegallery.net.

Moraga Art Gallery will present a new group show, "Three Continents," featuring local artists showing watercolor, acrylic and oil paintings, ceramics, photography, mixed media, jewelry and glass designs. The show begins January12, followed by an Opening Reception, 3-5 p.m., January 23, and will run through March 14, 2010. The Gallery is featuring the work of two Moraga artists, Leslie Swartz and Mariann Mortensen. Swartz has recently landed in the Lamorinda art scene with works that defy definition as either realistic or abstract. Her subjects range from cats and elephants to garlic and orchids. Glass Artist/Metalsmith Mortensen crochets fine sterling silver wire into delicate necklace chains and hammers various metals into organic shapes for pendants. Her fused glass creations are lit up with copper accents and rich color, as seen in her jewelry, platters, coasters and functional dishware.

Rip Van Winkle will be presented at LeFervre Theatre in January. Audiences, young or old, will delight in this entertaining story, written in 1820 by Washington Irving and adapted for the stage by SMC Professor Michael Cook. Find out where Rip goes, why he is gone for so long, and what happens upon his return to his village. The short story is elaborated into a full one-hour of children-focused entertainment. When: Wednesday, January 27, at 7 p.m. and Thursday, January 28, at 4 p.m. Where: LeFevre Theatre, Saint Mary's College of California, 1928 St. Mary's Rd., Moraga. Ticket Price: $8.00. Please call (925) 631-4670 or e-mail scahill@stmarys-ca.edu.

California Independent Film Festival screens "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest"-Jan 16th, 2010, 7 PM, Orinda Theatre. Q&A with Oscar winner Louise Fletcher (Nurse Ratched). General Admission: $20; Seniors & Students: $15; $125 Movie, Q&A & VIP Reception. Tickets available at Orinda & Rheem Theatres and www.caiff.org or call (925) 277-1355 for info. See article.

Green Rheem Film Night, Thursday January 14, will feature the documentary “Fresh.” Local wine and appetizers at 6pm and the movie begins at 7pm. "Fresh" celebrates the farmers, thinkers and business people across America who are re-inventing our food system. It shows the incredible creativity of individuals who are devoting their lives to producing food differently. By forging healthier, sustainable alternatives to mass-produced food, they offer a practical vision for a future of our food and our planet. Green Rheem is organized by Generation Green, Sustainable Moraga, Sustainable Lafayette, and Parents for a Safer Environment. Movie, wine tasting, and appetizers - $10 online, $12 at theater. Movie only - $8 online, $10 at theater. Student - $5 online or at theater. Google "Green Rheem."

California Water: Crisis or Crossroads is the topic for First Friday Forum on January 8 at 1:30 p.m. in the sanctuary at Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette. Michael Herberger of the Pacific Institute, with degrees in engineering and hydrology, will explore how insecurity over our most vital resource, water, poses threats to our health, environment and economy, and how we need to change the way we think about water management and use in the 21st century. Refreshments will be served at 1:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. The public is encouraged to attend. For further information call (925) 283-8722 or visit www.lopc.org

Silver Voices Presents an Interactive Poetry Reading Event with Gayle Eleanor, Stan Morner, and other members of Silver Voices, a local poets’ organization established by the Ina Coolbrith Circle. Poems by both famous and lesser-known poets will be featured and the afternoon will involve the audience in fun ways. Enjoy light refreshments provided by ResCare HomeCare. Fri ., Jan 29, 1;30 – 3:00pm. Lafayette Senior Services, Elderberry Room, 500 Saint Mary’s Road, Lafayette. All event/programs $1 Members/ $3 Non-Members. Please call 284-5050 to reserve a spot.

“What Next for Students Entering the Work Force?” Julia Moulden is an author and career consultant who offers practical advice to help job-seekers answer questions such as “What are my motivations?” “What skills can I leverage?” “Where is the greatest need?” and “How do I get there from here?” She believes that in the next few decades, we have a remarkable opportunity to realize our full potential and, in doing so, to solve many of the problems that face us. Moulden’s concept is a powerful new idea sweeping North America, in which “doing good” can mean more than volunteering and philanthropy - that how we earn our living can become the way we give back. When: Thursday, January 21, at 7 pm. Where: Soda Activity Center, Saint Mary's College of California, 1928 St. Mary's Rd., Moraga. Contact: Patty Bishop, Career Development Center, pbishop@stmarys-ca.edu. Free and open to the public.

Date Correction:
On January 19th the Orinda-Moraga-Lafayette branch of the American Association of University Women proposes the perfect presentation for the New Year: TriEnergetics: Balancing Nurtition, Exercise and Mindfulness for Lasting Wellness. Developed by a father-and-son team of medical doctors, TriEnergetics is a comprehensive, holistic approach to complete physical, mental, and spiritual health. This integrative blending of Eastern and Western medicine presents a six-week program for creating dynamic energy, mastering stress, and achieving diet and weight-loss goals. Sanford Severin is a physician in private practice and assistant professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco.
Date January 19, 2010, time: 10:00 a.m., venue: Holy Trinity Serbian Cultural Center, 1700 School Street, Moraga. Event is free and open to the public.

Starting Monday, Jan. 4th, Janice Litvin offers Zumba Fitness classes on Mondays & Wednesdays at 9:15 am. at the Lafayette Community Center. Babysitting is offered through the Tot Drop program in the same building. Zumba Fitness provides a fun-filled hour of Latin music and basic steps including Salsa, Cha Cha, Tango and even some belly dance. Zumba's program is based on interval training methodology which raises and lowers the heart rate to burn 300 - 800 calories. To see Zumba in action go to www.ZumbaContraCosta.com/videos. For more information contact the community center office at 284-2232 or register online at: www.LafayetteRec.org.

Susan Edgren Williams, founder of the Orinda Academy of Ballet, is offering a new ballet program at the Moraga Hacienda in January, as part of the City of Moraga’s Parks and Recreation program for 2010. The new program at the Hacienda will include classes for young children through adults. Susan will incorporate her extensive training, performance and teaching experience at the Oakland Ballet and around the world. Students may be offered various opportunities to perform around the Bay Area as they progress in their training. Moraga Parks & Recreation, www.moraga.ca.us, (925) 888-7045.

Health Medicine Forum (HMF) hosts “Emotional Wellness: Letting Go,” the 6th event of the Rethinking Wellness Series, at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek on Tuesday, January 26th. Presentations begin at 7:15 pm. Opportunity to network and meet the speakers before and after the presentations. Tickets: $5 Students and Seniors / $10 Health Medicine Forum members*/ $15 Advance (non-HMF members) / $20 At the door (non-HMF members). Tickets may be purchased at the box office, over the phone or on the website: www.lesherartscenter.org. Box Office: (925) 943-7469 (925) 943-SHOW).

Strokes – Are You or a Loved One At Risk? Harvey Brosler, Contra Costa County Stroke Support Group.
One of the three most common killers is a stroke. Learn what causes a stroke and how to recognize when a stroke is happening so that you or your family member can avoid some of the devastating effects. The discussion will also include some tips on controlling diabetes and comments about heart disease. Mr. Brosler will speak from personal experience as well as a facilitator of the Contra Costa County Stroke Support Group. Tues, Jan 26, 10:30 - Noon. Lafayette Senior Services, 500 Saint Mary’s Road, Lafayette. All event/programs $1 Members/ $3 Non-Members. Please call 284-5050 to reserve a spot.

Parent Education Night: When things go “haywire” even with parent’s best intentions. Wednesday, February 3, from 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., 66 St. Stephen’s Drive, Orinda. Youth and young adult experts Dr. Francis Bartolomeo, Jack Kline and Karen Fitzhugh from CRC Health Group will talk in a panel format on helping our youth manage stress and issues that can result in unhealthy behavior. Free/No cost to attend. No reservations needed. Phone: 254-3770; email: office@ststephensorinda.org; website: www.ststephensorinda.org.

Roughing It Day Camp Show & Tour: January 18th @3:00 PM located at 1010 Oak Hill Road, Lafayette CA 94549. Free. Whole family welcome. Snacks & refreshments provided.

Lindsay Wildlife Museum will open its doors the evening of Saturday, January 30, for a special event: Wild Night at the Museum. This fun family fundraiser, running from 6 to 9:30 pm, will feature a show by Peter Gros of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom along with several live wild animals including a Burmese Python, Ring Tail Lemur and African Serval. Ticket price is $50.00 for one adult and one child. Additional children (under 18) are only $10.00 each. Proceeds from the event will support the Lindsay Wildlife Museum’s education and wildlife rehabilitation programs. For ticket information please contact Mary McAfee at (925) 627-2951 or visit the museum’s website at www.wildlife-museum.org.

The 2nd Annual “Heart of the Home” Kitchen Tour returns on Wednesday, February 10, from 9:30-1:30. See six beautiful, remodeled kitchens. Tempting offerings will be available for raffle, craftsmen and designers will be in some homes, and crepes will be freshly cooked. Very special cooking classes offered for sign-up. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at Shelby’s, Theater Square in Orinda, where 15% is donated to the cause. Tickets: $25, available at McDonnell Nursery, Orinda Books, Elaine’s Nails (Orinda), Lazy K Gifts (Lafayette), Ace’s Across the Way (Moraga) and Miramonte High School’s webstore. The proceeds fund a safe Grad Night celebration. Tour hotline 212-4208.

Green Rheem Film Night Series seeks student interns (think credit!) and adult volunteers. Support the showing of an educational documentary related to the environment every 2nd Thursday evening of the month. Please contact Susan JunFish at junfish@gmail.com for more info on how just an hour of your time a month can help keep this going and support the Rheem Theater from closing.

Listen Up – Update on Hearing Loss and the Hearing Aid Technologies Today with Dr. Mimi Salamat, Ph.D Audiology. Detecting hearing loss early to avoid missing out, maintaining quality of life, costs and processes entailed with bringing the latest hearing aid technologies into your life, how to find the best hearing professionals, and avoiding scams so prevalent in the industry – these are only a few of the topics “Dr. Mimi” will cover during this morning session. Twenty minute hearing screenings by appointment are available for two clients following this lecture. Thurs Jan 28, 10:30 - Noon. Lafayette Senior Services, 500 Saint Mary’s Road, Lafayette. All event/programs $1 Members/ $3 Non-Members. Please call 284-5050 to reserve a spot.

Free Tax Preparation for the 2010 tax season will again be offered by Tax Aide’s AARP sponsored program. The service is available starting February 2010 to low and moderate income taxpayers of any age but special attention will be given to seniors 60 plus. Please call 1.800.510.2020 or 925.335.8749 for Tax Aide locations in your community.

The Ygnacio Valley Republican Women Federated will meet at the Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Road, Clayton on Wednesday, January 20 at 10:15am. General Meeting/Luncheon guest speaker is returning brave Iraq veteran Eric Boettcher. Luncheon $22--Call for Reservations: Barbara Allen at 925/672-5061 or e-mail jngcabot@pacbell.net. Please help our hospitality ladies with payment by check or with exact amount whenever possible.

The Moraga Lions Club Crab Feed will be held on Saturday January 23, 2010, at the Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church in Moraga (1700 School Street). There will be a no host bar starting at 6 pm with dinner starting at 7 pm. The menu will consist of salad, garlic bread, crab, pasta, dessert and complimentry wine. Following dinner there will be a live auction and raffle. Tickets are $40 per adult, $20 per child 6 through 12 and free for children under 6. Order your tickets now before it sells out. Contact: Mike Holland at (925) 377-1861 or jmichaelholland@yahoo.com.

The Knites of Columbus Council #7683 will host their annual Crab Feed on Saturday, January 30, 2010, in St. Monica's Peace Room in Moraga. Appetizers and no-host Cocktails will be served beginning at 6:00pm. Dinner will be served at 7:30pm and will include salad, pasta, french bread, fresh cracked crab and dessert. Chicken is available when ordered in advance. Tickets are $50, must be reserved and paid for in advance and are nonrefundable. For tickets contact Karl Anderson at 283-3679.

Crab Feed & Dance – Saturday, February 7, 6:00 – 11:00 PM. Bring your appetites & dancing shoes. Music provided by popular DJ. Dinner & dance $35; dance only $10. For information and reservations call (925) 672-6799. Holy Trinity Cultural Center, 1700 School Street, Moraga.

3rd Annual Soroptimist Crab Feed & Silent Auction. All you can eat crab, pasta, salad, bread, dessert & Live Jazz band. Funds raised support programs that improve the lives of women and girls in our community. Saturday, 20 February 2010, 6:00 p.m., Oakwood Athletic Club-Lower Court, 4000 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, Tickets $40; advance purchase required. Call (925) 688-1480 or www.soroptimist24-680.org.

Winter rose pruning - January thru mid-February. Sign up now to have experienced Contra Costa Rose Society members prune your roses and answer rose-related questions unique to your garden. Cost per rose bush starts at $7, more for climbers and large bushes. Call Annie (925) 330-6212.

January 13, 10:30 a.m., Cynthia Brian (Lamorinda Weekly's Digging Deep columnist) speaks to the Orinda Valley Garden Club about Tips, Tricks, and Tonics in the Garden. Contact Joyce Nelson at 254-7265 for information.

Rose Pruning Workshop, McDonnnell Nursery,196 Moraga Way, Orinda, Jan. 30 at 10:00 am. Please RSVP: call 254-3713 or info@mcdonnellnursery.com.