Hearst Gallery presents Ralph Borge:
A Symbolic Realist and His Circle, through March 14th. 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. 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.

Moraga Art Gallery
is featuring the work of 2 Moraga artists, Leslie Swartz and Mariann Mortensen. Swartz's subjects range from cats and elephants to garlic and orchids. Photographs often inspire Swartz’s paintings and drawings, as do her extensive travels. Glass Artist/Metalsmith Mortensen's fused glass creations are lit up with copper accents and rich color, as seen in her jewelry, platters, coasters and functional dishware. Local artists Wenda Pyman, photographer, and Terry Hunt, potter and sculptor, will be featured in a new show that starts March 23. Moraga Art Gallery is located at 570 Center St in the Rheem Center.

California Arts & Crafts Movement: Explore the evolution of this 20th Century art form with Associate Curator Julie Muniz. Community Hall at LLLC. Teens, Adults - No fee. consortium@lafayettelib.com. Wed., Mar. 17, 7:30-9:00 pm.

"New Images of Old Orinda", presented by Connie de Laveaga Stoops and the Orinda Historical Society. March 10, 7pm, Fellowship Hall, Orinda Community Church. Free and open to the public. A presentation of newly discovered photographs taken by Orinda pioneer E.I. de Laveaga from post-earthquake San Francisco and Orinda, 1906-1909. (See article page 7)

Town Hall Theatre is presenting Oscar Wilde’s Victorian satire "The Importance of Being Earnest" through March 27. For tickets, contact the Town Hall Theatre Box Office at (925) 283-1557, or purchase online at www.TownHallTheatre.com.

LUNAFEST a series of short films, by, for, and about Women. 3:30 p.m., Sunday, March 7 at Hagerty Lounge, De La Salle Hall, Saint Mary's College of California, 1928 St. Mary's Rd., Moraga. Tickets: $10 General/ $6 Students. Ticket information at (925) 631-4193. Also playing Saturday March 6, at the Foothill Middle School at 3pm. For more information, visit www.lunafest.org. (See article page L2)

From traditional to modern Irish dance, the Moore School puts on an excellent show. There is something for everyone from the newest/smallest dancers who will make your heart smile, to the award winning world class dancers who will make your heart soar! Performances Saturday, March 6th at 7pm and Sunday, March 7th at 2 p.m., Location: Del Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. Tickets: $15.00 general admisssion, $10.00 age 12 and under available at Lesher Center - (925) 943-SHOW (7469).

Onstage Theatre presents the premiere of Glorious Sunset, by David E. Harris. running March 5 - 28 at the Lesher Center. Love, Betrayal, Murder! Who really killed the wealthy and powerful Wilson Dean? An Audience - Interactive century old mystery that only you the audience can solve in this new play by a real life attorney. Lesher Center for the Arts in the Knights Stage 3, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, Tickets & reservations: 943-SHOW, price: $18 general $15 seniors.

The next Green Rheem Film Night is Thursday, March 11th and will feature the award-winning documentary "A Chemical Reaction," about a dermatologist who raised concerns about the chemical pesticides that people unknowingly put on their lawns, and began one of the most effective community initiatives in the history of North America. $10 for film, wine tasting, and appetizers, $8 for movie only, and $5 for students (online prices). The movie will start around 7 p.m. There will be wine tasting (Parkmon Vineyards) and appetizers in the lobby starting at 6 p.m. For information about Green Rheem or to buy tickets go online to www.sustainablelafayette.org.

Town Hall Welcomes the East Bay Children's Theatre's Presentation of Pinocchio - April 11 at 1 p.m. & 3 p.m! The beloved tale of the little wooden puppet who becomes a real, live boy is magically brought to life onstage in a world-premiere musical theatre event! Award-winning playwright and composer Ron Lytle's version of the timeless classic features an all-new score of tuneful songs, delivered by a cast of unforgettably funny characters. Info and tickets: www.townhalltheatre.com.

Weekly Wednesday evening program features prominent speakers on environmental stewardship and sustainability issues. Program begins at 6:00 p.m. with dinner followed by the speaker’s presentation from 6:45 – 7:45. Admission is Free, but donations for dinner are welcome. Youth Program and Childcare: Provided; please RSVP ((925) 254-3770) Location: St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 66 St. Stephen’s Drive, Orinda (St. Stephen’s exit off of Hwy 24) RSVP appreciated, but not required. Dates/speakers: March 10, Brad Drda, environmental manager for Norcal’s recycling and solid waste facilities in San Francisco; March 17, Nora Harlow, Public Affairs Commissioner for East Bay MUD, will discuss our water supply, treatment and purity.

Creative Writing and Reading Series: Jane Vandenburgh, the author of two novels, Failure to Zigzag, and The Physics of Sunset, Her Memoir, A Pocket History of Sex in the 20th Century, has just been published. She has taught literature and writing at U.C. Davis, at Georgetown and at the George Washington University in Washington, DC, and is this year’s Distinguished Writer-in-Residence at Saint Mary’s College of California. She lives in Point Richmond, California. When: Wednesday, March 10, 7:30 p.m. Where: Claeys Lounge, Soda Activity Center, Saint Mary's College of California, 1928 St. Mary's Rd. MFA Program at (925)631-4457.

Winter Blow-Out Used Book Sale, ½ off All Books, Friends Corner Book Shop First, Street and Golden Gate Way in Lafayette Library and Learning Center, Saturday, March 6, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

On March 16 at 9:30 a.m., the American Association of University Women OML Branch invites you to hear two speakers who are passionate about their role in advancing women and girls in Central America. Global Learning International strives to ensure high equality education for all. Johanna Langill is Co-Director (US) of School Enrichment Programs. Global Fund for Women is a Grant-making Foundation that is advancing women’s rights worldwide. Diane Gallo is Program Associate for the Americas. Hear evidence of the changes these organizations are making in Central America. The location is Holy Trinity Serbian Church Cultural Center, 1700 School Street, Moraga. Our Monthly Meetings are free and open to the Community.

“Lincoln at Gettysburg” is a class not to be missed! Held at Rossmoor’s Hillside Clubhouse (Vista Room) on Wednesday March 10th from 10 a.m. – Noon. Experienced instructor John J. Fitzpatrick, Jr., Esq., Colonel, USAFR [Ret.], and licensed battlefield guide – Gettysburg, PA will speak. This class is to learn more about the immortal Gettysburg Address in the context of the enormous personal, political and policy pressures affecting President Lincoln when he prepared and delivered it. The cost is $15. . To register, call 685-1230 ext. 2388 or go to the Web site at www.dvc.edu/emeritus.

First Friday Forum topic for March 5 is Innovation or Die: The Future of Print Journalism presented by UC Berkeley Ford Foundation Fellow, Richard Koci-Hernandez. Held in the sanctuary of Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette, this is a free event beginning at 1:30 p.m. Refreshments served at 1 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Prior to his appointment at UCB, Koci-Hernandez was a photographer at the San Jose Mercury News. He will discuss the demise of newspapers throughout the country and why this has significance for all of us. For further information call (925) 283-8722 or click on lopc.org.

The Tenth Anniversary of the Lafayette Jazz Festival, presented by Generations in Jazz Foundation will be performed at the new Lafayette Library Concert Hall, March 5th and 6th featuring jazz greats, The Frank Martin Group and Ellen Rowe and Friends. A celebration of Contra Costa Counties' best young jazz musicians will be held on March 7th with Middle and High School Honor Bands at the Veterans memorial Building. Tickets are available at the Lafayette Chamber. Shows are a great value at $5 for Thursday and Sunday and $15 for Friday and Saturday night. For ticket information, contact the Lafayette Chamber at (925) 284-7404 or visit their web site at www.lafayettechamber.org.

Under the direction of David Morales, the Cantare Chorale, 117 singers strong, with full orchestra will present Johannes Brahms’ Requiem. Joining the Chorale will be soloists Candace Johnson, soprano, and Jere Torkelsen, bass. The concert will be performed on Saturday, March 20th, 7:30pm at Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church, 1801 Lacassie (off California), Walnut Creek. This venue is wheel chair accessible. Tickets are $40 general, $35 senior and $10 youth. Advance purchase of tickets is recommended by going on-line to www.cantareconvivo.org, or by calling the ­Cantare office at (510) 836-0789.

Join us for the annual spring concert performance by the Saint Mary's College student chorus; the NightinGaels. The series includes selections from the great composers, contemporary artists and a few surprises. When: Tuesday, March 16, 8 p.m. Where: Chapel, Saint Mary's College of California, 1928 St. Mary's Rd., Moraga. Free and open to all.

The 11th Annual Sister-to-Sister summit, open to all middle-school girls, will take place on Saturday, March 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Bentley High School, 1000 Upper Happy Valley Road in Lafayette. Sister-to-Sister brings middle and high school girls together in an energizing and supportive environment to address the challenging issues of being a girl. The event is planned and facilitated by volunteer high-school girls from the Acalanes Union High School District, who have gone through a rigorous selection and training process. The cost is $30.00. Parents are invited to drop-off their girls and stay for an hour long parenting workshop on raising middle-school girls. Registration is required and should be completed before March 10, 2010. For more information or to register, go to www.aauwoml.org or call (925) 942-0102.

Chinese - Mandarin for children is now available through Orinda Recreation Dept. Storytelling method will be used in teaching. Students will be able to master Chinese Pinyin (pronunciation system), fundamental vocabulary and structure, simple and practical daily conversations, storytelling, and simple character writing. Students interested in taking SAT II or AP test in the future can start from these foundational courses. Classes start April 15th. Contact: Orinda Parks & Recreation (925) 254-2445.

Join the friendly teen crew of the S.S.S. (Sea Scout Ship) Sea Witch for a cruise on their 46 foot ship to Richmond, CA to see Sea Scout crews from the Bay Area compete in maritime events, enjoy an evening tour of the historic World War II transport ship Red Oak Victory and watch a movie with popcorn on the ship. Cruise with us or drive over on your own. Visitors always welcome! The Sea Witch ship departs the Martinez marina on Friday, Mar. 12th at 6 p.m. and returns to the Martinez marina 1 p.m. Sunday, Mar. 14th. Cost is $30 to cover meals and food. Space is limited. To register or for more information contact Mr. Rolf Lindenhayn at lindenhayn@sbcglobal.net or
917-0573.

Earthquakes: Build it, Shake it.. Break it? Learn about different types of seismic waves & what it takes for structures to remain standing, then “be the quake” & see what happens! Arts & Science Discovery Center at LLLC on Tues. Mar. 9. Session I: Grades 4 & 5 3:15-4pm. Session 2: Grade 6 4:15-5 pm. No fee Tues. Sponsored by Chabot Space & Science Cente. The Lafayette Library & Learning Center is at 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd in Lafayette.
consortium@lafayettelib.com.

Underage Drinking: Let's Change the Culture! Monday, March 8th, 7-8:30 pm at the Campolindo High School Library. The Symposium will be informative and eye-opening, providing parents with the tools needed to deter their teens from drinking. Hosted by Campolindo High School Parents Club and Healthy Choices Committee. (See article page S5)

Kids Interactive Shakespeare. Play the hero or villain. Listen to & then act out stories from the Bard’s famous plays. Community Hall at LLLC, Sun, Mar. 28, 1-2:30pm. California Shakespeare Theater, Grades 3-7 - No fee. The Lafayette Library & Learning Center is at 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd in Lafayette.
consortium@lafayettelib.com.

Prom season has arrived and The Princess Project is giving away free prom dresses and accessories to high school girls who can’t afford to buy a dress. East Bay Dress Giveaway: Saturday, March 13. Location: 2201 Broadway, Oakland, CA. San Francisco Dress Giveaway: Saturday, March 20 and Saturday March 27. All high school girls who are in financial need of a prom dress welcome; no proof financial need is required but must bring a valid high school I.D. to receive a free dress. Each girl will be able to shop and choose one accessory and one gown from thousands of gowns of all different colors, sizes, fabrics and designers. May bring one female companion to help. Wristbands for a specific appointment time during that day are given on a first come, first serve basis and are typically all distributed by 8 am. So arrive early. More info. www.princessproject.org.

Paws to Read. Would your child like to practice reading with a friendly dog? Children in grades 1-5 can read to dogs that have been selected for their sociable natures. Call or drop by the Orinda Library to sign up for this free program. Wednesdays, March 10 through April 21 3:30 - 4:30, and on Saturdays, March 13 and 27 2:30-3:30. Orinda Library, 26 Orinda Way (925) 254-2184.

The Lafayette Rotary Club
is pleased to announce the date for the “Annual Egg Hunt.” This event is open to all children ages 2-through 3rd grade. The event takes place at Plaza Park (corner of Mt. Diablo Blvd. and Moraga Rd) in Lafayette, at 10:00am, Saturday, April 3, 2010. 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 10:00 a.m.

Need Money for College? Contra Costa Association of Realtors Scholarship Foundation is offering scholarships to residents of Central 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 30th.

It has been determined to be advantageous to Orinda City and Community to establish a non-profit Orinda Community Foundation. The funds will be used similarly to the Orinda Community Fund, but have more flexibility to meet community needs. All interested are invited to attend the organizational meeting on Thursday, March 4, in the City Hall Sarge Littlehale Community Room from 5-6 p.m. Contact Sue Severson (925) 254-1679 for more information.

“Live at the Orinda” Champagne Comedy Event on March 5th begins with a gala champagne reception at 7:00 p.m., followed by laugh-packed performances from five comedians starting at 8:00 p.m. Contact the Orinda Chamber of Commerce at (925) 254-3909 or visit the Chamber’s website at http://www.orindachamber.org.

Saturday, April 17 from 9am-1pm. Volunteer Check in: 8:30 – 9:00 am at Orinda Library Plaza. Volunteer to Help and/or suggest a project. Contact: OrindaInAction@gmail.com. Co-Sponsored by City of Orinda and Orinda Association. (See article page 7)

“Healthy Eating: Delicious Vegetables,” is a one day class on Thursday, March 18th from 12-2 p.m. at the Lafayette Community Center. Instructor Denise Jardine, NE., a certified Nutrition Educator will be hold an informative, healthy eating lecture and cooking demo. For those who enjoy a more hands on experience, you can help assemble the meal, or if you prefer simply sit back and enjoy. Call 685-1230 ext. 2388 to register.

Electrifying Transportation - Why would we want or need an electric or hybrid vehicle? What will we have to choose from? What kind of maintenance will be required and where would we get it? Where and how would we charge (fuel) our vehicle? What will be the costs for all of this? Come together for an exciting evening of the latest information and a free-wheeling discussion with several leaders in the field. Arrive by 5:30 p.m. to take a look at a few display vehicles. Thursday, March 11 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Soda Center on Saint Mary's College campus - 1928 St. Mary's Road, Moraga $15 for Saint Mary's alumni, $20 for non-alumni, Free for current Saint Mary's students. Panel/program introduction and discussion begins at 6pm.

The 3rd Annual Fore Our Schools Golf Tournament is held at the Moraga Country Club on Monday, May 3, 2010. The four-person scramble format will begin at 11AM with a shotgun start. Check-in begins at 9AM and the day concludes with a buffet reception at the pool. Prizes will be awarded to the top Net and Gross teams, including other distinctions such as closest to the pin, longest drive, and more. On-Line registration is now open: www.foreourschools.org. Golf Tournament benefits the schools of Camino Pablo, Los Perales, and Rheem Elementary Schools.

Free Tax Preparation for the 2010 tax season will again be offered by Tax- Aide’s AARP sponsored IRS certified tax counselors. The service targets taxpayers of any age with special attention to those 60 plus. Tax-Aide focuses on individuals with low to moderate income but has no specific income limits. Walnut Creek Senior Center,Thursday 9 am to 2 pm by appointment. February 4 thru April 15. 1375 Civic Dr. in Walnut Creek. (925) 943-5851. Call (925) 335-8749 or 1-800-510-2020 for additional locations in your area.

It's Girl Scout Cookie Time! From March 5 through March 21, Girl Scouts will be selling those delicious cookies at various locations throughout Lamorinda, so watch for Girl Scout booths at Starbucks, Safeway, CVS-Pharmacy, Diablo Foods and Noah’s Bagels. All proceeds from the cookie sale support Girl Scouting in Northern California.

The Northern California chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society will hold its annual Walk MS at Walnut Creek Heather Farm Park on Sunday, April 18. Registration is now open at walk.msconnection.org. Over 600 walkers are anticipated this year at Heather Farm Park. This year’s festivities include live music, entertainment and family fun at Heather Farm Park. Dogs are welcome and the walk will even have a doggy rest-stop. Walk MS also needs volunteers and groups are welcome. For more information about Walk MS, to register or volunteer, visit walk.msconnection.org or call
1-800-344-4867 or email walk@msconnection.org.

Political Gatherings

Former Sacramento Bee Editorial Page Editor Peter Schrag will discuss “California: Who made the mess? Who’ll clean it up?” at the March 11th meeting of the Lamorinda Democratic Club. 7:30 p.m. general club meeting, 8:00 p.m. speaker Orinda Community Church, 10 Irwin Way, Orinda. $5 per person. Students free. More details? Call (925) 567-3367 or go to www.lamorindemoclub.org.

“Health Care Reform: What’s Next in California,” is the title of a public forum on Health Care Reform, sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley, to be held on Thursday, March 18, from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. in the Lafayette Public Library, 3491 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette. Ample parking; entrance in the rear on Golden Gate Way. Everyone is invited. No charge for admission.

Lafayette Homeowners Council is sponsoring its annual meeting on March 25th at the Lafayette Community Center, 500 St. Mary’s Road, in Lafayette beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the Sequoia Room. All Lafayette residents are invited to attend. Mayor Brandt Andersson will speak on the “State of the City,” after which the audience will be invited to participate in a question and answer period on any City or homeowner issue of interest. This is your best opportunity to speak to your elected City officials. Come join us March 25!

Moraga Movers next luncheon will be March 8 at the Saint Mary's Soda Center at 11:00 a.m. The Speaker will be Budd MacKenzie, the founder of Trust in Education, formed to provide health care, education and economic development programs in Afghanistan. Among TIE’s projects are the building of a secular school, making micro-business loans, expanding agricultural production, improving irrigation systems, and providing capital for whatever will assist the villagers in becoming economically independent. Local residents age 55 and over interested in activities of the 400-plus Moraga Movers organization are welcome to call membership chairman Julie Fisher at 376-7408. Information on regular activities and upcoming special events and tours is available at the luncheon.

The Suburban Woman's Club of Lafayette meets on the 3rd Thursday of the month at the Lafayette Community Center in the Elderberry Room at 11:30 a.m. We invite all women over the age of 55 to join us. Lunch is provided by the members and an interesting speaker is scheduled. For more information on the club and our activities contact Jean Cappa at Jeanc43821@aol.com.

Sons In Retirement Lamorinda Branch 171 meets the first Wednesday monthly at Holy Trinity Culture Center 1700 School St. Moraga. The next meeting will be March 3rd. Social hour 11 a.m., Lunch at 12 p.m. The after lunch speaker will be Craig W. Hartman, FAIA, of Skidmore, Owens & Merrill LLP. Hartman designed the Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland that opened to rave reviews this past September 25th. The cathedral has received numerous awards and Hartman will speak on the advanced technologies used to create this extraordinary structure. For details and membership information, call Tom Lenz at (925) 376-7724.

Rotary Club of Moraga is staging its 8th Annual "A Nite at the Races" event, Saturday night, March 13, 2010 at the Holy Trinity Cultural Center on School Street in Moraga. For information and reservations, please contact Barbara Bruner at (925) 376-4281 ( barbbruner@comcast.net ). All proceeds from this event will fund local youth educational and humanitarian causes.

Montelindo Club general meeting and speakers, third Friday of the month, Orinda Community Church, #10 Irwin Way, Orinda. Refreshments and plant sale at 9 a.m., meeting at 9:30, speaker at 10:30. The meeting is free and welcomes guests and new members.Website: www.montelindogarden.com., email contact: montelindogarden@aol.com. The speaker for the March 19 meeting will be Patrice Hanlon from the Heather Farm Gardens who will talk about learning to plant by seeds, cuttings or division.

Lafayette Garden Club meets at 9:30 a.m. on the Second Thursdays monthly at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette. Contact: petersonb4@aol.com. On Thursday March 11, Catherine Watters will speak on the "History and Appreciation of Botanical Art". She will bring period engravings as well as contemporary paintings and the supplies used. Note cards and wrapping paper will be available for sale.