Wenda Pyman, photographer, and Terry Hunt, potter and sculptor, will be featured in a new show, "Spring Fever" at the Moraga Art Gallery. Wenda Pyman is a landscape, travel and nature photographer; her body of work shows a heavy emphasis on Mount Diablo and images of other East Bay environs. Terry is attached to Japanese potter ideals, especially shino and temoku glazes, but also embraces a larger palette that includes ash-glazes and copper-reds. The gallery is located at the Rheem Valley Shopping Center in the Town of Moraga. Hours: 12:00 - 5:00p.m. - Tuesday through Sunday.

The artists of Lafayette Gallery are pleased to present "Fresh and Beautiful,” a show that extols spring in paintings, collage, prints, ceramics, photography, jewelry and much more. Spring is the season of promise. After a cold and wet winter, spring promises warmer and drier days, the bold colors of the season's first wildflowers, hikes in the verdant hills, the sweet taste of new strawberries. Join us on April 17th between 2 and 5 p.m. for a very special reception celebrating both spring and the reopening of our Sculpture Garden. Lafayette Gallery is located at 50 Lafayette Circle in Lafayette. Gallery hours are Tuesday to Saturday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Moraga resident William Stout will be exhibiting his photography at Fastframe of Lafayette during the month of April, with an opening reception on Sunday, April 11 from noon-4 p.m. The exhibition will consist of Northern California landscape and still life prints. Fastframe is located at 3571 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Call owner Anthony Ruiz at (925) 283-7620 for more information, and see William’s work online at www.wtstout.com.

Andy Warhol's Quick Pix and Pop Icons will be on display April 11 - June 20, 2010 at the Hearst Art Gallery. A large selection of the College’s collection of 152 Polaroid photographs and 8” x 10” black and white gelatin silver prints, awarded through the Warhol Foundation’s Photography Legacy Project, forms the exhibition’s core, including portraits of Warhol's friends, runway shots, Studio 54 scenes, nudes, New York streets and bridges, as well as 1970s and 80s celebrities. Hearst Art Gallery is located at Saint Mary's College of California, 1928 St. Mary's Rd., Moraga. Gallery Hours: Wed. – Sun., 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Main Telephone: (925) 631-4379. Website: www.hearstartgallery.org.

Opening Day Events: A panel discussion, Sunday, April 11, 2 p.m., Soda Activity Center, free admission, with Wesley Gibson, professor, guest curator and exhibition essayist, and Dan Leopard, film professor, SMC Warhol film course professor, moderated by art writer and critic Robert Taylor.

Nationally recognized California artist Andrew Denman is hosting his first ever studio show. The exhibition will include over twenty-five new works featuring a variety of wildlife subjects including local and exotic birds, big cats, marine mammals, and even primates, all approached with the artist's unique, award-winning combination of hyper-realism, stylization, and abstraction. Public Reception: Saturday, May 1st, 4-7p.m., Denman Studios, 20 Parkway Court, Orinda. Call (925) 258-9342 to arrange a viewing.

Town Hall Welcomes the East Bay Children's Theatre's Presentation of Pinocchio - April 11 at 1p.m. & 3p.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.

"Sera" a world premiere play by SMC alum Angela Santillo Directed by Rebecca Engle, April 22 and 23 at 8 p.m; April 24 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m; and April 25 at 2 pm. LeFevre Theatre, Saint Mary's College, 1928 St. Mary's Rd., Moraga. For ticketing information, call Sharon Cahill, (925) 631-4670, or email scahill@stmarys-ca.edu.

Amador Valley High School’s Environmental Club will be showing the award-winning film "Flow" about the world water crisis. The film has won many awards, including Best Documentary at the United Nations Association Film Festival and Jury Prize at the 2008 Mumbai International Film Festival. Amador Valley High School’s multipurpose room on Wednesday, April 21, 7:00- 9:00 p.m. Admission is free and snacks will be for sale. Admission is free and snacks will be for sale. The club can be contacted at avhsenvironmental@yahoo.com.

The excitement of a world premier comes to Saint Mary’s College, April 22-25, as the Performing Arts Department presents Sera, a haunting new play by Angela Santillo. Sera performs in LeFevre Theatre on the Saint Mary's campus, April 22,23 and 24 at 8 p.m; and April 24 and 25 at 2 p.m. Tickets are: $15 general; $12 Seniors (65+); $12 non-SMC students; $12 SMC faculty and staff; $8 SMC students. For reservations: (925) 631-4670. An audience talk-back, with the cast and director, will follow the opening night performance on Thursday April 22nd. For reservations: (925) 631-4670.

With over 90 fourth and fifth grade students participating, Glorietta Elementary School presents its 12th annual spring musical filled with headstrong fairies, treacherous pirates, and ticking crocodiles. This large-scale Peter Pan show featuring dramatic fight scenes, spectacular choreography, innovative sets, and opulent costumes is not to be missed. Performances of Peter Pan will be at the Glorietta Elementary School Multipurpose Room on Friday, April 30 at 4:00p.m. and 7:00p.m. and Saturday, May 1 at 3:00p.m. and 7:00p.m. Tickets go on sale April 19th on the Glorietta website and are $10.00 (premier) seating and $6.00 (standard) seating.

Saint Mary's College Dance Company presents works by critically acclaimed guest choreographer Janice Garrett, Internationally-known choreographer Jia Wu, Nationally recognized choreographers, Catherine Marie Davalos, Dana Lawton, Rosana Barragan and esteemed faculty members Shuanna Vella and Pope Flynn. Thursday May 6, Friday May 7, and Saturday May 8 in Le Fevre Theater, 1928 St. Mary's Rd., Moraga. All shows at 8p.m. Admission: $10 general admission, $8 seniors/non-SMC students, $5 SMC Community. Tickets and information available at (925) 631-4670.

First Friday Forum - Professor Maximillian Aufhammer will speak on The Economics of Climate Change April 9 at 1:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary of the Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette. An assistant professor of Agricultural Resource Economics and International and Area Studies, Aufhammer will discuss how they can predict and comprehend the impacts of climate change. Refreshments will be served at 1:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Come with your questions. This is a free event. Please note the change to the second Friday in April. For further information call (925) 283-8722 or click on lopc.org.

The Theology & Religious Studies Department of Saint Mary's College presents "Whatsoever You Did to the Least of These: Art, Ethics, and the Parable of the Sheep and Goats" a lecture by Saint Mary's College Professor Tom Poundstone. Tuesday, April 13, 7 - 8:30 p.m., Soda Activity Center, Saint Mary's College, 1928 St. Mary's Road, Moraga. Free and open to the public.

"Warhol the Filmmaker" presented by David E. James, PhD, professor at the School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California, Academy Film Scholar, Getty Fellow, and author of numerous books on Hollywood and avant-garde film and music. Wednesday, April 14, 7 p.m., Soda Activity Center, Saint Mary's College, 1928 St. Mary's Rd., Moraga. Free-all are welcome. Sponsored by the Disney Forum and Communications Department.

“Cochise and Crazy Horse” is a class held on the DVC Campus on Fri., April 16 and 23 from 1 – 3 p.m. This class is a fascinating study of Native American culture seen through the lives of two extraordinary leaders, Cochise, an Apache, and Crazy horse, a Lakota, who fought to save their indigenous way of life from the destructive force of American Westward expansion. Parking permit mailed with registration. The cost is $22. Call to register at 685-1230 ext. 2388 or visit our Web site www.dvc.edu/emeritus. Emeritus College offers not-for-credit, short-term, affordable classes.

The Contra Costa Tale Spinners Swap meets at the Orinda Library, 26 Orinda Way in the Gallery Room from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. April 22 is Long and Short Stories. Come hear, be delighted. We welcome anyone to share a story, be it funny or sad, true or not. Contact Sally at (925) 372-7036 or Bobbie at (510) 655-5608.

The UC Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Music Director David Milnes, will perform at Orinda Community Church, 10 Irwin Way in Orinda, on Sunday, April 11 at 3 p.m. The program will include Beethoven's Violin Concerto with violin soloist April Paik, and Richard Strauss's Metamorphosen for 23 solo strings. The concert is free of charge with a free will offering to be taken.

Piano Jazz Café Featuring Members of the Contra Costa Performing Arts Society. Join us again for a Friday afternoon concert by CCPAS jazz piano musicians. The music varies from show tunes and jazz standards to original compositions and features the brand new concert grand Steinway at the new Lafayette Library and Learning Center. Call Lafayette Senior Services at 284-5050 to let us know you are coming. $3 Members/ $5 Non-Members. Light refreshments will be served thanks to Aegis of Moraga, assisted living and memory care. Fri, April 16, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m, Lafayette Library and Learning Center, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd.

Swing to top notch Big Band jazz with the Michael Vax Big Jazz Orchestra with vocalist Cami Thompson at the Rheem Theatre on Sunday April 25, 2-5 p.m. Sponsored by the Friends of Big Band Jazz and the Moraga Chamber of Commerce. Tickets for the event will be available at the Rheem Theatre Box office (925) 988-3411, or on line at www.bigbandjazz.net. Adult tickets: $18, Students with ID: $10. Contact the Moraga Chamber of Commerce, Yelena Mucovich at (925) 376-6850 or FBBJ, David Pierce (925) 253-5424.

Join us as the Saint Mary's College student Jazz Band under the direction of John Maltester takes the stage on Thursday, April 29, at 8 p.m. Where: Soda Activity Center, Saint Mary's College of California, 1928 St. Mary's Rd., Moraga. Free and open to all.

The next Big Band Ball Room Dance featuring the Big Band of Rossmoor will be held on Friday, May 7 at the Veterans Memorial Building, 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette. Come swing with your friends and neighbors-or just listen! Doors open at 7 p.m. and the dance runs from 7:30 p.m. through 10 p.m. There will be a no-host bar open throughout the evening. Tickets $10 per person available at the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce. Call 284-7404 for reservations www.lafayettechamber.org.

Orinda Lodge # 122 F&AM will sponsor Orinda Troop 122 for special needs boys age 11 and older. Meetings will be held at the Orinda Masonic Center, located at 9 Altarinda Rd in Orinda, at 6:30p.m. on the second and forth Thursdays of each month. Prospective scouts from the Acalanes High School District and area elementary schools are invited to participate. Eagle Scouts and/or other experienced scout leaders are invited to contact us to offer guidance in launching the troop. Herb Lederman at (925) 631-0229 or Mary April at (925) 674-6122.

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.

Wednesday April 7 10:00 - 11:30 Oakland Zoo presents "ZooMobile" Learn about h habits, habitats and survival challenges of rescued and exotic animals from the Oakland Zoo @ the Arts and Discovery Center at the LLLC - for families free. The Lafayette Library & Learning Center is at 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd in Lafayette. consortium@lafayettelib.com

The Moraga-Orinda Fire District is hosting our Annual Spring Open House on Saturday, April 10th, from 10am-2pm, at Station 45 – 33 Orinda Way, Orinda. The theme for this season’s Open House is “Promoting Fire Safety in the Urban Interface Area of Orinda”. This exciting event is a great time to bring the kids to meet our local firefighters, and see all the firefighting equipment. Kids and adults can learn about how to be safe around water, bicycle safety, and how to do a home safety hazard hunt. Adults can learn how to use a fire extinguisher using our live simulator. There will be a bounce house, free popcorn and raffle prizes for the kids.

Tuesday evening April 20, 7:00p.m. at the Holy Trinity Serbian Cultural Center, Moraga. AAUW OML invites you to meet our newest Tech Trek and Scholarship recipients from the Lamorinda middle schools, Acalanes District high schools and St. Mary’s College community. “What do Scientists do? Students’ Evolving Conceptions” will be the keynote talk by Susan Marston, PhD for the Scholarship and Tech Trek Awards program.

April activities at the Moraga Library, 1500 Saint Mary’s Road, Moraga:
Crafty Storytime, Tuesdays, April 13 thru 27 at 4 p.m. ages 3-7.
Lapsit, Wednesdays, April 14 thru 2 at 10 a.m. for ages 6 to 24 months.
Toddlertime, Wednesdays, April 14 thru 28 at10:45 a.m. for ages 2-31/2 with adult participation
“Paws to Read”, Thursdays, April 1 through 29 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Registration required to read to a friendly certified therapy dog. Children must be in first to fifth grade. Each session is 20 minutes.
Questions? call (925) 376-6852.

Preparing Parents for the College Transition: Coping with the Many Decisions and Emotions that Lie Ahead. A workshop for parents of juniors and seniors; presented by Maisha Beasley, Director of New Student and Family Programs at St. Mary’s College. Monday, April 19, 7:00 to 9:00p.m., Miramonte High School Theatre, 750 Moraga Way, Orinda. For flyer see http://www.acalanes.k12.ca.us/parents/. Click on “High School Information Nights.”

JF Kapnek Trust 7th Annual 5K/1K Family Fun Run on April 25th at 9:00a.m. at Miramonte High School in Orinda. There will be races for children as well as adults along with music from Zimbabwe, children's crafts and activities and a delicious brunch. Proceeds from this event will go to the Trust's efforts to diminish the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on the children and families of Zimbabwe. Registration fee includes brunch and a T-shirt. Register online at www.active.com (keyword: Kapnek) or go to the Trust's website at www.jfkapnektrust.org.

Other

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 10:00a.m.

Orinda Rotary Club's Annual Egg Hunt will be held on Saturday, April 3 at 11:00 a.m. sharp at the Orinda Community Center Play Field. There will be over 1000 eggs and 40 prizes as well as pictures with the White Bunny. Ages: Toddlers through Kindergarten and Grades 1 and 2 only. Plan on arriving at least 30 minutes before, park on the street or at the Rite Aid lot. Be sure to bring a basket.

Orinda in Action. Lend a Hand to Beautify our Community. Accept the Challenge to Clean up our City on
Saturday, April 17 from 9a.m.-1p.m. Volunteer Check in: 8:30 – 9:00 a.m. 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 )

All are invited to attend Saint Mary's Medieval Notte in Piazza on Tuesday, April 20, starting at 5:50 p.m.. This year the Notte in Piazza will have a medieval theme, bringing together the Dante Club, the Medieval Club, the Nightingaels, Saint Mary’s medieval choir and our Performing Arts students and faculty as they transport you to an era of beautiful damsels, knights and great medieval fare. There will be fencing demonstrations, medieval choirs, songs, dancing, a court of lords and ladies and a banquet. Chapel Plaza, Saint Mary's College of California, 1928 St.Mary's Rd., Moraga. For more information: Constanza Dopfel cdopfel@stmarys-ca.edu.

The fourth annual Moraga Treeline Triathlon will be held Saturday, April 24. 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 thru the Campolindo subdivision before finishing with a lap around the Campolindo Track and a finish in front of the grandstand. After the event, athletes, family and friends enjoy the post-race feast and refreshments while awards are presented to the top three finishers in each division. For more information visit www.moragatri.com.

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.

Lafayette Service League presents the Annual Tossed Treasures Sale at the Community Center on Sat., April 24 (9 to 3) and Sun., April 25 (11 to 2). Proceeds benefit the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano Counties and the Lafayette Community Center. The group is seeking donations, such as jewelry, glassware, special knick-knacks, collectibles, silver, china, crystal, kitchenware, linens and tableware, fabrics, small furniture, art work and decorative pieces, CD's and DVD's, books, baskets, children’s' items, tools and garden items. If you have donations or questions, please call Diane at 283-8790 or Jackie at 284-4131.

Las Trampas, Inc. presents “What’s in Our Hat?” THE BIG GAME! – What is your College alma mater?
(Show your spirit and wear your team colors – optional.) Sunday, April 25 from 3p.m. – 6:30p.m.
Tickets $100 per person; includes a chance to win $10,000! Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa, 3287 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette, California. Live music performed by Generations in Jazz. Raffle & Silent Auction. Proceeds support adults with developmental disabilities. Tickets: Connie Peacock at (925)284-1462 ext. 239 email: ltrampas@pacbell.net.

Learn about Important Tools for Managing Depression, Delirium and Dementia. Acquire practical tools that will enhance your life and the lives of your loved ones. This workshop will clarify what depression really is, its signs and symptoms, the wisdom needed as we cope more and more with loss in our lives, what distinguishes delirium from dementia, managing declining memory acuity and how to better communicate with a loved one who has dementia. Thurs, April 22, 11- noon.
Lafayette Senior Services/Lafayette Community Center, 500 Saint Mary’s Rd, Lafayette. CALL (925)284-5050 to reserve a spot.

Help shelter animals! Please help Cheyenne Ziermann, a Campolindo junior, collect 200 reusable blankets and towels for the Peninsula Humane Society. Other pet supplies like toys, unopened treats or pet foods are needed, too. Cheyenne is part of Girl Scout Troop # 31997 in Moraga and this is her Gold Award project. Please bring all donations to 60 Corte Yolanda, Moraga (drop box provided). Any questions, contact Cheyenne at SheebaJeans68@comcast.net.

CILSA's 3rd annual 5K Run 4 Hunger at Saint Mary's College will take place on Sunday April 25. $5 or 5 canned foods to participate; the money will be donated to Oxfam America and food will be donated to the Solano and Contra Costa County Food Bank. Registration begins at 10a.m. and run will begin at 10:30. Visit stmarys-ca.edu/academics/cilsa/ to register. E-mail djbowen3@gmail.com with questions.

Lafayette Garden Club Presents “Gardens for Gardeners Tour” May 13, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Come and tour four, beautiful, private gardens in Lafayette and the Burton Valley School Garden Classroom. There will be a boutique with handcrafted items, refreshments and plants for sale at one of the gardens. Proceeds from this tour will benefit area schools and Lafayette Seniors’ garden education projects. Price: $25 per ticket, $100 for 5 Tickets. Tickets available day of tour for $30. For Ticket Sales Contact: Julie Carlson. Phone: (925) 284-7547, E-mail: jacarls@comcast.net.

Pacific High Class of 1970 40th Reunion. When: Saturday July 31 2010. Where: Hilton Hotel, 7050 Johnson Drive in Pleasanton, California. For information: email to phsreunion1970@aol.com or write to PHS70 Reunion, 908 Scenic Court, Modesto, CA 95355.

Moraga Junior Women’s Club’s 7th Annual Garden Tour, Saturday, May 1, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., rain or shine. All tour proceeds to benefit the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano County’s Farm 2 Kids program.
Tickets & more info available at www.moragajuniors.org.

The 3rd Annual Fore Our Schools Golf Tournament is held at the Moraga Country Club on Monday, May 3. The four-person scramble format will begin at 11a.m. with a shotgun start. Check-in begins at 9a.m. 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.

2010 Moraga Community Faire, Sat., May 8, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Rheem Shopping Center. Featuring: classic car show, local artists, wine and beer, Kidz Zone with chalk drawing & bounce house, good food, local jazz bands, and much more. To reserve a space for a business or non-profit, get registration form at www.MoragaChamber.org. Organized by the Moraga Chamber of Commerce and supported by the Town of Moraga.

Lafayette Garden Club Presents “Gardens for Gardeners Tour” May 13, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Come and tour four, beautiful, private gardens in Lafayette and the Burton Valley School Garden Classroom. There will be a boutique with handcrafted items, refreshments and plants for sale at one of the gardens. Proceeds from this tour will benefit area schools and Lafayette Seniors’ garden education projects. Price: $25 per ticket. Tickets available day of tour for $30. For Ticket Sales Contact: Julie Carlson Phone: (925) 284-7547, E-mail: jacaris@comcast.net.

Orinda Grief Recovery Workshop, Sunday April 11,10a.m.-5p.m., event for bereaved. Find the gifts of grief if your life has been shaken to the core by a death of a loved one. Limited to 15 participants. Call (925) 210-9226 or go to www.annecourtneymft.com.

Moraga Movers meet on Monday, April 12 at the Soda Center of St. Mary's College. Social hour is a 4 p.m. with dinner at 5 p.m. Besides monthly lunches or dinners, Movers' activities include bridge, pinochle, bocce ball and book review. For access to all these events and information, interested local residents are welcome to join the Movers by calling 376-6622 for more information.

C.O.O.L. Group (Concerned Orindans Oversight League) will be holding a public meeting to discuss the proposed Downtown Orinda plan. The meeting will take place on April 22nd from 7-9p.m. in the Garden Room at the Orinda Public Library.