Gift of the Gods: Exploring Maize, Culture and Indigenous Art in the Americas, is on view through June 19 at the Hearst Art Gallery, the museum of Saint Mary’s College. The exhibition has been organized by Anthropology professor Lynn Meisch, Ph.D., and students from her Museum Studies course. The Gallery is open to the public Wednesdays through Sundays, 11am-4:30pm. Adult admission is $4, students and Gallery members are free. For more information, call (925) 631-4379. Website: www.hearstartgallery.org.

Moraga Art Gallery’s show, Chiaroscuro: Light and Shadow, runs through June 4.The gallery is located at 570 Center St in Moraga. For more information, go to www.moragaartgallery.com or (925)376-5407.

Smyers Glass Open Studio with Glassblowing Demonstrations on April 28, 29, 30, May 1, 10am- 5pm, 675 East H Street, Benicia. Visitors to the Smyers Glass studio can view hot glass artists at work creating vases, bowls, goblets and more using the same glassmaking techniques that date back to ancient times. Plenty of free parking available. This is a free event that is open to the public.

On Saturday, April 30 at 7pm the Our Savior's Lutheran Church Concert Series, 1035 Carol Lane in Lafayette, features the 45-member Oakland-East Bay Gay Men’s Chorus, under the direction of Michael Robert Patch. In addition to classics by composers including Schubert and Vaughan Williams, they will present glorious arrangements of familiar favorites such as Scarborough Faire, Shenandoah, and O Danny Boy. Free admission; a voluntary offering will be collected. More information at www.oslc.net.

Acalanes Ridge Music Celebration with Musicians of the San Francisco Opera—concert to benefit the Muir Heritage Land Trust Acalanes Ridge Acquistion, Sunday, May 1, 3-4:30pm, Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette .Visit www.muirheritagelandtrust.org or call (925) 228-5460 for more information. Suggested contribution of $25 at the door.

The Cantare Con Vivo Chamber Ensemble and Maestro David Morales present a concert of 21st century choral works, featuring a rich mixture of international composers expressing their fresh and diverse perceptions of life on Sunday, May 1, 4pm, Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette. The music is expressive, passion-filled and entertaining. Ticket prices are $25 General, $20 Senior, $10 Youth. Advanced purchase of tickets by going on-line to www.cantareconvivo.org or by calling the CCV Office at (510) 836-0789.

Hear up-tempo numbers and ballads, swing and salsa, instrumental and vocal soloists at the SMC Jazz Band's free spring concert, Wednesday, May 4th at 1pm in Ferraggiaro Quad. Cost: Free.

Generations In Jazz presents The Big Band Of Rossmoor May 6 for a big band dance and concert at The Veterans Memorial Building. Tickets are on sale at the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce for $10. Reserve tickets at 284-7404 or purchase at the door. Free dance lessons are available from 7-8pm with instructor Gail Enright. The dance and concert begins at 8pm.

The Lafayette Rotary Club's 18th Annual Concert at the Res.
will be held on Saturday May 14 from 11am-2pm. The free event showcases our local school music programs that play live music at the beautiful Lafayette Reservoir. Performing will be the Stanley Symphonic Band led by Bob Athayde; the highly acclaimed Acalanes Wind Ensemble led by Norm Dea, the Big Band of Rossmoor led by Mo Levich, and the Bentley School Jazz combo led by Brian Pardo. This year’s concert will be held for the last time at the meadow just above the Boat House. Shuttles are available to take you from the main parking lot up to the concert.

Acalanes DramaDons present "A Company of Wayward Saints" by George Herman on April 27, 28, 29, and 30 at the Acalanes Performing Arts Center Little Theatre, 1200 Pleasant Hill Rd. Lafayette. Show time 7:30pm. Doors open at 7pm. General Admission $10.00, Students $7.00. For more information: http://dramadons.org. Tickets may be purchased online at http://acalaneshs.revtrak.net/.

V-Day Lafayette will present a benefit production of The Vagina Monologues at the Town Hall Theatre Company of Lafayette, located at 3535 School Street, Lafayette, on Friday April 29th and Saturday April 30th with both performances starting at 8:00 pm. Proceeds will benefit The Gretta Foundation. 100% tax-deductable tickets can be purchased online for $35. A cocktail reception will begin at 6:30 pm and all seating is general admission, so early arrival is recommended. Please see www.grettafoundation.org for details.

Join Jan Wahl, movie reviewer and film historian, at the New Rheem Theater, for her 4-part Reel lecture series, beginning on May 1st at 1:30 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the upgrading of the Theatre’s sound systems. The first part of the series will be held on May 1st, 2011 at 1:30pm and is titled, "Reel Delicious: Food and Wine in Film." Tickets: $25 each. For more information, visit
www.thenewrheemtheatre.com or call (925) 388-0752.

Annual spring Saint Mary’s College Dance Company concert, "A Random Plate of Deliciousness," celebrates our rich diversity of dance styles with works in the modern dance genre, contemporary ballet, tap, and world dance traditions of Ghana. May 5, 6, 7, @ 8pm Saint Mary’s College, LeFevre Theatre. Ticket Prices: $10 general admission, $8 Seniors (65+) and non-SMC students, $5 SMC faculty, staff and students . For tickets and information call (925) 631-4670.

Come and enjoy the grand re-opening of Orinda Theatre. Special Guest Star is the legendary comedian and impressionist, Rich Little. It will be held on Friday, May 14th, at 7pm For more information, visit www.theorindatheatre.com or call (925) 254-9065.

Green Rheem Movie Night will view "Tapped," an unflinching examination of the big business of bottled water, May 17, 6pm, The New Rheem Theatre, Moraga. For more information and to purchase discounted tickets in advance of the show please visit www.generationgreen.com.

The Last Days of Judas Iscariot by Stephen Adly Guirgis. Drama/Dark Comedy directed by Nicole Hess Diestler, Apr 29 through May 22. Curtain time(s): Fri-Sat 8pm; Sun 2:30pm. Ticket Price: $10.00-$20.00. Diablo Valley College Department of Drama, www.dvcdrama.net, box office: (925) 687-4445. Adult Language and content, no one under 16 will be admitted without an adult consent.

Justin Fox, nationally acclaimed business writer, will speak at First Friday Forum, May 6, 1:30pm at the Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette. "Bad Predictions: Why We Keep Getting The Economy Wrong" is his topic. Refreshments will be served in Fellowship Hall at 1pm with the lecture in the Sanctuary at 1:30pm. For further information call (925) 283-8722 or click on lopc.org.

BOOK SALE - Friends of the Orinda Library monthly book sale is Sat. May 7, 10am-1pm in the Book Shop and Sorting Room. Monthly sales include quality books for all ages and interests. Orinda Library, 26 Orinda Way, (925)254-1358.

Join acclaimed area photographer Stephen Joseph and local author Linda Rimac Colberg for a free digital presentation of the recently published book, Mount Diablo: The Extraordinary Life and Landscapes of a California Treasure at the Moraga Library, Tuesday, May 17, at 7pm. Stephen’s presentation takes the audience on an up close and personal journey around Mount Diablo, with a surprise at every turn, as he shares exquisite photographs and personal tales of the popular places and hidden faces of this natural wonder. The free presentation includes Q&A, and finishes up with book sales and signing.

Orinda Idol Auditions: May 19-21. Registration materials are available at www.orindaartscouncil.org. Orinda Idol Performance: Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011, 11am-7 pm.

Del Rey Elementary School cordially invites you to attend their 2011 Musical, Dear Edwina Jr, which will be performed by the 4th and 5th grade students on April 27th and 28th at 7pm in Del Rey Multipurpose Room. Tickets cost $10 for general seating and $5 for child seating (under 18). For tickets please contact Kate Riley @ (925) 246-0445.

Science Discovery Day, Saturday May 14th, from 10am to 1pm at Lafayette Nursery School; come play with huge bubbles, visit with animals, and dig for dinosaur bones. Make a volcano explode, blast a rocket into space, or explore the gooey texture of slime. This science fair is designed for children preschool age through third grade and features over 20 exciting hands-on experiments. Lafayette Nursery School, 979 First Street, Lafayette. $4.00 per child preschool age through 3rd grade (parents and infants are free). For more information contact Nancy Turtle at (925) 253-7985 or visit
www.lafayettenurseryschool.com.

Orinda Workshop to Prepare for Disasters. On Saturday, April 30 the Orinda Citizen Corps Council will sponsor a workshop for Orinda CERTs and Neighborhood Leaders from 12:30-4:00pm in the Equipment Bay of MOFD station 41. These volunteers will continue to train to make their homes and neighborhoods safe before, during and after a local disaster. Register at rkunzman@comcast.net.

The Padua Family of Lafayette will be holding a fundraiser event at The Bridges Golf Club to benefit the Bobby Padua Family Fund April 29th. For more info. visit www.bobbypadua.webs.com or call Megan Padua, (925) 899-4967.

Sudden Oak Death (“SOD”) has arrived in Lamorinda and is spreading. Volunteer a few hours on the April 30-May 1 weekend to learn about Sudden Oak Death, and assist an annual UC Berkeley survey for infected trees in areas of your choice. Training: Saturday, April 30, 10am-noon, in the Garden Room of the Orinda Community Center. For training space and material planning, please contact William Hudson wllhh@ymail.com (Orinda) if you will be participating.

Electronic E-waste Collection/ Fundraiser for Feed The Children Disaster Relief Fund on Saturday April 30th from 9am- 4pm at the Orinda Lafayette Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Dive, Lafayette. Contact: (925)-890-1324.

A Community Treasure Sale. (a.k.a. Garage Sale) will take place on April 30th, 8am-2pm at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 66 St. Stephen’s Drive. Orinda. www.ststephensorinda.org. Furniture, baby gear, vintage clothes, art, kitchen gems, games, etc. The funds raised will be used by the youth for volunteer service activities.

On Monday, May 2, Children's Home Society, a nonprofit 501 (c) (3), will hold its "Eggstraganza" with salad buffet lunch at Our Savior's Lutheran Church at 1035 Carol Lane. The time is 11:30am-1:30pm. Tickets: Lola at (510) 267-1860.

On Thursday, May 5 at 4pm the Moraga Library presents a free beading workshop. Beading pro Yolanda teaches participants to make a colorful bracelet of your own. Limited to 15 participants, ages 12 and up. Please call the library at (925) 376-6852 or stop by the information desk to register.

Cinco de Mayo celebration on Thursday, May 5, 4-7pm at Hacienda de las Flores, 2100 Donald Drive, Moraga. Live Mariachi band, tortilla making, pinatas, games for children, authentic Mexican food, margaritas, beer and soft drinks, available for a nominal charge. Free parking and shuttle from Rheem. Shopping Center. Sponsored by the Hacienda Foundation and the Town of Moraga Parks and Recreation Department. For more information, please visit www.CincoMoraga.com.

Moraga Bright Beginnings will be having their last Yard Sale on May 7, 9am-2pm. This is a 50+ family event, everything from furniture to hockey sticks. 1689 School Street, Moraga. We are closing in June. We are hosting a reunion party for our past 15 years of students from 2pm-6pm. Call (925) 376-2600 for more information.

The Stroke Support Group of Contra Costa County will hold its monthly meeting in the Concord Room at John Muir Medical Center-Concord Campus, 2540 East Avenue, Concord on Monday May 9 from 7-9 pm. The speaker will be Gerald Starr, a stroke survivor who recently completed a 5K walk with his cane. His topic will be "Setting and Achieving Your Rehabilitation Goals."

Moraga Movers next monthly meeting is May 9 at St. Mary's College Soda Center. Social hour is at 5pm followed by dinner and a speaker- Dr. Steve Woolpert of St.Mary's. For reservations call (925) 376-6622 or going online to www.moragamovers.org.

Lafayette Historical Society’s Annual Potluck Dinner, Tuesday, May 10, Lafayette Library – Community Hall, Mt. Diablo Blvd. and First Street, 6:00 pm. Topic: Treasure Island’s 1939 Golden Gate Exposition. $10.00 per member; $15. Non-member donation requested to help defray LHS costs, PLUS: Your favorite hearty salad or casserole (please bring serving utensils) Reservations requested: Please call - 283-1848 or email – Lafayette.history@comcast.net. Questions : Call Mary McCosker, 284-5376.

Electronic E-waste Collection/ Fundraiser for Citizens For The Lost on Saturday May 14th, from 9am to 4pm at Lafayette Christian Church, Glenside Drive, Lafayette Contact: (925)-890-1324.

Moraga Community Faire will take place on May 14, 11am-5pm at the Rheem Center and will feature a car show, wine tasting, music, art, food and fun. There will be a free climbing wall, two bounce houses and plenty of other activities for children. The Moraga Community Faire is organized and sponsored by the Moraga Chamber of Commerce and supported by the Town of Moraga. For more information, visit www.moragachamber.org/faire.

Join Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) as we celebrate 11 years of Animals on Broadway, a free community event at Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek on Sunday, May 15 from 10:30am to 4pm. Visit www.arf.net for more information.

The Moraga Women's Society will host a fashion show on Monday, May 16; start with mimosas at 10am with the Fashion Show about 10:30. A salad lunch and special dessert will be served following the Fashion Show. Location is the Holy Trinity Cultural Center, 1700 School Street in Moraga. Tickets are $25.00. All proceeds from this fund raiser go to Moraga Schools, the Library, and Park and Recreation Department. For ticket information, please call Jean Glaser, 376-7961.

9th Annual "Taste of Lafayette,” 5:30-8:30pm, Tuesday, May 17. Enjoy "tastes" at close to 20 participating restaurants along "Restaurant Row." Tickets for the event will be available through the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, located at 100 Lafayette Circle, Suite 103. Visit www.lafayettechamber.org or call (925) 284-7404.

Senior Helpers of Contra Costa presents a Senior Health Faire, to be held at the Hacienda de las Flores at 2100 Donald Drive, Moraga on May 17th from 2-4:30pm. Judge Joyce Cram, a leading authority on legal issues concerning local seniors will headline a group of presenters. Volunteers will be conducting free and confidential Community Memory Screenings, an initiative of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. Admission is free and refreshments will be provided. Space is limited so please call (925) 376-9900 to reserve your spot.

Lafayette Garden Club meets 9:30am, Second Thursdays monthly, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette. The May 12 meeting features a Spring Plant Sale. Contact: petersonb4@aol.com.

"Life in the Lafayette Garden" garden tour, Saturday May 14. Tickets are $25 each and include an outdoor cooking demonstration, urban farming demonstration, light refreshments, live music, and tours of 5 Lafayette home gardens. The tour will be held from 11 am until 4 pm. Tour maps and garden descriptions will be provided with tickets. The tour is sponsored by John Montgomery Landscape Architects. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the AAUW-OML Tech Trek scholarship program. For ticket information, please call AAUW member Pat Lopker at (925) 376-5155.

Sons in Retirement Lamorinda Branch 171 meets the first Wednesday monthly at Holy Trinity culture Center 1700 School St,. Moraga. Social hour 1 am, lunch 12pm. On Wed, May 4, the after lunch speaker will be Dr. Michael Merzenich, professor emeritus of neuroscience at U.C. San Francisco. He will speak on his research and his company, Posit Science Corp. which develops software programs for improving cognitive, perceptual and motor performance in older adults. For membership information, call Larry at (925) 631-9528.

The Moraga Women's Society will meet on Monday, April 18th at 9:30am at the Holy Trinity Cultural Center, 1700 School St., Moraga. The speaker will be Patti Reising, a reporter on station KCBS. Patti will describe a day-in-the-life of the KCBS newsroom, and describe how the afternoon newscast gets on the air. She will also discuss the changing landscape of the news business in the Internet era. Guests are welcome. Contact Jean Glaser (925) 376-7961.

An Afternoon of Dance from China and Korea Performed in Elaborate Costumes by Members of the Culture to Culture Foundation Friday, April 15th from 1:30-3:00 in the Live Oak Room, Lafayette Community Center, 500 St. Mary's Rd., Lafayette. Audience members will be encouraged to learn and follow along with Tai Chi and Luk Tung Kwen steps to join in the fun. $3Members/$5 Non-Members.

A free symposium will be offered to our community's older adults and their care-givers on 6 May at theTemple Isaiah in Lafayette from 8:30am-12:30pm. The symposium will address the Secrets of Dynamic Aging, transportation issues and services, and how to stay safe inside and outside our homes. The final speaker will speak on "Happiness, if not now, when?" For those interested in attending this symposium, please call and make a reservation at (925) 330-0060. Refreshments will be served, and seniors of all ages, their children, friends, and care-givers are invited to attend.