The Hearst Art Gallery at Saint Mary's College presents Pam Glover: A Life in Art through September 11. The retrospective exhibition showcases the remarkable life and work of Pam Glover, influential en plein air landscape artist and teacher. More than 60 colorful California landscape paintings are on view, including scenes of the North and Central Coast, San Francisco Bay area, Monterey and the wine country, plus rarely seen student work from China and Australia, 1950s fashion illustrations, bold mixed-media abstractions and European landscape paintings. The Hearst Art Gallery is open from Wednesdays through Sundays, 11am-4:30pm. Admission is $4 for adults; free for groups, K-12th graders. For more information, please call (925) 631-4379.

"Navigating with Color" will be open at Moraga Art Gallery featuring Art Gallery member Nancy Robinson and Guest Artist Ellen Heathcote through- Oct. 30. The gallery is open Tuesday -Sunday, noon -5pm. MAG is tucked in a corner north of CVS in the Rheem Center in Moraga.

The DVC Library presents "Life," an exhibit by Fariba Nassiri, through October 29. Artist's reception on September 8, 3-4:30pm. DVC is located at 321 Golf Club Rd.in Pleasant Hill. (925) 685- 1230 ex. 2681. For library hours visit www.DVC.edu.

Contra Costa Children's Chorus is now rehearsing in Lafayette. Our new artistic director, Mart¡n Benvenuto, is scheduling Voice Placement Interviews for children 6-18 years of age on Saturday, September 10, Times TBA. Location: 1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette. To schedule an appointment or for more information, please email us at frontdesk@childrenschorus.org, (www.childrenschorus.org). Fall semester begins in September.

Watch for Orinda Idol participants at these fall events:
September 11, 2011: Finals.
September 24, 2011: Orinda Car Show performance for Finals winners.
September 27, 2011: EFO/Chamber of Commerce Dine Around Town performance for Finals winners.

Orinda Jazz Festival, Sept 18, 6:30 to 9pm at the Orinda Theatre. Ticket Price: $20 for General Adm, $15 for Students. Proceeds will be donated to Orinda Arts Council and for the upgrade of the Orinda Theatre's sound and digital system. Winners of the Orinda Idol 2011 will also be singing.

The Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra launches a new season with a concert on Sept. 25 at the Lesher Center for the Arts in downtown Walnut Creek. The CCCO is "Making Overtures" to a brand new audience with six captivating overtures, including Mozart's Overture to "The Marriage of Figaro" and An Outdoor Overture by Aaron Copland. These pieces are musical preludes to tragic, comic, and otherworldly opera plots that speak of flying elves, storytelling cats, and muttering Greek gods. Sunday, 9/25, 7:30pm. Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek, Tickets: $10 - $30 at the door,
by phone (925) 943-SHOW, or online at www.LesherArtsCenter.org.

Cal Shakes presents Candida by George Bernard Shaw, directed by Jonathan Moscone through September 4. For details and to purchase tickets go to www.calshakes.org.

Orinda Starlight Players present Molière's "The Imaginary Invalid" thru Oct 1 on Thursdays @ 8pm, Fridays & Saturdays @ 8:30pm, and Sundays at 4pm at the Outdoor Theater in Orinda Community Center Park, 26 Orinda Way. Regular admission: $16, Seniors: $8. Tickets are available at the Box Office, call (925) 528-9225 or email info@orsvp.org for reservations. Bring a picnic, but dress appropriately/bring blankets. No shows on Sept 2nd & 3rd.

The Broadway classic "Finian's Rainbow" will be presented at Woodminster Amphitheater in Joaquin Miller Park, Sept 2-4 and 8-11. The classic musical will be performed outdoors, with a cast of 40+ and a live professional orchestra. Tickets: (510) 531-9597, or www.woodminster.com, $26-$42 ($2 discount for children/seniors). Preview Performance: September 1, 8pm. All tickets $10 at the door.

The Lamorinda Film and Entertainment Foundation September showcase selection presents Autumn Spring, September 16-22 at the Orinda Theatre. Directed by Vladimir Michalek, this delightful Czech comedy about senior citizen pranksters Fanda (Vlastimil Brodsky) and Eda (Stanislav Zindulka) is a statement about living life on one's own terms and will keep you wondering what these two practical jokers will do next. Show times Friday and Saturday, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, 7pm and 9pm and Sunday through Thursday 1pm, 3pm, 5pm and 7pm.

Veteran performer Joe Orrach, a Saint Mary's College LEAP program graduate, brings his autobiographical solo show In My Corner to Saint Mary's College on September 22, 8pm in LeFevre Theatre. In My Corner is the tale of a Puerto Rican/ Italian kid growing up in a family dominated by a violent ex-boxer father. His coming of age story is one in which he makes his way out of chaos and violence through his discovery of dance. WHERE: Saint Mary's College LeFevre Theatre, 1928 St. Mary's Rd, Moraga. TICKETS: $15 general; $10 seniors (65+) and non-SMC students; $5 SMC community. RESERVATIONS: (925) 631-4670.

"Ace the Interview": Wed, Sept 7th, 6:30-8pm with Mary E. Williams, job search specialist, who will teach search skills for midlife applicants; no reservations necessary. Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation, (925) 283-6513. Free.

Hummingwords Writing Workshop at Orinda Books with Cynthia Leslie-Bole Thursday, September 8, 1- 3pm. No writing experience necessary. The group will use the Amherst Writers and Artists (AWA) Method, which creates a safe, supportive context to spark your creativity, develop your unique voice, and cultivate your powers of expression. A $20 donation to the bookstore is suggested to help defray costs. To register, email lesliebole@att.net. The workshop is limited to 8 participants so sign up now to reserve a spot.

The Commonwealth Club presents Donald Van de Mark, former anchor, CNN and CNBC-TV; author, "The Good Among the Great" on Sept 13 at 6:30pm. Among the world's mega-successes are a minority who are surprisingly aware, egalitarian, dutiful and happy. Van de Mark identifies the personality traits that these super high achievers share that allow them to remain great human beings, and talks about how we can apply these traits in our own lives. Location: Lafayette Library and Learning Center, Time: 5:45 p.m. check-in, 6:30 p.m. program Cost: $22 standard, $12 members, $7 students (w/valid ID). www.commonwealthclub.org.

Free public history lecture at Moraga Library on September 14 at 2 pm,"Triangle Fire of 1911: A Disaster that Transformed Industrial America." Join Professor Gerald Henig, a dynamic public speaker who will present an illustrated lecture to describe circumstances leading to this horrific tragedy, and explain why it happened, who was responsible, and its consequences. Free and open to the public, preregistration not required. Go to www.ccclib.org or call (925) 376-6825.

"Implications of China's Rise for the U.S." with Dr. N. Bruce Pickering who will discuss China's rise.
Wed, Sept 14, 7-8pm Members: $8 Non-members: $10; Students: Free. Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation, (925) 283-6513.

Poor and Poorer: The Demise of the American Middle Class. What is happening to the American middle class and the "American Dream"? How has the recession changed the face of poverty? Are the rich getting richer? What can be done? Join us for a lively panel discussion on how our current economic situation is affecting all of us. When: Monday, September 26, 7pm. Where: Claeys Lounge, Soda Activity Center, Saint Mary's College of California, 1928 St. Mary's Rd., Moraga. For more information, contact Monica Fitzgerald, mdf1@stmarys-ca.edu or call (925) 631-4605.

Tues., Sept 27, 7-8pm. Science Cafe: A World Without Chemistry. Senior Emeritus Research Chemist, Attila Pavlath, will share chemistry's contribution to daily life. Cost $5. Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation, (925) 283.6513.

Join Lafayette Girl Scouts. New parent information meeting is Sept. 14 from 6:30 - 8pm at the St. Perpetua Church Hall. This meeting is for all new girls attending any Lafayette school. There are not school specific meetings this year. New kindergarten troops will be formed. We will work to get older girls interested in joining GS placed in existing troops. Not mandatory - but girls are welcome to attend meeting. For additional information go to www.lafayettegirlscouts.org.

The Moraga Library is hosting Bendy Berry Yoga classes for Kids ages 2-4 years on Wednesday, Sept 21, Sept 28, and Oct 5, 10:15-11am. Bendy Berry Yoga is a mixture of yoga games, stories, beginning postures and movement for kids. The class encourages physical and mental development while introducing kids to the language and movement of yoga with a little laughter along the way. Space is limited. Registration with library staff (in library or by phone) begins Sept 1. Classes are free. Paid for by the Friends of the Moraga Library. For information about the instructor go to http://bendyberry.com.

C.0.P.E. presents "Bipolar Mania - Victims of the Madness Industry" with Gregory Newton, MFT.
Upcoming Support Series dates: 9/24, Understanding the Neurobiology of Addiction with Dr. Manuel Fernandez; 10/22, Understanding Depression in Children, with Dr. Manuel Fernandez. Where: 3468 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Ste B100, Lafayette, International Enrichment Center, Inc. (French for Fun). When: Saturdays from 10am - 2pm. Fee: $15.00/person ($20.00/couple). R.S.V.P: (925) 639-3143 or register at www.copefamilysupport.org. The C.O.P.E Family Center is nonprofit Parenting Center.

Join National Park Service rangers for a free evening full moon walk on Monday, September 12 at the John Muir National Historic Site's Mt. Wanda. During the two-hour walk, visitors will see the big beautiful moon rise over Mt. Diablo, and may spot the nocturnal native grey fox. Reservations required. Exact start time of walk will be given when reservation is made. Meet at the CalTrans Park and Ride lot at the corner of Alhambra Avenue and Franklin Canyon Road, Martinez (at the Alhambra Ave. exit off Highway 4). Bring water, binoculars (if you have them), a light jacket, and a flashlight. Wear good walking shoes because the trail is steep. If it rains heavily, the walk will be canceled. For reservations, please call the John Muir National Historic Site at (925) 228-8860.

Community Tai Chi is a free class for the community of Lamorinda. We will meet on Saturdays at the Lafayette Reservoir under the big tree just past the second parking lot, beyond the boathouse from 8- 10am on Saturdays. Drop in! http://NorthStarMartialArts.com.

Sons in Retirement Lamorinda Branch 171 meets the first Wednesday monthly at Holy Trinity Culture Center, 1700 School St., Moraga. Social hour 11am, lunch 12pm. The after lunch speaker will be Bruce Berman, a certified instructor in CERT, and a Moraga resident. His topic will be disaster preparedness. His discussion will include what is a disaster, why we need to prepare for one and how we can prepare for one. For membership information, call Larry at (925) 631-9528.

Nana (Taemi Westernoff) a skilled teacher of Japanese cooking, will conduct a fun, easy and healthy method of making Japanese Tempura. This is a hands-on demonstration and traditional Japanese dishes will be served to compliment the tempura. You will learn the difference between fried and tempered. Sunday, September 11, 2pm, St. Mark's Methodist Church, 451, Moraga Way, Orinda. Cost: $20 (includes all materials) To Reserve call (925) 254-5965 or (925 0324-4718. (See article page B7)

"The Stroke Support Group Of Contra Costa County will hold its monthly meeting in the Ball Auditorium at John Muir Medical Center- Walnut Creek Campus, 1601 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek on Monday, September 12, 7-9pm. Harvey Brosler, a member and caregiver, will speak on "Being Partially Paralyzed- An Analogy For Stroke Survivors." For further information about the Stroke Support Group, contact Ann Dzuna at (925) 376-6218. Meetings are free and open to the public.

Montelindo Garden Club program: Friday, September 16, Carole Austin, who is the retired curator of the Museum of Craft and Folk Art in San Francisco, will discuss " In a Chinese Garden" at the Orinda Community Church, 10 Irwin Way, Orinda. A plant sale and refreshments will start at 9am, followed by the lecture at 10:30am. The event is free and the public is cordially invited.

Campolindo freshman Sam Larson is collecting men's, women's, boys, and girls clothes, shoes, and accessories, sizes infant through adult. The items will be used for a free clothing shop Sam is running with San Pablo Rotary for disadvantaged families in San Pablo on October 8th. Drop off your items at 243 Paseo del Rio, Moraga, or call 284-8142 for pick up. Thank you for your support.

Volunteer at Chabot Space & Science Center in the beautiful Oakland hills. Volunteer Orientation: Saturday, October 1, 10am-2pm. For more information on our volunteer program and to RSVP for orientation, visit http://www.chabotspace.org/adult-volunteers.htm or email the Volunteer Department at volunteers@chabotspace.org.

9/11 Ten Year Anniversary Commemoration - "One World, One Community."
When: Sunday, September 11, 2-5 pm.
Where: at Frank Salfingere Park (Gazebo area next to Pleasant Hill Community Center on Taylor Blvd.) The event will mark the tenth anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and United Airlines Flight 93. Everyone is invited to participate in this event, especially families and children. A formal ceremony begins at 2:15pm followed by music, food and activities for children. Information is available at www.hillcrestucc.org/9-11.

Las Trampas is holding its 1 mile or 5k Walk n' Roll event on Saturday, September 10 from 9am - noon along the Lafayette-Moraga Trail. The walk starts at Las Trampas - 3460 Lana Lane in Lafayette and continues towards Olympic Blvd. and ends at Las Trampas. Everyone is welcome! The trail is wheelchair friendly. Registration is $25 per person and includes: event, T-shirt, gift, refreshments, prizes, music and more! Register online at www.active.com or contact us at (925) 284-1462 ext. 239 for a registration form. Proceeds support people with developmental disabilities.

16th Annual Lafayette Art & Wine Festival, September 17-18 in downtown Lafayette. Over 270 Arts, Crafts, Food, Beer, Wine & Commercial Vendor Booths. Kidzone ~ 4 Music Stages ~ Premium Wine Pavilion. Avoid the hassle of finding parking...Park free at any BART station and take BART to the event.

Coastal Cleanup Day in Orinda - September 17, 9am-noon. Join the Friends of Orinda Creeks to participate in Coastal Cleanup, the largest cleanup event on the planet. We will be removing trash and weeds from San Pablo Creek as it flows through down town Orinda. Removing trash here prevents pollution from reaching San Pablo Reservoir, (a source of drinking water). We will have bags and buckets, data cards and pencils, and some latex gloves but if you have work gloves bring them. For safety, wear closed -toed shoes. We will meet in the parking lot behind the shops at 23 Orinda Way at 9am.,(across from the Library). If you have questions, please call Elizabeth at (925)376-5378.

Friday, September 23rd at 7pm. Party in the streets of Orinda at Avenida de Orinda & 63 Orinda Way. A Friday night of dining and dancing with car owners and fans - set among the classic cars themselves. Stroll with your cocktail and view an all new version of the exhibit, "Orinda Through the Years" - an incredible display of vintage cars with historical memorabilia in a museum-like setting. Purchase tickets at www.orindacarshow.com.

The Orinda Classic Car Show, Saturday, September 24 from 10am - 2pm at Orinda Motors, 63 Orinda Way in Orinda. Free admission to enjoy more than 170 American & European cars ranging from the 1920's, to the classics of the 50's and 60's, as well as modern exotics. This year's event will also have an all new edition of the special exhibit -"Orinda Through The Years" - coordinated by the Orinda Historical Society and Orinda Motors. This unique exhibit combines vintage and classic cars with historical materials in a museum-like setting; www.orindacarshow.com.

Pear & Wine Festival- Saturday,
September 24, 10am-4pm at the Moraga Commons Park. Enjoy Wine Tasting, Local Food, Pear Pies, Inflatable "jumpies" as well as an Artist and Business Fair. For more info contact John Haffner, (925) 330-9930, johnhaffner@comcast.net.

Orinda Restaurant Tour, Tuesday, Sep 27, 5:30 - 8:30 pm. The Tour begins at Theatre Square.
Admission: Advance Purchase $30 ($35 at the event). One glass of wine is included for adults. Participants will ride a San Francisco Trolley from restaurant to restaurant. Tickets are now being reserved online and are limited to 250 guests - to purchase your advance discount tickets go to www.orindachamber.org.