ART

The NEW Saint Mary's College Museum of Art presents: The Veil: Visible and Invisible Spaces, Feb. 12-Mar. 25. A Curator talk & reception will be held on Sunday, Feb. 12, at 2pm. For more information visit the museum website at stmarys-ca.edu/museum or call (925) 631-4379. Museum Hours: Wednesdays - Sundays, 11am-4:30pm. Admission: $5 adults; K-12 graders and members free.

Lafayette Gallery's winter show "Heartfelt" will run through March 3. The exhibition features unique sculpture, ceramics, paintings, prints, glasswork, jewelry and photography, created by local artists. The public is invited to meet the artists at a free reception on Friday, February 3, 6:30-8:30pm. The Gallery is located at 50 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette (across from Chow). Hours: Tues-Sat, 11am-5pm; www.lafayettegallery.net; (925) 284-2788.

Moraga Art Gallery's new show, "Kaleidioscope" features the work of Gallery Member & local artist Angelica Samame, painter, as well as guest artist, Karin Lechner, jewelry designer, through March 17. The Gallery is now located at #522 Center St in the Rheem Center, Moraga.

The Dorothy Davis group will be on display at the Orinda Library Gallery through the month of February. A reception will be held on Sunday, Feb 26 from 3-5pm.

MUSIC

The Big Band of Rossmoor invites you to join the Band at the Rheem Theatre, 350 Park Street, Moraga on Friday, February 3. The doors will swing open at 6:30pm. Brush up your moves with dance instructor Gail Enright beginning at 7pm. Then at 8pm, get ready to be entertained by the 31 piece band that includes musicians from 10 years old to 92. Tickets are available for $10 per person at the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, the Rheem Theater or at the door. You can call and reserve tickets by phone, (925) 284-7404, for pick up at Will Call.

Community Drumming with Jeni Swerdlow, Thursday, February 9 at 4pm, Moraga Library. No experience is necessary to participate. This is a children's event, but all ages are welcome. Register with staff or self-register by visiting our calendar of events at ccclib.org. San Francisco Bay Area percussionist and art therapist Jeni Swerdlow is a dynamic and engaging facilitator, trainer, presenter, and performer and her interactive, rhythmic events have captivated many thousands of participants at several hundred events in the U.S. and abroad.

Under the direction of David Morales, Cantare Con Vivo's Chamber Ensemble presents a concert featuring favorite songs from American movies. The audience will hear the acclaimed Chamber Ensemble's renditions of Over the Rainbow, Moon River, Summertime, When You Wish Upon a Star and more while enjoying wine and scrumptious desserts. The concert will take place Sunday, February 12th at 4pm at Temple Isaiah, 3800 Mount Diablo Road, Lafayette. Tickets are $65 Couple, $35 General, Young Professionals (22-35) $25, $10 Youth (21 and under). Tickets can be purchased at www.cantareconvivo.org or by calling the Cantare box office at (510) 836-0789. The venue is wheel chair accessible.

The Performing Arts Society evening concert on February 14, at 8pm, will open with a string quartet by Ernst von Dohnanyi, followed by a piano duet by Claude Debussy. After a short intermission, songs by Britten, Rorem, and Joaquin Rodrigo will be performed by soprano Sarah Sloan. The concert concludes with music by Ferenc Farkas and Jacques Ibert for woodwind quintet. Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church, 55 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek; www.ccpas.org. Free to attend.

Fondettes at Aegis of Moraga. On Saturday February 18th, the retirement community celebrates the 40's and invites the community to join in the free event that will feature The Fondettes, a vocal trio with rich three part harmony and jazzy tone quality, sing almost solely Andrews Sisters' repertoire. The event will start at 6pm with wine, cheese and hors d'ouvres, The Fondettes will perform 7-7:45pm. RSVP required by calling 377-7900 or email Candice.Moses@AegisLiving.com.

THEATER

The 14th Annual California Independent Film Festival will open with Monsieur Lazhar, nominated in this year's 84th Oscar Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film. The Opening Night Ceremony will be held at the Rheem Theatre on Feb 10th, and will be hosted by NBC Bay Area News weekend anchor, Ms Diane Dwyer. Monsieur Lazhar will also screen at the Orinda Theatre on Feb 14th. The film festival will run from Feb 10 thru Feb 16 at both Lamorinda Theatres. The seven-day event Tickets are available for purchase at the Rheem Theatre and Orinda Theatre or at the festival's website (www.caiff.org ). For inquiries, call 925.388.0752 or e-mail info@caiff.org. (See article)

Town Hall Theatre presents "Distracted" from February 25 to March 17; with previews on February 23 and 24. After the matinee performance of Distracted on March 4, Dr. Brian Blaisch, M.D. will lead a talk and Q&A regarding ADHD, autism, and other learning and behavioral problems. Contact Town Hall Theatre Box Office at (925) 283-1557, or purchase online at www.TownHallTheatre.com.

LECTURE & LITERATURE

First Friday Forum presents Dr. Glenn Robinson "The Arab Spring"; Causes and Consequences, Friday, February 3 at 1:30 pm in the Sanctuary of the Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, 39 Knox Drive, Lafayette. An associate professor in the Department of Defense Analysis at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Robinson has helped design and implement development projects in the Middle East and has traveled there extensively. He is a Lafayette native, a graduate of Acalanes High School. and holds a Ph.D. from UC Berkeley. Refreshments will be served at 1pm in Fellowship Hall. For questions call (925) 283-8722 or click on lopc.org, News and Information.

The Commonwealth Club presents: Ralph Richard Banks: Is Marriage for White People? Wed, Feb 8, 6:30pm. Just in time for Valentine's Day, Stanford Law School Professor Banks will tackle that oh-so-controversial institution: marriage. His recent book,"Is Marriage for White People? How the African American Marriage Decline Affects Everyone", explores the deterioration of marriage in America and its implications for family and romantic relationships. Join us for an intimate look at the changing nature of nuptials. Location: Lafayette Library and Learning Center, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Lafayette. Time: 5:45 pm check-in, 6:30pm program. Cost: $22 standard, $12 members, $7 students (with valid ID). www.commonwealthclub.org.

Orinda's Robert Etheredge will discuss and sign copies of The American Challenge: Preserving the Greatness of America in the 21st Century at Orinda Books on Saturday, February 11 at 1pm. Orinda Books is located at 276 Village Square. For more information: (925)254 -7606; www.orindabooks.com.

KIDS, PARENTS & TEENS

Lindsay Wildlife Museum presents Animals Underground at the LLLC on Thursday, February 2, noon-12:30pm. Ms. Jenna will read a book about underground animals at 11:30am, Lindsay will arrive at noon with various animals to see and experience. Ages 2 1/2 - 5, cost: $5/child;
reserve@LLLCF.org.

The Museum of Children's Art presents Black History Month's Invention Convention, Sat. & Sun., Feb 18 & 19, 1-3pm, $8 per child. Many modern conveniences and necessities are directly related to the inventions of black inventors: blood banks, the refrigerator, the electric trolley, the dust pan, comb, mop, brush, clothes dryer, refrigerator, lawn mower, traffic signals, the pen and the pencil sharpener to name a few. Join us to draw out some blue prints and make a model of your own fabulous invention! MOCHA, 538 9th Street, Oakland; ( 510) 465-8770, www.mocha.org.

The East Bay Eclipse Soccer Club will be holding tryouts for the 2012 season on the weekend of March 3 and 4. The club is open to kids ages 5-18. For more information about the times and locations of tryouts, or to pre-register for the tryouts, visit http://eastbayeclipsesoccer.com/home/tryouts. If you have questions, email Director Shane Carney at director@
eastbayeclipsesoccer.com.

Annual OIS Diverse Abilities Awareness Week Open House, Wednesday, February 8 from 6:30-8:30 pm at Orinda Intermediate School, 80 Ivy Drive, Orinda. Hands on learning stations, community group representatives sharing support resources, and an exposition wheelchair basketball game. Come ready to learn and have fun! All are welcome; family participation is encouraged. Free admission. For more information, please contact Anna Tague:
Tague6@comcast.net.

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 15th.

OTHER

Book Sale: Friends of Orinda Library. Inexpensive, gently used books for all ages and interests on sale, Thurs. Feb 2, 10am-1pm at the Sorting Room and Book Shop located at the Library, 26 Orinda Way, Orinda.

Creating a Peaceful School Conference on Saturday, February 4, 8:30am-3:30pm at Acalanes High School, 1200 Pleasant Hill Road, Lafayette. The Mt. Diablo Peace and Justice Center in Walnut Creek is sponsoring an innovative and inspiring all-day conference for anyone who works with young people in middle and high school: Teachers, Administrators, Classroom aides, School personnel, After-school program providers. Registration is $35 -lunch is included. Five instructional hours of Continuing Education Credit (.5 CEU) are available through St. Mary's College for $25. Details are available at www.mtdpc.org.

Women's Heart Health Month: The month of February is designated by the National Institutes of Health and the American Heart Association as a time of awareness and action in behalf of women's heart health. Orinda Community Church will have a presentation following worship with information about heart health, and in particular as it pertains to women. Sunday, February 5 at 11:30am; 10 Irwin Way, Orinda.

If you are thinking about getting your first puppy or have concerns about taking care of an ill or aged family dog, you are invited to attend a free and informative Canine CPR Class on Thursday, February 9, 6:30-8pm at Aegis of Moraga, 950 Country Club Dr in Moraga. Instructor Ron VanderHeiden, who has been a first aid/CPR instructor for over 20 years will provide a free, hands-on CPR class with a life-size dog mannequin. Perfect for all ages, it will only take 40 minutes. Please RSVP to andice.moses@aegisliving.com or call (925) 377-7900.

Orinda Community Foundation celebrates its 2nd birthday with a party on Wednesday, February 29 at 5pm in Orinda Library Gallery. We are pleased to announce that over $30,000 were given out in community grants this past year. All grant recipients and the community are invited to attend the event.

Girl Scouts 100th Birthday Dance at the Veterans Memorial Building -- Monday, March 12, 5:45-7:30pm; Lafayette Girl Scouts K-12 and Lafayette Girl Scout Alumnae. Enjoy an evening of dancing, pizza, cupcake decorating, singing. Witness the proclamations from City of Lafayette and Contra Costa County Supervisors. Countdown to 7:12pm with a candle ceremony commemorating when Juliette Low started her first troop. $5 by February 9th. Hair care products will be collected to benefit the Bay Area Crisis Nursery. Go to www.lafayettegirlscouts.org for registration.

Twirl, chat, and tap your feet to the beat at the weekly Social for all-level, all-style dancers, music lovers, and observers Wednesdays, 12:30-2:50pm, at Lafayette Community Center located at 500 St. Mary's Road. The event, with continuous, professionally recorded music, is held in the big, bright Live Oak Room. On the first Wednesday of each month, professional dance duo Karen and Michael give lessons. A map, additional Dance Social details, and any upcoming skip dates are posted at: sites.google.com/site/lafayetteteadance. $2 for members of Lafayette Senior Center, $4 for non-members. Just $10 yearly to join the Center, and enjoy the complete range of activities.

FUNDRAISING EVENTS

On February 4 at 7pm there will be a "Love for Ryan" concert featuring Shawn McDonald and Paul Johnson to benefit Ryan Buchanan. The event will take place at Creekside Community Church in Alamo CA. All proceeds from this event go direct to the Ryan Buchanan Trust Fund. Buy tickets at www.ryanbuchanan.org.

Soroptimist International of 24-680's annual Crab Feed & Silent Auction will be on Saturday, February 11, at the Lower Court of Oakwood Athletic Club. Tickets: $40 each. For tickets and information: (925) 285-7797, si24-680@soroptimist.net, www.soroptimist24-680.org.

Kiwanis Club of Moraga Valley 12th annual Crab Feed, February 18th at St Mary's College Soda Center.Silent Auction, Dancing. 6pm Cocktails, 7pm Dinner, $50 ticket price. For tickets contact Ed Beatson @ (925) 376-3201. All proceeds benefit local charities for children.

Crab Feed & Dance, Saturday, February 25, 6-11pm Holy Trinity Cultural Center, 1700 School Street, Moraga. Bring your appetites & dancing shoes. Music provided by popular DJ. Dinner & Dance $37.50; Dance only $10. For non-crab lovers: Chicken available by special advance order request. Dinner tickets MUST be purchased in advance. For info & reservations call (925) 672-6799.

SMC Guild's Bridge & Bunco, Thursday, Feb 23, 9:30am-2pm, Saint Mary's College, Soda Center. Fundraiser for student scholarships. $32 per person-includes luncheon. Please call (925) 376-4339 for info and reservations.

St. Mary's College Guild's Irish Cultural Night - Friday, March 2, 6-10pm at the Soda Center on St. Mary's College Campus. An evening of food, music, singing and dancing in the Irish Style. Reservation be accepted until February 28. The evening is $40/per person. Please make checks out to St. Mary's College Guild and mail to Pat Wiegmann, 39 Carr Drive, Moraga, CA 94556. For more information, please contact Pat at (925) 376-6088.

Lovers of laughter will have the opportunity to enjoy a champagne-filled night of comedy at the landmark Orinda Theatre on Friday, March 2nd. "Live at the Orinda" comedy night will start at 6:45pm with a lobby reception featuring full no host bars. Performances will begin at 7:30pm. Master of Ceremonies, local favorite Michael Fender will sing, entertain and introduce each comedian. This year's slate features Kabir Singh (Kabeezy), Dan St. Paul, Johnny Steele and the headliner-political comic Will Durst. Discounted performance tickets at $35.00 may be reserved in advance until March 1st using a major credit card at the Orinda Chamber of Commerce web site, www.orindachamber.org or at First Republic Bank, 224 Brookwood Road. Tickets at the door (if available) will be $40.00 per person.

CLUBS

The Orinda Woman's Club is currently accepting applicants for its major beneficiary awards in 2012 Appropriate applying agencies must be non-profit 501 (c ), serving women and children in need, be Alameda and /or Contra Costa County based and have an annual income of less than $1,000,000. Application forms can be acquired from Adeline McClatchie, Beneficiary Chair at (925) 254 1162 or Adeline@mcclatchie.com. The deadline is March 5th 2012, 7pm.

AAUW/OML February Meeting to Focus on State Budget. The public is invited to the Tuesday, February 21st meeting at 9:30am to experience the California Budget Challenge. Assemblyperson Nancy Skinner will host the program developed by Next10 org. Attendees will be provided with response clickers that will tally the groups' "votes" about how much to spend on schools, prisons, the environment and other state programs, as well as make choices to reduce state expenses. Socializing from 9-9:45am followed by the Next Ten budget presentation and discussion. The meeting will be held at the Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church Cultural Center, 1700 School Street, Moraga.

Lamorinda Toastmasters provides a mutually supportive and positive learning environment where members develop communication and leadership skills, improving self-confidence and personal growth. We meet every Tuesday at 7:30pm - 9pm at Temple Isaiah, 3800 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette. See our web-site: http://lamorinda.freetoasthost.net/

GARDEN

Montelindo Garden Club. On Friday, February 17, 2012 Garth Jacober, owner of Mt. Diablo Nursery in Lafayette, will speak on Camellias. Mr. Jacober is a master gardner and Camellia expert. He has worked in gardening and landscaping for over thirty years. The program is held at 10:30am with a social hour before. The event is held at the Orinda Community Church, 10 Irwin Way, Orinda and the public is cordially invited.

Registration for the Eighth Annual Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour, which will take place on Sunday, May 6, 2012 from 10 to 5, is now open. This free, award-winning tour features 45 Alameda and Contra Costa county gardens that are pesticide-free, conserve water, provide habitat for wildlife, and contain 60% or more native plants. Included in the Tour are 5 Lamorinda garden, two of them new additions. This self-drive tour showcases a variety of gardens, from large parcels in the hills to small lots in the flats. Native plant sales and talks are offered at select gardens. Volunteers are needed. Please register or volunteer at http://www.bringingbackthenatives.net/.