ART

Moraga Art Gallery's new show, "Beautiful America," features the oil paintings of gallery member & local Moraga artist Ginny Ruble, as well as guest artist Linda Hanford whose work reflects her love of the nature, landscapes, and seascapes of California. The show runs through June 2.

Saint Mary's College Museum of Art Exhibits: Master Artist Tribute IX: Richard McLean; River of Words Art & Poetry Exhibition; William Keith and the California Oak, 11am - 4:30pm, Wednesday -Sunday through June 10 at the Museum of Art, Saint Mary's College of California, 1928 St. Mary's Road, Moraga. Cost: Adults $5, Free for K-12 students and Saint Mary's students and faculty.

The Valerie Colvin Group will be on exhibit in the Orinda Library Art Gallery in May.

"E for Escape," a Small Group Exhibition at the Lafayette Gallery. When artists escape, it's to their studios to meditate in the creative process. "E for Escape" features the results - a unique collection of wonderful and whimsical works of art by a small group of five artists - May 15 through June 2 at the Lafayette Gallery, 50 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette. The Gallery is also hosting Artist's Market Saturday, May 19 from 11am-5pm in the picnic area and parking lot in front of the Gallery as well as a free reception from 2- 4pm with wine, hors d'oeuvres and live music. Stop by the gallery, and escape into an exotic place: the creations of our local artists! For more info, call (925) 284-2788 or visit www.lafayettegallery.net.

Town Hall Theater in conjunction with the Lamorinda Arts Alliance is pleased to present a solo show by watercolor artist George Ehrenhaft through May 26. His landscapes include places near and far - from Lafayette Reservoir to Kathmandu. The art show is free and can be seen most week days after 3pm and before performances at the Town Hall Theater, 3535 School Street, Lafayette, (925) 283-1557. For more information on George Ehrenhaft, visit www.mesart.com/gehrenhaft.

New Diablo Valley College Library Exhibit. Diablo Valley College printmaking students and instructors will be exhibiting their work through May 22 at the DVC Library.

Golden Gate Audubon Society presents "A Celebration of Birds and Art." Celebrate the beauty of birds and art at the annual Birdathon dinner and art auction for Golden Gate Audubon Society May 10 from 6- 9pm in the Brazilian Room, Tilden Park, Berkeley. The Birdathon dinner and art auction raises funds for Golden Gate Audubon's work protecting Bay Area birds and their habitats, and educating the next generation of environmental leaders. The cost for the art show is free, dinner is $35.00. RSVP is required. For more info, visit http://birdathon.dojiggy.com/pages/index.cfm?455721500D750B0405727005021324452459440F7C7E7007097B021F5B5C50200846, call (510) 843-2222 or email ggas@goldenateaudubon.org.

MUSIC

Music ranging from Rachmaninoff to Godzilla will be performed by Maestro Duane Carroll and the Contra Costa Wind Symphony in a concert billed as "Sublime to Silly" May 12, 8pm, Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Tickets ($10-$25) are on sale at the Lesher Center, (925) 943-7469 (www.lesherartscenter.org).
The Contra Costa Children's Chorus will perform "Hope for Resolution" Friday, May 18, 7pm and Saturday, May 19, 10am, Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette. Featuring diverse music from around the world, both concerts will enchant and impress you with the talent and range of these young singers. Tickets: Adults $15, Children 14 & under $5. For more info and tickets call (925) 945-7101 ext. 2, or visit www.brownpapertickets.com, and www.childrenschorus.org.

The Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra is having the final concert of its 2011-12 Season on Sunday, May 20 at 7:30 pm at the Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek. The program will feature the Villa Piano Trio, including violinist Roy Oakley, cellist David Wishnia, and pianist Nancy Bachmann in Beethoven's Concerto for Piano, Violin and Cello, commonly known as the "Triple." Tickets are available for $10-$30 at the door, by phone (925) 943-SHOW, or online at www.LesherArtsCenter.org.

The Contra Costa Performing Arts (PAS) is having a concert including vocal, chamber and piano classical music May 25 at 10:30am, the Grace Presbyterian Church, 2100 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. This Friday morning concert opens with a Poulenc sonata for violin and piano, followed by six songs for the tenor voice. The song composers include Handel, Gluck, Schubert and Schumann. Jan Koetsier's Dresdner Trio for oboe, horn and piano appears next. The program concludes with Debussy piano preludes. Free. For more information please visit www.ccpas.org.

Gabriel Faure's transcendent and popular Requiem will be performed May 27 at 4pm at the Orinda Community Church, 10 Irwin Way, Orinda, by the Chancel Choir and Orchestra under the direction of David Milnes. The performance will be given in honor of the Reverend Frank and Margaret Baldwin, who are retiring from the church after 14 years of service. Everyone is welcome. For more info, please call (925) 254-4906.

Lafayette's Annual Jazz Caf‚. There is a fabulous lineup featuring: The Stanley Groove Merchants, The Dominant 7, The Stanley Thundering Herd, The Gypsy Chix, The Stanley Jazz Messengers and The Acalanes Jazz Ensemble. There will be scrumptious food, dessert, coffee, and beverages available for purchase. The event is a fundraiser for the Stanley Middle School Jazz department. There will also be drawings to give away fabulous prizes. The event will be held June 1 at 6pm in the Stanley Middle School Auditorium, 3455 School Street, Lafayette. General Admission $10 per person and children under 6 are free.

Amici Lyric Opera presents soprano, Elena Yakoubovsky, in an encore performance of her praised Russian Album solo recital Friday, June 1, at 7pm, Lafayette Library Hall, 491 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette. Cost: $15 Seniors/Students, $20 General. For tickets and info, call (925) 964 -9994 or visit www.amicilyricopera.com.

THEATER

Wagner Ranch Elementary School proudly presents its annual spring musical, Seussical Jr., Friday, June 1 and Saturday, June 2. Seussical Jr. is based on the Broadway production that combines the story lines of Dr. Seuss's most beloved books. Show times are 4pm and 7pm on Friday, June 1, and 3pm and 7pm on Saturday, June 2. Tickets can be purchased at the door or on-line at www.shottix4u.com. The prices are $12 reserved and $9 general seating. For more information, visit www.orindaschools.or/wagnerranch.

The Moraga Police Department is partnering with the New Rheem Theatre to present a special showing of Marvel's "The Avengers" Friday, May 11 at 6:30pm with a portion of the proceeds donated to Special Olympics. The doors will open at 5pm for a reception prior to the movie including a raffle, pizza, beverages, t-shirts available to purchase, and police officers working at the concession stand. The $15 cost includes admission to the reception and movie as well as a raffle ticket. Tickets will be available for purchase May 1 at the Rheem Theatre, contact Lindsay Pirkle. For more info, visit police.moraga.ca.us or www.sonc.org/events/our-fundraisers/letr-marvel-movie-night.

Company C Contemporary Ballet presents a Spring Program full of energy and romance May 25-27, Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Cost: $23-$45. For more info, visit
www.companycballet.org or call (925) 708-0752.

LECTURE & LITERATURE

The Moraga Historical Society will host a presentation by two direct descendents from the first Spanish expedition to bring settlers and their families to establish residence in the Bay Area Thursday, May 17, 7:30pm, Hacienda de las Flores, La Sala Room. The Lieutenant of the expedition, Jose Joaquin Moraga, was the grandfather of Jose Joaquin de la Santissima Trinidad Moraga, the grantee of the Laguna de los Palos Colorados Land Grant, for whom the Town of Moraga was named.

Commonwealth Club presents: Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger. In this follow-up to his New York Times bestselling memoir Highest Duty, Sully engages nearly a dozen distinguished Americans to explore the nature of leadership, what it means, what it takes, and how it can be fostered and developed in all of our lives, May 21 at the Lafayette Veterans Memorial Hall, 5:45pm check in, program at 6:30pm. The cost is $20 standard, $12 for members, $7 for students (with valid ID). For tickets visit www.CommonwealthClub.org or call (415) 597-6705.

Clare Cooper Marcus, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Architecture and Landscape Architecture at UC Berkeley, introduces her compelling memoir, Iona Dreaming, May 24 from 7:30-9pm at the Community Hall. If you believe in the importance of an examined life and seek a more authentic life, share an evening with us. Free. Books will be available for sale and signing after the event.

OTHERS

Building Jewish Bridges presents Celebrating Jewish Diversity. The event will be a family-friendly evening with music, kids' activities, and food. Join us to chat with our speakers and participants May 12, from 6:30-8:30pm at Temple Sinai, 2808 Summit St, Oakland. The cost is free however you must pre-register. For more information please visit buildingjewishbridges.org, call (510) 845-6420 ext. 11, or email dawn@buildingjewishbridges.org.

Self-Discovery and Aging, Creative Writing Workshop. Write to explore issues around aging, emotion, perception and get support to write on any topic May 21 and June 4 from noon - 2pm at the Lafayette Community Center in the Elderberry Room. Workshop sessions include writing prompts, feedback, encouragement, and information. Sessions are $1 for Members and $3 for Non-Members.

Astronomy Program. Join the Mt. Diablo Astronomical Society to see stars, nebula, galaxies, clusters, the moon and planets through member telescopes May 10 from 8-10pm at the Moraga Library, 1500 St. Mary's Rd., Moraga. Bring kids, binoculars, warm clothes (temperatures can drop), snacks, and water. No need for a flashlight but if you must bring one cover it in red plastic. The astronomy program is weather-dependant.

Please join Trust in Education for a FUN RAISING evening Friday, May 11, including wine and appetizers, silent auction and comedy. Proceeds go towards funding education in Afghanistan. Founder Budd MacKenzie will give an update and acclaimed comedian Mark Lundholm will perform. Event starts at 6:30pm, Veteran's Memorial Building, 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette. Adults $60/Students $30. For tickets, call (925) 299-2010 or visit www.trustineducation.org.

There are still a few seats available for the 5th annual Campolindo Hall of Fame Dinner May 12. This year Coach Macy is honoring the 2011 NCS Championship Team and the 1986 NCS Championship Team. See article page x. Contact Val Durantini at v.durantini@sbcglobal.net or (925) 283-8662.

Be the Star You Are's booth at the Moraga Faire May 12 features two live broadcasts of Express Yourself!(tm) Teen Radio. For a small donation of $20, businesses and the general public are invited to record a short promo for their company, products, service, etc. In addition, teen bands are invited to record a song. For sign up info, email btsyateenradio@gmail.com. Visit www.BTSYA.com, go to EVENTS.

Drivers Safety Refresher Class. Refine driving skills, develop safe defensive techniques, possibly lower your insurance premium, and get tips on avoiding stress and accidents May 17 from 10am-2pm at the Lafayette Community Center, Cedar Room. This abbreviated refresher course is reserved for those who have taken an AARP driving course within the last four years. Cost: $12 for AARP members and $14 for Non-Members. Please call (925) 284-5050 to determine if there is a vacancy.

13th Annual Lafayette Kitchen Tour: Saturday, May 19, 10am-3pm. The tour will benefit Shelter, Inc. which provides affordable housing and a range of counseling, education and employment services to low-income families in Contra Costa County. Tickets are $40 ($30 tax deductible). A boxed lunch is available for an additional $12. Buy tickets in advance through a Lafayette Junior, in person at Douglah Designs 3586 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Premier Kitchens, 3373 Mt. Diablo Blvd. or at www.lafayettejuniors.org.

On May 19, Capoeira Equilibrio is hosting a Batizado, a traditional Capoeira promotion ceremony where young students play capoeira with an instructor or master to earn their first cordao (belt). Located at Walnut Creek's Civic Park Assembly Room, the event commences at 10am and is open to the public. A $10 donation is requested for attendance, all proceeds will benefit the non-profit California Against Slavery. Following the ceremony, at 12:45, the participants and masters will march to the Lesher Center for the Arts for a street roda-Capoeira in the streets, just like one might see in Brazil! The street roda will be from 1 to 1:45pm and is sure to be exhilarating entertainment for all.

Royal Doulton Collectors' Club Meeting and Sale Saturday, May 19, 10am-2pm at the Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church, Davies Room. Everyone who enjoys Royal Doulton collectibles is welcome; admission is free. Guest speaker Anita Venezia will share estate sales selling tips. Club members offer a large selection of Doulton collectibles for sale at great prices. Contact Gayle at (925) 686-6974 or royaldoultonwest@yahoo.com.

Need a Job? "Responding to God's Sustaining Love" explores what is involved in making good career and life choices May 20, 2pm at the Christian Science Church, 24 Orinda Way, Orinda. Brian Talcott, of Berkeley, will discuss how to find guidance. Free. All are welcome. For more info, please call (925) 254-4212 or visit www.csorinda.org.

POISE Family Park Day: Orinda families who have a child in Special Education can enjoy an afternoon of friendship and fun! Meet other families and reconnect with friends, while the kids run and play Sunday, June 3, 2:30-4:30pm, Dalewood Park, Orinda (Corner of Dalewood Dr./Sundown Terrace). Please bring your own snacks, drinks and a blanket. No RSVP needed. For questions or suggestions, e-mail cabennett_98@yahoo.com or visit www.orindapoise.org.

Celebrate the Summer Solstice with a walk on a sacred labyrinth in the early evening hour. Music will be playing as participants walk the Chartres style labyrinth June 22 in preparation of summer at the Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette. The Chapel will be open for prayers and there will be ongoing readings. For info, call (925) 283-8722.

Hospice of the East Bay is pleased to offer a variety of support groups and workshops for adults, children and teens experiencing grief after the death of a loved one. Classes are offered at Hospice's administrative offices: 3470 Buskirk Avenue, Pleasant Hill. Support Groups for Adults include: Adults Who Have Lost a Parent, Widow and Widowers and Drop-In Bereavement Support Group, Grief Class for Adults, and Understanding Grief. Bereavement Services are provided free of charge to all community members in need; however, donations are greatly appreciated. To register, please call Hospice of the East Bay: (925) 887-5681. Pre-registration is required. You can also find the most current Bereavement Services calendar at www.hospiceeastbay.org.

Bi-Monthly Caregiver Support Group. If you are a family member helping to care for an older adult, join our support group to find balance and joy as you manage your responsibilities. Drop-ins are welcome. The support group meets May 21 and June 4 from 1:30-2:30pm at the Lafayette Community Center in the Elderberry Room. There is no charge for Members; $1 for Non-Members.

GARDEN

Lafayette Garden Club's Annual Plant Sale. Join us all at the Lafayette Garden Club's Annual Fundraising Plant Sale May 10 from 10am-noon at Our Saviors Lutheran Church Meeting Hall, 1035 Carol lane, Lafayette. The plants are propagated and grown by garden club members and available to the public once a year. Lafayette Garden Club has been in Lafayette for over 40 years and is very active in local gardening endeavors.

The Montelindo Garden Club will host Barry Hoffer as their speaker on the topic of Japanese Maples Friday, May 18 at 10:30am, the Orinda Community Church, 10 Irwin Way, Orinda. Barry and Sue Hoffer are arborists and owners of Maples for All Seasons in Pleasanton, California. The Hoffers have been involved in the growing, care and pruning of Japanese maples for over 15 years. Barry Hoffer regularly teaches classes on Japanese maples and both Barry and Sue Hoffer are officers in the Northern California Japanese Maple Society. The program is preceded by a plant sale and social hour at 9am; the public is cordially invited.