ART

The Orinda Library September and October Art Gallery Exhibits. The exhibit for October will include Judith Feins paintings, Thomas Taneyhill paintings, Michael Berkeley pottery, and Fred Lee photos and paintings. The exhibit for September features Three-Eight Art Studio, Lucia Tsang. The library is located at 26 Orinda Way in Orinda.

Anticipation is the New Lafayette Exhibition. Anticipation – one of life's delights – will run through October 7 at the Lafayette Gallery, 50 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette. Works of art are ready for your home or garden and evoke the anticipation of pleasurable things to come. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11am to 5pm, and Sunday 11am to 2pm. Free. For more info, call (925) 284-2788 or visit www.lafayettegallery.net.

Painting Exhibits at the Moraga Public Library. The Moraga Public Library will exhibit the art of Denise Lee and Jonathan Shum, both students of famous local Chinese brush painter, Joan Yao – a well-known Chinese brush painter, calligrapher, and teacher. Lee and Shum’s exhibits will run through September at the library, 1500 St. Mary's Road, Moraga. Yao will also have an exhibit in the month of September. For more info, call (925) 376-6852.

Moraga Art Gallery Reimagined. Moraga Art Gallery's new show highlights the collective creativity, commitment and energy of the gallery's members. The show runs through Sunday, October 21, Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 5pm at the Moraga Art Gallery, The Rheem Valley Shopping Center, 522 Center Street, and will feature the work of the entire gallery artist group, in celebration of this tireless organization that has survived a challenging relocation, coming out stronger, and more creative and successful than ever before. For more info, call (925) 376-5407 or visit www.moragaartgallery.com.

Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art Celebrating SMC’s 150th Anniversary. There will be new exhibitions on view at Saint Mary's College Museum of Art beginning Saturday, October 6 from 11am to 6pm, with two special programs: meet the artists, Nyame Brown, MFA, “The John Henry Series” at 1pm in the Studio Gallery and a slide lecture by Darwin Marable, Ph.D. “2000 Years of the Cross in Art” at 2pm in the Art Patio. The October 6 exhibits and events are free. Exhibitions include The Art of the Cross; Nyame Brown: John Henry’s Adventures in a Post-Black World; Missions of Will Sparks, and the William Keith collection. The exhibits will be on view through December 9 and December 16, 1928 Saint Mary's Road, Moraga. Regular admission: $5; youth, military free. Regular hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 11am to 4:30pm. For more info, call (925) 631-4069 or visit yearofthegael.com.

MUSIC

The 2nd Annual Orinda Jazz Festival is soon underway. The Jazz Festival will feature free music workshops, and a Gala Reception with live music, wine, and appetizers, concerts on two stages, and a chance to meet the artists September 30 from 4 to 7pm at the Orinda Auditorium and Courtyard, 26 Orinda Way, Orinda. The Festival benefits the Orinda Arts Council Community Programs. Tickets: $20 for general admission; $15 for students and seniors. For more info, call (925)255-5164 or visit www.OrindaJazzFestival.org.

The Cantare Con Vivo Chorale, directed by David Morales opens their 2012/2013 season with Unclouded Day. Concert includes Gershwin’s Summertime, Bernstein’s Tonight, the fun-loving The Song That Goes Like This from Spamalot, works by American composers and selections made popular by Bruce Springsteen, Rascal Flatts and Paul McCartney Sunday, September 30 at 4pm, Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette. Tickets: $25 for general admission; $10 youth; $60 for a family pass. To purchase tickets or for more info, call (510) 836-0789 or visit www.cantareconvivo.org.

The New Life Band from Tanzania, East Africa is coming to Holy Shepherd Church, 433 Moraga Way,
Orinda at 7pm Tuesday, October 9. Their memorable African rhythm gets your whole body moving blended with the Christian message that moves your soul. Presented with energy, humor and a little audience participation, the concerts are memorable and not to be missed. Free. Donations welcome.

The Big Band of Rossmoor Dance and Show. Swing to the sounds of the ‘40s with The Big Band of Rossmoor dance and variety show October 19 from 8 to 10pm at the Veterans Memorial Building, 3780 Mt Diablo Blvd, Lafayette. The 31-member band will entertain you with musicians spanning from 12 years old to 93. Free dance lessons by Gail Enright, a cocktail bar, and dancing. Tickets: $10. For more info, call (925) 284-7404.

THEATER

DVC Drama 2012 - 2013 Season. The Grapes of Wrath by Frank Galati will be showing at Diablo Valley College October 19 through November 11, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2:30pm, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill. Tickets: $20 general admission; $15 for faculty, staff, and seniors; $10 for students. For more info, call (925) 687-4445.

Orinda Starlight Village Players' 2012. Sherlock Holmes in The Speckled Band by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle will be showing through September 29, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:30pm. The play will also be showing on Sunday, September 16 and 23 at 4pm, and Thursday, September 27 at 8pm. Regular admission: $16; $8 for seniors and children. For tickets or more info, call (925) 528-9225 or visit www.orsvp.org.

Lafayette’s Town Hall Theatre begins another season with Larry Gelbart’s Sly Fox, a hilarious adaptation of Ben Jonson’s satire Volpone. Sly Fox runs from September 29 through October 20 with previews on September 27 and 28. It is rated PG13 and is approximately two hours long. Town Hall's Theatre Club will be having free wine and an actor talk back following the performance on Friday, October 5. See article page xxx. For more info or tickets call (925) 283-6673 or visit www.townhalltheatre.com.

FuddyMeers presented by The Bentley School theater group. David Lindsay-Abaire's FuddyMeers showing from October 12 - 14 at 7pm at Bentley School, 1000 Upper Happy Valley Rd. in Lafayette, focuses on Claire, a woman in her 40s who has a rare form of psychogenic amnesia and every morning her memory is erased. Tickets: $5 for students; $10 for adults. This show is recommended for audiences 14 and up. For more info, call (510) 229-4128.

These Amazing Shadows, a 2011 Official Selection of the Sundance Film Festival. These Amazing Shadows describes how the 25 Sundance Film Festival films are chosen, discusses efforts to preserve and restore the listed movies, and celebrates cinema as an art form October 17 at 6pm in the Garden Room of the Orinda Library, 26 Orinda Way, Orinda. For more info, call (925) 254-2184 or visit www.ccclib.org.

Cal Shakes’ Hamlet. The Cal Shakes season’s final performance, Hamlet, directed by Liesl Tommy and presented by California Shakespeare Theater, runs through October 14 at the Bruns Amphitheater, 100 California Shakespeare Theater Way (off Highway 24), Orinda. For info, call (510) 548-9666 or visit www.calshakes.org.

LECTURE & LITERATURE

Half Price Sale. There will be a half price sale at the Friends Corner Book Shop (Friends of the Lafayette Library) Saturday, September 29 from 9am to 5pm, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette. For more info, call (925) 283-1967.

Book Sale by Friends of the Orinda Library. This monthly sale offers quality books for all interests and ages Thursday, October 4 from 10am to 1pm in the Bookshop and Sorting Room at the Orinda Library, 26 Orinda Way, Orinda. For more info, call (925) 254-1358.

Bluegrass Baseball: A Year in the Minor League Life by Katya Cengel. Author Katya Cengel, who has written for Esquire, Marie Claire and Southwest Airlines Spirit magazine, will participate in a book signing October 13 at noon at Orinda Books, 276 Village Square, Orinda. For more info, visit www.katyacengel.com.

WORKSHOPS &
ORGANIZATIONS

Common Threads Stitching Group. Whether you are a seasoned cross-stitcher or newbie beginner, join this ongoing, drop-in group for instruction, guidance, or simply a relaxing afternoon spent with fellow stitchers every Wednesday at the Lafayette Community Center in the Elderberry room from 2 to 3:30pm starting September 12 (except November 21 and December 26), 500 St. Mary's Road, Lafayette. For more info or to register, call (925) 284-5050.

Volunteers needed to transcribe Braille. Volunteers interested in learning how to transcribe literary works for the blind or sight impaired are needed by the Contra Costa Braille Transcribers. A volunteer must complete a 7-month course to be certified by The Library of Congress. Weekly training classes are every Tuesday in Concord beginning Tuesday, September 11 from 9:30am to noon, 1201 Monument Blvd., Concord (near the 680 Freeway). For more info, call Fran Whipple at (925) 298-2344 or visit www.ccbraille.com.

Genealogy Research Series and October Family History Month. Celebrate Family History Month and discover your family tree with two special programs: One-on-One Genealogy Research Assistance by Tri-Valley Heritage Happenings on Saturday, October 6 from 1 to 3pm; and Introduction to Genealogy Research Presentation Wednesday, October 10 at 1pm at the Danville Library, 400 Front Street. Learn about print and online genealogy resources to help take your research further. For more info, call (925) 837-4889.

The Michael Chavez Center and Monument Community Partnership have merged! They are excited to share with you how they envision working with the community as a blended organization at a celebration and kick-off Thursday, September 27 from 4 to 6pm at The Keller House, 1760 Clayton Road, Concord. Appetizers will be served. For more info, call (925) 808-7392 or visit www.monumentcommunity.org.

Avoiding Falls an Anne Randolph Workshop. If you are worried about falling or are at risk of falling, you should know about activities that improve balance. Learn how to improve your balance and avoid the risk of falling Friday, September 28 from 11:30am to 12:30pm in the Sequoia Room, Lafayette Community Center, 500 St. Mary’s Rd., Lafayette. For more info or to register, call (925) 284-5050.

Sons in Retirement Lamorinda Branch 171 meets the first Wednesday monthly at Holy Trinity Culture Center, 1700 School St., Moraga. The October 3 after-lunch speaker will be Gary Bogue, Retired Pets and Wild Life Columnist for the Contra Costa Sun. For details and SIRs membership information, call Larry at (925) 631-9528.

Shape Great Kids with Positive Parenting. Louise Hart, Ed.D., a recognized speaker, bestselling author and thought leader in positive parenting, will host an encouraging and uplifting parent education workshop Thursday, October 25th from 6:30 to 8pm at Bentley's School's Student Performing Arts Center, 1000 Happy Valley Road, Lafayette. This research-based approach decreases negative emotions and behaviors, and improves relationships. For more info, call Melissa Hyde at (510) 843-2512 ext. 2402.

KIDS, PARENTS & TEENS

Lafayette Girl Scouts Registration. Girl Scouts provides girls and young women with the life skills that will enable them to reach their full potential. Join an existing troop, form a new troop, be a volunteer! All members must be registered and adult volunteers cleared by October 1. For more info, call (925) 389-6453 or visit www.lafayettegirlscouts.org.

FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS

The 14th Annual Moraga Pear & Wine Festival. A family-friendly event celebrating Moraga’s Pear history from 10am to 4pm Saturday, September 29 at the Moraga Commons Park, 1425 St. Mary’s Road, Moraga. Entertainment and activities at the bandshell include DJ RyanO, Town Hall Theatre performers, an afternoon concert by littledog2, Arbor Day tree planting, wine tasting with Lamorinda Winegrowers Association, grape stomping, pear pies, jumpies, pie eating contest, food, local artist booths, community and business booths, and the ARF Mobile Adoption Van. For more info, call the Parks and Recreation Department (925) 888-7045 or visit www.moraga.ca.us.

5th Annual Moraga Country Club Home & Kitchen Tour. Attendees will be treated to creative and well-crafted kitchen designs while enjoying wine and appetizers Thursday, October 4 from 5 to 8pm with all four homes conveniently located in the Moraga Country Club. After the tour, attendees are invited to the new Moraga Country Club Clubhouse for exciting raffle prizes and a tour of the new MCC Clubhouse Kitchen. Tickets: $20 (advanced); $25 (day of the tour). For info, or to purchase tickets visit www.mcchometour.com or contact Suzanne Alexander at (925) 216-7823 or Sue Olsen at (925) 200-6000.

FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS

150th Anniversary at SMC Gaelebration! A Free Open House and Festival. Saint Mary’s College of California will mark the “Year of the Gael" Saturday, October 6 with a massive Gaelebration – a free public festival and open house from 11am to 6pm featuring musical and dance performances, rides, live bands, art, athletic demonstrations, gourmet food trucks, lectures, giveaways and more at Saint Mary's College, 1928 St. Mary's Road, Moraga. For more info, call (925) 631-4200.

2012 East Bay Walk to Defeat ALS. The Walk to Defeat ALS is ALS Association's signature event in which all funds directly support cutting-edge research, patient care, & public policy Sunday, October 7 at 9:30am for registration and 11am for the walk, Heather Farm Park, 301 N. San Carlos Drive, Walnut Creek. Free. For more info, call (415) 904-2572 or visit alsagoldenwest.org.

Olive Festival. Honoring the historic Olive Grove. Enjoy appetizers and live music, taste olives and olive oil, find great bargains at the Silent Auction and raffle, join local chefs in preparing yummy olive dishes and more on October 7 from 1 to 4pm at the olive grove at the Wagner Ranch Nature Area, 350 Camino Pablo. For more info, visit www.fwrna.org.

20th Annual Reservoir Run. The Lafayette Reservoir Run is the city’s most popular “family affair,” involving kids, parents, grandparents, and hundreds of serious runners from throughout the Bay Area. The event will be on Sunday, October 28 beginning at 6:30am in Downtown Lafayette starting at Mt. Diablo Blvd. between First St. and Moraga Road. The adult registration: $30; race day fee $35; elementary school fee $22. For more info, visit www.http://lafayettechamber.org/events/reservoir-run/.

OTHER

Nature Walk and Bird-Watching led by Ben Pettersson. Experience nature at its finest along our local trails. Delight in the beauty that unfolds around each bend, all the while learning to identify a variety of birds. Bring a water bottle; binoculars will be helpful if you have them. The walks are every Wednesday from 9 to 11am. Please call (925) 284-5050 to find out the weekly meeting place.

Hearing Screening by Audiologists from Hearing Science/Diablo Valley Ear, Nose, and Throat October 3, November 7, and December 5 in the Cedar Room at the Lafayette Community Center, 500 St. Mary's Road. An appointment is required and a minimum of two sign ups are required in order for screenings to take place. Please call Lafayette Senior Services at (925) 284-5050 to sign up for one of the following appointment times: 1, 1:20, 1:40, or 2pm. Cost: $1 for members; $3 for non-members.

Come celebrate America’s only Nobel Prize-winning playwright by visiting Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site or attending the Eugene O’Neill Festival, hosted by the park and the Eugene O’Neill Foundation during the month of September. The Eugene O’Neill Festival features art displays, guest speakers, and performances of two O’Neill plays, “Ah, Wilderness!” and “A Moon for the Misbegotten.” You must take a shuttle from The Museum of the San Ramon Valley, 205 Railroad Avenue, Danville. For festival information and to purchase tickets please call (925) 820-1818 or visit www.eugeneoneill.org.

Free memory screening by Caring Solutions September 28 in the Cedar Room at the Lafayette Community Center, 500 St. Mary's Road, Lafayette. An appointment is required. Appointments are at 12:30, 12:50, or 1:10pm. For more info or to sign up, call (925) 284-5050.
Powells' Sweet Shoppe is proud to announce they will be hosting a community blood drive. Donate a pint of blood and receive a free pint of bulk candy of your choice at the "Pint for a Pint" blood drive Saturday, September 29 from 11am to 5pm, 3591 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette. Donors must be 17 or older to participate. Please bring your ID. For more info, call (925) 299-9866 or visit www.redcrossblood.org.

The Plight & Potential of Africa’s Heart-a luncheon with the President of the Presbyterian Church of Congo. Join Congolese dancers and drummers as they welcome Rev. Dr. Joseph Mulumba Musumbu Mukundi, the General Secretary / President of the Presbyterian Church of Congo (CPC), during his visit to the U.S. as he shares about the church’s work for peace and human dignity at noon October 7, Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette. Free lecture; $10 for the luncheon. For more info, visit www.LOPC.org.

Project Happiness presented by Saklan School. Producer and director Randy Taran will present her documentary that follows a Senior Class in Mount Madonna School in Watsonville on a journey to discover the true nature of human happiness October 11, from 6 to 8:30pm at the Holy Trinity Servian Church, 1700 School Street, Moraga. For more info, visit www.projecthappiness.org/community/events/.

Blood Drive. Drop by and share a pint! Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church, working with the American Red Cross, is sponsoring a blood drive to help save lives in our local communities October 13 from 9am to 3pm at the Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church, 10 Moraga Valley Lane, Moraga. For more info, call Les Deane at (925) 283-5648 or visit www.redcrossblood.org.

Aging Successfully in our Community. All of us will one day be faced with issues related to growing older, whether it is taking care of our aging parents or an older relative, or growing older ourselves. In spite of the many mental and physical challenges associated with aging, we can educate ourselves about the process, and hopefully make the experience less stressful, and even enjoyable. Find some of those tools at 8:30am Saturday, October 13 at the 4th Annual Senior Symposium Lafayette Presbyterian Church. For more info, call (925) 357-0056.

Feast of St. Francis & Blessing of the Animals at 11am Sunday, October 14 at Saint Giles’ Episcopal Church, St. Mary's College Chapel, 1928 St. Mary's Road, Moraga. Local residents are invited to bring their animal friends - cats, dogs, rabbits, horses, pigs to the blessing. For more info, contact the Rev. Justin R. Cannon at justin@stgiles-moraga.org, (925) 376-5770, or visit www.stgiles-moraga.org.

Women Helping Women of Orinda Community Church will recognize National Domestic Violence Awareness Month through Worship and a Forum. The Service of Worship, organized by Women Helping Women, will focus on domestic violence through choral reading, prayer, dance, music and Scripture Sunday October 14 at 10am, the Orinda Community Church, 10 Irwin Way, Orinda. For more info, call Lee Cruise at (925) 254-4906.

Annual Spiral Dance. A Multi-Cultural Celebration of Our Beloved Ancestors and Crones by Daughters of the Goddess. On this cool fall evening we come together to honor our loved ones who have crossed over to the other side October 26, at 6:30pm at the Orinda Masonic Temple, 9 Altarinda Road, Orinda. Bring pictures of your loved ones that have passed to be placed on the Ancestor Altar. Tickets: $23 if paid by October 22; $29 at the door. For more info, call (925) 787-9247 or visit www.daughtersofthegodess.com

Visit the Be the Star You Are!® Express Yourself! Teen Radio booth at the Moraga Pear and Wine Festival sponsored by Lamorinda Weekly September 29 at Moraga Commons Park, 1425 St. Mary's Road, Moraga. Meet teen writers of Teen Scene, be interviewed LIVE on the radio, get FREE potpourri from Digging Deep's Cynthia Brian, buy books and shirts, and sign up for Club Be the Star You Are! For more info, visit “events” at www.BTSYA.org.

Nathaniel Armen of Boy Scout Troop 212 in conjunction with his Eagle Scout Project is conducting a donation drive of items to be sent to impoverished children in the Dominican Republic: gently used clothes, shoes, soccer cleats and jerseys, large duffle bags and board games. Your donations will improve the quality of life of these children. Contributions may be dropped off at 85 Brookfield Dr., Moraga from September 28 through November 9, or call (925) 876-1399 for pick up.

Max Mirner of Boy Scout Troop 204 in conjunction with his Eagle Scout Project is collecting new and gently used socks (sizes Toddler-18 years) for patients and non-perishable food or paper goods for the Family House at The Children's Hospital in Oakland until Friday, October 12. Collection boxes are located in the Lafayette school offices of Acalanes, Stanley, Springhill, Burton Valley, Happy Valley, Lafayette Elementary, Bentley Middle School in Oakland, and at Our Savior’s Lutheran, and Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church. The Family House is a 16 room house across from the hospital where families can stay for free and be close to their ill child. For info, email maxmirner3@gmail.com.

Second Annual Contra Costa Philanthropy Awards breakfast. The awards program recognizes individuals, businesses and service organizations that have made significant contributions of time, leadership and financial support to benefit Contra Costa residents. Honorees will be recognized at the second annual breakfast celebration November 8 from 7:30 to 10am, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 45 John Glenn Drive, Concord. For more info, call (925) 246-1880 or visit www.contracostacouncil.com.