ART

The Moraga Art Gallery announces a new show entitled "The Unbearable Lightness of Seeing,” highlighting the photography of Dave E Dondero and Erik Wilson, featuring the unique combination of Dondero’s hyper-realistic California landscapes and Wilson’s thought-provoking and often ironic urban scenes. Moraga Art Gallery is a collective of 14 established, local artists and artisans and is open to the public from noon to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday in the Rheem Valley Shopping Center, 522 Center St, Moraga. For info, call (925) 376-5407.

The Orinda Library Art Gallery's exhibit in January will feature the Caldecott Tunnel by the Orinda Historical Society. The Gallery is located adjacent to the library at 26 Orinda Way in Orinda.  For more info, visit www.orindaartscouncil.org/community_library.

The Lafayette Gallery's new show “Tokens of Affection” will run through March 9. There will be a free champagne and chocolates reception from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1 at 50 Lafayette Circle (across from Chow).  For more info, visit www.lafayettegallery.net or call the gallery at (925) 284-2788.

Saint Mary's College Museum of Art exhibitions – Carnaval; In Search of the Source: the Nile and Beyond by Lockwood de Forest; Ryan Reynolds: Landscape Assembled; Keith and the California Alps: paintings from the 1870s, 80s, and 90s -- open Feb. 2 through April 14, Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Saint Mary's College, 1928 Saint Mary's Rd., Moraga.  Cost: $5 for adults; free for kids K-12.  For more info, call (925) 631-4379 or visit www.stmarys-ca.edu/museum.     

MUSIC

Class Act Big Band dance.  Big Band is a 17-piece big band and the dance includes swing, waltz, and fox trot from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17 at Saint Mary's College Soda Center, 1928 St. Mary's Rd., Moraga.  For info, call (925) 631-8015 or visit cabigband.com.

Swing Thing, six-piece combo with two fantastic singers.  This is an upcoming dance from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23 at Saint Mary's College, St. Mary's Rd., Moraga.  For info, call (925) 631-8015 or visit swingthingjazz.com. 

WCSA Lafayette Songwriters' Competition.  Come join the Lauras for the inaugural Lafayette WCSA Songwriters' Competition! You do not have to be a songwriter to attend this event.  The meetings are at 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at 81 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette.  Cost: $5.  For more info, contact Laura Zucker by email at zuckers@aol.com or visit  

www.westcoastsongwriters.org/become-a-member. 

Big Band Ball Room Dance and show at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8, The New Rheem Theatre, 350 Park Street, Moraga.  Optional dance lessons, free with your ticket to the dance, start at 7 p.m. and the Rossmoor Big band begins playing at 8 p.m. The cocktail bar opens at 7:30 p.m.  Tickets are just $10 at the door or at the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce. For reservations: (925) 284-7404.

Senior Services Piano Jazz concert at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15 in the Community Hall of the Lafayette Library and Learning Center, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette.  Enjoy songs from the Great American Songbook with tunes from composers such as Gershwin, A. Jobim, Duke Ellington and Dave Brubeck, as interpreted by members of CCPAS. Refreshments provided by Aegis of Moraga Assisted Living and Memory Care, and Nightingale Home Care.  Please call Lafayette Senior Services to reserve your spot at (925) 284-5050.  Cost: $3 members; $5 non-members.

THEATER

Company C Contemporary Ballet will open its 2013 season Friday, Jan. 18 at Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek.  For more info, visit www.companycballet.org or call (925) 708-0752.

Join County Librarian and film noir buff Barbara Flynn for Force of Evil, the first of three free film noir screenings at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23 at the Moraga Library, 1500 St. Mary’s Road, Moraga.  (see story page B7)

Come see the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, a musical comedy about six young people in the throes of puberty vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime, from Jan. 25 through Feb. 10.  There will be an opening night reception at 8 p.m. Jan. 25 at the DVC Theater, 321 Golf Club Rd., Pleasant Hill.  For info, call (925) 685-1230 ext. 2337.

Petty Theft, the ultimate Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers tribute band makes a triumphant return to Lafayette's Town Hall Theatre in a benefit performance at 8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 26. Doors open at 7 p.m.  Ticket prices range from $10 (kids) to $30, and can be purchased at www.TownHallTheatre.com.  

The Princess and The Pea, fairytale by Hans Christian Andersen.  The Princess and The Pea is a much adored traditional fairy tale of honesty and love and will be presented at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30 and at 4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31 at the LeFevre Theatre, Saint Mary's College, 1928 St. Mary's Road, Moraga.  Cost: $8.  For more info, call (925) 631-4670 or visit www.brownpapertickets.com.

LECTURE & LITERATURE

“A Hologram for the King” by Dave Eggers.  Free copies of “Hologram for the King” will be available to the public at any Lamorinda library, which began Monday, Jan. 14.  (See story page B5) 

The Stanford Women's Club of the East Bay presents a booklover's dream … the 38th Annual Books on Review, which features four distinguished Stanford-affiliated authors, showcasing the best of recent fiction and nonfiction from 9:15 a.m. to noon Thursday, Jan. 24 at the Shadelands Arts Center, 111 N. Wiget Ln., Walnut Creek.  Tickets: $35.  For more info, call (510) 530-5859 or visit    alumni.stanford.edu/goto/event10819.

KIDS, PARENTS & TEENS

Catholic Schools Week Mass and Open House.  St. Perpetua School will be celebrating Catholic Schools Week.  This is a great opportunity to see what St. Perpetua has to offer and what its students have been learning!  This event will begin with Mass and Open House at 9:30 a.m., or you can learn what it means to be a junior high student at noon Sunday, Jan. 27. Kindergarten parent information night is scheduled at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30, and the junior high Science Fair is scheduled at 6 p.m. Jan. 31at St Perpetua School, 3445 Hamlin Rd., Lafayette.  For more info, call (925) 284-1640. 

Anxiety in School what parents and teachers should know.  Dr. Michael Tompkins will describe the nature of anxiety in youth at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30 at the Lafayette library, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd.,  Lafayette.  For more info, visit www.orindapoise.org.

East Bay Eclipse Soccer Club Tryouts.  Eclipse is holding tryouts for its U9-U11 teams Feb. 2-3 for its U12-U14 teams, Feb. 9-10, and U8 and U15+ tryouts will be March 2-3 at Campolindo High School, 300 Moraga Rd., Moraga.  For more info, visit eastbayeclipsesoccer.com/home/tryouts.

Creating a Peaceful School Conference.  The Mt. Diablo Peace and Justice Center in Walnut Creek announces its Second Annual conference for anyone who works with young people in K - 12.  The conference will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2 at Seven Hills School, 975 North San Carlos Dr., Walnut Creek.  Registration: $35 (through Jan. 7); $40 thereafter.  For more info, call (925) 933-7850 or visit www.mtdpc.org.

826 Valencia – Meet the CEO of 826 National.  826 National is a network of nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping students, ages 6-18, with their literacy and writing skills.  This event will be at 7 p.m. on Feb. 7 at the Lafayette Library located on 3491 Mt Diablo Blvd in Lafayette.  For more information please call (925) 385-2280 or visit http://guides.ccclib.org.

Unlocking Secrets to Winning Pinewood Derby Workshop.  Boy Scout Troop 233 of Lamorinda has invited Coach Allen to conduct a workshop to share his secrets to winning Pinewood Derby competitions.  The workshop is at 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9 at the Holy Shepherd Church, 433 Moraga Way, Orinda.  Cub Scouts who build their cars prior to the workshop will be able to test them on a racetrack.  For more information please call (925) 876-2477.

Youth Ink 2013. The Orinda Junior Women’s Club (Orinda Juniors) annual creative writing contest open to all sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students who live or attend school in Orinda. Submissions must be postmarked by Friday, Feb. 15 ­in order to be considered for an award. Details at www.orindajuniors.org.

OTHER

Orinda Rotary will host its first ever community-wide “Dick Heggie Peace Symposium” in honor of Orinda’s first mayor, Dick Heggie today.  The luncheon features speaker George Breslauer, who will discuss "Is Putin's Authoritarian Regime Sustainable?"  from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Orinda Country Club, 315 Camino Sobrante, Orinda.  Cost: $25.  For info or to register please call (925) 254-1321 or visit         orindachamber.org/events.htm. (See story page A7)

Operation Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief.  This program is organized by local teen volunteers of Club Be the Star You Are.  The club needs monetary donations to ship books and resources to families on the East Coast who suffered the devastation of Hurricane Sandy.  $25 ships five new books; $50 ships a dozen new books; $100 ships a full case.  Checks may be sent to Be the Star You Are!® 501c3, P.O. Box 376, Moraga, Ca. 94556 or make a contribution on line via Paypal.  See more information at www.bethestaryouare.org/

donate.htm. and www.btsya.com/hurricane_sandy_relief.html.

SEED (Special Education Enrichment Development) Foundation of Lafayette is co-funding a 12-week behavior management course for Lafayette parents Wednesday nights, 6:30 to 9 p.m. through March 27 in the Maggie Mae Lounge at Lafayette United Methodist Church, 955 Moraga Rd. By teaching positive behavioral strategies, parents will gain tools and strategies to support their child in home and community settings.  For info or to register please call (925) 788-0451 or email Robin Hauge at robinhaugeclinic@gmail.com.

Hospice of the East Bay Support Groups for Adults.  The support group Adults Who Have Lost a Parent meets Mondays from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 28 through March 25 at the Pleasant Hill Campus, 3470 Buskirk Ave.  Pre-registration is required.  For more info, or to pre-register please call (925) 887-5681 or visit www.hospiceeastbay.org.

Mardi Gras Party, 6 to 10 p.m, Friday, Feb. 1, Soda Center, St. Mary’s College. Cost: $40 per person and includes dinner and entertainment.  Proceeds from the event benefit the financial aid scholarship program at Saint Mary’s College. Make checks payable to Saint Mary’s College Guild and mail to Jeffry Lynn Dunne by Jan. 29 at 101 Quintas Lane, Moraga, CA 94556.  For info, call Billie Jones at (925) 254-3645.

Tax-Aide and Earn It Keep It Save It.  This is a free tax preparation service.  The tax preparation service begins the first week in February and continues until April 15.  Tax-Aide and EKS provide free tax preparation for individuals of all ages.  For more info, call (505) 699-5506 or visit www.earnitkeepitsaveit.org.

Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church Taize’ service at 7 p.m. on the last Thursday of the month.  In the candle-lit Sanctuary, the quiet songs, silence, and scripture with no sermon invite you to be still.  For info, call (925) 798-7107. 

Gather at the Table: A Healing Discussion about Slavery,  presented by Mt. Diablo Peace and Justice Center from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19 at the Mt. Diablo Peace & Justice Center, 55 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek.  Suggested donation: $12; $10 members; $5 for students. For more info, call (925) 933-7850 or visit www.mtdpc.org.

Jan Term Speaker Series. Unlikely Inspiration.  Kaya Oakes, author of Slanted and Enchanted: The Evolution of Indie Culture will speak at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22 and Lisa Kristine, an acclaimed humanitarian photographer who specializes in images of remote indigenous cultures in more than 100 countries on six continents, will speak about Shining a Light on Modern-Day Slavery at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31 at the Saint Mary's College Soda Activity Center, 1928 St. Mary's Road, Moraga.  Free.  For more info, call (925) 631-4771 or visit www.stmarys-ca.edu.

Will Your Kids’ Faith Stick?  This event will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24 at Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church, 10 Moraga Valley Ln., Moraga.  Registration is required.  For info, visit www.mvpctoday.org.

Crab Feed and Dance from 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, Holy Trinity Cultural Center, 1700 School Street, Moraga. Music provided by popular DJ so bring your appetites and dancing shoes. Dinner and Dance Tickets: $40; Dance only, $10. For non-crab lovers, you may order chicken in advance. For tickets and reservations call (925) 672-6799.

Community Service Day: member volunteers of Lafayette United Methodist Church will be serving those in need and the public is invited to participate Saturday, Jan. 26.  Service projects will be available for all ages and skill levels, benefiting the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, Bay Area Rescue Mission, Juvenile Hall – Hall Closet, Shelter, Inc., Monument Crisis Center and Toys for Tots.  For more info, visit thelumc.org/service/changetheworld or call (925) 284-4765.

McDonnell Nursery will present a free Winter Rose Pruning Workshop at 10. a.m. Saturday, Jan. 26 at 196 Moraga Way, Orinda. Rejuvenate your rose bushes and encourage beautiful new canes to produce the best blooms.  The workshops are held in a covered outdoor area so dress warmly. Please call (925)254-3713 or email info@mcdonnellnursery.com to reserve a seat.

Meet top of the line vendors, architects and design firms at Lamorinda’s Home Expo ’13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 27 at the Veterans Memorial Building, 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette.  LamorindaWeb.com and TheHomeMag are partnering with one another for this year’s event, which is for homeowners in every stage of the updating and/or remodeling process.  Free. 

www.lamorindawebhomeexpo.com.

The Moraga Women’s Society January meeting will feature Dee Vance and Cynthia Nolan, owners of Carefree Moves.  They will discuss downsizing and using the 4 box method, what to keep/sell/donate/ or toss at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 28 at the Holy Trinity Cultural Center, 1700 School St., Moraga.  For more info, call Roberta Klaproth at (925) 376-0708.

The Orinda Woman’s Club announces acceptance of applicants for its major beneficiary awards in 2013. Appropriate applying agencies must meet the following basic criteria: non-profit 501c3; serving women and children in need; Alameda and /or Contra Costa County-based; receiving $1 million and below as annual income stated on 2011-2012 tax returns. Application forms can be acquired from Orinda Woman’s Club, P.O. Box 533, Orinda, 94563 or from Adeline McClatchie Beneficiary Chair at (925) 254-1162 or    

Adeline@mcclatchie.com. Two applicants will be selected by general club meeting.  Deadline: 7 p.m. March 4. Beneficiary Chair must receive applications before this date for consideration.

Caregiving: A Labor of Love, a Workshop for those Caring for Family Members, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 2 at the Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church, 10 Moraga Valley Ln., Moraga.  Lunch is included.  For more info, visit www.mvpctoday.org. 

Wholpin Short Films Screening at 6 p.m. on Feb. 5 at the Moraga Library located on 1500 St. Mary’s Rd., Moraga.   For more info, call (925) 376-6852 or visit http://guides.ccclib.org.

Soroptimist International Annual Crab Feed and Silent Auction, 5:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 9, Oakwood Athletic Club, 4000 Mt. Diablo Blvd.,  Lafayette. Tickets: $45. For tickets and information contact Toni Pera (925) 283-2279, Terry Enns (925) 285-4693, or email siof24.680@gmail.com.  

Lafayette Community Garden and Outdoor Learning Center class "Building Healthy Soil" from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9 at the Lafayette Community Garden across from the Reservoir.  These classes are interactive, informative and fun so come join us and prepare to get your hands dirty!  It can be muddy and cold in the winter so dress appropriately. Classes are free although a $5 donation is appreciated.  To register, visit www.lafayettecommunitygarden.org, and click on classes.  

POLITICAL GATHERINGS

Inauguration Celebration Breakfast and Watch Party.  The breakfast, which will be held Monday, Jan. 21 from 8 to 8:45 a.m. at the Lafayette Library's Community Room, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd., will be hosted by the Lamorinda Democratic Club to honor President Barack Obama as he is inaugurated for his second term in office.  You must RSVP to guarantee a seat by contacting John Hall at jdhall@mac.com.

CLUBS

The Moraga Garden Club will hold their monthly meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 17 at the Holy Trinity Cultural Center, 1700 School St., Moraga.  Social hour begins at 9:30.  Speaker will be Brian Kemble from Ruth Bancroft Gardens in Walnut Creek on "A Succulent for every Garden.” Those interested in attending should call president Linda Foley at (925) 376 2809.

Montelindo Garden Club.  The club will meet at 9 a.m. Friday, Jan. 18 at the Orinda Community Church, 10 Irwin Way.  The speaker, Don Dillon, Jr. from Four Winds Growers, will discuss growing citrus in the Bay Area.  For more info, call (925) 254-3906.

Montelindo Garden Club Meeting will discuss Gardens of Israel at 9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 15 at the Orinda Community Church, 10 Irwin Way, Orinda.  For more info, call (925) 254-3906.