ART

The Moraga Art Gallery’s new show, “Divine Inspiration,” includes paintings of Saint Mary’s College by resident artist Barbara Hudler Cella, and stone and glass crochet beadwork by guest artist Mona Bourell. The show, which runs through June 1, will include works by the gallery’s 14 resident artists and several guest artists. The gallery is located in the Rheem Shopping Center, 522 Center Street, Moraga.  An opening reception will take place from 3 to 5 p.m.  Saturday, March 30. The show and reception are free and open to the public.  For more information, visit www.moragaartgallery.com or call (925) 376-5407.

­Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art exhibition – Carnaval!  Exhibits include 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 — 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.

Join Valley Stitchers and Fiber Arts Guild, "No Foolin'," to hear Susan Heller discuss her various outstanding quilted masks, and show how they are an integral part of the spiritual lives of the peoples she studies. Her inspiration comes from the original masks of various ethnic groups of Africa and New Guinea at 10 a.m. Monday, April 1 at the Faith Lutheran Church, 50 Woodsworth Ln., Pleasant Hill. For questions or info, please call Sheila Rogstad at (925) 945-1338 or visit quiltedbysusanheller.com.

Four members of the Lafayette Gallery currently have their art works on display in the conference room at the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce in downtown Lafayette, 100 Lafayette Circle. The artists are: Susan Erickson, acrylics and mixed-media collages, Warren Rice, photographs, Debby Koonce, oil paintings and Marsha Ramp, oil paintings. For info, call (925) 284-7404. This is an ongoing, free exhibit, open to the public, with no reservations needed. The artwork is updated on a regular basis.

High school student artists in the 11th District are invited to submit an original painting, drawing or other art form for the Annual Congressional Art Competition. One student’s work will be selected by a judging panel of local artists to hang in the U.S. Capitol Building for one year along with student artwork from across the country. The winning student will also be flown to Washington, D.C. in June for the Annual Congressional Art Competition reception. Artwork is due the week of April 15. Artwork must be accompanied by a Student Release Form. For more information, please contact Adrienne Ursino at (925) 602-1880.

MUSIC

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.

A free concert performed by the members of the Contra Costa Performing Arts Society opens with the sextet for piano and woodwinds by Chech composer Bohuslav Martinu, followed by his Three Madrigals for Violin and Viola. The program concludes with Beethoven's String Quartet in C Major at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 9 at Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church, 55 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek. Classical instrumental music. Free.  For info, visit www.ccpas.org

Bentley School will host its first annual Jazz Festival in Lafayette at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 20. The show will open with performances from the Bentley Jazz Master Class and the Stanley School Jazz Messengers. The festival also includes performances from Bentley’s Director of Jazz Studies, Brian Pardo, who will be accompanied by his wife Lynn Ray, an accomplished musician in the R&B and Gospel communities. Well-known Smooth Jazz artist and producer Ray Obiedo will also take the stage. Special guests and members of Santana, including Pete Escovedo, Maceo Parker, and Sheila E. will be backing the musicians during the show. Tickets will be sold at the door.

Embark on a musical journey through Paris in the Walnut Creek Library with versatile and popular vocalist Lorna K and her talented band of accordion, bass, and guitar musicians at 7 p.m. Sunday, April 24, courtesy of the Walnut Creek Foundation. Enjoy an evening of French music in the style of Edith Piaf. Lorna has an elaborate repertoire of French standards and with her combo she has enjoyed extensive engagements in many San Francisco night spots including Enrico’s, Café de la Presse, House of Shields and Shanghai 1930. Come to listen to Lorna and you will regret nothing. Free. Due to space limitations, pre-registration is required at: http://tinyurl.com/chanson-realiste-2013.

THEATER

The Performing Arts Department at Saint Mary’s College will present "A Lie of the Mind" by Sam Shepard as their spring production April 24-27 at 7 p.m. and April 28 at 2 p.m. in LeFevre Theatre, Saint Mary’s College, 1928 St. Mary’s Rd. Tickets: general $15; Seniors (65+) $12; non-SMC students $12; Saint Mary’s College community of faculty, staff and students $8. For more info and reservations call the Saint Mary’s College Theatre Box Office at (925) 631-4670. Tickets are also available online at www.brownpapertickets.com.

DVC Drama presents Shakespeare's Classic Richard III, directed by Beth McBrien through April, 7321 Golf Club Rd, Pleasant Hill. For show times and tickets call the Box Office at (925) 687-4445 or visit www.dvcdrama.net. Free parking for all performances.

Last Supper Re-enactment. The public is invited to a dramatic re-enactment of the Last Supper at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 28 at the Lafayette United Methodist Church, 955 Moraga Rd. (See Easter Events listing page B6)

LECTURE & LITERATURE

Holden High School presents the third in its Meet the Writer series featuring poet, playwrite and essayist Alison Luterman from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 4 at the Orinda Community Church Fellowship Hall and will include refreshments and an opportunity to talk with Luterman about her poetry as well as her other literary and performance work. Tickets: $10. For reservations, call the school at (925) 254-0199 or email office@holdenhigh.org. Mail checks to Holden High School, 10 Irwin Way, Orinda, CA 94563. Tickets also available at the door.

KIDS, PARENTS & TEENS

The 2013 LPIE Science Expo is coming to Stanley Middle School from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 27. Lafayette Partners in Education (LPIE) will be sponsoring the 2013 Science Expo at Stanley Middle School. The Expo, held bi-annually, offers community members, parents, and students of all ages the opportunity to learn about the wonders of science, engineering, and technology through interactive exhibits from both exhibitors and students. For an updated list of exhibits, visit www.stanleypta.org/lpie-science-expo.

Orinda Rotary’s Free Annual Spring Egg Hunt will take place at 10:45 a.m. Saturday, March 30 in the Orinda Community Center Park. (See Easter Events listing page B6)

The Lafayette Rotary Club’s “Annual Egg Hunt” for children ages 2-9 starting will start promptly at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 30 at Lafayette Plaza (corner of Mt. Diablo Boulevard and

Moraga Road). (See Easter Events listing page B6)

Easter Bunny Pics in Moraga. Come take a photo with the Easter Bunny from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 30 at Rheem Valley Shopping Center in Moraga – next to Starbucks Coffee.  (See Easter Events listing page B6)

Bunny Brunch. Lafayette Community Center Foundation’s  annual Bunny Brunch and show will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:15 on Sunday, March 30 in the Live Oak Room of the Lafayette Community Center, 500  St. Mary’s Rd in Lafayette.  (See Easter Events listing page B6)

Enjoy a day of free family fun at Orinda Theatre Square from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 30 with the bouncy house fun kicking off at noon. Activities also include: a rock climbing wall, face painting, live music, pony rides with a petting zoo, and even a photo booth!  (See Easter Events listing page B6)

The 8th Annual Lamorinda Idol auditions are coming! Created and sponsored by the Orinda Arts Council, Lamorinda Idol is a singing competition open to kids K-12th grade as of spring 2013 who either attend school or reside in Orinda, Moraga and Lafayette. Entries may be made by soloists or groups. Auditions will be held May 16 - 18, when finalists and runners-up will be selected by a panel of three judges. Registration for auditions will be from April 1 - 30 at www.orindaartscouncil.org. Finalists will perform at Orinda Theatre Sunday, Sept. 8. Category winners will receive cash prizes, the Audience Award winner will receive a special prize and all finalists will receive gift certificates.

Springhill Elementary School’s Green Team announces their second annual Plant Sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, April 14 on the Springhill campus, 3301 Springhill Rd. on the lower playground. A perfect outing for the whole family! Online orders are available through April 1 by visiting greenteamplantsale.gostorego.com. Pre-purchased plants will be available for pickup during the sale. Proceeds from the sale will benefit Springhill’s Green Team & Outdoor Classroom. (See story page B2)

The Friends of the Orinda Library is excited to announce the commencement of 2013's Poul Anderson Creative Writing Contest, open to all students who reside and/or attend high school in Orinda. Entry categories are: Science Fiction, Essay/Memoir, Poetry and Short Story. Students may submit one entry in any of the four categories for a total of not more than three entries. Submission deadline is at noon Friday, April 18. Up to four winners will each be awarded $250 prizes. Entries should be submitted to individual school representatives. For additional info, visit www.friendsoftheorindalibrary.org or email Julie Rossiter, at jjrossiter@me.com.

Seedling's Preschool 15th Annual Wheel Day! For kids who love anything to do with wheels! The event promises numerous vehicles including construction, public safety, and public transport vehicles for your viewing, climbing and a horn honking good time from 10 a.m. - noon Saturday, April 20 at the Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church 49 Knox Dr, Lafayette. Free. Please consider bringing a non-perishable food item to be donated to Monument Crisis Center.

OTHER

Hospice of the East Bay is seeking volunteers to assist Hospice patients and their caregivers. Opportunities include: Licensed Hair Stylists to offer haircuts and styling, Certified Massage Therapists to provide massage therapy, mobile notaries to witness the signing of important documents, bereavement support volunteers to provide support to family members after their loved one has died, and patient support volunteers to provide companionship and practical assistance. To apply for free training call Hospice of the East Bay at (925) 887-5678, and ask for the volunteer department, or email volunteers@hospiceeastbay.org.

OTHER ... continued

Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church will hold a candle lit Taize’ style Maundy service at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 28. Communion will be offered to those who desire it and the opportunity for healing prayers will be provided. Music will be in the Taize’ style. Child care is provided in the two-story building immediately to the left of the Sanctuary. All are welcome.

First Friday Forum “Update on the New Oakland/San Francisco Bay Bridge” at 1:30 p.m. Friday, April 5 in the Sanctuary of the Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette. Victor Gauther, communications associate and tour program manager will provide information on the current construction site, which is the largest infrastructure project in California history, as well as on the history of the Bay Bridge. Refreshments are served at 1 p.m. For more info, call (925) 283-8722 or click on LOPC.org.

The community of Canyon will host a multi-agency wildfire meeting from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, April 10 at the Canyon Elementary School, 187 Pinehurst Road. The evening will be an exploration of the challenges a major wildfire would present to both the fire agencies and the community. The event will culminate with a discussion of ways all parties can work together to create effective policies and procedures to deal with the vagaries of notification, evacuation, cars and fire engines meeting on narrow roads and so forth. For more info, call Canyon Fire Council Coordinator Jonathan Goodwin, (925) 376-4668 or email CanyonFire@VFemail.net; MOFD Fire Chief Randy Bradley, (925) 258-4599 or RBradley@mofd.org.

Wildlife Expert Gary Bogue will discuss “Creatures of the Urban Wilderness (your backyard)” at 9:30 a.m. Monday, April 15 at Lindsay Wildlife Museum, 1931 First Avenue, Walnut Creek.  Bogue will discuss the wild animals that live in and prowl, fly, and slither around your backyard, day and night—the coyotes, raccoons, skunks, opossums, owls, hawks, hummingbirds, snakes, lizards and other creatures that interact with you and have become a part of your life, often without you even knowing they are there. Brunch event tickets: $25. To purchase tickets, contact Penny Adams at (925) 837-4046, P.O. Box 562, Diablo, CA 94528, or call the museum at (925) 935-1978.

Join Spring Leadership Summit in an interactive presentation “A Whole New Way: Leadership and Engagement in the 21st Century” from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 16 at the Claeys Lounge, Saint Mary's College Soda Center, 1928 St. Mary's Rd., Moraga. The summit will examine how society thinks about leadership and what is needed to bring about the changes you care about most, focusing on particular challenges within the educational system. This session will deal with "a whole new way of leadership and engagement" from a variety of vantage points in a collaborative effort by the graduate programs of Saint Mary's College- Graduate Leadership, Graduate Education, Graduate Business, and Graduate Kinesiology.

Orinda Action Day begins at 9 a.m. April 20 at the Library Plaza. This is a time to lend a hand to help beautify our city!  Visit Orinda Action Day at       www.orindafoundation.org. (See article page A11)

Run, Walk, Jog...Eat, Dance, Play...Help support children and families affected by AIDS in Zimbabwe! Get your family and friends together for the 10th Annual JF Kapnek Trust Family Fun 5k/1k Run at 9 a.m. Sunday, April 21 at Miramonte High School. There will be an African band, face painting, crafts for kids, goodie bags for kids, prizes, brunch, and a super cool T-shirt! Visit Active.Com to register. Keyword is: KAPNEK.

Lamorinda Adult Respite Center (LARC) is looking for caring, fun, enthusiastic volunteers to assist once or twice a month. Activities include: games, crafts, daily live musical entertainment, lunch and exercise. Come join the fun and help enhance the lives of our local seniors. For more info, or to schedule a visit, please call Beth Montgomery at (925) 254-3465.

Stations of the Cross. The public is invited to self-guided tours of "Jesus' Journey to the Cross", a time of reflection and meditation for Easter, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. March 29 at the Lafayette United Methodist Church, 955 Moraga Rd., Lafayette. Children are welcome. Free. For more info, call (925) 284-4765 or email office@thelumc.org.

Spend a day with friends celebrating the Heart of the Home at the Miramonte Kitchen & Garden Tour from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, April 18. Six unique and gorgeous kitchens and gardens will be open for a self-guided tour. Tickets: $35. Space is limited so sign up early! Proceeds from the events will have an immediate impact on the quality of programs available to all Miramonte students. Tickets are available at Orinda Books, Orinda Florist, McDonnell's Nursery and Lazy K at Orchard Nursery.

Step into nature and history and enjoy the 12th Annual Wildlife/Earth Day Festival in support of the unique outdoor environmental education programs for Orinda children from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 21.  Delightful adventures include: pond explorations, live raptors shown by Jenny Papka, electric Volt and Leaf car test drives, delicious food, music, crafts, games, nature walks, and much more. There will be an Earth Day tribute by Chester Miner, Elder of the Cherokee Nation and the Guest of the Day will be Gary Bogue. The Friends of the Wagner Ranch will conduct this free festive program to celebrate and support environmental education and biodiversity programs in the Nature Area.  For more info, visit www.fwrna.org.

Area residents who own classic cars are invited to participate in the 5th Annual Moraga Classic Car Show from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 11 (as part of the 2013 Moraga Community Faire). The $30 registration fee includes an entry ribbon, lunch for two, a commemorative photo, and a chance for owners to display their restoration work to the public. Prizes will be awarded. The registration deadline is May 1. The car show is sponsored by 5A Rent a Space and CVS Pharmacy. To register, visit www.moragachamber.org/faire or call (925) 247-4629.

Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation's, Animals on Broadway will be Sunday, May 19, at the Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek. Kick off the event by joining the one-mile fundraising Pet Walk. Pet Walk begins at 10:30 a.m. sharp (registration is from 8:30 to 10 a.m.) After, stay and enjoy an array of booths, mobile adoptions, face painting, a Pet Wellness Fair, Walnut Creek Police K9 Unit demonstrations, live music, and crafts for kids from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more info, visit www.arf.net.

CLUBS

Sons in Retirement Lamorinda Branch 171 meets at 11 a.m. on the first Wednesday monthly at Holy Trinity Culture Center 1700 School St. Moraga. Lunch at noon. The April 3 after-lunch speaker will be Leigh Kjeldsen, Au.D. – a  doctor of Audiology with practices in Walnut Creek and Concord. Leigh enjoys seeing patients of all ages. The youngest person she has fit with hearing aids was 3 months old and the oldest was 101 years old. She will be speaking about "Hearing Loss: Causes and Remedies." For details and membership information, call Larry at (925) 631-9528 or Tom at (925) 376-7724.

Lafayette Garden Club will feature “Tantalize Your Taste Buds---learn to grow and cook delectable heirloom vegetables and herbs” with Randall Barnes of Orchard Nursery at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, April 11 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette. Barnes has a bachelor’s degree in horticultural science from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and loves to cook his garden’s bounty. For more info, email sa613and@aol.com.

SENIORS

Join Lafayette Senior Services for one of this upcoming event!  Enjoy afternoon dancing every Wednesday and learn some great new dance moves at the Lamorinda Dance Social on the first Wednesday monthly.  Professional dancers Karen and Michael will provide a dance lesson and live DJ services, playing your favorites and taking requests from 12:30 to 3 p.m. every Wednesday at the Live Oak Room, Lafayette Community Center. Cost: $2 members; $4 non-members. For info, call (925) 284-5050 to reserve a spot.

The Stroke Support Group of Contra Costa County will hold its April meeting in the Ball Auditorium at from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, April 8 at John Muir Medical Center- Walnut Creek Campus, 1601 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. The speaker will be Richard Burns, stroke survivor, author and spokesperson for the National Stroke Association who will discuss "Hope-the Choice is Yours." After the program, attendees will break up into three coping groups: stroke survivors without aphasia, stroke survivors with aphasia, and caregivers and families of stroke survivors -- each group led by a trained professional. For more info about the Stroke Support Group, contact Ann Dzuna at (925) 376-6218. Meetings are free and open to the public.

GARDEN

Once again, The City of Walnut Creek and The Gardens at Heather Farm are teaming up to present a free workshop for our community. Discovering a Sense of Place (Part II) with Patrice Hanlon, GHF garden manager and Susan Handjian, garden consultant and coach builds on a successful session in 2012. April 27 Explore Walnut Creek’s “Creek Walk.” Each session includes activities or walks to explore watersheds, plants, animals and insects that live in our area. Workshops can be taken individually or as a series. Pre-registration required. The Gardens at Heather Farm is located at 1540 Marchbanks Dr., Walnut Creek.

The Ninth Annual Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 5. This free, award-winning tour features 40 Alameda and Contra Costa county gardens that are pesticide-free, conserve water, provide habitat for wildlife, and contain 60 percent or more native plants. 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. Space is limited and registration is required. This tour will fill; register early to ensure a place. Volunteers are needed. Please register or volunteer at www.bringingbackthenatives.net. For more info, contact Kathy@KathyKramerConsulting.net or call (510) 236-9558 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.

SCHOOLS

Need money for college? The 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. For info and applications visit www.ccarscholarship.com. Deadline is April 15.

POLITICAL GATHERINGS

Lamorinda Republican Women Federated welcomes luncheon speaker Lynne C. Leach businesswoman, former State Legislator, community activist and leader. For info contact Elsie Euing at (925) 254-8617

Lafayette Chamber of Commerce invites you to join your District II County Supervisor Candace Andersen for a Brown Bag Lunch at noon, Wednesday, April 3 at the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, 100 Lafayette Circle, Conference Room.  For reservations, email lauri.byers@bos.cccounty.us or call (925) 957-8860.