ART

The Moraga Art Gallery announces a new show entitled “Indian Summer,” highlighting ceramics by resident artist Donna Arganbright, and jewelry by guest artist Terri Durkovic. The show runs from Aug. 14 through Oct. 26, with an opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17 at 522 Center Street, Rheem Shopping Center, Moraga. Free. The gallery is open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, email moragaartgallery@gmail.com or call (925) 376-5407.

Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art is presenting “Points of View” with en plein air painters Mary Lou Correia and Paul Kratter through Sept. 29. Two new exhibits opened Aug. 4: “Afterglow” features installation, video, painting, sculpture, and photography by the next generation of light and space artists Michelle Blade, Gina Borg, Claude Collins-Stracensky, Michael Damm, Kathryn Van Dyke, Chris Fraser, Evan Holloway, Ruth Laskey, Laurie Reid, Jonathan Runcio, and Dean Smith. Also opening was a new body of work by photographer Lee Saloutos. “Surface: Transformative Photography from Nevada and the Great Basin” features vividly colored and abstracted desert detritus and desolate but eerily beautiful abandoned mine interiors. Admission: $5 adults, K-12 free. Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For info, call (925) 631-3379 or visit www.stmarys -ca.edu/saint-marys-college-museum-of-art. (See story page B3)

The America’s Cup challenge is coming soon, and to help the Bay Area celebrate, the Lafayette Gallery is hosting a new exhibition titled “Making Waves” starting Tuesday, Aug. 12 and running through October. Themed around water and sailing, the new show links to the “Impressionists on the Water” exhibition currently at the Palace of the Legion of Honor in San Francisco, as well as to the magnificent sight of the AC-72 catamarans foiling across the Bay at 50 knots! The exhibit features not only art in oil, acrylic, watercolor, monotypes and mixed media, but also a wide variety of photographs, jewelry, ceramics and prints for every style of décor and budget. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. from 5 p.m.; Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

MUSIC

Summer Concert Series at the Moraga Commons Park from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday evenings provided by the Moraga Park Foundation. Bring your picnic blanket or lawn chairs to the grassy hillside in front of the band shell and enjoy the free concerts. Concession stand opens at 6 p.m. for dinner. August schedule: Aug. 15 Zebop! - Latin rock; Aug. 22 Rodeo House - country.

Love to sing? Come join Voices of Musica Sacra as we begin an exciting new season! There are openings for all voice parts (esp. tenors/basses). Rehearsals resume at 7 p.m. Aug. 19 and subsequent Mondays at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 1924 Trinity Ave., Walnut Creek. For info, call (925) 670-7089, email info@vmschorus.org or visit www.vmschorus.org.

Gold Coast Chamber Players 2013-14 Season. What better way to open the 15th Anniversary Season than to feature a locally grown talent, the daughter of Bob Athayde (music teacher at Stanley Middle School), violinist Juliana Athayde. Juliana has skyrocketed to the top of her field and holds prestigious positions in New York and around the U.S. She returns to her hometown to help open GCCP’s 2013-14 season: Violinist Juliana Athayde, Cellist Amos Yang and Pianist Yana Reznik at 7:30 pm Sept. 13 at the Lafayette Library Community Hall; String Duos by Bartok and Kodaly, Lizst Hungarian Rhapsody for solo piano, Dohnanyi Piano Quintet at 2 p.m. Sept. 15 at the Lafayette Library Community Hall.

THEATER

California Shakespeare Theater continues its 2013 season with Oscar Wilde’s comedy, “Lady Windermere’s Fan,” directed by Oregon Shakespeare Festival company member Christopher Liam Moore in his Bay Area directorial debut. “Lady Windermere’s Fan” will play Aug. 14 through Sept. 8 at the Bruns Amphitheater, 100 California Shakespeare Theater Way (off Highway 24), Orinda. For info, call (510) 548-9666 or visit www.calshakes.org. (See story page B2)

2013 Dance on Film Festival concludes with the classic 1954 musical “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.” The movie will be shown at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15 at the Lafayette Library Community Hall, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd. The screening begins with fascinating, behind-the-scenes facts on the making of this classic movie with Lauren Jonas, Diablo Ballet artistic director, and Beau Behan, host of Beau’s Flicks & Nix, on the Comcast Hometown Network, Ch. 104. Presented by Diablo Ballet and Lafayette Library and Learning Center. Cost: $5

Orinda Starlight Players present “A Thurber Carnival” by James Thurber Aug. 2-24 at the Outdoor Theater in the Orinda Community Center Park, 28 Orinda Way. Regular admission: $16; seniors $8. For tickets call the Box Office at (925) 528-9225, or email info@orsvp.org for reservations. Be aware that this is an outdoor theatre and dress appropriately/bring blankets. More information about exact show dates and times is available at www.orsvp.org.

Improv Master Lisa Safran Presents “Improv(e) Communications.” The workshop luncheon mixes fun with self-improvement. Open to the public, the event takes place from 11:30 a.m.to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12 at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette. Registration: $25 for LCC graduates or Walnut Creek Chamber members; $30 for the general public. Seating is limited and registration is required at www.lccalumni.net.

KIDS, PARENTS & TEENS

All summer long tweens and teens (6th grade or above, fall 2013) are invited to Teen Tuesdays from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at the Moraga Library, 1500 St. Mary’s Road, Moraga. For more info, visit ccclib.org or call (925) 376-6852.

Summer camp offered through Lafayette Department of Parks and Recreation and Lafayette Community Garden and Outdoor Learning Center: Monday through Friday from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Aug. 19-23, “The Wonder of Our Senses: Bringing adults and children together to experience the wonders of nature in the spirit of Rachel Carson.” Registration for the classes should be completed through Lafayette Parks and Recreation Department at (925) 284-2232 or online at www.LafayetteRec.org/camps.

Come play youth hockey – girls only!   Give hockey a try at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17 at Dublin Iceland located at 7212 San Ramon Rd. in Dublin. No experience needed. Free. Equipment and coaching will be provided. Space is limited so reserve your spot by signing up at www.ladybluedevils.org or email tvlbdhockey@gmail.com.

Lamorinda Idol 2013 Finalists will be performing at the Orinda Theatre Square Concert from 2:45 to 5 p.m. Aug. 24 before heading to the Lamorinda Idol Finals on Sept. 8 at the Orinda Theatre (all day event). Check out these talented kids as they perform and visit www.orindaartscouncil.org for details.

Audition for Contra Costa Children’s Chorus: free placement interviews for the 2013-14 school year will occur from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 4. Recognized throughout Contra Costa County for 30 years as a premier children’s chorus, boys and girls ages 6-16 yrs. are welcomed and a new MetroGnomes program for ages 5-6 is offered (audition not required for MetroGnomes). The choirs rehearse on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette. For more information, email frontdesk@childrenschorus.org or call (925) 945-7101, ext. 1.

All ears reading at the Moraga Library at 4 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month through October. Children in grades 1-5 can improve reading skills while enjoying the unconditional love of dogs by reading aloud to one of ARF’s Pet Hug Pack therapy dogs at the Moraga Library, 1500 St. Mary’s Road, Moraga. Dogs and their handlers are available courtesy of a partnership between the Moraga Library and the Animal Rescue Foundation. Please register online or at the library for a 10-15 minute reading session with a furry friend. Walk-ins are welcome as space permits. For more info, visit ccclib.org or call Diane McDonnell at (925) 376-6852.

Free Family Event at Orinda Theatre Square from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7: Mad Science live demos and hands-on activities, bouncy house, art workshop, photo booth, music and more.

A Cat Internet Video Festival is being hosted by Community Concern For Cats, the oldest cat rescue organization in Contra Costa County from 3 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7 at Heather Farm Park in Walnut Creek.  The 75-minute film of hilarious Internet cat videos on a large outdoor screen starts at sunset.  There will also be children's activities, other animal rescue groups and vendors there for the day. Admission: $10 for adults; $5 for children 3-12, free for 3 and under. Bring your picnic blanket or a low chair for the show.

OTHER

Lamorinda Community Picnic at Moraga Commons. It’s a first for Lamorinda, an old fashioned picnic! Meet at the Moraga Commons band shell at 4 p.m. for an afternoon and evening of fun on Aug. 15. Bring a picnic or pack your wallet to purchase food and beverages on site. Residents from Lamorinda’s three communities will face off in games like tug of war and more. Stay and enjoy music from Santana cover band Zebop! at 6:30 p.m.  (See story page B2)

Shelly Ryan, representing Al Gore's Climate Reality Project, will give a multimedia presentation titled Climate Reality: An Impending Disaster or a Wake Up Call? Presentation starts at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16 at the Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church Owl Room, 55 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek. Co-sponsored by the Green Group, Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church, Walnut Creek. Free. For info, visit www.mduuc.org.

Lafayette Historical Society’s Speaker Series - “A Light at the End of the Tunnel – Yes, THAT Tunnel” from 3 to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 24 at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center Community Hall. Three years to the day that tunneling began, LHS will mark a significant anniversary of the Caldecott Fourth Bore Project by hosting a discussion by CalTrans Senior Geological Engineer Chris Risden and Fourth Bore Public Information Officer Ivy Morrison. Join us as they use dramatic tunnel photos and geological specimens from the Fourth Bore to provide a behind-the scenes overview of tunnel history, geology and excavation, as well as recent footage capturing the tunnel's progress as it nears completion. Suggested donation: $10 LHS Members; $15 non-members, kids under 14 free with paying adult. For questions or reservations please call (925) 283-1848 or email Lafayette.History@comcast.net.  (See story page B3)

The Coast Guard’s 223rd ‘birthday’ will be celebrated at a dinner meeting, at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22 at Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant in Pleasant Hill.  The guest speaker will be Rear Admiral Karl Schultz, USCG, commander of the 11th Coast Guard District. Formed Aug. 4, 1790, the Coast Guard operates under the Department of Homeland Security in peace and the Department of the Navy in war.  Cost: $35.  For reservations, call James Harbuck at (925) 376-8574 by Aug. 16.

Lafayette Physical Therapy is pleased to announce their third annual lecture series with information on injury prevention, fitness, and other related topics for the community. Highly educated and skilled Physical Therapists as well as highly respected doctors and community professionals will share their knowledge. “Off Balance: Gait & Balance Disorders Affecting Your Daily Life” is scheduled from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27 at 3468 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Suite B110, Lafayette. Seating for lectures is limited: Please call (925) 284-6150 to RSVP and reserve your seat. For more info, visit www.LafayettePT.com.

Planting Justice is a non-profit based in Oakland dedicated to food justice, economic justice and sustainable local food systems. Presenters will be promoting sustainable urban agriculture in the East Bay starting at 6 p.m. with a potluck, followed from 7 to 9 p.m. with a presentation Thursday, Sept. 5 at the Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church Owl Room, 55 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek. For info, call (925) 933-7850. Co-sponsored with Friendly Favors. Suggested Donation: $20 and dish to share if attending potluck (free for students). If at all possible, please RSVP so that we may inform you of any changes. No log-in required: www.favors.org/MDPC.

Call for Volunteers: Share Science and Excitement with the Public! Register for Chabot Space and Science Center's next volunteer orientation from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7. Expand your universe and share your insight with future astronomers, scientists and environmentalists. Help Chabot Space and Science Center provide a world-class educational experience for visitors. Practical shifts and commitment levels for volunteers. For more info on the volunteer program and to RSVP for orientation, visit http://www.chabotspace.org/adult-volunteers.htm or email the Volunteer Department at volunteers@chabotspace.org.

Car buffs will have three great events to attend in Orinda.  The weekend kicks off with a pre-show party at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, followed by the free 9th Annual Orinda Classic Car Show presented by Orinda Motors from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21 in Orinda Village, 63 Orinda Way. Car enthusiasts can then enjoy a ‘Speed on the Screen’ special-feature movie night with two showings of “Gone in 60 Seconds” at 5:30 and 7:45 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22 at the classic art deco Orinda Theatre.  For more info, visit www.OrindaCarShow.com. Those interested in entering a vehicle, subscribing to email updates, or attending the Pre-Show Party may do so online.

GSE's Tool Drive. Do you have old gardening tools or building materials that you are looking to get rid of? Campolindo High School has a new organic school garden and we are in need of some tools! Drop off materials at any time in front of the garden (back parking lot by Soda Center parking). Please email gsecampolindo@gmail.com or call (925) 817-0994 with any questions about donations or if a pick-up needs to be arranged. The community is invited to take part in the weekly summer garden workdays from 3 to 5 p.m. each Thursday.

POLITICAL GATHERINGS

The Democratic Party of Contra Costa County invites you to attend its 82nd annual barbecue from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17 at the Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Area, 6531 San Pablo Dam Road, El Sobrante. Tickets: $20 per person; children up to age 12 free. Sponsorships are available at $50, $100, $350, and $500. To purchase your event tickets, visit        https://secure.actblue.com/page/dpccc82. For more info, contact Selina Williams at      selina.williams@gmail.com.

SENIORS

‘As the Page Turns’ Book Club. Looking for a good book to talk about with others? Join this brand-new, informal group of book lovers and enjoy enrichment, discussion, fellowship and refreshments from 1 to 3 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month at the Lafayette Community Center Toyon Room. Cost: senior services members $1/non-members $3.