ART

Orinda Library Art Gallery Exhibitors 2015 - March: High School Art Competition. For info, contact Natalie Wheeler at ns.wheeler@gmail.com.

Bedford Gallery’s next exhibition, “The Object and the Void: West Coast Metal Sculpture,” will run through April 12. This show gathers works from renowned artists Bella Feldman, Linda Fleming, Yoshitomo Saito and Clay Jensen. The exhibition will feature both large and small scale works, made using techniques from cast bronze to cut steel, demonstrating the artists’ masterful command of their media.

Jennifer Perlmutter Gallery will present a special, one-day-only exhibit entitled “Exploring Tibet through Photographs and Paintings” from 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 14. This event will feature photographs by Martin Newman and paintings by Marcella Adamski alongside traditional Tibetan thangka paintings. All proceeds from the sale of their artwork at this event will be donated to the Tibet Oral History Project in order to sponsor the videotaping of 50 elderly Tibetan refugees’ oral histories in Nepal. For more info, call (925) 284-1485 or email jp@jenniferperlmuttergallery.com.

The exhibit “Lamorinda Under Glass,” featuring watercolor landscapes by Moraga resident George Ehrenhaft, opened at the Moraga Library on March 3. Painted on location in Lamorinda, Ehrenhaft’s works depict local sites, including Saint Mary’s College, Mt. Diablo, the Lafayette Reservoir, Orinda’s Lake Cascade, scenes along the Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail, and several surprising lesser-known local places. The exhibit will be open during library hours through March 31. For details, call (925) 376-6852.

Saint Mary’s College Gallery 160 breakaway exhibition featuring internationally recognized artist Ron Hutt opens March 18 for a week, with an Artist Talk and Creativity Workshop. As an artist, therapist and educator, Hutt engages concepts of causality (past), synchronicity (present), and teleology (future) through the triadic themes of Folly–Fate-Freedom.

MUSIC

Tanya Gabrielian Benefit Concert for TIE from 7 to 9:30 p.m. on March 20 at Acalanes High School Theatre.  Lauded by the Washington Post for her “strikingly poised nobility” and “commanding presence,” the brilliant young pianist has risen to international acclaim. Donation: $35 adult, $20 student. For tickets go to www.trustineducation.org or call (925) 299-2010 ext.4. (See story page B3)

Diablo Choral Artists (formerly Voices of Musica Sacra), directed by Mark Tuning, presents “Vespers: Music for Evening Prayers,” featuring Stanford’s and Byrd’s Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis, Pergolesi’s Magnificat and Handel’s Dixit Dominus with string ensemble at 8 p.m. Friday, March 13 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1924 Trinity Ave., Walnut Creek, at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 15 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 1650 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. For info, visit www.vmschorus.org or email info@dcachorus.org. Tickets: adults $25; seniors 60+ $18; students $5.

The Gold Coast Chamber Players are proud to present their fourth concert of the 2014-15 Season, “Czech Mix.” The concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 14 at the Lafayette Library Community Hall, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd. in Lafayette. A pre-concert talk with musicologist Kai Christiansen will start the evening at 7 p.m. Tickets: $37.50 general; $32.50 senior; $10 student. Tickets are available at www.gcplayers.org and by phone at (925) 283-3728. Limited seating, please reserve early.

Houston Jones and special guests Stevie Coyle and Joe Pomianek will perform a blend of folk, bluegrass, blues and gospel at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 14 at Mighty Fine Guitars, 81 Lafayette Circle in Lafayette. For info and reservations, email stevie@mightyfineguitars.com.

THEATER

DVC Drama presents the Steve Martin comedy, “Picasso” at the Lapin Agile from March 13-29. On an October evening in 1904, Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso end up at the same small bar in Paris—the Lapin Agile. The two young geniuses, joined by an eccentric cast of characters, spar over art and science, their respective libidos, where inspiration comes from, and the promise and dreams of the 20th century. For tickets and show times call (925) 969-2358 or visit www.dvcdrama.net. Free parking for all performances.

A side-splitting one-hour musical comedy for the entire family, “There’s No Business Like Shoe Business” puts a new twist on the classic Grimm Brothers’ fairy tale, “The Shoemaker and The Elves.”  In addition to a six-week tour of area elementary schools, East Bay Children’s Theatre will be presenting public performances at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Sunday, March 15 at The Jewish Community Center of the East Bay in Berkeley, and March 22 at Town Hall Theatre in Lafayette. Tickets: $15 adults; $12 children 12 and under.  Purchase online at: www.EBCTonline.org.

LECTURE & LITERATURE

Science and Religion: A Cosmic Perspective on Matter, Life, Mind and Spirit – a talk by Ron Olowin, Saint Mary’s College professor of astronomy and physics at 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, March 11 at St. Anselm’s Church, 682 Michael Lane, Lafayette. He discusses divine creation, the Big Bang, evolution, and how faith and belief systems respond to scientific and technological advances. Free.

Saint Mary’s College Creative Writing Reading Series features Cedar Sigo at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 11 in the Soda Center. Sigo was raised on the Suquamish Reservation in the Pacific Northwest and studied at The Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics at the Naropa Institute. He is the author of eight books and pamphlets of poetry.

Orinda Community Church Theological Book Club: “My Bright Abyss, by Christian Wiman,” at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, March 15 at the Orinda Community Church (Fireside Room), 10 Irwin Way, Orinda. Wine and snacks provided. For info, call (925) 254-4906, email office@orindachurch.org or visit www.orindachurch.org.

“Behind Enemy Lines: The True Story of a French Jewish Spy in Nazi Germany, A Historic Evening with Marthe Cohn.” Cohn will be sharing her story at 7 p.m. Sunday, March 15 in the Orinda Theatre as part of her first Bay Area tour. For more information and to RSVP, visit www.JewishContraCosta.com or call (925) 937-4101.

Human Trafficking in the greater Bay Area speaker luncheon, starting at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 18 at Contra Costa County Club in Pleasant Hill. The three speakers include Catie Hart (Victim/Survivor, Trainer and Advocate), Cynthia Peterson (Director, Rape Crisis Center of Contra Costa & Marin) and Betty Ann Boeving (Founder & Executive Director of Bay Area Anti-Trafficking Coalition). Lunch will be from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and the presenters will each talk for 30 minutes afterward. The cost of $25 per person includes an honorarium for the speakers. Contact Tracy Walklet to make a reservation at twalklet@comcast.net or (925) 299-6833.

Nutrition-Revitalize Your Menu – a free community lecture with Cynthia Allen, RN, from 7 -8 p.m. Tuesday, March 31 at Lafayette Physical Therapy, 3468 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Suite B110, Lafayette. Seating is limited so please call (925) 284-6150 to RSVP and reserve your seat.  For info, visit www.LafayettePT.com. 

KIDS, PARENTS & TEENS

St. Paddy’s Day Treasure Hunt for Kids from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, March 15 at Leigh Creekside Park in Lafayette (Moraga Blvd. and 4th Street). Kids will be provided with a map and clues and a treasure at the end.  To register in advance, email paddyrealtor@gmail.com. Space is limited.

Spring Egg Hunt hosted by Moraga Juniors Women’s Club and the Town of Moraga from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 21 (rain or shine) at Moraga Commons Park. Admission: $10-children 8 and under. Admission includes one Egg Hunt promptly at 10 a.m. or 11 a.m., games, face painting, crafts, and pictures with the Bunny! Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.moragajuniors.org/events/spring-egg-hunt/, or at Hacienda de las Flores, 2100 Donald Drive, Moraga.

The Friends of the Lafayette Library Bookmark Contest is happening again! The contest is open to all Lafayette students, grades K-8. Entry forms will be available at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center, at Friends Corner Book Shop, and at school libraries for Lafayette School District and St. Perpetua School students. The entry deadline is Friday, March 27. Winners will receive a gift certificate from The Storyteller Bookstore and complimentary framing of their bookmarks at Fastframe of Lafayette. For more information, contact Mary Ransdell at mbransdell@comcast.net.

2015 Poul Anderson 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 noon on Friday, April 17. If you have any questions about the contest, email contest@friendsoftheorindalibrary.com.

OTHER

The Friends of the Moraga Library will hold their semi-annual book sale at the Moraga Library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 14. There will be a $5 Bag Sale from 1 to 2 p.m. when a large paper grocery bag can be purchased and filled with as many books as the bag will hold. The money raised goes to fund library material and programs, and to staff Sunday hours at the library.

Orinda Rotary Club Supports Hospice Thrift Shoppes Donation Drive through April 1. Support Rotary Club of Orinda and Hospice Thrift Shoppes by donating new or gently used items. No electronics please. Items can be dropped off in Orinda at: Mechanics Bank, 77 Moraga Way or Orinda Country Club, 315 Camino Sobrante Road. For info, call Sue Breedlove at (925) 254-6262 or Steve Paddock (925) 254-0393.

The American Red Cross and Be The Match encourage eligible donors to become hometown heroes and answer the call of patients in need by donating blood and registering to be a potential bone marrow donor. Together these two organizations are hosting a blood drive and bone marrow registry from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 14 at Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church, 10 Moraga Valley Lane. To register, visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information.

Community Concern for Cats March adoption event from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 14 and 15 at Pet Food Express in Lafayette and Pleasant Hill, and Petco in Walnut Creek. For more information see www.communityconcernforcats.org.

Mt. Diablo Peace & Justice Center is hosting an evening with a world-class magician.  Bring Back the Magic with renowned cabaret magician TJ Shoesmith is a fundraiser for the education programs of the Center. The show is from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday, March 15 at Bortin Hall at 55 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek. Tickets: Adults $15 advance or $20 at the door; ages 5 to 18 $10; and under 4 free. Purchase tickets online and rsvp at http://ourpeacecenter.org or call the Center office (925) 933-7850.

St. Patrick’s Evening of Dinner, Music and Show with Silent Auction emceed by Dick Callahan, 5:30 to 10 p.m., Sunday, March 15 at the Soda Center at Saint Mary’s College. Traditional corned beef and cabbage (chicken fettuccine) dinner. Wine included at dinner. Cost: $45 per person – inclusive. Musical review: Beach Blanket Babylon. Sponsored by Saint Mary’s College Guild. Call Cynthia Kelly (925) 388-0437 for reservations.

We Walk for Noah benefitting George Mark Children’s House and in memory of Noah, who was 4 ½ months old when he passed away from complications from Biliary Atresia, a rare childhood liver disease. The walk begins at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, March 15 at the Lafayette Reservoir. Registration available online at www.FierceLittleWarrior.com.

Moraga Women’s Society will feature a speaker from Eldercare Services, who will discuss “Safety in the Home” at 10:45 a.m. Monday, March 16. All are welcome to attend this free event. The Society is also holding an Antique Appraisal Event by Michaan’s Auctions from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 20 at Holy Trinity Cultural Center, 1700 School St., Moraga. Hours by appointment. Cost: $20 for two appraisals or $25 for three. Receive a verbal appraisal by certified appraisers for fine art, Asian art, coins and stamps, furniture and decorative arts, and miscellaneous. For info, call Jean Glaser at (925) 376-7961. Appraisers donate their services. All proceeds benefit Moraga schools.

“The Old Yellow House” Historical Society Fundraiser - Join us at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 19 for an evening to learn more about Orinda’s history, the making of Net Zero Homes, and harnessing natural energy from the sun, earth, and rain, Orinda Theatre, 4 Orinda Theatre Square. James Phillip Wright has resurrected the Old Yellow House to showcase green architectural construction and natural energy systems. Cost: $12. (See related story page D1)

“Timbuktu” - Award winner and Oscar nominee is making its Contra Costa premiere at the Orinda Theatre March 20. Not far from Timbuktu, now ruled by religious fundamentalists, Kidane lives peacefully in the dunes with his wife Satima, his daughter Toya, and Issan, their 12-year-old shepherd, spared from the chaos of Timbuktu. But their destiny changes when Kidane accidentally kills Amadou, the fisherman who slaughtered “GPS,” his beloved cow. “Timbuktu” is Mauritania’s first entry for the Best Foreign Language Film Academy Award.

Lafayette Hiking Group will hike the George Miller Trail, Martinez. The group meets at 8:30 a.m. in the parking lot of Lafayette BART’s main entrance on Saturday, March 21 before carpooling to the trailhead. Bring lunch or snacks, water, layered clothing, good walking shoes, sun protection and money to contribute toward gas, bridge tolls and parking ($3). Distance: six miles, moderate. Leader: Michael Johnson. For info, email LafayetteHiking@comcast.net. Another hike from Bear Valley to Arch Rock, Point Reyes National Seashore is scheduled for Saturday, March 28. 

The Elfenworks Center for Responsible Business at Saint Mary’s College of California is hosting a half-day conference on Business and the Challenges of Inequality from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 27 to bring together people in academe, business, government and the general public to engage in a thoughtful dialog on this topic. Tickets: $20 for general public; $10 Saint Mary’s alumni; free for current faculty and students. For more details and to RSVP, visit http://www.stmarys-ca.edu/business-and-the-challenges-of-inequality.

USA Synchro will host the 2015 U.S. National Synchronized Swimming Championships April 1-4 at SODA Aquatic Center in Moraga. Around 30 teams from all over the country, including two international teams, Canada and Puerto Rico, will travel to Moraga to compete. The championship will consist of solo, duet, team and combination events.  The championship will also feature the 2015 U.S. Senior National Team. Find out more, including a schedule, at www.usasynchro.org.

Registrations are being accepted for the Moraga Classic Car Show.  Area residents who own classic cars are invited to participate in the 7th annual Moraga Classic Car Show, which takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 9 as part of the 2015 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. To register, go to www.moragachamber.org/faire or call Gloria at (925) 247-4473 or Jason at (925) 788-3889.

SENIORS

Sons In Retirement - Branch 116 welcomes guests to socialize at monthly luncheon beginning at 11 a.m. Monday, March 16 at the Walnut Creek Elks Lodge, 1475 Creekside Drive. The speaker will be Bernat Rosner, author of “An Uncommon Friendship,” which tells the unique story of two youths trapped on opposite sides of the Holocaust. For lunch reservations, call (925) 322-1160. Cost: $15.

Art of Balance presentation by physical therapist Anne Randolph. If you are worried about falling or are at risk of falling, you should know about activities that improve balance. Learn how to gain increased balance and avoid the risk of falling from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 25 in the Elderberry Room, Lafayette Community Center. Cost: free for members; $10 non-Members.

GARDEN

Get Your Garden Growing from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 15 at the Lafayette Community Garden and
Outdoor Learning Center, 3932 Mt Diablo Blvd. Topics include building raised beds and prepping your edible garden for spring. This class is free; however, a $5 donation is appreciated to support education programs. To register for classes or for more info, visit www.lafayettecommunitygarden.org.

Moraga Garden Club will meet at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, March 19 at the Holy Trinity Cultural Center, 1700 School St., Moraga. Social hour at 9:30 a.m., meeting at 10 a.m. featuring speaker Johanna Silver, associate editor/gardening of Sunset Magazine, who will discuss “Behind the Scenes in the Sunset Test Gardens.” Non members are welcome.

Montelindo Garden Club will meet at 9 a.m. Friday, March 20 at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 66 St. Stephens Drive, Orinda, featuring Howard Arendtson, owner of H. Julien Designs, Berkeley. Visitors welcome. For info, visit www.montelindogarden.com.

Spring into Spring at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 21 at the Lafayette Community Garden. As the earth turns to spring, the garden plants all curl toward the sun. Enjoy story time, discovery and crafty curls.