ART

About Face - The Arts and Culture Commission of Contra Costa County is offering two-day self-portrait painting workshops at no cost to all Contra Costa County veterans. Workshops will take place in Martinez at ARTU4iA, a working art studio led by noted artist John Kleber. No art experience required. All painting materials will be provided. Workshops are form 6 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 20, 22, 27 and 29 and Nov. 3, 5, 17 and 19. Free food and beverages will be provided. Class size will be held up to 15 participants. Register online at AC5.org/ABOUTFACE.

The newest show at the Lafayette Art Gallery titled “Artists in Action,” which runs through Oct. 31, will focus on action! To view samples of the artists’ works, visit http://www.lafayetteartgallery.com/exhibitions.html.

The 9th Annual Artisan Faire in Orinda will be held from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5 at the Orinda Country Club, 315 Camino Sobrante. This is a perfect occasion to find holiday gifts of unique and distinctive art and craft pieces, including ceramics, glass, painting, woodwork, clothing, fiber art, clocks, jewelry, photography and more. Complementary wine tasting will be offered at this festive event.

The Moraga Art Gallery’s new exhibit “Yellowstone: Beauty, Beasts, and Boneyards,” will feature oil landscapes by Orinda’s Lisa Gunn, whose imaginative palette captures the primitive character and timelessness of Yellowstone National Park and its environs. Also featured is a boldly-hued collection of one-of-a-kind etched tableware, handmade by guest artist Lisa Neimeth in her studio, a converted San Francisco chicken coop. The show will run from Nov. 4 to Jan. 9 with a free reception from 5 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 7.  The current show “Color, Clay & Fire” featuring artists Jacqueline Proulx and Marge Barta Atkins runs through Oct. 31. For more info, visit www.moragaartgallery.com or call (925) 376-5407.

“Wild” Animal Portraits and Cityscapes by Dan San Souci at the Jennifer Perlmutter Gallery, 3620 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette. The Exhibit runs from Nov. 6 to Dec. 5 with an artist reception from 6 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 6.

MUSIC

The Gold Coast Chamber Players perform the music of Mozart and Mendelssohn in Prodigies. The concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30 at the Lafayette Library Community Hall, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette. Ticket price includes complimentary champagne, a pre-concert talk at 7 p.m., and a reception with the musicians following the performance. Tickets are available at www.gcplayers.org and by phone at (925) 283-3728. Limited seating, please reserve early.

The Lafayette Library and Learning Center will be hosting its third annual Teen Battle of the Bands from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7. In this popular event, teen bands will battle it out on stage in front of their friends and peers alike for cash and other prizes. Radio station Live 105 will make a return appearance. Local Walnut Creek based food trucks Tonli Dumpling House and United Bites will also be present. Raffle prizes will be randomly awarded to audience members between each set.

THEATER

Town Hall Theatre presents “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” by Rupert Holmes through Oct. 24. Taking place at the turn of the century in a bawdy music hall, a group of actors decide to attempt the unthinkable – to solve, resolve and conclude Charles Dickens’ unfinished masterpiece, “The Mystery of Edwin Drood.” With the audience deciding several outcomes every evening (resulting in over 200 different combinations of endings), “Drood” is fast, incredibly funny ... and never the same show twice. Rated PG-13 for bawdy humor and adult situations. Contact the Town Hall Theatre Box Office at (925) 283-1557 or check the website at     www.TownHallTheatre.com for show times and tickets.

Join the Acalanes DramaDons in their entertaining and comedic production of “The Curious Savage,” directed by Ed Meehan, Acalanes drama teacher. The story playfully highlights how, in a world that seems motivated by greed and dishonesty, the virtues of kindness and affection can prevail. The production runs at 7 p.m. Nov. 10, 12, 13 and 14 in the Acalanes little theatre. Tickets are available in November during lunch at AHS or online at ahsperformingarts.org. Limited ticket sales at the door. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Cost: adults $12; students and seniors $7.

Orinda Intermediate School’s Bulldog Theater presents the play “Transyl-Mania” at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 12 and 13 and 2 and 5 p.m. on Nov. 14, 80 Ivy Drive, Orinda. Ticket prices range from $3 - $10 and are available for advance purchase at www.showtix4u.com. Tickets will also be sold at the door.

LECTURE & LITERATURE

Lecture at the Orinda Library by Dora Sorell, author of “Tell the Children, Letters to Miriam,” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22 in the auditorium. Free. For info, visit http://www.letterstomygrandchildren.com/ or contact the library at (925) 254-2184.

Berkeley Repertory Theatre docent lecture at the Moraga Library at 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22. Enjoy an entertaining afternoon with a Berkeley Repertory Theatre docent who will discuss The Hypocrites’ Pirates of Penzance.

Biscuits and Blues - an evening with Audrey Skondeen Ward, author of “Hidden Biscuits, Tales of Deep South Revivals Told by Heart” at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette. Enjoy stories of the deep south, bluegrass music, homemade biscuits and southern-style hospitality.

“Rising Above - Overcoming Obstacles In Spite of Adversity” from 7 to 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26 at Stanley Middle School in the Multi-Purpose Room. Stephen Wampler grew up in Lafayette with his four siblings. This longtime resident of Lafayette, and graduate of Acalanes High School, returns to the Lamorinda community to tell his amazing story of climbing the face of El Capitan in Yosemite with the use of only one limb, his right arm. To reserve your seat to this event, please go to:     signupgenius.com/go/30E0F4CA5A8238-district. (See story page B2)
 
Moraga Movers and the Moraga Library present “Book Talking” at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4 at the Moraga Library, featuring speaker Marian Neilson of Orinda Books.

KIDS, PARENTS & TEENS

Halloween Monster Mash from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29 at the Moraga Library. Play games and make gooey slime and other Halloween crafts while you listen to haunting music. The playhouse fort will be transformed into a haunted house – peek in if you dare! Children are encouraged to come in costume. No registration required for this free event. For children ages 3-12.

Halloween Parade for Tots in Orinda at 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29 at the Orinda Community Center Park.  Come join the fun in costume and follow Glenda the Good Witch in a stroll around the park and then participate in Halloween themed activities.

Annual Haunted House courtesy of the Lafayette Youth Commission. Not Too Scary (7 and under with parent) 5 to 7 p.m. Very Scary (8+) 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23 and Sunday, Oct. 25 at the Lafayette Community Center, 500 St. Mary’s Road. Cost: ages 7 and under: $3; ages 8 and over: $5.

The Lafayette Library and Learning Center’s Children’s Book Festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 at the Lafayette Library Community Hall, and will feature five well-known, award-winning authors and illustrators – Gennifer Choldenko, Thacher Hurd, Jordan Jacobs, Elisa Kleven and Michael Slack – who will sign books and demonstrate illustration techniques. Free.  (See story page B7)

This fall Lindsay Wildlife Experience will be leading hikes in Mount Diablo State Park to explore the natural habitat of tarantulas. Discover these eight-legged creatures on a local two-mile hike recommended for nature lovers ages 6 and up. Tarantula Hikes take place from 4 to 6 p.m. every Sunday through Oct. 25. The hike costs $10 for Lindsay members and $15 for all non-members. Pre-registration is required.

The Halloween Harvest Festival takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25 at the Moraga Certified Farmers’ Market. Festivities include a costume contest and parade at 10:30 a.m. Prizes will be given for Scariest, Funniest, Best Farmers’ Market Theme, Most Creative, and Best Overall Costume. Family fun also includes a “Guess the Weight of the GIANT Pumpkin” contest to win $50, and children’s mini-pumpkin decorating.

Lafayette Reservoir Run from 6:30 to 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 25 in downtown Lafayette. In addition to the 5k, 10k and 2-mile run, there will be a family bike ride and Healthy Lifestyles Fair. For more info and to register visit www.lafayettechamber.org/events/reservoir-run/.

Trick or Treat Street: a fun, safe Halloween event, where children and their parents are invited to trick-or-treat on Mt. Diablo Boulevard from Oak Hill Road to Dewing Avenue and in La Fiesta Square from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30. All participating businesses will display a “Trick-or-Treat Poster” and balloons. Please come in costume to receive a special treat. Don’t forget to bring a trick-or-treat bag.

Tick-or-Treat! Costumed children are invited to trick-or-treat at Rheem Valley Shopping Center businesses from 3 to 5 p.m. on Halloween, Oct. 31. Free Halloween candy from participating businesses.

Day of the Dead Crafts at the Moraga Library from 4 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3. Color a skull on foil or make a skull mask to celebrate (a bit late) el Día de los Muertos – Day of the Dead. The craft will have simpler and more complex versions to accommodate all ages of crafters. Free program, no reservations necessary.

OTHER

Volunteers needed to prune the Fire Blight-damaged branches from the 102-year-old pear orchard adjacent to Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School in Moraga (1000 Camino Pablo at Canyon) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Saturday in October. Bring pole pruners, loppers and hand pruners, water, gloves, hat and sunscreen. Wear sturdy shoes. Reply to barbarampreston@comcast.net with which day, the number of adults and kids (ages) coming, and what tools you will bring.

What is human trafficking? Why should we care? What can we do? Join a presentation from Soroptimist International, “Look Beneath the Surface,” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21 at St. John Vianney Church, Mullen Commons, 1650 Ygnacio Valley Rd., Walnut Creek. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. For more info, go to www.soroptimist24-680.org.

Women’s Spiral Dance - A Multi-Cultural Celebration of Our Beloved Ancestors and Crones from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23 at the Orinda Masonic Temple, 9 Altarinda Road. Daughters of the Goddess Womyn’s Temple welcomes women and girls of all ages to its annual Spiral Dance. During this multi-cultural ritual, led by Kahuna Leilani, and accompanied by spiritual elders of different traditions, the community comes together to honor and celebrate loved ones who have passed away. Tickets: $23 in advance; $29 at the door. For tickets or info, contact Leilani at (925) 787-9247 or Leilani@DaughtersoftheGoddess.com.


Combatants for Peace at 7 p.m. on Oct. 23 in the Social Hall of the Walnut Creek United Methodist Church. 1543 Sunnyvale Ave., Walnut Creek. Founded in 2006, Combatants for Peace is nonprofit volunteer organization of ex-combatant Israelis and Palestinians — men and women — who have laid down their weapons and rejected all means of violence. Entrance fee is $10 to cover event costs. For more info about Combatants for Peace, visit www.cfpeace.org.

Yard Sale supporting St. Giles Church, Moraga from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 at 501 Moraga Way, Orinda.

The Contra Costa Women’s Commission in partnership with JFK University’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Center will present a dynamic panel discussion on how to become a successful entrepreneur from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 2151 Salvio Street, Ste. 350 in Concord. Five women entrepreneur’s from various fields will share their personal insights gained along the way and highlight how they became successful. For more info, or to make a reservation, go to www.womenscommission.com.

A community screening of the groundbreaking film, “Girl Rising,” is being held at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30 in the Acalanes High School Performing Arts Center. Tickets (sold at door) are $8 for adults; $5 for students. The event is hosted by Acalanes’ SAGE Club (Students for the Advancement of Global Education).

Custom Garage Tour featuring live music, classic cars, food trucks and, of course, custom garages from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1. Check-in at Blodgett’s Flooring at 1 p.m.,3291 Mt Diablo Court in Lafayette. Cost: $35 per ticket. Lunch available for purchase.  For info, visit www.LafayetteCF.org, email info@LafayetteCF.org or call (925) 284-8214.

Join Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette, for an All Souls’ Day Festival, inspired by the traditions of Dia de Los Muertos from 9:30 to 10 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1. Bring along a small photo of someone you have lost for the shrines we will create. Also featuring musical guest Cascada de Flores and face painting for the kids.

North Shattuck Association presents Dia de los Muertos Celebration in the Gourmet Ghetto from 5 to 9 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 2 North Shattuck Ave., 1400-1800 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley. Build a community altar, wear costumes, face paint, Aztec dancers, DIY art projects, food, beer and wine, and a sidewalk candlelight procession. Free. For more info see http://www.anotherbullwinkelshow.com/day-of-dead/ or call (510) 334-6523 or email Lisa@AnotherBullwinkelShow.com.

A Gathering of the Tribal Knowledge – a two night panel discussion of the Grateful Dead starting at 6 p.m. on Nov. 6 and 7 at the Town Hall Theatre. For schedule and tickets, visit www.townhalltheatre.com.

Lafayette Juniors 22nd Annual Rummage Sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette. Special early bird entrance fee: $5 per adult from 7 to 8 a.m. Pre-loved designer clothes, baby and kid clothes, toys, and gear, furniture, household goods, and much more. For info, visit www.lafayettejuniors.org.

SENIORS

Eldercare Services will be participating in the AFA National Memory Screening Week by appointment only, Nov. 2-6 at 1808 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. Call (925) 937-2018 to schedule a free screening with an Eldercare professional care manager.

It’s Medicare Open Enrollment time. Do you have questions about your Medicare plan for 2016? This is the time to understand your coverage. Contra Costa Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) will be at the Moraga Library at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3 to talk about what is new with Medicare for 2016 and how to optimize your coverage. For more info, visit www.cchicap.org or call (925) 602-4163.

Dementia Roadmap: From Diagnosis to Family Care at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11 at the Eldercare Walnut Creek office at 1808 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. Join Linda Fodrini-Johnson as she discusses what you need to know, what you need to plan, and what you and your family can do when faced with the challenges of dementia. No fee and limited seating. Advance registration required. To register for an event call (866) 760-1808 or email us at info@eldercareanswers.com.

GARDEN

Master Gardeners present Pruning Basics from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28 at the Moraga Library. UC Master Gardener Lorraine Frey will share the basics of healthy pruning practices for your trees, shrubs and roses: why to prune, what tools to use, how to prune, when to prune and what to prune. The focus will be on what you should be pruning late fall through early spring.

The Walnut Creek Garden Club will meet from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Monday, Nov. 9 at the Gardens at Heather Farm located at 1540 Marchbanks Road in Walnut Creek. The topic of the program is Special Flowers and Arrangements for the Holiday Season. Anna Cambell grows unusual flowers on her own farm and will share her “live art” with a hands-on demonstration of unique and simple arrangements. You do not need to be a gardener to join the WCGC. For more info, email mslittle44@gmail.com.