ART

The Moraga Art Gallery’s new show “Capturing Moments of Motion” features paintings by local artist Josie Osolin and figurative ceramic sculptures by Fred Yokel. The Moraga Art Gallery is located in Moraga’s Rheem Shopping Center next to the Dollar Store. For more info, visit www.moragaartgallery.com or call (925) 376-5407.

Valley Art Gallery’s New Spring Collection, “Art Pop,” features over 300 new works of art as fresh and eye-popping as the spring season itself, including works for sale or for rent from the best East Bay artists. Plus, there are beautifully crafted, ceramic, wood and glass pieces, and original designer jewelry. The show runs through May 14.

Live Pet Portrait painting with Artist Robert Carter from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday April 9 and 10 at the Jennifer Perlmutter Gallery, 3620 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Lafayette. Dog treats on hand. Drop by with your dog before or after the parade. For info, visit http://jenniferperlmuttergallery.com/2016/03/pet-portrait-live-demo/ or call (925) 284-1485.

The City of Lafayette Public Art Committee welcomes its latest art exhibit “Oscar’s Excellent Year,” featuring local artist Joanne Taeuffer. The exhibit is on display in the Homework Center at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center now through June. For info, visit www.joannetaeuffer.com.

MUSIC

Lafayette’s Town Hall Theatre’s Sixth Annual Lafayette Community Music Festival at 6:30 p.m. Saturday April 16. Music starts at 7:30 p.m. Featured this year are Dream Posse, Stevie Coyle (Mighty Fine Guitars), Garageland Rodeo, Reminisce, Hard Rain and the Town Hall Kids. Tickets available at www.townhalltheatre.com or through the box office with limited hours, so email BoxOffice@TownHallTheatre.com or call (925) 283-1557.

WomenSing presents its “Treble Voices Now” festival along with five other choirs from 3 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 16 at First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way, Berkeley. Free. For info, go to http://womensing.org/youth-inspiring-youth/treble-voices-now/ or call (925) 798-4875 or email info@womensing.org.

THEATER

Berkeley Repertory Theatre and Moraga Library present a docent lecture about “Macbeth” at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 7 at the Hacienda de las Flores, 2100 Donald Drive. The Berkeley Repertory Theatre docent will discuss the current “Macbeth” production showing at the Roda Theatre through April 10.

The Acalanes Drama Dons proudly present “Macbeth” at 7 p.m. on April 27, 28, 29 and 30 in the Performing Arts Center little theater. Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” is a swift and relentless tragedy which uncovers the terrifying consequences of blind ambition. Tickets are available in April during lunch at Acalanes High School and online at ahsperformingarts.org. Limited ticket sales available day of the show. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Adults $12; students and seniors $7.

Orinda Intermediate School’s Bulldog Theater proudly presents “James and the Giant Peach JR.” at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. April 28 and 29 and 2 and 5 p.m. April 30, 80 Ivy Dr., 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

William Keith and the Battle for Hetch Hetchy. John Schneider, curator of this exhibit at the Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art, will discuss Hetch Hetchy, William Keith and John Muir, Yosemite, and other gems of the permanent collection at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 12 at the Moraga Library. This is an NPS Centennial Celebration program.

Moraga Movers and Moraga Library present Book Talking at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 13. Adina Sara will review her debut novel “Blind Shady Bend,” which has surprising twists and turns, like the road to Blind Shady Bend itself.

The youngest member of Israeli Parliament, MK Stav Shaffir, will discuss the current Israeli political landscape, prospects for peace, and her efforts to advance government transparency, social justice, and economic equity in Israel at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 14 at Temple Isaiah Social Hall, 945 Risa Rd., Lafayette.

KIDS, PARENTS & TEENS

Decorate a Mini Library Bookshelf from 4 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 12 at the Moraga Library. Celebrate National Library Week by decorating your own mini bookshelf for your books at home. This free event is open to all ages, no registration necessary.

Painter’s Tape Art and Book Cover Paintings from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 13 in the Arts and Science room of the Lafayette Library and Learning Center. Register online at tinyurl.com/teenscapeART.

The Saklan School Parent Association presents “Helping Highly Sensitive and Gifted Kids Manage Anxiety” with Dr. Grace Malonai from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 19 at the Lafayette Veterans Memorial Center in Lafayette. For registration info, visit saklan.org. Free.

The Friends of the Orinda Library is excited to announce the commencement of the 2016 Poul Anderson Creative Writing Contest, open to all high school students who reside and/or attend high school in Orinda. Entry Categories are Science Fiction/Fantasy, Essay/Memoir/Biography, 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 22. Entries should be submitted to individual school representatives or at the Orinda Library. For additional info, go to www.friendsoftheorindalibrary.org or email contest@friendsoftheorindalibrary.com.

The Mt. Diablo Peace and Justice Center presents it 19th annual Peace Through Art and Writing Challenge. This year’s topic: Cherish these natural wonders. The contest is open to middle and high school students in Contra Costa County, who may submit works in three categories: Essay, Creative Writing and Art. Submissions are due April 22 to Mt. Diablo Peace and Justice Center, 55 Eckley Ln., Walnut Creek, 94596. For detailed contest requirement info, visit www.creatingpeacefulschools.weebly.com or call (925) 933-7850.

Seedlings Preschool’s 22nd Annual Wheel Day from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 23 at LOPC - Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette. Bring the whole family to climb inside a giant tractor, sit on a real motorcycle and hear a real fire engine siren. Your child can also enjoy face painting and even take a train ride around the parking lot. Free. Snacks and refreshments will be available for minimal cost.

Free Practice exams for the new SAT and ACT at the Moraga Library. ACT on April 23 with the review on May 5. Sign up online or at the Moraga Library. Signups include the test return and review date.

The Bay Area Storytelling Festival, which promotes the timeless, contemporary art of storytelling by presenting today’s finest talents, starts on Friday, April 29 with one or more master-level workshops and an evening performance by all tellers, and continues with several performances for adults and older kids, and a special family program for the younger kids on Saturday and Sunday April 20 and May 1 at the Orinda Community Center. The festival showcases the power of stories to bridge generations, celebrate diverse cultures, and build and connect communities. For info, visit www.bayareastorytelling.org.

The Lamorinda Idol 2016 auditions will be held May 19-21. Registration is open to all Lamorinda students or residents. Groups can include members outside Lamorinda. Register at www.LamorindaArts.org through April 30. The Lamorinda Idol program includes workshops, multiple performance opportunities, parties and the Finals at the Orinda Theatre on Sunday, Sept. 4.

OTHER

Dogtown Downtown from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 9 at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Parade, activities, contests, demonstration and vendors.

Survey an area of your choosing for Sudden Oak Death (“SOD”) during the 10th annual SOD Blitz at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 9. Come to the Garden Room at the Orinda Library, 26 Orinda Way, for a one-hour session on SOD and the Blitz leaf collection protocol with UC professor and SOD Blitz founder Dr. Matteo Garbelotto, then collect leaves from areas and at times of your choosing through Sunday, April 10. For info, visit www.sodblitz.org. For space and material planning purposes, email William Hudson at wllhh@ymail.com if you plan to come.

This spring open your nest to a new kitten or cat. Community Concern for Cats invites you to meet beautiful felines at the adoption event from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, April 9 and 10, at Pet Food Express in Lafayette and Pleasant Hill, and Petco in Walnut Creek. For more info, see www.communityconcernforcats.org.

Guide To A Healthier Home: Better Living Through Nature from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 12 at Rodgers Ranch Heritage Center in Pleasant Hill. Denise Koroslev will discuss how to reduce exposure cleaning products, furniture, bedding, carpet, paint and clothing can all include chemicals that can be harmful to our families by maintaining a clean home with natural products. Cost: $20. For more info and a complete list of workshops, visit www.sustainablecoco.org/workshops.

The Blue Pearl Group will offer a series of workshops to cultivate physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 13 at the Lafayette Library Arts and Sciences Center. The workshop will be group taught by experienced practitioners. Sessions will include Vajra Wind – an engaging breath practice, meditation, chanting, and more in a lighthearted joyful atmosphere. Presented by David Holland. Minimum Donation: $10. For info, call (415) 233-2581.

The sixth annual blood drive in memory of Rachael Wenger will be held from noon to 6 p.m. Friday, April 15 at Springhill Elementary School, 3301 Springhill Road, Lafayette. For appointments, call The American Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or log in at www.redcrossblood.org and enter either sponsor code RachaelWenger or zip code 94549.

The Saint Mary’s College Guild’s annual lunch and spring fashion show, Lavender and Lace, will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 16 at the St. Mary’s College Soda Center. Draper’s and Damon’s will feature fabulous spring fashions. Cost is $40 per person. Please make check payable to: SMC Guild. Send to: Patricia Wiegmann, 39 Carr Dr., Moraga, CA 94556. For more information contact Pat at: (925) 376-6088. All proceeds go to students seeking financial aid at St. Mary’s College.

Save the Earth from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, April 17 at the Wildlife Earth Day Festival at Wagner Ranch in Orinda.

Moraga Women’s Society will be going back to their roots when they present “Couture for Moraga,” a fashion show and luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, April 18 at the Trinity Cultural Center, 1700 School St., Moraga. They will present nine popular community members as models: Ellen Beans, Edy Schwartz, Teresa Onoda, Ginny Ruble, Feona Marlowe, Judy Ayres, Linda Borrelli, Elsie Mastick, and Sally Whipple. For reservations, call (925) 376-3187.

The internationally acclaimed documentary ”An American Ascent” about the first African American expedition to tackle North America’s highest peak, Denali, will be screened at the  Orinda Library Auditorium at 7 p.m. on April 20. Expedition member, Scott Briscoe, will introduce the film and speak about his on-going work. Free and open to the public.  First come, first seated.  For more information, call (925) 254-2184 or email bgirshma@ccclib.org.

The City of Orinda will be beautified and cleaned during the eighth annual Orinda Action Day of Community Service by community volunteers from 9:30 to noon Saturday, April 23. A new theme this year is “Keep Orinda Beautiful!” There is a poster contest for K-12 students in conjunction with Orinda Action Day, with cash prizes for the winners. Completed posters are due by noon April 23. They may be turned in at the Library Plaza on Orinda Action Day April 23, or dropped off before at Mechanics Bank, 77 Moraga Way, Orinda. Back of poster must be marked with name, grade and contact information.

Join Friends of Orinda Creeks for Orinda Action Day 2016 and help clean up San Pablo Creek from 9:30 to noon on Saturday, April 23. Meet at the booth in front of the Library. Wear long pants and a hat, bring gloves if you have them. Other tools will be provided.

The Lafayette Earth Day Celebration will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 24 at the Lafayette Library & Learning Center, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
Help support children and families affected by AIDS in Zimbabwe. Get your family and friends together for the 13th Annual JF Kapnek Trust Family Fun Run and post-race brunch from 9 a.m. to noon on May 1 at Miramonte High School - 750 Moraga Way, Orinda. All race participants receive a T-shirt and delicious post-race brunch, music, kids’ craft booth, face painting, prizes for the top finishers and more.

Mark your calendars for A Taste of Lafayette, the city’s 14th Annual Restaurant Walk on Tuesday, May 17, 2016. This is an opportunity to tour Lafayette’s finest dining establishments and sample the signature cuisine of each restaurant. Cost is $45 per person if purchased by May 6, 2016; $50 per person after that date. Visit www.lafayettechamber.org/events/taste-of-lafayette/ for more information.

SENIORS

The Stroke Support Group of Contra Costa County will meet from 7 to 9 p.m. on April 11 in the Concord I Room at John Muir Medical Center, 2540 East Street, Concord. The topic will be: Vision Restoration Therapy with NovaVision, a therapeutic approach to improve visual abilities following a stroke or traumatic brain injury. For info, contact Ann Dzuna at (925) 376-6218. Free.

So You Think You Can Dance? The Moraga Movers will be entertained by U.S. Open Swing Dance Champion Kurt Senser and his partner Cynthia Austen at their monthly dinner meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, April 11 at Saint Mary’s Soda Center, with social hour starting at 5 p.m. For reservation and membership info, visit moragamovers.org.

Sons In Retirement - Las Trampas Branch 116 welcomes guest to socialize at its monthly luncheon beginning at 11 a.m. Monday, April 18 held at the Walnut Creek Elks Lodge, 1475 Creekside Drive. The speaker, Jim Cole, who always had a fascination with the sea, will discuss his passion for sailing, a sport in which he has actively participated for over 40 years. Call (925) 322-1160 to make lunch reservations. Cost: $15. For more info, visit www.Branch116.org.

Men “of a certain age” (semi- or fully-retired) are invited to hear a presentation from Adam Czekanski, Lt. Col. of the Army Corp of Engineers, during its regular lunch meeting at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 13 at Holy Trinity Church, 1700 School St., Moraga. SIRs welcomes new members. For details, visit www.branch174.sirinc2.org or call Tyler at (925) 284-5561.
Lunch n’ Learn: Spring Cleaning Workshop from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 13 at Byron Park, 1700 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. It’s time to get organized, clear out the clutter, simplify, and plan how to use your space more efficiently. Do your closets, the garage, a spare room, your desk or work space need to be organized? This workshop will give you the tools and resources you need to begin to de-clutter those areas of your house. Free, lunch generously provided. Space is limited; RSVP to Lafayette Senior Services by April 6 by calling (925) 284-5050.

GARDEN

Fill your garden with a plethora of plants, including California natives, shrubs, ground cover, perennials, grasses, ferns, annuals and drought-tolerant plants at The Gardens at Heather Farm’s annual Spring Plant Sale from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 9. The sale takes place, rain or shine, in the parking lot at The Gardens at Heather Farm, located at 1540 Marchbanks Dr. in Walnut Creek. Free.

Montelindo Garden Club will meet at 9 a.m. Friday, April 15 at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 66 St. Stephens Dr., Orinda. Visitors welcome. Katie, of Katie Creighton Design, a talented full-service designer of residential and public gardens in the Bay Area, will discuss “Having Fun With Garden Design Challenges.”

Walnut Creek Garden Club’s business meeting and social time is 9:30-10:45 a.m. Monday, April 11 at The Gardens at Heather Farm at 1540 Marchbanks Rd. At 10:45, we will drive to Our Garden on Ygnacio Valley Road to meet Master Gardener Janet Miller. She will be giving us a tour of Our Garden, spreading the word about what Master Gardeners and Our Garden does for the community, sharing “advice to grow by,” and answering edible gardening questions. For info, email mslittle44@gmail.com.

Lafayette Garden Club is excited to present “What’s New?” with speaker Katherine Greenberg, who is the director of New Plant Introductions at Monrovia Growers. She will be discussing interesting and beautiful new varieties developed for our gardens. The meeting will be held from 9:45 a.m. to noon on April 14 at the Lafayette Veteran’s Building, 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Visitors welcome. For info, email Carolyn Poetzsch at cpoetzsch@gmail.com.