ART

The Moraga Art Gallery’s new show “Capturing Moments of Motion” runs through June 4 and 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 information, visit www.moragaartgallery.com, 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.

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

Boundless, the fifth and final concert of Gold Coast Chamber Player’s 2015-2016 series, showcases music by J.S. Bach, Claude Debussy and Dmitri Shostakovich for piano and strings. The concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 7, at the Lafayette Library Community Hall, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd. in Lafayette. A pre-concert talk will start the evening at 7 p.m. Ticket price includes complimentary champagne, the pre-concert talk and a reception with the musicians following the performance. Tickets are $37.50 general, $32.50 seniors and $15 for students and are available at www.gcplayers.org and by phone at (925) 283-3728.

The Lafayette Rotary Club’s Annual Concert at the Res will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 14 at the Lafayette Reservoir stage. Pack a picnic and enjoy performances by the Stanley Symphonic Band, the Acalanes Wind Ensemble, the Big Band of Rossmoor, the Bentley School Jazz combo and a special guest band.

Murasaki Jazz Ensemble performs at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17 at the Moraga Library. Their music blends improvisational jazz with Asian themes, the meeting of old and new, east and west. This is a free program.

Voci Women’s Vocal Ensemble, directed by Dr. Anne Hege, presents “Songs of the Bygone: Traces of a Vanishing World,” a wry, sometimes bemused exploration in song of forgotten ways of life and forms of communication. The concert is at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 21 at St. Perpetua Catholic Parish, 3454 Hamlin Road, Lafayette. Tickets are $25 suggested donation at the door, $20 advance, $15 students, FREE for children between 6 and 12. Available at the door or online at www.vocisings.org/tickets.php. Ticket information: (510) 531-8714.

“A Tribute to the Beatles.” On the 50th anniversary of the Beatles invasion and their appearance on the Ed Sullivan show, the Blackhawk Chorus will present a two-hour show of the most famous music of this fabulous foursome. The shows will be at 8 p.m. on May 21, at Lesher Center for Arts in Walnut Creek, and at 4:30 p.m. on May 22 at St. Joan of Arc Church in San Ramon, 2601 San Ramon Valley Blvd. Tickets: $25 for Adults, $17 for Children (under 12) and tickets can be purchased by calling the Lesher Box Office at 925 943-SHOW (7469).

THEATER

Stanley Middle School Wildcats on Stage and Lamorinda Theatre Academy present “Once on this Island.” Performances will be at 7 p.m. on May 6 and 5 p.m. on May 7 at the Stanley Multi-purpose Room. Tickets: $8 for children & seniors, $12 for adults.

LECTURE & LITERATURE

Creative Writing Reading Series Alumni Reading. Brenda Hillman and Andrew Kenower read their works at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 4, De La Salle Hall’s Hagerty Lounge at Saint Mary’s College.

Author Diana Lorence of Innermost House will speak of her “Walden Years” at Lafayette Public Library at 2 p.m. on May 7. In celebration of the upcoming bicentennial of the birth of Henry David Thoreau, Diana Lorence shares her experience of seven years in a tiny, unelectrified cabin in the woods of California, in the manner of Thoreau’s life at Walden Pond. This is a free event. Registration is recommended as seating is limited. Register online at: tinyurl.com/DianaLorenceMay7.

Moraga Movers and Moraga Library present Book Talking at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 11. Local author Michael Ross will share his book, “Ross’s Novel Discoveries: Quotes from Great works on Men, Women, Romantic Relationships, Love, Sex, and Marriage.” Amusing, entertaining and provocative.

KIDS, PARENTS & TEENS

May the Fourth Be With You, from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 4 at the Moraga Library. Make origami “Star Wars” figures, watch a movie, and more. Feel free to come costumed as your favorite “Star Wars” character. This program is free and open to all children and families, no reservations necessary.

Lafayette Nursery School’s 40th Annual Science Day of Discovery is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 7. Make a volcano explode, shoot a rocket, make flubber, dig for dinosaur bones and pet an animal in the petting corral. These are just a few of the many hands-on science and nature activities at the event, for children preschool age through third grade. Cost: $4 per child. More information: Call Lafayette Nursery School at (925) 284-2448 or visit the website at www.lafayettenurseryschool.org.

Moraga Library Celebrates Free Comic Book Day from 4 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 10. Did Free Comic Book Day at the comic books stores on May 7 whet your appetite for more? Join us at the Moraga Library for free comic books, crafts and fun.

Superhero Storytimes! Wear your favorite superhero costume and join in for special superhero storytimes. Superhero Baby Storytime 10:15-10:45 a.m. and Superhero Toddler Storytime 11:15-11:45 a.m. on May 11 at the Moraga Library.

Create a Graphic Novel with Oliver Chin from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 12 at the Moraga Library. Author/illustrator Chin will show you how to make a Graphic Novel. This will be fun and creative for teens and all ages. These events are free and open to the public, no registration necessary.

The Lafayette Library and Learning Center is proud to present ComicFest 2016 on May 14. This mini Comic Book Convention style event will feature artists and their work, along with workshops, crafts, cosplay, photobooth, scavenger hunt, raffle prizes and more. Joe Field, owner of Flying Colors Comics in Concord and founder of Free Comic Book Day, will be the event’s guest of honor. Participants are encouraged to come in their best superhero or villain costume. There will be a giveaway of free comic books while supplies last (children first).

HEALTH

The Stroke Support Group of Contra Costa County will hold its May meeting from 7 to 9 p.m. on May 9 in the Sterns Conference Room at John Muir Medical Center - Walnut Creek Campus (1601 Ygnacio Valley Road.) Karen Rockwell, with the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP), will discuss HICAP services and healthcare changes. For further information about the Stroke Support Group, contact Ann Dzuna at (925) 376-6218.

Breast Cancer Support Group for Younger Women. This support group for is for younger women who were recently diagnosed and receiving treatment for breast cancer. Learn about breast cancer treatment and how other women cope with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and breast reconstruction. Meetings are held from 10 to 11 a.m. the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of every month at the Alta Bates Summit Medical Center. Pre-Registration for this free program is required. Please call (510) 655-4000, Ext. 4980 for more information.

The Blue Pearl Group comes to the East Bay to offer a series of work / playshops to cultivate Physical, Mental, Emotional and Spiritual Well-Being from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday May 11 in the Arts & Sciences Center of the Lafayette Public Library. The workshop will be group taught by experienced practitioners. $10. For more information: 415-233-2581.

Drug Awareness and Recovery. Hear the latest news and information from front-line experts regarding drug abuse and awareness 7 to 8:30 pm. on Thursday, May 12 at the Acalanes High School Library. Featured will be Jeff Kent, Youth Clinical Director from New Leaf Treatment Center in Lafayette, and Barbara Hewitt, Diablo Valley College, Health Sciences Department Chair, Addiction Studies Program Coordinator. In addition, hear from local young people who will be sharing their personal stories regarding drug use and recovery.

Dr. Raphael Rettner will be giving a talk entitled “10 Secrets for Permanent Weight Loss” at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 12. The talk will be held at Advanced Weight Loss and Wellness, 959 Mt. View Dr., Lafayette, across the street from Trader Joe’s. Space is limited. Please call (925) 962-9160 to reserve your space. Everyone attending will receive a body wrap and weight loss consultation and examination.

Breast Cancer Symposium. Join a panel of breast cancer specialists as they present a breast cancer update from recent San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium and American Society of Breast Surgeons Annual Meeting from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on May 17 in the Lafayette Library Community Room. The physicians will cover exciting new data from the latest clinical trials, FDA approved treatments, surgical and radiation outcomes and advances in systemic therapies. Admission is free. Space is limited. Advanced Registration required. To RSVP call (925) 677-5041 x272.

Dementia - The Road Map from Diagnosis to Family Care from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on May 18 at Eldercare Services 1808 Tice Valley Blvd, Walnut Creek. The program covers: What is dementia? Where is it diagnosed? Understanding the progression; What does a family need to do to prepare for the journey? And protecting dignity and reducing stress in all family members.

FAIRES & FESTS

The Moraga Community Faire & Car Show will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 14 in the town’s Rheem Valley Shopping Center, offering a wonderful opportunity for a “family fun day” with a climbing wall, bounce house, games, music, arts and crafts, local food trucks, local wine and over 70 amazing classic cars. Free to attend, the Faire is organized and sponsored by the Moraga Chamber of Commerce; visit www.moragachamber.org/faire.

The Orinda Park and Recreation Foundation is hosting the Doggone Fun Fest at the Orinda Community Center Park from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 15. Join the fun with your dogs on leash to parade around the park. Prizes for best dressed, looks most like their owner, and best in show. Rescue organizations will have dogs for adoption and there will be dog product vendors in attendance. Contact Carolyn Mills at 254-5292 or bandcmills@comcast.net if you need more details.

Don’t Miss the Hacienda de las Flores Centennial de Mayo celebration from noon to 5 p.m. on May 15, 2100 Donald Drive. Step back in time, enjoy the beautiful grounds and learn about the Hacienda’s rich history. Fun for all ages. Free admission, authentic Mexican food and drinks, live Mariachi Band, hourly piñata contests, tortilla making, Mexican tile painting, cupcake walks and more. Limited onsite parking; shuttle available from Rheem Elementary, 90 Laird Drive.

OTHER

Be the Force — the Force for Good. Come help support the JBFC Schools in Tanzania at the third annual Peace, Love & Pancakes dinner and a movie featuring “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” with pancakes at 5:30 p.m. and the movie at 6:30 p.m. on May 13 at JMIS. For more information about the JBFC Schools that are supported, or to order tickets to the event on-line, please visit peaceloveandpancakes.squarespace.com.

Friends Corner Book Shop Half-Price Sale is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 7, Corner of First and Golden Gate Way, Lafayette.

Join National Park Service rangers for a stargazing adventure, “Road Map to the Night Sky,” at 8:45 p.m. on Saturday, May 7 at the John Muir National Historic Site in Martinez. The program is designed to increase knowledge of the night sky by progressing through a series of constellations. Reservations are not required. Visitors should meet at John Muir NHS. Please call the John Muir NHS Visitor Center at (925) 228-8860 if you have questions.

Bike to Work Day is May 12. There will be there will be five energizer stations in Lamorinda where cyclists can stop by for refreshments and promotional items: three in Lafayette, and one each in Orinda and Moraga.

Lafayette Juniors 17th Annual Kitchen Tour is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 14. Tour six Lafayette kitchens for a good cause benefiting Youth Homes, Diablo Ballet’s PEEK Outreach Program, the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano and Lamorinda Spirit Van. Tickets are $40 and available at www.lafayettejuniors.org and Lafayette’s Premier Kitchens. (See story on page D1)

Hidden Legacy: Japanese Traditional Performing Arts in the World War II Internment Camps will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, May 14 at the Moraga Library. Join Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto-Wong, Creative Director, for a free screening of this documentary. The production of this film was sponsored, in part, by the National Park Service, Japanese American Confinement Sites grant. The screening will be followed by a koto demonstration and discussion. Sponsored by BDK America. An NPS Centennial Celebration event.

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.

Beginning Tuesday, May 17, Rabbi Dovber Berkowitz of Chabad of Contra Costa will conduct the six sessions of the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute (JLI) course, Strength and Struggle: Lessons in Character from the Stories of Our Prophets, at the Contra Costa Jewish Day School 955 Risa Rd. in Lafayette. The course will also be offered 10 am at Chabad of Contra Costa 1671 Newell Ave. in Walnut Creek.

Lamorinda Rugby Football Club is recruiting for their new Women’s High School Team. There will be a player orientation at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May  17 at Wilder Ranch House. Text RUGBY to 925-788-0039 or email LamoLadies@gmail.com.

Shred your papers at 5A Rent-A-Space, 455 Moraga Rd. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 21. $7 per file box.

GARDEN

The Gardens at Heather Farm is celebrating “National Public Gardens Day” between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Friday, May 6. There will be free activities throughout the day in its six-acre public garden and wildlife habitat nestled on a picturesque hillside in Walnut Creek. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the day. For more information, visit www.gardenshf.org.

Growing Tomatoes. Learn about growing this favorite garden delight from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 7 at the Lafayette Community Garden and Outdoor Learning Center, 3932 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Classes are free but a $5 donation is requested. To register for classes or for more information visit www.lafayettecommunitygarden.com.

Annual Compost Giveaway, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 7. RecycleSmart has partnered with the UC Master Gardeners of Contra Costa to provide residents free compost. Bring your own rigid container and take up to 96 gallons of compost while supplies last. There will also be presentations, booths, raffles and more. Register online and see schedule too at http://getsmartsaturday-compostsmart.eventbrite.com.

The Walnut Creek Garden Club presents “Jam it Up!” Barbara Kobsar, author of two cookbooks and a food and garden writer for several local papers will be speaking about food and making jams. She will bring some of her jams and jellies to taste and purchase. Business Meeting: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; Social Time: 10:30 to 11 a.m.; Program: 11 a.m. to noon on May 9 at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Road, Walnut Creek. Questions: mslittle44@gmail.com.