ART

Valley Art Gallery presents “Wintermission” – the show between shows, features selected works by Gallery artists designed to brighten and warm even the longest winter days. This offering of over 300 original paintings, photography and other wall art on unique sliding panels runs through Feb 10. Demonstrating a wide range of motifs, styles, media and prices, and representing the best of the best from more than 100 East Bay artists, the exhibition is a must-see show for residents of the Diablo Valley.

“Darker Shades of Red” provides a rare opportunity to revisit the Cold War Era through the exploration of the Soviet Union’s official imagery Feb. 7 – May 20 at the Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art. The collection of 55 posters reveals the economic, social and political ideology of the Soviet Union during the Cold War. There will be an opening reception from 4 to 6 p.m. on Feb. 8. The Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. www.stmarys-ca.edu/museum

Two Ukrainian Egg Decorating Workshops (Pysanky), a wax and dye technique taught by Folk Artist Evie Michon, will be held from 9 a.m. to noon and then from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17 at Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church, 433 Moraga Way, Orinda. Each Workshop is $25, limited to 20 people and includes all materials. Ages: third grade-adult. RSVP to Sharon at (925) 284-4199.

An unveiling of “Frida Kahlo’s Courageous Transformational Life,” a vibrant portrait of Mexico’s most famous 20th century woman artist by present-day artist Trina Swerdlow, will be held at the Jennifer Perlmutter Gallery in Lafayette at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 22 where the artist will give a talk about the portrait and the inspiration behind her painting. To attend this free event, RSVP by email: jp@jenniferperlmutter.com with your name and “Yes Frida” in the email subject line. For more information go to https://tinyurl.com/Frida-Kahlo-Painting.

MUSIC

Pacific Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Maestro Lawrence Kohl, presents “Golden Strings” including Samuel Barber’s heartfelt Adagio for Strings, Edward Elgar’s gorgeous Serenade for Strings, Richard Strauss’ Symphony for Strings Op. 2 and Mendelssohn’s exuberant String Symphony No. 1 at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17 in the Community Hall of the Lafayette Library and Learning Center, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Tickets are $10 - $59 and are available at the door or www.PacificChamberOrchestra.org. Children are free with adult.  (See story page B2)

West Coast Performing Arts Presenters presents “Come Together: The Beatles Concert Experience” from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24 at Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. “Come Together” recreates the look, sound and history of the Beatles, taking you back into time to witness their phenomenal rise to pop stardom. Cost: $40-$45. For more info see http://www.concertacts.com or call (310) 941-0948.



KIDS, PARENTS & TEENS

The 2018 Friends of the Lafayette Library Bookmark Contest will be beginning Feb. 16. The contest is open to all Lafayette students, grade K-8. Entry forms will be available at school libraries in the Lafayette School District and St. Perpetua School, the Lafayette Library and Learning Center and the Friends Corner Book Shop. The entry deadline is Friday, March 9. Winners will receive a gift certificate for a local book shop, the Friends Corner Book Shop and complimentary framing of their winning bookmark at Fastframe of Lafayette. The award ceremony is planned for April 24. For more information please contact Kay Pekrul: kae865@hotmail.com.

Contra Costa Camp and School Fair – the sixth annual free event with booths for camps, schools, preschool, S.T.E.M. and S.T.E.A.M. programs, sports, cooking, enrichment, performing arts, scouts and YMCA. Free coding workshop plus bow and arrow, abacus and tennis exhibitions – will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25 at Acalanes High School, 1200 Pleasant Hill Rd., Lafayette. Free admission and parking. www.ContraCostaCampFair.com

Sea-k the Treasure at Orinda Library through the month of February at the Orinda Library. Solve the clues inspired by the Lamorinda Teen Reads book selection, “Salt to the Sea,” by Ruta Sepytys, to find the treasure. A Lamorinda Teens Read event.

OTHER

Free Legal Workshops available through the Contra Costa Bar Association. Immigration Law workshop from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26, at the Pleasant Hill Library, 1750 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill. Sign-ups begin at 5:30 p.m. on a first come first served basis. For more info and other additional clinics and dates go to /www.cccba.org/flyer/Legal_Workshops.pdf.

Come break all the rules at the “Night at the Library” – includes cocktails, vino, silent Disco (?!?!) and fun around every corner beginning at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, March 4 in the stacks of the Lafayette Library. Immerse yourself in merriment, while supporting the library and its programs. Buy tickets at www.Tinyurl.com/NATL2017.

Lamorinda Education Forum from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8 at the Stanley Middle School Multi-Use Room, 3455 School Street, Lafayette. Get the latest on education funding and Gov. Jerry Brown’s proposed 2018-19 education budget and its impact on local schools. Speakers include Gerry Shelton, a respected school finance expert, and our State representatives, Senator Steve Glazer and Assemblywoman Catharine Baker. Don’t miss this opportunity to get the facts and ask questions. This event is hosted by the Lafayette School District. For more information, contact (925) 927-3502 or go to www.lafsd.org.

Bridge and Bunco game day and luncheon event from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8 at Saint Mary’s College Soda Center. Bring your luckiest cards – all are welcome. Proceeds given to students seeking financial aid through SMC Guild Scholarship Fund. For info, call Shirley Holloway at (925) 376-6588. Cost: $36 per person, make checks payable to Saint Mary’s College Guild and mail to: Dolores McGonigle, 828 Crossbrook Ct., Moraga, CA 94556.

Discovering Opera: Wagner’s “The Flying Dutchman” from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8 at the Lafayette Library, Arts and Science Room. Take a Dutch sea captain who is condemned to sail the seven seas for eternity, and who has become the stuff of legend. Add a young woman who believes that she is the one who can release him from this curse by being true to him, even unto death; her father, mesmerized by the treasure on the Dutchman’s ship; and her nominal lover, who lacks the Dutchman’s charisma. Lecturer Bradford Wade will give a guided tour of “The Flying Dutchman,” with a description of the plot interspersed with musical examples. This lecture is given in conjunction with Opera San José’s production of “The Flying Dutchman,” Feb. 10-25. Members free; non-members $10.

ESL Conversation Circle at 1 p.m. every Thursday at the Orinda Library. Practice speaking and listening to English in a casual group guided by trained ESL instructors. No registration required and free of charge.

A Historic Evening with Anne Frank’s Stepsister at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15 at the Lesher Center, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Enter the world of Anne Frank as told by her stepsister and childhood friend. Like her stepsister, Eva went into hiding in Holland, was betrayed, captured and sent to Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp. Listen to a first hand account of the life of Anne Frank and the discovery and printing of her famed diary. Tickets are $25 to $35. For info, visit www.JewishContraCosta.com.

The holy season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 14, which is also Valentine’s Day. Jesus expressed His love for all humanity with His life, death, and resurrection. Come by Lafayette United Methodist Church (955 Moraga Road, Lafayette) between 6 and 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14 and receive ashes as a symbol of the preciousness and brevity of life; light a candle; and offer a prayer for the coming season of Lent.

Mt. Diablo Business Women panel from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14 at Massimo Ristorante, 1604 Locust St. in Walnut Creek. Networking, lunch and panel discussion by three nonprofit leaders: Sister Ann Weltz of Bay Area Crisis Nursery, Jeri Boomgaarden of East Bay Community Foundation and Julie Strand of SalesForce.Org. To attend, register and pay at: http://mtdiablobusinesswomen.org. Scroll down to “Upcoming Events.” All businesses are welcome. Registration deadline, Sunday, Feb. 11.

Humanities West Fireside Chat at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20 at the Orinda Library. Join George Hammond of Humanities West for a fireside chat exploring the history, culture and legends of Archaic Greece. More information about Humanities West and other events at www.humanitieswest.net.

Contra Costa Tale Spinners at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22 in the Orinda Library Garden Room – includes a story swap with featured teller, Lois Kincy. Her story, an adaptation of “Little Match Girl” is dedicated to the grandmothers who have stepped up to raise their grandchildren. Share, listen, expand your universe.

Volunteers are needed to prune Fire Blight from the Moraga 104-year-old pear orchard from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24 from at 1000 Camino Pablo (cross street Canyon). Instructions, gloves/tools provided. Wear sturdy shoes/bring water; bring loppers, gloves, hand/pole pruners, and orchard ladders if you have them. For info, contact Bobbie Preston at (925) 376-8474 or barbarampreston@comcast.net.

The City of Orinda will host its annual Summer Camp Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24. at the Orinda Community Center located at 28 Orinda Way in Orinda. Find out about summer programs offered through the City of Orinda, meet summer day camp staff plus a variety of specialty camp instructors.

Managing Headaches without the Pharmacy with Tim Appleford, PT, MSPT, OCS, ATC. The Feb. 27 lecture will touch on migraines, tension headaches and bad habits that may contribute to headaches. He will also give an in-depth look at how physical therapy could be beneficial for this ailment through postural correction and tension release with exercise and stretching. Free. Seating is limited; call (925) 284-6150 to register today.

“Me Too” Founder Tarana Burke to speak at Saint Mary’s College of California at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27 in the Soda Center. Burke is senior director for the nonprofit Girls for Gender Equity and director and founder of Just Be Inc., a youth organization focused on the well-being of young women of color. Burke’s appearance at Saint Mary’s College is part of the ongoing 44 Days Honoring Black History celebration series. Cost: $15 general public; free for SMC students, staff, faculty and alumni. For more information, visit stmarys-ca.edu/inclusive-excellence/44-days-celebration.

The Elfenworks Center for Responsible Business invites you to its fourth annual conference from 12:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 1 in the Soda Activity Center to explore how businesses have defined and honored human rights. Learn what actions businesses have taken to comply with standards and prevent violations of human rights. Explore models and practices that can inspire other businesses. The conference check-in will begin at 12:30 p.m., followed by panels exploring the interdependence of business and human rights, a keynote address, and ending with a networking reception. The event is $20 (free for current SMC students, staff and faculty) and open to all, but registration is required.

Lamorinda Arts Council (LAC) will now host their 3rd Annual ShortDocs Film Fest at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center at 3 p.m. on April 15. Originally scheduled for Feb. 11 this year, this documentary film festival provides local filmmakers an opportunity to create new work as well as showcase it at a community screening. The extended deadline for Entries for the Lamorinda ShortDocs Film Fest is now March 18. To learn more about the Lamorinda ShortDocs Film Fest competition and to enter go to http://www.lamorindaarts.org/shortdocs.

SENIORS

The Stroke Support Group of Contra Costa County will hold its February meeting in the Ball Auditorium at John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek Campus (1601 Ygnacio Valley Rd.) from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12. The speaker will be Eileen Nevitt LCSW, who will discuss “Ongoing Care Management.” After the program, attendees will break up into three coping groups: stroke survivors without aphasia, stroke survivors with aphasia, and caregivers and families of stroke survivors, each group led by a trained professional. For further information about the Stroke Support Group, contact Ann Dzuna at (925) 376-6218. Free.

Veterans’ Benefits, presented by Contra Costa County Veteran Services Office from 10:30 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Feb. 21 at the Lafayette Community Center, Cedar Room. If you are a veteran or a family member of a veteran, you should be aware of the potential benefits available to you. The Contra Costa County Veteran Services Office provides assistance to the men and women who served in the Armed Forces of America, their dependents and survivors, and the general public, in obtaining benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, California Department of Veterans Affairs, and other programs for veterans and their families. Free

Join LOPC for Men’s Breakfast at 7 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28. Andy Amstutz from Lamorinda Village will speak on the topic of “Over 55? What can Lamorinda Village do for you?” Bring friends and family. $5 donation at the door for breakfast. RSVP by noon on Feb. 27 to janet@LOPC.org. Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette. (925) 283-8722. LOPC.org.

GARDEN

Lafayette Garden Club General Meeting from 9:45 to noon Thursday, Feb. 8 at the Lafayette Veteran’s Building located at 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette. Program: “WELO, the Water Efficiency Landscape Ordinance and How it Effects California Gardeners and Homeowners.” Lafayette Garden Club is pleased to present Lori Palmquist, irrigation designer and consultant, who will discuss how everyday gardeners can deal with the challenges of water conservation and be part of the solution. Visitors are welcome. For info, email Carolyn Poetzsch cpoetzsch@gmail.com.

The Walnut Creek Garden Club meeting beginning at 9:45 a.m. Monday, Feb 12 will feature a presentation, “Why are Millions of Trees Dying in the Sierras (and what are we doing about it)?” by Brenda Kendrix, US Forest Service starting with a business meeting at 9:45 a.m.; social at 10:30 a.m. and program at 11 a.m. The club meets at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Road, Walnut Creek. For info, email mslittle44@gmail.com.

The Montelindo Garden Club of Orinda is pleased to host a free presentation by Leslie Buck, a Berkeley-based gardener and author beginning at 9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 16 at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 66 St. Stephens Drive, Orinda. Buck has recently published a New York Times-reviewed memoir currently in bookstores called “Cutting Back: My Apprenticeship in the Gardens of Kyoto.” For info, visit www.montelindogarden.com.  (See story page B5)

The Moraga Garden Club will hold their monthly meeting at 9:30 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 15, at the Holy Trinity Church, 1700 School Street, Moraga. The guest speaker will be Heath Bartosh, senior botanist at Nomad Ecology in Martinez, who will discuss “East Bay Floral and the Stories of Early Botanists.” Interested parties are welcome to attend the 9:30 a.m. social hour and the 10 a.m. meeting, as well as the presentation by Bartosh immediately following the meeting.