ART

Valley Art Gallery reopens with the new show “Art for the Picking.” With more than 300 works reflecting multiple motifs, styles and media, the show continues our mission to represent the best of the best of more than 100 East Bay artists.

12th Annual Arts Ambassadors Exhibit, celebrating music and artwork from Orinda students. The Exhibition will run from March 27 through April 15 at the Orinda Library Art Gallery, with a reception from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on April 12. Gallery is open for viewing artworks while mixing and mingling with the arts ambassadors.

The Moraga Art Gallery presents an international exhibit, “Impressionism Times 2,” featuring the work of lifelong friends: ceramicist Jacqueline Proulx of Walnut Creek and the celebrated French-Canadian expressionist painter Rita Rodrigue, a resident of Quebec. The show, which also includes the gallery’s 13 member artists and several guest artists, runs from March 21 to June 2. The public is invited to an opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 24. For more information, visit www.moragaartgallery.com or call (925) 376-5407.

MUSIC

University of California Alumni Chorus and Chamber Chorus pesents Voices of Change II; We Must Have a Dream - A program commemorating the life and leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the 50th anniversary of his assassination at 7 p.m. on April 4 in Hertz Hall, UC Berkeley campus. Featured works are Undine Smith Moore ‘s Scenes From the Life of a Martyr with narration by Noah Griffin, and the premiere of a new commissioned work by Paul Ayres with text from a sermon by Dr. King. Tickets: $20 - $15 - $10 at Brown Paper Tickets (brownpapertickets.com), or at the door. www.ucac.net

THEATER

Town Hall Theatre presents Ayckbourn’s dark comedy “Woman in Mind” through March 24 at Town Hall Theatre Company, 3535 School Street, in Lafayette. Tickets are $18 -$30, and are available through the Box Office at (925) 283-1557 or online at www.TownHallTheatre.com.

Town Hall Theatre History Guided by Local Food Adventures: The Powerful Jane Austen and The Women Behind Town Hall from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 14 at the Town Hall Theatre Company, 3535 School Street, Lafayette. Tickets: $40 Town Hall Theatre subscribers; $45 non-subscribers. Box office: (925) 283-1557; www.townhalltheatre.com

LECTURE & LITERATURE

Charitable Gift Annuity Seminar at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 24 in Delphine Lounge, adjacent to Café Louis (Saint Mary’s College campus). Learn how you can make a charitable donation that will also earn you income for life, receive tax benefits, and provide support for yourself or a loved one. Charitable gift annuities are a tax-savvy way to support your favorite causes and care for loved ones.

KIDS, PARENTS & TEENS

The Moraga Junior Women’s Club will host the 36th annual Spring Egg Hunt from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 24 at Moraga Commons Park, featuring an egg hunt, games, bounce houses, rock climbing wall, face painting, and arts and crafts. Tickets are $15/child (age 0-8).  Order online at www.moragajuniors.org/events/spring-egg-hunt.

Mt. Diablo Peace and Justice Center 20th annual Peace through Art and Writing Challenge. This year’s topic: “The Next Chapter of the American Dream.” Using your unique, artistic voice, create a visual and/or literary interpretation that conveys your response to these thoughts. The contest is open to middle and high school students in Contra Costa County. They may submit works in three categories: Essay, Creative Writing and Art. The deadline for entries is March 26. Detailed information on the contest requirements is available at www.creatingpeacefulschools.weebly.com or you may contact the Center office at (925) 933-7850.

The Lafayette Rotary Club is pleased to announce its “Annual Candy Scramble.” This event is open to all children ages 2 through 2nd grade. The event takes place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 31 at Lafayette Plaza (corner of Mt. Diablo Boulevard and Moraga Road). The park lawn will be covered with candy for the kids to put in their baskets. The youngest are always given extra time to get their share! The Bunny along with the police and fire departments will be there to take pictures with the kids. And don’t miss the Jonny’s Donut Dive (for adults only).

Orinda Rotary Club’s Annual Egg Hunt at 11 a.m. on March 31 at the Orinda Community Center Play Field. There will be over 2,000 eggs and prizes for all as well as pictures with the White Bunny. Ages: toddlers through kindergarten and grades 1 and 2 only. Be sure to bring a basket. Rain cancels the event.

You’re invited to take a photo with the Easter Bunny, so bring your camera to the suite between Dover Saddlery and Nation’s Giant Hamburgers between noon and 3 p.m. Saturday, March 31 at the Rheem Shopping Center at Rheem Boulevard and Moraga Road in Moraga.

OTHER

17th Annual Women’s Film Festival LunaFest at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 22 at the Orinda Theatre. This unique film festival highlights women as leaders in society, illustrated through nine short films by women filmmakers. The films range from animation to fictional drama, and cover topics such as women’s health, body image, relationships, cultural diversity and breaking barriers. There will be a VIP reception starting at 6 p.m. in the Fourth Bore Tap Room. Tickets are $25. Advance tickets only, purchase at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lunafest-film-festival-tickets-43121612905?aff=es2.

Contra Costa Tale Spinners at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 22 at the Orinda Community Center Room 6. Join us for a story swap with featured teller, Bill Zarchy, writer, teacher, film and video photographer, and natural raconteur. Share, listen, expand your universe.

Give Back in Lamorinda Style at the Moraga Valley Kiwanis Lobster Fest taking place at the Saint Mary’s College Soda Center from 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, March 24. The evening includes a silent auction, music, dancing, Lobster Pot Drawing, Wine Cellar Raffle, lots of lobster and tons of fun! Local high school Key Club members serve the dinner and join in the dancing. Tickets are $55 per person at moragavalleykiwanis.org or (925) 388-0492.

The friendly felines of Community Concern for Cats will be back at Pet Food Express in Lafayette and Pleasant Hill, plus Petco in Walnut Creek from 1 to 4 p.m. this weekend, March 24 and 25. For more information, see www.communityconcernforcats.org.

Free workshop “Are your 1099 workers really employees? A reality check” is being offered from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 28 at the Contra Costa Small Business Development Center, 300 Ellinwood Way, Bodega Room, 2nd Floor in Pleasant Hill. Please register for the free workshop by March 27 with Marjorie Wallace at maw@worklawmaw.com. There will be a raffle and refreshments will be served.

What’s up down there?: The role of Physical Therapy in Pelvic Floor Dysfunction with Allison Romero, PT, Pelvic Health Specialist on March 27 at Lafayette Physical Therapy. The workshop explores the pelvic floor and how to enhance your pelvic health and awareness in all stages of life. This workshop will teach you how to identify when there is a problem and what can be done to fix it. You will leave with a deeper knowledge of how to engage your pelvic floor muscles and the correct way to do a kegel (it’s about time right?!) Seating is limited, call to register your spot today: (925) 284-6150.

Join LOPC for Men’s Breakfast at 7 a.m. Wednesday, March 28. Jim Boyd, Monument Crisis Center Board Member, will lead a discussion about MCC’s mission to help low income individuals and families become stable and secure in the community, with its many programs including food distribution, youth enrichment, senior programs, and resource center. Bring friends and family; $5 donation at the door for breakfast. RSVP by noon on March 27 to janet@LOPC.org. Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette. (925) 283-8722. LOPC.org.

Stanley Middle School Rube Goldberg contest: Pour a Bowl of Cereal at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 28 in the Stanley Middle School Gym, Lafayette. Based on the 2018 National Challenge, and in the spirit of inventor/artist Rube Goldberg, students must create a machine using objects such as marbles, dominoes, magnets or levers that will pour cereal into a bowl in 12 steps. Students’ machines will be judged on creativity, timing and accuracy. Free and open to the public.

Join a National Park Service ranger for a Springtime Saunter beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 31 on Mt. Wanda, part of the John Muir National Historic Site in Martinez. This free, two-hour program begins with a moderately strenuous hike to look for wildflowers and learn about the plants and animals native to the area. The trail includes about 650 feet of elevation gain, but the reward is a beautiful 360-degree view from the top. Visitors should meet at the parking lot at the corner of Alhambra Avenue and Franklin Canyon Road, Martinez. Reservations are not required. Please call the John Muir NHS Visitor Center at (925) 228-8860 if you have questions. For more information, please visit the park website at www.nps.gov/jomu.

Giorgio Tavechhio, a Campo grad who is a kicker for the Oakland Raiders, will be the special guest speaker at the Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church Men’s Dinner at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 11 at the Saint Mary’s College Soda Center. Tickets are $25 via www.mvpctoday.org and must be purchased by April 4.

Area residents who own classic cars are invited to participate in the 11th annual Moraga Classic Car Show, which takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 12 as part of the 2018 Moraga Community Faire. The $35 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 2, but space is limited to 70 cars, so register early to secure a spot. To register, go to www.moragachamber.org/faire or, call Gloria at (925) 247-4473.

POLITICAL GATHERINGS

Assemblywoman Catherine Baker is holding a Moraga Walk and Talk Town Hall beginning at 10 a.m. on March 24 at Rancho Laguna Park, 2101 Camino Pablo, Moraga. Enjoy a walk on a local trail and get the latest updates on state legislation. RSVP to asmrc.org/AF/WALKTALKRSVP or call (925) 328-1515.

SENIORS

Senior Scam Workshop presented by Pearl Yon, Better Business Bureau from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Thursday, March 22 in the Lafayette Community Center Cedar Room. This workshop will educate you on the scams that most frequently target older adults. You will learn to recognize the red flags and receive tips on how to avoid the scammers’ tactics. Additionally, you will be provided with useful resources that will help lower your chances of falling victim to these scams. Handouts of the information will be yours to take home. Members: Free, Non-Members: $10.