ART

Bay Area Studio Artists will present “Herd,” an exhibit of paintings in acrylics and oils at Orinda Books, 276 Village Square, Orinda, during the month of October. You’re invited to the artists’ reception from 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 6. Or stop by the bookstore during regular hours. BASA is a group of local artists who have been painting and showing their work together since 2010. Their show “Herd” explores the herd instinct, that urge to gather with others of your own kind. It explores herds of many kinds, including some whimsical varieties. For more information on BASA, see the website: http://www.bayaareastudioartists.com.

Fall Exhibitions at the Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art through Dec. 16, opening reception 4 to 7 p.m. on Sept. 20. “Graphicanos: Contemporary Latino Prints” from the Serie Project and “Stanley Koppel: Artist as Activist.” https://www.stmarys-ca.edu/museum

Valley Art Gallery presents its new fall show “Art’s Up!” running through Nov. 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 “Art’s Up!” exhibition is a must-see show for residents of the Diablo Valley! In addition, there are beautifully crafted, ceramic, wood and glass pieces, and original designer jewelry. www.valleyartgallery.org; (925) 935-4311

The Moraga Art Gallery presents “Walk on the Wild Side,” a new exhibit featuring the distinctive, strikingly colorful abstract paintings by member artist Josie Osolin, whose work invariably evokes a sense of energy and passion. Also featured in the show are two guest artists: Jenn Norpchen, specializing in wild, whimsical gourds, reincarnated as birds, frogs, snails and other creatures, and Terry Ow-Wing, an Asian-influenced glass artist whose work has evolved from her background in architecture, photography, and glass blowing. The show runs through Oct. 20. For more information, visit www.moragaartgallery.com or call (925) 376-5407.

MUSIC

Gonna Take a Sentimental Journey at 4 p.m. on Oct. 7 at the Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Rd., Lafayette. Cantare Con Vivo kicks off their 32nd season in early October with the Chorale’s annual Ice Cream Family Concert, “Gonna Take a Sentimental Journey,” featuring folk and popular songs, Broadway selections, light classics, and spirituals. In keeping with tradition, ice cream will be provided free for everyone in attendance following the concert. Tickets: $27.50 General, $65 Family, $10 Student. https://cantareconvivo.secure.force.com/ticket/#sections_a0F0B00000J5pASUAZ

Crowden Music Center presents Community Music Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct 21. at Crowden Music Center, 1475 Rose Street, Berkeley. Crowden’s Community Music Day is a free musical carnival, with Instrument Petting Zoos, San Francisco Chamber Orchestra, face painting, prizes and more. Free.  For more info see https://www.crowden.org/concerts-and-events/community-music-day or call (510) 559-6910 or email concerts@crowden.org.

THEATER

Town Hall Theatre Company presents “The Revolutionists” through Oct. 20 at the Town Hall Theatre Company, 3535 School Street, Lafayette. For tickets, prices, and showtimes: www.townhalltheatre.com; Box Office: (925) 283-1557.  

LECTURE & LITERATURE

Mt. Diablo Peace and Justice Center is proud to host Bindu Mohanty, Ph.D., for its October Forum. Her presentation is entitled “Auroville: 50 years of experimenting with human unity.” Mohanty is a writer, educator and sustainability consultant. This event takes place at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10 at Mt. Diablo Peace and Justice Center, located at 1035 Carol Lane in Lafayette. Tickets are $10 in advance; $15 at the door; $5 for Center members and free for students. They may be purchased online at http://ourpeacecenter.org.

KIDS, PARENTS & TEENS

Lamorinda Moms Presents Dr. Allison Briscoe-Smith, “How to Talk to Kids About Race” beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 16 in the Orinda Intermediate School Multi-purpose room. Broaching the topic of race with children can be challenging. Many of us do not even know how to begin to start such an important, complicated subject without feeling anxious about whether we are doing it right. In just two hours, Briscoe-Smith will present powerful ways to help you facilitate these must-have ongoing conversations. Tickets: $20 plus service fee; Lamorinda Mom’s Members and educators $10 plus service fee.

Trick or Treat Street from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 26 in Downtown Lafayette. For a fun, safe Halloween event, children and their parents are invited to Trick-or-Treat on Mt. Diablo Boulevard from Plaza Way to Dewing Avenue, Lafayette Circle and in La Fiesta Square.

Trick or Treat with the kids 3 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 31 at the Rheem Shopping Center in Moraga.

OTHER

Lafayette Juniors 25th Annual Rummage Sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6 at Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Dr., Lafayette. Special Early Bird Entrance fee of $5 per adult from 7 to 8 a.m. Pre-loved designer clothes, baby and kid clothes, toys, children’s gear, furniture, household goods, and much more. Cash and credit cards accepted. All sale proceeds benefit local nonprofits that serve children, families, and communities in need. Visit www.lafayettejuniors.org for more information.

Lafayette Juniors 25th Annual Rummage Sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6. Special Early Bird Entrance fee: $5 per adult from 7 to 8 a.m. at Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Dr., Lafayette. Pre-loved designer clothes, baby and kid clothes, toys, children’s gear, furniture, household goods, and much more. Visit www.lafayettejuniors.org for more information.
Join Orinda Books from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6 for Paw Fund’s Mobile Adoptions at the store. Looking for wonderful homes for rescue pups. And it’s also a day to celebrate dogs. Friendly leashed dogs are welcome. There will be games, a raffle, and tips from Tailored Dog Training and tons of dog books for sale and book sales will also benefit Paw Fund, which provides free and low-cost pet health care and referrals to community members in Contra Costa and Alameda counties.

Serbian Food Festival from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6 at Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church 1700 School Street, Moraga. Live Serbian Music, delicious homemade pastries and a bounce house for the kids.

The UC Theatre Taube Family Music Hall presents “Teton Gravity Research: Far Out” at 6:45 and 9:15 p.m. on Oct. 12 at The UC Theatre Taube Family Music Hall, 2036 University Avenue, Berkeley. Join Teton Gravity Research for the winter kickoff party of the year, a one-night only premiere of TGR’s new ski and snowboard film, “Far Out,” presented by REI. Cost: $18 - 20. For more info see https://www.theuctheatre.org/event/1759412-teton-gravity-research-far-berkeley/ or call (510) 356-4000 or email information@theuctheatre.org.

The Lamorinda branch of AAUW will hold its 5th Annual Tech Trek Shred Fest, a secure pulverized paper shredding event. Shred papers on site from 9 a.m. to noon on Oct. 13 at 5A Rent-a-Space, 455 Moraga Road, Moraga. Cost: $9 per file box; keep your boxes.

Art of Mixology from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13 at Orinda’s Theatre Square.  This is Lamorinda Arts Council’s largest fundraiser of the year, with an anticipated crowd of over 300 attendees, and host to over 20 bartenders creating luscious craft cocktails, competing for the Mixologist of the Year. Tickets are $45 in advance, $55 at the door. For information, visit lamorindaarts.org.

Sustainable Lafayette and Town Hall Theatre are co-hosting a special showing of “An Inconvenient Sequel – Truth to Power” at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 16. Ten years after “An Inconvenient Truth” brought climate change to the forefront of mainstream culture, former Vice President Al Gore continues his tireless fight to educate the next generation of climate champions. Reception starts at 6:30 p.m., movie at 7 p.m., Q&A at 8:45 p.m. More information and tickets at townhalltheatre.com.

The Saklan School is pleased to host a screening of “Beyond Measure” by Reel Link Films beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 18 at the Lafayette Veteran’s Hall, 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd. For more info or to RSVP visit: www.saklan.org.

Women of Spirit is a group of inclusive, curious women seeking connection, shared learning and growth with other women of diverse faith traditions. Women of Spirit is not affiliated with any religious institution, and all are welcome. Their next meeting is from noon to 2 p.m. on Oct. 19 at Orinda Community Church, 10 Irwin Way, Orinda.

Saint Mary’s College Guild presents “A Night in Italy” from 5 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 20. Delicious Italian cuisine, Bella Musica by Joe Simone Duo, great food and fellowship. This event will be open seating with the exception of full tables of eight or 10 purchased under one reservation form. Make check payable to SMC Guild. Mail to: Donna Jollymour, 387 Calle la Montana, Moraga, CA 94556. For information call Donna Jollymour at (925) 299-1651.

The giant fall book sale sponsored by the Friends of the Moraga Library will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20 at the Moraga Library, 1500 St. Mary’s Road. Books, CDs, and DVDs of every category will be sold at prices ranging from 25 cents to $3.


East Bay Walk to End Alzheimer’s at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 20 at Heather Farms Park in Walnut Creek. Put on your walking shoes and invite friends and family to take part in the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s, the nations largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Last year, more than 2,300 people participated, raising more than half a million dollars. This year the goal is to raise over $650,000 locally. Register today at alz.org/walk.

Lafayette Res Run for Education beginning at 8 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 21 in Downtown Lafayette. Burn some energy with the kids in the 5k, put on your serious running shoes for the 10k around the Lafayette Reservoir or simply walk your dog or push the stroller in the 2-mile fun run/walk! All ages welcome. Awards for fastest runners. Live music plus Healthy Lifestyles Fair. Register now for the 5k (8 a.m.), 10k (8:15 a.m.) or the 2 mile (8:45 a.m.) and chose your local school: Acalanes Dons, Burton Valley Bobcats, Campolindo Cougars, Happy Valley Huskies, Lafayette Leopards, Miramonte Matadors, Springhill Scorpions and Stanley Wildcats. www.lafayettechamber.org/resrun

Brian Pennis, C.S., will be talking about “Finding Innocence that is Power, Not Vulnerability” at 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 21 at the Christian Science Church in Danville, 650 Danville Blvd. Everyone is welcome—loving, free child care is provided—and the talk is free. The event lasts just one hour. Traduccion Simultaneo al Espanol in the Sunday School room. Come treat yourself to an hour of peace, enlightenment and inspiration. Come to hear about God’s spiritual power to heal, guard, guide and love you.

LOPC Breakfast Group at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 24 at the Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, Davies Room. Speaker: Joe Terry, CEO of CVI Power Foundation. Topic: Where the Bible and Ironman intersect. $5 donation at the door for breakfast. RSVP by noon on October 23 to janet@lopc.org or (925) 283-8722 x223.

Daughters of the Goddess Womyn’s Temple welcomes womyn and girls of all ages to join them for their annual Womyn’s Spiral Dance - A Multi-Cultural Celebration of Our Beloved Ancestors and Crones from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. on Oct. 26 at the Orinda Masonic Temple, 9 Altarinda Road, Orinda. During this multi-cultural ritual, led by Kahuna Leilani, and accompanied by spiritual elders of different traditions, we come together to honor and celebrate our loved ones who have passed away. We build a collective altar dedicated to our Ancestors; each of us adding photos and mementos of those who we miss and remember. Tickets: $23 advance by Oct. 22; $29 at the door. http://www.daughtersofthegoddess.com/2018-rituals/2018-spiral-dance/

POLITICAL GATHERINGS

Moraga’s Candidates Night from 7 to 8:30 pm. on Oct. 3 at the Holy Trinity Serbian Church, 1700 School Street, Moraga. Come meet the three Moraga Town Council Candidates – Mike McCluer, Dave Trotter and Steve Woehleke – and hear them speak on important issues. Bring your questions or submit your questions to MCN94556@gmail.com. This free event is sponsored by the Moraga Citizens Network.

Consumer Action Committee (CAC) is hosting a Disability Education forum with Catharine Baker and Rebecca Bauer-Kahan from 10 a.m. to noon on Oct. 10 at Lafayette Methodist Church, 955 Moraga Road, Lafayette. Attend to hear each candidate answer questions about issues specifically affecting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

In an effort to bring clarity to your thoughts so that your well-informed vote can be cast on Nov. 6, the Orinda Moraga Lafayette (OML) branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) will host an impartial, informational presentation moderated by the Diablo Valley League of Women Voters (LWV) at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 16 at the Orinda Community Church, 10 Irwin Way, Orinda.

Lamorinda Republican Women Federated’s meeting will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 18 at the Orinda Country Club. Please join us to hear Kathleen Jenkins and Eve Phillips, candidates for Orinda City Council discuss their individual platforms. This event will provide voters an opportunity to listen to and ask questions of these two candidates. For additional information, visit www.evefororinda.com and www.ordindaparksandrec.org/397/City-Council-Candidate-Info--11618. Cost: luncheon and speaker $36; speaker only $15; speaker only student $5.

SENIORS

Cooking: Farmers’ Market to Harvest Meal - Byron Park Dining Services Team from 2 to 4 p.m. on Oct. 11 at Byron Park, 1700 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. There is nothing quite like a meal created from farm-fresh, in-season ingredients. In this demonstration-style class, learn how easy and enjoyable it is to visit your local farmers’ market or produce stand in the morning and create a delicious and healthful menu for that night’s meal using all those fresh ingredients. RSVP to Lafayette Senior Services by Friday, Oct. 5: Seniors@LoveLafayette.org or (925) 284-5050. $10 credit card deposit required to hold your spot. Members: Free; Non-members: $10.


GARDEN

Montelindo Garden Club October meeting will be at 9:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 19 at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center Community Hall. Presentation: Creating Pumpkulets; Speaker: Shawna Anderson, Horticultural Consultant and Manager of the Custom Container Department at Lafayette’s Orchard Nursery. Shawna will demonstrate how to create Pumpkulents, a craft using a pumpkin and succulents. You will discover how you can create these perfect fall decorations for your own home.