ART

Valley Art Gallery presents “Celebrating 70 Years of Fine Art,” a new exhibition by gallery artists on its 70th Anniversary though Nov. 9.  The gallery always features selected works by Gallery Artists on its unique sliding walls. Reflecting a wide range of motifs, styles and media, the show continues the mission to represent the best of the best of more than 100 East Bay artists. www.valleyartgallery.org

Christian Ehrhorn Fine Arts gallery grand opening and reception from 5 to 9 p.m. Nov. 1 at 39 Moraga Way in Orinda.

The October exhibit at the Art Gallery at the Orinda Library features the Three-Eight art studio which includes five Chinese women who paint together. The exhibit will run through Oct. 31 at 26 Orinda Way.

Irenka Kudlicki & Dalia Alekna at Samadian Gallery through Dec. at 23 Orinda Way, Suite 301, Orinda. The exhibit includes engaging abstract paintings by Irenka Kudlicki and alluring pastels by Dalia Alekna. There will be a reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 21.

“Teachers Have Class,” Art Gallery at the Orinda Library, 26 Orinda Way. The Lamorinda Arts Council is honored to feature the work of current and retired teachers who are also artists during the month of November. There will be a reception from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 10 where light refreshments will be served. Go to www.lamorindaarts.org for more information.

Bedford Gallery 12th Annual Craft Fest from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 16 at Bedford Gallery, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. While they shop, visitors can view our current exhibition, Off Menu: Contemporary Art about Food. Bedford Gallery Craft Fest features the East Bay’s top maker talent, with a prominence of vendors from Contra Costa and Alameda Counties! This mouthwatering show features over a hundred astounding pieces by renowned artists such as Salvador Dal¡, Wayne Thiebaud and Kenny Scharf. Free.

MUSIC

Crowden Music Center presents Jeffrey LaDeur and Friends from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 3, at Crowden Music Center, 1475 Rose Street, Berkeley. Crowden presents acclaimed pianist Jeffrey LaDeur with mezzo soprano Kindra Scharich for an afternoon of virtuoso piano showpieces and song. Cost: $25 general admission, $20 seniors/students, Free for children under 18. For more info see https://www.crowden.org/concerts-and-events/sundays-four or call (510) 559-6910 or email concerts@crowden.org.
Campolindo High School Music Department Fall Concert from 7:30 to 9 p.m. on Nov. 7 in the Campolindo Performing Arts Center, 300 Moraga Rd., Moraga. The concert will feature the Orchestra, Jazz Band, Concert Band, and Symphonic Band and will include music from Thelonius Monk, Gustav Holst, Caesar Giovannini, Jennifer Higdon, Robert Sheldon, and Eric Whitacre. The concert is free to attend, although donations to Campo Music Boosters are appreciated.

The UC Alumni Chorus will present “A Mass-Up,” a mash-up of movements from the great masses at 3 p.m. on Nov. 17 at Hertz Hall on the UC Berkeley campus. Come hear the finest examples of choral writing ever amassed from a thousand years of Eucharist and Requiem Mass settings. Tickets are $20 general, $15 seniors, and $10 students. Further information at ucac.net
This fall Voci Women’s Vocal Ensemble presents “Passion, Joy and Beauty: Britten, Poulenc and Faur‚“ an ambitious program of exquisite 20th century music for women’s voices and organ, under the direction of Guest Conductor Robert Wells. Showtimes are at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 16 at St. Perpetua Catholic Church 3454 Hamlin Road, Lafayette and at 4 p.m. on Nov. 23 at St Paul’s Episcopal Church 114 Montecito Avenue, Oakland. Tickets: $25 suggested donation at the door, $20 advance, $15 students, free for children between 6-12. Available at the door; or online from brownpapertickets.com or www.vocisings.org

Pacific Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Conductor Lawrence Kohl, presents a concert production of The Glorious - Handel Messiah with soprano Marnie Breckenridge, and mezzo-soprano Silvie Jensen, tenor Ricky Garcia, and baritone Ben Brady and the Pacific Chamber Orchestra Chorus, Ofer dal Lal Chorus Master. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 30 at the Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church 24 Knox, Lafayette and at 3 p.m. on Dec. 1 at Bankhead Theatre, 2400 First Street in Livermore. Tickets may be purchased online at www.pacificchamberorchestra.org.

Diablo Women’s Chorale Fall concert, “Winter’s Light,” at 4 p.m. on Dec. 8 at Temple Isaiah, 945 Risa Road, in Lafayette. Backed by live musicians, the chorale will present a program of jazzy, uplifting music to kick off the beginning of the holiday season. Grab your friends and family members and join us as we lighten a winter afternoon with songs from Lisa Loeb, George Michael, Irving Berlin, Phil Spector, and many others. Purchase advance tickets online at www.DiabloWomensChorale.org or call 1-800-838-3006.

THEATER

DVC Drama presents “Seussical, the Musical” at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Sundays through Nov. 3 at 321 Golf Club Rd, Pleasant Hill. For tickets, call (925) 969-2358 or visit www.dvcdrama.net

LECTURE & LITERATURE

Orinda Books presents Marty Glick at 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 2 at 276 Village Square, Orinda. Marty Glick, a litigator with the international firm, Arnold & Porter, will read from and discuss his book, “The Soledad Children: The Fight to End Discriminatory IQ Tests.” He documents California Rural Legal Assistance court battles to achieve equity for minority youngsters in California education.

The Intuitive Writing Project Presents “Open to Change: A Reading of the 3rd Annual Anthology of Teen Writers” from 1 to 3 p.m. on Nov. 3 at Orinda Books, 276 Village Square, Orinda. Twenty-four progressive teenage writers and thinkers -all outstanding female students at the East Bay’s The Intuitive Writing Project - will read aloud their work. $5 general admission and free for everyone 18 and under. Register at www.eventbrite.com/e/open-to-change-book-launch-party-for-the-3rd-annual-anthology-of-tiwp-tickets-77571886601?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

The Lamorinda Arts Council invites writers and artists to participate in their Art Embraces Words program from 2 to 4 p.m. on Nov. 3 at the Lafayette Library. Emerging writers read excerpts from their work surrounded by visual artwork from local artists. In this way art literally “embraces” the spoken word. Master of Ceremonies, Lafayette resident Lynn Carey, former host of the Times Book Club, moderates the event. A reception with light refreshments follows the readings. Go to https://lamorindaarts.org/art-embraces-words/, email literary@lamorindaarts.org or call (925) 359-9940 for more information.

DVC Emeritus Presents: The Palestinian Israeli Conflict: How Did It Start? Will It Ever End? Presented by Guest Lecture Dr. Omar Dajani from 2 to 4 p.m. on Nov. 9 at Diablo Valley College. The conflict over the Holy Land continues to claim headlines, billions of dollars in U.S. aid, and the lives of both Palestinians and Israelis. But, contrary to popular misconceptions, it is neither an ancient dispute nor an unsolvable one. Registration is $25. Students $15.To register for this event please contact DVC Community Education at (925) 969-4600. Registration available at the door.

KIDS, PARENTS & TEENS

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

“Love & Logic - Parenting Made Fun.” For parents of children of all ages. Learn simple and proven techniques that teach responsibility and character, lower your stress level, and have immediate and positive results. Taught by Connie Kellaher, director of MVPC Nurtury Preschool, and Love and Logic independent facilitator. Join us for any or all of 7 sessions on Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Moraga Valley Pres Church, 10 Moraga Valley Lane, Moraga. Nov. 6 and 13. Each session stands alone, so come when you can! No charge, and no pre-registration needed. Free childcare is available by emailing ckallaher@mvpctoday.org at least one week in advance. For more info, visit www.thenurturypreschool.com/programs/parenteducation/

‘Neighborhood skit comes together to entertain the trick-or-treaters for over 25 years! Neighbors, friends, family deliver a performance from the garage from 7 to 9 p.m. at 12 Lynwood Place, Moraga. Show theme “Disney Garage Club”. Let the magic begin.

Lamorinda Mom’s 2nd Annual Preschool Fair from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 7 at Oakwood Athletic Club (gymnasium), 4000 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette. Families, come interact and hear directly from the administrators and teachers of 30+ preschools in the Lamorinda and adjacent communities to explore the preschool programs for your little one. Childcare offered by Oakwood gratis for children who are walking. Bring diapers (open packages okay) and wipes to benefit charity, Help a Mother Out, which provides diapers and wipes to Bay Area families in need.

2nd Annual Peace & Kindness Carnival: A Mindful Littles Fundraiser from 10 a.m. to noon on Nov. 11 at the Orinda Community Center, 28 Orinda Way, Orinda. School is out and we have set up an endless array of fun, games and time with veterans to come celebrate Peace & Kindness on this special day! Live Band, Bouncy House, Face Painting, Balloon Artist, Carnival Games, Meet-n-Greet with Real Veterans, Food Trucks and more. All proceeds benefit Mindful Littles. Register at: https://mindfullittles.org/events/

OTHER

The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District is pleased to announce the Fourth Annual Open House 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 2945 Treat Blvd, Concord. This is a family-oriented event, featuring fun activities, live fire safety demonstrations, and exciting prizes for children of all ages for the general public. There will be free coffee and donuts provided with compliments of IAFF Local 1230. For more information about the event, visit www.cccfpd.org or call 925-942-3300.

The Festival Weekend of All Saints and All Souls through Nov. 3 at St Stephens Episcopal Church, Orinda, with special events at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 2 and at 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Nov. 3. This is an opportunity for church members, friends, and neighbors to remember and honor our departed family, friends, and holy saints and ancestors, in community, with music, food, stories, and prayers. Choral Evensong and Litany of the Saints: send the names of those departed that you wish to be remembered to office@ststephensorinda.org by 5 p.m. on Nov. 1. These will be read aloud as part of the Litany of Saints during the Evensong service on Sunday Nov. 3. All are welcome to attend, and a reception follows the service.

Youth Mental Health First Aid event, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3 at Don Tatzin Community Hall at the Lafayette Library, will teach a five-step action plan to offer initial help to young people showing signs of mental illness or crisis, and connect them with appropriate professional, peer, social and self-help care. Ideally for adults who work with young people, ages 12-18. Register at https://forms.gle/6WNposV8iFTFCVE29

“Why Great Public Schools Matter” at 6 p.m. on Nov. 6 at Acalanes Performing Arts Center. Dr. Gloria Duffy, President and CEO of The Commonwealth Club, will facilitate a lively conversation with Lafayette public school alumni on the impact their Lafayette classroom education had on their personal and professional lives. https://lovelafayetteschools.eventbrite.com

Blanket and Sleeping Bag Drive for the Homeless - collecting lightly used blankets and sleeping bags to distribute to the homeless throughout the Bay Area during early November. The collection point is 1204 Larch Ave., Moraga. Donations can be dropped off on the front porch.

Friends Corner Book Shop in Lafayette is having a Half Price Birthday Celebration and Super Children’s Book Sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 9. Proceeds benefit the Lafayette Library and Learning Center. Located at the corner of First Street and Golden Gate Way in Lafayette. https://www.lllcf.org/shop-for-a-used-book/

The Orinda-Moraga-Lafayette Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW-OML) will host a Game Day fundraiser from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14 at the Miramonte Gardens Clubhouse, 1 Miramonte Drive, Moraga to fund AAUW-OML scholarships awarded to local young women. Attendees can play mahjong, bunco, dominoes (Mexican Train), or bridge and enjoy a catered lunch. Reservations are open to the public, $40/each and due by Nov. 1. See AAUW-OML’s website https://oml-ca.aauw.net for the reservation flyer.

Alicia Hetman, a recognized expert on Title IX and the topics of sexual harassment and discrimination, will speak at the AAUW-OML (American Association of University Women-Orinda Moraga Lafayette Branch) general meeting from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Nov. 19 at the Orinda Community Church, 10 Irwin Way, Orinda. She will speak on the importance of and threats to Title IX, the federal law prohibiting gender discrimination in education. Admission is free and open to the public. Community leaders and educators are encouraged to attend.

For the 22nd year, Bobbie and Tom Preston will be holding the Cycle Recycle, collecting repairable bikes to be refurbished and given to charitable groups to distribute at Christmas; new and/or used bikes and trikes-in working order or repairable, or useable bike parts may be delivered to the side driveway of the Preston’s home at 1307 Larch Avenue in Moraga, throughout the month of November only. No skateboards or plastic bikes please; no need to call beforehand, but for more information contact Bobbie or Tom Preston at (925) 376-8474.

GARDEN

The Walnut Creek Garden Club will hold its monthly meeting beginning at 10 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11 at the Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, in Walnut Creek. The topic of the presentation will be, “The future of our open space,” presented by Executive Director of Save Mount Diablo since 2015, Ted Clement. Ted has worked in the conservation field for over 30 years. You do not need to be a gardener to join the Walnut Creek Garden Club.

The Lafayette Garden Club will meet at 10 a.m. on Nov. 14 in Lafayette Veteran’s Bldg, 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Lafayette. The Speaker this month Tora Rocha, the founder of Pollinator Posse, will speak about native pollinators in our area, the plants and other resources needed to attract/support them, and ways to create beautiful gardens with these plants in mind. Free. Interested members of the public are welcome. For more information please contact twalklet@comcast.net

The Montelindo Garden Club meeting will be at 9:30 a.m. on Nov. 15 at he Lafayette Library and Learning Center’s Community Hall. Presentation: Floral Creations, Speaker: Nyna Dolby. A floral designer at Filoli for more than 10 years, Nyna transforms supermarket bouquets into stunning floral arrangements. www.montelindogarden.com

Moraga Garden Club monthly general meeting will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Nov. 21 at the Holy Trinity Cultural Center, 1700 School Street. Bill Welsh, the Bulb Baron’s topic will be “How, Where and When to Plant Bulbs”. Our general meetings are free and open to the public. We always welcome new members including men. Refreshments provided. For more information see: www.moragagardenclub.com.