Art

Art Gallery at the Orinda Library: Stories We Tell - Contemporary and Ancient. The Lamorinda Arts Council invites you to view original artwork that demonstrates the power of storytelling using symbols and metaphors through Nov. 1. The public is invited to a reception with light refreshments in honor of the exhibiting artists on Saturday Oct. 5 from 2 to 4 p.m. Visit https://lamorindaarts.org/current-exhibits-library-gallery/ for more information or call (925) 359.9940.

Call for Writers and Artists: The Lamorinda Arts Council's Oct. 26 Art Embraces Words program invites writers and artists who are in sync with its Halloween Theme to apply to read and show their work. A short Q&A follows each presentation. Featured sci fi writer Marlene Dotterer kicks off the day. All are invited to appear as their favorite literary or artistic character to compete for prizes awarded by theater costume judges. A reception in the adjacent vine covered courtyard follows. Apply at https://lamorindaarts.org/art-embraces-words, email literary@lamorindaarts.org or call (925) 359.9940 with questions.

Las Juntas East Bay Artists Guild Fine Art reception on Saturday, Oct. 5, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, 1601 Mary Drive, Pleasant Hill. Bring your friends, enjoy refreshments, meet the artists, see a variety of art mediums. www.eastbayartistsguild.org

Art show at Orinda Books in Sept. features the paintings of Sussana Griswold and the woodturnings of Steve Griswold. Sussana's award-winning oil and pastel work focuses on portraits, both human and animal, which are her favorite subjects. For Steve, wood has always been a source of wonder: "Within the ordinary trees we walk by every day, there are miracles waiting to be discovered, and through turning wood on a lathe, I try to reveal those miracles." For a preview, visit www.orindabooks.com. Orinda Books is located at 276 Village Square, Orinda.

Art Gallery at Wilder: "Presence: Portraits of Seniors" in the Art Gallery at Wilder Oct. 6 through Nov. 1. Reception Oct. 6 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. The Lamorinda Arts Council invites you to meet featured artist Marianne McCraney at a reception in her honor. View her show entitled "Presence: Portraits of Seniors." Her expressive oil paintings reveal seniors doing things they love - reading, walking, working in a tool shed and visiting a friend. McCraney works mostly in oil and watercolors as well as drawings. To view more of her work visit https://lamorindaarts.org/

online-galleries / or www.mariannemccraney.com/. 

Music

Front Porch Music Presents Stellar Local Talent at Town Hall Theatre, 3535 School Street, Lafayette. Friday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m., with lobby entertainment by folk troubadour Steve Smulian starting at 6 p.m. Six local acts will be featured during the Oct. 4 performance. TICKETS: $15 in advance, $20 at the door www.townhalltheatre.com/front-porch

Theatre

The Orinda Starlight Village Players present: Sept. 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 & 28 at 8:30 p.m., Sept. 22 at 4 p.m. and Sept. 26 at 8 p.m. adults-$20/seniors & children $10 tickets available at the box office, Orinda Community Ampitheater, 28 Orinda Way- Orinda, (located behind the communiuty center, in the park) www.Orsvp.Org

Bay Area Comics is back with a bang, bringing an electrifying stand-up comedy show to the Lafayette Town Hall Theatre. Featuring: Jeremy Curry, Shea Suga, Jose Contreras, Xavier Bronson, and Trent Babb. Hosting this unforgettable night is the charismatic Ryan Rodriguez of Bay Area Comics. Friday, Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. Town Hall Theatre, 3535 Schhol St., Lafayette. www.townhalltheatre.com

Town Hall Theatre Company & Cougar Comedy Collective presents "Laugh Lines" on Oct. 11 at 7:30 p.m.. Town Hall Theatre Co, 3535 School Street, Lafayette. Tickets: $20 www.townhalltheatre.com/laugh-lines

Literature

Join Gail Perry at Orinda Books on Oct. 12 at 11 a.m. Gail has created "Walks of the World," a stunning guide to 25 inn-to-inn hikes in some of the world's most interesting places, including Hawai'i's Kalalau Trail, Oregon's Rogue River Trail, the Laugavegur Trail in Iceland, and the Cinque Terre Coastal Walk in Italy. Gail has inspired many to walk their way into epic adventures or simply add steps to their everyday treks. Information at www.orindabooks.com.

Join Sasha Vasilyuk in conversation with Lee Kravetz at Orinda Books on Oct. 1 at noon to discuss her new novel, "Your Presence is Mandatory." This is a riveting novel, based on real events, about a World War II veteran with a secret that could land him in the Gulag, and his family who are forced to live in the shadow of all he has not told them. Information at www.orindabooks.com.

Other

The Art of Making Handmade Cards with instructor Jennifer Gerst. Learn how easy and fun it is to make beautiful cards using papers, ink, stamps, and embellishments. Step-by-step instructions and all materials will be provided to complete 4 cards per class. Session 2: Winter Holidays -- create cards for birthdays, encouragement, and Winter holidays Wednesday, Oct. 9 & 16, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Elderberry Room, Lafayette Community Center. Materials Fee: $20 per session, payable to instructor. Minimum 4, maximum 10 attendees

Healthier Eating with Good Nutrition Instructor: Emma Bishopp in partnership with Lamorinda Village. Looking to eat healthier and still enjoy flavorful food? This class will cover the science behind the current wisdom on nutrition. Holistic Nutritional Consultant Emma Bishopp will share information on nutrition protocols to support health and wellness and some of her favorite healthy recipes to try at home. You must register ahead of time for this class and space is limited to 12 people. Thursday, Oct. 3 from 11 a.m.to 12:30 p.m. Cedar Room, Lafayette Community Center. Free

What You Should Know About Osteoporosis with Thomas Lang, Professor at UCSF School of Medicine. Come learn more about Osteoporosis--what it is, how it's diagnosed and treated, and what you can do to reduce your risk of fracture. Thomas Lang, a long time osteoporosis researcher, will speak to us about all that we need to know on this important topic. Tuesday, Oct. 29 from 11 a.m. to noon, Elderberry Room, Lafayette Community Center. Free

Mocktails & Cocktails Sunday Sept. 29, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Tutu's Lafayette. Join those who love art, literature, music and everything in between at Tutu's, 53 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette. Questions? Email Lamorinda Arts Council at literary@lamorindaarts.org or call (925) 359.9940.

Confused about the California ballot propositions? Want to quickly learn about them in depth and through a nonpartisan lens? Every election cycle the League of Women Voters presents research-based Pros and Cons information about the propositions, as well as information about major funding sources supporting or opposing them. Sept. 30 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Drive, Pleasant HIll. More information and Eventbrite registration at www.eventbrite.com/e/1003832117887

Saint Mary's College Guilde Fellowship & Fun Benefiting SMC Scholarship Fund. Saturday, Oct. 12, 5:30 p.m. No-Host Cocktails 6:30 p.m. Dinner: Appetizer, Caesar Salad, Pasta, Bread, Chicken, & dessert to follow. Soda Center, SMC Campus $35 per person for dinner. shooks1223@gmail.com or Call (925) 285-9466

The American Association of University Women - Orinda, Moraga, Lafayette branch and the League of Women Voters Diablo Valley will be providing a PowerPoint presentation reviewing the 10 State ballot propositions, detailing the Pros and Cons, and defining the supporters and opponents of each. All invited: Tuesday, Oct. 15, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Orinda Community Church, 10 Irwin Way, Orinda.

The Lafayette Juniors Annual Rummage Sale returns on Oct. 5! Early bird admission will begin at 7 a.m. for $20 with general admission from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Previously loved items for sale will include clothing, accessories, shoes, small furniture, household items, electronics, toys, sports gear, baby equipment, home decor, and so much more - all benefiting their 2024/2025 beneficiaries: Grateful Gatherings, All Ages Recreation Downtown, and Bay Area Psychotherapy Institute. Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church (49 Knox Drive, Lafayette). Visit www.lafayettejuniors.org for more details.

Between the Mountain and the Sky screening Oct. 12, 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Lafayette Library's Don Tatzin Community Hall.

Join international nonprofit, BlinkNow for a special screening of "Between the Mountain and the Sky," the inspiring story of co-founders Maggie Doyne and Tope Malla's journey to creating the organization which serves the women and children of Nepal. Admission: $20. For more information: https://blinknow.org/pages/film-events

Parade in Moraga on Saturday, Sept. 28 at 10 a.m. - Bring your friends and family to Moraga's 50th Anniversary Parade. Marching bands, stilt walkers, music, and more! Full route is on the town website: www.moraga.ca.us/. When the parade ends, walk on over to the Pear & Wine Festival at the Moraga Commons from 11 a.m to 4 p.m. Come enjoy all the festivities!

Join Saint Mary's College for their fall blood drive and help save lives with the American Red Cross! Eligible donors have a chance to help ensure cancer patients, accident and burn victims, those living with sickle cell disease, and many other patients in our area and across the nation have access to the blood products they need. Thursday, Oct. 3 from 11 a.m. to  5 p.m. Location: The Soda Center. To schedule an appointment, visit www.redcross

blood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=STMARYS, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

Introducing the Lamorinda Chess Club! Come play a few games at Europa Hofbrau on Oct. 19 from 3 to 5:30 p.m. All skill levels welcome! $10 minimum food or beverage purchase.

Fire Station 41 Open House on Saturday, Oct. 5, 8 to 10:30 a.m. Fire Station 41, 1284 Moraga Way, Moraga. All proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Garden

Lafayette Garden Club monthly meeting begins on Oct. 10 at 9:30 a.m. Member Wendi Shively will give a talk on Verbenas: Something for Every Garden, and the program will feature a panel on Wildfire Prevention, Risk & Response in Our Communities. Panel members are Chief Lewis Broschard of Contra Costa County Fire Prevention District and Stephanie Bontemps, manager of FireWise Program in the Lafayette Glen neighborhood. They will discuss how neighborhoods can minimize wildfire risk, the response of county agencies to fire, and the necessity for each of us to prepare evacuation plans. Lafayette Veterans Memorial Center, 3780 Mt Diablo Blvd, Lafayette.  www.lafayettegardenclub.com