ART

The Orinda Library October Art Gallery Exhibit.  The exhibit for October will include Judith Feins paintings, Thomas Taneyhill paintings, Michael Berkeley pottery, and Fred Lee photos and paintings.  The exhibit for September features Three-Eight Art Studio, Lucia Tsang. The library is located at 26 Orinda Way in Orinda.  
Moraga Art Gallery Reimagined.

Moraga Art Gallery's new show highlights the collective creativity, commitment and energy of the gallery's members.  The show runs through October 21, Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 5pm at the Moraga Art Gallery, The Rheem Valley Shopping Center, 522 Center Street.  For more info, call (925) 376-5407 or visit    
www.moragaartgallery.com.

Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art Celebrating SMC’s 150th Anniversary.  New exhibitions on view at Saint Mary's College Museum of Art include The Art of the Cross; Nyame Brown: John Henry’s Adventures in a Post-Black World; Missions of Will Sparks, and the William Keith collection. The exhibits will be on view through December 9 and December 16, 1928 Saint Mary's Road, Moraga.  Regular admission: $5; youth, military free.  Regular hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 11am to 4:30pm. For more info, call (925) 631-4069.

LAA Open  Studios:  No Ordinary Sunday Drive. Lamorinda Arts Alliance hosts a self-guided driving tour to area studios featuring work by over 25 artists October 20-21 from 11am to  4pm. Preview the artworks at a reception Friday, October 19, 5:30-7:30pm at the Lafayette Studio, 3506A Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette (behind Peet's and Whole Foods). Pick up a map at the reception or print your own from our web site at www.laa4art.org.

MUSIC

Emma's Revolution presented by Devil Mountain Coffee House.  Activist musicians Pat Humphries and Sandy O motivate and inspire, bring people to tears and back to laughter from 8 to 10:30pm Friday, October 12 at Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church, 55 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek.  For more info, call (925) 899-8197 or visit http://dmch.mduuc.org.  Suggested donation: $15.

The Big Band of Rossmoor Dance and Show.  Swing to the sounds of the ‘40s with The Big Band of Rossmoor dance and variety show October 19 from 8 to 10pm at the Veterans Memorial Building, 3780 Mt Diablo Blvd, Lafayette.  The 31-member band will entertain you with musicians spanning from 12 years old to 93.  Free dance lessons by Gail Enright, a cocktail bar, and dancing.  Tickets: $10.  For more info, call (925) 284-7404.

The Magic of Mozart.  This is the final concert of the 2011-2012 Season for Pacific Chamber Symphony. Lawrence Kohl conductor presents a pair of works by two musical giants – Water Music by George Frideric Handel and Symphony #41 "Jupiter" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart at 2pm October 14 at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center Community Hall, 3491 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette. Tickets: $35 adults; $20 seniors; $10 for students with ID, children are free with an adult.  For more info, call 1-(800) 838-3006 or visit www.Brownpapertickets.com.

Holden High School Cabaret. Music by The Heard, a Jazz ensemble and Joel Weber and his accordion from 7 to 9:30pm Friday, October 26, Orinda Community Church Fellowship Hall, 10 Irwin Way, Orinda.  Enjoy a dessert buffet and learn more about Holden.  Tickets: $10 advanced; $15 at the door.  For more info, call (925) 254-0199.

THEATER

DVC Drama 2012 - 2013 Season.  The Grapes of Wrath by Frank Galati will be showing at Diablo Valley College October 19 through November 11, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2:30pm, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill.  Tickets: $20 general admission; $15 for faculty, staff, and seniors; $10 for students.  For more info, call (925) 687-4445.  

Sly Fox at Lafayette’s Town Hall Theatre. Larry Gelbart’s Sly Fox, a hilarious adaptation of Ben Jonson’s satire Volpone, runs through October 20 with shows starting at 8pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and 2pm on Sunday, 3535 School Street, Lafayette.  Tickets: $29 for adults (matinee); $32 for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings; $25 matinee for seniors (60 and older) and youth (under 18); $29 for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.  For more info, call (925) 283-6673 or visit www.townhalltheatre.com.

FuddyMeers presented by The Bentley School theater group.  David Lindsay-Abaire's FuddyMeers showing at 7pm October 12 - 14 at Bentley School, 1000 Upper Happy Valley Rd., Lafayette, focuses on Claire, a woman in her 40s who has a rare form of psychogenic amnesia and every morning her memory is erased.  Tickets: $5 for students; $10 for adults.  This show is recommended for audiences 14 and up.  For more info, call (510) 229-4128.

She Stoops to Conquer, Oliver Goldsmith's comedy of miscommunication and mistaken identities.  Butterfield 8 Theatre Company presents Opening Night Gala from 8 to 11:30pm Friday, October 12 at Cue Productions Live, 1835 Colfax Street, Concord.  Ticket: $25.  For more info, call (510) 282-6174 or visit www.b8company.com.

These Amazing Shadows, a 2011 Official Selection of the Sundance Film Festival.  These Amazing Shadows describes how the 25 Sundance Film Festival films are chosen, discusses efforts to preserve and restore the listed movies, and celebrates cinema as an art form October 17 at 6pm in the Garden Room of the Orinda Library, 26 Orinda Way, Orinda.  For more info, call (925) 254-2184 or visit www.ccclib.org.

Cal Shakes’ Hamlet.  The Cal Shakes season’s final performance, Hamlet, directed by Liesl Tommy and presented by California Shakespeare Theater, runs through October 14 at the Bruns Amphitheater, 100 California Shakespeare Theater Way (off Highway 24), Orinda. For info, call (510) 548-9666 or visit www.calshakes.org.

Noodle from Israel is the October selection for the International Film Showcase. The film, which opens October 19 at the Orinda Theatre, 4 Orinda Theatre Square, is a touching comic-drama in which two human beings  as different from each other as Tel Aviv is from Beijing accompany each other on a remarkable journey, one that takes them both back to a meaningful life.  See article on page B4.

Rumors a play by Neil Simon.  A classic comedy!  The Deputy Mayor of New York has just shot himself. Though only a flesh wound, four couples are about to experience a severe attack of farce.  The play will be showing at 7pm October 26, 27, and November 1-3 at the Acalanes Performance Arts Little Theater, 1200 Pleasant Hill Road, Lafayette.  Tickets: $10, $7 for students.  For more info, visit     www.ahsperformingarts.org.

The 2012 Iron Filmmaker Contest begins October 27. The contest is open to everyone and is free to enter. Contestants will have 24 hours to create a complete three-minute short film. The film must include the secret ingredients that all participants will be given at the kick-off at 9am Saturday, October 27 at The New Rheem Theatre, 350 Park St., Moraga. All films submitted will be shown at The New Rheem Theatre at 9am, Saturday, November 10. Enter your team online at www.caiff.org. The completed movie must be turned in by 10am Sunday, October 28 at www.caiff.org.

Spring Awakening presented by Saint Mary's College Performing Arts Department from November 8-10 and November 15-18 LeFevere Theatre at Saint Mary's College, 1928 St. Mary’s Rd., Moraga.  Spring Awakening is a rock musical featuring live music, stunning design, and world-class choreography.  Spring Awakening celebrates the unforgettable journey from youth to adulthood with power, poignancy, and passion that you will never forget.  Tickets:  $15 for general admission; $12 for seniors; $8 for staff and students.  For more info, call (925) 631-4670 or visit www.brownpapertickets.com.

15th Annual California Independent Film Festival will run November 8 -11 at the Rheem and Orinda Theatres. Ticket sales begin October 15 at the New Rheem Theatre, the Orinda Theatre or online at www.caiff.org.

LECTURE & LITERATURE

The Creative Writing Reading Series and First Year Experience Program welcomes Lysley Tenorio, the author of the story collection, Monstress (Ecco/HarperCollins), Wednesday, October 10 at 7pm in the Soda Center, Moraga Room at Saint Mary's College, 1928 Saint Mary's Road, Moraga.  For more info, call (925) 631-8556.

Bluegrass Baseball: A Year in the Minor League Life by Katya Cengel.  Author Katya Cengel, who has written for Esquire, Marie Claire and Southwest Airlines Spirit magazine, will be discussing and signing books at noon October 13 at Orinda Books, 276 Village Square, Orinda.  For more info, visit www.katyacengel.com. See article on page B8.

WORKSHOPS & ORGANIZATIONS

Common Threads Stitching Group.  Whether you are a seasoned cross stitcher or newbie beginner, join this ongoing, drop-in group for instruction, guidance, or simply a relaxing afternoon spent with fellow stitchers from 2 to 3:30pm every Wednesday (except November 21 and December 26) at the Lafayette Community Center in the Elderberry room, 500 St. Mary's Road, Lafayette.  For more info or to register, call (925) 284-5050.
Sons in Retirement Branch 146 Luncheon from 11am to 2pm October 11 at The Clubhouse at Boundary Oak, 3800 Valley Vista Road, Walnut Creek.  The guest speaker for the luncheon will be Jay B. Gaskill, a veteran criminal defense attorney and former Alameda County Public Defender who has appeared on CBS 48 Hours as a commentator.  For reservations, call (925) 939-8073 at least six days prior.    

Shape Great Kids with Positive Parenting. Louise Hart, Ed.D., a recognized speaker, bestselling author and thought leader in positive parenting, will host an encouraging and uplifting parent education workshop Thursday, October 25 from 6:30 to 8pm at Bentley's School's Student Performing Arts Center, 1000 Happy Valley Road, Lafayette. This research-based approach decreases negative emotions and behaviors, and improves relationships.  For more info, call Melissa Hyde at (510) 843-2512 ext. 2402.

Lafayette Garden Club Monthly Meeting, Octoberfest:  celebrating the bounties of our garden with new cooking ideas and participating in arts and crafts at 9:30am October 11, Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette.  For more info, e-mail sa613and@aol.com.

Montelindo Garden Club Meeting.  Janet Sluis traveled the world for 20 years to search for unusual plants.  Hear how and why these plants made the cut to become 'Sunset Western Garden Collection’ plants November 16 at 9am, Orinda Community Church, 10 Irwin Way, Orinda.  For more info, call (925) 254-3906.

"Confronting Domestic Violence and Abuse." What can be done to help family, friends, and neighbors break the cycle of violence? Judy Clark, RN will lead the presentation about this subject which has such significance for our community at 10:15am October 14 at the Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church, the Davies Room. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Islands in San Francisco Bay. Author and photographer James A. Martin will discuss the many islands and their diversity in our world renowned harbor at 10am October 18 at the Moraga Garden Club, Holy Trinity Cultural Center on School St., Moraga.  Guests are welcome.

Come attend the Saint Monica Men’s Club meeting for fellowship, refreshments and a delicious dinner prepared by Chef Bob Murtaugh and crew on November 5 at 6pm in the St. Monica Peace Center (1001 Canyon Road). Ivy Morrison, Caltrans Fourth Bore Public Information Officer, will speak about the status of the new Caldecott Tunnel.  Cost for dinner: $10 (members); $15 (non-members).

HALLOWEEN FUN

Annual Pumpkin Patch Carnival.  New this year: Walk on water without getting wet, like Hunger Games, try your hand with a bow and safety arrow at the Vampire Slayer booth from noon to 4pm Saturday, October 13, Del Rey Elementary School, 25 El Camino Moraga Road, Orinda.  Tickets: $10.

Frightfully Fun evening of Ghost Stories with Teller of a Thousand Tales Michael Katz at 6:30pm October 16 at the Homework Center in the Lafayette Library and Learning Center.  For kids of all ages.  For more info, call (925) 286-9295.  

Haunted House!  October 24 -30 from 5 to 9pm (10 pm on Friday and Saturday) at Orinda Theatre Square.  Free.  Perfect for kids ages 5-13. Bring canned and dry goods to donate to the Food Bank of Contra Costa.

Dark Dreams Haunted House at Rheem Theatre from 7 to 11pm October 19, 20, 26, 27, 28 and on Halloween, October 31. Tickets: $9 at the door.  This is a fundraiser for the California Independent Film Festival.

Trick or Treat at Rheem Valley Shopping Center from 3 to 5pm on Halloween, October 31. Free bags and Halloween candy for children in costume from participating businesses.  
 
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS

Oktoberfest at the Hacienda de las Flores, from 3 to 7pm Sunday, October 14. Live German band, Bavarian Dancers, bratwurst and beer, strudel and pretzels, jumpy houses, pumpkin painting, chalk drawing and more, 2100 Donald Drive, Moraga.

The Lafayette Community Garden will hold their first community Harvest Celebration from noon to 3pm Sunday, October 14. The forefront of the event will be honoring the donors and volunteers who have made this project possible.  Other activities will include: Garden Inspired Finger Foods; Bluegrass Band; Pumpkin Carving, Scarecrow Building, Art Projects; Raffle and Garden Tours.

Serbian Food Festival.  The food festival will be featuring Authentic Serbian Cuisine, delicious homemade pastries, and live Serbian Music Saturday, October 20 from noon to 10pm at Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church, 1700 School Street, Moraga.

20th Annual Reservoir Run.  The Lafayette Reservoir Run is the city’s most popular “family affair,” involving kids, parents, grandparents, and hundreds of serious runners from throughout the Bay Area. The event will be on Sunday, October 28 beginning at 6:30am in Downtown Lafayette starting at Mt. Diablo Blvd. between First St. and Moraga Road.  The adult registration: $30; race day fee $35; elementary school fee $22.  For more info, visit     www.http://lafayettechamber.org/events/reservoir-run/.

Autumn Lights Festival in The Gardens at Lake Merritt from 6 to10pm Saturday, October 13, 666 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. Artist-created illuminations fill the night with lanterns, sound installations, and fire art. Tickets: $25 (advance) at www.BrownPaperTickets.com/event/277296; $35 (at the gate) and include one drink. Produced by www.AnotherBullwinkelShow.com (510) 548-5335.

OTHER

Project Happiness presented by Saklan School.  Producer and director Randy Taran will present her documentary that follows a Senior Class in Mount Madonna School in Watsonville on a journey to discover the true nature of human happiness October 11, from 6 to 8:30pm at the Holy Trinity Servian Church, 1700 School Street, Moraga.  For more info, visit www.projecthappiness.org/community/events/.

Blood Drive.  Drop by and share a pint!  Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church, working with the American Red Cross, is sponsoring a blood drive to help save lives in our local communities October 13 from 9am to 3pm at the Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church, 10 Moraga Valley Lane, Moraga. For more info, call Les Deane at (925) 283-5648 or visit www.redcrossblood.org.

Aging Successfully in our Community.   All of us will one day be faced with issues related to growing older, whether it is taking care of our aging parents or an older relative, or growing older ourselves. In spite of the many mental and physical challenges associated with aging, we can educate ourselves about the process, and hopefully make the experience less stressful, and even enjoyable.  Find some of those tools at 8:30am Saturday, October 13 at the Lafayette Presbyterian Church.  For more info, call (925) 357-0056.

Moraga-Orinda Fire District Open House & Pancake Breakfast  from 8am to noon Saturday, October 13 at Station 41, 1280 Moraga Way, Moraga.  Fire Prevention Week Have Two Ways Out!  Through our educational, family-oriented booths and activities, residents can learn more about the importance of fire escape planning and practice, as well as the power of prevention.  

Women Helping Women of Orinda Community Church will recognize National Domestic Violence Awareness Month through Worship and a Forum.  The Service of Worship, organized by Women Helping Women, will focus on domestic violence through choral reading, prayer, dance, music and Scripture Sunday, October 14 at 10am, the Orinda Community Church, 10 Irwin Way, Orinda.  For more info, call Lee Cruise at (925) 254-4906.

A Fireside Chat with Humanities West.  Americans in Paris during the exhilarating days of the 1920s and 1930s is the topic of Orinda Library's next Fireside Chat at 6:30pm Tuesday, October 16 at the Orinda Library, 26 Orinda Way, Orinda (next to the fireplace inside the library).  Free. For more info, call (925) 254-2184 or visit www.ccclib.org.

Lamorinda Community Emergency Response Team invites neighborhood groups, CERT members and the public to participate in a live drill from 8:30am to 1pm October 20. Participants will be responding to a simulated earthquake and will work with Red Cross, Salvation Army, local first responders and public officials as they rescue and transport injured victims, establish shelter and provide emergency care at Donald Rheem Elementary School. Non-CERT trained volunteers are needed as victims. For details, visit www.lamorindacert.org or e-mail drill@lamorindacert.org.

Mosaic Financial Partners’ East Bay Open House.  Experts Provide Preparation for Life Transitioning from 5:30 to 7:30pm Tuesday, October 23 at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Suite 214, Lafayette.  For more info, call (415) 788-1952 or visit www.mosaicfp.com.

City of Lafayette Emergency Preparedness Commission.  This quick and easy session from 7 to 9pm Thursday, October 25 at the Lafayette Community Center, 500 St. Mary's Road in the Elderberry Room back parking lot, will help you prepare yourself and your family for the next earthquake whether you are at home, work, or out and about.  Free. For more info, call (925) 284-2232.

Annual Spiral Dance. A Multi-Cultural Celebration of Our Beloved Ancestors and Crones by Daughters of the Goddess.  On this cool fall evening we come together to honor our loved ones who have crossed over to the other sideOctober 26, at 6:30pm at the Orinda Masonic Temple, 9 Altarinda Road, Orinda.  Bring pictures of your loved ones that have passed to be placed on the Ancestor Altar. Tickets: $23 if paid by October 22; $29 at the door.  For more info, call (925) 787-9247 or visit www.daughtersofthegodess.com.

SusieCakes, an all-American home style bakery is celebrating the opening of its new Lafayette location with an old-fashioned Sock Hop from 1 to 4pm October 27 at SusieCakes new location, 3590 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette.  This family friendly event features ‘50s music, vintage cars, activities for the kids, and of course, SusieCakes signature dessert favorites.  For more info, call (415) 392-2232.

Women and the Church: How did Christianity get hijacked by men and when have women risen up.  The Women’s Ministry at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church is hosting an evening of conversation and fellowship at 7pm Saturday, October 27 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette.  Free.  For more info, call (925) 283-3722 or visit www.oslc.net.

Lafayette Physical Therapy will be having free community lectures.  The Core: Stabilization vs. Strength and How Pilates Can Help lecture with Ashley Berry, Certified Pilates Instructor and Personal Trainer will be from 7 to 8pm October 30, 3468 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Suite B110, Lafayette.  For reservations, call (925) 284-6150 or visit www.LafayettePT.com.

The Kabbalah of You: A Guide to Unlocking Your Hidden Potential presented by The Jewish Learning Insitute.  Through the examination of the entire spectrum of what it means to be human, The Kabbalah of You offers recipes, tips, and techniques.  The six-session course will be on Tuesday's beginning October 30 from 10 to 11:15am at Chabad of Contra Costa, 1671 Newell Ave., Walnut Creek, and from 7:30 to 8:45pm at the Contra Costa Jewish Day School, 3836 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette.  For more info, call (925) 265-9554 or visit www.myJLI.com.

Hearing Screening by Audiologists from Hearing Science/Diablo Valley Ear, Nose, and Throat November 7, and December 5 in the Cedar Room at the Lafayette Community Center, 500 St. Mary's Road.  An appointment is required and a minimum of two signups are required in order for screenings to take place.  Please call Lafayette Senior Services at (925) 284-5050 to sign up for one of the following appointment times: 1, 1:20, 1:40, or 2pm.  Cost: $1 for members; $3 for non-members.  

Nathaniel  Armen of Boy Scout Troop 212 in conjunction with his Eagle Scout Project is conducting a donation drive of items to be sent to impoverished children in the Dominican Republic: gently used clothes, shoes, soccer cleats and jerseys, large duffle bags and board games.  Your donations will improve the quality of life of these children. Contributions may be dropped off at 85 Brookfield Dr., Moraga through November 9, or call (925) 876-1399 for pick up.

Max Mirner of Boy Scout Troop 204 in conjunction with his Eagle Scout Project is collecting new and gently used socks (sizes Toddler-18 years) for patients and non-perishable food or paper goods for the Family House at The Children's Hospital in Oakland until Friday, October 12.  Collection boxes are located in the Lafayette school offices ofAcalanes, Stanley, Springhill, Burton Valley, Happy Valley, Lafayette Elementary, Bentley Middle School in Oakland, and at Our Savior’s Lutheran, and Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church.  For info, email maxmirner3@gmail.com.

POLITICAL GATHERINGS AND DISCUSSIONS

Lamorinda Roads Well Traveled.  The American Association of University Women (AAUW) Orinda, Moraga, and Lafayette branch invite the public to our Public Policy meeting from 11:45am to 1pm Tuesday, October 16 at the Holy Trinity Serbian Church Cultural Center, 1700 School St., Moraga.  The Town Managers of our three communities will present solutions to address each Town’s decaying infrastructure.  

The League of Women Voters will provide a pros and cons presentation on California ballot issues from 7 to 9pm October 23 at Orinda Community Church, 10 Orinda Way, Orinda.  For info, call the church, Monday through Thursday at (925) 254-4906.

Moraga School Board Candidates Forum from 7 to 8:30pm Thursday, October 11 at Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School Auditorium. Don’t miss this final opportunity for you to hear from each of the three candidates and ask them your questions.