ART

The Orinda Library Art Gallery's exhibit in January will feature the Caldecott Tunnel by the Orinda Historical Society. The Gallery is located adjacent to the library at 26 Orinda Way in Orinda.  For more info, visit www.orindaartscouncil.org/community_library.

The Lafayette Gallery's new show “Tokens of Affection" will run Jan. 8 through March 9. There will be a free champagne and chocolates reception 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 1. The Gallery is located at 50 Lafayette Circle (across from Chow).  For more information visit www.lafayettegallery.net or call the gallery at (925) 284-2788.

The exuberant creativity, color, and pageantry that is Carnival comes to the Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art in a spectacular exhibition opening Saturday, Feb. 2. Costumes, beads, masks and headdresses are welcome opening day attire. There will be a documentary video and reception from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Art Studio 105.  Three other new exhibitions are running concurrently - In Search of the Source: Paintings of the Nile and Beyond by Lockwood de Foresta, who, in 1875, traveled halfway around the world to explore the length of the Nile; Landscape Assembled by Ryan Reynolds, an urban landscape artist whose work evokes the elements of time and the presence of place; and William Keith’s "The California Alps" featuring High Sierra paintings from the 1870s, ‘80s, and ‘90s.

MUSIC

WCSA Lafayette Songwriters' Competition.  Come join the Lauras for the inaugural Lafayette WCSA Songwriters' Competition! You do not have to be a songwriter to attend this event.  The meetings are at 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at 81 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette.  Cost: $5.  For more info, contact Laura Zucker by email at zuckers@aol.com or visit   www.westcoastsongwriters.org/become-a-member. 

Houston Jones and special guest Stevie Coyle will perform a repertoire of amazing original folk, bluegrass, blues and gospel music at 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5 at Lamorinda Music, 81 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette.  Cost: $20. For reservations email Stevie@mightyfineguitars.com, or call (925) 268-8226. For more info about the artists visit           

www.houstonjones.com and     www.steviecoyle.com.

Devil Mountain Coffee House presents Blame Sally from 8 to 11 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18 at Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church, 55 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek. Blame Sally combines folk, country, rock, Americana, and most importantly, heart into their gorgeous harmonies and powerful instrumental performances. Suggested donation: $20. For more info, visit dmch.mduuc.org, call (925) 934-3135 or email     houseteam@mduuc.org.

THEATER

Company C Contemporary Ballet will open its 2013 season Friday, Jan. 18 at Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek.  For more info, visit www.companycballet.org or call (925) 708-0752.

Join host Tony La Russa and featured performers Mark Pitta and friends for a memorable start to 2013. Comedy Night is on Friday, Jan. 4 at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek. Tickets available at (925) 943-SHOW; all proceeds benefit ARF.

Berkeley Repertory Theatre Docent Lecture at the Moraga Library.  Learn about the vibrant theatrical premiere of "Troublemaker, or The Freakin Kick-A Adventures of Bradley Boatright" by hot young playwright Dan LeFranc at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16 at the Moraga Library, 1500 Saint Mary's Rd., Moraga. For more info, visit ccclib.org/locations/moraga.html or call (925) 376-6852.

Join County Librarian and film noir buff Barbara Flynn at the first of three free film noir screenings at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23 at the Moraga Library, 1500 St. Mary’s Road, Moraga.  Force of Evil, the first of the series, was directed by Abraham Polonsky, later blacklisted and prevented from directing for several decades.  The gritty, dark film has attained cult status and stars John Garfield in one of the most memorable roles of his career. The screening is free and open to the public. There will be time for discussion following the screening.  Preregistration is not required. For info, visit www.ccclib.org or call (925) 254-2184, ext 15.

The Princess and The Pea, fairytale by Hans Christian Andersen.  The Princess and The Pea is a much adored traditional fairy tale of honesty and love and will be presented at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30 and at 4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31 at the LeFevre Theatre, Saint Mary's College, 1928 St. Mary's Road, Moraga.  Cost: $8.  For more info, call (925) 631-4670 or visit www.brownpapertickets.com.

The Eugene O’Neill Foundation’s Playwrights’ Theatre will present a staged reading of "More Stately Mansions" at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12 and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13 at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley. Eric Fraisher Hayes will direct.  Admission: $25.  A post-show discussion will follow each performance.  Tickets may be purchased online at eugeneoneill.org, by phone at (925) 820-1818, or at the door.

KIDS, PARENTS & TEENS

Fairy Tales.  Children ages 4-6 can have fun exploring the roles animals play in the classic fairy tales and fables and meet some of the live animals in these stories from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Jan. 2 for at the Lindsay Wildlife Museum, 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek.  Teacher's helpers positions are available for ages 9-14.  Cost: $20; $10 for members.  For more info, call (925) 627-2930 or visit   wildlife-museum.org/education/kids.

Circuit Cities.  It’s electrifying! Children ages 7-10 can enjoy this hands-on class, experiment with circuits, learn how electricity works and explore alternative forms of generating energy from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 3 at the Lindsay Wildlife Museum, 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek.  Teacher's helpers positions are for ages 12-15.  Cost: $30; $20 for members.  For more info, call (925) 627-2930 or visit        wildlife-museum.org/education/kids. 

Creating a Peaceful School Conference.  The Mt. Diablo Peace and Justice Center in Walnut Creek announces its Second Annual conference for anyone who works with young people in K - 12.  The conference will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2 at Seven Hills School, 975 North San Carlos Dr., Walnut Creek.  Registration: $35 (through Jan. 7); $40 thereafter.  For more info, call (925) 933-7850 or visit www.mtdpc.org.

Youth Ink 2013. The Orinda Junior Women’s Club (Orinda Juniors) is pleased to announce details for Youth Ink 2013, the annual creative writing contest open to all sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students who live or attend school in Orinda. The Youth Ink 2013 prompt is “Future.” This theme or prompt was chosen because it encourages young writers to personalize their piece and lends well to an open style choice. Students may write about anything they like: real or imaginary. Cash prizes of $250, $125 and $75 will be awarded to the top three winners. Submissions must be postmarked by Friday, Feb. 15 and mailed to Orinda Junior Women’s Club, Post Office Box 40, Orinda, CA 94563 in order to be considered for an award. Submission forms can be found at OIS or at www.orindajuniors.org.

WORKSHOPS & LECTURES

Advanced Medical Technology and Your Health. In an era of globalization, regulation and health care reform is the timely topic of First Friday Forum at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 4 in the Sanctuary of the Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian church, 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette. Thomas Loarie, who has a career spanning 40 years as a life science executive, will address these issues and how they will impact health care in the years ahead. Refreshments will be served in Fellowship Hall at 1 p.m.  For info, call (925) 283-8722 or visit lopc.org.

Jan Term Speaker Series.  Changing the World 101.  Jason Connell, the executive director of Ignited Leadership, a dynamic Washington, D.C.-based human service organization that is dedicated to building a better world, will speak at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8 at the Saint Mary's College Soda Activity Center, 1928 St. Mary's Road, Moraga.  Free.  For more info, call (925) 631-4771 or visit www.stmarys-ca.edu.

DAR Orientation and Genealogy Workshop.  A workshop and orientation will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12 for women over 18 interested in joining the Daughters of the American Revolution and learning more about genealogy at the Montego Heights Lodge, 1400 Montego Way, Walnut Creek.  Suggested donation: $5.  For more info, call Brenna Shafizadeh at (925) 287-0438.

Eva Schloss will share her experiences as the childhood friend and stepsister of Anne Frank, including accounts of the publishing of Anne's famed diary, at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 12 at the Orinda Theatre (see story page B3).

The Stroke Support Group of Contra Costa County will hold its meeting from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, Jan. 14 in the Concord Room at John Muir Medical Center Concord Campus, 2540 East Ave., Concord. The speaker will be stroke survivor Carol Howard-Wooten MA, MFT, who will discuss her non-profit dedicated to helping reclaim meaningful lives after stroke. After the program, attendees will break up into three coping groups: stroke survivors without aphasia, stroke survivors with aphasia, and caregivers and families of stroke survivors; each group led by a trained professional. For more info, contact Ann Dzuna at (925) 376-6218. Free.

Jan Term Speaker Series. Soulful  and Sacred: Celebrating the Black Catholic Experience.  Father Edward Branch will speak about the distinctive experience and journey of Black Catholics in America from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15 at the Saint Mary's College Soda Activity Center, 1928 St. Mary's Road, Moraga.  Free.  For more info, call (925) 631-4771 or visit www.stmarys-ca.edu.

The Orinda-Moraga-Lafayette Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) will present an informative and timely program, Somewhere Else and Right in Our Own Backyards: A Look at Human Trafficking, Globally and Locally, from  9 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15, at Holy Trinity Cultural Center, 1700 School Street, Moraga.  Handicap accessible. Free parking.

The Moraga Garden Club will hold its monthly meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 17 at the Holy Trinity Cultural Center, 1700 School St., Moraga.  Social hour begins at 9:30.  Speaker will be Brian Kemble from Ruth Bancroft Gardens in Walnut Creek on "A Succulent for every Garden.” Those interested in attending should call president Linda Foley at (925) 376 2809.

The Lamorinda Democratic Club's Friday, Jan. 11 meeting will feature Emerge California Executive Director Kimberly Ellis, who will talk about Emerge California's successful efforts to help change the face of California politics by identifying, training and encouraging women to run for office, get elected and seek higher office. The club meeting begins at 7:15 p.m. at the Lafayette Library and Community Center, 3491 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette, followed by the presentation at 8 p.m., which will also include a panel discussion featuring Emerge California graduates Carlyn Obringer, Katie Ricklefs and Monica Wilson. Admission: $5; students free.  For info, call (925) 567-3367 or visit www.lamorindademoclub.org.

Montelindo Garden Club.  The club will meet at 9 a.m. Friday, Jan. 18 at the Orinda Community Church, 10 Irwin Way.  The speaker, Don Dillon, Jr. from Four Winds Growers, will discuss growing citrus in the Bay Area.  For more info, call (925) 254-3906.

Jan Term Speaker Series. Unlikely Inspiration.  Kaya Oakes, author of Slanted and Enchanted: The Evolution of Indie Culture will speak at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22 and Lisa Kristine, an acclaimed humanitarian photographer who specializes in images of remote indigenous cultures in more than 100 countries on six continents, will speak about Shining a Light on Modern-Day Slavery at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31 at the Saint Mary's College Soda Activity Center, 1928 St. Mary's Road, Moraga.  Free.  For more info, call (925) 631-4771 or visit www.stmarys-ca.edu.

Lafayette Community Garden and Outdoor Learning Center class "Building Healthy Soil" from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9 at the Lafayette Community Garden across from the Reservoir.  These classes are interactive, informative and fun so come join us and prepare to get your hands dirty!  It can be muddy and cold in the winter so dress appropriately. Classes are free although a $5 donation is appreciated.  To register, visit www.lafayettecommunitygarden.org, and click on classes.  

OTHER

Hospice of the East Bay Support Group for Adults.  The Pet Loss Support Group meets from noon to 1:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at the Tony LaRussa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek.  Pre-registration is required.  For more information or to pre-register please call (925) 887-5681 or visit www.hospiceeastbay.org.

Stars to the rescue presented by ARF.   Adopt two kitten kindergarteners for the price of one, or a purr-fect cat two years or older for half-off the adoption fee! Standard adoption criteria apply.  Please join Tony La Russa and ARF Saturday, Jan. 5 at the Lesher Center for the Arts, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek.  For more info, call (925) 296-3153 or visit www.arf.net.

Hospice of the East Bay Support Groups for Adults.  The Widow and Widowers' Support group meets on Thursdays from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. from Jan. 3 through Feb. 21 at the Pleasant Hill campus, 3470 Buskirk Ave., Pleasant Hill.  Pre-registration is required.  For more info, or to pre-register call (925) 887-5681 or visit www.hospiceeastbay.org.

Operation Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief.  This program is organized by local teen volunteers of Club Be the Star You Are.  The club needs monetary donations to ship books and resources to families on the East Coast who suffered the devastation of Hurricane Sandy.  $25 ships five new books; $50 ships a dozen new books; $100 ships a full case.  Checks may be sent to Be the Star You Are!® 501c3, P.O. Box 376, Moraga, Ca. 94556 or make a contribution on line via Paypal.  For more information please visit

www.bethestaryouare.org/donate.htm and      www.btsya.com/hurricane_sandy_relief.html.

SEED (Special Education Enrichment Development) Foundation of Lafayette is co-funding a 12-week behavior management course for Lafayette parents. By teaching positive behavioral strategies, parents will gain tools and strategies to support their child in home and community settings.  The class will be held on Wednesday nights, 6:30 to 9 p.m., Jan. 9 through March 27 in the Maggie Mae Lounge at Lafayette United Methodist Church, 955 Moraga Rd. For more information or to register please call (925) 788-0451 or email Robin Hauge at robinhaugeclinic@gmail.com.

Lamorinda Dogs is looking for your support.  Lamorinda Dogs is building a pet recovery network in Lamorinda and helping pet owners document and prepare for disasters. Send donations to Lamorinda Dogs, 101 Alta Mesa Court, Moraga, CA 94556 or go to www.lamorindadogs.org. 

Hospice of the East Bay Support Groups for Adults.  The support group Adults Who Have Lost a Parent meets Mondays from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 28 through March 25 at the Pleasant Hill Campus, 3470 Buskirk Ave.  Pre-registration is required.  For more info, or to pre-register please call (925) 887-5681 or visit www.hospiceeastbay.org.

Come Play MahJongg!   MahJongg is a game of skill, strategy, and certain degree of chance.  Bring your card, a mahjongg set and a snack to share (optional) every Tuesday from 1 to 3:30 p.m. in the Cedar Room, Lafayette Community Center, 500 St. Mary's Road, Lafayette.  Cost: $1 for members; $3 for non-members.  For more info, call (925) 284-5050.

Stitchers Unite! Valley Stitchers and Fiber Arts Guild will meet Monday, Jan. 7, at the Faith Lutheran Church, 50 Woodsworth Ln., Pleasant Hill, to watch Robin Berry demonstrate her medieval embroidery and re-enactments. Arrive before 10 a.m. to go through our sales tables full of different arts. Guests are welcome! For info, call Sheila Rogstad at (925) 945-1338.

Nature Walk and Bird-Watching.  Delight in the beauty that unfolds around each bend, all the while learning to identify a variety of birds every Wednesday from 9 to 11 a.m. beginning Jan. 16.   Bring a water bottle; binoculars will be helpful if you have them.  Please call Lafayette Senior Services at (925) 284-5050 to find out weekly meeting location. 

Community Service Day: member volunteers of Lafayette United Methodist Church will be serving those in need and the public is invited to participate Saturday, Jan. 26.  Service projects will be available for all ages and skill levels, benefiting the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, Bay Area Rescue Mission, Juvenile Hall – Hall Closet, Shelter, Inc., Monument Crisis Center and Toys for Tots.  For more info, visit thelumc.org/service/changetheworld or call (925) 284-4765.

The Orinda Woman’s Club announces acceptance of applicants for its major beneficiary awards in 2013. Appropriate applying agencies must meet the following basic criteria: non-profit 501c3; serving women and children in need; Alameda and /or Contra Costa County-based; receiving $1 million and below as annual income stated on 2011-2012 tax returns. Application forms can be acquired from Orinda Woman’s Club, P.O. Box 533, Orinda, 94563 or from Adeline McClatchie Beneficiary Chair at (925) 254-1162 or Adeline@mcclatchie.com. Two applicants will be selected by general club meeting.  Deadline: 7 p.m. March 4. Beneficiary Chair must receive applications before this date for consideration.

POLITICAL GATHERINGS

Inauguration Celebration Breakfast and Watch Party.  The breakfast, which will be held Monday, Jan. 21 from 8 to 8:45 a.m. at the Lafayette Library's Community Room, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd., will be hosted by the Lamorinda Democratic Club to honor President Barack Obama as he is inaugurated for his second term in office.  You must RSVP to guarantee a seat by contacting John Hall at jdhall@mac.com.