ART

The Moraga Art Gallery presents “Impressions-Expressions,” highlighting Asian-accented jewelry by K. de Groot, enticing light-infused paintings by Carol Tarzier, and a bounty of artistic gifts for the holidays. The exhibit, which also includes work by the gallery’s 13 member artists and several guest artists, runs through Jan. 6. For more information, visit www.moragaartgallery.com or call (925) 376-5407.

Sculptor Doug Heine will speak and give a presentation of his art from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 1 at the Lafayette Christian Church Community Hall, 584 Glenside Drive, Lafayette. He will show a PowerPoint presentation of his art and share stories of his art career. LAA members and their guests are invited to attend.

Valley Art Gallery’s new exhibition “Art, Naturally” runs through Nov. 11. From objects found to impressions visualized, artists have been busy creating the new fall 2017 show of more than 300 works of art for sale or for rent.

MUSIC

Crowden Music Center presents Sundays at Four: Alexander String Quartet from 4 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 5, at Crowden Music Center, 1475 Rose Street, Berkeley. Mozart, Shostakovic, Brahms. Free Reception. Cost: Free to $25. For more info see http://www.crowden.org/concerts-and-events/sundays-four or call (510) 559-6910 or email concerts@crowden.org.

Songs and Stories to Benefit Terry’s Kids beginning at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 6 in the Orinda Library Auditorium. This evening will raise funds for our Cuban friends in need, as well as support Terry’s Kids music programs in underfunded schools in the Bay Area. Tickets: $35. tmkids.org (925) 285-0996

Amici Lyric Opera presents Russian Romances, a concert featuring soprano Elena Yakoubovsky at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19 at the Lafayette Library Community Hall. Beloved songs by Russian composers will be included in the program, including Rachmaninoff’s Spring Waters, In the Silence of the Night, and It is a Fine Here, Rubinstein’s Night, Tchaikovsky’s None But the Lonely Know, and Pimpinella, among others. Tickets: $30 general, $25 Seniors/students, children under 12 free. www.brownpapertickets.com/events/3121354

THEATER

The Acalanes High School DramaDons Present: “She Kills Monsters” by Qui Nguyen at 7 p.m. Nov. 1 through 4 in the Acalanes Little Theatre 1200 Pleasant Hill Road, Lafayette. “She Kills Monsters” tells the story of Agnes Evans as she leaves her childhood home in Ohio following the death of her teenage sister, Tilly. Tickets: $7 students; and $12 general. Tickets available at AHS.

Saint Mary’s Performing Arts Department presents “ ... and Jesus Moonwalks the Mississippi” by Oakland-based playwright Marcus Gardley. Directed by Ken Prestininzi, the play weaves the Demeter myth and American Civil War into a tapestry of redemption Nov. 1-5 at the LeFevre Theatre, 1928 Saint Mary’s Road, Moraga. Tickets: $15. For exact times and to purchase tickets see https://www.stmarys-ca.edu/performing-arts.

LECTURE & LITERATURE

Temple Isaiah’s Environmental Action Committee is sponsoring an interfaith climate action forum at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 12 at Temple Isaiah (945 Risa Road, Lafayette, CA 94549). Free and open to the public. “LEARN, ENGAGE, ACT” Is a forum that will inspire people of conscience by presenting the science of climate change, the moral imperative for action that is firmly rooted in and shared by all faith traditions, and how each of us, can participate and make a difference. For more information visit www.temple-isaiah.org

KIDS, PARENTS & TEENS

Searching for the right preschool for your child? Lamorinda Moms is hosting its 20th Annual Preschool Fair at Oakwood Athletic Club from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9. At this free community event you’ll interact with directors and teachers of over 30 local preschools to learn more about their programs and offerings.

Mindful Littles: Peace Kits and Gratitude for Veterans from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Nov. 10 at the Orinda Community Church, 10 Irwin Way, Fellowship Hall. Mindful Littles is very excited to partner with Veteran’s PATH, an organization committed to helping veterans find meaning, purpose and healing through mindfulness and outdoor experiences. Please click on the Eventbrite link for more information and to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/peace-kits-gratitude-for-veterans-tickets-39024096122

Bring your family, bring your friends and enjoy the start of your Thanksgiving Day with the First Annual MCC Turkey Trot Fun Run at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 23. As you are running/walking the 1.5 miles of road and paths of the beautiful Moraga Country Club you will be working up an appetite for Turkey and the fixings you will know that you are helping others less fortunate. Your race contributions go to the Food Banks of Contra Costa and Solano Counties. Registration: $20 before Nov. 20; $30 after. https://runsignup.com/moragaturkeytrot

HOLIDAY BOUTIQUES

Santa’s Smokestack Boutique from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, Creekside Hall, 1475 Creekside Drive, Walnut Creek (off Main Street near Kaiser Hospital).  Unique handmade gifts, food and decorations for fall, Christmas, seasonal and every day.  Venue is wheelchair accessible. 

11th Annual Artisan Faire from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10 at the Orinda Country Club, 315 Camino Sobrante. This popular Faire showcases over 30 talented artists selling their unique and original works in jewelry, ceramics, painting, photography, glass, fiber art, woodwork and clothing plus cosmetics and culinary products. Enjoy complimentary wine tasting and delicious samples of artisan chocolates and food items.

Holiday Marketplace Boutique will feature beautiful handcrafted items, gourmet goodies, and works of art from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 10 and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Elks Lodge, 1475 Creekside Drive, Walnut Creek. Free to attend.

OTHER

Burton Valley Elementary PTA Blood and Bone Marrow Drive from 8:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3 in the BVE Multi-Purpose Room. To schedule your appointment or for more information visit redcrossblood.org (Sponsor Code BURTON) or call 1-800 RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Learn more about the bone marrow registry and eligibility at bethematch.org. If you are unable to attend but would like to order a swab kit, go to join.bethematch.org/burton.

Downtown Berkeley Association presents Dia de los Muertos Celebration from 5 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 2 at Downtown Berkeley, Kittredge and Harold Way, Berkeley. Build a community altar, wear costumes, free skeletal face paint, DIY art projects, food, beer & wine, and a sidewalk candle light procession. Free. For more info see http://www.anotherbullwinkelshow.com/day-of-dead/ or call (510) 334-6523 or email Lisa@AnotherBullwinkelShow.com.

ESL Conversation Circle at 1 p.m. every Thursday at the Orinda Library. Practice speaking and listening to English in a casual group guided by trained ESL instructors. No registration required and free of charge.

World Community Day will be hosted by St. Mark’s United Methodist Church from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 3. Sponsored by Central Contra Costa County Church Women United, 451 Moraga Way, Orinda Mr. Takashi Tanemori will speak on Peace and Forgiveness, a survivor of the bombing of Hiroshima.

Lafayette Juniors 24th Annual Rummage Sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4. 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.

Miramonte Cultural Faire from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8 in the Miramonte High School cafeteria (performances will also be taking place in the theater.) The purpose of the fair is to showcase the diversity of Miramonte and Lamorinda as a whole with booths for different cultures, live performances, and more.

Discovering Opera: Puccini’s La Rondine presented by Bradford Wade from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9 in the Lafayette Library, Arts and Science Room. An operetta by Puccini? With waltzes? And no one dies? Yes, it’s La Rondine (The Swallow). Lecturer Bradford Wade will give a guided tour of La Rondine, with a description of the plot interspersed with musical examples. This lecture is given in conjunction with Opera San José’s production of La Rondine, Nov. 11-26. Fee: members free; non-members $10.

Hospice East Bay’s 31st Annual Tree of Lights. Moraga Tree at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 12, at the Moraga Country Club, 1600 St. Andrews Drive.

Lamorinda Business Symposium from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14 at the Soda Center at Saint Mary’s College. A panel discussion on “The Customer Experience – getting back to basics in today’s ever changing retail and business environment.” Free event for all, but please RSVP to kathe@moragachamber.org as refreshments will be served.

Saint Mary’s College Guild is having its annual Rummage Sale and Thanksgiving Luncheon at the SMC Soda Center 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14. There will be a preview of fabulous items 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday evening, Nov. 13. The luncheon is $35 per person. Please make checks payable to SMC Guild and mail to Dolores Mc Gonigle - 828 Crossbrook Court - Moraga, CA 94556. Questions? Call (925) 376-4339. All proceeds go to scholarships for Saint Mary’s students seeking financial aid.

Celebrate the completion of the Rheem Boulevard Sinkhole and Storm Drain Replacement Project scheduled from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 16 at Rheem Boulevard/Center Street. Public parking will be available behind the Rheem Theatre. Event sponsors will provide activities for all including a mini-sinkhole photo opportunity, informational booths, project timeline displays, giveaways, and more! The Chamber of Commerce will host a booth to accept canned food donations for the North Bay fire victims and Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano.

The 39th Annual Lafayette Community Thanksgiving Breakfast will be held from 7 to 8:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 17 at the Lafayette Veterans Memorial Center. Keynote speaker will be Deanne Pearn, MPP Executive Director of Contra Costa Interfaith Housing. The event will be catered by Jeff Assadi of La Finestra! Music provided by Wendy Tamis, harpist. Please make your reservations by Nov. 15 at www.LafayetteChamber.org.

POLITICAL GATHERINGS

Join the Lamorinda Democratic Club from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9 at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center for a panel discussion on criminal justice to hear about what is happening at the local, state and federal level. We have an exciting panel of speakers including our new District Attorney Diana Becton and Contra Costa County Deputy Public Defender Ellen McDonnell. Cost is free for members and $5 for guests. For additional information, contact ldcclubpr@gmail.com or visit www.ldclub.org.

SENIORS

Free Peer Counseling - Contra Costa Health Services offers free one-to-one counseling with trained senior counselors who use their life experiences to help other older adults (55+) cope with life changes, problems, crises, and challenges from 10 a.m. to noon, the second Tuesday monthly. Confidentiality is strictly observed. Appointment required. Please call Lafayette Senior Services to sign up for one of the 60-minute appointments: (925) 284-5050.

Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) provides free and objective counseling and advocacy services to Contra Costa Medicare beneficiaries and their families who need assistance with Medicare enrollment and issues involving Medicare and associated insurance programs, including prescription drug coverage at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., or noon first Wednesday or third Tuesday monthly in the Lafayette Community Center. HICAP does not endorse or sell insurance products. For an appointment, call Lafayette Senior Services at (925) 284-5050.

GARDEN

Botanical Drawing Workshop at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 9 in the Orinda Library Garden Room. Botanical artist and instructor, Catherine Watters, will introduce you to botanical art and guide you through hands on exercises to experience the practice of botanical drawing. Materials provided. Space is limited. Register online, by phone or in person at the Orinda Library.

Lafayette Garden Club General Meeting from 9:45 a.m. to noon Thursday, Nov. 9 in the Lafayette Veteran’s Building located at 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette. Lafayette Garden Club is excited to present Laurie Callaway, a Lafayette Garden Club member, who will share her “Secrets of a Four Season Garden.” She will tell us how to have flower and leaf interest using color, texture, and shape throughout each season, here in the Bay Area. Visitors are welcome! Please email Carolyn Poetzsch, cpoetzsch@gmail.com.

The November theme of the Walnut Creek Garden Club is “Holiday Decorating with Flowers” - Stephen Brown AIFD, Environmental Horticulture and Floral Design, City College of San Francisco Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Road, Walnut Creek. 9:45 a.m. - Business Meeting; 10:30 - Social; 11 a.m. Program on Nov. 13. Questions: mslittle44@gmail.com

The Moraga Garden Club will hold their next meeting at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, at the Holy Trinity Church, 1700 School Street, Moraga. The guest speaker will be Ann Leyhe, co-owner of Mrs. Dalloway’s Books in Berkeley. The store features an extensive collection of garden books, which will be the topic of her discussion. Interested parties are welcome to attend the 9:30 a.m. social hour, 10 a.m. meeting, and the presentation by Ann Leyhe immediately following the meeting.

Montelindo Garden Club Meeting (third Friday of every month, September through May) will be at 9 a.m. Friday, Nov. 17 at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 66 St. Stephens Drive, Orinda. Everyone welcome. Presentation: Floral Design: A Demonstration by David Mulkey. www.montelindogarden.com.