ART

Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art will present Points of View with Mary Lou Correia and Paul Kratter, two of the East Bay’s most vibrant and spontaneous en plein air painters through Sept. 22. Marc Chagall: Stories of the Bible, which runs through July 7, features 16 etchings from one of his greatest bodies of work: the Bible series from the 1930s. Additional ongoing exhibits featuring western landscape paintings, European paintings, statuary, and a variety of other media through July 15. Admission: $5 adults, K-12 free. Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For info, call (925) 631-3379 or visit www.stmarys-ca.edu/saint-marys-college-museum-of-art.

Local Chinese brush artist Joan Yao will be featuring her recent artwork through the month of June at the Moraga Public Library, 1500 St. Mary’s Rd. For library hours and additional info, call (925) 376-6852.

Lafayette Gallery Announces New Summer Exhibition: “Celebrate Summer!” The Gallery will be filled with an all-new selection of paintings, photography, prints, cards, ceramics, jewelry and sculpture, available in a wide range of prices, and all designed to enhance your home with the evocation of the warm, sunny outdoors. These are hand-crafted works by local artists that are bright, warm and relaxing, perfect for your wall or garden! For info, visit www.lafayettegallery.net or call (925) 284-2788.

Arts in Bloom...In the Park begins at 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 16 at the Orinda Community Park, and includes a visual arts faire featuring artist exhibits and art sales, a silent auction, kids arts and crafts activities, and music by the EFO Big Band, which will be capped off at 6:30 p.m. with a performance by the 2013 Lamorinda Idol Finalists (formerly Orinda Idol) as part of the Concerts-in-the-Park series sponsored by the Orinda Community Center Auxiliary (OCCA). Free. Net proceeds will benefit The Orinda Arts Council in its ongoing 60-plus year mission of supporting and advocating for the arts in schools and the community. For info, visit www.OrindaArtsCouncil.org.

MUSIC

The Summer Music Series returns this season with music for the whole family, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 19 with hometown favorites The Real Placebos as they kick off the series with American Roots Music at the Orinda Library, 26 Orinda Way, Orinda. The free series is sponsored by the Friends of the Orinda Library. For more info on the music series as well as the Summer Reading Festival, please visit ccclib.org or call (925) 254-2184.

Summer Concert Series at the Moraga Commons Park from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday evenings provided by the Moraga Park Foundation. Bring your picnic blanket or lawn chairs to the grassy hillside in front of the bandshell and enjoy the free concerts. Concession stand opens at 6 p.m. for dinner. June schedule: Thursday, June 20 Mixed Nuts – Decades of Rock; Thursday, June 27 Because – Beatles Tribute.

The ‘Rock the Plaza’ series will take place Friday nights in June at Lafayette’s Plaza Park at the corner of Mt. Diablo Boulevard and Moraga Road. The headliners start at 6:30 p.m. and are presented free of charge. Arrive a little early for a good spot on the lawn. This year’s lineup: Friday, June 21, The Floorshakers; and Friday, June 28, The Buzztones.

Benefit Taiko Drum Concert to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society will feature Tatsumaki Taiko, the Berkeley-based percussion group dedicated to celebrating the rhythms of diversity through the sound of traditional taiko drums, at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, June 30 at Lafayette Library and Learning Center, Outdoor Amphitheatre, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette (weather dependent). Free, with 100 percent tax deductible donations to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society requested. For info, call (925) 284-3256.

LECTURE & LITERATURE

Josh Niles will discuss how to hear and trust divine intuition in his presentation, “Spiritual Training: Learning to Listen” from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, June 30 at The First Church of Christ, Scientist, 650 Danville Blvd, Danville. Free. Child care provided. For more info, call (925)-837-1081.

KIDS, PARENTS & TEENS

See’s Candies will celebrate the opening of a new shop in Lafayette Friday, June 21 in the Lafayette Shopping Center, and will hand out free lollypops and hats to kids as well as feature a prize wheel where guests can spin to win. See’s historical vehicles will also be on display.

Campolindo sophomore Sam Larson is collecting new and gently used toys, books, sports equipment, athletic/sports/dance clothing, outerwear, shoes, accessories and backpacks for a give-away shop in San Pablo in September. Items are for boys and girls ages preschool to 18. Donations may be dropped off at 243 Paseo del Rio (email californiasam22@gmail.com or call (925) 284-8142 for pick up or questions). This project is in conjunction with the San Pablo Recreation Department. Donations will be accepted throughout the summer.

Fourth of July at the Berkeley Marina will feature live entertainment, arts and crafts, food, rides, and kid stuff including pony rides from noon to 10 p.m. (fireworks at 9:30 p.m.) at 201 University Ave. Free, alcohol-free event. Parking: $15. Sponsored by the City of Berkeley. For info, call (510) 548-5335.

Moraga Police Department is once again teaming with the New Rheem Theatre to sponsor a fundraising event to benefit the Special Olympics Northern California. The “Kid’s Day” event will take place from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 13 at the New Rheem Theatre, and will include a special matinee showing at 11 a.m. of the kids movie “Despicable Me” as well as a festival of fun activities including a bounce house, balloon animals and face painting, carnival games with prizes, kids fingerprinting, food, a raffle of prizes including items donated by local businesses, and more. For info, visit www.MoragaPOA.com or contact Sergeant Brian South or General Manager Lindsay Pirkle at the Theatre.

The new Design Quest exhibit at Lawrence Hall of Science in Berkeley provides young people with a platform for generating ideas and designing, building and testing their creations through Sept. 2. By building prototypes and optimizing them, kids get a chance to apply a process used by real engineers to solve problems. The Hall is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission: $6–12; children under 3, members, and UC Berkeley students and staff, free. For more info on the exhibit, visit www.lawrencehallofscience.org/visit/exhibits/design_build_test/design_quest or call (510) 642-5132.

OTHER

Mount Diablo Adult Education (MDAE) has a large selection of excellent woodworking courses for the spring. Hand Tools course teaches how to select, set up, maintain, and use the most necessary hand tools in a workshop. Twelve classes are offered from 1 to 4 p.m. through June 28. Students may register online at www.mdusd.k12.ca.us/adulted/lifelongeducation.htm or at the Pleasant Hill MDAE office on One Santa Barbara road, Room 210.

"Walking with God into Summer" Labyrinth Walk anytime between 7 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 21 at the Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette. Celebrate the Summer Solstice with a walk on the labyrinth in the early evening hour. Contemplate life's changes as spring ends and summer begins; and reflect on God's goodness and grace. The Chapel will be open for prayers, occasional readings, and the viewing of the remaining light through stained glass windows. Guides for walking the labyrinth will be available if desired.

Orinda Community Foundation’s 4th Annual Everyday Heroes Golf Fundraiser is July 22, at Orinda Country Club. Registration starts at 10:30 a.m. followed by a complimentary lunch buffet. At noon, a shotgun start (two best balls of foursome shamble) begins the fun with complimentary food, drinks, and contests on the course. Following golf is an awards ceremony with complimentary appetizers. Heroes this year are firefighters Michael Rattary, Stephen Rogness and Kelly Morris, from Moraga-Orinda Fire Department.  Sponsorships are still available and needed to help support the many recipients: Orinda’s 4th of July Parade, Library Improvements, Art in Public Places, Orinda Garden Clubs, Orinda Chamber of Commerce, Lamorinda Idol, Spirit Van Senior Transportation, Contra Costa Solano Food Bank and newest charity partners Cal Shakes Theater and Town Hall Theatre. For registration and sponsorship levels visit everydayheroes.golfreg.com.

Those interested in learning about organic gardening, good soil, environmentally responsible ways to control pests, conserving water in the garden and using native and drought-tolerant plants can attend the Advanced Compost Workshop from 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 22 at the Walnut Creek Library. Free.

Join Lamorinda’s volunteer emergency communicators for the 2013 Amateur Radio Relay League Field Day Saturday, June 22 at Moraga Commons. Amateur radio operators around the world use Field Day to demonstrate the wireless communication equipment they use to assist first responders and service agencies in event of man-made or natural disasters. In Lamorinda, these groups are K6ORI, the Lamorinda Area Radio Interest Group and the Moraga Orinda Fire District's Volunteer Communication Support 245 Team. Free. Those interested in earning their amateur radio license are especially welcome. For details, visit      

http://groupspaces.com/K6ORI/ online.

OTHER  ... continued

Widowed Persons Support Group (WPS) meetings. The WPS support sessions are informal discussions of emotional and practical needs and concerns of the bereaving widowed persons. The sessions can be very beneficial and helpful, even if a period of years have passed. Meetings are held in the Oak Room at St. Stephens Church from 10 a.m. to noon beginning Saturday, June 15 and continuing each Saturday through July 27. Free. The meetings are facilitated by Gretchen Dabel and members of the WPS Board.  For info, call Ruth Harrington at (925) 376-0321.

Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church Taize’ service is at 7 p.m. on the last Thursday of the month. In the candle-lit Sanctuary, the quiet songs, silence, and scripture with no sermon invite you to be still. Child care is provided if there are at least three children and two business days notice. Email Susan Wentworth at childcare@LOPC.org. For other questions, contact Nancy@lopc.org.

The Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association (BAHA) will present the Bay Area premiere screening of Paul Bockhorst’s new documentary, “Pursuing Beauty: The Architecture of Bernard Maybeck,” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 28 at Berkeley’s historic Town and Gown Club, designed by Maybeck in 1899. Paul Bockhorst is an Emmy Award–winning filmmaker known for his architectural documentaries, which include “Greene & Greene: The Art of Architecture” and “Designing with Nature: Arts & Crafts Architecture in Northern California.” The filmmaker and a Maybeck family member will be present to speak after the screening. Tickets: $30 advance; $35 at door.

The Chabot Space & Science Center volunteer orientation is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 29 in the majestic Oakland hills. A variety of volunteer shifts are available during the day Tuesday through Sunday as well as Friday and Saturday evenings. Observatory deck volunteers and Exhibit Guides engage our school groups and families in interactive demonstrations and help inspire the next generation of scientists, teachers, engineers, innovators and dreamers. For more info and to RSVP for orientation, visit chabotspace.org or email the Volunteer Department at           volunteers@chabotspace.org.

The public is invited to a series of free Healthy Living workshops at Itrim in La Fiesta Square throughout the summer. Each workshop covers a different topic with tips on how to live a lighter, healthier life. For more info, or to reserve a seat, call Itrim at (925) 385-0605.

Loaves & Fishes Annual Event, “Food for Thought” A Summer Garden Party with food, wine, music and an auction is scheduled from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 30 at Hacienda de las Flores, 2100 Donald Dr., Moraga.  Cost: $60 per person. Register online www.loavesfishescc.org or call (925) 687-6760.

Sons in Retirement Lamorinda Branch 171 meets the first Wednesday monthly at Holy Trinity Culture Center, 1700 School St., Moraga. Social hour at 11 a.m.; lunch at noon. The July 3 after-lunch speaker will be County Supervisor Candice Anderson of District 2. For membership information, call Larry at (925) 631-9528.

Age Well Drive Smart – a program for seniors and their families at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 24 at the Moraga Library, 1500 St. Mary’s Rd., Moraga.  Participants will learn about age-related physical changes and how to adjust to these changes. Included in the discussion will be the importance of continuing driving, factors to consider in extending your driving years, and when it may be time to limit or stop driving. The “Age Well Drive Smart” class is designed for Contra Costa County’s senior drivers, but drivers all age groups are welcome to attend and refresh their knowledge of the rules of the road. For more info, visit ccclib.org or call Diane McDonnell at (925) 376-6852, ext. 200.

SENIORS

Judith Rathbone, creative writing and English instructor, offers a workshop to explore writing about issues around aging, emotion and perception – or to get support to write on any topic – from 3 to 5 p.m. the second and fourth Friday monthly at the Lafayette Community Center Alder Room. Workshop sessions include writing prompts, feedback and encouragement, and information about the world of writers, writing, and publishing. Cost per session: $1 members; $3 non-members. To reserve a spot, call (925) 284-5050.

PLAN FOR FUN ON THE 4TH OF JULY

Schedule of Events:

The City of Orinda

7:30 to 10 a.m. Orinda Community Center Plaza – Pancake Breakfast

7:55 a.m. Flag-raising Ceremony

9:30 a.m. Community Booths and Kids Activities in Orinda Park

10 a.m.  Parade - Orinda Theatre to Orinda Community Center

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Community Center Park Activities

The Town of Moraga 

(Events at Moraga Commons Park, corner of Moraga Road and St. Mary’s Road)

8 a.m.  MYIC Pancake Breakfast

9 a.m. Dog Parade

9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Community Booths

10:30 a.m. Bike Parade

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Jumpies

11 a.m.  Old Fashioned Kids Games

12:30 p.m. Family Magic Show

7 p.m. Livin' in the USA (concert)

9:30 p.m.  View Fireworks (set off at Moraga Country Club)

July 4th Running Races

Moraga

Annual 4th of July Fun Runs:  2-mile, 5-mile, or the exciting Kiddie Race.

These races are sponsored by the Campolindo Cross Country and Track Teams. For race information/registration, visit www.campotrack.com or contact race director Tricia Peterson at (702) 245-0429 or triciajpeterson@gmail.com.

Orinda

Meet at 8 a.m. in front of the Community Center, 26 Orinda Way, in Orinda for Haley’s Run for a Reason (register at www.angelhaley.org) and “Boston Strong” Orinda Roadrunners 30th Annual Fun Run.