ART

The Orinda Library Art Show, “Putting on the Shine," features oil and water color paintings on the auditorium wall.  Artists’ reception will be a Kaffee Klatch with treats to be served at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov 7. The show will run through Dec. 30, during Orinda Library hours.

Klein Gallery is pleased to announce an upcoming art exhibition in its new gallery space in Lafayette. The exhibition opens Friday, Nov. 8, with a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. and will include painting, photography and sculpture. Artists will be present to meet the public, and the jazz trio Flanovo will play during the showing. The gallery is located in central Lafayette, just off Mt. Diablo Boulevard. It shares a building with The Art Room, a studio that has been offering classes to children and adults for 15 years. Contact: Carrie Klein (925) 360-1335, carrie.klein@kleingallery.net

After 14 years on LaFiesta Lane, the Lafayette Art Gallery opened its doors Oct. 8 at its new and greatly expanded location, in the historic Forge complex of Lafayette (3420 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, next to Bo's Barbecue, and adjacent to The Artisan Bistro). The new space was formerly occupied by the Pacific Wildlife Galleries, and has been designed expressly for displaying art, photography, ceramics and jewelry. A new exhibit titled "The Heart of Art" will inaugurate the opening, and will feature warm and emotional works by both current and new members. It will run through the holiday season, ending Dec. 28. For info, call (925) 284-2788 or visit www.lafayettegallery.net.

7th Annual Artisan Faire in Orinda will feature 28 local artists, craftsmen and authors from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov.  14 at the Orinda Country Club.  Complimentary wine tasting will be offered as you purchase your favorite gifts for the holidays.

Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art’s Schedule of Exhibitions through Dec. 15: “Judy Dater: Edo Redux,” one of the country’s most influential living photographers (in the new Studio Gallery).  “The Artist Revealed: Artist Portraits and Self-Portraits” (in the Hearst Gallery). Fifty portraits and self-portraits are on loan from the Syracuse University Art Collection. “Malcolm Lubliner: The Automotive Landscape” (in the new Armistead Gallery). “Nature's Placid Splendor” (In the Keith Gallery). Landscape paintings with three private collection paintings never before on public view. Open 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. For info, call (925)-631-4379 or visit stmarys-ca.edu/museum. Admission: free to K-12 graders; $5 adults. Free parking.

The Moraga Art Gallery show entitled “Capturing Light: Lens and Glass” highlighting photography by resident artist Wenda Pyman, and cast sand glasswork and flamework by guest artist Janice Peacock will run through Jan.  4, 2014. The show also includes works by the gallery’s 14 resident artists and several guest artists at 522 Center Street, Rheem Shopping Center, Moraga. Free. The gallery is open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, email moragaartgallery@gmail.com or call (925) 376-5407.

MUSIC

Enjoy solo sonatas, duos, trios, opera arias and Broadway songs performed with passion by Saint Mary’s student instrumentalists and singers from 1:15 to 3:15 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6 at the  Soda Activity Center, Saint Mary’s College.  Free.

Free Range Opera presents Irene (1919) - A Cinderella Story from 2:15 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9, at Lesher Center - Knight 3, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Free Range Opera's darling revival of “Irene” to benefit Bay Area charity, Career Closet. This is a rare opportunity to hear the original 1919 hit! Cost: $30. For more info, visit www.freerangeopera.com or call (408) 475-1376 or email info@freerangeopera.com.

Experience the vibrant rhythms of salsa, sultry blues, and beloved Big Band standards performed by the SMC Jazz Band from 8 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21 at the Soda Activity Center, Saint Mary’s College. Cost: $5 general; $2 SMC community and seniors.  Buy your tickets by phone at (925) 631-4670, at the door, or online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/467632.

THEATER

Miramonte Drama Fall Play - "Our Town" by Thornton Wilder at 7 p.m. Nov 6-8. For the first time, the Miramonte Players will be performing in a thrust, which means that the audience will sit on the stage on three sides. This results in a more intimate experience as well as limited seating, so advance ticket sales is critical. Purchase in advance through the Miramonte High School Web Store: (http://miramonte.revtrak.net/tek9.asp?pg=products&grp=196) Tickets available at the door, if not sold out!  (See story page B6)

Campolindo High School drama students present “We Scene Us” – a compilation of eight different stand-alone scenes centered around the theme of “human beings finding themselves and finding others” – at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 8-9 at Town Hall Theatre in Lafayette.  For tickets, go to www.townhalltheatre.com/tickets/single-tickets. (See story page B6)

“The Man Who Came To Dinner” by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman, acknowledged as one of the funniest comedies ever written, is coming to the Acalanes High School theatre, Nov. 13-16 with a 7 p.m. curtain (house opens at 6:30 p.m.), directed by Ed Meehan. Tickets: $10 general; $7 students. Tickets are available at the door or online at ahsperformingarts.org. All proceeds benefit the Acalanes Performing Arts Boosters-Drama.  (See story page B6)

Saint Mary’s College, Performing Arts Department Theatre Program proudly presents the West Coast premiere of “And When We Awoke There was Light and Light,” Laura Jacqmin’s contemporary fable about teenage idealism and activism in the age of global connections. Guest director Susannah Martin stages the production, which opens Thursday, Nov.  14 and performs for two weekends on the Saint Mary’s College campus. And when we awoke performs at 8 p.m. on Nov.  14, 15 and 16, 21, 22 and 23, and a matinee at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 24. Tickets are $10 general; $8 seniors (65+) and non-SMC students; $5 SMC students, faculty and staff. Tickets are available online (www.brownpapertickets.com), by phone ((925) 631-4670) or at the door.

Orinda Intermediate School’s Bulldog Theater proudly presents, “The Trial of Robin Hood,” at 4:30 and 7 p.m. Nov 14 and 15 and at 3 and 7 p.m. Nov 16 at 80 Ivy Drive, Orinda. Ticket prices range from $3 - $10 and are available for advance purchase at www.showtix4u.com. Tickets will also be sold at the door. (See story page B4)

KIDS, PARENTS & TEENS

The upcoming parent education event, "Social Emotional Learning: What Really Matters,"  presented by Dr. JoAnn Deak from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11 at Bentley’s Student Performing Arts Center will provide parents with information about the value of social and emotional education in a child's development. This talk is intended for all parents, K-12.

Teen Advisory Board (TAB) meeting at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12 in the Teen Center at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center. Help plan what you want to see at the library in terms of programs and teen collections. TAB meets every second Tuesday of the month. Learn leadership and group work skills while at the same time earning community service credit.

Lamorinda Moms will host the 16th annual Preschool Fair designed to help parents find the perfect preschool for their children from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14 at Oakwood Athletic Club 4000 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Lafayette. Free. Children are welcome to attend. For info, contact Catherine Aker, Lamorinda Moms publicity chair at publicity@lamorindamoms.org.

Turkey Trot Fun Run and Walk from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16 at Fernandez Ranch, 1050 Christie Rd., Martinez. Run with the wild turkeys at Fernandez Ranch during the first annual turkey trot, open to all ages. Walkers welcome to join in the fun, too. T-shirts and refreshments included with registration. Cost: $25 adults; $20 Under 18. To register, visit muirheritagelandtrust.givezooks.com/events/turkey-trot-fun-run-walk.

Moraga Junior Women's Club presents the second annual Pajama Jam from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Nov. 16 at the New Rheem Theatre. Doors open at 9:30 a.m., the dance party commences at 10 a.m. and a concert by the Juice Box Heros will start at 10:30 a.m.  Kids of all ages are invited to wear their pajamas to this circus party. Please bring new children's sleepwear (preferably kids’ sizes 4 to 14) to donate to AASK (Adopt a Special Kid). Cost: $10 with an advance purchase; $12 at the door. For more info, visit www.moragajuniors.org/index.php/events.

Enjoy an autumn day of family fun with hands-on activities for children and families from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16 at John Muir National Historic Site in Martinez. In partnership with the alternative high school New Leaf: A Sustainable Living Collaborative, students and park staff will run rotating activity stations in the park orchards. For more info, visit the park website at www.nps.gov/jomu or call (925) 228-8860.

Open House at St. Mark's Nursery School from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 16 at 451 Moraga Way, Orinda. Drop in and tour the school, meet St. Mark's teachers, enjoy goodies and refreshments, and speak with St. Mark's parents. St. Mark's offers ongoing enrollment. For more info, call (925) 254-1364 or email stmarksnurseryschoolorinda@gmail.com.

“Finding Kind” documentary film comes to Lafayette. Stanley Girl Scout Troop 31488, as part of their Silver Award, is hosting a free movie night for middle school and high school girls and their parent(s) to view the award winning documentary film at 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17 in the Student Performing Art Center at Bentley High School (doors open at 3:30 p.m.), and at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21 in the Student Performing Art Center at Bentley High School (doors open at 6:30 p.m.). This film explores the turmoil and lifelong emotional scars caused by girls mistreating each other and how we can unite to take a stand against this kind of behavior ... and be kind. The event is free and open to the public. Due to limited space, all attendees must reserve tickets online: www.eventbrite.com/event/8668887877 to sign-up. Seating is on a first come, first served basis.

Teen Art Session for teens ages 13-19 at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20 in the Arts and Science Discovery Room at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center. Come and create art to be publicly displayed at the library or to take home. Supplies, food and art examples will be provided.

Young Adult Author Talk: best-selling author, lawyer, TV broadcaster and former professional football player, Tim Green, will join us to share his latest book and to discuss how he made his life dreams come true at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20 in the Homework Center at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center.

Young Adult Author Talk.  Local author Corina Vacco, winner of the 30th Annual Delacorte Prize for a First Young Adult Novel, will discuss “My Chemical Mountain” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21 in the Community Hall at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center.

OTHER

Travels through Southern Asia.  Filmmaker Nateon Ajello and his wife Pam traveled 1,300 miles by bicycle, bus and train through India, Nepal and Bhutan. Come and hear about their adventures abroad, the people they met and the sights that they saw at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6 at the Arts and Science Discovery Room, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette.

The 16th Annual California Independent Film Festival will be held once again at the Orinda Theatre and the New Rheem Theatre in Moraga Nov 7-10, with the biggest lineup of films to date for this festival. For more info, visit CAIFFA at www.caiff.org. (See story page A1)

Maintain You Home’s Interior.  Mark Shaw, 15-year real estate broker, will discuss interior maintenance tasks that are critical to the long-term performance of your home from 10:30 a.m. to noon Thursday, Nov. 7 at the Lafayette Library, Arts and Science Room. Regularly-scheduled maintenance can help you avoid serious problems, or at least identify issues early so problems can be addressed in a timely manner with minimal adverse effects. Cost: $1 Members; $3 Non-Members.

The Orinda Community Foundation (OCF) invites community organizations to apply for grants for projects that enhance the quality of life in Orinda. To be considered in the current cycle, grant applications must be received by Nov. 8. The application can be downloaded from www.orindafoundation.org. Questions can be emailed to orindafoundation@gmail.com.

The Lafayette Community Foundation is excited to announce the first ever Garage Tour from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 10, featuring four custom garages, shops and mancaves in the Lamorinda area. In addition to some great ideas for transforming your garage into the retreat of your dreams – there will be classic cars, live music and food trucks. Tickets are available for $35 online at www.LafayetteCF.org, and locally at Blodgett’s Flooring, Lafayette Car Wash and the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce. Day of the Tour tickets will be available at Blodgett’s Floor, 3291 Mt. Diablo Ct., Lafayette. (See story page D1)

Veterans Day Mass and Luncheon. Join members of the Saint Mary's community for a special mass honoring our veterans in the Chapel, followed by lunch in the Soda Center from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11 at Saint Mary's College. For info, call (925) 631-8744 or email events@stmarys-ca.edu.

Reaching out to Korean War-era veterans.  Contra Costa County is seeking connections with Korean War-era veterans who served in the “Forgotten War" and to encourage them to be a part of the 2013 Veterans Day celebration. If you or a family member served on the Korean Peninsula or provided support back home, please contact the Veterans Service Office at (925) 313-1481 or email veterans@vs.cccounty.us.

The Stroke Support Group of Contra Costa County will hold its November meeting from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11 in the Ball Auditorium at John Muir Medical Center- Walnut Creek Campus, 1601 Ygnacio Valley Rd. The speaker, Steve Molinari OTR, will discuss the John Muir Health Driver Assessment and Rehabilitation Program. 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 further information about the Stroke Support Group, contact Ann Dzuna at (925) 376-6218. Meetings are free and open to the public.

Governor Jerry Brown: Leadership and Legacy.  Explore the history, philosophy, and impact of this fascinating political leader during a panel discussion at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12 in the Soda Activity Center, Saint Mary's College of California, 1928 St. Mary's Rd., Moraga.  A Communication Department Leadership Speakers Series event. 

Saint Mary's College Guild Annual "Treasure" Sale and Luncheon benefitting the SMC Scholarship Fund will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14, with a traditional Thanksgiving luncheon served at noon at Saint Mary's College Soda Center. Tickets: $27. A free preview night with boutique shopping will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13, which includes appetizers and no-host beverages. For more info, call (925) 254-3997.

Sons in Retirement (SIR) Lamorinda Hills Branch 174, a social club, invites you to attend its luncheon meeting from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13 at Holy Trinity Cultural Center, 1700 School St., Moraga. The after-lunch speaker will be David Messinger, whose topic is “A Structural Engineer Looks at Earthquakes." One of David's particular interests is first-hand observation of earthquake damage. His presentation will include photos showing damage to structures from major earthquakes. For membership info and reservations, call Fred at (925) 284-1763.

All Lafayette residents are invited to a town hall meeting from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14 at the Veterans Memorial Hall, 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd. to hear a “State of the City” address by Mayor Mike Anderson, followed by a question and answer period from the audience.

The Moraga Women's Society’s Goodwill Bags Fashion Show and Luncheon at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 18 will present a museum collection of antique clothes that span over 100 years at the Holy Trinity Cultural Center, 1700 School St., Moraga. Check-in and social time starts at 10:30 a.m. Lunch will be served following the fashion show. Cost: $35. For tickets or questions contact Nancy Comprelli, (925) 376-3187. Please mail check to Moraga Women’s Society, c/o Nancy Comprelli, 1844 Joseph Dr., Moraga, CA 94556-2711. Deadline is Nov. 11.

Alison McKenzie, who has been recruited by the California State Department to train county leaders about the Affordable Health Care Act (ACA) and its implications, will discuss the ACA provisions starting at 9:15 a.m. Tuesday Nov. 19 at the Serbian Cultural Center, 1700 School St. in Moraga. She will answer the following questions:  What is the ACA?  Who does it cover?  How does it work?  Free for all ages. Sponsored by the Lafayette-Orinda-Moraga (LOM) Chapter of the American Association of University Women (AAUW). For more info, email communication-publicity@aauwoml.org.

Free book launch event in Lafayette. Everyone is invited to help launch the new book, “Ending Anger: The Couple's Guide,” by local author Suzanne Bare from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19 at La Boulange Bakery, 3597 Mt Diablo Blvd., Lafayette. Bare will be signing books and answering questions. Get the eBook for free that day, and receive a free raffle ticket for a prize. For more info, visit endingangerbook.relategreat.com.

The 35th annual Community Thanksgiving Breakfast will be held from 7 to  8:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 22 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church,  1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette.  Cost: $20 per person.  Begin the holiday season in a significant and meaningful way. Register online at www.lafayettechamber.org or call (925) 284-7404.  Keynote speaker will be Semifreddi's CEO and president Tom Franier.

For the 16th year Bobbie and Tom Preston will be holding the Cycle Recycle, collecting repairable bikes to be refurbished and given to charitable groups to distribute at Christmas. New and/or used bikes and trikes—in working order or repairable – or useable bike parts may be delivered to the side driveway of the Preston’s home at 1307 Larch Avenue in Moraga throughout the month of November only. No skateboards please; no need to call beforehand.  For info, contact Bobbie or Tom Preston at (925) 376-8474.

GARDEN

The Lafayette Garden Club’s next meeting will feature author Stephanie McInnis who will discuss “Encouraging Children to Garden” at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 14 at the Lafayette Christian Church, 584 Glenside Dr., Lafayette. Visitors and New members welcome. For info, call Carolyn Poetzsch, (925) 944-1737

The Montelindo Garden Club, which meets every third Friday, September through May, will feature Ted Kipping, arborist who travels the world, locating rare flora and fauna, who will discuss “Flowering California Native Shrubs for Gardens” at 9 a.m. Friday, Nov. 15 at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church,, 66 St. Stephens Dr., Orinda. Visitors welcome. For info, visit www.montelindogarden.com.

Moraga Garden Club meeting will feature Dr. Anthony O'Geen, soil specialist at UC Davis, who will discuss "Fascinating Information about Soil and Its Ecosystems” at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 21 at Holy Trinity Cultural Center, 1700 School St., Moraga. Guests are welcome.