ART

Moraga Art Gallery's new show, "Kaleidoscope", features the work of Gallery Member & local artist Angelica Samame, painter, as well as guest artist Karin Lechner, jewelry designer, through March 17. The Gallery is now located at #522 Center St. in the Rheem Center, Moraga.

Lafayette Gallery's winter show "Heartfelt" will run through March 3. The exhibition features unique sculpture, ceramics, paintings, prints, glasswork, jewelry and photography, created by local artists. The public is invited to meet the artists at a free reception on Friday, February 3, 6:30 - 8:30pm. The Gallery is located at 50 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette (across from Chow).
Hours: Tues - Sat, 11am-5pm; www.lafayettegallery.net; (925) 284-2788.

Plein Air works will be on display at the Orinda Library Gallery through the month of January.

MUSIC

Campolindo High School Chamber Singers will present an A Cappella Showcase concert at 7:30pm on Thursday, January 26 at the Campolindo High School Performing Arts Center. The Showcase will feature contemporary popular songs arranged for voices alone and be followed by a dessert reception. Tickets are $10.00 and may be purchased at the door starting at 6:45pm. Arrive early for best seating and parking availability. For questions or more information, visit campochoir.com or contact sherrydies@aol.com.

The Big Band of Rossmoor invites you to join the Band at the Rheem Theatre, 350 Park Street, Moraga on Friday, February 3. The doors will swing open at 6:30pm. Brush up your moves with dance instructor Gail Enright beginning at 7pm. Then at 8pm, get ready to be entertained by the 31 piece band that includes musicians from 10 years old to 92. Tickets are available for $10 per person at the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, the Rheem Theater or at the door. You can call and reserve tickets by phone ((925) 284-7404) for pick up at Will Call.

Community Drumming with Jeni Swerdlow, Thursday, February 9 at 4pm, Moraga Libraray. No experience is necessary to participate. This is a children's event, but all ages are welcome. Register with staff or self-register by visiting our calendar of events at ccclib.org. San Francisco Bay Area percussionist and art therapist Jeni Swerdlow is a dynamic and engaging facilitator, trainer, presenter, and performer and her interactive, rhythmic events have captivated many thousands of participants at several hundred events in the U.S. and abroad.

Fondettes at Aegis of Moraga. On Saturday February 18th, the retirement community celebrates the 40's and invites the community to join in the free event that will feature The Fondettes, a vocal trio with rich three part harmony and jazzy tone quality. The three young ladies, who have found this activity to be a great way to pay for college, sing almost solely Andrews Sisters' repertoire. Their goal is to restore and carry on the music of the time. The event will start at 6pm with wine, cheese and hors d'ouvres, The Fondettes will perform from 7 to 7:45pm. RSVP required by calling 377-7900 or email Candice.Moses@AegisLiving.com.

THEATER

Saint Mary's College Performing Arts Department presents a stage adaptation of the classic fairytale Hansel & Gretel. The story has the audience travel to the Black Forest to see two abandoned children cope with all the changes that come with being on their own. This tale by the Grimm Brothers is a traditional fairytale of good and evil. The barely two page story is elaborated into a magical hour of child-focused entertainment. When: Wednesday, January 25 at 7pm; Thursday, January 26 at 4pm. Where: LeFevre Theatre, Saint Mary's College, Moraga. Cost: $8. INFO: (925) 631-4670 or go online to: brownpapertickets.com.

Company C Contemporary Ballet presents Company C Contemporary Ballet Opens 2012 10th Anniversary Season on Friday, January 20, at 8pm, and Saturday, January 21, at 3pm and 8pm, at Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Company C Contemporary Ballet's tenth anniversary season opens in Walnut Creek with three performances January 20th and 21st. Cost: $23, 35, and 45. For more info see http://www.companycballet.org or call (925) 708-0752.

The 14th Annual California Independent Film Festival ("CAIFF") will be held from February 10th - 16th, 2012 at the Lamorinda Theatres (Orinda Theatre and Rheem Theatre). The seven- day event will open with the award winning film "Monsieur Lazhar" which will also screen at this month's 2012 Sundance Film Festival, only a few days before opening this year's CAIFF. Other notable Oscar entries screening at the 14th Annual CAIFF are "Tilt," --an award winner at the Seattle International Film Festival, and Bulgaria's official 2012 Oscar entry for Best Foreign Language Film. Also screening will be "Hermano-- Best Picture award winner at the Moscow International Film Festival, and Venezuela's 2011 Oscar entry for Best Foreign Language Film. Tickets are available for purchase at the Lamorinda Theatres' Box Offices or at the festival's website (www.caiff.org). (See article page B3)

LECTURE & LITERATURE

Why Pakistan Matters: Dr. Neil Joeck will draw on his experiences in the Nat'l Security Council to discuss policy issues in the region. Presented by World Affairs Council - East Bay on Thursday, Januray 19th, 7:00-8:00pm. $8 members. $10 nonmembers. LLLC. For more info see
www.worldaffairs.org.

What to do with your new e-reader: A hands-on workshop on Wednesday, January 25. Elizabeth Knefel, who is a professor, academic librarian and a former technology journalist, will demonstrate the benefits and challenges of each reader, and will show you how to get the most out of which ever device you choose and also how to download free eBooks and eAudiobooks from the Contra Costa County website using Overdrive. 7pm in the Garden Room of the Orinda Library, 26 Orinda Way in Orinda; (925) 254-2184. It is free to all and no registration is required.

Mt. Diablo Peace and Justice Center Presents: The Tibet Oral History Project by Marcella Adamski, Ph.D., founder and Executive Director plus the West Coast Video Premiere of our film "With My Own Eyes" at Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church, Owl Room 55 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek on Thursday, January 26, 6-9 pm. Potluck dinner starts at 6 pm. Presentation begins at 7pm. Cost: $20 (suggested donation) and a dish for the potluck dinner, if participating. Reservations advised. Email info@tibetoralhistory.org or leave a message at (415) 292-3202.

Book Sale: Friends of Orinda Library. Inexpensive, gently used books for all ages and interests on sale,Thurs. Feb 2, 10am to 1pm at the Sorting Room and Book Shop located at the Library, 26 Orinda Way, Orinda.

Orinda's Robert Etheredge will discuss and sign copies of The American Challenge: Preserving the Greatness of America in the 21st Century at Orinda Books on Saturday, February 11 at 1pm. Orinda Books is located at 276 Village Square. For more infomation: (925) 254 -7606;
www.orindabooks.com.

KIDS, PARENTS & TEENS

Applications for Sister-to Sister's NEW program for seventh and eighth grade girls are due Sunday, 1/22/12. For the first time ever, middle school girls will be included in the planning of the Sister-to Sister Summit, an award-winning program presented by the Orinda-Moraga-Lafayette branch of AAUW (American Association of University Women). Cost of $95 includes four Sunday afternoon sessions plus the summit day. Girls wanting to work with high school girls to plan a girls' summit should visit sister2sister.info immediately and fill in the application. Program begins 1/29/12. For more information call Valarie Burgess, (925) 997-0118 or email vvvburgess@gmail.com.

Lindsay Wildlife Museum presents Animals Underground at the LLLC on Thursday, February 2, noon-12:30pm. Ms. Jenna will read a book about underground animals at 11:30am, Lindsay will arrive at noon with various animals to see and experience. Ages 2 1/2 - 5, cost: $5/child; reserve@LLLCF.org.

GARDEN

Montelindo Garden Club January Meeting: Friday, January 20, Gary Bogue will speak on "Creatures of the Urban Wilderness - Your Backyard." The program is at 10:30am. The event is free and the public is cordially invited. The event is held at the Orinda Community Church, 10 Irwin Way, Orinda.

The Moraga Garden Club meeting will be held at the Holy Trinity Church, 1700 School St., Moraga at 9:30am on Thursday, January 19. Noted rosarian and master gardener Joan Goff will speak on great roses for the bay area climate and innovative ways to use them. Interested parties are welcome for the 9:30 social time, marketplace table, and meeting at 10am.

Pruning class on January 21st, 11am-1pm at Mt Diablo Nursery & Garden: no fee, hands-on techniques in pruning dormant roses, perennials, vines and fruit trees. 3295 Mt Diablo Blvd, Lafayette #(925) 283-3830; email: mtdiablonursery.com.

Winter Rose Pruning Workshop: McDonnell Nursery, Saturday January 28, 10am. This workshop is a must for rose lovers. Rejuvenate your rose bushes and encourage beautiful new canes that produce the best blooms. Please call 254-3713 or email info@mcdonnellnursery.com to reserve a seat.

OTHER

The Orinda Woman's Club is currently accepting applicants for its major beneficiary awards in 2012 Appropriate applying agencies must be non-profit 501 (c ), serving women and children in need, be Alameda and /or Contra Costa County based and have an annual income of less than $1,000,000. Application forms can be acquired from Adeline McClatchie, Beneficiary Chair at (925) 254 1162 or Adeline@mcclatchie.com. The deadline is March 5th 2012, 7pm.

Looking for a few good readers to read to children. Volunteers interested in a rewarding opportunity are needed to read to groups of children ages 3-5 in preschool child care centers in Concord, Pittsburg and West County. Volunteers will need to attend one 3 - hour training session offered by the Contra Costa County Library in Concord, Pittsburg or San Pablo. Books and resources will be supplied by the library. For additional information contact Maureen Kilmurray, Contra Costa County Library, (925) 927- 3288.

Lafayette resident John Kiefer will again offer workshops on "How to Raise Your Own Chickens." Topics will include raising young chicks, laying hen maintenance, and sustainable coop construction. Workshops are free and will be held from 1-3:30 pm, Sunday, Jan.22, Feb. 5 & 19. Reservations are required. Contact: jhkiefer@comcast.net.

Science Cafe: The Science of Steinway and Sound on Tuesday, January 24 from 7-8pm at the LLLC. Concert pianist Justin Levitt will discuss the science behind the creation of the concert grand piano from 12,000 individual parts. Dueling pianists perform! Cost: $5; reserve@LLLCF.org.

Twirl, chat, and tap your feet to the beat at the weekly Social for all-level, all-style dancers, music lovers, and observers Wednesdays 12:30 to 2:50pm at Lafayette Community Center located at 500 St. Mary's Road. The event, with continuous, professionally recorded music, is held in the big, bright Live Oak Room. On the first Wednesday of each month, professional dance duo Karen and Michael give lessons. A map, additional Dance Social details, and any upcoming skip dates are posted at: sites.google.com/site/lafayetteteadance. $2 for members of Lafayette Senior Center, $4 for non-members. Just $10 yearly to join the Center, and enjoy the complete range of activities.

Miramonte High School's Public Speaking Annual Showcase featuring nationally recognized high school speakers, debaters, and performers! $5 entrance fee at the door, 100% going to support the Public Speaking Team. Refreshments provided after the show! Thursday and Friday, January 26th-27th; 7:00pm at the Miramonte High School Theater.

Interested in renovating or remodeling your home, but don't know where to begin? Come meet leading remodelers, builders, and design professionals at LamorindaWeb's first annual Home Expo '12 on Saturday, January 28, 10am-4pm at the Lafayette Events Center (formerly the Veteran's Memorial Building). Over 40 local businesses. The show includes, but is not limited to kitchen and bath remodeling, flooring, interior design, home security and solar products as well as the latest landscaping options. The event is FREE to the public and will include speakers, workshops, seminars, food for purchase and kids activities. A current list of exhibitors can be found at www.lamorindaweb.com/homeexpo.

Oakland Museum of California presents the 11th annual Lunar New Year Celebration on Sunday, January 29, 12 noon to 4:30pm, at Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak Street, Oakland. Celebrate Lunar New Year at OMCA! Enjoy a fun-filled family day welcoming the Year of the Dragon. Free with Museum admission. Cost: Included with Museum admission. For more info see http://www.museumca.org or call (510) 318-8400.

Greenbelt Alliance & Sustainable Lafayette present: Protecting Open Space and Providing for Future Generations on Tuesday, January 31, 7-8pm at the LLLC. Alison Hill and Matt Vander Sluis will provide the current local and regional perspective. greenbelt.org. Cost: Free. www.LLLCF.org.

On February 4 at 7pm there will be a "Love for Ryan" concert featuring Shawn McDonald and Paul Johnson to benefit Ryan Buchanan. The event will take place at Creekside Community Church in Alamo CA. All proceeds from this event go direct to the Ryan Buchanan Trust Fund. Buy tickets at www.ryanbuchanan.org.

Creating a Peaceful School Conference on Saturday, February 4, 2012 from 8:30 to 3:30 at Acalanes High School, 1200 Pleasant Hill Road, Lafayette. The Mt. Diablo Peace and Justice Center in Walnut Creek is sponsoring an innovative and inspiring all-day conference for anyone who works with young people in middle and high school: Teachers, Administrators, Classroom aides, School personnel, After-school program providers. Participants will learn to create peace in their world, in the lives of your students, in the classroom, the school and the community. Registration is $25 if you register by January 15, 2012, $35 after January 16. Lunch is included. Five instructional hours of Continuing Education Credit (.5 CEU) are available through St. Mary's College for $25. Details are available at www.mtdpc.org.

Please join us for the annual OIS Diverse Abilities Awareness Week Open House on Wednesday, February 8 from 6:30-8:30pm at Orinda Intermediate School, 80 Ivy Drive, Orinda. Hands on learning stations, community group representatives sharing support resources, and an exposition wheelchair basketball game. Come ready to learn and have fun! All are welcome; family participation is encouraged. Free admission. For more information, please contact Anna Tague:
Tague6@comcast.net.

If you are thinking about getting your first puppy or have concerns about taking care of an ill or aged family dog, you are invited to attend a free and informative Canine CPR Class on Thursday, February 9th, 6:30-8pm. Ron VanderHeiden, a first aid/CPR instructor for over 20 years, will provide a free CPR class for your canine. Ideal for dog owners, trainers, sitters and anyone who just loves their furry friends, this class includes an opportunity for hands-on practice with a life-size dog mannequin. Perfect for all ages, it will only take 40 minutes. Space is limited. Please RSVP to Candice.moses@aegisliving.com or call (925) 377-7900.

Girl Scouts USA is turning 100 March 12, 2012 and Lafayette Girl Scouts are throwing a Birthday Party Dance, Monday, March 12, 5:45-7:30pm at the Veterans Memorial Hall, 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette. Hosted by: Lafayette Service Unit and 2nd grade Brownie Troop 30577 from Lafayette Elementary School. Cost: $5 includes patch, dancing, pizza, cupcake decorating, fun activity, singing, and candle ceremony at 7:12pm which is when Juliette Low started her first troop in Savannah 100 years ago. RSVP to tanyaparmelee@mac.com by Feb 9 to receive a patch. Cost at the door: $10. All 800 Lafayette Girl Scouts from K to 12th grade are invited.

CLUBS

Lamorinda Republican Women, Federated club luncheon program, Thursday, January 19; Orinda Country Club, 315 Camino Sobrante, Orinda. 11:15am Check-in, social time, 12:00 noon Luncheon. The guest speaker is Sharron Angle, who is a Tea Party leader, former member of the Nevada State Assembly, and 2010 U.S. Senate challenger to House Majority Leader Harry Reid, will begin at 12:25pm. Tickets: Online at www.lamorindarepublicanwomen.org or call (925) 459-6768.

Lamorinda Toastmasters provides a mutually supportive and positive learning environment where members develop communication and leadership skills, improving self-confidence and personal growth. We meet every Tuesday at 7:30pm-9pm at Temple Isaiah, 3800 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette. See our web-site: http://lamorinda.freetoasthost.net/.

CRAB FEEDS

Knights of Columbus Council's Annual Crab Feed will be held on Saturday January 28, 2012 in St. Monica's Peace Room, Moraga. Appetizers and no-host cocktails will be served beginning at 6pm. Dinner will be served at 7:30pm and will include salad, pasta, French bread, fresh cracked crab and dessert. Chicken is available when ordered in advance. Tickets are $55 each. You may contact Karl Anderson at (925) 283-3679 or mail your checks to Karl at 510 Florence Drive, Lafayette.

Soroptimist International of 24-680's annual Crab Feed & silent auction, Saturday February 11, 5:30 pm, Lower Court Oakwood Athletic Club, Lafayette, $40 per person. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Soroptimist International's mission is to improve the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world. For tickets & information: (925) 285-7797 or si24-680@soroptimist.net.

Kiwanis Club of Moraga Valley 12th annual Crab Feed, February 18th at St Mary's College Soda Center. Silent auction, dancing. 6pm cocktails, 7pm dinner. $50 ticket price. For tickets contact Ed Beatson @ (925) 376-3201. All proceeds benefit local charities for children.

Crab Feed & Dance, Saturday, February 25, 6-11pm, Holy Trinity Cultural Center, 1700 School Street, Moraga. Music provided by popular DJ. Dinner & dance $37.50; Dance only $10. For non-crab lovers: Chicken available by special advance order request. Dinner tickets MUST be purchased in advance. For info & reservations call (925) 672-6799.