ART

Keep it Simple.   The new exhibition at the Lafayette Gallery reflects the warmth and relaxation that summer brings June 5 until August 4, 50 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette. The Lafayette Sculpture Garden is now open for the summer.  The Gallery is open Tuesday-Saturday, 11am to 5pm, and Sunday, 11am to 2pm.  Free. For more info, call (925)284-2788 or visit www.lafayettegallery.net.

Moraga  Art Gallery's new show, "Shades of Brilliance," will feature the work of gallery member and photographer Lucy Beck, as well as guest artist David Lindsay. The show opens Wednesday, June 6 and runs through August 18. An opening reception will take place from 3 to 5pm, Saturday, June 16, 522 Center St, Moraga (between TJ Maxx and The Dollar Tree in the Rheem Center). Meet the featured artists as well as fellow gallery members. For info, call (925) 376-5407.

MUSIC

WomenSing's June Concerts. WomenSing will delight choral and classical music fans with their Full Circle concert from 8 to 9:30pm Wednesday, June 6 at Lafayette/Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette. For more information please visit www.womensing.org or call (925) 974-9169. Tickets are $25 for premium, $20 for general, $18 for seniors, $10 student/youth.

Dancing in the Plaza, Friday evenings, 7pm, Lafayette's Plaza Park: June 15, '50s Sock Hop with Hot Rod Jukebox, June 22, Square Dance with world class "caller" Eric Henerlau; June 29, '70s Disco with DJ-JT Productions. Free.  For information contact the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce: (925) 284-7404 or lafayettechamber.org.

Orinda Summer Concerts in the Park.  Orinda Community Center is having free concerts on Tuesday nights from 6:30 to 8:30pm, 28 Orinda Way, Orinda.  The schedule is:  June 12 TBD; June 19, The Crisis, Blues-Rock; June 26, Bay Bridge Beat, Funk, Rhythm, and Blues;  July 3, Cal Alumni Big Band, Big Band Jazz.

Orinda's Summer Music Series.  Make new memories with friends, families, and neighbors while enjoying some of the best loved melodies from America's musical heritage as the Summer Music Series kicks off this month inside the Orinda Library, 26 Orinda Way, Orinda.  The Real Placebos will be playing starting at 6:30 pm Wednesday, June 20.  Free. For more info, call (925) 254-2184 or visit www.ccclib.org.

Piano Concert by the Contra Costa Performing Arts Society. The pianist members will perform mainly classical selections June 10 at 2 pm, the Grace Presbyterian Church, 2100 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. Free. For more info, visit www.ccpas.org or call (925) 939-7465.

Audition now for the award-winning WomenSing, one of the East Bay's premier ensembles. WomenSing is holding auditions June 11 by appointment for experienced singers. For more info, visit www.womensing.org or call (925) 974-9169.

The CCPAS Composers Group will present a free concert at 7:30pm Friday, June 15 at Grace Presbyterian Church, Walnut Creek.  This is a diverse, local group of pianists who will be playing their original music.  Their styles represent classical, ragtime, blues, modern/contemporary, new-age, jazz-inspired, and more.   For more info, visit www.ccpas.org.

2012 Summer Concert Series at the Moraga Commons. Free Concerts are on Thursday evenings, 6:30pm - 8:30pm. Bring your picnic blanket or lawn chairs to the grassy hillside in front of the band shell. Enjoy the music while your children enjoy the park:  June 21, Moonalice,  early SF rock band; June 28 ,Pladdogh, Celtic; July 4 Livin' in the USA Rock (7:00 pm concert & show.  The Moraga Commons Park is located at the intersection of Moraga Rd. and St. Mary's Rd.  Bring a picnic or purchase delicious grilled dinners at the concession stand.

THEATER

Shaw's Classic, Pygmalion.  Town Hall Theatre closes out their 2011-2012 Main Stage season with George Bernard Shaw's classic comedy about class and gender, Pygmalion. Pygmalion runs through  June 23. It is rated PG and is approximately two hours long.  Contact Town Hall Theatre Box Office at (925) 283-1557, or purchase tickets online at www.TownHallTheatre.com. 

Orinda Starlight Village Players presents Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None Fridays and Saturdays, June 1-23 at 8:30 pm, Sunday, June 10 at 4 pm and Thursday, June 21 at 8 pm at the Outdoor Amphitheater, Orinda Community Center Park, 28 Orinda Way, Orinda.  Tickets: $16 regular admission and $8 discounted admission.  Season Tickets for all three shows are $35 regular and $21 for discounted tickets.  For tickets or more info, call (925) 528-9225 or visit www.orsvp.org. 

Cal Shakes presents "The Tempest" through June 24.  Please call (510) 548-9666 or go to

www.calshakes.org for tickets and details.

Free Family Movie Night.  Join the Moraga Youth Involvement committee as we show Toy Story under the stars at the Moraga Commons Park.  Bundle up with blankets and friends, enter the raffle, and enjoy delicious concessions sold by the M.Y.I.C.  The event is at 8:30 or 8:40pm (depending upon darkness) Saturday, June 16, 1149 Moraga Rd, Moraga. 

SENIORS

BART Senior Clipper Card Distribution from noon to 3pm June 5 at the Lafayette Community Center, Manzanita Room, 500 St. Mary's Road.  The green Senior BART ticket has been replaced by the Senior Clipper Card, (minimum age 65).  You must apply for the Senior Clipper Card in person with a valid form of ID.  The card will be issued immediately.  For more info, call (925) 284-5050.

Lamorinda Dance Social.  Enjoy afternoon dancing every Wednesday and learn some great new dance moves.  Professional dancers Karen and Michael will provide a dance lesson and live DJ services, playing your favorites and taking requests.  The social is every Wednesday, (except June 27) from 12:30pm until 3pm, the Lafayette Community Center Live Oak Room, 500 St. Mary's Road.  Cost: $2 for members and $4 for non-members.  For more info, call (925) 284-5050.

Self-Discovery and Aging, Creative Writing Workshop.  This workshop is facilitated by creative writing and English instructor Judith Rathbone June 11 and June 25 from noon to 2pm, the Lafayette Community Center Alder Room, 500 St. Mary's Road.  Workshop sessions include writing prompts, feedback and encouragement, and information about the world of writers, writing, and publishing.  Cost:  $1 for members and $3 for non-members.  For more info, call (925) 284-5050.

The Stroke Support Group of Contra Costa County will hold its June meeting from 7 to 9pm June 11 in the Concord Room at John Muir Medical Center, 2540 East Avenue, Concord.  The speakers will be Alison Bonds Shapiro and Rita Martin who will discuss "Healing into Possibility: Sharing the Journey of Recovery."  For more info, contact Ann Dzuna at (925) 376-6218.  Meetings are free and open to the public.

Hearing Loss: What to do about it?  Join us to learn about your ears and gain a better understanding of hearing loss and your hearing test.  Four 20-minute hearing screenings (by appointment only) are available at no charge following this lecture on Wednesday, June 13 from 10:30am to noon, Lafayette Community Center Toyon Room, 500 St. Mary's Road. Cost:  $1 for members and $3 for non-members. Please let us know you're coming to the lecture by calling (925) 284-5050.

Senior Nature Walk and Bird-Watching led by Ben Pettersson.  Experience nature at its finest along our trails.  Delight in the beauty that unfolds around each bend and learn to identify birds. Trail maps will be distributed.  Bring a water bottle; binoculars will be helpful if you have them.  The walks are every Wednesday starting June 20 (except July 4) from 10am to noon, Lafayette Senior Services Room outside the Alder Room, Lafayette Community Center, 500 St. Mary's Road.  Free.  For more info, call (925) 284-5050.

OTHER

Positive Living Forum.  Brighten your day and take part in this interactive gathering which features speakers on a wide range of topics that encourage and guide participants towards a more ideal and positive life experience. Drop-ins are welcome.  The workshop is from 10:30am to noon June 14, Lafayette Community Center, Elderberry Room. Cost:  $1 for members and $3 for non-members

Synchronized Swimming. Walnut Creek Aquanuts will be performing Celebration of Champions Saturday, June 16 from 5 to 8pm at Heather Farm Park, Clarke Memorial Swim Center. Tickets are available at the door for $15. For more info, visit www.aquanuts.org.

Contra Costa Master Gardeners 2013 class.  In order to apply to the training program attendance at one of the following free orientation sessions is required:  Monday, June 25 from 1 to 3pm, 151 Linus Pauling Drive, Hercules; Wednesday, June 27 from 10am to noon at 75 Santa Barbara Road, 2nd Floor, Pleasant Hill; Tuesday, July 17 from 1 to 3pm at 75 Santa Barbara Rd, 2nd Floor, Pleasant Hill; Thursday, July  19 from 10am to noon at 151 Linus Pauling Drive, Hercules.  To register for Orientation visit the Contra Costa Master Gardener website at ccmg.ucdavis.edu and click "join us."

Lazarex Cancer Foundation presents Info Meeting for Hike for Life, A Grand Canyon Adventure.  This four- day journey culminates in a one-day guided hike of the Grand Canyon along the trail you choose (in the canyon or along the rim). The Grand Canyon hiking adventure is a fundraiser that helps cancer patients.  The info meeting is at 9:30am Saturday, June 2 and at 7pm Tuesday, June 19 at Sports Basement, 1881 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek.  Free.  For more info, call (925)323-2993 or visit www.conquerthecanyon.com/LAZAREX_index.htm.

Find Your Perfect Match at Maddie's(r) Matchmaker Adoptathon. Visit ARF on June 9 and 10 when puppies, kittens, dogs and cats all go home with no adoption fees, and ARF receives a grant of at least $500 from Maddie's Fund(r) for each qualifying adoption - helping us rescue even more! Limit of two adoptions per household; standard adoption criteria apply. Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek. (925) 256-1273

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5k Walk Saturday, June 16 (registration begins at 8am; walk begins at 9am), Heather Farm Park, Walnut Creek. How Far is 5K? (About three miles.) For more info, or to register, visit makingstrides.acsevents.org/walnutcreek.

Theater View Veterinary Clinic is having an open house June 16, 3 to 5pm, 1 Bates Blvd., Orinda. Receive free heartworm tests (for the first 90 visitors), free nail trims for dogs and cats, and treats for pets and their people.

eWaste & Documents for Shredding Fundraiser for Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa County. This is an event for recycling and shredding from 9am to 10pm June 16 at the Lafayette Christian Church, 584 Glenside Drive, Lafayette. Cost: $5 fee for certain items and $8 for shredding per Bankers Box. For more info, visit www.ctrecycling.net or call (510) 352-2665.

Motorama World of Wheels. Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary is presenting Lafayette's premiere auto show. See classic cars, bikes, and motorcycles Sunday, June 17 from 9am to 4pm at the Clock Tower and Bank of the West parking lots on Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette. There will be food, beverages, raffles, car swag, live entertainment, and more. For more info, visit www.motorama.us. Free.

Girls Night Out Networking presents It's your Health, Your Choice!  Learn why so many women experience hormone problems, sleep disturbances, fibromyalgia and weight gain.  Dr. Leslie Hewitt will be educating you to make an informed choice during the seminar from 5:30 to 6:30pm June 18 at the Anatomy Power Wellness Studio, 3470 Camino Tassajara, Danville. Free for GNON members, $10 for non-members.  For more info, visit www.gnontrivalley.com.

Why Meditation?  Meditation has long been known to promote improved health and well-being, increased self-awareness, growth, and a deeper spiritual connection.  The seminar is presented by Mary Bruns  June 19 from 11am to noon in the Sequoia Room at the Lafayette Community Center, 500 St. Mary's Road.  Cost: $1 for members and $3 for non-members.  For more info, call (925) 284-5050.

Understanding Public Employee Pensions - a  presentation by Dan Borenstein about the problems of public-employee pension funding at 7pm  Thursday, June 21 at the Orinda Library Auditorium, 26 Orinda Way, Orinda.  Borenstein will explain the inner-workings of these retirement plans, delving into how they are financed and why they are leaving billions of dollars of debt for our children to pay.  Free.  

Celebrate the Summer Solstice with a walk on a sacred labyrinth in the early evening hour. Music will be playing as participants walk the Chartres-style labyrinth. The Chapel will be open for prayers and there will be ongoing readings. Join us for a quiet evening walk on June 22 in preparation of summer at the Lafayette-Orinda Presybterian Church, 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette, (925)283-8722.

Loaves and Fishes first Annual Event "Food for Thought" summer garden party Sunday, June 24 from 2-5pm, Hacienca de las Flores, 2100 Donald Drive, Moraga. Food prepared and served by renowned East Bay chefs as well as live and silent auctions.  All proceeds from this event will benefit Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa County, a local agency that has been providing hot nutritious meals for those in need since 1983. Cost: $50 per person. To purchase tickets, visit www.loavesfishescc.org and click on Register~Food for Thought or call (925) 687-6760.

The annual Lamorinda Fourth of July parade will take place in Orinda at 10am Wednesday, July 4. In keeping with this year's theme of Saluting All Veterans, veterans from all conflicts, from World War II through the Iraq/Afghanistan conflict, are invited to march or ride in the parade. Title sponsor Orinda Motors is providing a large number of convertibles for veterans but more are needed. For more information, veterans are asked to contact Terry Murphy of the local VFW post at (925)285-1510 or terry.murphy2@comcast.net. For general information about the parade and celebration, please contact the Orinda Association at (925)254-0800 or oa@orindaassociation.org.

POLITICAL GATHERINGS

The League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley will hold its Annual Meeting at the Lafayette Public Library Community Room on Saturday, June 16. Their business meeting starts at 8:45am.  At 10:45am, Lisa Vorderbrueggen, reporter and political columnist for the Contra Costa Times will speak on "The State of the County, the State, the Nation, and the Press."  Cost: $5. Contact the League at (925)283-2235 for more information.