ART

Orinda Library August Art Exhibit.  The art exhibit for August will include CC14 group, Another World.  The library is located at 26 Orinda Way in Orinda. 

The Nature of Collecting: The Early 20th Century Fine Art Collection of Roger Epperson, an East Bay Regional Parks ranger who had a passion for California's environment and a deep love of art.  Additional exhibits include One Square Mile and Recent Watercolors by Richard Gayton, and Out of California by William Keith.  The exhibits run through September 16 at Saint Mary's College Museum of Art, 1928 St. Mary's Road, Moraga. Admission: $5 for adults and free for youths.  For more info, call (925) 631-4379 or visit www.stmarys-ca.edu/museum.

Anticipation is the New Lafayette Exhibition.  Anticipation - one of life's delights - will run from August 7 to October 7 at the Lafayette Gallery, 50 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette.  Works of art are ready for your home or garden and evoke the anticipation of pleasurable things to come.  The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11am to 5pm, and Sunday 11am to 2pm.  Free.  For more info, call (925) 284-2788 or visit www.lafayettegallery.net.

Cool Breeze is the New Paintings Exhibit at Valley Art Gallery.  New paintings in many different styles and mediums are now featured through September 14, Tuesday through Saturday 11am to 5pm at Valley Art Gallery, 1661 Botelho Drive Suite 110, Walnut Creek.  For more info, call (925) 935-4311.

Painting Exhibits at the Moraga Public Library.  The Moraga Public Library will exhibit the art of Denise Lee and Jonathan Shum, both students of famous local Chinese brush painter, Joan Yao - a well-known Chinese brush painter, calligrapher, and teacher.  Lee and Shum's exhibits will run through August and September at the library, 1500 St. Mary's Road, Moraga.  Yao will also have an exhibit in the month of September.  For more info, call (925) 376-6852. 

Moraga Art Gallery Reimagined.   Moraga Art Gallery's new show highlights the collective creativity, commitment and energy of the gallery's members.  The show opens Wednesday, August 22 and runs through Sunday, October 21, Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 5pm at the Moraga Art Gallery, The Rheem Valley Shopping Center, 522 Center Street, and will feature the work of the entire gallery artist group, in celebration of this tireless organization that has survived a challenging relocation, coming out stronger, and more creative and successful than ever before.  There is an opening reception Saturday, August 25 from 3 to 5pm.  For more info, call (925) 376-5407 or visit www.moragaartgallery.com.

Artist's Market at the Lafayette Gallery.  The area in front of the Lafayette Gallery will be transformed Saturday, August 18 into an enticing outdoor market place where our local artists will exhibit their recent works, including paintings done in various mediums, plus photography, jewelry, boutique accessories and pottery, 50 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette.  Free.  For more info, call (925) 284-2788 or visit www.lafayettegallery.net.

MUSIC

2012 Summer Concert Series at the Moraga Commons.  The Moraga Park Foundation is providing the free concerts.  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 Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30pm, 1425 St. Mary's Road, Moraga.  Concert schedule:   Thursday, August 16 Motor Dude Zydeco Cajun Zydeco, Thursday, August 23 City Rocks Revue Bay Area rock tribute & show.

ROCK THE PLAZA, Free Friday evening concerts in August at 6pm in the Lafayette Plaza Park (located on the corner of Mt. Diablo Blvd. and Moraga Rd.) Lineup includes: Friday, August 17, Mixed Nuts, mixednutsband.com; Friday, August 24, Night Fever, nightfeverband.com.  The Summer Series is presented by Lafayette Chamber of Commerce and the City of Lafayette. For more info, visit www.lafayettechamber.org or call (925) 284-7404.

Summer Music Series at the Orinda Library.  The Music Series will include the smooth sounds of the Pocket Trio that includes works from Charlie Parker, Horace Silver, McCoy Tyner, Cole Porter, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Herbie Hancock and Bill Evans August 22 at 6:30pm, 26 Orinda Way, Orinda.  The Pocket Trio has a musical rapport that exudes joy and sophistication.  Free.  For more info, call (925) 254-2184 or visit www.ccclib.org. 

The Big Band of Rossmoor Show and Dance featuring The Fred Astaire Dance Book.  Put on your dancing shoes and prepare for a night of sheer entertainment with The Big Band of Rossmoor.  Fans, dancers and/or big band listeners are invited to join The Big Band of Rossmoor Friday, September 14 from 6:30 to 10pm at the Rheem Theater, 350 Park Street, Moraga.  Tickets: $10.  For more info, call (925) 284-7404 or visit www.lafayettechamber.org.

THEATER

"Blithe Spirit": A novelist hosts a s‚ance as research for his next book, unwittingly summoning the spirit of his first wife-making his current spouse none-too-pleased. Associate Artistic Director Mark Rucker brings Coward's romantic shenanigans and barbed-wire bon mots to the Cal Shakes stage for a second time. This performance runs through September 2 at the Cal Shakes Theater, 100 California Shakespeare Theater Way in Orinda.  For more info, call (510) 548-3422 or visit www.calshakes.org. 
See article .

The International Film Showcase features Late Bloomers.  Four older ladies from a small village in the Emmental region turn a corner store into a chic lingerie shop which throws the whole community into disarray.  The movie will be shown August 24-30 at 1:30, 4, and 6:30pm with additional -screenings at 8:45pm on Friday and Saturday at the Orinda Theatre, 4 Orinda Theatre Square, Orinda.  For more info, call (925) 254-4284 or visit www.lfef.org or www.lamorindatheatres.com.  See article .

Diablo Ballet and The Lafayette Library present classic dance films.  There will be a showing of An American in Paris (1951) on Wednesday, August 15 at 6:30pm at the Lafayette Library, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette.  The film is a thrilling MGM musical with a Gershwin score starring Gene Kelly as an American caught up in a love triangle with Parisian Leslie Caron.  Admission: $5.  For more info, call (925) 283-6513 or visit www.lllcf.org or www.diabloballet.org.

LECTURE & LITERATURE

Jonathan Moscone: Spunk, Blithe Spirit and Success at Cal Shakes.  After taking charge of the California Shakespeare Theater in 2000, Moscone, turned around the once struggling troupe, molding it into one of the stars of the Bay Area theater scene.  Join us for an enlightening evening with the dynamic Moscone Wednesday, August 22 at 6:30pm at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette.  Cost: $22, $12 for members, and $7 for students with valid ID.  For more info, call (415) 597-6727 or visit www.http://bit.ly/Moscone.

Half Price Book Sale.  The Friends Corner Book Shop at the Lafayette Library and Learning center will be having a half price book sale Saturday, August 18 from 9am to 5pm, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette.  For more info, call (925) 283-1967.   

KIDS, PARENTS & TEENS

Juggling with Daniel DaVinci.  This master juggler, who has earned 13 medals in international competition, now comes to Moraga with an exciting show featuring one-of-a-kind stunts, audience participation and an endless stream of comedy August 18 at 2pm, the Moraga Library, 1500 St. Mary's Road, Moraga.  Free.  For more info, call (925) 376-6852. 

OTHER

Campolindo sophomore Sam Larson is collecting new and gently used items for a fall Back to School
Give-away shop benefitting disadvantaged families of neighboring San Pablo. Clothing, shoes, accessories, jump ropes, soccer and other sports balls, toys, and sports equipment for ages pre-school to adult are welcomed. Drop off on the porch at 243 Paseo del Rio, Moraga before Sept. 15, or call (925) 284-8142 for pick up. Thank you for your support!

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 every Wednesday from 12:30 to 3pm, Lafayette Community Center Live Oak Room, 500 St. Mary's Road.  Cost: $2 for members, $4 for non-members.  For more info, call (925) 284-5050.

SewNow summer camp student designers will be modeling their own creations during a teen fashion show at 2pm Sunday, August 19 at the Lafayette Library Community Hall.  For more info, e-mail susan@sewnow.com or call (925) 283-7396.

Words of Wisdom discussion group led by Paul Fillinger.  Take part in this free-wheeling exchange of inspiration, information, and humor August 21 and September 18 from 10:30am to noon in the Lafayette Community Center Elderberry Room, 500 St. Mary's Road, Lafayette.  Cost: $1 for members; $3 for non-members.  For more info or to sign up, call (925) 284-5050.

Nature Walk and Bird-Watching led by Ben Pettersson.  Experience nature at its finest along our local trails.  Delight in the beauty that unfolds around each bend, all the while learning to identify a variety of birds.   Bring a water bottle; binoculars will be helpful if you have them.  The walks are every Wednesday from 9 to 11am.  Please call (925) 284-5050 to find out the weekly meeting place. 

The public is invited to a dedication ceremony for the newly replicated and relocated Orinda Historical Mural at 5:30pm Tuesday, September 4, kinder gym wall at the Orinda Community Park. Bay Area Muralist, Ellen Silva, was commissioned to precisely replicate the original mural which was created by artist Lonnie Bee to depict Orinda's historical sites and was dedicated on the exterior BART wall in 1978.

Celebrating the 75th anniversary of the TAO House.  The Tao House was built by Eugene O'Neill and his wife, Carlotta, in Las Trampas Hills, just outside of the town in 1937 shortly after his reception of the Nobel Prize for Literature. The 13th annual Eugene O'Neill Festival in Danville runs from September 7-30 at the Tao House which is now a National Park site.  You must take a shuttle from The Museum of the San Ramon Valley, 205 Railroad Avenue, Danville.   For more info, contact Dan Cawthon at (925) 946-0108.

Annual Lafayette Art & Wine Festival. Enjoy continuous live music while strolling among the 250 fine arts and crafts booths. Sample foods from top local restaurants and enjoy quality wines and microbrews from 10am to 7pm Saturday, September 15 and 10am to 6pm Sunday, September 16.  Free Admission.  Drink Tickets: $6 for individual ticket.  Individual wine or beer glass: $6.  Combination packages are available.  Kids Zone Tickets: $1-$5 for different activities.

5th Annual Orinda Restaurant Tour, Featuring over 20 restaurants, wine tasting, live music and more from 5 to 9:30pm Tuesday, September 18 at the Theatre District on Moraga Way. Tickets: $40 purchased in advance; $45 at the door. Purchase tickets online at www.orindachamber.org. For more info, call the Orinda Chamber at (925) 254-3909.

The Orinda Annual Classic Car Show will feature an outstanding exhibit of Ford Model As, Shelby Mustangs and Cobras as well as more than 180 American and European cars ranging from the 1920s, to the classics of the '50s and '60s to modern exotics Saturday, September 22 from 10 am to 2pm in Orinda Village at Orinda Motors, 63 Orinda Way.  Free. For more event information, visit the website at www.OrindaCarShow.com. Those interested in entering a vehicle, subscribing to email updates, or attending the Pre-Show Party may do so online. Car entry fee: $60 for cars; $35 for motorcycles. Entry fees are a tax-deductible donation.

Pet Loss Support Group.  Grief Support Group Helps People Cope with the Death of a Pet.  When you lose your pet you often feel like a part of you is lost.  This is a support group where participants can share memories and feelings and talk to others who truly understand and care.  The group will meet every first Tuesday of the month beginning September 4 from noon to 1:30pm at the Tony La Russa Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek.  For more info and to pre-register, call (925) 887-5681.  Pre-registration is required.

Assisteens Prospective Member Information Meeting.  Assisteens, an auxiliary of Assistance League of Diablo Valley, raises funds that benefit children and seniors in the Contra Costa community.  An information meeting for prospective members and their parent/guardian will be held on Thursday, August 16, at 7pm at the Community Resource Center, 2711 Buena Vista Avenue, Walnut Creek.  For more info, contact aldv@sbcglobal.net.

OTHER ... continued

Arthritis, an Anne Randolph Workshop.  Learn about living your best life with arthritis. Understand the challenges and changes arthritis brings on, and find practical solutions to make daily activities easier August 24 from 11:30am to 12:30pm in the Lafayette Community Center Sequoia Room, 500 St. Mary's Road, Lafayette.  Cost: $1 for members and $3 for non members.  To register, call (925) 284-5050.

FunFest 2012.  This all-day, family-friendly event will have several great live performances, special screenings and games, and activities for all to enjoy from 10am until 11pm August 25 at The New Rheem Theatre, 350 Park St., Moraga. The fun spills over outside of the theatre with loads of carnival-style games, kid-friendly activities, a t-shirt decorating contest, more crafts and famous food-trucks.  For more info, visit www.moragafunfest.com. 

Performers for Progress is a student run organization run through Miramonte High School in Orinda that puts on performing arts showcases to raise money for charity.  They will be celebrating 25 years on August 25 at 7pm with a cocktail-attire social, including music and dance at the Lafayette Library, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette.  General tickets: $15; Sponsor tickets: $50.  For more info or to purchase tickets please visit www.performersforprogress.com.

Lafayette Physical Therapy is offering free community lectures.  Running Injuries and Prevention lecture with Lisa Gibson, PT, August 28 from 7 to 8 pm, 3468 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Suite B110, Lafayette.  For more info, or to make reservations call (925) 284-6150 or visit www.lafayettePT.com.

Developing Exceptional Leaders within Your Organization presented by Northern California Human Resources Association.  Strong leaders know that engaging employees in a commitment to the vision and goals of the organization drives success.  Learn to identify internal leadership potential and how to develop leaders within your organization Wednesday, August 29 from 5:30 to 7:30pm at Cambiati Wellness Programs, 3100 Oak Road, Ste 130, Walnut Creek.  Cost: $35 general; free for NCHRA members.  For more info, call (415)291-1992 or visit www.nchra.org. 

Natural Health Care.  Running from Mexico and Canada for Natural Health.  There will be free massage and natural skincare treatments, free handouts and natural product samples, and Naturopathic Doctors speaking about treating pain, fatigue, and bioidentical hormones  September 10 at Tara Natural Medicine, 3186 Old Tunnel Road, Lafayette.  Free.  For more info call (925) 949-8604 or visit www.taranaturalmedicine.com.

The Walnut Creek Garden Club.  The club welcomes guests and prospective members and the meeting is open to the public.  Their first meeting for the 2012/2013 club year will be on Monday, September 10 at 9:30am at the Gardens at Heather Farm in the Camillia Room, 1540 Marchbanks Road, Walnut Creek. 

Montelindo Garden Club Meeting. Kathy Courtright of Orchard Nursery  will speak on deer and gopher resistant, tried and true as well as less popular but wonderful varieties of spring blooming bulbs September 21 at 9:30am, the Orinda Community Church, 10 Irwin Way, Orinda.  For more info, call (925) 254-3906.

Wine & Whiskers a dazzling night of specialty wines, delectable hors d'oeuvres, and an irresistible silent auction.  Choice vintners and restaurateurs will be serving up their best to benefit ARF's lifesaving programs Saturday, September 22 at Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek.  For more info, call (925) 296-3153 or visit www.arf.net.

POLITICAL GATHERINGS

Peace and Justice Awards 2012.  The Mt. Diablo Peace and Justice Center is asking residents of Contra Costa County to nominate local peacemakers for a Peace and Justice Award to be given by the Center at its annual Peace Awards Celebration. Deadline for nominations is September 7. Forms for nominating candidates are available at http://www.mtdpc.org or by calling the Peace and Justice Center at (925) 933-7850.