ART

The Orinda Library October Art Gallery Exhibit.  The exhibit for October will include artists Judith Feins, Fred Lee, Ginny Ruble, Billie Jean Bertoli and Bill Carmel.  The exhibit for November will feature the Kumstanke group.   The Gallery is located adjacent to the library at 26 Orinda Way in Orinda.  For more information go to     www.orindaartscouncil.org/community_library.

Saint Mary's College Museum of Art Celebrating SMC's 150th Anniversary. New exhibitions on view at Saint Mary's College Museum of Art include The Art of the Cross; Nyame Brown: John Henry's Adventures in a Post-Black World; Missions of Will Sparks, and the William Keith collection. The exhibits will be on view through mid-December, 1928 Saint Mary's Road, Moraga.  Regular admission: $5; youth, military free.  Regular hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 11am to 4:30pm. For more info, call (925) 631-4069.

Flora and Faunae.  This art show will highlight artwork of the painter Leslie Swarts' expressionist paintings of trees from around the world and jeweler Laura Paige's fine beadwork created with stone beads through Saturday, January 11 at Moraga Art Gallery, 522 Center Street, Moraga.  There will be an opening reception on Saturday, October 27 from 3 to 5pm.  For more info, call (925) 376-5407 or visit www.moragaartgallery.com.  

MUSIC

Saint Mary's College Fall Music Recital Series: at 1pm Wednesday, October 24 and November 14 at the Soda Center.  Enjoy opera arias, sonatas, duos, trios and other small ensemble works inspiringly performed by Performing Arts' student musicians. Each concert in the series features different musical selections. Free.

Holden High School Cabaret. Music by The Heard, a Jazz ensemble and Joel Weber and his accordion from 7 to 9:30pm Friday, October 26, Orinda Community Church Fellowship Hall, 10 Irwin Way, Orinda.  Enjoy a dessert buffet and learn more about Holden.  Tickets: $10 advanced; $15 at the door.  For more info, call (925) 254-0199.

The Acalanes Music Department presents its Fall Instrumental Concert.  The concert will feature the award-winning Acalanes String Orchestra and the Symphonic Wind Ensemble October 30 at 7pm in the Acalanes Theater, 1200 Pleasant Hill Road, Lafayette.  A brief reception will follow the performances.    Free admission, with a suggested donation of $5 per person.

Annual Holiday Concert.  The concert presented by the Walnut Creek Concert Band will be at 7:30pm November 27 at Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek.  Tickets: $12-$17.  For more info, call (925) 943-7469 or visit www.lesherartscenter.org or www.walnutcreekband.org.

THEATER

DVC Drama 2012 - 2013 Season.  The Grapes of Wrath by Frank Galati will be showing at Diablo Valley College November 11, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2:30pm, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill.  Tickets: $20 general admission; $15 for faculty, staff, and seniors; $10 for students.  For more info, call (925) 687-4445.  

Rumors a play by Neil Simon.  A classic comedy!  The Deputy Mayor of New York has just shot himself. Though only a flesh wound, four couples are about to experience a severe attack of farce.  The play will be showing at 7pm October 26, 27, and November  1-3 at the Acalanes Performance Arts Little Theater, 1200 Pleasant Hill Road, Lafayette.  Tickets: $10, $7 for students.  For more info, visit www.ahsperformingarts.org.

Oakland Youth Orchestra. The concert program features Copland's "Fanfare for a Common Man," Barber's Overture to "School for Scandal," Ginastera's Suite from Estancia, and Dvorak's Suite no. 8.  The concert is at 1pm November 3 at Rossmoor, Del Valle Club House in Walnut Creek, 1751 Tice Creek Drive.  For more info, visit     www.oyo.org.

Spring Awakening presented by Saint Mary's College Performing Arts Department from November 8-10 and November 15-18, LeFevere Theatre at Saint Mary's College, 1928 St. Mary's Rd., Moraga.  Spring Awakening is a rock musical featuring live music, stunning design, and world-class choreography.  Spring Awakening celebrates the unforgettable journey from youth to adulthood with power, poignancy, and passion that you will never forget.  Tickets:  $15 for general admission; $12 for seniors; $8 for staff and students.  For more info, call (925) 631-4670 or visit www.brownpapertickets.com.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.  This upcoming fall play will be showing from November 7 through November 10 at Orinda Intermediate School located at 80 Ivy Drive in Orinda.  Show times are at 4:30pm November 7 and 8, and 4:30pm and 7:30pm November 9 and 10.  Tickets are $6 for adults and $3 for students (17 and under) on Wednesday; $10 for premier seating, $8 for standard seating on Friday and Saturday.  For more info, call (925) 258-3090 or visit www.ShowTix4u.com.

15th Annual California Independent Film Festival.  Films opening this year's festival include Body Complete, One Small Hitch, and Lore.  The festival will run November 8-11 at The New Rheem Theatre, 350 Park Street, Moraga and at the Orinda Theatre, 4 Theatre Square, Orinda. (See article on page B1)

THREE QUARTER MOON.  This is the November selection for the International Film Showcase.  Stubbornness has finally driven a permanent wedge between the man and his most important relationships.  This film is showing at 1:30pm, 4pm, and 6:30pm with screenings at 8:45pm on Friday and Saturday November 16 - 20 at Orinda Theatre.  For more info, visit www.lfef.org or www.lamorindatheatres.com.

FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS

City of Lafayette Emergency Preparedness Commission.  This quick and easy session from 7 to 9pm Thursday, October 25 at the Lafayette Community Center, 500 St. Mary's Road in the Elderberry Room back parking lot, will help you prepare yourself and your family for the next earthquake whether you are at home, work, or out and about.  Free. For more info, call (925) 284-2232.

Annual Spiral Dance. A Multi-Cultural Celebration of Our Beloved Ancestors and Crones by Daughters of the Goddess.  On this cool fall evening we come together to honor our loved ones who have crossed over to the other side October 26, at 6:30pm at the Orinda Masonic Temple, 9 Altarinda Road, Orinda.  Bring pictures of your loved ones that have passed to be placed on the Ancestor Altar. Tickets: $23 if paid by October 22; $29 at the door.  For more info, call (925) 787-9247 or visit www.daughtersofthegodess.com.

SusieCakes, an all-American home style bakery is celebrating the opening of its new Lafayette location with an old-fashioned Sock Hop from 1 to 4pm October 27 at SusieCakes new location, 3590 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette.  This family friendly event features '50s music, vintage cars, and activities for the kids, and of course, SusieCakes signature dessert favorites.  For more info, call (415) 392-2232. (See article on page B12)

Women and the Church: How did Christianity get hijacked by men and when have women risen up.  The Women's Ministry at Our Savior's Lutheran Church is hosting an evening of conversation and fellowship at 7pm Saturday, October 27 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette.  Free.  For more info, call (925) 283-3722 or visit www.oslc.net.

20th Annual Reservoir Run.  The Lafayette Reservoir Run is the city's most popular "family affair," involving kids, parents, grandparents, and hundreds of serious runners from throughout the Bay Area. The event will be on Sunday, October 28 beginning at 6:30am in Downtown Lafayette starting at Mt. Diablo Blvd. between First St. and Moraga Road.  The adult registration: $30; race day fee $35; elementary school fee $22.  For more info, visit www.http://lafayettechamber.org/events/reservoir-run/.

Lafayette Physical Therapy will be having free community lectures.  The Core: Stabilization vs. Strength and How Pilates Can Help lecture with Ashley Berry, Certified Pilates Instructor and Personal Trainer will be from 7pm  to 8pm October 30, 3468 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Suite B110, Lafayette.  For reservations, call (925) 284-6150 or visit www.LafayettePT.com.

The Kabbalah of You: A Guide to Unlocking Your Hidden Potential presented by The Jewish Learning Institute.  Through the examination of the entire spectrum of what it means to be human, The Kabbalah of You offers recipes, tips, and techniques.  The six-session course will be on Tuesday's beginning October 30 from 10 to 11:15am at Chabad of Contra Costa, 1671 Newell Ave., Walnut Creek, and from 7:30 to 8:45pm at the Contra Costa Jewish Day School, 3836 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette.  For more info, call (925) 265-9554 or visit www.myJLI.com.

Second Annual Contra Costa Philanthropy Awards breakfast.  The awards program recognizes individuals, businesses and service organizations that have made significant contributions of time, leadership and financial support to benefit Contra Costa residents.  Honorees will be recognized at the second annual breakfast celebration November 8 from 7:30am to 10am, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 45 John Glenn Drive, Concord.  For more info, call (925) 246-1880 or visit www.contracostacouncil.com.

Appraisal Event in Moraga. The Moraga Women's Society is sponsoring a second appraisal event presented by Michaan's Auctions from 4 to 7pm November 9 at Holy Trinity Cultural Center, 1700 School Street, Moraga.  Cost: $20 for up to three items in the same category.  For more info, call Jean Glaser at (925) 376-7961.

HALLOWEEN AND
HOLIDAY FUN

Haunted House!  October 24 -30 from 5 to 9pm (10 pm on Friday and Saturday) at Orinda Theatre Square.  Free.  Perfect for kids ages 5-13. Bring canned and dry goods to donate to the Food Bank of Contra Costa.

Halloween Mixer.  Networking and Halloween fun with costumes, drinks, and prizes.  This Halloween open mixer is costume mandatory with a contest to go with it!  This event will be at Third Workplace from 6 to 8pm Thursday, October 25, 7000 Sunne Lane, Suite 112, Walnut Creek.  For more info, call (925) 482-0910 or visit http://thirdworkplacehalloween-eorg.eventbrite.com/.  

Dark Dreams Haunted House at Rheem Theatre from 7 to 11pm October 26, 27, 28 and on Halloween, October 31. Tickets: $9 at the door.  This is a fundraiser for the California Independent Film Festival.

Trick or Treat at Rheem Valley Shopping Center from 3 to 5pm on Halloween, October 31. Free bags and Halloween candy for children in costume from participating businesses.
 
Little Shop of Horrors.  There will be a Halloween skit from 7 to 9pm Halloween, October 31, at 12 Lynwood Place, Moraga.  There will be tricks and treats.

Orinda Holiday Bazaar.  Come and get a start on your holiday shopping! The Orinda Holiday Bazaar will feature art, crafts, gourmet food, clothing, specialty items, and entertainment and is designed for the entire family from 9:30am until 4:30pm Saturday, November 3 at the Orinda Community Center, 28 Orinda Way, Orinda.

A Harvest Fair and Luncheon.  Take time to browse and purchase that distinctive gift for the special people on your shopping list from 10am to 3pm Thursday, November 8 at the Soda Center, Saint Mary's College, 1928 Saint Mary's Road.  Enjoy a glass of wine, soda or juice while shopping for holiday decor, stocking stuffers, and hostess gifts.  A Traditional Thanksgiving Menu will be served at noon.  Cost: $27.  For more info, call (925) 820-8002.

Community Thanksgiving Breakfast.  The Lafayette Chamber of Commerce invites you to join city leaders, residents and the business community for breakfast as we have done for 32 years.   Breakfast will be graciously provided by Dave's Cuisine from 7 to 8:30am November 15 at Lafayette United Methodist Church, 955 Moraga Road, Lafayette.  Cost: $20.  For more info, call (925) 284-7404 or visit www.lafayettechamber.org.

WORKSHOPS &
ORGANIZATIONS

Shape Great Kids with Positive Parenting. Louise Hart, Ed.D., a recognized speaker, bestselling author and thought leader in positive parenting, will host an encouraging and uplifting parent education workshop from 6:30 to 8pm Thursday, October 25 at Bentley's School's Student Performing Arts Center, 1000 Happy Valley Road, Lafayette. This research-based approach decreases negative emotions and behaviors, and improves relationships.  For more info, contact Melissa Hyde at (510) 843-2512 ext. 2402.  

Living with Disabilities Conference Sunday, October 28 at 4pm (dinner and resource fair) and 5pm for the presentation by Dr. Ricki Robinson, pediatrician and autism expert, the Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church.  (See article on page B2)

Come attend the Saint Monica Men's Club meeting for fellowship, refreshments and a delicious dinner prepared by Chef Bob Murtaugh and crew on November 5 at 6pm in the St. Monica Peace Center (1001 Canyon Road). Ivy Morrison, Caltrans Fourth Bore Public Information Officer, will speak about the status of the new Caldecott Tunnel.  Cost for dinner: $10 (members); $15 (non-members).

Sons in Retirement Lamorinda Branch 171 meet the first Wednesday each month.  Social hour is at 11am and lunch is at noon.  The November 7 after-lunch speaker will be Dan Ashley, anchor of ABC News at 6 and 11.  Ashley's presentations have been very interesting and informative.  The branch meets at Holy Trinity Culture Center, 1700 School St., Moraga.  For more info, call Larry at (925) 631-9528.

Lafayette Garden Club features guest speaker Laurel Ann Winzler, one of San Francisco and the Bay Area's outstanding floral and event designers, who will share her magical ideas for "Fabulous Holiday D‚cor" at 9:30am November 8, Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette. Contact: sa613and@aol.com.

Montelindo Garden Club Meeting.  Janet Sluis traveled the world for 20 years to search for unusual plants.  Hear how and why these plants made the cut to become 'Sunset Western Garden Collection' plants November 16 at 9am, Orinda Community Church, 10 Irwin Way, Orinda.  For more info, call (925) 254-3906.

OTHER

The 2012 Iron Filmmaker Contest begins October 27. The contest is open to everyone and is free to enter. Contestants will have 24 hours to create a complete three-minute short film. The film must include the secret ingredients that all participants will be given at the kick-off at 9am Saturday, October 27 at The New Rheem Theatre, 350 Park St., Moraga. All films submitted will be shown at The New Rheem Theatre at 9am, Saturday, November 10. Enter your team online at www.caiff.org. The completed movie must be turned in by 10am Sunday, October 28 at
www.caiff.org.

Widowed persons support group. The sessions are informal discussions for those in need of emotional support after the loss of a loved one. There will be counseling sessions that continue each Saturday from 10am to noon through November 17.  The meetings are at St. Stephens Episcopal Church in the Oak Room, 66 St. Stephens Drive, Orinda.

The Liberal Arts and Educating Citizens for the Common Good. A Saint Mary's College of California symposium on the importance of the liberal arts in educating responsible democratic citizens will be held from 7 to 9pm Tuesday, October 30 at the Soda Center, Saint Mary's College, 1928 Saint Mary's Road, Moraga.  For more info, call (925) 631-4222.
 
Prop 37: Your Right to Know.  Sustainable Moraga will host a film "Genetic Roulette" and discussion to support this upcoming initiative from 6 to 8pm October 30 at the Moraga Library, 1500 Saint Mary's Road.  Californians overwhelming support this proposition - requiring companies that use genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in their products to label them as such.  For more info, call (925) 788-8394 or visit     www.sustainablemoraga.org.

The Friends of Orinda Library Book Sale: Thursday, November 1, 10am to 1pm at the Sorting Room and Bookshop, Orinda Library, 26 Orinda Way, Orinda. For info, call (925)254-1358.

Lafayette Juniors 19th Annual Rummage Sale from 7am to 2pm Saturday, November 3 at Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette.

Healthy Lamorinda Fair from 5 to 7pm Monday, November 5 at the Oakwood Athletic Club, 4000 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette.  Free.  For more info, visit www.healthylamorinda.com.

Artisan Faire. Offering unique, creative gifts, with complimentary wine tasting from 4 to 7pm Thursday, November 15 at the Orinda Country Club, 315 Camino Sobrante, Orinda.

Free Memory Screenings as part of National Memory Screening Day from 1 to 4pm Tuesday, November 15 at Aegis of Moraga, 950 Country Club Drive, Moraga.  For more info, call (925) 376-9900 or visit www.alzfdn.org.

Holden High School presents the 2nd in its writer's series from 7 to 9pm Thursday, November 15 at the Orinda Community Church Fellowship Hall.  This Meet the Writer event will feature Marine Ecologist Dr. Rod Fujita, author of Heal the Oceans and will include refreshments, a conversation with Rod, sales of his books and an autographing opportunity.

Lamorinda Moms' 15th Annual Preschool Fair.  Attendees will receive a comparison of each of the participating preschools and have the opportunity to meet and talk with the directors and parents from each school from 6:30 to 8:30pm Thursday, November 15 at Oakwood Athletic Club, 4000 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette.  Free.  For more info, visit www.lamorindamoms.org.

Celebrate the Joy of Remembrance at the 26th Annual Hospice of the East Bay Tree of Lights.  Please join any of the commemorative ceremonies to enjoy music, poetry, remembrances by family members and friends of Hospice, and the special moment when the tree lights up. There will be a tree lighting ceremony Saturday, December 1 at 4:30pm at the Orinda Tree in Orinda Village, and at 5:30pm Sunday, December 9 at the Moraga & Lafayette Tree, Moraga Country Club, 1600 St. Andrews Drive, Moraga.  There will be a reception following after the tree lighting.

Kindergarten Tour at St. Perpetua School.  St. Perpetua School in Lafayette invites all incoming kindergarten-age children and their parents to get a taste of kindergarten and the school's very own Caf‚ St. Perpetua from 8 to 10pm Friday, December 7 at St. Perpetua School, 3445 Hamlin Road, Lafayette.  For more info, visit     www.stpsparenteducation.eventbrite.com.

Halloween Mixer.  Networking and Halloween fun with costumes, drinks, and prizes.  This Halloween open mixer is costume mandatory with a contest to go with it!  This event will be at Third Workplace from 6 to 8pm Thursday, October 25, 7000 Sunne Lane, Suite 112, Walnut Creek.  For more info, call (925) 482-0910 or visit http://thirdworkplacehalloween-eorg.eventbrite.com/.  

Dark Dreams Haunted House at Rheem Theatre from 7 to 11pm October 26, 27, 28 and on Halloween, October 31. Tickets: $9 at the door.  This is a fundraiser for the California Independent Film Festival.

Trick or Treat at Rheem Valley Shopping Center from 3 to 5pm on Halloween, October 31. Free bags and Halloween candy for children in costume from participating businesses.
 
Little Shop of Horrors.  There will be a Halloween skit from 7 to 9pm Halloween, October 31, at 12 Lynwood Place, Moraga.  There will be tricks and treats.  (photo)

Orinda Holiday Bazaar.  Come and get a start on your holiday shopping! The Orinda Holiday Bazaar will feature art, crafts, gourmet food, clothing, specialty items, and entertainment and is designed for the entire family from 9:30am until 4:30pm Saturday, November 3 at the Orinda Community Center, 28 Orinda Way, Orinda.

A Harvest Fair and Luncheon.  Take time to browse and purchase that distinctive gift for the special people on your shopping list from 10am to 3pm Thursday, November 8 at the Soda Center, Saint Mary's College, 1928 Saint Mary's Road.  Enjoy a glass of wine, soda or juice while shopping for holiday decor, stocking stuffers, and hostess gifts.  A Traditional Thanksgiving Menu will be served at noon.  Cost: $27.  For more info, call (925) 820-8002.

Community Thanksgiving Breakfast.  The Lafayette Chamber of Commerce invites you to join city leaders, residents and the business community for breakfast as we have done for 32 years.   Breakfast will be graciously provided by Dave's Cuisine from 7 to 8:30am November 15 at Lafayette United Methodist Church, 955 Moraga Road, Lafayette.  Cost: $20.  For more info, call (925) 284-7404 or visit www.lafayettechamber.org.

WORKSHOPS & ORGANIZATIONS
Shape Great Kids with Positive Parenting. Louise Hart, Ed.D., a recognized speaker, bestselling author and thought leader in positive parenting, will host an encouraging and uplifting parent education workshop from 6:30 to 8pm Thursday, October 25 at Bentley's School's Student Performing Arts Center, 1000 Happy Valley Road, Lafayette. This research-based approach decreases negative emotions and behaviors, and improves relationships.  For more info, contact Melissa Hyde at (510) 843-2512 ext. 2402.  
Living with Disabilities Conference Sunday, October 28 at 4pm (dinner and resource fair) and 5pm for the presentation by Dr. Ricki Robinson, pediatrician and autism expert, the Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church.  (See article on page Bx) (photo)
Saint Monica's Men's Club meeting.  Come attend the meeting for fellowship, refreshments and a delicious dinner prepared by Chef Bob Murtaugh and crew at 6pm November 5 in the St. Monica Peach Center, 1001 Canyon Road.  Members: $10 for dinner; non-members $15.
Come attend the Saint Monica Men's Club meeting for fellowship, refreshments and a delicious dinner prepared by Chef Bob Murtaugh and crew on November 5 at 6pm in the St. Monica Peace Center (1001 Canyon Road). Ivy Morrison, Caltrans Fourth Bore Public Information Officer, will speak about the status of the new Caldecott Tunnel.  Cost for dinner: $10 (members); $15 (non-members).
Sons in Retirement Lamorinda Branch 171 meet the first Wednesday each month.  Social hour is at 11am and lunch is at noon.  The November 7 after-lunch speaker will be Dan Ashley, anchor of ABC News at 6 and 11.  Ashley's presentations have been very interesting and informative.  The branch meets at Holy Trinity Culture Center, 1700 School St., Moraga.  For more info, call Larry at (925) 631-9528.
Lafayette Garden Club features guest speaker Laurel Ann Winzler, one of San Francisco and the Bay Area's outstanding floral and event designers, who will share her magical ideas for "Fabulous Holiday D‚cor" at 9:30am November 8, Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette. Contact: sa613and@aol.com.
Montelindo Garden Club Meeting.  Janet Sluis traveled the world for 20 years to search for unusual plants.  Hear how and why these plants made the cut to become 'Sunset Western Garden Collection' plants November 16 at 9am, Orinda Community Church, 10 Irwin Way, Orinda.  For more info, call (925) 254-3906.
OTHER
Widowed persons support group. The sessions are informal discussions for those in need of emotional support after the loss of a loved one. There will be counseling sessions that continue each Saturday from 10am to noon through November 17.  The meetings are at St. Stephens Episcopal Church in the Oak Room, 66 St. Stephens Drive, Orinda.
The Liberal Arts and Educating Citizens for the Common Good. A Saint Mary's College of California symposium on the importance of the liberal arts in educating responsible democratic citizens will be held from 7 to 9pm Tuesday, October 30 at the Soda Center, Saint Mary's College, 1928 Saint Mary's Road, Moraga.  For more info, call (925) 631-4222.  
Prop 37: Your Right to Know.  Sustainable Moraga will host a film "Genetic Roulette" and discussion to support this upcoming initiative from 6 to 8pm October 30 at the Moraga Library, 1500 Saint Mary's Road.  Californians overwhelming support this proposition - requiring companies that use genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in their products to label them as such.  For more info, call (925) 788-8394 or visit www.sustainablemoraga.org.
The Friends of Orinda Library Book Sale: Thursday, November 1, 10am to 1pm at the Sorting Room and Bookshop, Orinda Library, 26 Orinda Way, Orinda. For info, call (925)254-1358.
Lafayette Juniors 19th Annual Rummage Sale from 7am to 2pm Saturday, November 3 at Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette.

Healthy Lamorinda Fair from 5 to 7pm Monday, November 5 at the Oakwood Athletic Club, 4000 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette.  Free.  For more info, visit www.healthylamorinda.com.
Artisan Faire. Offering unique, creative gifts, with complimentary wine tasting from 4 to 7pm Thursday, November 15 at the Orinda Country Club, 315 Camino Sobrante, Orinda.
Free Memory Screenings as part of National Memory Screening Day from 1 to 4pm Tuesday, November 15 at Aegis of Moraga, 950 Country Club Drive, Moraga.  For more info, call (925) 376-9900 or visit www.alzfdn.org.
Holden High School presents the 2nd in its writer's series from 7 to 9pm Thursday, November 15 at the Orinda Community Church Fellowship Hall.  This Meet the Writer event will feature Marine Ecologist Dr. Rod Fujita, author of Heal the Oceans and will include refreshments, a conversation with Rod, sales of his books and an autographing opportunity.
Lamorinda Moms' 15th Annual Preschool Fair.  Attendees will receive a comparison of each of the participating preschools and have the opportunity to meet and talk with the directors and parents from each school from 6:30 to 8:30pm Thursday, November 15 at Oakwood Athletic Club, 4000 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette.  Free.  For more info, visit www.lamorindamoms.org.

Celebrate the Joy of Remembrance at the 26th Annual Hospice of the East Bay Tree of Lights.  Please join any of the commemorative ceremonies to enjoy music, poetry, remembrances by family members and friends of Hospice, and the special moment when the tree lights up. There will be a tree lighting ceremony Saturday, December 1 at 4:30pm at the Orinda Tree in Orinda Village, and at 5:30pm Sunday, December 9 at the Moraga & Lafayette Tree, Moraga Country Club, 1600 St. Andrews Drive, Moraga.  There will be a reception following after the tree lighting.
Kindergarten Tour at St. Perpetua School.  St. Perpetua School in Lafayette invites all incoming kindergarten-age children and their parents to get a taste of kindergarten and the school's very own Caf‚ St. Perpetua from 8 to 10pm Friday, December 7 at St. Perpetua School, 3445 Hamlin Road, Lafayette.  For more info, visit www.stpsparenteducation.eventbrite.com.