LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Calendar | Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda Event Listings

“Japanese Aesthetics: An Exploration of Japan’s Artistic Sensibilities” will be presented at 1 p.m. on Monday, March 27 in the Orinda Library Garden Room. Orinda Library welcomes Yoshi Fukamiya, an Asian Art Museum docent, who will share his understanding of Japanese Aesthetics as illustrated by objects in the museum’s Japanese Art collection. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Orinda Library.

The Moraga Art Gallery announces its springtime show, Color and Caprice, an exhibit that spotlights member artist Angelica Samame’s eye-catching collection of stylized portraits of sophisticated women — slender and fashionably-clad. The show also features guest artist, Elizabeth Russell, aka Liz R Honeypots, from Forestville, whose ceramics consist of utilitarian platters, mugs, casserole dishes and more. The show runs to June 3, with a free opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 25. Come to meet artists and enjoy live music, light snacks and wine. For more information, visit the gallery’s website: www.moragaartgallery.com, call (925) 376-5407 or email moragaartgallery@gmail.com.

Valley Art Gallery presents their new show ARTERIAL: Your Road to the Best East Bay Artists running from April 1 to May 13. The exhibit takes you through a wide range of motifs, styles, media and prices, representing the best of the best from more than 100 East Bay artists. Plus, there are beautifully crafted, ceramic, wood and glass pieces, and original designer jewelry. There will be a reception from 3 to 6 .m. on Saturday, April 1 to mark the opening. For more info visit www.valleyartgallery.com. It’s located in Walnut Creek.

Learn the art of making Pysanky, or Ukrainian Easter Eggs, decorated using a wax-resist and dye method in a three-hour workshop led by local folk art teacher, Evie Michon. Traditionally created during Lent, Pysanky were given as treasured gifts. 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday April 8. Cost is $20, limited to 20 people. Hosted by Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church, 433 Moraga Way, Orinda. Register: Q1w2tissue@gmail.com

IRAN|USA, an original exhibition organized by the Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art, presents a program of compelling video art and prints by artist and faculty member Peter Freund through May 28. The multi-language exhibit re-envisions key moments in the politically charged history of the two countries through the lens of an experimental artist. The museum is located on campus, 1928 St. Mary’s Road in Moraga and is open from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday; $5 admission. (See article page B2)

Diablo Ballet will celebrate its 23rd Anniversary with a special one-night only performance at 6:30 p.m. on March 23 at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek. The celebration will feature stunning works from the company’s 23-year history. Tickets are $33-$59. For tickets, call (925) 943-SHOW (7469) or visit www.lesherartscenter.org or www.diabloballet.org.

Experience a lovely musical offering of arias by Verdi, Schubert, Handel and more performed by the much-acclaimed Opera Scouts young artists of San Francisco Opera Guild, 4:30 p.m. Sunday March 26 at Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church in Moraga. Enjoy a buffet supper and wine. Tickets $45. Reservations through Ana Zimmank of Coldwell Banker, (925) 640-6008; Ana.Zimmank@camoves.com

Check out new music of the 21st century with perhaps a flair of late night Thelonious — all this imaginatively created on stage by pianists. Come enjoy the Piano Composers’ concert at 7 p.m. on Friday April 7 at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center Community Hall. This free event is sponsored by the Contra Costa Performing Arts Society (www.ccpas.org) in partnership with the library.

Town Hall Theatre Company presents “Smokey Joe’s Café,” directed by Lauren Rosi through March 25. With music such as “Poison Ivy,” “Charlie Brown,” “On Broadway,” “Stand By Me” and much more. 3535 School Street, Lafayette. (925) 283-1557. Show times and ticket information is available at the box office or online at www.townhalltheatre.com.

Campolindo High School Presents “Beauty and the Beast.” Follow the “tale as old as time” as the Beast encounters Belle and races to break the spell and return to his former self with the help of his enchanted household characters. The show will run through March 26 at Campolindo High School, 300 Moraga Road, Moraga. For info on show times and ticket prices, visit www.campochoir.com/ticketing/.

DVC Drama presents “You Can’t Take it with You.” The show runs through April 2, at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. For tickets, call (925) 969-2358 or go to the website at www.dvcdrama.net. DVC Drama is located at 321 Golf Club Rd, Pleasant Hill, with free parking for all performances.

“World on the Move,” focusing on immigration issues, is the topic chosen by Dr. David Vasquez-Levy, president of the Pacific School of Religion, for his presentation at 1:30 p.m. on April 7 at the First Friday Forum in the Sanctuary of Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette. Refreshments are served at 1 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. This is a free event. For more information contact (925) 283-8722.

Moraga Juniors’ annual Spring Egg Hunt will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, March 25 at the Moraga Commons Park located at the corner of Moraga Road and Saint Mary’s Road- rain or shine. Admission is $15 per child ages 1-8. Two egg hunts promptly at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Tickets are available at www.moragajuniors.org.

SPEAK is a program for high school students developed in response to issues they are facing: stress, relationships, partying, sexuality, and mental health. Ninth-12th graders will have a safe space to speak their truth about their experiences and will be equipped with resources and decision making strategies. An adult program offers the opportunity for sharing of concerns and strategies to address these issues. The program runs from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sundays through March 26 at Orinda Community Church, www.speak2016.eventbrite.com or Kelsey: SPEAKlamorinda@gmail.com

Lamorinda Arts Council is hosting its 14th Annual High School Visual Arts Competition through March 30 at the Orinda Library Art Gallery. This annual exhibition provides the community a wonderful opportunity to view a wide range of creative, original work by local students and recognizes the region’s dedicated high school art teachers. The competition is open to ninth through 12th-grade students living in or attending public or private high schools in Orinda, Lafayette and Moraga. (See page A1.)

There will be a new SAT Free Practice Test from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 1 in the Orinda Library Garden Room, put on by the Princeton. Get realistic practice and receive personalized score reports and assessments of strengths and weaknesses. Register at www.princetonreview.com or sign up at 510/295-0002.

The public is invited to take a photo with the Easter Bunny at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 15 in Rheem Valley Shopping Center in the suite between Dover Saddlery & Nation’s Giant Hamburgers. There will be Easter Clowns, Easter Fairy, Balloon Art. Use your Rheem Valley Shopping Center receipts totaling $25 or more go online to www.rheemvalley.net to print out the coupon for a FREE photo session with the Easter Bunny.

The Lamorinda Idol 2016 auditions will be held on May 11-13. Registration is open to all Lamorinda students or residents. Groups can include members outside Lamorinda. Register at www.LamorindaArts.Org April 1 through 30. The Lamorinda Idol program includes workshops, multiple performance opportunities, parties and the Finals at the Orinda Theatre Sunday, Aug. 26.

ARF presents the 13th annual Business of Saving Lives conference for animal welfare professionals and volunteers from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 25 at ARF in Walnut Creek. This powerhouse conference packs practical information and valuable tools into one full day of learning at an affordable price, to help attendees save more lives. Register now to ensure a spot, tickets are $45. Continental breakfast and a vegetarian lunch are provided to all attendees. For registration, agenda information and session details, visit www.arflife.org.

March Madness is here! Presenting their Cinderella Team is Community Concern for Cats. See these champion kitties at a weekend adoption event from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 25 and 26, at Pet Food Express in Lafayette and Pleasant Hill, and Petco in Walnut Creek. For more information, see www.communityconcernforcats.org.

Gillian Notman, CMC with Eldercare Services presents “Dementia: Understanding Behaviors and Finding Solutions” from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on March 29 at 1808 Tice Valley Blvd. Walnut Creek. Tools on how to have conversations about need when denial is present. Giving you permission to “stretch the truth” for dignity, safety and self-esteem. Understand the different types of dementia. No fee. Advanced registration is required. Call (925) 937-2018 or email Info@EldercareAnswers.com

The Lafayette Community Foundation (LCF) is accepting grant applications from local non-profits for its 2017 grant cycle. LCF invests in programs and projects that promote and enhance the civic, cultural, educational and environmental health of Lafayette and beyond. ALL applications must be received through the online application form- please go to the website at http://www.lafayettecf.org and click on APPLY FOR A GRANT. Please note that the deadline for applying is March 31.

Jewish Gateways presents Jewish Gateways Passover Celebration for Families with Young Children from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Sunday, April 9 at Easton Hall, 2401 Ridge Road, Berkeley. Celebrate this freedom holiday with Passover songs, stories, a hands-on project and treats. Led by Rabbi Bridget and Isaac Zones. Cost: $30 per family, plus $5 per sibling over 5. For more info see https://www.jewishgateways.org/families or call (510) 410-0622 or email rabbibridget@jewishgateways.org.

Come celebrate diversity and promote unity at Soul Food Lamorinda from 2 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 9 at the Intercultural Center at St Mary’s College. Soul Food Lamorinda is a free Baha’i-inspired program that combines an audio-visual presentation with readings from various faiths, philosophers and leaders, allowing us to reflect on inspiring themes and reminding us of the oneness of humanity. This month’s program, “Sense of Time” will explore the precious nature of time — how quickly it passes and how profound it can be when we make the most of it. Free and open to everyone. For more info: www.meetup.com/Soul-Food-Lamorinda/.

Passover Seders at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, April 10 and 11 at 1671 Newell Ave, Walnut Creek. Featuring: delicious traditional Seder dinner, insights, singing, four cups of wine, and Hand Baked Shmurah Matzah. Second Seder on Tuesday evening conducted in Russian. Adult: $45, Child: $30. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. Reservations required. www.jewishcontracosta.com (925) 937-4101.

Lamorinda Arts Council (LAC) will host their 2nd Annual ShortDocs Film Fest at 3 p.m. on May 7 at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center. This documentary film festival provides local filmmakers an opportunity to create new work as well as showcase it at a community screening. Entries for the Lamorinda ShortDocs Film Fest will be accepted until April 19. The competition is open to anyone 5 years of age or older who is living, working or attending school in Orinda, Lafayette or Moraga. Film submissions will be judged in one of four categories: elementary school, middle school, high school and adult. To learn more about the Lamorinda ShortDocs Film Fest competition and to enter go to http://www.lamorindaarts.org/shortdocs.

Moraga Classic Car Show registration is now open to residents who own classic cars and would like to participate in the ninth annual Moraga Classic Car Show, which takes place from 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. on Saturday May13, as part of the 2017 Moraga Community Faire. The $35 registration fee includes an entry ribbon, lunch for two and a commemorative photo. Prizes will be awarded. The registration deadline is May 1, but space is limited to 70 cars, so register early to secure a spot. Register at www.moragachamber.org/faire or, call Gloria at (925) 247-4473.

Introduction to Tai Chi for Better Balance at 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 23 in the Orinda Library Garden Room. Orinda Library welcomes Cynthia Black, who will show how to improve your balance through Tai Chi. Trained in Tai Chi for Better Balance, Cynthia is certified in Chair Chi, a form of Tai Chi practiced from a chair. This program is provided by Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services of Contra Costa County.

Learn Cooking for One or Two: Breakfast & Brunch with Jaime Rios, Byron Park Executive Chef from 2 to 4 p.m. on March 29 at Byron Park, 1700 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. As we all know, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. In this demonstration-style class, Chef Jaime will help attendees find new inspiration with recipes that will transform breakfast and brunch routines. Space is limited; these classes fill up quickly. RSVP to Lafayette Senior Services by Wednesday, March 22. For info, Seniors@LoveLafayette.org or 284-5050.

Anne Randolph Physical Therapy presents the Art of Balance from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on March 22 in the Cedar Room, Lafayette Community Center. People worried about falling or are at risk of falling should know about simple ways to improve balance. Learn how to gain increased balance and avoid the risk of falling. Fee per class members: No charge/ Non-Members: $10

Katie O’Donnell with Eldercare Services presents “The Elephant in the Room” from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on April 5 at 28 Orinda Way. A guide to sensitive conversations that must take place to promote independence and quality of life as we age. She will tackle tough topics including keeping or selling the family home, future health considerations and when it’s time to stop driving. No fee. Advanced registration is required. Call (925) 937-2018 or email Info@EldercareAnswers.com

The Lafayette Community Garden and Outdoor Learning Center presents its Historical Houses presentation and tour from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 25. Learn of our local valley’s history through the chronicles of three old houses from the 1800’s: the Old Yellow House in Orinda, Rodgers Ranch in Pleasant Hill, and the John Muir House in Martinez. To register, go to LafayetteCommunityGarden.org/classes-and-events. $5 donation appreciated.

Author Claire Splan will share tips and tricks you can use to make the most of your hours and still leave time for actually enjoying gardening at the Lafayette Garden Club’s next general meeting from 9:45 a.m. to 12 noon on April 6 at the Lafayette Veteran’s Building located at 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette. Claire will show you how to use task-batching, time savers, and a month-by-month approach for more efficient gardening as outlined in her book “Time Management in the Garden.” Visitors are welcome! Please email Carolyn Poetzsch cpoetzsch@gmail.com.

The Walnut Creek Garden Club’s monthly business is at 10 a.m., social time at 10:30 a.m. and program at 11 a.m. at the Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek. The April 10 program is “Meander Through Springtime Blooms in the Ireland and England” by member and photographer Christa Buckingham. You’re invited to attend and consider becoming a member. Maureen Little: mslittle44@gmail.com (925) 820-1476

Moraga Gardens Farm presents its annual sale of heirloom tomatoes, hybrids, peppers, eggplant, herbs and more in 4-inch pots selected for success in the micro-climates of Lamorinda’s home gardens. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from March 25 to April 15 (closed Easter Sunday). 1290 Moraga Way, Moraga (next to Moraga Fire Station). For information call Claire Curtin 925 299 1353.