ART

“Darker Shades of Red” provides a rare opportunity to revisit the Cold War Era through the exploration of the Soviet Union’s official imagery through May 20 at the Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art. The collection of 55 posters reveals the economic, social and political ideology of the Soviet Union during the Cold War. The Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. www.stmarys-ca.edu/museum

Jennifer Perlmutter Gallery presents “Bio-Genesis” - Jill Taffet and Judith White Marcellini from March 8 to April 7. New work by Taffet and White Marcellini explores the intersection of art and science. Their curiosity extends to the moment of creation and consciousness, and results in work that asks questions, and entertains. Immerse yourself in the projections and moving imagery of Taffet’s hand-drawn cel animation. View with wonder the detailed paper sculptures of White Marcellini’s creatures inspired by the Cambrian Explosion. There will be an opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m. on March 8, with an artist talk at 5 p.m.

“Garden Abstraction” continues at the Moraga Art Gallery through March 17. Its title derives from the panorama of fleeting colors, shapes, shadows and light found in the course of a day in artist Lisa Gunn’s Orinda garden. Along with paintings, photographs, ceramics, and jewelry by the gallery’s other artists, the exhibit features a collection of functional and sculptural stainless steel baskets created by Alejandro Santamarina of Petaluma, as well as a unique collection of photographs by the late Wayne F. Miller chronicling post-war Lamorinda through the eyes of then school-age baby boomers. www.moragaartgallery.com

MUSIC

Gold Coast Chamber Players concert, “Czech Mate” at 7:30 p.m. (pre-concert talk at 7 p.m.) on March 10 in the Lafayette Library Community Hall. Musicians: Boston Trio; Irina Muresanu, violin; Jonah Ellsworth, cello; Heng-Jin Park, piano; Pamela Freund-Striplen, viola. Tickets: $45 general; $40 senior; $15 student. Purchase online at www.gcplayers.org or by phone at (925) 283-3728.

The Armed Man – A Mass for Peace, honoring veterans at 4 p.m. on March 18 at Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church. In paying tribute to the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI, the Cantare Con Vivo Chorale will present Welsh composer Karl Jenkins’ powerful and relevant anti-war extended work. Also included is the Islamic call to prayer, selected texts from the Bible and from the Mahabharata from ancient India, along with extracts from the Ordinary of the Mass. In addition, we will present a film that was designed to correspond harmoniously with the theme and tone of each individual piece with the footage edited in precise synchronicity with Jenkins’ music. Tickets: general $38, senior $33, student $10. Tickets available for purchase online at www.cantareconvivo.org, by calling (510) 836-0789, or at the door.

Diablo Choral Artists presents a concert featuring choral works by Bach, Brahms, Haydn, and Mozart, with string ensemble. Mark Tuning, Music Director, John R.S. Walko, Accompanist. The concert is at 8 p.m. on March 16 at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Pleasant Hill, and at 4 p.m. on March 18 at Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church, Walnut Creek. General Admission: adults $25, seniors 60+ $15, students $5, children 5-12 free. Details and ticket purchase on website: www.dcachorus.org, (925) 680-7089, info@dcachorus.org.

THEATER

East Bay Children’s Theatre is raising the curtain on the musical adventure “It Must Be Pinocchio!” The beloved tale of the little wooden puppet is brought to magical life in EBCT’s production of Ron Lytle’s exuberant musical. Audiences will be dazzled by the high-energy singing and dancing, cutup comedy, and imaginative special effects that they’ve come to expect from EBCT productions. Showtimes are 1 and 3 p.m. on March 11 in the Orinda Library Auditorium. Tickets are $12-$17, and may be purchased online at: www.EBCTonline.org.

Town Hall Theatre presents Ayckbourn’s dark comedy “Woman in Mind” through March 24 at Town Hall Theatre Company, 3535 School Street, in Lafayette. Tickets are $18 -$30, and are available through the Box Office at (925) 283-1557 or online at www.TownHallTheatre.com.

LECTURE & LITERATURE

Special guest lecturer from Italy Shakti Caterina Maggi “Awaking to Life” at 7 p.m. Monday, March 19 at Radiance Family Wellness 914 Dewing Avenue, Lafayette. For more information visit www.shakticaterinamaggi.com or www.radiancefamilywellness.com, or call (925) 878-2644.

Saint Mary’s College presents “Terrorism, Privacy, and Security in the Digital Age,” featuring Laura Donohue, author of “The Future of Foreign Intelligence: Privacy and Surveillance in a Digital Age,” and Betsy Cooper, executive director of the Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity. The timely discussion will examine privacy in today’s environment of widespread data breaches, Russian election meddling, and our government’s surveillance of digital communication by U.S. citizens to fight terrorism. The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, March 19 in the Soda Center at Saint Mary’s College.

Charitable Gift Annuity Seminar at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 24 in Delphine Lounge, adjacent to Café Louis (Saint Mary’s College campus.) Learn how you can make a charitable donation that will also earn you income for life, receive tax benefits, and provide support for yourself or a loved one. Charitable gift annuities are a tax-savvy way to support your favorite causes and care for loved ones.

KIDS, PARENTS & TEENS

The 2018 Friends of the Lafayette Library Bookmark Contest entry deadline is Friday, March 9. The contest is open to all Lafayette students, grade K-8. Entry forms will be available at school libraries in the Lafayette School District and St. Perpetua School, the Lafayette Library and Learning Center and the Friends Corner Book Shop. Winners will receive a gift certificate for a local book shop, the Friends Corner Book Shop and complimentary framing of their winning bookmark at Fastframe of Lafayette. The award ceremony is planned for April 24. For more information please contact Kay Pekrul: kae865@hotmail.com.

Critter Compassion: Shelter Workshop with Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) from 4 to 5:45 p.m. Friday, March 9 at 2890 Mitchell Dr., Walnut Creek. The Critter Compassion series teaches our littles about kindness to animals. At the end of the workshop, you will receive some heartfulness resources and tips to take home. Cost: $15. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/critter-compassion-shelter-workshop-with-animal-rescue-foundation-tickets-42542235973.

“Kids and Snacks: Setting Healthy Habits” from 6 to 7 p.m. on March 20 at the Lafayette Library Community Hall. Free event for parents presented by Cooking With Kids, please join us for a Children’s Healthy Snack discussion by Dr. Nazia Sheriff from Olive Leaf Pediatrics and Snack Demo by Chef Lynda Rexroat from Cooking with Kids Foundation. Hear about Children’s health in the U.S. today and the healthy solutions Dr. Sheriff and Chef Lynda are teaching.

Mt. Diablo Peace and Justice Center 20th annual Peace through Art and Writing Challenge. This year’s topic: “The Next Chapter of the American Dream.” Using your unique, artistic voice, create a visual and/or literary interpretation that conveys your response to these thoughts. The contest is open to middle and high school students in Contra Costa County. They may submit works in three categories: Essay, Creative Writing and Art. The deadline for entries is March 26. Detailed information on the contest requirements is available at www.creatingpeacefulschools.weebly.com or you may contact the Center office at (925) 933-7850.

OTHER

Lafayette resident, Papa 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 in Lafayette from 1 to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 18. Reservations are required. Contact: chickenspapajohn@gmail.com.

Respite Night at MVPC from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Friday, March 9 – Respite Night provides a fun night out for special needs children and siblings while their parents get a few hours off. No cost or religious affiliation, but registration required; contact Mary Kaye Stephens: grammykaye@sbcglobal.net. Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church, 10 Moraga Valley Lane, Moraga.

All are invited to celebrate with the Saint Mary’s College Guild at its St. Patrick’s Day Dinner/ Auction Fundraiser from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 10. Featuring a delicious, traditional, Irish corned beef dinner with all the trimmings. Guinness, Harp, wine, Irish coffee available. Cost: $50 per person. Make checks payable to: SMC Guild, Send to: Shirley Bohuslav, 782 Augusta Drive, Moraga, CA 94556. For more info: (925) 284-7750.

Persian New Year Chaharshanbeh Souri: Festival of Fire - Persian Center will be hosting its 19th Annual Chaharshanbeh Souri from 6 to 10 p.m. on March 13 at the 2000 block of Durant Avenue in Berkeley. Jump over bonfires to celebrate the change of seasons and welcome spring. Enjoy Persian food, music, dancing, and children’s activities. Rain or shine. Free. https://www.facebook.com/PersianCenterOrg/

Acalanes High School’s student-run Students for the Advancement of Global Education (SAGE) Club is hosting a fundraiser at Chipotle in Lafayette from 4 to 8 p.m. on March 13. Mention SAGE at the checkout and half of the proceeds will go to benefit Trust in Education, a nonprofit organization that works to increase access to education for young women in Afghanistan.

Cars and Coffee at The Veranda from 8 to 10 a.m. on March 18 at The Veranda, 2001-2003 Diamond Blvd., Concord. “The Café-Petrol Automotive Gathering” is a Cars and Coffee style event located at The Veranda on the third Sunday of each month. If you have an exotic, specialty, or unique car, or if you’re a car fanatic, we would love to see you. To showcase your vehicle, please register at www.cafe-petrol.com. https://www.facebook.com/events/337524360084955/

17th Annual Women’s Film Festival LunaFest at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 22 at the Orinda Theatre. This unique film festival highlights women as leaders in society, illustrated through nine short films by women filmmakers. The films range from animation to fictional drama, and cover topics such as women’s health, body image, relationships, cultural diversity and breaking barriers. There will be a VIP reception starting at 6 p.m. in the Fourth Bore Tap Room. Tickets are $25. Advance tickets only, purchase at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lunafest-film-festival-tickets-43121612905?aff=es2.

Contra Costa Tale Spinners at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 22 at the Orinda Community Center Room 6. Join us for a story swap with featured teller, Bill Zarchy, writer, teacher, film and video photographer, and natural raconteur. Share, listen, expand your universe.

Give Back in Lamorinda Style at the Moraga Valley Kiwanis Lobster Fest taking place at the Saint Mary’s College Soda Center from 6 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, March 24. The evening includes a silent auction, music, dancing, Lobster Pot Drawing, Wine Cellar Raffle, lots of lobster and tons of fun! Local high school Key Club members serve the dinner and join in the dancing. Tickets are $55 per person at moragavalleykiwanis.org or (925) 388-0492.

Free workshop “Are your 1099 workers really employees? A reality check” is being offered from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 28 at the Contra Costa Small Business Development Center, 300 Ellinwood Way, Bodega Room, 2nd Floor in Pleasant Hill. Please register for the free workshop by March 27 with Marjorie Wallace at maw@worklawmaw.com. There will be a raffle and refreshments will be served.

What’s up down there?: The role of Physical Therapy in Pelvic Floor Dysfunction with Allison Romero, PT, Pelvic Health Specialist on March 27 at Lafayette Physical Therapy. The workshop explores the pelvic floor and how to enhance your pelvic health and awareness in all stages of life. This workshop will teach you how to identify when there is a problem and what can be done to fix it. You will leave with a deeper knowledge of how to engage your pelvic floor muscles and the correct way to do a kegel (it’s about time right?!) Seating is limited, call to register your spot today: (925) 284-6150.



SENIORS

Senior Scam Workshop presented by Pearl Yon, Better Business Bureau from 10:30 a.m. to noon on March 22 in the Lafayette Community Center Cedar Room. This workshop will educate you on the scams that most frequently target older adults. You will learn to recognize the red flags and receive tips on how to avoid the scammers’ tactics. Additionally, you will be provided with useful resources that will help lower your chances of falling victim to these scams. Handouts of the information will be yours to take home. Members: Free; Non-Members: $10

GARDEN

Lafayette Garden Club General Meeting from 9:45 a.m. to noon Thursday, March 8 at the Lafayette Veteran’s Building located at 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette. Program: “Ikebana” Lafayette Garden Club is pleased to present speaker Gail Emmons who will share her knowledge and passion for Ikebana flower arranging. She studies Sogetsu Ikebana with a dynamic sculptural style that mixes the traditions of both East and West in new and daring ways. Visitors are welcome! Please email Carolyn Poetzsch cpoetzsch@gmail.com.

Walnut Creek Garden Club presents: “The Importance of Backyard Pollinators” featuring Steve Gentry, Master Beekeeper, Mt. Diablo Beekeepers Association starting at 9:45 a.m. Monday, March 12 at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Road, Walnut Creek. 9:45 a.m. - Business Meeting; 10:30 a.m. - Social; 11 a.m. Program. Questions: mslittle44@gmail.com.

The Moraga Garden Club will hold their monthly meeting at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, March 15 at the Holy Trinity Church, 1700 School Street, Moraga. Guest speakers will be Susan and Barry Hofer. The topic of their discussion will be “Maples for All Seasons”. Interested parties are welcome to attend the 9:30 a.m. social hour and the 10 a.m. meeting, as well as the presentation by the Hofers immediately following the meeting.

Montelindo Garden Club March Meeting (third Friday of every month, September through May) will be at 9 a.m. on Friday, March 16 at Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 66 St. Stephens Drive, Orinda. Presentation: “Big Ideas for Designing Your Small Back Yard” by Susan Morrison. Susan is a nationally-recognized landscape designer and authority on small-space garden design. Her most recent book, “Less Is More in the Garden,” was released early in February. Ms. Morrison’s presentation will focus on how to create unique small-space gardens that are lovely, family friendly, and low maintenance.

Workshop: Sustainable gardening and water wise plants at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 17, McDonnell Nursery, 196 Moraga Way, Orinda. Free, but please RSVP to (925) 254-3713.

Moraga Gardens Farm will be selling sustainable grown heirloom tomato, eggplant, pepper, and herb plants March 24 - April 15 on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., (closed Easter Sunday).  These are varieties that have proven to do well in the Lamorinda climate.  4-inch pots are $3. The sale is at the Farm, 1290 Moraga Way, between the Moraga Fire Station and School Street.