Lafayette Chamber
Welcome to our February , 2017 issue of 
"Local Events Not to Miss"
   
If you have a non-profit or fundraising event in March, 2017, we would be happy to include you in our March issue - please submit your event by February 20 to [email protected] .
"Botanica," Debuts at Moraga Art Gallery
Now through March 18, 522 Center Street, Rheem Shopping Center

"Botanica," the new year's first exhibit at the Moraga Art Gallery, derives its name from exquisite floral images by gallery member and photographer Lucy Beck of Lafayette. Her camera freezes moments in time, giving the delicate and complicated beauty of flowers some permanence. Also featured are stoneware and porcelain pieces for the home by guest artist Chanda Beck (no relation), whose work, inspired by antiques and Asian art, is adorned with playful renderings of plants, flowers, seed pods, and patterns found in nature. Paintings, jewelry, glassware, photographs, and ceramics by the gallery's other members and guest artists will also be on display throughout the show, which runs until March 18. The gallery is located at 522 Center Street, Rheem Shopping Center, in Moraga and is open Wednesday through Sunday from 12 noon to 5pm. For more information, visit the gallery's website: www.moragaartgallery.com, call 925-376-5407 or email [email protected].
14th Annual High School Visual Arts Competition
Entries accepted February 1-24

The Lamorinda Arts Council (LAC) will host their 14th Annual High School Visual Arts Competition from February 28 to March 30 at the Orinda Library Art Gallery. Entries for the High School Visual Arts Competition will be accepted from February 1 through February 24. The competition is open to 9th through 12th grade students living in or attending public or private high schools in Orinda, Lafayette and Moraga and to students who attend the Acalanes Union High School District schools. Students may submit entries for 2D and 3D artwork as well as for Photography and Digital Design.  The online registration form for entry is available from February 1 to 24. The registration form as well as the full details of the competition can be found at www.lamorindaarts.org/vac. Competition award winners will be announced during a free, public reception on Wednesday, March 8, from 7pm to 8:30pm at the Orinda Library Art Gallery.
Help Build a Mobile Classroom Kitchen!
EVERY Wednesday in 2017, 11am-10pm, Patxi's Pizza

Patxi's Pizza of Lafayette is raising money for Cooking with Kids Foundation to help build a Mobile Classroom Kitchen to teach kids (parents) in underserved communities to cook and eat healthy. Join us for lunch or dinner between 11am-10pm EVERY Wednesday in 2017. 10% of all proceeds (dine-in, delivery or carry out) is being donated! It'll be a terrific time with great food and friends to help out a very worthy cause. For more information visit Cooking with Kids Foundation at www.CWKF.org.
Jennifer Perlmutter Gallery 3 Year Anniversary Show - Sow. Harvest. Share & Buying Art; Where Is The Value?
Exhibit Dates: February 2 through March 4; Opening Reception: Thursday, February 9 from 6pm-8pm; Art Talk and Q and A: February 23, 6:30pm-7:30pm

The Jennifer Perlmutter Gallery is celebrating three fabulous years in Lafayette! In honor of this event the gallery will showcase a selection of work from the artists we have collaborated with over the last three years. Also on view will be mixed media paintings by Jennifer Perlmutter, who will open her private studio, located in the back half of the gallery. Enjoy a true atelier experience and explore the artist's process and materials.February 23rd  Art Talk and Q and A - Buying Art; Where Is The Value? with Jennifer Perlmutter and Fine Art Appraiser Joy Aitchison - limited seating - please RSVP (925) 284.1485. Gallery Hours: Wed.-Sat. 12-6. www.jenniferperlmuttergallery.com
"After School Valentine Art Making"
Friday, February 3, 3pm-5pm, Diablo Fine Art Gallery, 1535 Palos Verdes Mall, Walnut Creek

On Friday, February 3 we are having an "After School Valentine Art Making". Open to kids of all ages and their parent or other adult. Several Gallery Artists will be helping youngsters to make special Valentine art, including origami. Everything is FREE! www.diablofineart.com
Bradley School of Music Open Mic Night
Open Mic - Every Friday from 7pm-9pm, Bradley School of Music, 1042 Brown Avenue

Free entry, all ages welcome. Play alone or with accompaniment from the teachers. Learn more here.
Diablo Ballet presents Body & Soul
February 3, 8pm; February 4, 2pm;  Del Valle Theatre in Walnut Creek

Diablo Ballet presents the second program of its 23rd season, Body & Soul, February 3 & 4, at the Del Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. The program features the romantic pas de deux from Mercurial Manoeuvres by Broadway's Tony award-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon; the world premiere of a new work, Trait d'union, by award-winning Canadian choreographer Sonya Delwaide; the classically spirited pas de deux from Don Quixote staged by Artistic Director Lauren Jonas; and the Diablo Ballet premiere of When in Doubt by Resident Choreographer Robert Dekkers.  Each performance is followed by an interactive Q&A with the dancers and choreographers and includes a complimentary dessert reception with an opportunity for audience members to get up close and personal with the artists. TICKETS: $27-$47 (925) 943-7469;  www.diabloballet.org www.lesherartscenter.org 
Lamorinda Community Conversation
Saturday, February 4, 9:30am-11:30am, Saint Mary's College

Due to the large number of people who've attended the December and January Saturday conversations, there is now a plan to have monthly events that create space for people to connect, listen, speak, and get clear on their next steps. Click here for the current conversation topics, and for a fuller description of this process, and to make your reservation.
Klub Kindergym Disco Dance Party
February 10, 5:45pm-7:00pm, Lafayette Community Center, 500 St. Mary's Rd.

Come play and boogie down with your little one. Lights and music will help create a fun vibe. Ages 1-5yrs old - $20.00 per child per evening. Wine and cheese tasting for adults. Entrance Fee includes one child and one adult, additional attendees are $10. Register here.
Awesome Night Out
February 10, 6:30pm-9:30, Lafayette Community Center, 500 St. Mary's Rd.

Let's have an AWESOME night out! Come make crafts, play games, eat a snack and enjoy a movie (G/PG)! Each Awesome Night Out has a theme and the activities go along with it. Trained City staff will provide all the fun and supervision. Children are welcome to bring a sleeping bag and a pillow for movie time. Children must be potty trained to attend. For 4-6yrs olds. Register here.
Soroptimist International of 24-680 Crab Feed
Saturday, February 11, 5:30pm, Lafayette Community Center

Includes all-you-can-eat crab, pasta, salad, bread and dessert. Wine raffle, silent auction and dessert auction! Cost: $55. For tickets call (925) 283-2279. www.soroptimist24-680.org
Valentines Day Jewelry Pop Up Show
Sunday, February 12, 1-4pm, Diablo Fine Art Gallery, 1535 Palos Verdes Mall, Walnut Creek

Eight Jewelry artists will be showing a large variety of beautiful jewelry just in time for Valentines gift giving. A Special Valentines reception is scheduled for February 12 from 1-4pm. Come by and enjoy chocolate, jewelry and art! www.diablofineart.com
Town Hall Volunteer Mixer
Sunday, February 12, 2pm-4pm, Town Hall Theatre

Want to give back and see free shows at Town Hall Theatre? Join current volunteers and meet new volunteers on February 12 at Town Hall Theatre! Discover how you can be part of Town Hall! RSVP to Suzie Shepard at [email protected].
Lafayette Bridal Social
February 12, 10am-2pm, Lace & Bustle Bridal, 3569 Mt. Diablo Blvd.

Skip the impersonal bridal fair with booth after booth and join us in Lafayette on Sunday, February 12 for an exclusive afternoon with a thoughtfully hand-curated group of top East Bay wedding professionals. Grab your best friend, mom, or sister and join us for this one-of-a-kind bespoke bridal social. Visit some of our favorite Lafayette storefronts, sip cocktails, + nibble yummy treats while soaking in some practical know-how, tips, + freebies to jumpstart your wedding planning. More information and tickets at www.lafayettebridalsocial.com.
"The Value of Community & Choice as we Grow Older"
Monday, February 13, 2pm, Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Drive

"The Value of Community & Choice as we Grow Older", a live-streamed event hosted by Beacon Village in Boston and locally by Lamorinda Village features bestselling author of Being Mortal, Atul Gawande MD, MPH on February 13 at 2pm.  Location:  Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church at 49 Knox Drive.  For more information or to register (seats limited) call 925-253-2300 or [email protected].
Hope Begins with a CASA Volunteer 
Thursday, February 16, 6:30pm-8pm and Friday, February 17, 12:30pm-2pm

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteers are ordinary people doing extraordinary work for abused, neglected and abandoned children and youth in foster care in our community. As sworn officers of the court, CASA volunteers are appointed by a juvenile court judge to advocate one-on-one for children and youth in foster care. As an advocate you will be more than just a mentor - you will be a powerful voice for a child or youth during their uncertain journey in the foster care system. You don't have to be a lawyer or social worker. CASA of Contra Costa County will provide you with the training you need to be a successful advocate. February  information sessions will be held on Thursday, February 16 at 6:30pm-8pm and Friday, February 17 at 12:30pm-2pm Additional dates and registration can be found here.
Fall Prevention
Friday, February 17, 2pm-3:30pm, Eldercare Services, 1808 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek

1 in 3 individuals over 65 fall each year. Falls are the leading cause of injury and death. Falls can be prevented. Medicare pays for fall prevention therapy. What you can do NOW to prevent falls; Simple exercises that help with balance; Learn how to make your home safe so falls are not in YOUR future! Presentation by Giulia Brighi Donato, RN of Eldercare Services.
Please call in advance to register: 925-937-2018. www.EldercareAnswers.com
Lafayette Youth Commission 7th and 8th Grade Tri City Dance
February 17, 7:30pm-10:00pm, Lafayette Community Center, 500 St. Mary's Rd.
Ticket sales will end 6:30pm before each dance if not sold out before hand! No tickets will be sold at the door. Canned Food Drive: We are asking that along with the price of admission, each participant bring one canned food item. 7th and 8th Grade Students only, no out of grade guest passes. Please bring proof of grade (student ID). Register here.
Elfenworks Center for Responsible Business Conference on Big Data
February 23, 12:30pm-7pm, Soda Activity Center at Saint Mary's College

Harnessing the Power of Big Data for Social Good - The Elfenworks Center for Responsible Business invites you to our 3rd Annual Conference on Thursday, February 23 from 12:30pm to 7pm in the Soda Activity Center to explore what Big Data means for businesses and non-profit organizations and to identify promising areas of management research and education in Big Data.
 
The conference check-in will begin at 12:30 p.m., followed by panels exploring the uses and power of Big Data, an interactive panel, a keynote address, and ending with a networking reception. The event is $20 (free for current SMC students, staff and faculty) and open to all, but registration is required. If you have any questions please contact Saroja Subrahmanyan.
More information here.
Lamorinda Camp & School Fair
Sunday, February 26, 11am-2pm, Acalanes High School

The 5th annual Lamorinda Camp & School Fair will be held Sunday, February 26, 11am-2pm at Acalanes High School. FREE to attend, free parking, free drawing, free coding workshop! Learn more here.
Temple Isaiah's Annual Gala Dinner and Auction

Temple Isaiah invites you to take advantage of a great opportunity to showcase your business to over 3,000 individuals who live in communities throughout the greater Bay Area by becoming a sponsor of Temple Isaiah's annual gala dinner and auction on Saturday, April 29, 2017. Promotion for this year's gala promises to build excitement for its cruise and casino themed entertainment, and your tax-deductible sponsorship donation can serve the dual purpose of marketing your products and services to our affluent community. Learn more here.
Mobility Matters Rides 4 Veterans

Mobility Matters, a nonprofit agency based in Lafayette, services all of Contra Costa County as a mobility management center. Our Rides for Seniors program provides a free, one-on-one, door-through-door transportation program for otherwise homebound older adults. Through our Transportation Information and Referral Helpline, we match individuals with the provider that fits his or her mobility needs. In early 2017, we are launching a new program, called Rides 4 Veterans. Screened and trained veterans will be giving other veterans rides to their medical appointments, grocery shopping, and other necessities. In order to carry out our mission and keep the promises we make to the vulnerable populations we serve, we have two ongoing needs--financial and human resources (volunteers). Learn more here.
Upcoming Lafayette Chamber Events

Ribbon Cutting at CG Designs
Thursday, February 2, 5pm, 3416 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
Join us for a ribbon cutting at CG Designs on Thursday, February 2 at 5pm. CG Designs is located at 3416 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette.

Lamorinda Business Forum "Public Speaking for Business Success"
Tuesday, February 7, 5:30pm-7pm, 81 Lafayette Circle
For our first installment of this quarterly program for 2017, the Lamorinda Business Forum, the Lafayette, Moraga and the Orinda Chambers are proud to present "Public Speaking For Business Success" Tuesday, February 7, 5:30pm-7pm at Lamorinda Music, 81 Lafayette Circle with Julia Glyde, Speaker-Trainer-Consultant. Learn more here.

Social Media Workshop Series: How to Look and Feel Your Best in Social Media Videos
Wednesday, February 8, 6pm-7:30pm, Lafayette Library and Learning Center
From preparation and pre-planning essentials to performance secrets, this workshop is a must for anyone looking to perform in their own business videos. Wednesday, February 8, 6pm-7:30pm (check-in begins 5:50) in the Homework Center, Lafayette Library and Learning Center. Speaker: Stephanie Shaterian, fLO Content Marketing. This workshop is free but registration is requested. Register here.

2017 Citizen of the Year Nomination Deadline February 10
Do you know a person who should be considered for the 2017 Citizen of the Year?  They must be a current Lafayette resident. Must be someone who has given their time, money or energy to help make Lafayette a healthy community, where people will want to live, work and shop. Must be someone who models excellence in everything they do. Must be someone who brings this community together and/or makes us proud to be a member of the community. A celebration for this honor is scheduled for Friday, March 24 at the Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa. Please send your nomination to Jay Lifson at [email protected] by Friday, February 10 before 1pm.

Lafayette Chamber's Young Professionals Meetup - Ballet & Brews @ The Cooperage

Wednesday, February 15, 6pm, The Cooperage, 32 Lafayette Circle
Join the Lafayette Young Professionals & Diablo Ballet for a joint event, "Ballet & Brews"! This is a fabulous event to mix, mingle, and network. Meet some of Diablo Ballet's dancers and snap a picture in the "selfie station" with ballet props. A percentage of drink sales benefit Diablo Ballet's PEEK Outreach Program to under-served youth and at-risk teenage girls incarcerated in the Juvenile Justice system. Admission is free with The Cooperage generously donating a portion of food and drink proceeds supporting Diablo Ballet youth outreach efforts. Learn more here.

Lafayette Chamber New Member Orientation
Thursday, February 16, 5:30pm-7pm, Bank of the West, 3583 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
Join the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, current members and Ambassadors for a new member reception on February 16, 5:30 pm-7:00pm. Appetizers and a hosted bar will be available. The New Member Orientation will be held at the Bank of the West, 3583 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette. For more information contact Barbara at [email protected].

Chamber Office Closed for President's Day - Monday, February 20.

Mixer at Lamorinda Animal Hospital (formerly Four Seasons Animal Hospital)
Wednesday, February 22, 5:30pm-7pm, 3210 Old Tunnel Road
Join us at our February mixer at Lamorinda Animal Hospital (formerly Four Seasons Animal Hospital) on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 from 5:30pm-7pm.  Four Seasons Animal Hospital is located at 3210 Old Tunnel Road.

Coffee with Mayor Mike Anderson
Friday, February 24, 8am at the Lafayette Chamber offices
Join us for Coffee with Mayor Mike Anderson on Friday, February 24 at 8am at the Lafayette Chamber offices. Please park on the street!

If you'd like to receive a text message reminder about these and other upcoming Lafayette Chamber events, email your full name and cel phone number to Sara at [email protected] .

What's happening at the Lafayette Chamber? View our Events Calendar.

Jay Lifson, Executive Director