May 15, 2017 News & Events

 
Taste of Lafayette Taste of Lafayette is SOLD OUT!
Tuesday, May 16, 5:30pm-9pm in Downtown Lafayette

The Taste of Lafayette is completely sold out! Exciting proof that we have one of the best downtown restaurant walks around.  We've now captured the attention of 500 attendees! We have over 35 participating businesses with 29 stops on the Restaurant Tour. 

New this year, ALL guests will check-in and start at the Bank of the West, 3583 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Two shuttle buses will be running routes up and down Mt. Diablo Blvd. from Mountain View by Panache Caffe and Bistro Burger down to Moraga Road near Sideboard, REVE and Swad. Check-in begins at 5:30pm, the restaurant walk is scheduled for 6:30pm-8:30pm. Dessert, coffee and the Lafayette Community Foundation raffle drawing are back at the Bank of the West from 8-9pm.

Want to be on our email list to be informed of next year's event? Sign up here.  
Welcome to Our Newest Members!
Welcome
The following businesses have joined the Lafayette Chamber the week of May 8 - May 12, 2017. We encourage you to visit their website to learn more about their services.  

The Parlor Event Lounge - Event Rentals
Zavaleta Music Studios - Music Studio / Lessons
RedUmbrella Group - Video Production 

Downtown Congestion Reduction Plan - Web-Based Preference Survey & Public Workshop

You are invited to participate in Lafayette's effort to respond to traffic congestion in our downtown. As you may be aware, the City of Lafayette is developing a Downtown Congestion Reduction Plan. The primary objective of the Plan is to generate solutions to respond to current and future traffic congestion in Downtown Lafayette.

The City of Lafayette now invites you, your family, and friends to participate in a public web-based survey for the Plan. The purpose of the survey is to gather community opinion about the 15 potential strategies to reduce future traffic growth in and around Downtown Lafayette. The survey asks just two questions. For those new to this topic, the survey page also features instructions, an interactive map, and a summary of the strategies with pros and cons included for consideration. To participate in the survey, please visit the dedicated Plan website - https://lafayettecongestion.com. The survey will remain open through May 31st.

Before the survey period closes at the end of May, Lafayette will also host a public workshop to solicit community feedback in person. The workshop will feature a presentation by Arup, followed by a strategy feedback session where attendees may learn details about and submit opinions on the various recommended congestion reduction strategies. The workshop will take place on Tuesday, May 23 at the Lafayette Veterans Memorial Building (3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, CA 94549). The workshop will start at 7 PM and end at 9 PM.

If you have questions about the web-based survey or upcoming workshop, please contact James Hinkamp, Transportation Planner, at 925.299.3229 or jhinkamp@lovelafayette.org.

This Month's Sponsor

It_s a Matter of Taste Fundraiser Luncheon

It's a Matter of Taste Fundraiser Luncheon Saturday, May 20
SAVE with Group Special Table of 8  $400.20
Register here.
 



Premier Members



Quick Links 
Wells Fargo Bank Lafayette May Mixer at Wells Fargo Bank
Wednesday, May 24, 5:30pm-7pm, 3630 Mt. Diablo Blvd.

Join us for our May Mixer at Wells Fargo Bank on Wednesday, May 24, 5:30pm-7pm. Wells Fargo Bank is located at 3630 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Please note, this is a non-alcohol event. Other beverages will be provided. View flyer.

City of Lafayette logo
Environmental Task Force Openings

Do you love sustainability? Are you interested in helping the City develop and implement environmental policies and programs? Submit an application here to be a member of the City's Environmental Task Force. The Task Force generally meets on the second Thursday of every month and is a wonderful way to get involved in promoting energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions reduction in your community. Interviews will be held the evening of Thursday, May 25th for those who have submitted applications. Have questions? Call or email Julia Koppman Norton, the Environmental Task Force Liaison, at (925) 299-3202 or jnorton@lovelafayette.org. Learn more here.

Spare the Air Employer Program
Help your employees find a better way to work. The Spare the Air Employer Program helps Bay Area businesses get their employees to work through carpooling, transit and biking.

How does your business benefit?
  • Save by reducing payroll taxes for each participating employee.
  • Commuter benefits improve employee morale and productivity. 
  • Employees save up to 40 percent on transit and vanpool expenses using pre-tax dollars.
  • Biking or walking to work is healthier, reducing insurance claims and sick leave.

The Spare the Air Employer Program provides assistance to help your employees start carpooling to work. At our on-site Carpool Now events, employees will learn about their carpool options and connect with coworkers to form carpools. Successful Carpool Now events require a minimum of 300 employees at the worksite and executive support. Registration and all services are free for Bay Area businesses. Visit EmployersSparetheAir.org to learn more! 


Summer of Love Lafayette
Rock the Plaza Series - Summer of Love "Hippie Market" Vendors Wanted!

During our Rock the Plaza series, the Lafayette Plaza will be filled with vendors showcasing Summer of Love goods. Our 60's inspired "Hippie Market" along Plaza Way opens at 6pm and runs until the music ends on Fridays in June - June 2, 9, 16, and 23. Interested in participating in the "Hippie Market"? Learn more here.

Make Music Day_ June 21
Sign up for Live Band Karaoke at Make Music Day 2017

Wednesday, June 21, 6pm-8:30pm, Lafayette Library Amphitheater

This is your chance to sing with a live band! Eighteen slots are available for lead singers and instrument accompaniments. Select your song from our songlist. Then complete the online form. Deadline for live band karaoke submission is Monday, June 19 at 5pm. Learn more about Make Music Day and sign up here.
Member News & Announcements

Celebrate with Lamorinda Theatre Academy!
Lamorinda Theatre Academy invites you to celebrate their Lafayette Small Business of the Year award as well as their 5th Anniversary! Stop by the studio May 15-May 20 and join in the fun! Lamorinda Theatre Academy is located at 83 Lafayette Circle. www.lamorindatheatreacademy.com

Lafayette Juniors 18th Annual Kitchen Tour
Saturday, May 20, 10am-3pm
Tour six Lafayette kitchens for a great cause benefiting Contra Costa Interfaith Housing, Alternative Family Services, The Taylor Family Foundation, and Trinity Center. Tickets are $40 and available at www.lafayettejuniors.org or Premier Kitchens in Lafayette.
 
Cooking with Kids Foundation - It's a Matter of TASTE
Saturday, May 20, 11:30am-2pm, Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 1035 Carol Lane
Enjoy an afternoon including a delicious luncheon by Fraiche Catering,  premium wines by Meadow View and Deer Hill Wineries and a silent auction. www.cwkf.org

Skin Cancer Seminar In Lafayette
Wednesday, May 24, 6:30-8:30pm, Lafayette Library
Come and experience the Many Faces of Skin Cancer, an event focusing on one of the most preventable cancers. Join an engaging panel of medical experts as they offer insights in the latest information on prevention, risk factors, new treatment options including immunotherapy, and explore the unique issues of skin cancer survivors. Space is limited. Advanced registration is required. Admission and refreshments are free. Parking available in library garage or on street. RSVP: 925-677-5041. Learn more here.

Bel and Bunna's First Anniversary
Saturday, May 27, All Day, Bel and Bunna's Books, 3581 Mt Diablo Blvd
Be prepared to party all day! Face painting / crafts / lots of story telling / games. www.belandbunnasbooks.com

Apply to be a Community Critic at Town Hall Theatre
Applications due May 31
This project was inspired by attending an arts engagement panel at the Theatre Bay Area Conference. One of the panelists, John Wilkins, Theatre Critic for KQED Arts, presented these closing remarks, "We want people to talk about theatre", and "Theatre has a responsibility to create a place of conversation", to which Town Hall Theatre has begun to ask: How can Town Hall Theatre get more people, across generations, talking about theatre, together? Learn more about becoming a Community Critic here or contact CommunityCritics@TownHallTheatre.com.


  
Right Livelihood: Finding Your True Work In a Well-Lived Life
Tuesday, May 16, 5:30 PM, Library Community Hall
This interactive workshop by Edward Quevedo, J.D., explores effective strategies for aligning the work we do with our personal values, in order to find joy, dignity and purpose and to achieve what is most meaningful to each of us. The goal is not a job or even a career, but finding your true calling. To register click HERE.

Friends of the Lafayette Library Sweet Thursday presents Local Authors Talk
Thursday, May 18, 7:00 PM, Library Community Hall
Our first panel of local authors features four writers who've written wonderful books spanning a variety of genres: James Leach, The Sustainable Way; Roberta Palumbo, Robert and Elizabeth: Two Voices, One Love; T.J. Reilly's latest thriller Ladies Invited; and Chrissa Ventrelle, May It Be: Growing a Genuine Life. Join us for this special event! To register click HERE.

Friday Connections for Seniors: Nutrition for Brain Health
Friday, May 19, 1:00 PM, Homework Center
Nutrition and lifestyle play an important role in maintaining healthy cognitive functioning. Registered dietitian Malu Trehan will discuss foods that nourish the brain, reduce inflammation and help improve focus and mood. Free program, walk-ins welcome. To register click HERE.


Lafayette Library
Always check out the latest events at www.LLLCF.org and follow LLLC on Facebook and Twitter.



Chamber Office will be closed Monday, May 29 in honor of Memorial Day.

Ribbon Cutting at The Parlor Event Lounge

Thursday, June 1, 4:30pm, 3420 B Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette
Join The Parlor Event Lounge and the Lafayette Chamber for a ribbon cutting and open house on Thursday, June 1 at The Parlor Event Lounge location in the Forge. The ribbon cutting will take place at 4:30pm, The Parlor Event Lounge will host an open house from 4pm-7pm on June 1 and another open house on Sunday, June 4 from 1pm-4pm.  Appetizers, drinks and free rental drawing will be available. Learn more about hosting your next event for up to 20 people at www.theparloreventlounge.com.

Ribbon Cutting - Celebrating 70 Years - El Charro
Thursday, June 1, 5:30pm-6:00pm, 3339 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette
Join us for a ribbon cutting and 70 year anniversary celebration for El Charro on Thursday, June 1 at 5:30pm. El Charro is located at 3339 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette. www.elcharro1947.com

Rock the Plaza - Summer of Love Lafayette - June 2 with San Francisco Airship
Friday, June 2, 6pm Hippie Market, 6:30-8:30 San Francisco Airship, 8:30 Hootenanny
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love in Lafayette! Enjoy the groovy sounds of Bay Area's best cover bands including San Francisco Airship, a Jefferson Airplane coverband. Don't freak out, man. It's free. Bell-bottoms and hippie threads encouraged. Time to pull out your tie-dye favorites! www.lafayettechamber.org/sol


Check out our new event page and see what opportunities are available for your business this year.  The Lafayette Art & Wine Festival is Saturday and Sunday, September 16 & 17. The Lafayette Res Run for Education is October 22.  Lafayette Community Breakfast is November 17. It's A Wonderful Life Tree Lighting is December 1.

If you have any questions, please contact Sara Regan, Event Director, at sara@lafayettechamber.org.    

If you'd like to receive a text message reminder about upcoming Lafayette Chamber events, email your full name and cell phone number to Sara at sara@lafayettechamber.org.

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

Jay Lifson, Executive Director 
(925) 284-7404