Local Events Not to Miss
November 2019
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41st Annual Community Thanksgiving Breakfast
We invite everyone! Politicos, non-profits, school representatives, business leaders, community leaders, Rotarians, our Chamber members and our community to all come together to share in a breakfast and enjoy our special speaker. Event starts at 7am and ends by 8:30am.
Breakfast by
Lavash Mediterranean Restaurant and Catering. Our speaker is Sean Perlmutter of
Pivotal Twist with “The Strangers of Kindness.” In his 20 minute talk, Sean Perlmutter will discuss the challenges to kindness, why they need to be overcome, and how to make kindness a core part of your daily existence.
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Our November Newsletter is Sponsored by Millie's Kitchen
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November Non-Profit & Art Events
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Help a Foster Child Get Back to Being a Kid. Become a CASA Volunteer.
Foster children can spend years moving from one foster home to another. They face lasting trauma, homelessness, unemployment and even prison as adults. But you can create a positive change by becoming a CASA volunteer. Court Appointed Special Advocates work one-on-one with foster children to ensure that they receive consistent support, health, education and therapeutic services, and positive social and recreational opportunities.
Here are the dates for our Informational Sessions in November:
Sign up
to attend IN-PERSON Informational Session
Friday, November 1, 12:30 p.m. - 2 pm., CASA Office
Friday, November 8, 12:30 p.m. - 2 p.m., CASA Office
Friday, November 15, 12:30 p.m. - 2 p.m., CASA Office
Friday, November 22, 1:30 p.m. - 3 p.m. Pinole Library
Register below for a WEBINAR
Monday, November 4, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.,
REGISTER
Monday, November 18, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.,
REGISTER
You must be 21 years or older to volunteer.
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First Friday @The Bank
Join Jennifer Perlmutter Pop-Up gallery at the former Wells Fargo bank in Lafayette (3525 Mt. Diablo Blvd.) for wine tasting with Meadow View Wines, every
first Friday starting November 1, from 5pm to 8pm. See current exhibits, and enjoy extra time and space with the exhibits.
https://jenniferperlmuttergallery.com/jpgatthebank/
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Queen of Heaven Vigil of Light All Souls Remembrance Day
All Souls Remembrance Day event will include a 3-day candle light vigil starting
Friday, November 1 at 6:30pm at Queen of Heaven. The cemetery will be open late for a couple of days, allowing families the opportunity to place candles on graves and enjoy a cemetery full of light at night. Families are encouraged to call and reserve a free candle for their loved one and participate in our vigil Friday and experience the beauty of our location being lit up by candles. Then November 2, Saturday at 11am we continue with our First Saturday Mass and celebrate All Souls Day Mass in the St Cecilia Chapel.
www.cfcsoakland.org/asd
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The Sun Kings at Town Hall Theatre
Friday, November 1, Doors @ 7pm; Music @ 8pm
Join The Sun Kings, Friday, November 1, at Town Hall Theatre as they perform an evening of the Beatles greatest hits. The band will perform many songs from both Let It Be and Abbey Road, so come sing and dance to some of the most notable songs in Rock and Roll history. Enjoy the Sun Kings in arguably THE most intimate room in the East Bay.
Rubber Soul Circle—The Rubber Soul Circle includes a complimentary drink of your choice, the ability to choose a seat before the house opens, an event poster signed by the band, an acoustic sound check and a short panel chat with members of the band. The Rubber Soul Circle is limited to 40 tickets. Doors open @ 6:00 PM. This is sure to be a very special evening, and will sell out quickly.
https://www.townhalltheatre.com/up-next
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Women in Leadership, Politics, and Society Town Hall
Saturday, November 2, 1pm-2:30pm, Danville Community Center, 420 Front Street, Danville
This year we are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which guaranteed women the right to vote, and a record-breaking 127 women were sworn in as part of the most diverse Congressional class in our nation's history!
Despite the significant jump in female representation in Congress and the strides we have made in advancing women's rights, we are a far cry from true gender equity.
Join Mark DeSaulnier on Saturday, November 2nd in Danville for a special town hall Mark DeSaulnier is hosting on "Women in Leadership, Politics, and Society." The town hall will explore the powerful contributions women have made throughout our nation's history and address the most pressing issues facing women today.
During the town hall, a panel of local women leaders and experts will share their experiences, take questions, and discuss topics like achieving gender and economic equity in the workplace and society, overcoming barriers to women's health care, and increasing women's representation in government.
https://desaulnier.house.gov/town-hall-rsvp
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Lamorinda Arts Council's Art Embraces Words
Sunday, November 3, 2pm-4pm, Lafayette Library & Learning Center, Arts & Science Room
Emerging writers read from their work in a room surrounded with visual art by local artists. In this way art literally "embraces" the spoken word. Lynn Carey, former host of the Times Book Club, emcees the event and introduces emerging writers in ten minute intervals. After a Q&A period, guests enjoy a reception with light refreshments in the adjacent Plaza underneath a vine covered pergola. The event is funded by a generous grant from the Lafayette Community Foundation. Mix and mingle with other art and literature lovers this Sunday - try something different! Access more information on our website,
https://lamorindaarts.org/art-embraces-words/.
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Way Side Inn Thrift Shop's Thanksgiving & Ski Clothing Event
Member volunteers at Assistance League® Way Side Inn Thrift Shop, located at 3521 Golden Gate Way in Lafayette, happily remind you that Thanksgiving Day will fall on November 28, which allows more than ample time to prepare for your annual traditions. A one-stop shopping spree at this well-known landmark will begin on at
9:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 5, and will last as long as inventory will allow, typically one week. As in previous years, you will find an assortment of such harvest-themed items as wreaths, metal and ceramic pumpkins, as well as turkey and Pilgrim figurines, autumnal- and harvest colored table linens, dinnerware and centerpieces.
While your Thanksgiving celebration will offer a sumptuous feast, a fitness regimen will surely offer a welcome balance. When you venture further into the thrift shop, you will discover a "ski chalet" that will equip you for traversing the snowcapped Sierra Nevada. Skiing does not have to be expensive when you shop at the Way Side Inn Thrift Shop. This something-for-everyone event will include hats, gloves and scarves. Children's ski jackets will also be available. What a glorious activity for the entire family to enjoy at such "rock bottom" prices!
When you support Assistance League Way Side Inn Thrift Shop with your donations and purchases, you will strengthen communities by transforming lives. Thank you! To learn more, please visit this website:
assistanceleague.org/diablo-valley.
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CSC Lafayette Community Information Meeting
Tuesday, November 5, 7pm-8:30pm, Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church,
49 Knox Drive
Join us for a community presentation and discussion about our vision of a new campus for health and healing in Lafayette. Cancer Support Community leadership, the project architect, and engineer will be there with drawings, plans, and projections. We welcome you to come with questions you may have about Cancer Support Community coming to Lafayette.
RSVP here.
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Why Great Public Schools Matter
Wednesday, November 6, 6pm-9pm, Acalanes Performing Arts Center, 1200 Pleasant Hill Road
Lafayette residents, former and current students and staff, and the general public are invited to a timely and stimulating panel discussion on growing up in Lafayette, the impact of public education in society, and the challenges California public schools face today. Dr. Gloria Duffy, President and CEO of The Commonwealth Club, will facilitate a lively conversation with other Lafayette public school alumni on the impact their Lafayette classroom education had on their personal and professional lives.
Confirmed panelists include: Dr. Gloria Duffy (Acalanes HIgh School '71): President and CEO of The Commonwealth Club, and Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense. Bret Taylor (Acalanes High School '98): President and Chief Product Officer of Salesforce, Co-Creator of Google Maps and Co-Founder of Quip. Alan Chin (Acalanes High School '05): American Contemporary Artist.
Register here.
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The Art of Leadership: Opportunity in the Unknown
Wednesday, November 6, 7pm-10pm, JPG@The Bank, 3525 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
This evening of TED-like talks for entrepreneurs and organization leaders will focus on ways to embrace the unknown for maximum value. Keynote speaker is Jim Marggraff, an Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year and inventor of LeapPad Learning Systems. Other speakers include Ray Beldner of stARTup Art Fair and Renee DeWeese Moran of Performing Academy. Hosted by Sean Perlmutter of Pivotal Twist.
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Harvest at JPG@TheBank
Thursday, November 7, 5pm-7:30pm, Exhibit runs through Dec. 22, 3525 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
Come together to reap what we have sown and enjoy the harvest of the season in our Pop-up Art Gallery in Lafayette. Bay Area artists bring work that resonates with Autumn and the theme of Harvest. Diane Williams, Chuck Potter and Marcella Austenfeld draw inspiration from nature in subjects and materials. Each artist will present new work. Live music by Jennifer Burnside. Please bring a can of food or dry food item for Contra Costa Food bank! Admission is $5. Raffle tickets will be sold for a chance to win an original small painting. Lafayette’s family grocer for over 50 years, Diablo Foods, will bring tastes of famous side dishes and holiday favorites created with family recipes.
https://jenniferperlmuttergallery.com/jpgatthebank/
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Mustache Gracias Men's Health Awareness Fundraiser
Thursday, November 7, 6pm-9pm, Ruth Bancroft Garden, 1552 Bancroft Rd., Walnut Creek
Presented by Contra Costa Oncology, Mustache Gracias helps raise awareness for Men's Health and funds for the
Cancer Support Community! Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance. Tickets are 2 for $45 or 1 ticket for $25. Kids tickets are available for $10.
Purchase tickets here!
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Lamorinda Moms Preschool Fair
Thursday, November 7, 6:30pm-8pm, Oakwood Athletic Club, 4000 Mt. Diablo Blvd
Attendees are encouraged to bring to the Fair diapers in unopened or opened packages and diaper wipes to benefit our selected chair Help a Mother Out, which provides diapers and other necessities to local families in need. Bins will be provided, and no loose diapers please. For more information, please see
https://www.lamorindamoms.org/preschool-fair2019.
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Mountain Shadow Film Society's November film: The Swallows of Kabul
Mountain Shadow Film Society's November film comes straight from its US premiere at the Mill Valley Film Festival in October. Two married couples in Kabul, living under the callous rule of the Afghan Taliban, find their destinies intertwined in this beautiful animated feature based on the eponymous international bestseller. Rendered in hand-drawn, delicate watercolors, The Swallows of Kabul has its weighty subject matter leavened by keen detail. A universal tale of endurance and survival. 82 min. • French, with English subtitles.
For the five screening dates and times, click here.
Special appearance: Budd MacKenzie from Lafayette's outreach program in Afghanistan, "
Trust in Education," will provide introductory remarks.
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Diablo Ballet Announces 2019-2020 26th Season Line-Up
Celebrating 26 years of creativity, Diablo Ballet opens its 2019-20 season with
A Swingin' Holiday
by Broadway choreographer Sean Kelly, accompanied live by the 16-piece Diablo Ballet Swing Orchestra, and an imaginative twist to a timeless tale of
the Nutcracker Suite
by Julia Adam. The season will also offer the playful romantic
Who Cares?
by George Balanchine; a sweeping duet
Berceuse
by Penny Saunders; a lyrical
Bach Suite for Strings
by Sally Streets; the bravura
Esmeralda
Pas de Deux, variations and Coda; and Diablo Ballet dancer Michael Wells will make his choreographic debut with
Forward Thinking.
Our March celebration at the Lesher Center will feature the popular romantic comedic ballet
Coppélia
accompanied live by the Diablo Symphony Orchestra. Concluding the season in May with a mixed repertoire,
Celebrated Masters,
starting with the classic story ballet,
The Sleeping Beauty,
and innovative and thought-provoking contemporary works by award-winning choreographers, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Stanton Welch, and Val Caniparoli.
A Swingin’ Holiday & More
performs November 8 at 8 pm, November 9 at 2 pm & 8 pm and November 10 at 2 pm. Location: Del Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Boulevard, Walnut Creek
Balanchine & Beyond
performs February 7 at 8 pm and February 8 at 2 pm & 8 pm. Location: Del Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Boulevard, Walnut Creek
Coppélia
performs March 20 at 6:30 pm and March 21 at 2 pm & 6 pm. Location: Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek
Celebrated Masters
performs May 1 at 8 pm and May 2 at 2 pm & 8 pm. Location: Del Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Boulevard, Walnut Creek
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Diversity and Inclusion Committee
The Lafayette School District is accepting applications to select members of its Diversity and Inclusion Committee. The committee will be composed of parents, staff, and community members from varied backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences who have demonstrated commitment to this work. Once the committee is convened, it will meet on a regular basis at reasonable intervals throughout the school year.
The work may include consideration of programs and staff development to address issues of inclusion and diversity, curricular approaches which highlight role models and consider representation, parent education, and the district’s approach to special events with respect to acknowledging diversity and different perspectives.
If you would be interested in serving on the committee, go to
lafsd.org and click on the link "Diversity and Inclusion Application" and be specific as possible about your experience in the district and your interest in these issues. If you have any questions regarding the upcoming work on the committee please contact me at
superintendent@lafsd.org.
Application deadline is
Friday, November 8, 2019 and the committee will convene its first meeting in January 2020.
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Sustainable Lafayette Presents: Idle Threat
Sunday, November 10, 11am, Town Hall Theatre
A lively look at one man’s spirited struggle to improve public health by raising awareness about idling’s impact, starting in New York City. Against all odds, he succeeds, helping improve local air quality, and in the process gains world-wide recognition for the anti-idling cause, with articles in the Wall Street Journal, New Yorker magazine and the Financial Times. General Admission: $10; Senior/Youth: $7.
Tickets here.
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AAUW-OML Branch Game Day Fundraiser
Thursday, November 14, 11:30am-3pm, Miramonte Gardens Clubhouse, 1 Miramonte Drive, Moraga
Attendees can play mahjong, bunco, dominoes (Mexican Train), or bridge and enjoy a catered lunch. Reservations are open to the public, $40/each and due by November 1, 2019. Game Day proceeds will help fund several college scholarships for graduating seniors at the Lamorinda public high schools, and two sponsorships for Saint Mary’s College undergraduates to attend AAUW’s National Conference for College Women Student Leaders (NCCWSL), the premier leadership training conference for college women. See AAUW-OML’s website
https://oml-ca.aauw.net for the reservation flyer.
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Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa Request for Turkeys
Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa serves two special holiday turkey meals -- the day before Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve at all 4 dining rooms. They expect to serve more than 1,000 people. Please consider donating a frozen turkey (or more) so we can provide these much appreciated special meals to our clients. Any size frozen turkey appreciated. Please deliver turkeys to Chef James at our central kitchen located at: 510 Garcia Ave., Unit H, Pittsburg, CA. Questions, please call: 925-293-4792.
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Gift Wrap Making
Saturday Nov. 16, 11am-2pm, JPG@The Bank Pop-up Art Gallery and Venue, 3525 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
Create painted gift wrap and origami boxes using acrylic paints and markers. Your friends and family will be saving the gift wrap. Here are some examples from previous years. Please bring a new or gently used scarf for donation to a women’s shelter or crisis center. We will wrap these and have them picked up for delivery directly to shelter.
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AAUW-OML’s Nov 19, 2019 Meeting: Title IX Expert
Tuesday, November 19, 9:30am-11:30am (9:30-10:00 a.m. social hour) at the Orinda Community Church, 10 Irwin Way, Orinda
Alicia Hetman, a recognized expert on Title IX and the topics of sexual harassment and discrimination, will speak at the American Association of University Women-Orinda Moraga Lafayette Branch general meeting on She will speak on the importance of and threats to Title IX, the federal law prohibiting gender discrimination in education. Admission is free and open to the public.
https://oml-ca.aauw.net/
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Artisan Faire
Tuesday, November 19, 3pm-7pm, Orinda Country Club, 315 Camino Sobrante, Orinda
Open to the public! Many new artists - returning favorites, local merchants, holiday gifts. Complimentary wine tastings, cocktails available.
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Pacific Chamber Orchestra presents Handel's Messiah
Saturday, November 30, 7:30pm, Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, 24 Knox Dr., Lafayette
Pacific Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Conductor Lawrence Kohl, presents a concert production of The Glorious - Handel Messiah with soprano Marnie Breckenridge, and mezzo-soprano Silvie Jensen, tenor Ricky Garcia, and baritone Ben Brady and the Pacific Chamber Orchestra Chorus, Ofer dal Lal Chorus Master. Performances are Saturday, November 30th, 7:30 pm Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church 24 Knox, Lafayette and Sunday December 1st, 3:00 pm Bankhead Theatre, 2400 First Street in Livermore. Tickets may be purchased for “The Glorious – Handel Messiah” online at
www.pacificchamberorchestra.org and additionally for the Livermore performance by calling or visiting the Bankhead box office 925-373-6800 at 2400 First Street, Livermore.
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Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary Club Raffle
The
Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary Club is noted for “building things”—canoes, kayaks, tear drop trailers, and a 1963 classic VW Beetle. This year’s raffle item is a 17 foot boat whose interior has been completely restored in mahogany. The tickets are $20.00 or 6 for $100.00. If any group wishes to raise a few easy $$$'s for their organization by selling raffle tickets for Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary's rebuilt/classic 1963 Glasspar Seafair Boat. It is another high-quality project from the Rotary Club that builds stuff. To buy tickets, contact John Fazel (
runmtns@prodigy.net) or fellow Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary Club Rotarian, Chuck Yeager (
carlfyeager@yahoo.com). The drawing will be held during the
It's a Wonderful Life event on Friday, December 6, 4pm-6:30pm in Lafayette Plaza Park.
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Looking Ahead into December...
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Town Hall Theatre Announces Season 2019/20 Holiday Show CINDERELLA: A Fairytale
Town Hall Theatre celebrates the holidays with a delightfully original take on the classic Brothers Grimm story, CINDERELLA: A Fairytale, as part of our 75Tth “TRANSFORMATIONS” Season. CINDERELLA: A Fairytale will have 12 performances, including two previews,
December 5 through December 21, at Town Hall Theatre Company, 3535 School Street, in Lafayette, CA. Tickets are $18 - $30, and are available through the Box Office at (925) 283-1557 or online at
www.TownHallTheatre.com.
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It's a Wonderful Life Holiday Art and Shop
Friday, December 6, 5pm-8pm, JPG@The Bank Pop-up Art Gallery and Venue, 3525 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
The halls will be decked and you can begin your holiday season with late hours, caroling, holiday music and a special section of museum quality gifts. This collection will be curated from regional and national artists to offer you the most unique gift buying in the area. Free. For more information, contact Jennifer Perlmutter at 925.284.1485 or
jp@jenniferperlmuttergallery.com.
https://jenniferperlmuttergallery.com/jpgatthebank/.
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“It’s a Wonderful Life in Lafayette” Holiday Celebration
Friday, December 6, 4pm-6:30pm at Lafayette’s Plaza Park, downtown Lafayette.
Free admission! This fun, family-friendly celebration includes visits with Santa, official holiday tree lighting ceremony, one-of-a-kind photo ops with the Town Hall Elf, live musical entertainment, kid’s crafts, holiday treats and more! Arrive early and plan to stay!
Festivities begin at 4pm when Santa is scheduled to parade along Golden Gate Way starting at the Lafayette Historical Society and arriving at Lafayette Plaza Park (corner of Mt. Diablo Blvd. and Moraga Road) at 4:30pm. A must-not-miss for the little ones!
https://lafayettechamber.org/holiday
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Upcoming Lafayette Chamber Events
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Ribbon Cutting at Nice Lashes & Brows
Thursday, November 7, 5pm, 3555 Mt Diablo Blvd Ste A
Join us for a ribbon cutting at Nice Lashes and Brows! They are located at 3555 Mt Diablo Blvd Ste A. This event is free but registration is requested.
Register here>>
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Tuesday Talk: Failure to Prosperity
Tuesday, November 12, 12noon-1pm, Lafayette Chamber Conference Room
Are you burning the candle at both ends and still coming up short of your goals? Many clients struggle with this too. Join Holly for this talk, Failure to Prosperity, to discover the secrets to consistent success without burnout or overwhelm.
This event is free but
registration is requested due to limited seating. Registration will be available starting tomorrow, October 15.
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FREE Cross-Group Speed Networking Event to Get You Into Networking Alignment with the Convergence of Business Networking and Online Networking Followup
Tuesday, November 12, 6:00pm-8:30pm, Capital One Café, 1139 S. N Main St., Walnut Creek
Check-in and Register at 5:30 pm ... come grab a glass of wine and a bite to eat and start networking early. Speed Networking will start promptly at 6:30pm. Bring your business cards and be ready with your 60-second elevator pitch.
RSVP on Eventbrite to get your ticket. Only 150 people will be allowed in, so get your ticket early as you have to have a ticket to get in. Tickets are FREE!
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November Chamber Mixer - Mix & Mingle at J. McLaughlin
Wednesday, November 13, 5:30pm–7pm,
3547 Mt Diablo Blvd.
Celebrate the season of giving with an evening of light bites and festive cocktails at
J. McLaughlin
. J. McLaughlin, a multigenerational lifestyle brand, has been styling men and women since its New York inception in 1977. Rooted in the tradition of sport, work and play, J. McLaughlin taps into the iconic legacy of true American Sportswear, and is known for its impeccable craftsmanship featuring standout colors and a portfolio of signature prints.
Keeping in the spirit of giving, should anyone decide they can’t leave the mixer without a J. McLaughlin signature piece, J. McLaughlin will donate 15% of all sales to the Las Trampas organization, a Lafayette based nonprofit that has a rich history of providing services to people with developmental disabilities and their families. Cheers!
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Ribbon Cutting at Anthony's Custom Picture Framers
Thursday, November 21, 5pm, 1020 Brown Ave
After 28 years of service, we are proud to reintroduce ourselves as
Anthony's Custom Picture Framers. Family owned and operated since 1991. Anthony and Tony look forward to seeing you soon and assisting you with all your framing needs.
Please join us for our ribbon cutting at 5pm. We are still located at 1020 Brown Ave, Lafayette. This event is free but registration is requested.
Register here>>
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Jay Lifson, Executive Director
251 Lafayette Circle, Ste 150, Lafayette, CA
Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm, Friday 9am-1pm
Office closed Monday, November 11 for Veteran's Day.
(925) 284-7404
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