Local Events Not to Miss
May 2018
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Rock Band Showcase
Friday, April 27, 7:30pm, Lafayette Community Center, 500 St. Mary's Rd
A Brighter Day Charity, along with the Lafayette Youth Commission, is thrilled to host our Annual Teenage Band Showcase. Bands will perform 2-4 songs with the judges being your local Music Teachers. All participating members of these bands will receive a recognition/thank you award and the participants of the winning band of the evening will receive well-deserved awards. This will be a fun evening. Bands will be judged in two ways: First on their music, second on the amount of teenage friends they bring to the event. Food will also be available. There is no event charge for this event. More info
click here.
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Families Without Borders 6th Annual Gala
Saturday, April 28, Orinda Community Center
Enjoy cocktails, live entertainment, a gourmet dinner, and exceptional silent and live auctions in a fun African-themed setting. All proceeds go towards college scholarships, technology access, and a variety of community service activities focused on education and economic development in Sierra Leone, Africa. For more information and to purchase tickets for this event,
click here.
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Pure Muir Gala
John Muir Land Trust cordially invites you to join Master of Ceremonies Doug McConnell and hundreds of JMLT supporters at the 2018 Pure Muir Gala on Saturday, April 28 from 5pm-9pm at the John Muir National Historic Site in Martinez, CA. Mix and mingle with community leaders and other conservation-minded supporters while enjoying Brazilian fusion music by Ray Obiedo and Friends, wine and hand-crafted cocktails, gourmet appetizers and dinner, and a live auction by John Pereira. You’ll hear about the state of land conservation in the East Bay and exciting news for what’s on the horizon for JMLT. Tickets are available
online or by calling Kristin Salmon at 925-228-5013.
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8th Annual Lafayette Community Music Festival
Saturday, April 28, Doors open @ 6:30pm, Music @ 7:30pm
Featuring: The Elmwoods, Sin Silver, Frankie G, The Alley Kats, and The Muted Jeweltones.
The Lafayette Community Music Festival is an annual benefit for Town Hall Theatre. The musicians on the bill donate their time and talents, with the proceeds benefiting Town Hall’s various programs. The show is modeled around Neil Young’s famous Bridge School Benefits, with each musician or band performing a 25-30 minute set of songs in a more “stripped down” acoustic format. We are excited to feature local musicians, many of whom have recording credits or have released music professionally. Join us for a high quality event -- every year our patrons leave the building blown away by the quality of the talent. It is a “trust us on this one” kind of night that you don’t want to miss. We will also be featuring various high quality, craft beers for your enjoyment in the lobby before the show and during the break. Get your tickets now for this fantastic event!
$25 Advance $30 At-Door. Silent Auction.
Buy Tickets here.
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Dedication & Ceremony Honoring Contra Costa County's Fallen Heroes
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What's In Our Hat--Las Trampas Celebrates!
Sunday, April 29, 2018 Time: 3pm-6:30pm, Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa
Here at Las Trampas, we have so much to celebrate–60 years of learning, growth, and community. On April 29, we’ll be letting the balloons and confetti fly with What’s In Our Hat–Las Trampas Celebrates! Join us at the beautiful Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa for this joyous gathering. Great food, great music, silent auction, raffle, and more make for a festive afternoon with the Las Trampas community. Tickets and sponsorship packages are available. Purchase tickets
online
or contact Development Assistant Suzanne Pestal at (925) 310-2363 or
[email protected].
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Lamorinda Idol 2018
Now in it's 13th year, Lamorinda Idol 2018 is a student singing competition designed in the style of the American Idol television show.
Enter to audition for Lamorinda Idol singing competition at
lamorindaarts.org
only through April 30. Auditions held in Orinda - May 10-12. The program is open to young people in kindergarten through 12th grade who either attend school or reside in Orinda, Moraga or Lafayette. Entries may be made by individual soloists or by groups. Questions email:
[email protected] or
click here.
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PRESENTED BY THE LAFAYETTE CHAMBER:
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Early Bird Tickets for the Taste of Lafayette - Only Available Through Monday, April 30!
Lafayette’s favorite dinner party, the Taste of Lafayette, will be held on
Tuesday May 15, 5:30pm-9pm. Start at the Taste Pavilion, near the Bank of the West in Downtown Lafayette, for a hosted reception with music, appetizers, wine and beer. Then stroll down Lafayette’s Restaurant Row, savoring samplings from 25+ restaurants. Meet back at the Taste Pavilion for dessert, coffee and raffle to benefit the
Lafayette Community Foundation.
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5th Annual Dogtown Downtown!
Saturday, May 19, 9:30am Yoga/Registration at the Lafayette Library; 10am parade down Golden Gate Way, 10-12noon Lafayette Plaza Park
Yoga starts at the Library Pavilion at 9:30am. We welcome all to join in the FREE Parade at 10am. Demonstrations. Contests. Dog adoptions. Activities for you and your furry friends!
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COMMUNITY EVENTS THIS MAY:
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Chasing Angels - Patrick King at the Jennifer Perlmutter Gallery
Now through May 12, Wednesday–Saturday, 12–6pm and by appointment
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LPIE's Online Auction and Pay-to-Play Parties are Open! Help Make Our Schools Great!
LPIE's online auction is now open! Support LPIE by becoming a bidder and looking at what we have available. Click
here and go to the Start Bidding button in the upper right corner. Enter your email and follow the instructions to complete your registration. Vacations, trips, night outs, admissions, items, wine and wine tastings, special experiences, jewelry, services, parties and more. Pay-to-Play parties are open now, too. Be sure to check out all the exciting packages. A bid not only gives you a chance to win, but a way to support LPIE, too.
lpie.org
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Orinda Wine and Dine
Tuesday, May 1, 5:30pm-8:30pm, in and around Theater Square in Orinda
Come to downtown Orinda and get a taste of about 15 Orinda favorite and new restaurants, including new comer Saffron Indian Restaurant. Moraga Town Bakery will be part of the tour, with sample food offered at the check-in area, with a free glass of wine from the Lamorinda Winegrowers Association. Enjoy live jazz music and the Orinda Idols.
This year again the event is held in partnership with the Education Foundation of Orinda. Tickets at
OrindaChamber.org.
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Diablo Ballet presents the final program of its 24th Season featuring the World Premiere of Robert Dekkers’
The Red Shoes
Performances are Friday, May 4, 8pm, and Saturday, May 5, at 2pm and 8pm at the Del Valle Theatre in Walnut Creek
The award-winning Diablo Ballet presents the final program of its 2017-18 Season with Celebrated Masters, May 4th and 5th at the Del Valle Theatre in Walnut Creek. The program will feature the highly anticipated World Premiere of
The Red Shoes, choreographed by Diablo Ballet’s Resident Choreographer, Robert Dekkers. The Red Shoes, is an imaginative interpretation of Hans Christian Andersen’s timeless fairy tale. Tickets are $25 - $47. For tickets, call the Lesher Center Box Office at 925-943-SHOW (7469) or visit
diabloballet.org.
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Women’s Self Defense Workshop
Saturday, May 5, 10am, Acalanes High School
Assemblywoman Baker is hosting a Women’s Self Defense Workshop in partnership with the Lafayette PD, Lafayette Crime Prevention Commission, and the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department on Saturday, May 5 at 10am at Acalanes High School. Come learn self-defense skills to protect yourself and your loved ones and hear what the legislature is doing to improve public safety. RSVP online at
ASMRC.org/af/selfdefense or call (925) 328-1515.
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2018 Spring Makers Market: Girls Mean Business
Sunday, May 6, 2pm-4pm
The Girls Makers Market will host their inaugural event this May – a marketplace where young entrepreneurs can share ideas and sell their wares. Born out of a social media discussion among local parents, this group has quickly mobilized to plan a series of events supporting girls with existing businesses, as well as those who wish to get a business kick-started. The group’s main event is a makers market – where these budding entrepreneurs will showcase their products to friends, family and the local community. The girls will be encouraged to donate a portion of their earnings to a charity of the group’s choosing.
Learn more here.
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Community Awareness and Support Against Social Media Abuse
Wednesday, May 9, 6pm-8pm, Orinda Library Auditorium, 26 Orinda Way
Dr. Samadian Family and Advanced Dentistry team welcomes all Lamorinda families and individuals to gather together to build a healthy support system to prevent emotional abuse in the community. Dr. Gary Nye, a prominent psychiatrist in Lamorinda for decades, will share his expert opinion on the subject matter and will hold a panel discussion with the audiences. FREE event. In an ongoing strive towards having a safer and more inclusive community, Dr. Samadian’s family and advanced dentistry team, has launched a campaign against emotional abuse and for this year has specifically targeted social media abuse and cyberbullying. As a part of this campaign, Dr. Samadian has allocated an annual grant for students who have shown an active role against this relatively new and important epidemic.
Learn more here.
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24th Annual Bike to Work Day
Thursday, May 10
Team Bike Challenge & Company Bike Challenge - starts May 1. Visit
lovetoride.net/bayarea for details and registration.
Energizer Stations - located along the major bicycle commute routes. Map is located at
511contracosta.org.
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Help a Foster Child Get Back to Being a Kid. Become a CASA Volunteer.
You have the powerful opportunity to impact the life of a vulnerable child when you volunteer with CASA of Contra Costa County. CASA volunteers may be the only reliable and stable presence in a child's life to help encourage, support and motivate them to keep going.
Sign up
to attend in-person Informational Session.
Location: 2151 Salvio St., Ste. 299, Concord, CA.
Friday, May 11, 12:30pm-2pm
Monday, May 21, 12:30pm-2pm
Thursday, May 31, 6:30pm- 8pm
Or register for one of our upcoming webinars:
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Free Document Shredding Event
Saturday, May 12, 9am-12noon, Concentric Wealth Management Parking Lot, 251 Lafayette Circle, Ste 200
We are pleased to announce our 8th annual complimentary shredding day for clients and friends in the community! We'll have high capacity shredding truck on site to shred and recycle. Stop by, drop off your documents and enjoy breakfast and coffee. Contact Tor with any questions,
[email protected].
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Candidate Workshop
Saturday, May 12, 9am-12:30pm, Pacheco Community Center, 5800 Pacheco Blvd., Pacheco
Have you ever considered running for office? Then consider checking out the Contra Costa Elections Division’s Candidate Workshop. This engaging workshop is designed to remove the mystery from running for office. Experts will cover what’s involved in running for office, including how to file and appear on the ballot, campaign finance disclosure requirements, strategies for spreading your message (including social media), and what happens when you’re in the public eye. The workshop will be held from 9am to 12:30pm on May 12 at the Pacheco Community Center. To RSVP, call 925-335-7805 or email
[email protected].
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Mother’s Day Weekend “Artful Gardens Tour”
Saturday, May 12, 10am-3pm
The tour will feature five unique, private Lamorinda gardens selected for their variety of design, plant material and garden features. The tour also will include a pop-up market and plant sale. The pop-up market, located at one of the gardens, will offer a wide selection from local artisans including jewelry, ceramics, botanical art and food items. The plant sale will include specimens propagated by club members. The tour of four Lafayette gardens and one in Orinda is self-directed with the starting point designated on the tickets. Tax-deductible tickets may be purchased online at the club’s website
lafayettegardenclub.com or by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope and check to the Lafayette Garden Club, P.O. Box 294, Lafayette, CA 94549. They also may be purchased at The Lazy K at Orchard Nursery in Lafayette. Tickets cost $40 each or $35 each when four or more are purchased. Tour proceeds will benefit local schools and Lafayette beautification projects.
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Lafayette Rotary’s Concert at the Res
Saturday, May 12, 11am-3pm, Lafayette Reservoir
This year’s event includes the award-winning jazz band from Acalanes High School, the Rossmoor Big Band/Generations in Jazz, the Bentley High Jazz combo, the Stanley middle school Symphonic Orchestra who will be joined again this year by the Westlake Middle school from Oakland, the stunning dancers from the Performance Academy, and the talented Town Hall Education performers.
The event takes place on the Reservoir Stage that the Rotary Club build and the money raised goes to buying musical instruments for our local schools. Golf carts are available for transportation up to the stage from the parking lot. This annual event, FREE TO THE PUBLIC, is presented by the Lafayette Rotary Club and is financially sponsored by Diablo Foods, Oakwood Athletic Club, Cortese Investments, Lafayette Car Wash and Detail Center, Concord BMW, Minuteman Press, Lamorinda Weekly, Orchard Nursery, the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, and the generosity of many local and anonymous individuals.
Learn more here.
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2018 Moraga Community Faire & Car Show
Saturday, May 12, 11am-4pm, Town of Moraga's Rheem Valley Shopping Center
A wonderful opportunity for a “family fun day”! Kid’s Zone activities include pony rides, a climbing wall, and a bounce house. Grab a quick lunch at the food trucks, relax with a glass of local wine or beer and check out the over 70 amazing classic cars. Introduce yourself to over 60 local artists, business and organizations. Live entertainment will be presented all afternoon from the Saint Mary’s Jazz Band to Battle of the Bands winners. More info at
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Notes & Words: Benefit for UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland
Saturday, May 12, 8pm, Fox Theater, Oakland
See a rock legend up close. Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl frequently sells out stadiums. Don’t miss the chance to watch him perform a one-time-only acoustic set in an intimate space. Hear from a literary genius. Author George Saunders will share the distinctive dark humor that’s won him countless awards, including last year’s Man Booker Prize. Have your heart warmed. Best-selling writer Kelly Corrigan will inspire you with meaningful, and often deeply moving, words of wisdom. Be dazzled by teen singers. Oakland School for the Arts’ choir will astound you with their dynamic vocals. Yep they’re really high school students, not professionals. Feel great about supporting world-class medical care for all children. By joining us, you help ensure we can care for every child who walks through our doors.
Buy tickets here.
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19th Annual Orinda Three-Quarter Century Club Luncheon
Wednesday, May 16, 11:30am-1:30pm, Orinda Community Church, 10 Irwin Way, Orinda
Orinda residents 75 years and over invited! Special guest Dr. Walter Bortz, Stanford Gerontologist, Enjoying a Higher Quality of Life while Aging. Volunteers (from any community) are welcome! For more information and reservations contact John Fazel
[email protected] or (925) 324-2017.
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Charity Poker Tournament
Friday, May 18, 5:30pm-9pm, Victory Workspace, 1261 Locust Street, Walnut Creek
Green Light Poker Tournaments, Green Light Carpet Cleaning, Funny Bones Productions, and Victory Workspace are pleased to sponsor our 2018 Charity Poker Tournament. This is a great night of networking and fun. Game is Texas Hold ‘Em. Beginners, we will teach you how to play. Guide sheets provided at every table. Cash prizes to the top 3 finishers. The rest of the proceeds go to the American Cancer Society. Tell your friends, let’s sell this baby out and raise lots of funds to fight cancer!
Register Now!
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4th Annual Cancer Support Community Hope Walk
Saturday, May 19, 8:30am-12:30pm, Heather Farm Park, Walnut Creek
It's 3.1 miles with a few shortcuts. Solo walkers and teams are welcome to register. Benefiting the Cancer Support Community San Francisco Bay Area. All proceeds will underwrite the FREE programs and services CSC provides to people in our community who face cancer. $25 per walker (ages 10+). Register at
www.HopeWalkBayArea.net. Interested in being a sponsor? Email Carol Louisell at
[email protected] or call (925) 953-1209.
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Lafayette Juniors 19th Annual Kitchen Tour
Saturday, May 19, 10am–3pm
Tour six beautiful Lafayette homes for a great cause, with masterfully designed unique, elegant, and awe-inspiring kitchens. The Tour benefits No One Left Behind, Girls Inc., City Slicker Farms, White Pony Express and Contra Costa Crisis Center. Tickets are $50 ($45 tax deductible), box lunch available for $15. Purchase tickets at
www.lafayettejuniors.org or at
Premier Kitchens in Lafayette.
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1st Annual Jared Tucker Memorial Softball Tournament
Saturday & Sunday, May 19-20, 9am, Heather Farm Softball Fields
Benefiting his family and the families of fallen servicemen. Mens, womens or co-ed teams - all levels welcome. Contact John Rivera at (646) 721 0338 or Chris Grispo (925) 457-8225 or email
[email protected].
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Dine & Dance Under The Redwoods for SCOCO's 10th Anniversary
May 19, 6pm-10pm, The Old Yellow House, 209 Moraga Way, Orinda
Don't miss Sustainable Contra Costa's first-ever FUNdraiser party supporting Sustainable Contra Costa and commemorating 10 years of resilience-building community action and connection!
Learn more and register here.
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Gold Coast Chamber Players concert, ‘French Connection’ honoring the City of Lafayette's 50th Anniversary of Incorporation
Saturday, May 19, 7:30pm (pre-concert talk at 7pm), Lafayette Library, Community Hall
The award winning Gold Coast Chamber Players final concert this season,
French Connection, will be presented in partnership with the City of Lafayette as we help to celebrate Lafayette's 50 years of incorporation! The renowned San Francisco Piano Trio will join Gold Coast violist Pamela Freund-Striplen in a concert of music by Faure, Ravel, and Boulanger for piano and strings. Concerts usually sell out so please reserve early! Tickets and information:
www.gcplayers.org or by calling (925) 283-3728.
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HAVE THE DOC CHECK YOUR SPOTS at the one day Skin Clinic
Sunday, May 20, 2pm-6pm, Still Point Wellness Center, 953 Mountain View, Lafayette
If caught early, skin cancer can be successfully treated so checking your skin regularly is vital. Did you know that the cure rate for melanoma treated in its early stages is over 90 per cent and the cure rate for other skin cancers detected early is close to 100 per cent? Come in and have any mole, skin tag, spot, dot or skin lesion checked out by the doctor for free. Lesions can be holistically removed, for either health or aesthetic reasons, at a reasonable cost at the same appointment if desired. Funds raised by the clinic are donated to the Everest Learning Academy in Nepal.
Book appointment here.
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Bay Area KidFest
Saturday-Monday, May 26-28, Downtown Concord at Mt. Diablo High School, 2450 Grant St.
Bay Area Festivals, Inc. is pleased to present Bay Area KidFest, a 3-day holiday weekend of quality live entertainment, activities and sports for children to stimulate learning and exploration while presenting parents with new ideas and opportunities from arts & crafts and other exhibitors. KidFest also showcases community groups dedicated to families and children while celebrating the value and importance of families as a key part of a healthy community. All entertainment, attractions and free art activities are included in the low price of admission. Additionally, there are 20 rides: Zip line, Dragon Wagon Roller Coaster, Ferris wheel, pony rides, EuroBungy trampoline, Stars n Stripes train, Bobble Lagoon, petting zoo, giant slide, Xtreme Lasertag and more.
Learn more here.
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Kids and Snacks: Setting Healthy Habits
Thursday, May 31, 4pm-5pm, Lafayette Library Community Hall
Cooking with Kids Foundation is hosting a Free Class for Parents, children are welcome. A healthy snack discussion by Dr. Nazia Sheriff from Olive Leaf Pediatrics. Snack Demo by Chef Lynda from Cooking with Kids Foundation. Sponsored by Diablo Foods of Lafayette. Come and enjoy our tasty sample snacks. Learn more at
www.cwkf.org.
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Wine Tasting Fundraiser to benefit Family Builders
Thursday, May 31, 5:30pm-8pm, Wine Thieves, 3401 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
Family Builders believes that every child has the right to grow up in a permanent, nurturing family regardless of that child’s age, race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or medical, physical or emotional condition. Family Builders educates the community about the needs of waiting children, advocates on their behalf, and places children with permanent, secure families through adoption, and other forms of permanence. Family Builders’ goal is that no child will leave the foster care system without a permanent, loving and caring parent. Join us May 31 from 5:30pm to 8pm at Wine Thieves for food, wine and raffle! All proceeds will benefit Family Builders by Adoption!
Register here.
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TOWN HALL THEATRE COMPANY presents SENSE & SENSIBILITY by Kate Hamill, based on the novel by Jane Austen, directed by Susan E. Evans
Thursday, May 31, 2018, Preview @ 8pm
Friday, June 1, 2018, Preview @ 8pm
Saturday, June 2, 2018: OPENING RECEPTION
THROUGH June 23, 2018, Town Hall Theatre Company, 3535 School Street
Town Hall Theatre “Generations” Season 2017-2018 closes with Kate Hamill’s rollicking new adaptation of SENSE & SENSIBILITY, based on the classic novel by Jane Austen. SENSE & SENSIBILITY will have 12 performances, including two previews, May 31 through June 23, 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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Join White Pony Express in Meeting a $250,000 Matching Fund Challenge by May 31!
WPE has received an incredible opportunity! Luis Gerardo del Valle Torres and Heart’s Path Foundation have pledged $250,000 in matching funds for all financial donations, grants and pledges received between April 1 and May 31, 2018. This means that WPE can raise $500,000 in the next two months, taking a HUGE step toward achieving our annual fundraising goal. If you are interested in making a contribution to help WPE with this matching opportunity, please send your contribution to White Pony Express at 1966 Tice Valley Blvd., #101, Walnut Creek, CA 94595, or online at
www.whiteponyexpress.org/donate/.
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50th Anniversary - Give the Gift of Green
In honor of Lafayette’s 50th Anniversary, we’re calling on 1,000 homes and businesses to participate in the city’s largest ever community gift of green energy. In about a minute, any Lafayette home or business can Opt Up to MCE Deep Green and choose 100% renewable electricity sourced from California wind and solar farms. It’s simple to convert to Deep Green, and costs just $0.01 more per kWh (about $5/mo. for an average household). For more info and to enroll please go to
www.lovelafayette.org/50.
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Upcoming Lafayette Chamber Events
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Rock the Plaza 2018!
Join us for music in Lafayette's Plaza Park, 6:30pm each Friday night in June!
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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 will be closed May 28 for Memorial Day
(925) 284-7404
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