Local Events Not to Miss
January 2020
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Lafayette Business Person of the Year - Jennifer Perlmutter!
On Friday, January 31, 2020, the Lafayette Chamber will honor Jennifer Perlmutter, the Lafayette Business Person of the Year during the State of the City Address at the Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa.
Tickets for the dinner are now on sale.
Photo (left to right): Lafayette Chamber 2020 Board President, John McCormick; 2020 Business Person of the Year, Jennifer Perlmutter; Lafayette Chamber Executive Director, Jay Lifson, and JPG@TheBank Community Outreach, Yvonne Banis.
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Our January Newsletter is Sponsored by Millie's Kitchen
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January Non-Profit & Art Events
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Moraga Art Gallery's Re-Opening
Now through February 1
"Astounding!" "A tour de force." "A blast" "A destination for art lovers." These are but a few of the spontaneous reactions heard during the new Moraga Art Gallery's opening weeks at 432 Center Street in the Moraga's Rheem Shopping Center.
Forced out of its former home to make way for a consignment shop, the gallery now occupies bright and spacious new quarters between Nation's and the Dover Saddlery near the corner of Rheem Boulevard and Moraga Road.
In its new location it has tripled in size, doubled its membership, and expanded its offerings in every genre from painting and ceramics to jewelry and sculpture. The gallery's inaugural show, entitled "Serendipities," consists of an "invigorating symphony of creativity," according to a recent five-star review in Lamorinda media, which singled out paintings by Debby Koonce and Jill Landau as well as Moraga's Carla Gelbaum and guest artist Graig Crossley, and Orinda's Irene Needoba. Several whimsical, junk-yard- chic "found-object" sculptures by Joe Bologna are also featured along with Donna Arganbright's popular ceramics and Judy Miller's often-provocative -- and always powerful -- bronze sculptures.
The current show runs until Saturday, February 1, to be followed by a yet-untitled sequel and a free public reception on Saturday, February 8 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. The gallery's hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 12 noon to 5:00 p.m. For more information, visit
www.moragaartgallery.com or call 925-376-5407.
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Lamorinda Arts Alliance Announces "Strictly Abstract"
Now through February 28, Monday – Friday 9am-5pm and Saturday 10am-1pm, Bank of America at 3530 Mt Diablo Blvd
Lamorinda Arts Alliance presents an exhibit, Strictly Abstract, at the Lafayette Bank of America at 3530 Mt Diablo Blvd in Lafayette.
The new exhibit features abstract paintings by Susan Erickson, Carla W. Gelbaum, Irenka Kudlicki, Pam McCauley, Geoff Meredith and Judy Bolef Miller. Stop by the bank any time during bank hours to view the exhibit and contact bank staff about purchase of artwork. The bank is open Monday – Friday 9am-5pm and Saturday 10am-1pm.
For more than two decades, the Lamorinda Arts Alliance has promoted the visual arts though exhibits in libraries and businesses, at open studio events, street fairs, and lectures, and in the community's art galleries.
Learn more here.
Image: “Tenth Bloom (diptych)”, acrylic painting by Carla W. Gelbaum
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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 January:
Sign up
to attend IN-PERSON Informational Session
Friday, January 3, 12:30 p.m. - 2 p.m., CASA Office
Friday, January 10, 12:30 p.m. - 2 p.m., CASA Office
Friday, January 17, 12:30 p.m. - 2 p.m., Pinole Library
Friday, January 24, 12:30 p.m. - 2 p.m., TBD
Register below for a WEBINAR
Monday, January 6, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.,
REGISTER
You must be 21 years or older to volunteer.
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Crab Feed Fundraiser benefiting the Sentinels of Freedom
Saturday, January 4, 5:30pm–11:30pm, Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette
The Sentinels of Freedom mission is to provide life-changing opportunities for men and women of the United States Armed Forces who have suffered severe injuries and need the support of grateful communities to realize their goals and dreams.
Money raised will go towards a Sentinel Scholarship. This is a 2-4 year commitment that is uniquely tailored to the specific needs of the scholarship recipient. Through their scholarships, these Veterans have access to financial assistance through housing subsidies, financial coaching and planning, a mentoring program, networking opportunities, and employment assistance.
Purchase tickets here.
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Assistance League of Diablo Valley - Prospective Member Coffee
Since 1967, Assistance League® of Diablo Valley, a nonprofit member volunteer organization, has improved lives in our community. You might have heard of its primary fundraiser, Assistance League Thrift Shop at the Way Side Inn, located at 3521 Golden Gate Way, in Lafayette. Member volunteers agree that staffing at this well-known landmark is fun and rewarding.
In response to the needs of a growing client base, Assistance League of Diablo Valley is reaching out to those of you who would enjoy selecting clothing for elementary school children according to gender and size, performing educational puppet shows for schoolchildren, reading to second grade students, or helping in supplying emergency clothing, food and supplies to those in crisis. Additional philanthropic programs concern implementing art in the classroom and staffing the Listen Program which helps identified students with verbal expression. Two other programs address the needs of the senior population.
If you are interested in spending quality time and meeting energetic and upbeat people while helping those who are vulnerable, please phone 925-934-0901 by
Wednesday, January 8, 2020 to reserve a spot for the Prospective Member Coffee scheduled for mid-January. For more information, please visit our website:
www.assistanceleague.org/diablo-valley.
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Kyle Athayde Dance Party - Concert, Dance, Rehearsals, Recording Sessions
The Kyle Athayde Dance Party (A 22 piece big band with members from NYC, LA, DC, Utah, and the SF Bay Area) will be in residence at Stanley Middle School from January 6th to January 12th. They will give free clinics during band periods in the school day.
The KADP will give a concert performance at 7:30pm the at Lafayette Library on Wednesday, January 8th and a swing, salsa, and R&B/Soul dance night at the St. Mary’s College Soda Center at 7pm on Thursday, January 9th. There will be open rehearsals at Stanley on Monday, January 6th at 3PM, and Tuesday, January 7th at 6PM. The recording sessions are also open to the public, and go from 9AM to 6PM on Saturday, January 11th, and Sunday, January 12th.
The KADP will be fundraising all week to finance the album, and you can donate in person that week, or online anytime at
www.kyleathaydedanceparty.com. You won’t want to miss being a part of this experience!
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Lafayette School District Parent Presentation: A Roadmap to Kindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten
Thursday, January 9, 6pm-7pm, Multi-Purchase Room, Lafayette Elementary, 950 Moraga Road
Topics include: Kindergarten Readiness and Expectations, Kindergarten Schedule - A Typical Day, Partner in Education - Partner Organizations and LPIE, and Transitional Kindergarten. Speakers include Superintendent Richard Whitmore, Assistant Superintendent Mary Maddux, Principal Ann Kim, District Administrative Specialist Marilyn Sibley, teachers, parent organization president and LPIE.
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Direct from Mill Valley Film Festival, an Exclusive Mountain Shadow screening! Noah Land
Friday, Jan. 10 - 7:30 PM
Saturday, Jan. 11 - 4:30 PM & 7:30 PM
Saturday, Jan. 18 - 4:30 PM & 7:30 PM
Walnut Creek Library (1644 N. Broadway)
NOAH LAND - From Turkey: A narrative of fatherhood, religion, memory and separation, converging around the disputed history of an enshrined olive tree. Getting closer to the end of his days due to a terminal illness, Ibrahim asks estranged son Ömer to drive him to the village in rural Turkey where he was raised. Soon after they arrive, Ömer realizes that there’s more to this request than meets the eye: his father wishes to be buried under the enshrined Noah Tree he claims to have planted as a boy half a century ago. In the aftermath of a land dispute that cast Ibrahim’s family away from the community decades earlier, however, the plot of land has become a holy site called the “Noah Tree,” named for the Biblical figure whom they believe first planted the tree after the Flood. With all relevant public archives damaged, and villagers growing defensive over what seems a sacrilegious act, Ibrahim forges ahead in the name of justice; Ömer, on the other hand, grows conflicted, bearing the brunt of this battle even as he grapples with un–aired grievances between himself and his dad. Drama • 109 min. • English subtitles.
Trailer
For non-Members, $12 general admission tickets will be available on a first-come basis, beginning 30 minutes before show times.
Learn more here.
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Volunteers Needed - Academic Decathlon
Saturday, January 11, Campolindo High School
You’re invited to volunteer in the Academic Decathlon! The South Bay Region Academic Decathlon competition is open to high schools from Contra Costa, Monterey, Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. Orientation will be provided the day of the event. You must be at least 18 years old or older to volunteer.
Sign Up Today!
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Rose & Heather Tours: For Lovers of Art, Gardens and History
Sunday, January 12, 4:30 - 6:00pm & Tuesday, January 20, 7:00 - 8:30pm, Deer Hill Vineyards, Lafayette
Join us at Deer Hill Vineyards in Lafayette to delight in lovely images of the English Countryside: from exquisite garden to splendid castle and more. Learn about opportunities to visit in real life, taste delicious wines, and socialize with fellow lovers of fine living. Complimentary. RSVP
www.rose-and-heather-tours.com/events
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2020 Vision
Wednesday, January 15 & 22, 7pm, JPG@The Bank Pop-up Art Gallery and Venue, 3525 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
2020 Vision - Artist talks and demos. Spotlight on our sculptors! Doug Heine will talk about all of his work on the outside and inside of JPG@The Bank. Also featuring Mary Oros and her large scale concrete sculptures. For more information, contact Jennifer Perlmutter at 925.284.1485 or
[email protected].
Learn more here.
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SIP @ JFKU Fundraising Academy 2020
Thursday, January 16 or 30, 11:30am -1:30pm
Applications are currently being accepted for the 2020 cohort of the Sanford Institute of Philanthropy at John F. Kennedy University’s Fundraising Academy, which kicks off in February.
We hope you will join us for an upcoming open house to learn more about the Academy including information about our curriculum, trainers, and outcomes. The open house will include lunch and a presentation followed by a Q+A. You will also have the opportunity to meet and mingle with other applicants and potential future cohort members hailing from nonprofit organizations throughout the Bay Area. Now entering its third year, the Fundraising Academy is one of our most popular programs. Over the course of four two-day modules throughout the year, the Academy provides training in all major topics in fundraising including a thorough introduction to the Cause Selling methodology. Participating nonprofit leaders will sharpen their fundraising skills and learn how to help their organizations operate more effectively. Join us for an open house to learn more and decide if this is the year to take fundraising at your organization to the next level.
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Lamorinda Art Council, Art Embraces Words Call For Visual Artists and Emerging Writers
Sunday, January 19, 2pm-4pm Lafayette Community Center
The Lamorinda Arts Council invites writers and artists to participate in their Sunday Jan. 19 Art Embraces Words program at the Lafayette Library in the Arts & Science Room from 2 to 4 pm. Emerging writers read excerpts from their work surrounded by visual artwork from local artists. In this way art literally "embraces" the spoken word. Master of Ceremonies, Lafayette resident Lynn Carey, former host of the Times Book Club, moderates the event. A reception with light refreshments follows the readings. Visual artwork is videoed and uploaded to social media. This free program is made possible by a generous grant from the Lafayette Community Foundation. Go to
https://lamorindaarts.org/art-embraces-words, email
[email protected] or call 925-359-9940 for more information.
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PURPLE HAZE: Tribute to Jimi Hendrix, Featuring Ralph Woodson with Sunny and The Black Pack
Friday, January 24: Doors @ 7:00 PM; Music @ 8:00 PM, Town Hall Theatre Company, 3535 School Street
The Purple Haze Circle includes the ability to choose a seat before the house opens, a complimentary drink of your choice, an event poster signed by the band, a special three-song soundcheck, and a brief Q & A with the band. The Purple Haze Circle is limited to 40 tickets. Doors open @ 6:00 PM.
Purchase tickets here.
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THE BIG JANGLE at Town Hall Theatre
Saturday, January 25: Doors @ 7:00 PM; Music @ 8:00 PM, Town Hall Theatre Company, 3535 School Street
The Big Jangle Band is a San Francisco Bay Area band dedicated to playing all things Tom Petty. We capture the Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers concert experience, not only playing the music of Tom Petty, but the songs he covered live, such as the Traveling Wilburys, The Byrds and Stevie Nicks. Comprised of seasoned musicians located in the East Bay, you will be guaranteed the ultimate live Tom Petty music experience. For the first time, the band will be performing the “Wildflowers” album in it’s entirety, plus a second set of totally rockin’ hits!
Learn more here.
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CZECH MARKS, Czech masterpieces inspired by Bohemian
Saturday, January 25, 7:30pm, Don Tatzin Community Hall, Lafayette Library
Sunday, January 26, 4pm, Piedmont Center for the Arts, Piedmont
Pre-concert talk 30 minutes before each performance.
The award-winning Gold Coast Chamber Players continue their 20th Anniversary season with Czech Marks, a stunning concert steeped in Czech and Moravian influences. Violinist Axel Strauss, winner of the coveted Naumburg Award, leads an all-star ensemble in chamber music of Dvořák, Novák and Janáček. Onstage reception with musicians.
https://www.gccpmusic.com/concerts
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Volunteer for the 2020 Point in Time Count
Let's Make Everyone Count!
On
January 23, 2020, the Contra Costa Health, Housing and Homeless Services will be conducting their annual Point in Time count to identify service needs for our community members who are facing homelessness. They need our help! Can they count on you? Register to volunteer
here.
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State of the ART
Wednesday, January 29, 7pm, JPG@The Bank Pop-up Art Gallery and Venue, 3525 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
Join us for a frank discussion on the regional art market and artist opportunities with gallery owner and artist Jennifer Perlmutter. Look for more details coming soon at
jpgatthebank.com.
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Volunteer Drivers Needed at Mobility Matters
Volunteer Drivers are needed at Mobility Matters to help disabled seniors and veterans go to medical appointment. Each ride is about 3 hours and most volunteer drivers take a ride every other week. Contact David Benet for more information at (925) 284-2215 or go to
http://www.mobilitymatterscc.com.
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Celebrate the New Year with Diablo Ballet
Diablo Ballet celebrates the New Year with the second program of its 26th Season,
Balanchine & Beyond featuring George Balanchine’s iconic
Who Cares? set to George Gershwin’s award-winning Broadway tunes. The program salutes female choreographers showcasing the deeply musical pas de deux
Berceuse by Penny Saunders, set to a lullaby by Benjamin Godard; and the lyrical
Bach Suite for Strings by Sally Streets, set to the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. The program also includes the exciting
Esmeralda and a lush ballet,
Forward Thinking, by company dancer Michael Wells, set to Justin Levitt’s poetic composition which will be performed live.
Following each performance, ticket holders are invited to stay for a dessert and coffee post-performance reception where they can meet and mingle with the dancers.
Performance Information:
WHAT: Diablo Ballet presents Balanchine & Beyond
WHEN: 8 pm – February 7 & 8 and 2 pm – February 8
WHERE: Del Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek
RUNNING TIME: 1 hour 25 minutes, one intermission
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Contra Costa CAER Group, Inc. Grant Program 2020
Contra Costa County CAER Group, Inc. is a non-profit public benefit corporation. CAER’s Community Outreach Emergency Preparedness Team offers grants up to $2,500.00 each annually. We have been giving away grant monies since the year 2000. This will be our 20th year in doing this. This CAER team manages these grants to improve the overall preparedness of each applicant. Grants can be used for emergency supplies, emergency drills and or exercises, emergency preparedness activity, etc. (See application guidelines) Grants are not given for salary reimbursement, refreshments and or consultant fees as well as any resource that can be acquired with NO Cost.
The 2020 grants are due back by February 14, 2020. Meeting to review all grants will take place February 19th. With everyone that applied to be notified, win or lose, by that week’s end. Applications currently available on our website at:
www.cococaer.org.
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Rock the CASA featuring Rick Springfield
Saturday, March 7, 2020 at 8 pm, Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek
Dan Ashley is proud to present Rock the CASA featuring Rick Springfield. Benefiting: Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Contra Costa County, Friends of Camp Concord, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Clubs of Contra Costa. Tickets and info
rockthecasa.org.
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Upcoming Lafayette Chamber Events
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Tuesday Talk: Failure to Prosperity
Tuesday, January 14, 12noon, Lafayette Chamber Office, 251 Lafayette Circle, Ste 150
Are you burning the candle at both ends and still coming up short of your goals? Many of my clients struggle with this too. Join me for this talk, from Failure to Prosperity, to discover the secrets to consistent success without burnout or overwhelm.
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Jay Lifson, Executive Director
251 Lafayette Circle, Ste 150, Lafayette, CA
Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm, Friday 9am-1pm
Closed Monday, January 20 for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
(925) 284-7404
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