Lafayette Chamber Logo on White
Welcome to our October, 2016 issue of 
"Local Events Not to Miss"
   
If you have a non-profit or fundraising event in November, 2016, we would be happy to include you in our November issue - please submit your event by October 21 to [email protected].
Othello By William Shakespeare, Directed by Eric Ting
Now through October 9, 100 California Shakespeare Theater Way, Orinda

Black. Muslim. Outsider. These are the labels Shakespeare's most famous Moor has carried with him as he's climbed the military ranks. Having survived battle after battle in faraway lands, Othello's greatest tragedy lies in those closest to him: his trusted friend, his beloved wife-and himself. In his Cal Shakes directorial debut, artistic director, Eric Ting, will face our society's fear of "the other" head on with this provocative rendition of Othello. Tickets: www.CalShakes.org
"Creative Contrasts"
Now through October 22, The Moraga Art Gallery, 522 Center St, Moraga

The Moraga Art Gallery announces "Creative Contrasts", a new exhibit featuring George Ehrenhaft's serene watercolor paintings inspired by California's incomparable outdoor world, and guest artists, David and Reed Bowman's brass and copper objects, shaped and hammered, ground and sanded into myriad decorative and functional works of art. www.moragaartgallery.com
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance at Town Hall Theatre
Runs: October 1-22, Town Hall Theatre, 3535 School St., Lafayette

The Wild West, 1890.  A brilliant scholar, beaten and left for dead after stopping a racial injustice, is dumped off at the saloon of a hardened young woman.  As she helps him heal and discover a new purpose in a broken land, a brilliant and lethal outlaw hunts him down.  A non-violent man must make the decision to either keep running... or become The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. Purchase tickets here.
Walnut Creek Walk to End Alzheimer's
Saturday, October 1, Reg. 7:30am, Walk 9:30am, Heather Farm Park, 1301 N. San Carlos Dr., Walnut Creek

The Walk to End Alzheimer's is the world's largest event to raise awareness and funds. When you participate in the Walk, your fundraising dollars fuel our mission-related initiatives of care, support and research. Join us in Walnut Creek on October 1. Registration starts at 7:30am; Walk starts at 9:30am. Register at: act.alz.org/WalnutCreek2016
7th Annual Orinda Olive Festival
Sunday, October 2, 11:30am-4:30pm, Wagner Ranch Nature Area, 350 Camino Pablo, Orinda

It's fun for the whole family: Food, music, olive oil tastings, art, pond activities, turtles and baby goats! This is a FREE community event located at the Nature Area, 350 Camino Pablo, Orinda. https://fwrna.org/
During the High Holidays, the doors to heaven are open to all... so are ours!
Sunday, October 2 through Wednesday, October 12

Join Chabad of Lamorinda for traditional High Holiday Services and a Community Rosh Hashana Dinner. High Holiday Services are blended with contemporary messages and insights in a warm and welcoming environment. Free of charge! All are welcome, no membership required, no experience necessary. English/Hebrew prayer books, warm & friendly atmosphere.
For more information visit ChabadofLamorinda.com/HH16.
Lafayette Rotary Golf Classic 2016
Monday, October 3, Registration 10am, Start 12 noon, Rossmoor Golf Course

The Lafayette Rotary Golf Classic at the Rossmoor Golf Course is sponsored by Lafayette Rotary and will be held on October 3, 2016. Registration will open at 10am with use of the driving range. The event will begin at 12pm with a shotgun start and a box lunch. Proceeds from The Lafayette Rotary Golf Classic are used to support a variety of charities in the San Francisco Bay Area and internationally. The tournament concludes at 4:30pm and participants can join us for cocktails and then dinner. Register here: https://bit.ly/lafayetterotarygolf.
BART to Host Telephone Town Halls on Rebuilding Plan
Tuesday, October 4, 6:30pm

BART is reaching out to the community to share details of the plan to rebuild our aging system after 44 years of service. This is your chance to hear from BART's General Manager as well as Board Directors.  This will also be a forum for participants to ask questions and give their input on why it's so important to update the system. During the meeting, you'll hear from BART's General Manager and Board Directors, as well as input and questions from BART riders about why system reinvestment is so important.  This is your opportunity to add your voice to the mix, and to hear about what's in BART's plan for you and your county. Register here.  For the live webcast, click here. Dial the toll-free number 1-877-353-4701 to listen and participate.
Caring for Seniors: Know Abuse, Report Abuse
Wednesday, October 5, 2pm, Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church - Oak Room

Adult Protective Services Supervisor in Contra Costa County APS is a county protective service program that accepts reports of abuse and neglect regarding people over 65 years of age and people ages 18 to 64 who are dependent adults. The purpose of APS is to investigate and seek to correct situations involving abuse, neglect or exploitation. This is accomplished with a thorough investigation of the allegations and the linking of the alleged victim with appropriate community resources. APS works with individuals, their families, friends, neighbors, and community agencies to provide services and help victims maintain themselves in a safe environment. In this program you'll learn how to spot abuse, and most importantly, how to report it to keep seniors and other loved ones safe. Presented by Lamorinda Village and Kendra Crenshaw, MSW. For more information, contact Ann Ornelas at [email protected].
Distinguished Speaker Series presents Tracy K. Smith, Pulitzer Prize-Winning Poet
Wednesday, October 5, 7:45pm, Lafayette Library Community Hall

Tracy K. Smith is the author of three books of poetry including Life on Mars, which won the 2012 Pulitzer Prize for Poetry. Smith's recent memoir Ordinary Light is a quietly potent exploration of her coming-of-age and the meaning of home set against a complex backdrop of race, faith, and the unbreakable bond between a mother and daughter. This program is in partnership with Saint Mary's College MFA in Creative Writing. Students admitted for Free. For more information click HERE.
Special benefit screening of The Girl on the Train
Thursday, October 6, 5:30pm Reception, 7pm Screening, Orinda Theatre

Benefitting Lafayette Partners in Education & Acalanes High School Boosters. Reception will be held at Orinda Theatre Square, upstairs patio. Drinks and hors d'oeuvres provided by The Fourth Bore Tap Room & Grill. Tickets are $50 per person, and include wine and hors d'oeuvres. To purchase your ticket, please click here.
Rebuilding Lives Luncheon
Thursday, October 6, 11:30am- 1:30pm, Concord Hilton, 1970 Diamond Blvd

Join us for an inspirational afternoon! Join STAND! For Families Free of Violence for the 24th Annual Rebuilding Lives Luncheon. Help us build safer families, schools, neighborhoods, and communities for Contra Costa and beyond. STAND! will honor Ellen's Guild with the Rollie Mullen Award for their work making the Rollie Mullen Center a haven for survivors of domestic violence. Keynote speaker: Tony Porter. Register here.
Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse - Create Jobs, Not Lawsuits Small Business Summit
Friday, October 7, 11:30am-1:30pm,  Il Fornaio, 1430 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Walnut Creek

Come to a free legislative briefing and luncheon featuring Assemblywoman Catharine Baker (R-16) at the California Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA) Small Business Summit on October 7 at Il Fornaio in Walnut Creek. Learn how Assemblywoman Baker is working to protect business owners by making California a pro-job, pro-employment state again. Hear how she is working to protect business owners against frivolous lawsuits that have forced companies to pay huge settlements, lay off workers or event take their businesses and jobs to other more business friendly state. She is co-author of AB 54 which would streamline the processing of plaintiff-attorney demand letters and complaints in construction-related Americans with Disability Act claims. For additional information contact Maryann Marino, Southern California Regional Director,California Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse at (949) 375-0856 or by email at [email protected].
Lamorinda Arts Alliance Announces 2nd Annual LAA Art Show & Sale!!!
Saturday, October 8, 10am-6pm, Lafayette Christian Church, 584 Glenside Dr.

The Lamorinda Arts Alliance invites you to join us for the Second Annual Art Show & Sale. Twenty-eight artists will display and sell their paintings, ceramics, glass, jewelry and photography.  Carla W. Gelbaum and Paula Riley will share their paintings.  Donna Arganbright and Olga Jusidman will feature their popular ceramic work.  Margaret Lucas Hill will show her beautiful silk paintings and K. de Groot will showcase her unique jewelry.  We will also have a group of creative printmakers and several excellent photographers including Wenda Pyman and Bill Klaproth. The artists will all be on site to answer any questions you might have about technique or what inspires and motivates them.  Demonstrations by several artists will be offered at 11am, 2pm, and 4pm.  Each of the artists participating in the Art Show will exhibit a sample of their work at the Orinda Library Gallery throughout the month of October. The Orinda Library is located at 26 Orinda Way, Orinda. www.laa4art.org
Lamorinda Arts Council: Art of Mixology Craft Cocktail Competition
Saturday, October 8, 4:30pm-7pm, Orinda Theatre Square

Come join in on the fun! The Lamorinda Arts Council is hosting its third annual fundraiser, Art of Mixology, on October 8th from 4:30 pm to 7 pm. Professional and amateur bartenders compete with their very own recipes. Sample from 20 stations then vote for your favorite. Tickets are $45 and available here: http://bit.ly/2cJgr0g
35th Annual Evening of Promise
Saturday, October 8, 6pm-10pm, The Clubhouse at Boundary Oak, 3800 Valley Vista Rd, Walnut Creek

Celebrate CASA of Contra Costa County's 35 years of child advocacy! Join us for an inspirational evening of fine dining, silent auction, live auction, and the presentation of the Light of Hope Award at our annual gala "Evening of Promise". Light of Hope Honoree: Five Bridges Foundation. The funds raised at the event will help CASA recruit, train and support additional volunteers to advocate for children and youth living in foster care. Purchase tickets here.
Adam Shaw - Everything Just Happens
Exhibit Dates: October  8 - November 5, Artist Reception on Saturday, October 8, 6pm-9pm, Jennifer Perlmutter Gallery, 3620 Mt. Diablo Blvd.

The Jennifer Perlmutter Gallery is proud to present Everything Just Happens. A solo exhibition of abstract paintings by Adam Shaw. This work is preoccupied with the question of what anything means - what we believe, why we believe it, what the world is, what the self is. Shaw's work is an investigation that moves from a central awareness in several simultaneously explored directions. The exhibit runs from October 8 through November 5, 2016 with a reception for the artist on Saturday October 8th from 6-9pm. www.jenniferperlmuttergallery.com
Third Annual "Sustainable Sunday" Fundraiser
Sunday, October 9, 2pm-5pm, Metro Lafayette, 3524 Mt Diablo Blvd.

Sustainable Lafayette will kick off fall with its annual "Sustainable Sunday" fundraiser on Sunday, October 9th from 2pm-5pm at Metro Lafayette. This year's fundraiser will support Sustainable Lafayette's newest initiative, the Lafayette Open Space Project. The event will feature sustainably produced appetizers and beverages, live music, and a silent auction with items from Bay Area artists and businesses. This year's speakers will discuss "the broader impact of local action" and include Ben Simon, CEO of Imperfect Produce, Alexandra McGee, Community Power Organizer of MCE, and Edie Irons, Communications Director of TransFormCA. The proceeds of the auction will directly benefit the Lafayette Open Space Project, which seeks to preserve and protect Lafayette's undeveloped resources.  The fundraiser will also support other programs, including the Lafayette Earth Day Festival, the Summer Environmental Film series, and the Green Schools project. Tickets are $75 for adults and $35 for college, high school and younger students. Tickets are available at: SustainableSunday2016.eventbrite.com

Contra Costa County Genealogical Society Fall 2016 Seminar "ANCESTORS ON THE MOVE" Immigration and Naturalization
Saturday, October 15, Doors open at 8am, 9am-3:30pm, Lafayette Veterans Memorial Hall, 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd.

John Philip Colletta, PhD, is one of America's most popular genealogical and family history lecturers. His lectures are famous for their information, warmth and humor. Register for his first Northern California appearance in 6 years, "ANCESTORS ON THE MOVE" Immigration and Naturalization here.

5th Annual Fall Harvest Celebration
Sunday, October 16, 11am-3pm, Lafayette Community Garden, 3932 Mt. Diablo Blvd.

The Lafayette Community Garden and Outdoor Learning Center invites you to our 5th Annual Fall Harvest Celebration. Garden Tours, Games, Displays, Refreshments, Music, Raffle, Native American Dwelling and Artifacts, Scarecrow and Gall Doll Making. All ages are welcome and there is no charge. www.lafayettecommunitygarden.org

CASA of Contra Costa County - Bring Positive Change to a Child in Foster Care!
Monday, October 17, 6:30pm-8pm; Wednesday, October 19, 12:30pm-2pm

A child in foster care longs for a safe and loving family like no one else. As a CASA volunteer, you are empowered by the courts to help make this dream a reality. Bring positive change to a child in foster care. And in doing so, change your life as well. Sign up to attend one of our informational sessions to learn more.

"A Taste of Walnut Creek 2016" 19th Annual Restaurant Walk
Tuesday, October 18, 6pm-9pm, Downtown Walnut Creek

The Original Walking Tour of Downtown Walnut Creek Restaurants! Proceeds Benefit American Association of University Women (AAUW) Orinda Moraga Lafayette (OML) Branch TECH TREK STEM Summer Camp Scholarships. Buy your ticket books from AAUW OML and join your friends for a delightful evening tasting food from over 20 Downtown Walnut Creek Restaurants.

Help send our Lamorinda middle school girls to Tech Trek summer camp! Ticket Books will be available for purchase for $30 per person before October 10, 2016 from Jan Cushman, [email protected]. Make your check for $30 out to: AAUW OML Community Outreach Fund, Inc., (Add $2 for postage if requesting ticket book be mailed.)

Assemblymember Frazier Invites You to a FREE Small Business and Resource Expo
Wednesday, October 19, 9:00am-12:30pm, Brentwood Community Center

Assemblymember Frazier is partnering with the City of Brentwood and CA State Board of Equalization Chairwoman Fiona Ma among others to host a Free Brentwood Small Business and Resource Expo at the Brentwood Community Center on October 19, 2016 from 9:00am-12:30pm. Representatives from the CA State Board of Equalization, U.S. Small Business Administration, Employment Development Department, Franchise Tax Board, Internal Revenue Service, Small Business Development Center and the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-BIZ)  will be available to help you gain Strategies for Success in Today's Economy. Register for the free event online here or by calling 1 (888)847-9652.

Free Concert featuring the Makhelat Hashachar Choir from Japan
Thursday, October 27, 7pm, Temple Isaiah Sanctuary

Temple Isaiah is pleased to present a free concert featuring the Makhelat Hashachar choir from Japan on Thursday, October 27 at 7pm in the Temple Isaiah Sanctuary sponsored by Cantor Korn's Music Fund. "The purpose of our movement and of this concert is only one: Shalom. The key to the peace of the world is the peace of Jerusalem." - Otsuki, Makhelat Hashachar Founder. Founded in 1946, the Makhelat Hashachar choir will perform a stirring concert that will include Japanese traditional music, Jewish liturgical pieces and Israeli folk songs. Please join us for this free concert. www.temple-isaiah.org

Trick or Treat Street Trick or Treat Street
Friday, October 28, 4pm-6pm, Downtown Lafayette (1st Street to Dewing Ave.)

For a fun, safe Halloween event, children and their parents are invited to Trick-or-Treat on Mt. Diablo Blvd. from Oak Hill Rd. to Dewing Ave. and in La Fiesta Square from 4pm-6pm on Friday, October 28, 2016. All participating businesses will displace a "Trick-or-Treat Poster" and balloons. Please come in costume to receive a special treat. Don't forget to bring a Trick-or-Treat bag. Learn more here.

Lafayette Youth Commission's Annual Haunted House
Friday, October 28 & Sunday October 30, 5pm-7pm Not Too Scary; 7:30pm-9pm Very Scary (for children 8 and over), Lafayette Community Center, 500 St. Mary's Rd.

The Lafayette Youth Commission puts on a fabulous Haunted House the weekend before Halloween every year.  Each year the committee reveals a new theme such as Haunted Schoolhouse, Camp-Wanna-Scare-Ya or Haunted Castle.  This event is great for all ages with our Super Scary and our Not So Scary options.
Ages 7 & Under: $3, Ages 8 & over: $5. www.LafayetteRec.org 
REPRESENT
Saturday, October 29, 11am-2pm, Diablo Valley College, Room A106, In the Arts Building, under the gallery

A panel of 3 art industry experts discussing the practical aspects of art representation in the 21st century. Facilitated by gallery owner and artist, Jennifer Perlmutter, REPRESENT aims to demystify the artist/gallery relationship, provide concrete advice on preparing you and your work for the best odds of representation and most of all, what can you do to best represent your self  in this highly competitive environment. Presented by The Jennifer Perlmutter Gallery. Sponsored by Lamorinda Arts Alliance. Registration is 20.00 and free for LAA members. Register online at: www.jenniferperlmuttergallery.com.

Gold Coast Chamber Players present "Verona"
Saturday, October 29, 7:30pm

Program includes Ludwig von Beethoven- String Quartet op. 59 no. 2; Dmitri Shostakovich- String Quartet no. 7; W.A. Mozart, Quintet in g minor, k. 516 for Two Violins, Two Violas, Cello. Musicians include Verona Quartet; Jonathan Ong and Dorothy Ro, violins; Abigail Rojansky, viola; Warren Haggerty, cello; with Pamela Freund-Striplen, viola. Purchase tickets here.  
Lafayette Reservoir Run 201624th Annual Lafayette Reservoir Run
Sunday, October 30, 8am, Downtown Lafayette

Help your school qualify for early bird credit! Sign up now for the 24th Annual Lafayette Reservoir Run! 2 Mile Fun Run at 8:00AM, 5K Run at 8:30AM, 10K Run at 8:45AM. Plus Costume Contest, Live Music and Healthy Lifestyles Fair. Register here. Sign up to volunteer here. 
Night of the Living Dead
Sunday, October 30, 3pm

Halloween will never be the same! For one day only Town Hall Theatre presents a modern horror classic with a live radio version of Night of the Living Dead. Rated PG13. Buy tickets here.  


Upcoming Lafayette Chamber Events

Chamber Office Closed: Monday, October 10 (Columbus Day)

Lamorinda Business Forum - Thursday_ October 13 Lamorinda Business Forum -
Thursday, October 13, 5:30pm-7pm, Lamorinda Music, 81 Lafayette Circle
For our final installment of this quarterly program we are proud to present "Pitfalls to Avoid as You Grow Your Business".  Dino Riggio (Dino Riggio & Associates) will facilitate a distinguished panel through Q&A.  This is an interactive event, so come loaded with questions. The Big Room at Lamorinda Music is located at 81 Lafayette Circle. This event is presented by the Orinda, Moraga and Lafayette Chambers.  A great place to network and meet your peers from the other chambers.  Learn more here.

Social Media Workshops Social Media Workshop -
Wednesday, October 19, 6pm, Lafayette Library's Homework Center
Topic: How to Get Your Local Business Found on Google the Easy Way. Speaker: Robin S. Fox, Digital Strategist. Learn more and register here.

Green Committee Meeting -
Tuesday, October 25, 12 noon, Lafayette Chamber Office

Mixer at Byron Park -
Wednesday, October 26, 5:30pm-7pm, Byron Park, 1700 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek

Coffee with City Planning Director - Niroop Srivatsa
- Friday, October 28, 8am, Lafayette Chamber Office

Trick or Treat Street Trick or Treat Street -
Friday, October 28, 4pm-6pm, Downtown Lafayette (1st Street to Dewing Ave.)
For a fun, safe Halloween event, children and their parents are invited to Trick-or-Treat on Mt. Diablo Blvd. from Oak Hill Rd. to Dewing Ave. and in La Fiesta Square from 4:00-6:00pm on Friday, October 28, 2016. All participating businesses will displace a "Trick-or-Treat Poster" and balloons. Please come in costume to receive a special treat. Don't forget to bring a Trick-or-Treat bag. Learn more here.

Lafayette Reservoir Run 201624th Annual Lafayette Reservoir Run -
Sunday, October 30, 8am, Downtown Lafayette 
Help your school qualify for early bird credit! Sign up now for the 24th Annual Lafayette Reservoir Run! 2 Mile Fun Run at 8:00AM, 5K Run at 8:30AM, 10K Run at 8:45AM. Plus Costume Contest, Live Music and Healthy Lifestyles Fair. Register here. Sign up to volunteer here.
  
Chamber Office Closed: Monday, October 31 for Reservoir Run Cleanup

37th Annual Community Thanksgiving Breakfast -
Friday, November 18, 7am-8:30am, Lafayette United Methodist Church, 955 Moraga Rd
Dick Callahan, Keynote Speaker, presents "Are You enjoying your Journey?." Catered breakfast provided by Lantern Catering. Music provided by: Harpist Wendy Tamis. Register here.

It's a Wonderful Life in Lafayette - Friday, December 2, 4pm-6:30pm, Lafayette Plaza Park
Free admission. Fun, family-friendly celebration. Tree lighting, live music, community sing-a-long, crafts. Santa is scheduled to parade along Golden Gate Way on Lafayette's treasured Old Betsy fire engine, along with a police escort. This caravan will start from the Lafayette Historical Society and arrive at Lafayette Plaza Park at 4:30 p.m. A must-not-miss for the little ones! Learn more here.

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