Art
Secrets of Plein Air Painting
The Alamo-Danville Artists’ Society will host plein air artist Mark Farina at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 14, at the Danville Congregational Church, 989 San Ramon Valley Blvd. Mark paints in both watercolor and oil with a loose impressionistic flair. The session is free to artists and art lovers. For information, call Ginger at 837-6414 or visit www.adas4art.org.
Auditions
Author Visit
Cities in the Wilderness
The Commonwealth Club of California presents former Secretary of State and Arizona Gov. Bruce Babbitt discussing and signing his books, “Cities in the Wilderness: A New Version of Land Use in America” and “Building a Future We Can Live In: Planning for Smart Growth and Land Use,” at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 15, at the new Lafayette Veteran’s Memorial Hall, 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette. Tickets are $15 members, $25 non-members. This fee does not include the book. Book sales provided by Lafayette Bookstore.
History Book Signing
Beverly Lane, curator of the Museum of San Ramon Valley, and Ralph Cozine, docent, will discuss and sign their book, “San Ramon Valley: Alamo, Danville and San Ramon,” from 2-4 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 14, at Bay Books in San Ramon.
How to Live to Be 100
The Commonwealth Club of California presents Dr. Walter Bortz, Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at Stanford University, discussing and signing his book, “How to Live to Be 100 and Truly Live Each Year,” at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 18, at the new Lafayette Veteran’s Memorial Hall, 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette. Tickets are $15 members, $25 non-members. This fee does not include the book. Book sales provided by Lafayette Bookstore.
San Ramon Valley: A Historical Perspective
Beverly Lane, curator of the Museum of San Ramon Valley and Ralph Cozine, docent, will present their new book, “San Ramon Valley: Alamo, Danville and San Ramon,” with an author’s discussion, slide show and book signing, at 7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 26, at the Danville Library, Mt. Diablo Room, 400 Front St. For information, call 837-4889.
Careers
Careers
Civic Meetings
Danville Parks and Leisure Services Commission
The Commission meets regularly on the second Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. in the Town Meeting Hall, 201 Front St.
Danville Planning Commission
The Commission meets regularly on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. in the Town Meeting Hall, 201 Front St.
Town Council Meeting
The Danville Town Council normally meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Town Meeting Hall, 201 Front St. Its one January meeting will take place Tuesday, Jan. 17.
Class Reunions
Classes
Clay Character Modeling for Kids
Danville Fine Arts Gallery, 233 Front St., offers a Clay Character Modeling for Kids class from 10-11:30 a.m., Saturdays, for ages 6-13. Michael Yen is the instructor. Classes are ongoing. Fee is $86 for four weeks plus $15 for materials. For information, call 838-1959.
Mixed Media Fun for Kids
Danville Fine Arts Gallery, 233 Front St., offers a Mixed Media Fun for Kids class from 3-4:30 p.m., Wednesdays, for ages 6-13. Marilyn MacDougall is the instructor. Classes are ongoing. Fee is $78 for five weeks, plus $8 for materials. For information, call 838-1959.
Oil and Acrylic Painting Class
Danville Fine Arts Gallery, 233 Front St., offers an Oil and Acrylic Painting class from 10 a.m.-noon, Mondays, and from 7-9 p.m., Wednesdays. Charles White is the instructor. Classes are ongoing and for all levels. Fee is $84 for four weeks. For information, call 838-1959.
Pencil Sketching
Danville Fine Arts Gallery, 233 Front St., offers a Pencil Sketching class from 10 a.m.-noon,Tuesdays, for beginners-intermediates. Michael Yen is the instructor. Classes are ongoing. Fee is $84 for four weeks. For information, call 838-1959.
People, Pets and Wildlife Portraits Classes
Danville Fine Arts Gallery, 233 Front St., offers a People, Pets and Wildlife Portraits class on Thursdays for all levels. Beth Batchelor is the instructor. Classes are ongoing. Fee is $30 per class or $100 for four weeks. For information, call Beth at 837-5654.
The Art of Drawing
Danville Fine Arts Gallery, 233 Front St., offers the Art of Drawing class from 6-8 p.m., Fridays, for all levels. Ron Norman is the instructor. Classes are ongoing. Fee is $140 for eight weeks. For start dates, call 838-1959.
Watercolor
Danville Fine Arts Gallery, 233 Front St., offers a Watercolor class from 6:30-8:30 p.m.,Thursdays, for all levels. Karen Mason is the instructor. Classes are ongoing. Fee is $84 for four weeks. For information, call 838-1959.
Watercolor
Danville Fine Arts Gallery, 233 Front Street, offers a Watercolor class from 7-9 p.m., Tuesdays, for all levels. Marilyn MacDougall is the instructor. Classes are ongoing. Fee is $80 for four weeks. For information, call 838-1959.
Clubs
Alamo Cribbage Club
The club plays cribbage for fun. It meets at 6:15 p.m. every Wednesday at the Safeway conference room, 200 Alamo Plaza, Alamo. Call 935-3325.
Alamo Merchants and Professional Association
AMPA meets the second Tuesday of each month for its business luncheon, at 11:30 a.m. for networking, and noon for lunch, including a guest speaker, at Round Hill Country Club, 3169 Round Hill Road, Alamo. AMPA also holds a mixer the fourth Wednesday of each month. For information regarding the luncheons and mixers, call Barbara Malan at 831-3329 or visit www.alamobusiness.com.
Alamo Rotary
The Alamo Rotary meets at noon every Wednesday at Roundhill Country Club, 3169 Roundhill Road. Call Mark Kahn at 837-3262.
Alamo Women’s Club Federated
The club meets on most Wednesdays at its clubhouse, 1401 Danville Blvd. It holds a business meeting and tea the second Wednesday at noon; meets for Mah Jong at 10:30 a.m. the third Wednesday; and holds a luncheon with program at noon the fourth Wednesday. For information, call Jean Stringfellow at 552-9733.
Alamo-Danville Newcomers’ Club
This club is open to new and long-time residents of Alamo and Danville interested in making new friends while learning more about the area. Many activities are available. A prospective member coffee is held the fourth Thursday of the month, and a monthly luncheon on the second Tuesday. Call 775-3233 or visit www.alamodanvillenewcomers.com.
Bay Area Single Christians
BASC club is a free, large, online group with event listings for Christian single adults around the S.F. Bay Area. See information at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bascsingles/.
Blackhawk Republican Women
The Blackhawk Republican Women will host speaker Lynn Leach, former State Legislator, at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 19, at the Blackhawk Country Club. The cost is $12 and reservations are required for this no host bar event. Make your reservations by Jan. 13 by calling Barbara at 837-7679 or e-mail baduffy@juno.com.
Blue Star Moms California
Blue Star Moms is a support group for families of members of the U.S. Armed Forces. It meets at 7 p.m., the second Wednesday of the month, at the Danville Veterans Hall, 400 Hartz Ave. Call Peggy at 866-7035 or Patty at 838-9096 or visit www.bluestarmoms.org.
Business Development Network
BDN is a group of professionals that share resources and develops business through relationships. It meets 7:45-9 a.m., the second and fourth Thursday of each month at Denny’s, 807 Camino Ramon, Danville. Call Bonnie at 648-0222.
Business Network International
The Danville Chapter of Business Network International, a world-wide networking organization that focuses on helping local businesses grow through building strong networking relationships, meets at 7 a.m. every Friday at Denny’s Restaurant on Camino Ramon. For information, call Glenn at 831-3372.
Danville AM Toastmasters Club
The club meets from 7-8:30 a.m., every Tuesday, at Father Nature’s, 178 E. Prospect Ave. Guests are welcome. For more information, contact Dave Miklasevich at 899-1543 or dmik210@yahoo.com or www.danvileamtoastmasters.org.
Danville Business Network International (BNI)
The Danville Business Network International (BNI) meets at 7 a.m., every Friday, at the Marriott Residence Inn, 1071 Market Place, San Ramon. Guests are welcome. Call Susanne Olsen, 937-5055.
Danville Lions Club
The Danville Lions Club meet on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Brass Door Restaurant, 2154 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon. Join us as our guest to learn the contribution you can make as a Lion. For information, call President Ted Fichter at 227-6617.
Danville Mid-day Referral Group, BNI
Danville Mid-day Referral Group, a chapter of Business Network International, meets from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., every Wednesday, at Louka’s, 267 Hartz in Danville. Call Fran Bates at 363-4327 or e-mail franbates@marykay.com.
Danville PM Toastmasters Club #1785
The club meets from 7:30-9 p.m., every Wednesday, at DVC, San Ramon Campus, Room 215, 3150 Crow Canyon Place, San Ramon. Guests are welcome. For information call Debra Elmore at 934-3113.
Danville Rotary
The Danville Rotary meets at noon every Monday at the Brass Door, 2154 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon. For information, visit www.danvillerotary.org.
Danville Women’s Club
The Danville Women’s Club meets for lunch and a program at noon the third Thurday of each month from September to June at the Clubhouse, 242 Linda Mesa. The Jan. 19 luncheon will host a doctor from Kaiser Hospital to discuss senior women’s health issues and will entertain questions from the audience. For information, call 837-7528.
Diablo Singles Dance Club
Diablo Singles Dance Club dances regularly the last Wednesday of the month from 7:30-10:30 p.m., at the Arts Education Building, corner of Ygnacio Valley Road and Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek. The cost is $7 for members and $9 for non-members. All are welcome.
Diablo Valley Quilters’ Guild
The Diablo Valley Quilters’ Guild meets at 7 p.m., the third Wednesday of each month at the Danville Congregational Church, 989 San Ramon Valley Blvd. Guests are welcome. Annual membership fee is $30 ($20 for seniors 65+). For information, call Dianne at 837-1863.
Diablo Valley Quilters’ Guild Guest Speaker
The Diablo Valley Quilters’ Guild presents award winning applique artist Linda Schmidt, who will be showing her beautiful quilts and talking about “Quilting for Those with Short Attention Spans,” at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 18, at the Danville Congregational Church, 989 San Ramon Valley Blvd. Guests are welcome. For information, call Dianne at 837-1863.
Diablo Valley Single Parents
This group meets at 6:30 p.m., on various days each month, and at different locations in the valley. Contact Rich at abersr@toast.net or 838-9487.
Diablo View Toastmasters
This chapter meets from 7:55-9 a.m., every Tuesday, at the San Ramon Community Center, 12501 Alcosta Blvd. Novice and veteran speakers meet to develop speaking skills. Guests are welcome. Call Josh Taves at 791-2233.
eWomen Network Accelerated Networking Luncheon
The eWomen Network holds its monthly accelerated networking luncheon from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., the second Thursday, at the Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Drive, Danville. Contact Claire at 648-3105 or clairesheperdson@ewomennetwork.com.
Kiwanis San Ramon Valley
The San Ramon Valley Kiwanis meets from noon-1:30 p.m. every Thursday, at Mudds Restaurant in San Ramon. Meeting includes a guest speaker and lunch. For information, visit its Web site at www.kiwanis-srv.org.
Model RC Boaters Association
The Danville Model RC Boaters Association seeks new members. To learn more, call president Rich Mahan at 785-0421.
Mt. Diablo Genealogical Society
The society meets from 1:15-3 p.m., the third Thursday of every month except August, at the California Savings Building, Rossmoor Shopping Center, Tice Valley Blvd. and Rossmoor Parkway, Walnut Creek. Guest speakers are at each meeting.
Mt. Diablo Macintosh Users Group
Get questions answered, solutions for problems, share experiences and explore new Mac developments. Club meets at 7:30 p.m., the third Monday of every month, at the Alamo Safeway Community Room. For information, call 837-1111 or 829-5501.
Porsche Club of America, Diablo Region
This club is for owners and enthusiasts of all Porsches. It meets at 8 a.m., every Saturday for breakfast at Denny’s, 803 Camino Ramon, Danville. For information, visit www.pca.org/dia.
San Ramon Valley Exchange Club
The San Ramon Valley Exchange Club invites you to join them at noon, the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, at Faz, 600 Hartz Ave., (sign in at 11:45 a.m.). RSVP 275-2412.
San Ramon Valley Genealogical Society
The society meets at 10 a.m., every third Tuesday of the month, except August and December, at the LDS Church, 2449 Stone Valley Road. Guest speaker at every meeting. All welcome. For information, call Ed at 299-0881.
San Ramon Valley Newcomers Club Hikes
The San Ramon Valley Newcomers Club Hiking Group invites prospective members to join as they explore East Bay Regional Parks. The group meets at 8:30 a.m., every Friday. Hikes are usually two hours and within 30 minutes of San Ramon. For information, call Sharon at 735-8960.
San Ramon Valley Rotary Club
This club meets for dinner at 7 p.m., each Wednesday, at the Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Drive, Danville. Guests are welcome. The club offers a great way to make new friends while making a difference in your community. Call Bill at 838-9110.
Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 75
The organization meets at 7 p.m., the second Thursday of each month, at the Danville Veterans Hall, 400 Hartz Ave. For information, call Post Commander Mac McCuskey at 837-2740.
A Salute to the Eagles
Community Concerts at El Campanil Theater presents “Hotel California – A Salute to the Eagles” at 8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4, at the El Campanil Theater, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. Reserved seating: Gold Circle, $32; Adults, $22; Seniors, $18; Children, $15. For tickets and information call 757-9500 or visit www.communityconcerts.com.
Concerts
Local Artists Debut at Wine Bar
Local musicians Colleen Jordan and Dan Taylor will debut their show, “Dan and Colleen, Acoustic and Eclectic,” at 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 13, at Bella Vino, 3450 Camino Tassajara, Danville. There is a $7 cover charge. Call 648-1300 for more information.
Pacific Sticks Percussion Ensemble
Pacific Sticks will perform at 5 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 15, at St. Timothy’s Church, 1550 Diablo Road, Danville. Experience music made only by percussion instruments; many of the instruments and rhythms are not typically heard in band or orchestra concerts. General admission is $18; students and seniors, $12. For more information call 837-4993, ext. 15, or visit www.sainttimothysdanville.org/Header.htm
Traditional Hymns & Classical Music
Rolling Hills Community Church presents a Traditional Hymns & Classical Music Concert, featuring Tom Lucia, Covenant Four Quartet, Salvation Army Band, and other performers, at 7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 13, at Rolling Hills Community Church, 1565 Green Valley Road. The cost is $10-$15, and proceeds support the Outdoor Adventure Faire, a children’s fishing and sporting expo. For information, call 820-3874.
Events
Alamo Women’s Club Luncheon
The Alamo Women’s Club presents inspiration speaker Susan Taylor, feng shui consultant, at noon, Wednesday, Jan. 25, at the Alamo Women’s Club, 1401 Danville Blvd., Alamo. The cost is $15. Call Barbara Stevens for reservations at 837-2171.
Annual Hats Off America Casino Night
The second annual Hats Off America Casino Night will be from 6 p.m.-midnight, Saturday, Jan. 21, at Club Sport, 350 Bollinger Canyon Road, San Ramon. Proceeds from the Casino Night benefits Hats off America, a nonprofit organization created to provide financial support to the families of military personnel killed in the line of duty while serving the U.S. in Iraq and Afghanistan. Tickets are $75 per person. For reservations, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, contact Sparky George at 855-1950 or e-mail thebearflagrunner@yahoo.com. For additional information, visit www.hatsoffamerica.us.
Annual Shellie Awards
The 27th annual Shellie Awards, sponsored by a generous donation from the Diablo Regional Arts Association, will be at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 14, at the Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Tickets are available at the Center Ticket Office for $25, which includes a post ceremony reception. For information, call Scott at 295-1400 or e-mail dlrca@dlrca.org.
Danville Rotary Crab Feed
The Danville Rotary International is sponsoring a Crab Feed at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4, at St. Isidore Church, Small Gym, 440 LaGonda Way. Proceeds will benefit the proposed SRVHS Aquatic Center and other community activities. The cost is $40 which includes salad, crab, pasta and a prize drawing ticket. For tickets, call Mike at 837-2027 or Victor at 838-8721.
Farmers Market
The Danville Farmers Market is open from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., every Saturday, at the Railroad Avenue Municipal Parking Lot, at the corner of Railroad and Prospect avenues. Call 825-9090 or visit www.pcfma.com.
O’Neill Foundation Awards Dinner
The Eugene O’Neill Foundation is accepting reservations for its annual awards dinner at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 18, at the Crow Canyon Country Club. Tickets are $65 per person and may be obtained from the foundation at 820-1818 or by mailing the foundation at P.O. Box 402, Danville 94526.
Super Bowl Crab Feed
Viet Nam Veterans of Diablo Valley is hosting its second annual Super Bowl Crab Feed at 2 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 5, at the Veterans Memorial Building, 400 Hartz Ave. The cost is $35 per person (crab feed), and $15 for children 13 years and under (pasta, salads and garlic bread). There will be TVs set up for viewing the game, drawings, prizes, a silent auction and photo opportunities with the Oakland Raiderettes. To secure reservations, make check payable to Viet Nam Veterans of Diablo Valley and send to VNVDV, P.O. Box 2079, Danville 94526-2079. For information, call Mr. Estes at 288-0084 or (510) 985-2437 or visit www.vnvdv.com.
Tour of the Blackhawk Museum
Blackhawk Museum sponsors a docent-led tour of the museum’s Renowned Exhibitions at 2 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. The tour is free with admission. For information, call 736-2280.
Exhibits
Hot Wheels at Blackhawk Museum
Nathan Proch, director of Design for Hot Wheels Basic Cars, Collector Products, Monster Jam, all Entertainment lines and Graphics will showcase the latest Hot Wheels and what he is working on for the future at 10:30 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Blackhawk Museum. Students are admitted free. Admission is charged for non-museum members. For more information, contact Jon Hart at 736-2277, ext. 248, or www.BlackhawkMuseum.org.
Film
Film
Fundraisers
Climb Against the Odds-Mt. Shasta 2006
Breast Cancer Fund’s seventh major mountaineering expedition, “Climb against the Odds-Mt. Shasta,” will take place July 7-13 at Mount Shasta. The cost and registration is $1,750, cost of week’s climb. For information, visit www.breastcancerfund.org, e-mail connie@breastcancerfund.org or call (415) 346-8223, ext. 30.
Company C Contemporary Ballet
The National Brain Tumor Foundation has teamed up with Company C Contemporary Ballet for a fundraising event being held at 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 27 at the Dean Lesher Regional Center in Walnut Creek. The tickets are $42 for adults and $22 for children. Following the event, brain tumor survivors along with their families will be recognized onstage with the cast and then friends and families will proceed to Massimo restaurant for a no-host cocktail reception post-performance cast party. For more information call 943-7469.
Giant Book Sale
Friends of the Danville Library will host a giant book sale with a large selection of bargain-priced books in the Mt. Diablo Room, 400 Front St., from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Jan. 20 and 21; and a bag sale day, from noon-3:30 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 22. Early shopping for Friends of the Danville Library members will be from 9-10 a.m., Friday, Jan. 20. For more information, call 837-1293.
Health
Magic by Alex
Award winning magician Alex Gonzalez will delight children of all ages with his magic skills, at 4 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 24, in the Children’s Reading Room at the Danville Library, 400 Front Street.
Yoga Classes
The Diablo Yoga Center offers community classes (taught by student teachers), from 4-5 p.m., Mondays and Thursdays, at the Diablo Yoga Center, 125A Town and Country Drive, for $8 per class. For information, call Lauren at 838-7878 or visit www.diabloyogacenter.com.
Holidays
Kids & Teens
Adventure Guides
The San Ramon Valley YMCA offers three programs for fathers and their children. Formerly Indian Princesses and Guides, the Adventure Guides are Junior Explorers (pre-school to kindergarden), Guides and Princeses (kindergarden-3rd grade), and Trail Blazers (4th-8th grade). Fathers spend special times with their sons and daughters, camping, rafting, at sports events, bowling and much more. For more information, call 831-1100.
Mother Goose Time
Bring your 0-3-year-olds to Mother Goose Time and enjoy storytime, finger play, songs and nursery rhymes, at 10:15 a.m., Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and 11:15 a.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 30-March 15, at the Danville Library, Mt. Diablo Room, 400 Front St. Registration is required, call 837-4889 or visit www.ccclib.org.
Preschool Storytime
Bring your 3-6-year-olds to Preschool Storytime at 11:15 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, Jan. 30-March 15, at the Danville Library, Mt. Diablo Room, 400 Front St. Caregivers must attend with child. Registration is required, call 837-4889 or visit www.ccclib.org.
Street Smarts Skate Nights is back
San Ramon and the Golden Skate are co-sponsoring Street Smarts Skate Nights, from 6:30-9 p.m., the third Wednesday of each month until May 17 at the Golden Skate, 2701 Hooper Drive, San Ramon. Come and start a season of fun, prizes and learn about traffic safety. For information, call Darlene Amaral at 973-2655.
Young Writers Workshop
The Mt. Diablo Branch of the California Writers Club is hosting an interactive writing workshop led by two published children’s authors, Sarah Wilson and Elizabeth Koehler-Pentacoff, from 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Jan. 28, at Christ the King Church in Pleasant Hill. This workshop is for sixth, seventh and eighth-grade students. The cost is $20. Bring a pen and paper and get ready to write. All proceeds will benefit 2006 Young Writers contest. To sign up visit http://CWC_Mt_Diablo_Branch.tripod.com/
Lectures/Workshops
Celebrate 10 Years of South African Freedom
The Rev. Dr. Tschenu, Speaker of the Limpopo Provincial Government, and Mudzunga Farisani, Senior Manager of Early Childhood Development, Limpopo Province, along with choir Vukani Mawethu will address the progress, struggles, liberation and reconciliation in South Africa, at 3 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 15, at the Peace Lutheran Church, 3201 Camino Tassajara in Danville. This event is free. For information and directions call 648-7000 or visit www.peacejourney.org.
East Bay Business Times Publisher
The Institute of Management Consultants (IMC) is hosting a lecture to help you add to or sharpen your business plans for 2006 with East Bay Business Times publisher Kevin Pitts from 7:30-9 a.m., Monday, Jan. 16, at the Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Dr., Danville. The cost is $20 and includes breakfast. Everyone is welcome. For more information or to register, call 263-4000 or visit www.imcnorcal.org/breakfast.htm
Rose Pruning
Members of the Mt. Diablo Rose Society along with several Rosarians, Consulting Rosarians and Master Rosarians will demonstrate and help you prune roses from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Jan. 14 at the Emerald Glen Park, on Tassajara Rd., between Gleason Dr. and Central Parkway in Dublin. Bring gloves and by-pass pruners and be sure to wear a long sleeved outer garment. For more information call 989-1748.
Literary Events
First Wednesday Programs
The Friends of the Danville Library and Tri-Valley Community Foundation sponsor First Wednesday programs in the Mt. Diablo Room of the Danville Library at 1 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month, October through May, with the exception of January. Subjects include art lectures and slide shows, music programs, and book and author programs. The program is free and everyone is welcome to attend. For information, call 938-7323.
Great Books Weekend at Asilomar
All book lovers are welcome to the San Francisco Great Books Council’s spring event weekend, April 7-9, at the Asilomar Conference Center, Pacific Grove. “Madame Bovary,” “Democracy in America,” “The Price” and selected poetry are on the agenda. The event includes six meals, reading materials, and two parties. Rates are $227-$368 per person. To sign up, visit www.greatbooks-sf.com or call Jimmie Harvey at (415) 383-1319.
Library Book Discussions
The Book Discussion Group has chosen books for 2006. The discussion group meets at 11 a.m. the second Thursday of every month from September through May at the Mt. Diablo room of the library. Everyone is welcome.
Live Music
Miscellaneous
Adopt a New Best Friend
Tri-Valley Animal Rescue (TVAR) offers wonderful animals for adoption every Saturday and Sunday, excluding most holidays. On Saturday, from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., dogs and cats are available at the Pleasanton Farmers Market at West Angela and First Street. Dogs and cats are also available at Petco, San Ramon; PetSmart, Dublin; Pet Foot Express, Dublin; Pet Food Express, Livermore and Pet Extreme, Livermore. For dates and times and other information, call TVAR at 803-7043 or visit its Web site at www.tvar.org.
Concerto Competition
The Prometheus Symphony Orchestra is sponsoring a concerto competition for East Bay string, wind and percussion players, ages 18 years or younger. The competition will be at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 17, at Zion Lutheran Church, Piedmont. The winner will perform with the orchestra on Sunday, March 26, and will receive a $200 award. Application deadline is Jan. 6; applications are available by calling 447-3659 or visit www.prometheussymphony.org.
Financial Planning Discussion
The Shalom Chapter Hadassah monthly meeting will host Suzanne Krasna, CFP to facilitate a finanical planning discussion on Wednesday, Jan 18. For more information contact Judie Lawrence at 484-9712 or judiela@comcast.net.
Mt. Diablo Macintosh Users Group
Get questions answered, solutions to problems, share experiences and explore new Mac developments. Meets at 7:30 p.m., third Monday of every month at Alamo Safeway community room. Call 837-1111 or 829-5501, for information.
Save Mount Diablo
Save Mount Diablo publishes upcoming hikes and events on and around Mount Diablo, to raise public awareness, appreciation, and support to preserve open spaces on and around the mountain. For information, visit www.savemountdiablo.org.
Walnut Creek Christian Academy Open House
Walnut Creek Christian Academy, a biblically based private school educating preschoolers through eighth grade, will hold its annual open house for prospective families from 9-11 a.m., and 6-7:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 26. This will be a casual come-and-go forum where parents may tour the campus, visit classrooms, meet teachers and administrative staff, preview curriculum, learn about before and after-school programs, etc. Refreshments will be served.
On Stage
Wigged Out
Victoria’s Hair on Stage in downtown Danville presents the outrageous musical comedy “Wigged Out!” most Saturday nights at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. through June 2006, at Victoria’s Hair on Stage, 520 San Ramon Valley Blvd. Wigged Out, voted “Best of the Best” in the Tri-Valley for two years running, is produced by Shelly Award winner, Jeff Seaberg. Tickets are $38 and can be purchased at Victoria’s Hair on Stage Box Office, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday or by calling 855-7469.
‘Wrong Turn at Lungfish’
The Role Players Ensemble Theatre production of “Wrong Turn at Lungfish,” a story of a blind and bitter college professor and his encounter wth a saucy, street-wise young woman, opens next weekend. Performances are at 8 p.m., Thursday, Friday, Saturday evenings, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20 through Feb. 11, at the Danville Town Meeting Hall, 233 Front St., Danville. Ticket prices are $13 – $22 and can be purchased at www.villagetheatreshows.com or call 314-3463.
Political Notes
Recreation
Scholarships
Seniors
Bridge
Seniors meet to play bridge from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every Friday at the Danville Veteran’s Memorial Hall, 400 Hartz Ave. Cost is $1. Reservations are required. Call Jerri Kaldem at 837-6283.
Danville Senior Citizens Club
The club meets from 9:45 a.m.-2 p.m., every Monday at the Danville Veterans’ Memorial Hall, 400 Hartz Ave., for line dancing exercise, bingo, mah jong and more. Membership is just $9 a year. Call Fran Britt at 743-4026.
Laugh Club
Medical research has proven what people have known for ages. Laughter is good for you. Join us for a half-hour laugh session at 10 a.m. every Tuesday at the San Ramon Senior Center, 9300 Alcosta Blvd. This event is free. Call Fred Turner at 216-4590.
Prime Time
Prime Time, a non-denominational gathering of “seasoned citizens,” meets from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. every Tuesday at the Community Presbyterian Church, 222 W. El Pintado. Various activities are offered in addition to educational speakers and day trips. A special presentation beginning at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 31 will feature “The Good Time Performers”. A home-cooked meal is served at noon for $3. Feel free to drop in or call Ruth Ann at 820-6387 for information or to be added to the mailing list. Need transportation? Call Gloria at 837-5229. “There are no strangers, just friends you’ve yet to meet.”
St. Isidore’s Young at Heart
The Young at Heart meet from 11:15 a.m.-2 p.m., every third Tuesday at St. Isidore Church, 440 La Gonda Way, Danville. Mass at 11:15 a.m. is optional. Lunch is served at 11:45 a.m. at no charge. Nonprofit bingo follows. Reservations appreciated. Call Joan Singer at 820-4447.
Spiritual
St. Raymond’s Catholic School Turns 20
St. Raymond Catholic School in Dublin will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a Mass, reception, school tour and more at noon, Sunday, Jan. 22, 11557 Shannon Ave. Reservations are requested and can be made online at www.st-raymond-dublin.org/school or by calling 365-0021.
Sports
Adult Open Gym Basketball
Danville Parks and Recreation Department holds drop-in basketball year-round at the Los Cerros Middle School, 968 Blemer Road, for ages 18 and over. Drop-in times are 7:30-9 a.m., Saturdays. Bring your own ball. Cost is $3 for residents, $5 for non-residents. Call 314-3400.
Adult Softball
Adult Softball plays pickup softball at 9:30 a.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays year-round. New members welcome. Call Bob Randall at 855-4646 for more information.
Danville Tennis Club
The Danville Tennis Club meets 6:30-9 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; and 9-11 a.m., Saturdays for drop-in tennis at San Ramon Valley High School. This free co-ed club provides play for 4.0 to 5.0 and very strong 3.5 level players. See information at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/danvilletennisclub.
Indoor Soccer for Boys and Girls
The Town of Danville is bringing soccer indoors this winter for youths ages 3-7. “Mix It Up” is an introduction to soccer, with footwork and proper skill development emphasized in a fun and supportive atmosphere. Classes are on Sundays from Feb. 5-Mar. 26 at Los Cerros Community Gymnasium, 968 Blemer Road. There are several classes for ages 3-5 and 6-7. The cost is $65 for Danville residents and $73 for non-residents. For class times and to register, go online to www.ci.danville.ca.us, visit the Danville Community Center, 420 Front St., or call 314-3400.
Learn Tennis, Get Free Racquet
Learn to play tennis in six hours and receive a free Dunlop Tennis Racquet. Sponsored by the United States Tennis Association, new classes start the first Monday of each month, from 6:30-8 p.m., at San Ramon Valley High School. The cost of six hours of group lessons is $100 per player. Lessons taught by former world ranked tennis professional/30-year coach. To register, call Brett, USPTA P-1 at 683-2460.
San Ramon Valley Tennis Club
San Ramon Valley Tennis Club is looking for new members. We offer league play for women throughout the year for both A and B players. Games are played on weekdays, during the day, in the East Bay. Membership fee is $30 per year. For information, call Laurie at 820-0695.
San Ramon Valley YMCA Sports
The San Ramon Valley YMCA is registering students for Basketball (Pre-K, K-1, 2-3, 4-5 and 6-8 grades), starting Saturday, Jan. 21, for eight weeks. For reservations and information, call 831-1100 or visit www.mdrymca.org.
Walnut Creek Tennis Club
WCTC is a free, co-ed tennis group for single adults of all ages and levels (primarily 2.5-3.5). It plays drop-in tennis from 9 a.m.-noon, Saturdays and Sundays at Las Lomas High School in Walnut Creek (S. Main). See information at http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/wctc/.
Support Groups
American Chronic Pain Association
The ACPA group meets from 11a.m.-1p.m. every second and fourth Monday at the Community Presbyterian Church Library at 222 W. El Pintado Road.
Bipolar Support Group
The Tri-Valley Support Group provides free peer support for people with mood disorders. It meets from 7:15-8:45 p.m., every Wednesday at St. Clare’s Episcopal Church, 3350 Hopyard Road, Pleasanton. Call 560-0842.
Breast Cancer Support Group
This is a staff-facilitated support group for women with breast cancer. It meets at 6:30 p.m., the first Wednesday of each month at the San Ramon Regional Medical Center, 7777 Norris Canyon Road, in the West Day Room of the South Building. Call Lisa Peguese at 275-8414.
Cancer Support Groups
Free support, education and stress management for cancer patients and their loved ones, including general support groups for all types of cancer patients as well as cancer specific groups for breast cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, brain tumor, support groups for caregivers and life after cancer. Groups meet at the Wellness Community, 3276 McNutt Ave., Walnut Creek. For times and days, call 933-0107.
ClutterLess (CL) Self Help Group
Is clutter stressing you out? Cluttering is a psychological issue, not just an organizing issue. Meetings are from 7-8:30 p.m., Mondays (except holidays), at the Pleasanton Presbyterian Church, Room 7, 4300 Mirador Drive, Pleasanton. For information, call 426-5311.
Danville TOPS
The Danville chapter of Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) meets at 9 a.m., every Tuesday at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, 1550 Diablo Road. Call Bob Blendow at 935-9344 or Rosemarie at 838-7870
Fibromyalgia/Pain
The San Ramon Valley Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Support Group meets from 7-9 p.m., every other Monday in Danville. Call Denise for location and information at 837-0510.
Hospice Offers Support
Hospice and Palliative Care of Contra Costa offers a variety of support groups and workshops for people experiencing grief and loss after the death of a loved one. Individual grief counseling for Hospice families is also available. Groups are offered from 7-9 p.m., Friday evenings at the San Ramon Valley United Methodist Church in Alamo. All groups and workshops are offered without fee and require preregistration. For a schedule of groups in the Pleasant Hill area, for additional information and/or to register, call 887-5678
Overeaters Anonymous
The group offers a 12-step approach to issues around food, overeating, anorexia and bulemia. It meets from 7-8 p.m., every Tuesday at the Danville Congregational Church, 989 San Ramon Valley Blvd. No fees. Call Susie at 275-1391.
PFLAG
The Danville/San Ramon Valley Chapter of Parents Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) is a support group that meets at 7:30 p.m., every third Monday at the Danville Congregational Church, 989 San Ramon Valley Blvd. Call 831-8172.
Volunteering
Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association of Northern California, East Bay branch, seeks volunteers to facilitate support groups, staff the help line, and perform a variety of office support at its office in Lafayette. Call (800) 660-1993.
Assistance League of Diablo Valley
This chapter of the National Assistance League seeks new volunteer members to help with a wide range of philanthropic service projects in many Contra Costa communities. These include vision screening in elementary schools, distributing clothing to school children in need, daily reassurance phone calls to homebound elderly and handicapped clients, and staffing the chapter’s Lafayette thrift shop. Call 934-0901 or visit http://diablovalley.assistanceleague.org.
Blackhawk Museum Docent Training
If you are interested in becoming a much appreciated part of the Blackhawk Museum family while contributing to your community, making new friends, learning new things, and having fun, become a docent! Training is from 10 a.m.-noon, Mondays, Nov. 7- mid-June 2006, at the Blackhawk Museum. For information, contact Norma at 736-2277 ext. 238.
Child Abuse Prevention Council
The Contra Costa County Child Abuse Prevention Council needs volunteer speakers for the community education program. Volunteers must complete a mandatory 24-hour speaker’s training course. For information, call 946-9961.
Contra Costa Academy of Fine Art
The academy seeks new volunteers and members to help with tasks ranging from bookkeeping to recruiting instructors. The group meets noon-1 p.m., the second Friday of the month at Richard’s Art & Craft Store, 225 Alamo Plaza, Alamo. Call Beth Batchelor at 837-5654.
Help Hospice Patients
Hospice and Palliative Care of Contra Costa (HPCCC) has three volunteer opportunities available in East Contra Costa County: certified massage therapists, patient support volunteers, and bereavement volunteers. Annual training is provided and begins Jan. 25. For information or to schedule an interview, call 887-5678 or e-mail volunteers@hospicecc.org.
Lindsay Wildlife Museum
Docents are needed to lead class tours, teaching children and others about our important connection with wildlife and the world we share. Call 935-1978 or visit www.wildlife-museum.org.
Literacy Tutor Training
Project Second Chance (PSC), the Contra Costa County Library adult literacy program will train volunteers to become literacy tutors. Training is from 6:30-8:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 18, and continues from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 21 and 28, at the PSC office, 75 Santa Barbara Road, Pleasant Hill. Volunteers needed in East and Central Contra Costa County. For more information, call 927-3250 or e-mail pcs@cclib.org.
Make a Difference
Reutlinger Community for Jewish Living (RCJL) in Danville provides assisted living, Alzheimer’s and skilled nursing care in a community our residents call home. Volunteers play a key role at RCJL and opportunities are availabe for students and adults. For information, call Volunteer Coordinator Irma at 964-2098.
Regional Medical Center
The Contra Costa Regional Medical Center needs volunteers to work in patient services, gift shop or at the information desk. For an application or information, call Julie Kelley, Volunteer Coordinator, at 370-5441.
Search and Rescue
The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team needs volunteer members to respond to missing person incidents, disasters and other critical incidents. Team members are on call 24/7 year round. The program provides required training including wilderness traveling, first aid, map and compass, tracking disaster response and search skills, and may additionally include special training for canine, equestrian, technical, mountain bike or other rescue skills. For information and applications, visit www.contracostasar.org or call 646-4461.
Trails Maintenance
East Bay Trail Dogs is an all-volunteer group that has built, repaired and helped maintain single-track trails in the East Bay Regional Park District, the Mt. Diablo State Park, and Walnut Creek open space. Volunteers meet the fourth Saturday and one weekday each month. To participate, call Harry at 443-3925.
Tri-Valley Animal Rescue
Tri-Valley Animal Rescue (TVAR) offers volunteer orientations from 1-2:30 p.m., the second Saturday of each month at East County Animal Shelter (ECAS) in Dublin. Contact Noella Hartshorn at 846-0745 or e-mail noellehartshorn@comcast.net for information.
Volunteer Interpreters
The California Medical Association seeks community volunteer interpreters for Contra Costa County to assist physicians when other interpretation resources are not an option. If you possess a proficiency in any foreign language and experience interpreting in a health care setting, you are encouraged to apply. Contact CMA at (866) 241-4262, or e-mail communityvip@cmanet.org.
Appeal over redevelopment project at old Chevron HQ coming to San Ramon councilApril 6, 2026 10:32 pm
