ON-GOING EVENTS

The Walnut Creek Farmers' Market has teamed up with its new partner and neighbor, John Muir Health. JMH will begin by supporting the market on opening day with a cooking demo featuring Executive Chef Allison Negrin from John Muir Hospital. A face painter and a balloon twister will also be on hand to entertain the kids while you shop.

The Farmers' Market is open every Sunday, year round, rain or shine. Peak season hours: (May - November) 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Contact: CCC Farmers’ Market Hot line- 925-431-8361 or www.cccfm.org

* Senior Services - Walnut Creek

Blood Pressure Screening

9:30-11 a.m. on the second Wednesday of every month on a drop-in basis. Call 943-5851 for more information.

* Sign up for Emergency Training

When disaster strikes, you may be on your own. In the event of a major catastrophe, such as an earthquake, experts say that residents are likely to be on their own for the first several days. You can be prepared to take care of yourself, your family, and your neighbors through Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. Through CERT, you will learn how to shut off utilities, extinguish small fires, perform light search and rescue, carry out first aid, and much, much more.

These free classes are usually held once a week for six weeks, for a total 20 hours of training, and are coordinated by the Contra Costa Fire District in partnership with the City of Walnut Creek.

To sign up or to put your name on an interest list, call Community Relations Officer Gayle Vassar at 925-943-5899, ext. 189.

More information about CERT can be found by clicking here.

Hearing Loss Association of America

09-01-10
10-06-10
11-03-10
12-01-10

7:00 pm to 9:00pm

Walnut Creek United Methodist Church
1543 Sunnyvale Avenue
Walnut Creek, CA

The Hearing Loss Association of America - Diablo Valley Chapter - meets at 7:00pm the first Wednesday of the month. All ages welcome. Assisted listening system available for T-coil hearing aid users. Most meetings are captioned.

More Information Available Here.

Madama Butterfly

July 10 - 18, 2010

More than 100 years after it's debut in Paris, Madama Butterfly remains solidly among the "top ten" operas, and its powerful story continues to exert an extraordinary impact each time it is presented.

The Lesher Center of the Arts
1601 Civic Dr. Walnut Creek, CA

Purchase Tickets: http://www.lesherartscenter.org/onstagenow/0910festivalopera

A National Exhibition of Book Art

Bedford Gallery : Unbound

July 11 - September 19, 2010
1601 Civic Drive
Walnut Creek, CA 94596-4299

Sir Francis Bacon said, “Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested.” The artists in our summer exhibition Unbound: A National Exhibition of Book Art have other ideas in mind. This show features 65 artists who tear, paint, puncture, and sew the pages, covers, and spines of books to create new two and three-dimensional works. Some of the artists recreate the book form in ceramic or fabric and others create one-of-a-kind books that pop up, fold out, or hang on the wall.

More Info Here: http://www.bedfordgallery.org/current.htm

Medication Safety

Thursday, July 15, 2010
9:30 to 11:00 AM

John Muir Medical Center-Concord Campus, 2540 East Street, Concord

Hear a pharmacist provide information on a variety of medication-related topics including: Questions to ask when you're given a new prescription. Why dosages are different for older adults than younger people. What are the reasons to keep an accurate and current medication list. How to recognize if a medication is causing an adverse reaction. What is the most effective way to take your medications.

More Information: Call (925) 947-3300

Bedford Gallery: Unbound - Opening Reception

Thursday, July 15, 2010
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Admission: $5

Enjoy wine and hors d'oeuvres provided by the Bedford Gallery Guild. Free for Friends of the Bedford. Sponsored by DRAA.

Artist Workshop: The French Fold Book with Sas Colby

Sunday, September 12, 10:00 a.m.
Fee: $60

Learn to make a stunning abstract book in just three hours using found objects, charcoal, and gesso. Both experienced and novice artists will enjoy this project, which includes free associating and word play.

Basic materials provided. Reservations are required: 925/295-1423.

Walnut Creek Library Grand Opening

August 17, 2010
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Location: At the Civic Park entrance, 1644 N. Broadway, Walnut Creek, CA

The day will include special programs for children and adults including puppets, story-time, public art self-guided tours, bookstore opening, and more. There will be demonstrations and exhibits as well as an opportunity for you to register for a library card.

Numerous downtown restaurants and merchants are offering special discounts on opening day. Just look for the library card sign in merchant windows and show your library card to receive your discount.

For program details including information about parking, please visit http://wwwnewwclibrary.org or call 925.935.5395.

Nutrition and Cancer Treatment

Saturday July 24, 2010
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

The Wellness Community, 3276 McNutt Avenue, Walnut Creek

Learn what to eat during and after treatment, how to establish nutritional goals, and how foods help in maintaining and regaining health. Presented by Tinrin Chew, RD who has been an oncology dietician for over 20 years.

For more information, click here: http://www.twc-bayarea.org/

4th Annual Chevron Family Theatre Festival

Saturday July 24, 2010
The Lesher Center of the Arts
1601 Civic Dr. Walnut Creek, CA

The fourth annual Chevron Family Theatre Festival on Saturday July 24, 2010, will provide a day for family and community to come together to experience nationally renowned performers such as The Sippy Cups, The Pushcart Players performing Happily Ever After - A Cinderella Tale, and Fantasy Forum performing The Wizard of Oz. New to the festival this year is four-time Grammy nominee Trout Fishing in America, David Sharpe and the PapaHugs Band and a Center favorite, Ken Bergmann's Percussion Discussion.

Many other FREE activities will take plac­e­ inside and outside the Center, including prince and princess walks, storytelling, costumed characters, puppet making, face painting and more. Additional performances outside include the San Jose Taiko Drummers, Karaoke Family Idol and Polynesian dancers Na Mamo No'eau.

More Information Here: http://www.lesherartscenter.org/theatrefestival

Getting a Good Night's Sleep

July 29, 2010
1:30 to 2:30 PM

This presentation by a primary care physician will include information on the causes of insomnia, risks of sleep medication and techniques to achieve better quality natural sleep. Location: John Muir Medical Center-Walnut Creek Campus, 1601 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek, CA 94597

More Information: (925) 947-3300

Pirates of Penzance

July 29 - July 31, 2010
The Lesher Center of the Arts
1601 Civic Dr. Walnut Creek, CA

Lamplighters Music Theatre presents Gilbert & Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance. This hilarious musical comedy includes sentimental pirates, bumbling policemen, dimwitted young lovers and an eccentric Major General, all bound to the often-ridiculous dictates of honor and duty.

Purchase Tickets: http://www.lesherartscenter.org/onstagenow/piratespenzance

Festival Opera Lucia di Lammermoor

August 7 - 15, 2010
The Lesher Center of the Arts
1601 Civic Dr. Walnut Creek, CA

This opera, by Gaetano Donizetti, was based on Sir Walter Scott's book, The Bride of Lammermoor, which was itself based on the 17th-century marriage of Janet Dalrymple and David Dunbar. Donizetti's version has become a beloved classic and a shining example of the bel canto school.

Purchase Tickets: http://www.lesherartscenter.org/onstagenow/0910festivalopera

Advance Health Care Directives

August 25, 2010
John Muir Medical Center
Walnut Creek Campus
1601 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek, CA 94597

All adults, regardless of age, need to understand how they can have control over their own life and death decisions. Suzanne Leib, Geriatric Care Coordinator, provides detailed information regarding the choices you or your family may face due to an accident or serious illness. This is an opportunity to clarify your own choices and make sure they will be carried out should you become unable to make your own health care decisions. Required documents will be provided.

More Information: Call (925) 947-3300

She Loves Me

September 2 – October 10, 2010
Center REPertory Company
The Lesher Center of the Arts
1601 Civic Dr. Walnut Creek, CA

Book by: Joe Masteroff
Music & Lyrics by Jerry Bock
Directed and Choreographed by Robert Barry Fleming

The Crown Jewel of the Golden Age of Broadway.

Purchase Tickets: http://www.centerrep.org/season1011/shelovesme.php

Twilight Parade

September 18, 2010

Walnut Creek annual Twilight Parade. Cheer for your favorite High School Band and Dance Troupe as they perform for our judges.

Main Street, Walnut Creek CA
Starts: 6:00
Ends: 10:00

Walnut Festival

SEPTEMBER 23rd THROUGH 26TH, 2010.
Heather Farms Park, Walnut Creek, CA
11:00 am to 11: pm

Come out to enjoy the sight and sounds of the Walnut Festival. Bring the kids for the Carnival while you enjoy the live music, food and drinks. The event runs Thrusday through Sunday.

Living Well Beyond Cancer

September 25, 2010
8:30 AM to 3:00 PM
John Muir Medical Center
Walnut Creek Campus, Ball Auditorium,
1601 Ygnacio Valley Road,
Walnut Creek, CA 94597

Join John Muir Health to celebrate a day of living well after cancer. This event focuses on recovery after cancer treatment including strategies for increasing quality of life after treatment for cancer and sustaining health and well-being. Speakers will discuss rehabilitation, hormone balance, managing menopausal symptoms, nutrition, diet and exercise, stress reduction, and more. Our keynote speaker is Julie Silver, MD. A psychiatrist and cancer rehabilitation specialist, Dr. Silver who is on staff at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women's, Massachusetts General, and Spaulding Rehabilitation hospitals in Boston, Massachusetts will discuss healing after treatment. Jeanne Alexander, M.D. and Sondra Altman, M.D. will speak about mood, hormones and quality of life after treatment. Tinrin Chew, RD, will be speaking the chemistry of nutrition and foods to support recovery, wellness and cancer prevention. Rebecca Katz, chef and author, will put into practice the lastest research on diet and nutrition in an instructive and delicious cooking demonstration. Participate in demonstrations with our wellness experts about physical fitness development, yoga demonstration, mindfullness meditation for stress reduction and Tai Chi for endurance and building health. Continental breakfast and box lunch will be served.

Cancer for Two

October 5, 2010
6:30 to 8:00 PM

When cancer strikes, it is never just the patient who is affected. Spouses, partners, and family members are thoroughly immersed in dealing with the disease as well. Learn the very necessary techniques required for the family to cope with their loved one's illness and come out the other side stronger for the experience.

Location:
John Muir Women's Health Center,
1656 N. California, Blvd., Suite 100 Walnut Creek CA

Register Online: https://www.johnmuirhealth.com/index.php/whc_class/class_ID/638.html

Becoming Dracula

October 22 – November 20, 2010
Center REPertory Company
The Lesher Center of the Arts
1601 Civic Dr. Walnut Creek, CA

By John Balderston & Hamilton Deane
Directed by Michael Butler

Experience the gothic classic as you've never seen it before. Bram Stoker's magnum Opus comes alive on the Lesher stage with all the chills and thrills that this sexy masterpiece is famous for.

Purchase Tickets: http://www.centerrep.org/season1011/dracula.php

A Chorus Line

October 22 - November 20, 2010
Contra Costa Musical Theater
The Lesher Center of the Arts
1601 Civic Dr. Walnut Creek, CA

One Singular Sensation!
Conceived and originally directed and choreographed by: Michael Bennett
Book by: James Kirkwood & Nicholas Dante
Music by: Marvin Hamlisch
Lyrics by: Edward Kleban
Directed & Choreographed by: Jennifer Perry

17 Broadway dancers put themselves on the line for their dream. Only 8 will reach it. Their stories pour out in song, providing a powerful metaphor for all human aspiration. An achingly poignant celebration of those unsung heroes of the American Musical Theatre.

Purchase Tickets: http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase

Becoming Britney

October 28 - November 14, 2010
Center REPertory Company
The Lesher Center of the Arts
1601 Civic Dr. Walnut Creek, CA

Book, Music & Lyrics by: Molly Bell & Daya Curley
Directed by: Daya Curley
Choreography by: Mandy Bell, Lisa Navarro & Molly Bell

How does a Pop sensation wind up bald and trapped in her own musical? Becoming Britney is a caustic (but loving) PG 13 fable that chronicles the rise...the dip...and the salvation of a foolhardy celebrity phenom.

The hit of the New York Fringe Festival - "It's a production that oozes sass!" - raved NYTheatre.com - the Bay Area's own sensation, Molly Bell, brings Britney home for it's West Coast premiere. it's a new Musical, y'all!

Purchase Tickets: http://www.centerrep.org/season1011/becomingbritney.php

The Mind-Body Connection

November 2, 2010
6:30 to 8:00 PM
John Muir Women's Health Center,
1656 N. California, Blvd. #100,
Walnut Creek, CA 94596

Medical studies have proved that emotions and thoughts can impact physical health and the immune system. Learn simple techniques to relax, enlisting your mind in developing healthy lifestyle habits for self-care.

Information: 925-941-7900
Register Online: https://www.johnmuirhealth.com/index.php/whc_class/class_ID/495.html

Banishing the Blues

December 7, 2010
6:30 to 8:00 PM
John Muir Women's Health Center,
1656 N. California, Blvd. #100,
Walnut Creek, CA 94596

Depression often plagues busy adults, especially during the holiday season. During this session learn about the causes of depression and learn methods to help minimize and/or eradicate this condition from your life. There will be practical and easy- to-learn techniques and suggestions to improve the lives of ALL who experience this all to common malady. PLEASE NOTE: This course will be a class on reactive depression (non-mental illness or clinical depression).

More Information: Call (925) 941-7900
Register Online: https://www.johnmuirhealth.com/index.php/whc_class/class_ID/639.html

A Christmas Carol

December 9 - December 19, 2010
Center REPertory Company
The Lesher Center of the Arts
1601 Civic Dr. Walnut Creek, CA

By Charles Dickens
Adapted by Cynthia Caywood & Richard L. James
Directed by Scott Denison

Brimming with music and dance, love and laughter, spectacular special effects and scary ghosts, it’s no wonder the critics have called it "THE Christmas Carol to see in the Bay Area." Join the thousands who make this theatrical event part of their annual holiday traditions.

Purchase Tickets: http://www.centerrep.org/season1011/christmascarol.php