Supporting our Non Profits

August 2021

Presented by the Lafayette Chamber
Lafayette Chamber Announcements
Shop the summer’s hottest deals at Lafayette’s Citywide Sidewalk Sale TOMORROW!
Saturday, July 31, 2021

It’s time to Shop Local Lafayette! Perhaps for Back to School, for yourself or for your gift-giving needs! Try Lafayette First!

Throughout Lafayette our retail stores, businesses and salons will have Sidewalk Sale specials on Saturday, July 31. Both on the sidewalk and in-store, even online! Click here for participating businesses.

To start the day, the Lafayette Chamber will host WELCOME BACK LAFAYETTE coffee and breakfast treats in Lafayette’s Plaza Park Plaza 10:00am – 11:00am. Coffee generously donated by Peet’s Coffee Lafayette and bagels + lox from Wise Sons and breakfast burritos from Bacon Bacon donated by Local Kitchens. Plus, refill your water bottles and chat with new member Sunwise Clinical Research.

Make a day of it and enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch and/or dinner in one of our stellar restaurants!



😷 For everyone's safety, please wear a mask indoors and continue to social distance; wear a mask outdoors when you are closer than 6’ feet from others, except when immediately eating or drinking.
Lamorinda 2021 Virtual Evacuation Exercise

The annual Lamorinda evacuation drill will take place on Saturday July 31, 2021. This year will be a virtual exercise. Area residents who have signed up to receive emergency alerts from the Contra Costa County Community Warning System (CWS) should receive a test message sometime between 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. Read how you can take part in the drill at https://bit.ly/2021evacdrill.
Lafayette Res Run for Education 5k, 10k, 2mile fun run/walk
Join us Sunday, October 24, 2021! Sign up here.
Lafayette Art & Wine Festival, Sat./Sun. September 18-19, 2021.
It's our 25th Anniversary!
Become a lifetime Friend of the Chamber

A Friend of the Chamber membership provides a way for community members to support the efforts of the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce. We are 74 years strong and our mission continues “To promote and maintain a healthy business climate and to preserve and enhance the quality of life in Lafayette.” 

All aspects that make up a community are important to us: schools, residents, churches and synagogues, community organizations, activities, and the city government. Chamber members work with representatives of all these groups for the betterment of our community. A lifetime Friend of the Chamber membership is $150 per family. Learn more here>>

And don't miss our July/August Arts Community News!
Don’t miss your chance to promote your business at Lafayette’s End of Summer Party! Advertise in The Grapevine® The Official Coupon Book of The Lafayette Art & Wine Festival. The Grapevine® has over 39 years experience in direct mail advertising in Lafayette, Orinda, Moraga, Walnut Creek, Danville, Blackhawk, Alamo, San Ramon, Pleasant Hill, Martinez, Concord & Clayton. We are ready to assist you with your promotion! Call 925-284-2651 or text 925-212-0660 or visit TheGrapevineCouponBook.com for more information.
August Events from our Non Profit Members & Partners
This month, our nonprofit members are listed by the date of their next event! Have an event to share with our community? Add it to our Community Calendar!
Bay Area Crisis Nursery's (BACNs) 40th Birthday
Sunday, August 1, 3pm-5:30pm

Bay Area Crisis Nursery's 40th Birthday will feature live music, small bites, drinks (including beer from Headlands Brewing Company), a photo booth, a raffle, Nursery tours, and 80s fun in honor of the first baby to stay at the Nursery in 1981!

The event will take place outside in the courtyard between the Nursery and admin building. All ages are welcome and we are asking all adults to be fully vaccinated. The event will also be limited to 100 people.

Registration is free but donations are encouraged as we come together to raise $40k for BACN's 40th! You can register online here
Orinda Farmers' Market 

Your Orinda Farmers' Market is so excited to celebrate National Farmers Market Week, August 1-7, 2021!

Over the past year, your market showcased resilience in our rapidly changing world. Farmers markets have always been a hub for innovation, and we have been at the forefront of adapting rapid solutions to protect staff, customers, and our community in this time of crisis. More than ever before, we are grateful for your support as we now operate year-round every Saturday adjacent to the Orinda Community Center, come see what all the buzz is about and pick up fresh locally grown California Certified produce, meat, eggs, and locally produced artisan foods. Click here for market info!
Lafayette Recreation & Lafayette Senior Services

Fall Recreation Program registration opens Monday, August 2 at 12:01am! Programs for all ages will be offered, plus the return of many past programs, break camps, and special events. See all that is in store for this fall at www.LafayetteRec.org. Call 925-284-2232 with any questions or stop by the Community Center office from 9am-1:30pm Monday thru Friday. Programs will follow current health guidance.

Lafayette Senior Services is also offering all sorts of programs this fall. For just $15/year, become a member for free programs and services. Call 925-284-5050 for more Senior Services info. The Lafayette Community Center thanks you for your continued participation and support of our programs.
Canopy Health Offers FREE Medicare Seminars
Tuesday, August 3, 2021, 6:00 PM
Thursday, August 19, 2021, 12:00 PM

If you or someone you know has questions about Medicare, our free, virtual, and educational seminars are perfect for you. We have licensed Medicare agents teaching you all the basics. Join us to get your questions answered. No cost, no obligation. No Sales. Under 1 hour. For times and dates and to REGISTER go to canopy.vanbergins.com OR call (877) 833-4253 TTY 711.
Celebrating 45 years of the Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail!

The East Bay Regional Park District's General Manager and Board of Directors invite you to join us in celebrating 45 years of the Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail at a community commemoration and ice cream social. This event will take place on Thursday, August 5, 2021 at 12:00pm. An invitation with additional information and directions can be found here.

To RSVP, please contact, Monique Salas at msalas@ebparks.org.
Lafayette Rotary Club

Join the Lafayette Rotary at their weekly meetings on Thursdays! Every Thursday from 12:15 – 1:30 pm. Each week we feature a different guest speaker in addition to regular club business. Guests are always welcome! If you are interested in checking us out, email patriciafury@comcast.net for more info.

Upcoming Meetings (tentative):
Sustainable Contra Costa
Climate Careers Chat: Join our youth team, Sustainable Leaders in Action, on Thursday, August 5 from 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM at the next Climate Careers Chat where we will be discussing the environmental industry field!
 
Viewers of all ages are welcome! Register for this FREE event at bit.ly/3B4tumZ.
Leadership in Sustainability Awards: 
Join Sustainable Contra Costa for the 13th Annual Leadership in Sustainability Awards celebration on September 22nd. We’re excited to be joined by County Supervisor John Gioia and special guest environmental scientist Andrew Gunther in an interactive discussion on the latest progress on climate action. This online event supports and celebrates local individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions and commitment to climate change work, a healthy environment, economy, and society - so that Contra Costa remains a wonderful place for generations to come. 

As a fundraiser for Sustainable Contra Costa, the event will also feature a fun silent auction, with a chance to bid on exciting items donated by local businesses. The Awards Event will be presented on Zoom, and also livestreamed on Sustainable Contra Costa's YouTube channel. For more information, write to info@sustainablecoco.org.
Energy Upgrade California: Small energy inefficiencies in our homes can add up to big losses—both for our pocketbooks and for California. Find solutions and rebates that help you take meaningful action. Get started at sustainablecoco.org/energy
Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary Club

Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary Club Weekly Meetings are held every Friday 7:00 a.m. – 8:15 a.m., Lafayette Veterns Memorial Building OR Zoom at https://lamorindasunrise.org/speakers.
 
August 2021 Weekly Speakers 
6: Don Jenkins, The Big Picture
13: Dr. Emma Chapman, How The Universe Began
20: David Lipscomb, Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing
27: Hays Englehart, Get Your Kicks on Route 66
Twin Size Sheet drive for Bay Area Rescue Mission

MVPC is running a drive to collect twin sized sheet sets for our partner the Bay Area Rescue Mission in Richmond.

At present, they only have enough sheets for the beds are needing to wash and turn around the sheets in one day which is a huge burden on the staff. It would be very helpful to have some extra sets so they can rotate the sheets. 

They would prefer new sheet sets- these sheets will get washed many times while in use so need to be in good condition.

MVPC will have a collection bin outside our Church office at: 10 Moraga Valley Road, Moraga. The drive runs until August 9.  
Las Trampas Virtual Tour of Lafayette Campus

So much that has changed at our Las Trampas Lafayette Campus! It is our pleasure to share the exciting changes each month with you, our loyal supporters!

Join us on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at 3:00 p.m.

Our guests this month will be Lani Brown, Sarah Edinger-Gomez and Terry Murray, Board Members of Las Trampas School. They will provide a great perspective on our new facility.

Please click on the link here to register for the Zoom Webinar. After registering you will receive an email confirming your registration with a link to use on Tuesday, August 10th for the Virtual Tour.

To support our programs, services, or capital campaign, please visit us at: lastrampas.org. Then, click the Donate Today button.
LUCE concert in Moraga benefiting Cancer Support Community

Notes4Hope is hosting a concert at Hacienda de Las Flores featuring LUCE with special guest The Ripplers.

Join the fun Tuesday, August 10––a portion of the proceeds benefit Cancer Support CommunityTickets on sale now.
Monument Crisis Center's 18th Anniversary Celebration!

You're invited to Monument Crisis Center's 18th Anniversary Celebration on August 15, 2021!

All are welcome to join us as we mark this special occasion in our forever home. See you there! monumentcrisiscenter.org
2021 Summer Bike Challenge

Looking for free summertime recreation, fun for the whole family? Check out 511 Contra Costa’s Summer Bike Challenge. Through August, riders of all ages can explore their hometowns on two wheels. Simply bike to each destination and cross off the squares as you go. Pick up free prizes on select dates, take weekly Bonus Challenges, and enter the iPad Grand Prize Drawing. Ready to roll? Visit 511cc.org/go to get started.
 
About Summer Bike Challenge
  • Who: All ages. Families, teens, adults, and older adults!
  • What: “Bike Bingo” meets “Bike Scavenger Hunt”
  • When: June-August; people participate independently, and at their own pace. Honor system to complete.
  • Why: 511 Contra Costa runs the program to promote biking as a transportation mode-choice. The WHY for participants is that it’s a fun, free, and healthy recreational activity. + prizes!
  • Where: We select various destinations every summer to feature on the Challenge card. We change it up each year. Our “Free Stuff” giveaway stops are typically located in parks, the library, city hall, or other points of interest where a 511CC staff person hands out small prizes, such as $5 Starbucks gift cards to people who stop by on bikes.

Learn more: 511CC.org/sbc
Hospice East Bay - Come Shoppe with us!
Love to shop and want to find some great deals? Stop by any of our Hospice East Bay six local thrift shoppes! Come in and find rare high-end items at affordable prices, all donated by members of our community. This month we honor “National Thrift Shoppe Day” on August 17, and then on August 27 – 29 our shoppes will be holding an online Art Auction. By supporting our thrift shoppes you're helping us fulfill our mission to provide quality hospice care to everyone in our community. To stay informed on all our upcoming events and more please follow us on social media. Be sure to mention the Lafayette Chamber to receive an additional 10% off your purchase! www.HospiceEastBay.org.
Trinity Center
 
Join Rotator Taproom for their 3 Year Anniversary Party on Wednesday, August 18th 3-11pm! 20% of sales will go to Trinity Center Walnut Creek, 100% of the raffles too!

Weege & Kruel Summer will be performing. Al Pastor Papi will be serving up the best of the East Bay. First 100 will receive a commemorative pint glass! Learn more here.
Trinity Center’s mission is to be the doorway to opportunity for homeless and working poor people. We give care and hope to each person through supported access to services and resources. We invite everyone to participate in our mission. Sign up here.
A Brighter Day

A Brighter Day is based in Lafayette, and works to increase teen mental health outcomes throughout the Bay Area. The founders are Acalanes Parents Alumni and longtime Lafayette family. View Teen Survival Kit.
Charity Golf Tournament - 8/20 @ 11:00am
Come enjoy a fun day of golf for a great cause! A Brighter Day's 5th Annual Charity Golf Tournament is happening at Callippe Preserve Golf Course on Friday, August 20th at 11:00am. Sponsors will have plenty of opportunities for building brand awareness and networking with up to 144 golfers. All proceeds will be used to drive positive change for teen mental health awareness. Register here.
Virtual Gala - 11/21 @ 4:00pm
Our Annual Virtual Gala is happening on Sunday, November 21st at 4:00pm. We'll have an exciting evening full of entertainment, music, live speakers, virtual door prizes, a silent and live auction, and much more! Sponsors will be featured prominently during our live event, on our event page, and on our website. Registration is now open for the Virtual Gala.
Youth Homes Thrift Shop Antiques and Vintage Event

From antique cabinets, dressers, tables, dishes, artwork, handbags and jewelry, we've got something perfect for you! And since it's vintage no one will have the same item as you. You'll stand out, just like you were meant to! Don't miss our event! Every purchase made at the Youth Homes Thrift Shop supports our programs for foster youth – shop local and impact local!
Youth Homes Summer Campaign
 
We’ve all been through a lot these past 18 months! The youth in our care, even more so. Please help us give foster youth an awesome summer filled with fun activities. Your donations help provide: trips to the beach, lake, museums, and zoos! Summer sports and arts camps, and summer clothing for youth in need.

Show your support by donating on our website! You can also mail a check to: Youth Homes PO Box 5759 Walnut Creek, CA 94596.

Start your own fundraiser! Visit youthhomes.org/fundraise and in just a few minutes, your personalized fundraiser will be ready to go!
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UC Berkeley

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UC Berkeley is excited to offer nearly 20 courses this fall, from deep dives into history and music, to eye-opening explorations of film and literature. Journey into the world of cybersecurity, great American rock bands, and how communication has uniquely shaped human evolution. Become an OLLI member and gain access to a world of discovery just for you. Learn more.
Announcements from our Non Profit Members
Acalanes Fellowship Lodge #480

Greetings from Acalanes Fellowship Lodge #480, Free & Accepted Masons of California!

Masonry is the world’s first and largest fraternity, built on a 300+ year tradition of improving ourselves and our communities, and ultimately making good men better. This year marks the 100th Anniversary of the constitution of OUR lodge, located in the heart of Lafayette, CA.

Visitors to our lodge have given us the apt nickname of “The Friendly Lodge” and there’s a reason for that. We pride ourselves on being welcoming and open to all men, regardless of social status, race, religion, political leanings or family composition. All that is required to join us is that a man be of strong moral background and express a belief in a Supreme Being.

Our members come from Lafayette and the surrounding area, including Moraga, Orinda, Walnut Creek, Concord, Pleasant Hill, Danville, Alamo, San Ramon, Dublin, and several other East Bay cities.

We welcome you to our website – and invite you to visit us in person to learn more about Freemasonry and our lodge. We meet the first Tuesday of each month in the evenings, and invite interested men to join us starting at 5:30 for a reception, tour and dinner, and an opportunity to meet some of the remarkable men that compose our lodge. If you are interested in visiting, simply let us know by contacting us at (925) 284-7815, option 5, so we can ensure we have an accurate headcount. You will be glad you did! For more information about our lodge please visit: www.acalanesfellowshiplodge.com.
Bay Area Rescue Mission

Let us be part of the Solution.
  • Volunteer: see your impact first-hand
  • Donate: Food, Clothing at 123 Macdonald Ave, Richmond, CA
  • Donate Financially
  • Or take a tour with Dean Hollenbeck. Direct: 510.215.4876, Cell: 925.595.1716 and see what YOU can do!
BeingwellCA

BeingwellCA was founded to give voice to the youth who suffer in silence with anxiety, depression and suicide ideation. Two powerful advocates combined their strengths to provide HOPE to the whole family of those struggling with mental health issues which affect 1 in 4 people. Established in June 2019, BeingwellCA delivers programs, workshops and speaker series that address the three legs of mental health support: parents, educators and students. All three support systems are needed to provide a stable base to build upon basis for suffering youth to flourish again. Learn more about BeingwellCA here.

Getting the word out is a continuing process, and a public awareness campaign takes time and money. Your generous financial support will enable us to promote the 4COLIN Mental Health Awareness License Plate campaign and support on-campus Wellness Centers in California. Donate here.
Early Diagnosis Foundation ... One Step Forward

The Early Diagnosis Foundation shares your pain as we take Two Steps Back while we confront the dangers of the COVID-19 delta variant.
  
Daily COVID-19 cases in Contra Costa have risen steadily since the statewide June 15 reopening, and the appearance of the highly infectious delta variant. The average daily number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 in Contra Costa has grown 50% in the last 30 days.
 
While COVID-19 is spreading rapidly, CCHS recommends the extra protection that a face covering provides when you visit places such as grocery and retail stores and movie theaters, and we also encourage businesses to consider universal masking requirements for customers entering their indoor spaces.
 
The Early Diagnosis Foundation wants to support its community and encourage safe practices in the battle against COVID-19. As a result, our COVID-19 Wellness Kits have been discounted to $15 per kit and volume pricing is available. Consider offering your clients, family members and friends a kit to help prevent the spread of the virus. For more information about further discounts, please contact ariana@earlydiagnosisfoundation.org.
Friends Corner Book Shop

Friends Corner Book Shop is open for browsing.
 
Shop hours:  
M, T, Th: 10AM-6PM 
W: 10AM-8PM 
F: 10AM-5PM 
S: 9AM-1PM 
Su: Closed
  
The shop sells gently used books to support the collection, programs, and services of the Lafayette Library and Learning Center
 
New volunteers are also welcome! Average time commitment is two hours per week. Express your interest to friendscornerbookshop@gmail.com.
 
Learn more at 
August Opportunities for Involvement from Hope Solutions

Thank you for helping us reach our Annual Backpack Drive Goal!! Although we have reached our goal, you can still help our young people with a donation to our youth enrichment after school programs or volunteer your time at Homework Club. 
After School Homework Club Volunteers Needed: As the new school year approaches, we are planning for Homework Club. We are looking for patient and compassionate volunteers to provide academic support and mentoring for the children in our program:

  • We ask volunteers to commit to 1 afternoon per week for the rest of the school year, Monday-Thursday (August – May) at one of our four sites: Pleasant Hill, Concord, Pittsburg, or Bay Point
  • Friday Enrichment Programming at our Concord and Pittsburg sites
  • If you are interested, complete our interest form here

If you have any questions about this year’s Homework Club, or any of our volunteer opportunities, please visit our Get Involved webpage or contact Sandibel Arnold at sarnold@hopesolutions.org or call (925) 788-3676.
Soft Landing Fund: Hope Solutions provides a brand-new bed package for each resident we house. The Soft Landing Fund provides a mattress, platform, mattress pad and encasement, sheet set, comforter, and pillow for $350 per person. If you would like to contribute to the bed fund, visit https://www.hopesolutions.org/donate/ or contact Sandibel Arnold, sarnold@hopesolutions.org or (925) 788-3676.
John Muir Health receives Outstanding U.S. News & World Report Recognition
 
John Muir Health is proud and grateful for the continued recognition of excellence, as physicians and staff work to manage a once-in-a-100 year pandemic, knowing that COVID-19 does not stop the need to treat and care for patients with a range of injuries and illnesses. 
 
Both JMH hospitals have recently been recognized for delivering exceptional care and service at a time of great need in our community.
 
San Francisco Metro Area
  • The geography for the San Francisco Metro Area includes San Francisco, San Mateo, Alameda, Contra Costa and Marin counties.
  • Walnut Creek is ranked #2 (out of 50 hospitals) in the San Francisco Metro Area and #10 (out of more than 400 acute care hospitals) in California.
  • Concord is ranked at #3 locally and #16 in the state.
  • We remain the top two ranked medical centers in the East Bay for the 11th straight year.
  • Our partner, UCSF Medical Center, is ranked first in the San Francisco Metro Area again this year, #3 in the state and #9 in the country.
 
National Highlights
  • Walnut Creek had a nationally ranked service for the 15th straight year. This year Diabetes & Endocrinology (#44), Gynecology (#37), Orthopedics (#31) and Pulmonology & Lung Surgery (#34) all achieved national rankings.
  • Concord and Walnut Creek were again designated as Best Regional Hospitals. Our two Medical Centers were two of just 531 hospitals (just 11% of the hospital evaluated) to achieve this designation nationwide.
  • Walnut Creek and Concord were ranked #2 and #3 in the San Francisco Metro Area out of nearly 50 hospitals and #10 and #16 in the state, respectively, out of more than 400 hospitals. 
 
Congratulations on these outstanding ratings from one of the most respected sources in health care, which is a testament to JMH’s collective talent, skills, teamwork, empathy and compassion.
 
“Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort and intelligent execution!” -- Aristotle
Lafayette Community Foundation

Camp Kesem Berkeley was one of the deserving nonprofits Lafayette Community Foundation (LCF) was pleased to assist during this year's grants cycle. Camp Kesem's mission is to support children through and beyond a parent's cancer with innovative, fun-filled programs that foster a long-lasting and supportive community via a summer camp and year-long programs.
 
"We are in the midst of preparing to host over 100 campers who have been impacted by a parent's cancer at our virtual summer program. Additionally we are looking forward to hosting an in-person day event in the fall to reunite with our community. LCF's grant means so much to our organization as it allows us to send kits full of camp supplies to virtual campers, host our first in-person event and support our campers year round." Talya Kurzrock, Co-Director, Camp Kesem Berkeley
 
Join the Lafayette Community Foundation's 2021 Donor List or become a Business Sponsor and help LCF support local nonprofits in the categories of Human Services, Seniors, Youth Development & Education, Arts & Culture and Friends of the Foundation. LCF gives annual Excellence Grants based on the donations received. Help LCF achieve its fundraising goals to increase support for local organizations such as Camp Kesem Berkeley. If you would like to support LCF's mission and efforts, please visit lafayettecf.org to donate. 
Lend a Hand to the Lafayette Historical Society 

All of us, at some time or another, have probably wandered past the Lafayette Historical Society, located on the ground floor of the Library on Golden Gate Way. And some, during “non-COVID times” may have even visited the Society’s archives and history room and learned something they didn’t know about Lafayette’s past.

And who knew that the Society also maintains operates the City’s very first fire engine? Old Betsy as she is known, is a 1919 Model TT Fire Engine. Yes, that’s Old Betsy in the Library’s parking garage window.

The Society raises operating funds by a combination of its membership dues, newsletter sponsorships, book sales, the not-to-be-miss “Breakfast with Santa” event, and through the popular “Speaker Series.” Due to the COVID pandemic, the Society’s history room has been closed and the Speaker Series canceled. It also appears that the “Breakfast with Santa” will also have to be postponed this year. All that is our way of saying that the Society really could use the community’s help right now. If you have a chance, take a look around the Society’s Website where you can listen to a collection of oral histories from many notables Lafayettans, including Bill Eames, Larry Blodgett, Ed Stokes, Steve Falk, Jon Frank, and Jack Marchant. And, if there’s anybody who knows how to work on a Model T, or knows how to drive one, the Society could sure use your help with Old Betsy. Visit the Society’s membership page now to find out how you can become an active member of this esteemed local gem. You can also call (925) 283-1848, or email Mary McCosker, LHS’s President, at lafayette.history@comcast.net.
Lafayette Juniors

Lafayette Juniors has begun their application process for our 21-22 beneficiaries. Interested non-profit organizations should email communityfunds@lafayettejuniors.org to get an application.

Additionally, meetings will resume in the fall. If anyone is interested in learning about becoming a member, they can reach out here: https://www.lafayettejuniors.org/connect.
Lafayette Partners in Education asks Are You In?

As our children walk into their classrooms this fall, they will be full of enthusiasm and really big dreams. It’s up to us to determine what their year is going to be like.   
 
As California funding fails our children, our community is united and determined to maintain our educational standards and to expect more for our schools and our students. But only if we all participate. Every gift, regardless of size, makes a meaningful difference to our children. Learn more at www.lpie.org.
 
We invite you to hear directly from our students about what your support means to them by viewing the video here. 

Instructors Needed!
Science: Part time positions for elementary and middle school instructors are available. A science background is essential; teaching experience is a bonus. Lessons are already created and materials provided. Contact Joanne Layshock at layshock@comcast.net or 925-997-4439.
Art: Part time elementary school instructor position available. Need experience working with groups of elementary kids and a love for art. Training provided and lessons are created. Contact Kirsten Jensen-Horne at kirst.jensen@gmail.com or 510-684-1546.
Lafayette War Veterans, Inc. - Lafayette Veterans Memorial Building

The Lafayette Veterans Memorial Building is now accepting reservations. For information on booking an event, contact Building Director for info 925-283-1153 or info@lafayetteveterans.org
Lamorinda Spirit Van
Can you help a Lamorinda neighbor?
The Lamorinda Spirit Van is looking for volunteer drivers to take older adults to appointments, errands, and shopping.
 
You know how important it is for your older parents and grandparents to get to medical and personal appointments, grocery shopping, and errands. The Lamorinda Spirit Senior Transportation Program needs volunteer drivers to help out by providing rides every week or two for Lamorinda older adults, age 60+. If you are age 25 to 75, have a good driving record, and a free morning, afternoon, or mid-day availability, please email mbruns@lovelafayette.org for more information.
 
If you would like to reserve a ride on the Spirit Van or want to learn about utilizing GoGoGrandparent, an Uber/Lyft service that doesn’t require a smart phone, please email dispatch@lovelafayette.org or call 925-283-3534.
 
Last, but not least, you may want to consider making a tax-deductible donation made payable to the City of Lafayette (Write Lamorinda Spirit on the memo line.) and mailed to: Lamorinda Spirit, Lafayette Community Center, 500 St. Mary’s Road, Lafayette, CA 94549. Community support keeps this program going.
Lamorinda Village

Lamorinda Village is a local nonprofit organization helping older adults in our community live in their own homes safely with the support of volunteers.

During this pandemic, our volunteers have helped seniors by delivering groceries and medications. We have Zoom meetings of various interests to keep people engaged and not feel isolated.

We’ve come up with innovative plans to make our members safer and connected during blackouts, wildfires, and other emergencies. We’ve also offered help with getting our members vaccinated. Stay tuned and stick with us. Your safety and well-being are our priorities! Please visit our website for more information on Lamorinda Village.

The Live Like Leo Foundation

The Live Like Leo Foundation is intended to harness rich global experiences and bring them to students who do not have such access. We believe through opening societal borders and bringing the best of educational programs from around the globe, we can raise awareness to the underexposed and in turn breed a more connected world.

The Live Like Leo Foundation draws its inspiration from young Leo Cellura who’s life was cut short in a tragic accident. Leo's global experiences over his short eleven years of life are what has inspired all of the people he touched and given us the purpose to pay it forward. Learn more and make your donation at livelikeleo.org.
MCE Cares Credit

As part of MCE’s ongoing COVID relief efforts, we are offering bill credits to help those most financially impacted. Beginning in April 2021, eligible residential customers can receive the MCE Cares Credit of $10/month, and small business customers are eligible for a 20% monthly discount on their electric generation charges. The MCE Cares Credit will be available through December 2021. Please visit https://www.mcecleanenergy.org/mce-cares-credit/ for more information
Mobility Matters

Mobility Matters is a nonprofit that gives rides to Seniors and Veterans in Contra Costa County.

Volunteer Drivers are needed to take seniors grocery shopping and to medical appointments. Volunteers must be 25 to 75 years old.

Call Mobility Matters at (925) 284-2215 for more details.
Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church
MVPC has a weekly food pantry serving Lamorinda that is open Wednesday nights 5pm-6:30pm. If you would like to donate to the pantry, there is a box outside the Church office at 10 Moraga Valley Road, Moraga. A current wish list of food are as follows: canned garbanzo beans, salt free and/or regular nuts, quinoa, ground coffee, granola bars, crackers, honey, BBQ Sauce, soy sauce, juice, oil, brown sugar, powdered sugar, dish soap, laundry soap, apple sauce. Learn more here.
Orinda Association News: Orinda Safety Video & Wildfire Preparedness Videos on CCTV
 
Tired of binge watching Netflix? The Staying Safe in Orinda video and the Orinda Wildfire Emergency Preparedness and Evacuation Presentation videos will continue to air on CATV, Comcast Channel 26
 
Daily Broadcast Schedule
Staying Safe in Orinda~Guidance from Orinda's Top Safety Officials
Mondays at 8am, Thursday at 7pm, Sundays at 1pm

Orinda Wildfire Emergency Preparedness and Evacuation Presentation
Tuesdays at 8pm, Thursdays at 12pm, Saturdays at 7am
 
If you don’t have access to cable, you can view the videos via the following YouTube links:
Staying Safe in Orinda~Comprehensive Guidance From Orinda’s Top Safety Officials (Rev. 2020), Orinda Association YouTube

And, the Wildfire Preparedness video is steaming on the MOFD YouTube channel.

View the most recent issue of The Orinda News here.

Thank you for your donations and support!! The Orinda Association is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 
SHELTER, Inc.

The state of California has extended its moratorium on evictions. These protections were set to expire at the end of June, but will now protect tenants through September while providing reimbursement to landlords affected by the pandemic.

Visit SHELTERinc.org/COVID to take a survey to see if you qualify for aid. You can also make an appointment to speak with a specialist who can provide insight on relevant programs.

Make sure you apply for the help you need!
White Pony Express Challenge to Pass It On to End Food Insecurity! 
 
Food insecurity is a common issue affecting many members of our community. I hope you will join us in our effort to end hunger and poverty by “Passing It On!” Food is a fundamental human right and raising awareness is the first step toward ending hunger and leveling the playing field.  
 
Choose One Stat: 
 1.   20.2% or 1 in 5 people in Contra Costa County are food insecure as of October 2020. These statistics represent our neighbors, friends, family, and peers.  
 
2.   42 million Americans face food insecurity in 2021,13 million of which are children.  
 
3.   Up to 40% of the food produced in the U.S. is wasted annually. It would take redistributing only 30% of this wasted food to meet the total dietary needs of every food insecure person in the nation. 
 
4.   Food insecurity is a social and economic condition shaped by interlocking, systemic issues. This means structural, root causes of inequity must be addressed before food security for all can be achieved.  
 
5.   For children, the long-term health outcomes of being food insecure include higher risks of developing anemia, asthma, behavioral problems, anxiety, and aggression.   
 
Now... Pass It On!   
 
1.   Personalize a message and share one stat (or more!) with 10 of your contacts. 
2.   Support White Pony Express, Contra Costa County’s food rescue organization. 
 
We all have a right to sufficient and healthy food. Join the fight against food insecurity by participating in the WPE Pass It On Campaign! 
Upcoming SEPTEMBER Events from our Non Profit Members
Assisteens Auxiliary of Diablo Valley Recruits New Members
Membership Application Deadline September 30, 2021

Assisteens shop for clothes for homeless youth.
Established in 1977, Assisteens® Auxiliary is a nonprofit, volunteer organization comprised of 60 teenagers in grades 7 through 12 who are interested in learning the value of volunteering while developing leadership and organizational skills. Under the guidelines of Assistance League and  Assistance League Diablo Valley, these energetic gamechangers select their own philanthropic programs and raise the funds necessary to implement them, while supporting many of the chapter’s programs and its thrift shop.

Membership is now open for the 2021-2022 school year until September 30. If you enjoy organizing and hosting holiday parties for elementary schoolchildren, writing and sending cards to homebound seniors, shopping for clothing for homeless youth, or participating in a fashion show, just to name a few, you will “make a difference” as an Assisteen. Click on this link to learn more about opportunities: info@aldiablovalley.org.

While at the website, also find and download the 2021-2022 INFORMATION PACKET.  Print it, complete all requested information and mail to the provided address. 
  • The annual membership campaign for 2021/2022 is closed after September 30.
  • Parents are required to attend an information meeting.
  • Members are required to dedicate 35 hours of community service on Assisteens activities annually.
  • Meetings are held the second Tuesday evening of each month, except July and August.
  • Dues are $35 per year, plus $15 T-shirt fee.
 
BOTH APPLICANT AND PARENT must sign each page where indicated. Then return as directed. Again, click on info@aldiablovalley.org; we look forward to hearing from you.
Photo caption: Assisteens shop for clothes for homeless youth at local store.
Virtual Bar Benefit Fund for CASA
Thursday, September 2, 5:30 - 6:30 pm, Via Zoom

For the past 32 years, Contra Costa County Bar Association's Bar Fund has been proudly raising awareness of the need for pro bono legal services and assistance for low income members of our community. This year, CASA of Contra Costa County is honored to be the recipient of the 2021 Bar Fund Benefit.
Funds raised at this event will support CASA's efforts in recruiting volunteers to advocate on behalf of children in foster care. In addition, it will help CASA start a juvenile justice program to provide our services to foster youths to help them comply with probation requirements, and to ensure they complete their education in order to become successful young adults.  Purchase Your Ticket or Sponsorship here.
Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation

The Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation is partnering with LPIE to bring New York Times bestselling author Julie Lythcott-Haims to the Distinguished Speaker Series on Thursday, September 9 at 7pm PST.

Registration is free, register HERE.
Loaves & Fishes of Contra Costa

Join us on September 11 for The Big La Bocce 2021, benefitting Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa and St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County. Enjoy several rounds of bocce, breakfast and lunch, a raffle, and a silent auction at this fun event - we're excited to see you there! 👉 Join Us: https://buff.ly/3zASuRk 📆 September 11, 2021 🕘 10:30am - 2:00pm 🚩 100 Joe DiMaggio Drive, Martinez, CA
Car Show Season Is Coming And So Is ... The Orinda Classic Car Show!!!
17th Annual Orinda Classic Car Show - Saturday 9/11/2021
Enter your car now at www.OrindaCarShow.com and your entry will be included in the Orinda Classic Car Show program.
Special Activities and offers this year include:
  • This year’s show will feature a Special Exhibit of Emergency Response Vehicles to honor our First Responders.
  • Free pizza from the Car Show vintage Fire Truck for each entry – courtesy of Fourth Bore Restaurant in Orinda.
  • Designated parking close to the show for those attending to see all the great cars.

The car show is FREE to all spectators!!!

This year's show will benefit Orinda Association's Seniors Around Town ride program, Orinda Association, and other local organizations.

Any Questions? Email BillWaterman@OrindaCarShow.com
Lafayette Community Garden and Outdoor Learning Center

Lafayette Community Garden and Outdoor Learning Center is open to the public during our work hours: T 4 – 6, Th 9 – 12 and Saturday 9 – 12. Community members are encouraged to stop by and look around or just sit and enjoy the garden setting. Save the date for our Community Open House on September 12! www.lafayettecommunitygarden.org
The Seven Hills School

The Seven Hills School is pleased to offer both virtual information sessions and on-campus tours options for prospective parents to learn more about our whole-child educational philosophy and the community of The Seven Hills School. A Seven Hills education is based on the whole child philosophy, as we educate not just the mind but the heart, and attend to the entirety of the student experience. From our Reggio-inspired Preschool and developmental Kindergarten to our adventurous Lower School classes and rigorous Middle School program, Seven Hills students are on a journey of curiosity and exploration, success and setbacks, awareness of self, and contribution to others. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion fosters compassionate students who shape a more equitable and sustainable world. To learn more or register for an admissions event, please visit our website
Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer's Association is moving forward with plans to host the Walk to End Alzheimer's in person on October 23rd in the East Bay. The health and safety of our participants, staff, and volunteers will be our top priorities, and we'll continue to offer options to participate online and in your own neighborhood. Families facing Alzheimer's and all other dementia need us now more than ever — and with your help, we can be there for them. Every dollar you raise through Walk allows the Alzheimer's Association to provide 24/7 care and support while accelerating critical research. Take the next step and register today: alz.org/walk 
Connect with the City of Lafayette

The City of Lafayette is urging everyone to sign-up for the latest information for Lafayette residents and businesses.

You can subscribe to City of Lafayette notifications at https://bit.ly/LafayetteNotifications.

For wildfire resources, go to http://bit.ly/LafAreYouReady.
Lafayette Chamber Logo
Jay Lifson, Executive Director 
251 Lafayette Circle, Ste 150, Lafayette, CA
Office hours by appointment only:
Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm, Friday 9am-1pm

(925) 284-7404