Datebook

Oakland Tribune, Aug 27, 2008 by Contra Costa Times

Political notes and notices of classes, lectures, meetings, activities for seniors and those who are single, workshops and miscellaneous events are published weekly. They include activities of nonprofit groups in Contra Costa County. Submit items in writing at least two weeks in advance. Include a daytime phone number that readers may call. Send items to dwillis@bayareanewsgroup.com, 925- 933-0239 via fax or Times Datebook, P.O. Box 8099, Walnut Creek, CA 94596.

EVENTS

Walnut Creek School District Retirees Luncheon -- 11:30 a.m. Aug. 28. Marie Calendar's, Diamond Blvd., Concord. $19. 925-818-1352.

-- Concord Historical Society -- Walking tours of historic downtown Concord Monday-Saturday by appointment. For groups of five or more. Reservations: 925-827-3380.

CLASSES

The Art of Retirement -- 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays Sept. 9-Oct. 7. Loma Vista Adult Center, 1266 San Carlos Ave., Concord. Registration: 925- 937-1530. Information: 925-686-6916.

-- Clutch Busters Square Dance Club -- Lessons 7:30-8:45 p.m. Thursdays beginning Sept. 11. Mt. Diablo Women's Club, 1700 Farm Bureau Road, Concord. First night free, $20 for eight-week session. 925-754-8117.

-- Aquatic Exercise -- Weekdays. Heated pool. Spine and Sports Medicine, 2525 Stanwell Drive, Suite 200, Concord. $45-$110. 925- 686-5400, www.spineandsportsmedicine.com.

-- Classes -- City of Concord offers various classes, including ballroom dancing, instant piano, 401(k) plans for business owners, cooking for kids, living with dogs, karate and women's self- defense. 925-671-3404.

POLITICAL NOTES

Contra Costa Democrats -- "Denver in Danville," 6 p.m. Aug. 28. Watch Barack Obama accept the Democratic presidential nomination. Benefits the United Democratic Campaign. Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Drive, Danville. $60 general, $35 seniors and students, $100 family and $200 VIP. 925-262-8544.

LECTURES

"Islam vs. the West" -- 10 a.m.-noon beginning Sept. 8. Instructor: Ismail Agayev, Ph.D. 1250 Arroyo Way, Walnut Creek. $40, $36 for Emeritus College members. Registration: 925-906-9105, www.dvc.edu/emeritus.

-- "All About Sleep" -- 1:30-3:30 p.m. Sept. 11. Instructor: Dr. Karen Van Zino. 1250 Arroyo Way, Walnut Creek. $15, $13 for Emeritus College members. Registration: 925-906-9105, www.dvc.edu/emeritus.

-- "Native American Healers" -- 2 p.m. Sept. 19, Oct. 10 and 24. Instructor: Arthur Scott. Humanities Building, Room 110, Diablo Valley College, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill. $40 general, $36 for Emeritus College members. Registration: 925-906-9105, www.dvc.edu/emeritus.

MEETINGS

Contra Costa Mineral and Gem Society -- "Desert Geology," 7:30 p.m. Sept. 8. Speaker: Barrie Bieler. Centre Concord, 5298 Clayton Road, Concord. 925-674-7055, www.ccmgs.org.

-- Circle of Friends -- 7-9 p.m. second Mondays monthly. Women's group builds relationships and ties through educational presentations and social events. Walnut Country Clubhouse, 4498 Lawson Ct., Concord. 925-998-8844, lori@lorihagge.com.

-- Clayton Valley Woman's Club -- 9:30 a.m., second and fourth Tuesdays monthly. Nonprofit, nondenominational service organization. Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1092 Alberta Way, Concord. Information: 925-672-3850.

-- Concord Art Association -- 1 p.m. second Tuesdays monthly. A group of artists working together in a nonprofit association. Anyone interested in art can join. Concord Library, 2900 Salvio St. ConcordArt@aol.com.

-- Contra Costa Blue Star Moms -- General business meeting 6:30- 9 p.m. fourth Mondays monthly. Concord Police Department, 1350 Galindo St. www.ccbluestarmoms.org.

-- Contra Costa Genealogical Society -- 7 p.m. second Thursdays monthly. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3700 Concord Blvd., Concord. rootsweb.com/.~cacccgs/.

-- Diablo Numismatic Society-- 7 p.m. third Thursdays monthly. Coin club. Veterans Memorial Building, 2290 Willow Pass Road, Concord. 925-825-0649.

-- Ellen's Guild -- 1:30-3:30 p.m. second Tuesdays monthly. Make new friends and share ideas for fund-raisers for abused children. Supports programs of the Family Stress Center. Guests welcome. 2086 Commerce Ave., Concord. Karen, 925-820-2371; www.familystresscenter.org.

-- Kiwanis Club of Greater Concord -- Noon Wednesdays. Works to develop future generations of leaders. The Old Spaghetti Factory, 1955 Mt. Diablo St., Concord. $12 includes lunch. 925-676-1937.

-- Knitting group -- 2-4 p.m. first Sundays monthly. Instruction and practice yarn provided, bring your own needles. Concord Library, 2900 Salvio St. Free. 925-646-5455.

-- Mt. Diablo Metal Detecting Club -- 7:30 p.m. second Tuesdays monthly. For individuals who would like to meet people with an interest in metal detecting for coins, jewelry and relics. Contra Costa Water Building, 1331 Concord Ave, Concord. Free. 925-933- 8549.

-- Sons In Retirement, Branch 19 -- 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. first Thursdays monthly. Dedicated to promoting the independence and dignity of retired men. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. 925-687-0594.

SENIORS

AARP -- Mt. Diablo Chapter No. 524 meets 1:30 p.m. second Fridays monthly. Pleasant Hill Senior Center, 233 Gregory Lane. Chapter dues $5 per year. 925-798-8788.