PIEDMONT
Help the earth by hosting a plastic-free party supported by the city of Piedmont, which strives to promote green practices at city offices and with the general public. A Piedmont family has volunteered to order and store World Centric products that can be purchased at a bulk discounted rate. Those include fiber-based foodware (paper plates and napkins) and certified compostable plastic cups and cutlery that can go into green cart organics. To make an order, contact Samantha Miller at sraquelmiller@gmail.com.
— Linda Davis, correspondent
High school students run ‘More Than Just Me’ gift drive
A group of Piedmont High School students have formed a “More Than Just Me” gift drive that connects individuals, groups and businesses with families dealing with a medical crisis identified by Children’s Hospital Oakland social workers. The high school group provides gift requests to cheer up families, and individuals, groups or businesses wrap and label the gifts. The students will ensure that the gifts are delivered to the families in need before Christmas. Register at morethanjustme.org or email info@morethanjustme.org for details.
Eight-week mindfulness course for parents to start Feb. 2
A course in the elements of mindfulness is being offered for parents facilitated by Piedmont Unified School District board member Sarah Pearson. The course is an in-depth, community-based journey supporting parents in how to meet life’s demands with formal meditation techniques and mindfulness practices to navigate life’s journey.
The eight-week course runs Feb. 2 through March 29, meeting on Sundays from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. There will be a retreat March 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The program costs $250. For more information or to register contact srpear@gmail.com.
— Linda Davis, correspondent
OAKLAND
Local talent to perform in ‘Nutcracker’ at the Paramount
Don’t miss an “only in Oakland” production of Graham Lustig’s “The Nutcracker,” featuring the performers of the Oakland Ballet, the musicians of the Oakland Symphony and the voices of the Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir together on stage in Oakland’s glamorous Paramount Theater decked out in its holiday best. Performances are Dec. 21-22 at 1 and 5 p.m. Tickets are available at oaklandballet.org or the Paramount Box Office.
— Montclair Village Association
See holiday circle of lights at Mountain View Cemetery
Historic Mountain View Cemetery, at 5000 Piedmont Ave. in Oakland, is holding its annual holiday circle of lights now through New Year’s Day from 5 to 9 p.m. daily. Tours by docents also are conducted monthly highlighting the legends and lore of the cemetery’s historic and influential occupants.
— Linda Davis, correspondent
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