Fourth grader Natalie Schroeder gleams with joy after receiving her prize for winning the grade 3-5 solo performance during the 2016 Lamorinda Idol competition sponsored by the Lamorinda Arts Council.
Orinda’s idyllic, close-knit reputation wouldn’t be possible without the dedicated effort of its numerous community service organizations. With so many of them, it can be tricky to know who does what, so here, in alphabetical order, is a quick guide to some of the notable organizations that shape Orinda and Lamorinda.
Lamorinda Arts Council
The Lamorinda Arts Council is the backbone of the art scene in Orinda. Dedicated volunteers and donors run this non-profit that currently holds seven active art programs, including the “Art of Mixology” fundraiser and the Lamorinda Idol competition, as well as two art galleries at Wilder and the Orinda library. To support smaller art initiatives, the council also makes grants to local non-profits like the Orinda Intermediate School Bulldog Theater program and Miramonte Writer’s Magazine. You can support their work by attending fundraisers or by purchasing art pieces. Visit https://lamorindaarts.org/.
Lamorinda Presents
Launched by leaders from Orinda, Lafayette and Moraga years ago, the tri-community forum meets monthly with the following objectives: Facilitate the three Lamorinda communities (Orinda- Lafayette- Moraga) partnering on initiatives of mutual community interest, events, celebration and value; Provide tri-community leadership to optimize resources, identify interfaces, opportunities and conflicts; Foster professional development; Celebrate signature events; Raise funds (to support future tri-community endeavors). Contact Chris Laszcz-Davis at ChrisLD@EQ-Organization.com.
Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary Club
Every Rotary Club is unique, with the Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary Club (LSR) being one of five in the area. All share the same purpose – to bring innovative, sustainable change to improve communities worldwide. Sunrise members hail from the Lamorinda area, as well as surrounding communities, often drawn in by the enthusiasm and fun-loving spirit of this particular breakfast group. Projects are both local and global and include, among other initiatives: Scholarships (nursing, STEM, automotive, Asante Afrika and Family Harvest Farm for transitioning youth out of foster care); Planning and engagement in the annual AAUW STEM Conference for young middle-school age girls at Saint Mary’s College; Support in the earlier stages of the Orinda Creek renovation project; Building hiking trails in Moraga; Las Trampas rebuilding; Winter Workshop for kids at the Lafayette Park Plaza; New Good Character Awards at local middle schools; HOPE Initiative COVID-19 education of Latin American healthcare workers; Local Food Banks; HOME Team repairs for senior citizens; Cars2nd Chance; and White Pony Express delivery of food to the homeless. If interested in joining one of Friday morning speaker breakfasts (which often rival the Commonwealth Club), contact president Scott Parsons. Website: https://lamorindasunrise.org/.
Lamorinda Village
Lamorinda Village, launched by Don Jenkins and colleagues, cultivates a supportive and dynamic community that promotes vibrant living, healthy aging and the provision of valuable resources to enable older adults to age gracefully, independently and vitally. The president is Sharon Iversen and the Executive Director is Kathryn Ishizu. For more information, go to www.lamorindavillage.org or email info@lamorindavillage.org to ask to be put on the newsletter list.
ONE
As public-school budget cuts increase, Orinda Network for Education (ONE), aims to bridge that gap. “Our mission is really to preserve and enhance Orinda’s signature educational programs, provide for exceptional teachers and staff and promote the academic experience for every single student in Orinda public schools,” said Emily Allen, executive director of ONE. Now entering its third year, ONE sponsors advanced class courses, additional class periods and works to expand the college and career center services for Miramonte students. Visit https://www.oneorinda.org/.
Orinda Community Foundation
After the 2008 financial crisis halted funding for cherished community events like the 4th of July parade, Richard Westin and several of his friends decided to act. The results produced the Orinda Community Foundation (OCF), which aims to “enhance the life within Orinda for the arts and various other traditions,” said Westin, who now serves as the organization’s president. Through community donations, the group helps support the 4th of July Parade, Opera in the Park and movie nights. OCF also sponsors the annual Orinda Action Day of Community Service, Orinda Citizen of the Year and Volunteer of the Year award banquet and other events. Visit www.orindafoundation.org/.
Orinda Historical Society
Established in 1970, the Orinda Historical Society (OHS), seeks to preserve the town’s history through community education. The group prides themselves on their museum, located beneath the library, which holds a collection of protected artifacts, documents and images. Alison Burns, OHS’s president said they run on a “shoestring budget,” relying on their $65 membership dues, book sales, a few small grants and the sale of their “Landmark Throws,” to support their work. They’re always looking for more volunteers. Visit https://orindahistory.org/.
Orinda Junior Women’s Club
OJWC, a local community service organization started in 1982, is a diverse group working together to improve the lives of others and build friendships in Orinda. Sponsors of the Youth Ink Writing Contest, currently open for all Orinda middle-schoolers, and recipient of 2013 Orinda Volunteer Award. Visit OrindaJuniors.org for more information.
Orinda Park and Recreation Foundation
The Orinda Park and Recreation Foundation works to enhance outdoor experiences and events. Originally founded with the intention of raising funds for public recreational facilities, the group has since evolved into a non-profit that has fought to preserve open space, develop Orinda Oaks Park and establish the Community Center Building. The foundation also helps fund numerous outdoor gatherings, such as summer movie nights and concerts, as well as the annual Holiday Tree Lighting event at the Community Center Park. For more information, contact Carolyn Mills at bandcmills@comcast.net.
Orinda Woman’s Club
The Orinda Woman’s Club was founded with the mission to improve the quality of life for women, children and the elderly across Alameda and Contra Costa County. The group fundraises through donations, sponsorships and
events, including the annual Festival of Trees, which is a holiday-themed luncheon, raffle and fashion show that generates the bulk of their funds. Donors can also visit their website and click “Become A Sponsor” to donate directly to scholarships supporting foster children and women returning to school.
Visit https://orindawomansclub.org/.
Orinda/Tabor Sister City Foundation
For the past 25 years, Tabor, a tiny historic town nestled in the heart of the Czech Republic, has been in partnership with Orinda as a sister city. As an emerging democracy in the former Soviet Union, Orindans were eager to connect with Taborans to learn more about their experiences. Each year since then, one high school student from Tabor comes to Orinda and is hosted by a local family while attending Miramonte High School. The foundation is eagerly awaiting volunteer host families for the Fall 2024 semester. Contact Bobbie Landers at 925.254.8260 or visit https://www.orindataborsistercityfoundation.org.
Rotary Club Orinda
Celebrating 75 years of experience serving the community, the Rotary Club of Orinda is one of the oldest clubs in town dedicated to giving back. “Our motto is service above self,” said Clay Deanhardt, the club’s current president. Powered by endowments and donations, the club supports education by sponsoring tutoring in Richmond and Oakland, and promoting outdoor recreation through an annual fishing day for the Boys & Girls Club of Oakland. It has hosted one of the longest running events in Orinda, the annual Frank Isola Field Day at Miramonte.
Visit https://orindarotary.org/.
The Orinda Association
The Orinda Association has promoted service, neighborhood dialogue and community empowerment since its inception in 1946. Powered by donations from dedicated members and sponsorships from local businesses, the non-profit runs the Orinda Volunteer Center, the town’s hub for service work. Here you can get
involved with their Seniors Around Town volunteer driving program, help coordinate the 4th of July Parade or Annual Classic Car Show, and of course, pick-up your copy of The Orinda News, which it has published for 40 years.
Visit https://orindaassociation.org/.