Kiwanis to donate to Orinda schools

The Moraga Valley Kiwanis Club will donate $2,000 to the Educational Foundation of Orinda at their next meeting, 7:15 a.m. Thursday at the Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church, 10 Moraga Valley Lane, Moraga.

The club donates $2,000 each year to each of the three organizations that support Lamorinda Schools — EFO, the Lafayette Arts and Science Foundation and the Moraga Education Foundation.

"They have been a very strong supporter of local education," said EFO President Joan Kiekhaefer.

She said because the ed foundation relies so heavily on parent contributions, it's important for the group to broaden its funding base.

Orinda Union School District officials say about 30 percent of their budget comes from local sources, including the EFO.

"This year we have about 42K to give out to charities, and I can't think of a more needy organization than our schools," said Ray Horton, on the contribution committee for the Kiwanis.

The Kiwanis Club meets Thursday mornings. For more information, contact Horton at 925-376-4850.

— Jonathan Morales

Kids can swim, bike and run

Students of all ages are invited to show their athletic prowess at the NorCal Kids Triathlon next month.

The event will take place from 9 a.m. to about 1 p.m. Nov. 14 at Miramonte High School, 750 Moraga Way,

Students will compete in swimming, biking and running events, and the course distances will be adjusted for age-appropriateness.

The competition will be divided by grade level — kindergarten through second grade, third through fifth grade, sixth through eighth grade, and ninth through 12th grade, plus boys and girls in each group.

Students can participate as individuals or as part of a relay team. All three members of a team must be in the same age group.

An awards ceremony will be held at the school's football stadium following the competition.

The participation fee is $40 — $35 for a second child in the same family — for individuals and $100 for relay teams. A late fee of $10 will be charged after Nov. 6.

Proceeds benefit the Orinda Community Fund and youth programs, and the event is being held in honor of Joseph Loudon, a Miramonte junior who died after collapsing at a party in May.

Registration will be capped at 300. To register, go to www.norcalkidstri.org. For more information, e-mail NorCalKidsTri@gmail.com.

— Jonathan Morales

Forum on underage drinking

The Miramonte High School Parents Club will host a forum Tuesday to discuss the issue of teens and alcohol.

"Underage Drinking in Our Community, Myths and Reality," will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in the school's theater, 750 Moraga Way, Orinda.

Speakers will include Miramonte Principal Adam Clark; Orinda police Chief Bill French; Ted Cassman, an attorney with experience in liability; Dr. Jan Gurley, who will address alcohol intoxication; and Emily Justice, from the Center for Human Development.

For more information, visit www.miramonteparents.org. and click on the "Student Life" tab.

— Jonathan Morales

Halloween Carnival Oct. 25

The Moraga Junior Women's Club will hold its 33rd annual Halloween Carnival Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Campolindo High School, 300 Moraga Road.

The annual carnival is perfect for children ages 2 to 8, and attracts more than 500 children each year. Kids can choose a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch, enjoy carnival games with prizes for all and a festive art center with hands-on crafts.

Admission is $5 per child, plus a small charge for game tickets and food. All children are encouraged to come in costume. Bring your own trick-or-treat bag and receive three free game tickets.

The Moraga Junior Women's Club is a nonprofit organization committed to improving the quality of life for women, children and the elderly through volunteer service and fundraising. For more information and online ticket sales, go to www.moragajuniors.org.

— Sam Richards

Raising middle-school-age daughters

Parents looking for ideas and help in raising a middle school-age daughter are invited to a panel discussion featuring moms from the community who have been there.

The Lamorinda chapter of the American Association of University Women will present "How to Raise a Strong, Independent Daughter and Survive — True Confessions of Mothers of Daughters" from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 7 at Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School, 1010 Camino Pablo, Moraga.

The event is free and open to all and light refreshments will be served.

— Jonathan Morales

Got school news? Submit items for School Notes to Jonathan Morales at 925-943-8048 or jmmorales@bayareanewsgroup.com.