Submit calendar items to Calendar@pioneerpublishers.com.

In the Community

SIR Branch 19 Monthly Luncheon. With guest speaker Rich Smith, who played a key role in the cleanup of the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska in 1989. Noon March 3, Greenery Restaurant, 1551 Marchbanks Dr, Walnut Creek. Guests welcome; call 925-338-1996. For details about SIRs, visit http://www.sir19.org.

Urban Forestry Workshop: Become a Tree Leader. Learn about trees, tree care and how the urban forest benefits our future generations. Sponsored by the CIRCLE partnership, Concord Rotary and the city of Concord. 9 a.m.-noon March 5, Markham Park, 1202 La Vista Ave., Concord. For details, call 714-926-0563.

“The Accidental Activist.” With Justin Gomez, a lead facilitator of Black Lives Martinez in Martinez. Sponsored by Diablo Valley College’s Social Justice Department. 4-5:25 p.m. March 7, via zoom at https://4cd.zoom.us/j/98827382205. For details, contact sniyogi@dvc.edu or aponce@dvc.edu.

Arbor Day Tree Planting. Sponsored by the city of Concord and Concord Rotary, with an AMPlify the Urban Forest grant by CalFire. 8:30 a.m.-noon March 12, Newhall Community Park, 1351 Newhall Parkway, Concord. Bring your own shovel, pick, gloves and water. RSVP at https://www.volunteermatch.org/search/opp3450936.jsp. For details, call 714-926-0563.

Mt. Diablo Branch of the California Writers Club. Constance Hale will present a writing workshop, 9 a.m.-noon March 12, Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant, 611 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. Sign in at 8:30 a.m.; lunch at noon. $45 members, $55 guests. Zoom is $25 members, $30 guests. RSVP at https://cwcmtdiablo.org/current-cwc-mt-diablo-meeting/.

“No Drilling Contra Costa: Youth March & Rally.” 1.2-mile march, followed by a rally with speakers, music, art, informational fair and supervised, fenced-in playground. Sponsored by Sustainable Contra Costa. 1-3 p.m. March 12, Antioch Community Center. Stay updated on Instagram, @nodrillingcontracosta.

Red Cross Blood Drive. Sponsored by Concord Elks 1994 and VFW 1525. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. April 5, Concord Elks Lodge, 3565 Clayton Road. Register at redcrossblood.org. Click “Find a Drive,” enter zip code 94519 and scroll to April 5.

Contra Costa Con 3. Featuring C. Andrew Nelson (Darth Vader) and Alan Fernandes (Tusken raider) in “Star Wars,” plus a free, family-friendly Cosplay Costume Contest. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 10, Concord Hilton, 1970 Diamond Blvd. Kids under 10 and parking are free. Advance tickets at contracostacon.com.

Farmers Market. Sponsored by the Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays, Todos Santos Plaza, Concord. pcfma.org.

Education

Diablo Valley Literacy Council Tutor Training. Educational materials and insights to teach English as a Second Language (ESL). Begins March 5. $20. Register at dvlc4esl.org.

Your Health

“Living With Dementia: Managing Daily Care.” Hope Hospice’s dementia specialists will offer strategies via Zoom for planning daily activities and discuss the impact of social and leisure activities. 10-11:30 a.m. March 10. Register at hopehospice.com/family.

“Understanding Advanced Illness.” Hope Hospice clinical staff will provide information via Zoom about the most prevalent co-existing medical conditions among the elderly and the importance of medication management. 10-11:30 a.m. April 14. Register at hopehospice.com/family.

The Arts

Valley Art Gallery. “Wintermission,” with more than 100 artists reflecting a wide range of styles, through March 5. Spring collection opens March 19. 1661 Botelho Drive, Suite 110, Walnut Creek. Details at valleyartgallery.org or 925-935-4311.

“The Hound of the Baskervilles.” A new adaptation from Pittsburg Community Theatre. Through March 6, Steeltown Coffee & Tea, 695 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $15 in advance; $20 at door. Contact pctca.org/tickets or 925-439-PLAY.

“Festival 10 – A Treasury of 10-Minute Plays.” From Ghostlight Theatre Ensemble. March 25-27, Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St. Details at ghostlightte.org.