The Busiest Week of the Year? Town Hall, Family Frolics, Run/Walk, Harvest Festival

Nine things to do in Piedmont this week:

Town Hall in Piedmont with Assemblymember Nancy Skinner: Skinner, whose 15th Assembly District includes Piedmont, will provide updates on new funding for schools, UC and veterans in California's 2013-2014 state budget; Covered California — California's implementation of the Affordable Care Act; and an overview of the just-completed legislative session, including bills sent to Gov. Jerry Brown. Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 7:30 p.m. in the Veterans Building, 401 Highland Ave.

Network and schmooze at Piedmont Business Network: The Piedmont Business Network, brainchild of Highland Partners' Debbi DiMaggio, kicks off autumn with wine and hors d'oeuvres from Montclair Bistro and conversation from attendees. Wednesday, Sept. 25, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Piedmont Center for the Arts, 801 Magnolia Ave. $20 at the door.

Shaping the future of Piedmont public schools: Supt. Constance Hubbard will talk about "Shaping Our Future 2.0" at the meeting of the Piedmont Unified School District Board of Education meeting this week. Also on the agenda: updates on the 2012-13 STAR test results and API Growth Report; the district's modernization program (security system at Beach School, "Learnscape" at Piedmont Middle School); and the Alan Harvey Theatre project at Piedmont High School. See the complete meeting agenda here. Wednesday, Sept. 25, 7 p.m., City Hall council chambers, 120 Vista Ave. 

Appreciating Diversity film series: "Poor Kids" looks at the impact of poverty on three families through the eyes of the children (click on the video above to see the trailer). Thursday, Sept. 26, at the Ellen Driscoll Playhouse, 325 Highland Ave. Reception at 6:30 p.m., screening at 7, discussion at 8.

Mid-Autumn Moon Festival for families: Magic, storytelling and even a parade are highlights of this annual celebration presented by the Piedmont Asian American Club. Pre-registered children will receive a free traditional Chinese lantern. Members $8 per person if pre-registered; $12 at the door and for nonmembers. Friday, Sept. 27, 6:30 p.m., at the Ellen Driscoll Playhouse, 325 Highland Ave.

Mellow cello: Tucson Symphony cellist Ian Jones is accompanied by Miles Graber on piano. $20 per person. Friday, Sept. 27, 7 p.m. at the Piedmont Center for the Arts; details here.

Hairspray! in the park: This year's outdoor movie series winds up with this PG-rated film classic for families. Free admission. Friday, Sept. 27, 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Piedmont Park.

Running and walking for wellness: The third annual Fallfest 5K Run/Walk through Piedmont's streets raises funds for the school district's Wellness Center. There's still time to register online here. Ages 12 and up, $30; children $20. Saturday, Sept. 28, with check-in and in-person registration starting at 7 a.m. at the Piedmont Community Hall, 711 Highland Ave., and the race starting at 8:30 a.m. An awards ceremony in Piedmont Park follows the race.

Piedmont's favorite community party — the 2013 Harvest Festival: One of the year's don't-miss local events, the festival returns with lots of traditional favorites: a carnival, live jazz, scarecrows, lemonade from Piedmont-grown fruit. At the edibles contest, check out Piedmonters' marmalade, fruit butter, biggest pumpkin, flavored butter and not-quite-edible bug hotels. Festival details are here. This year also features a public safety mini-fair with adoptable dogs from The Milo Foundation. Sunday, Sept. 29, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Piedmont Park.

'Like' Piedmont Patch on Facebook / Follow us on Twitter @PiedmontPatch / Share your thoughts in the comments section below