September 9, 2002

IT'S DIFFICULT TO FOCUS on everyday events this week, with Wednesday's infamous date looming. How to spend such a day? The options I've come up with so far include hiding under my covers, solitary meditation in the woods, and staring at the television as experts, survivors and others try to make sense of terrorism. I think I'll just do a major counting of blessings, some meditation on the meaning of loss and recovery, and focus on showing my love to those in my heart, wherever they might be.

Labor Day weekend we moved one of those people, our daughter Allie, into her dorm at Cal State Long Beach for her first year of college. Under any circumstances that's a bittersweet experience, and in these uncertain times it is only more difficult to let go. But we must and we will. Many parents are facing these separation pangs as their children embark on new lives away from home. I wish yours and mine a successful year and, hopefully, a safer, more conscious world in which to seek their fortunes.

That said, life does go on, and in Sunol that means meetings, gatherings, and community volunteerism. So get out your calendars, and I'll fill you in on some upcoming events.

WE LOVE 4-H: The Sunol 4-H holds its first meeting of the school year on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in the Sunol Glen cafeteria and all interested students and parents are welcome. There will be project sign-ups for youngsters interested in raising beef, sheep, swine and rabbits, as well as caring for and riding horses, crafts, cooking, drama, gardening, leadership, and of course, Mini-4-H for the younger kids. In addition to the projects, this year's Sunol 4-H members will enjoy parties, barbecues, camping trips, ice-skating and lots more. Adult advisor Teresa Donovan invites adults who are interested in leading a project not listed to contact her and join the fun. You can call her at 925-862-2118 if you have questions or to volunteer.

WALK-A-THON ALERT: The Community Club is getting in gear for their big fundraiser of the year, the annual Sunol Glen Walk-a-thon. This is the 10th anniversary of the event, and it will be a very special day. Mark your calendars for September 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to come out and cheer on the walkers, and if you can, please do volunteer to help. If you and/or your company would like to be a sponsor, please contact Caren Foster at 925-862-2587. For other event information, call Paulette Beemiller at 510-651-0393.

STOPPING TRAFFIC: On Tuesday, September 17 at 7 p.m. in the Sunol Glen cafeteria, there will be a community meeting with representatives of the Alameda County Public Works Department. This is a rescheduling of the meeting originally set for September 10, and will cover the status of the 2002 Metropolitan Transportation Commission Transportation for Livable Communities grant. There will be a discussion of the feasibility of Sunol's application for funds in the March, 2003 phase of the program.

THE POWER OF RHYTHM: There will be Community Drumming at the Little Brown Church of Sunol September 22, October 6 and October 20. Once again, no drumming experience is required, just an open mind and a spirit of adventure. Please call 925-862-2004 for info or to say you're ready to shake a drumstick.

The Great Sunol Bed Race and Chili Cook-off is right around the corner on October 6, so if you would like to participate in the races or put your favorite chili recipe to the test, pick up entry forms at Little Valley Vineyard on Main Street in Sunol, or call 925-862-0472 for more info.

The event, sponsored by the Sunol Business Guild, will feature chili tasting from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and so far there are 16 booths registered. The bed races begin at noon, and there will be a great Zydeco dance band playing rocking Cajun tunes for your dancing pleasure from noon to 4 p.m. There will also be a pet parade, horseback rides, train rides, games for children and terrific prize drawings, including a $750 cash prize donated by Bosco's Bones & Brew.