January 27, 2003

SUNOL'S JUNIOR GIRL SCOUT TROOP 2921 has been very busy since the new scouting year began. For starters, Scout Co-Leader Lori Nielsen proudly reports that there are seven new girls in the troop. The new members are Adriana Sutalo, Taylor King, Alexa Hylas, Athena Eberley, Emily Madden, and Madison and Jordan Craig. This brings the number of Junior Girl Scouts here to 18!

The girls participated in a scarecrow building contest at Alden Lane Nursery in Livermore this fall, as well as joining in an association-wide holiday program providing gifts to over 100 foster children in our area. The Operation One Warm Coat program you read about here netted just shy of 200 coats and jackets. Athena's mom Helen Eberle lent her well-known dedication to that success.

The members of Troop 2912 earned their First Aid merit badge by participating in the Junior Rescuer Program presented by ABC Emergency Management Seminars. They also had some fun with their fellow scouters at "Scouts on Skates," an annual association-wide ice-skating event at the Dublin Ice Rink.

State Senator Liz Figueroa graciously hosted a memorable tea party in her Sunol home for the troop in September. The Senator provided her young guests with a selection of vintage hats to accessorize their "Sunday Best" attire, as well as preparing a delicious and well-appointed assortment of finger sandwiches and desserts.

The last hour of the party featured a mystery guest, Fairy Godmother A. Startlin' Belle, who granted wishes and showered the girls with sparkly trinkets. Victoria Christian, the troop's previous leader, coordinated this very special event. Senator Figueroa, Victoria, and this year's leaders Victoria Barnes and Lori, served the delighted girls their tea and goodies.

On December 11, the troop conducted an investiture ceremony to welcome 17 new Brownies to the world of Girl Scouting. About 100 parents and girls attended this potluck event at Sunol Glen. The troop continues to add to their good deeds. They are collecting any and all donations of new and gently used suitcases, duffle bags and other carriers suitable for foster children to use to transport their belongings to their foster homes. Please help them with this meaningful effort by contacting Lori by Feb. 7 at 510-376-9097 to arrange for pick-up or delivery of items for this program.

Last but certainly not least, it's cookie time! Watch for cookie booths staffed by Sunol's Brownie Troop 1026 at Raley's in Pleasanton on Sat., March 1 from 1 to 5 p.m. and Thurs., March 6 from 3 to 7 p.m. Junior Troop 2921 will be there on Sun., March 2 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and again on Fri., March 7 from 3 to 7 p.m.

PRE-SCHOOL PERFECTION: Sunol Glen's terrific pre-school is holding open enrollment. This is a wonderful place for your child to play and learn in programs for three and four-year-olds. Children attend three to five mornings per week with a very small student-teacher ratio. Call 925-862-2026 to schedule a visit and find out more about the pre-school's top-notch, experienced teachers, and reasonable tuition.

TREAT YOUR SWEETIE: Elliston Vineyards at 463 Kilkare Road in Sunol has several romantic happenings in store for you and your Valentine. The tasting room is featuring red wine and chocolate pairings from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Feb. 9. And Fri. through Sun., Feb. 13 - 15 there will be elegant and scrumptious Winetaster Valentine dinners at 7 p.m. in the mansion. Adding to the romance that Sat. from 6 to 10 p.m., there will be dancing to live entertainment in the picturesque Terrace Room. Reservations are required for the dinners and dance and can be made by calling Elliston's event office at 925-862-2377.