March 1, 2004

A warm welcome to new Sunolians, Veronica Krell and Ken Horton. Formerly a Pleasanton resident, Veronica was anxious to try living in the country so she suggested to Ken that they start looking around Sunol. It was a retirement party at Elliston Vineyards that brought them much closer to their new home. Although it was in the evening and very dark, they spotted a home with a for-sale sign in front along Kilkare Road and on April 15, 2003 they moved in. They seem to be loving every minute of country living, "we love our house" says Veronica. Ken is an Alameda County Fireman stationed in Castro Valley and Veronica owns a day spa in Pleasanton called A Touch of Health, which offers facials, manicures, pedicures and massages. This couple is very enthusiastic about being a part of this small community and would like to offer their volunteer services whenever possible. In fact, they met while volunteering at a fundraiser for the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation and have also volunteered as camp counselors during the foundations summer camp for burn survivors.
It was a somber affair as Sunolians gathered to pay their respects to long-time resident Benjamin Cornish on Sunday, February 22. Benjamin passed away suddenly on February 20. Wife, Jan, daughters Sherri Winders and Lisa Cornish and grandchildren Amber, Ashley and Shawn, survive him. Having lived in this town my whole life, it was the first time in a long time that I had seen so many "old-timers" -- the phrase used around town when you have been a part of this community for a very long time -- gathered in one place to show their support and comfort to the family. Among the friends and family gathered at the Sunol Glen School's cafeteria after the funeral services were; the Kerlin, Gronley, Hall, Hoxie, Dishong, Ysit, Glass and Fries families. The reception was made possible by Adrienne Hoxie who graciously organized a long list of volunteers to help provide refreshments.
And as we lose one Sunolian, two more are born. Proud parents Larry and Laura Oka welcomed their first child Tazio Evan Takehiko Oka on February 22 and Brad and Lori Gronley, also first time parents welcomed their new baby boy, Cole Robert Gronley on February 26. This makes the fourth grandchild for Marie and Lorry Gronley.
February 14th marked the fifth anniversary of the Little Brown Church's Valentines Day dinner. Held at the Kilkare Woods Clubhouse, this annual event is quite an elegant affair and is held each year to raise funds for the church's youth and children's programs. A scrumptious dinner is prepared by church member/chef John Robertson every year and each year he seems to get a little more creative with the menu choices. Besides the wonderful meal, there was also a silent auction and ticket raffle to win an array of prizes from gift baskets to paintings and jewelry. Thanks go to John Robertson, Stacy Ashcraft, Kathy Morris, Bob and Cindy Frillman, Bonnie Feltrop, Linda Fellers, Maria Holdsworth, Caren Foster, Victoria Gonzalez, Marlene Rebello and Maria Tracy. This year's event netted $3,500 for Little Brown Church's youth and childrens programs.