August 15, 2005

After much discussion among several townsfolk, there has been talk of developing a Residents Association for those who live in Sunol. A meeting will be held at the Sunol Community Park on August 31st at 7:00 p.m to discuss the possibility of forming this association. and all Sunol residents are welcome and encouraged to attend.

The meetings goals are all open to discussion and some suggestions may include; supporting civic and cultural activities that build a sense of community, facilitate the discussion of important issues for the community, facilitate communication with Alameda County, focus on communication so people know what is happening, have a minimal membership fee mainly to support communications, membership would be open to all adults who live in Sunol, only have meetings when necessary for the people interested in the agenda and keep the organization simple. According to one of the organizers, Tom Harland, future development of this association will be based on the discussion that takes place at this first meeting. "It isn't aligned with any existing group. My favorite suggestion is to support activities that build a sense of community, because we do need a sense of community. If anyone has an interest, this is just a chance to meet", says Tom. "There are a lot of good people in town." For more information please contact Tom at 925-862-2915.

The Sunol Country Festival is just around the corner; a mere six weeks away on October 1 and organizers are still looking for donations of live and silent auction items. This annual event is one of the town's largest gatherings and its excellent chance to get out and catch up with all your friends and neighbors. To make a donation or to obtain more information, please contact Nancy Davis at 925-862-0809.

Looking for some family fun? Sunol Regional Park is hosting an exciting adventure for families with children in grades 3rd through 7th. Held this Saturday night from 7:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., it's the Eco-Explorers Flag Hill hike and star search. This is a three mile hike up Flag Hill for a perfect view of the stars. It is recommended that you bring a warm jacket, binoculars, something to lie on, a flashlight, a water bottle and a thermos with a warm drink. All children must be accompanied by an adult. The fee is $6.00 for residents and $8.00 for non-residents. Please call 925-862-2601 for registration information.

I recently received a wonderful letter from a gentleman in Pleasanton who had lots of great things to say about Sunolians Fay and Joan Dishong. The Dishongs have been volunteers at the Pleasanton Senior Center for many years and if fact last year I wrote about Fay's winning the 2003 Volunteer of the Year award for his dedication as a volunteer.

I recently spoke with Joan and she says she has just returned from a hospital stay for hip surgery and is glad to be back at the Senior Center volunteering as their Sunshine Lady where she will be busy writing those birthday, anniversary and get well cards. Joan also tells me that Fay is still very involved with the Center's Bingo games, playing in their Bocce Ball league and being a jack-of-all-trades.

Showing this week at Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum's Saturday Night at the Movies is, The Fireman, filmed in 1916 and featuring Charlie Chaplin; Sailors, Beware!, filmed in 1927 and featuring Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy; The Blacksmith, filmed in 1922 and featuring Buster Keaton and Crazy to Act, filmed in 1926 and featuring Oliver Hardy. Each movie reel is 15 minutes long and the show starts at 7:00 p.m.