September 11, 2006

September and October is traditionally Sunol’s busiest time of the year but it’s turning out to be a very busy couple of weeks for this sleepy little town.

I received a wonderful email from Jeff Miller of the Alameda Creek Alliance, “The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission invites you to a Special Program and Barbeque Luncheon to celebrate the ongoing removal of Niles and Sunol Dams and Alameda Creek restoration.”

He tells me that the Niles Dam was removed in August and work has begun for the removal of the Sunol Dam as well. The SFPUC will host the dam removal celebration on September 21 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at their Sunol headquarters, which lie within the gates approaching the Water Temple at the corner of Highway 84 and Paloma Way. If you plan to attend please contact Jeff at (510) 499-9185 or by email to alamedacreek@hotmail.com.

“An evening of food, wine and laughter!” It’s Comedy Night at Elliston Vineyards on September 15 from 6:30 to 10:00 p.m. Opening for headliner Rick Pulido are comedians Todd Link and Jason Downs.

The cost, which includes a buffet dinner, is $65.00 per person plus gratuity and tax or $57.00 for Club 200 members. To make reservations please call 925-862-2377

Elliston Vineyards will also be hosting an Autumn Harvest Tea on September 24 at 1:30pm.
Visit their historical antique-filled mansion for an elegant Victorian tea which includes a light fare of an assortment of tea sandwiches, salads, vegetables and dessert.

Champagne will be served upon arrival while listening to a pianist playing their 110 year old piano! And of course you will be served a selection of gourmet teas in beautiful antique China teacups. The all inclusive cost is $56.00 per person. Please call 925-862-2377 for more information.
Other important dates to remember this week are: Niles Canyon Railways Senior’s Special train which will run during the day on Wednesday, departing the Sunol Depot on Main Street at 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Sunol’s annual get-together, Tracks to the Past, is being held this Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Sunol Community Park. A tribute to the 40’s, this fun-filled day includes music from the big band of the USS Hornet, vintage cars, great food, a silent auction, raffle prizes and a special steam powered “Dresser Special” train ride. Best of all, admission and parking is free!

I’m almost afraid to announce the next important day to remember because it causes quite a frenzy among so many of you, but yes, tickets for Niles Canyon Railway’s very popular, Train of Lights go on sale September 18. This holiday train gets bigger (longer actually) and better every year and it also sells out more quickly every year. To secure your tickets, please call 408-249-2953, go to www.ncry.com or visit the Sunol Depot ticket booth on Sundays only. This beautifully decorated train is traditionally sold out months in advance so get your tickets soon.