September 30, 2002

SUNOL'S BOY SCOUT TROOP 912 seems to have the scoop on both fun and good deeds. During the summer there were camping and hiking trips that are the stuff of great memories, and news of the troop's helping hands is plentiful.

In an article in a recent troop newsletter, Scoutmaster Jerry Tomaszak waxed poetic about the summer's Wolfboro scout camp. "Wolfboro is an idyllic, beautiful, serene and wonderful place where time, electricity and all else associated with the outside world have no place," he wrote. "Huge trees and rocks are in abundance, and a river runs right down the middle."

He went on to describe the varied activities the young men engaged in, including merit badge meetings, swimming, climbing, flag ceremonies and spirited meals in the dining hall. Acknowledging a common cry, he admitted complaints about the food, but as he said, "Hey, it's summer camp!"

The fun did not end with the setting of the sun, as Jerry reported, "Nights are punctuated with great campfire songs and yells, all textured by brotherhood." Though not certain Wolfboro would be next year's summer camp locale, Jerry concluded, "I expect that we'll again deliver the spirit to wherever we wind up."

TO THE RESCUE: In another news items about our scouts, Sunolian Carolyn Glass told of their much-needed assistant at a recent event. Carolyn was one of the wonderful people who participated in the three-day, 60-mile walk to raise funds for breast cancer research, and walking wasn't the only exercise these committed folks did. Both nights of the event, the walkers had to get their camping gear out of trucks, carry it to assigned areas and set it up.

"Friday went fine," Carolyn recalled. "The weather was warm, not very windy." But Saturday was a different story. The walkers were at Skyline College in Hillsborough and it was cold, windy and foggy. "By the time we made it to camp, the chill had set into our bones. After I got my gear off the truck, I turned around to see a Boy Scout approach and ask if he could carry it for me." As she gratefully handed it to him, she saw he was not the only one there.

"Everywhere I looked there were Boy Scouts carrying camping gear or helping to set up tents," she continued. "They were just as cold as we were, but they never complained. Many times the Boy Scouts volunteer for various things and may not even realize how much it can touch the hearts of those they are helping," Carolyn said. "We were all very honored to have the Boy Scouts help us that night and I can't tell you how much we appreciated their efforts."

Way to go, guys…you're the best! Troop 912 meets every Monday night (except holidays) at 7:30 p.m. in the Sunol Glen School cafeteria.

BIG 'OL SUNOL WEEKEND: There's no reason to be anywhere but Sunol this weekend!
Friday night at 7 p.m., come to Little Valley Vineyard's Main Street bistro to enjoy Jane Brody's delightful folk music with tasty wines and toasty coffee drinks. Call 862-9006 for info and reservations.

Saturday from 3 to 7 p.m., you won't want to miss the Save Our Sunol fundraiser, including gourmet treats, beer, wine, champagne and soft drinks, and a great auction. The best part, aside from the good cause, is the venue - Bill and Marlene Rebello's unbelievable home with its Barbary Coast saloon, Bella Rosa. Call 862-2020 or check www.sunol.org for details.

And Sunday is the one and only annual Great Sunol Bed Races and Chili Cook-off, in the Sunol Community Park, kicking off at 10:30 with the Pet Parade. The bed races start at noon, with lots of new competitors and a new junior race. There will be lots of Zydeco music, cold drinks and a record number of booths looking for your chili vote. Admission is free for a great day sponsored by the Sunol Business Guild.