February 2, 2004

Elliston Vineyards is the place to be this February as they are hosting a few events that are sure to put you in a romantic mood. Beginning on January 17 through February 14 Elliston is hosting chocolate and wine pairing every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in their tasting room.

For extra special romance, there is still time and space available to make your reservations for Elliston's Sweetheart Dinner Dance on Saturday, February 14 from 6:00p.m. to 10:00 p.m.. Dinner includes a 4-course gourmet meal and champagne. Then dance the night away with music provided by PT and the Cruzers. Reservations are also still available for the winery's very popular Valentine
Winetaster Dinner on Friday, February 13th from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m..

Elliston Vineyard's, Jill Guiomar says their winery is also available for outdoor weddings ceremonies from May to October and they offer full service wedding ceremony and reception facilities from wedding planning to catering service.

Reservations are requested for the above Elliston Vineyards events and can be made by calling: 925-862-2377.

School news: Sunol Glen School is in need of a refrigerator for the health room in the school office, please call 925-862-2026 if you have one to donate. The school is also still looking for parents to help with parking patrol in the mornings between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m.

From the moment you hear that first beat before entering the sanctuary, you can feel the energy - the methodical, mystical sound of drumming. As a curious visitor, I was at first intimidated yet drawn to the sound, then captivated to hear more. As I quietly observed this group of drummers it was apparent that this was more than just a musical gathering but a way to express yourself in a spiritual, meditative sort of way. Lindsay Pavelof says "I like being in the drum circle because everyone cooperates to make the sound; it is an experience of community".

Most of the drummers were drawn to the gathering by word of mouth nearly 2 years ago when the former Little Brown Church minister, Tom Thresher, introduced Native American drumming to the community. Since Tom's departure, Kevin Matlock of San Jose has taken over duties of organizing this group. As diverse as Sunol is, the drummers come from all over the valley and even as far away as San Jose; some of the participants the night I attended were Lindsay Pavelof, Marylia Kelly of Livermore, Michael James, Shirley Kaminsky of Sunol, and Kevin Matlock. The interesting types of instruments they use range from Native American style buffalo and deerskin drums, Cuban Conga drums, Middle Eastern Doumbek drums, African Djembe drums and they have Australian Didgeridoos, percussion toys such as rattles, tambourines and cute little wooden frogs which when rubbed with a stick across its bumpy back makes a croaking sound. "You don't have to be musically inclined", they said just bring your own drum or use one the extras they bring along. The night I attended there were approximately ten drummers and they look forward to inviting more drummers to join them on February 8 and February 22 from 7:30 to 8:30 in the Little Brown Church's sanctuary.