April 19, 2004

There is another rising star emerging from this little town and she comes from a well-established ranching family I might add. Cari Koopman was raised here, attended Sunol Glen School from kindergarten through eighth grade and went on to Livermore High School to attend their FFA program. A senior, Cari will graduate this spring and move on to Dad Tim's alma mater, the University of Nevada, Reno majoring in agricultural education. Cari also received the FFA's highest state farmer degree, a star sectional recipient for outstanding achievement in a supervised agricultural program for her beef-cattle project. Cari is raising a herd of 20 cows for this project. Another passion of Cari's is softball. It all started at the tender age of 5 when she played t-ball, then she played on the Pleasanton Girls Softball League from the age of 7 to 16. She also played on a traveling summer softball team called the Phantoms and had the chance to visit the states of Washington, Texas and Colorado. Cari currently pitches for Livermore High Schools undefeated varsity team and recently tossed a no-hitter.

Sunol Regional Wilderness is offering an "Outdoor Discoveries" class every Thursday beginning May 6 for children 3 to 5 years old with an accompanying adult. A naturalist will help you explore a different wilderness topic each week. Space is limited so call 925-862-2377 for pre-registration. You must also complete an application for the summer session (June through August) by May 24.

Elliston is a very elegant place to take your Mom this Mothers Day, May 9. They are offering a scrumptious noontime luncheon of fillet of beef or red snapper or wild mushroom ravioli, which of course, includes champagne and wine. It's $55 per person and space is limited so please call 925-862-2377 for reservation.

The Niles Canyon Railway is again offering wine tasting on their Sunday train. Pouring their premium wine this week is Fenestra Vineyards.

Some of you have emailed requests for historical information regarding Sunol and I have had a few readers help provide me that information. An interesting bit of historical information comes from long-time Sunol resident, Jim O' Laughlin. Jim writes that the there was a siren at the top of a pole at the old post office building and it was used as a siren for the volunteer fire department that Jim's father organized in the 30's or early 40's. There was also a World War II observation tower located in the same area. The tower had a room at the top with windows all around so volunteers could look for enemy planes. Jim writes, "no enemy planes were ever seen". Jim's grandmother was a volunteer and when visiting her at the tower he remembers seeing full color photos of enemy planes to help the volunteers identify them. After the war Jim's father dismantled the tower and Jim and his sister used the room as a playhouse. Thank you Jim for a wonderful story. If anyone else has more historical information to share please send me email or regular mail at the address below.

Get well wishes to Pat Stillman for a speedy recovery.