December 31, 2007

I would like to extend a big thank you to all those who helped with the delivery and assembly of the Little Brown Churches new three tiered water fountain that replaces the oak tree which was removed.. This project could not be completed this project without your help.

It was a cold, crisp fall morning when John Beard and I arrived at Allen and Margie Cook’s residence in Pleasanton on November 24. Allen had borrowed his nephew’s truck for the day so we could pick up the new water fountain at Fabbri Statuary in Half Moon Bay.

After they loaded the fountain in the truck with a fork lift I realized we were probably short on strong able people so I called Landy White at home and asked him to call more people. I called Stephan Doyle to help out as well. When we arrived at the church we were joined by Steve Bachand and Mike Monahan. Yes, it took six strong men to carry that fountain from the truck to the courtyard; John Beard, Allen Cook, Landy White, Stephan Doyle, Mike Monahan and Steve Bachand.

It took several weeks to prepare the area where the old oak tree once stood for the churches new fountain. John Beard dug the dirt from under the patio in order for Ario Ysit to run electrical wires and water supply from the church building to the fountain. Mike Monahan and crew dug the hole where the tree’s roots were located and filled the cavity with sand and gravel, he then sank a large trash can supported with rebar into the hole, filled that with cement and covered it all with more dirt.

The day of assembly finally arrived on December 22. After the base was leveled, John Beard, Steve Bachand, Landy White; Ario Ysit, Jeff Ysit (who was from out-of-state and visiting relatives), wrangled the largest bowl of the fountain into place on the base with the help Troy Bachand; Diana Aufranc, Jeffrey and Max Ysit. The guys then assembled the small bowls and placed the finial on top. But, don’t get too used to the current cone shaped finial because it is being replaced with a love bird finial.

The piece de resistance? When I arrived for the 7:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Services, the water fountain was fully lit and red poinsettias were circling its base. Thank you to Landy for the spotlight and to the many church angels who placed the flowers around the water fountain. It’s beautiful!! I’m sure the courtyard water fountain will create a pleasant environment for all, whether it is a quiet place to sit and meditate or a backdrop for wedding photos of the couples who flock to the popular country church nearly every weekend to exchange their vows.

Local band, Wicker Vault has secured quite a gig at Bosco’s Bones and Brew Restaurant, playing a total of 6 times over the next few months. The trio, which appears throughout the tri-valley area, plays a mix of country, classic rock and pop music and will appear in the Saloon on January11 and 12; February 8 and 9; and March 14 and 15. For more information please call Bosco’s at 925-862-0822 or visit the band’s website www.wickervault.com.

Speaking of Bosco’s, if you have yet to make those big New Years Eve celebration plans or have put off making dinner reservations I’m sure Bosco’s has room for you. Normally closed on Mondays, the restaurant will be serving a special New Years Eve dinner menu from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and if you would like to do a little dancing Toucan Jam will be playing in the Saloon from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. For reservations please call Bosco’s at the above telephone number.