San Ramon Valley Newcomers Club
Hiking, Arts & Crafts, Wine Club, Book Club, Cooking, Golf, Poker, Bridge, Bunco, Luncheons
Archive for October, 2007
October 22, 2007 at 10:32 pm · Filed under General
Thank you Vel and Rich for hosting the San Ramon Newcomers Group’s October Wine Tasting event at your beautiful home. The evening was a lot of fun and filled with fine wines and great company.
We had a blind tasting of several wines including two wines from Stony Ridge (one Orobiano and one Chardonnay). a third wine from Rios-Lovell Estate (Petite Sirah) and our forth was from Retzlaff (Merlot). All from the Livermore Valley. The winner for the evening was Bob with a perfect score!!! Way to go, 8 out of 8 correct! Bob, you really know your wine. We’re all looking forward to November 18 for our next wine tasting event at Lee and George’s home where they will feature Spanish Wines.
Olay,
Tracey Harper
October 19, 2007 at 11:53 am · Filed under General, Luncheon
The October SRVNC luncheon was a smorgasbord of foot long club sandwiches, mile high Cobb salads and piles of corned beef reubens. Our guest speaker was Lori Ferreyra, a local girl (all 5”3” and about 110 lbs. of her) who told exciting stories of her 19 years of being on the Hayward police force.
She then went on to give invaluable advice on personal safety, home security and identity theft prevention. She stated that everyone in the room falls into one of two categories, either you have already been a victim of identity theft or you fall into the group that will be a victim at sometime in the future (it is that prevalent and growing). Lori recommended that everyone get a locking mailbox and she handed out an Identity Theft Prevention document (following are a few excerpts):
- Stop Pre-approved Credit Offers and Phone Solicitation - www.donotcall.gov.
- Remove Your Name From Credit Bureau Marketing Lists - 1-888-567-8688.
- Do not provide your Social Security # over the phone or Internet.
Thank you Lori Ferreyra for a fun and informative afternoon.
See Ya!
Tracey Harper
October 9, 2007 at 1:14 pm · Filed under Gad-Abouts
Everyone met at Park & Ride and we were off to Lake Merritt in Oakland for a Gondola Ride and serenade. As we stepped on to the gondola for the next 55 minutes during our 3-1/2 mile cruise, we were serenaded with with a traditional Venetian folk song. The weather was beautiful, and I believe that some could have stayed out there all day.
We then headed back to the valley to have lunch in Lafayette at the Metro. We would like to thank Pam D. (our book of knowledge) for all the history she provided to us no matter where we were. It was a beautiful day and a nice time was had by all. For those that could not make it we hope to see you soon. Those that attended were Paula W., Pat S., Jan Mc., Pam D., and Ginny A.
Tina and Sharon
Gad-Abouts
October 8, 2007 at 11:53 am · Filed under Hiking Club
Hi Newcomer Hikers and Guests,
Today was a picture perfect day to hike Maquire Peak at Sunol. The trail is a steady hike up to the Peak but the beautiful views of the hillsides, clouds, and oak trees provided a wonderful backdrop. On the way to the main park entrance we spotted two young deer bounding along the side of the road. It was amazing to see them run down a steep embankment–talk about being shear footed. They didn’t even need hiking poles. We also saw one lone turkey. Most of them must have gotten the word that Thanksgiving is near.
Today’s hikers were Shirley A., Barbara J., Celia M. and Sharon K. We hiked a about 2 1/2 miles up to the peak and then 2 1/2 miles back in a little less than two hours breaking the old newcomer record of 2 1/2 hours. We all got our hearts pumping, not hard considering most of us haven’t done that much hiking recently. On the single track trail we saw three cows, including a mama and her baby. It was obvious the birth had been quite recent since the umbilical cord was still dangling. The mother was licking the calf tenderly. We stopped and quietly walked by.
At the top of the peak we stopped to enjoy the view and of course have our photo taken. Here were spotted the Cardinal flower and some vinegar weed–the last of the wildflowers for the season.
Our next hike will be Oct 19th. I am looking for a volunteer leader as I will be back in Atlanta helping my daughter move. Please let me know if you are willing to fill in for me. If you need help in planning the hike and sending out the information I will be glad to help with that.
Thank you in advance and happy trails, Sharon
October 8, 2007 at 11:35 am · Filed under Social
A fun filled evening was had by all the San Ramon Newcomers that attended the “Symphony in the Park” concert on Sunday, September 16. Here we are at the top of the hill, under the trees with our SRVNC banner flying high.
We shared an assortment of tasty snacks and drinks and snuggled under our blankets to keep warm as we enjoyed the music. The California Symphony was named “Best Symphony In America” by the editors of Reader’s Digest magazine May, 2005.
The Symphony is passionately committed to giving extraordinarily talented young performers their first professional concert appearances. The evening’s special guests were Carrie Brandon (a local ninth grader) and Jonathan Cain (a long time member of the band journey) and not to mention Darth Vader in his original costume worn in the movie “Star Wars”.
October 1, 2007 at 4:22 pm · Filed under Hiking Club
Effective October 5th, we will hike on the 1st and 3rd Friday of the month. During the rainy season, if a hike gets cancelled because of weather, I will reschedule the hike to the following Friday if possible. In months where there is a fifth Friday I may plan a hike. I will still send out an e-mail the Wednesday before the hike.
Starting March, if enough interest warrants, we will resume our weekly hikes. Please put these dates on your calendar for the remainder of the year:
Oct. 5
Oct. 19
Nov 2
Nov 16
Nov 30
Dec 7
Dec 21
October 1, 2007 at 4:14 pm · Filed under Hiking Club
Hi Newcomer Friday Hikers and Guests,
Today guest Chris Thompson and I hiked at Mt. Diablo on Wall Point trail. We kept a good pace as we checked out sights along the trail including views of Sentinel Rock. The skies were grey but the predicted wind didn’t materialize. It was on the cool side hiking out but we quickly warmed up hiking back up the wide road that has its definite hills along the way. When we reached the Secret Trail we hiked out on it to Bar B Que Terrace. Along the way we saw turkeys and California quail.
We hiked for 1 1/2 hours and covered 3.8 miles.
It was nice meeting you Chris and hope you will join our group. I hope more of you will schedule a hike on your calendar so you can take advantage of this beautiful Fall weather we are having..
Please note the separate e-mail telling of our new Fall hiking schedule. (If you didn’t get this please let me know and I will forward again to you.
Our next hike is next week, Oct. 5th. I hope to see you then. Happy Trails,
