Special Activity & Events Archive
This page lists our branch special events from most recent to oldest. The Covid pandemic has limited special events for quite a while but we are now back in operation adhering to all state, county and local requirements.
CAROLANDS TOUR – THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21ST, 2023
On Sept. 21 some 26 SIRS members and guests enjoyed a memorable afternoon touring the Carolands mansion and grounds in Hillsborough. The 46,000 square foot chateau was designed by a pre-eminent French architect of the Belle Epoque period and built in 1916 under the direction of California architect Willis Polk. The property was bought and restored in the 1990’s by Charles Johnson, principal owner of the SF Giants, and now belongs to the Carolands Foundation. Typically only open by lottery once a week, the SIRS group enjoyed an unforgettable private tour of the estate led by two enthusiastic docents.
Now owned by the Carolands Foundation, the property is used for private events and open for limited public tours, with admission ordinarily by lottery. (Further information can be found at http://carolands.org/.)
SF GIANTS VS. CLEVELAND GUARDIANS BASEBALL--SEPTEMBER 13TH
31 Sir members and guests sat as a group to witness the Giants take on the Cleveland Guardians in an exciting 6-5 win on Wednesday, Sept. 13 starting at 12:45 pm. 30 tickets in Section 311 were available --- upper deck View Reserve seats between home plate and first base. The cost was only $13.
ALAMO CEMETERY TOUR - WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23RD
tour of the Alamo Cemetery with a docent from the Museum of the San Ramon Valley on Wednesday, August 23rd at 10:00am. The Alamo Cemetery is located at 130 El Portal in Danville. The tour is limited to 20 attendees and the cost is a $10 per person donation to the Museum of the San Ramon Valley.
SF NOB HILL/CABLE CAR MUSEUM TOUR--FRIDAY, AUGUST 11TH
a one hour docent led tour of the Nob Hill area in San Francisco on Friday, August 11. This will be a Cable Car Tour: Halfway to the Stars which is a walking tour of Nob Hill ending at the Cable Car Museum. We will start at the California Street Cable Car station at 10:45 am and travel up the hill to Huntington Park where our tour officially begins.
Branch Annual BBQ - August 2, 2023
The branch annual BBQ was held at Osage Station Park in Danville on a beautiful August afternoon. Approximately 180 members and guests enjoyed the excellent BBQ fare (provided by Back Forty) and comradery.
BBQ Chairman, John Noll, collecting an empty "beverage container" from member John Fischer as Ann Noll "supervises the transaction" and Eileen Caviglia and Janice Fassotto look on.
State Capitol Tour - July 28, 2023
A very successful docent-led tour of the State Capitol in Sacramento was held on July 28th.
21 members and guests participated.
TCHO Chocolate Factory Tour - June 23, 2023
Additional members and guests were able to experience what goes into the making of chocolate on our 2nd tour to TCHO this year. Our group had visited this company back in February and this 2nd visit was no less enjoyable for those in attendance. This tour will likely become an annual event so those who couldn't make it will have other chances in the future.
TOUR OF RESTORED NIKE MISSILE SITE - FRIDAY, JUNE 9TH
Comments and photos will be posted when available
OAKLAND A'S VS. ATLANTA BRAVES, MAY 31ST
On May 31st, 31 sirs and guests attended the Oakland A’s /Atlanta Braves baseball game. Although we had Field Reserved tickets between 1st base and right field, we were free to sit anywhere in the stadium as attendance was less than 6,000 fans. It was a beautiful sunny day, and all attendees were treated to a 1973 Replica A’s Jersey---good quality for a giveaway.
Although we were disappointed that the A’s lost, everyone still had a wonderful time. If the A’s remain in Oakland, we’ll schedule another game or two next year.
Mt. Diablo Summit Wildflower Walk - Friday, May 19th
On Friday, May 19th, Sir Phil Reed led another wildflower walk at the Summit of Mt. Diablo
Central Contra Costa Sanitation District Walking Tour-May 10th
On Wednesday, May 10th, twenty one Sirs and guests took a 90-minute tour of the Contra Costa County Central Sanitation District.
This water treatment plant processes over 35 million gallons of wastewater daily. We toured the various buildings and wastewater ponds to better understand the treatment process. We all now have a greater appreciation of the complexity in treating our wastewater--- in the future, we’ll be more cognizant of what we flush down our toilets, garbage disposals, drains, etc.
Everyone had a wonderful time and recommended that we schedule another tour in the future.
Annual Ladies Day Luncheon - Wednesday, April 12th
A wonderful gathering in honor of our Ladies! 196 members and guests attended the "Spring Fling" at the Blackhawk Country Club.
Attendee Comments:
"I thought the food and service were great. The trio band was very relaxing. Great job in picking Blackhawk CC"
-Judith and Oskar
"We sincerely enjoyed the luncheon yesterday. It was nice catching up with old friends and meeting new ones. We thoroughly enjoyed the great meal and service, the entertainment was exceptional. Hope you do another Ladies Day Luncheon next year!"
-Wayne and Betty Low
-Sheila and Bob
Mt. Diablo Mitchell Canyon Wildflower Walk - Friday, April 7th
On April 7th, Sir Phil Reed led an interesting 2.5 mile walk up Mitchell Canyon fire road to observe the beautiful wildflowers that come up every spring on Mt. Diablo. The wild flowers were abundant after all the rain this year. Some of the blooms are only found on Mt. Diablo, and Phil is an expert on the flora and fauna of the canyon. Fortunately, the rain forecast had little impact on the turnout for this special event. 11 Sirs and their wives -21 total enjoyed the 2 mile hike/tour. Sir Phil Reed was very informative as usual. This will become a Sirs annual event each spring.
Following the walk, the group met at Rocco's Pizza in Walnut Creek to dine om family-style pizzas, Caesar and mixed green salads, penne pasta, rigatoni in meat sauce, sodas and iced tea; all for $20 per person, tax and tip included.
Many thanks to Phil, Randy Wong and Jim Quon for organizing this combined Dine-Out/Special Event.
SF Giants Oracle Park Tour-March 23, 2023
Our group had a docent led tour of Oracle Park “home of the three-time World Series champions,” Oracle Park is widely regarded as one of the premier ballparks in all of major league baseball. On the Behind-the-Scenes Tour, you will set foot on the Field's Warning Track, sit in a Major League Dugout, and peek inside the Visitors' Clubhouse. You will get to go into exclusive areas only players and staff are allowed. The cost of the tour was $20, and lasts for 90 minutes.
Thanks to Mike Thelen (mjthelen@aol.com), (415)990-0180 for aorganizing this special outing.
Frank Sinatra vs. Bobby Darin - Sex, Swagger & Swing concert- Sunday, March 19, 2023
Frank Sinatra Vs. Bobby Darin - Sex, Swagger & Swing
Date & Time: Sunday, March 19, 2023 @ 3:00 (approximately 2 hour show)
Pricing: Tickets $44.00
The Bay area's favorite crooner, Jonathan Porentz & his Swinging Nite Orchestra returned to the Hoffman Theater at the Lesher Center For The Arts with his high octane show. An afternoon full of Sinatra and Darin classics that we all have loved over the years.
48 branch members and guests attended this show with many venturing out for dinner at some of the fine Walnut Creek restaurants.
Many thanks to Danny Basso for organizing this special outing.
TCHO CHOCOLATE FACTORY TOUR AND TASTING--FEBRUARY 17,2023
Sirs and their wives enjoyed a delightful 2 hour tour of the TCHO Chocolate factory in Berkeley, California. on February 17, 2023. They learned where TCHO's chocolate comes from, and got to taste the different chocolate creations that TCHO produces.
The original TCHO Factory once only found on the Embarcadero in San Francisco has now expanded to a new facility in Berkeley. On the tour you will learn how TCHO has collaborated with farmers worldwide from West Africa, Haiti, the Caribbean to Madagascar to find new ways to create better cacao for better chocolate. They have installed 10 Flavor Labs around the world allowing their farmer partners to make chocolate from their own beans in order to understand how to improve their quality. TCHO Chocolate is used by some of the best chefs around the nation, and is used by Blue Bottle Coffee in their mochas and Salt & Straw in their vegan mint chocolate chip ice cream. You will be given a factory tour to see how they go from "bean-to-bar" and in the end be treated to the various flavors they produce.
Warriors/Brooklyn Nets Basketball, Sunday, January 22nd
It was a disappointing turnout with only 7 members and guests attending the game. Organizing future outings to see the Warriors will be re-evaluted.
Glass Blowing at Bay Area Glass Blowing Institute (SJ)-Friday, January 20th
Our group attended a demonstration of the time honored art of glass blowing at the Bay Area Glass Blowing Institute (BAGI) in San Jose on January 20th. BAGI is the only public access glass-working facility in Santa Clara County that has fully functioning glassblowing, fusing and torch working studios. The Institute provides events that bring the public and artist in contact to encourage ideas, and the collecting of original artwork, and provides an affordable studio for emerging and established glass artists. The private educational glass blowing demonstration cost $10/person.
Here are some photos of Henrik Jorgensen and his assistant demonstrating how a glass bowl is being made for Sirs and their guests. It took him almost 2 hours while his audience watched him shape his piece of art. It was a great experience.
HOLIDAY GALA AT BLACKHAWK COUNTRY CLUB, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15TH
The traditional branch Holiday Gala held at the Blackhawk Country Club on Thursday, December 15th proved to be a big hit with the 230+ participants in attendance. The food and service at the the event were first class! The prize raffle was entertaining thanks to Frank, Joe and Dan! The Gala moved into overdrive with DJ Sonny Garcia spinning our favorite songs all night! Enjoy some pics from the event.
WARRIORS/HOUSTON BASKETBALL GAME , SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3RD
Details/pics for this event will be posted when available.
Red Oak Victory ship Tour- November 17th
On November 17th, 13 Sirs and guests were given a 3-hour docent-led tour of the Red Oak Victory ship in Richmond. The SS Red Oak Victory is the last surviving vessel of 747 ships of all types built at the Richmond Kaiser Shipyards during World War II. These ships, along with their cousins the Liberty ships, were built on an emergency basis to carry vital supplies and troops to all theaters of war.
During the 3-hour tour, our 2 docents provided in depth information as we visited the deck, engine room, cargo holds, mess hall, kitchen, sleeping quarters and much, much more. We were all amazed that each ship took “87 days to build, housed a crew of 104 and carried 11,500 tons of supplies” in support of our WWII efforts.
Afterwards, several of the attendees met for lunch at the Assembly Marketplace just a few minutes ride from the Red Oak and across the parking lot from the Rosie the Riveter Museum. Wonderful BBQ!!
A great day was had by all. Special thanks to Randy Wong for coordinating this event.
Lesher Center Tour--November 7th
Monday November 7th, 18 of our SIR128 family attended a tour of the Lesher Center for the Arts, the premier venue for performing and visual arts in the East Bay. Sir Bob Denison's nephew, Scott Denison, treated us to an awesome behind the scenes tour of our local treasure. Scott, and his 32 year career as general manager, and Center Repertory managing director, took us through the dream of planning, constructing, and the development of the Lesher Center for the Arts.
We visited the 3 separate theaters, the green room, and the dressing rooms. We got the inside scoop on the logistics of presenting a play, musical or educational program for everyone in the region. We learned how the stage manager coordinates all of the different aspects of a production, from costumes, sets, and props, to actors and rehearsals, so that everything runs smoothly.
It was a great day and was followed by a nice luncheon at Katie's Kreek, directly across from the venue. Thoroughly enjoyed by all.
"Hidden Steps" of San Francisco Tour-October 27th
Come join us on October 27th for a Docent Led Walk of the Mosaic 16th Avenue Tiled Stairs and the Hidden Garden Steps in the Upper Sunset District in San Francisco. The set of stairs is on Moraga between 15th and 16th Avenue. Once covered with graffiti it became a community project of love for more than 300 neighbors. Completed in 2005 the 163 steps stairway is broken into small sets of stairs. Each one has a different design such as a moon, sun, and swirling designs with fish, flowers, and shells. it will amaze you to see the entire piece, and also to walk up and down to get a closer look at each section. It is an easy walk, and October is one of the best months to visit San Francisco. The tour will start at 10:30am at St. Anne's Cathedral and last for 2 hrs. ending with a panoramic view of San Francisco from Grand View Hill. Transportation can be by car, BART, and the N Judah muni. Lunch to follow at Underdogs Tres Mexican restaurant in the Sunset district. Cost of the tour is $25 per person with a limit of 16 participants. Ideal event to bring your spouse. Register here if interested in attending.
Fleet Week Watch Party-October 8th
The Aquarium of the Bay near Pier 39 in San Francisco is offering a WATCH PARTY on October 8th. There are usually crowds of people during Fleet Week all hoping to get the best view of the airshow .From the Aquarium's open air deck you will be able to get a seat and a clear and open view away from the crowds. The cost is $165.00 per person and includes:
1) Admission to the Aquarium of the Bay - (opens at 11:00 am)
2) Full Buffet Lunch (catered by la Mediterranee)
3) Full Bar (cocktails, beer, and wine)
To purchase tickets please go to bay.org
1. Click on Events at the top of page
2. Scroll down to calendar
3. On Fleet Week Event scroll down to View Details
Bancroft Garden Tour--Tuesday, October 4th
The Ruth Bancroft Garden, located on 3.5 acres in Walnut Creek, has become an outstanding example of a water-conserving garden, appropriate for our Mediterranean climate. 2022 marks 50 years since Ruth first began planting her magnificent dry garden. It is now considered an East Bay Hidden gem and it illustrates how a low-water use garden can be far beyond just gravel and a couple of under-sized cactus.
On Tuesday October 4 at 9:00 AM, SIR128 members and guests (maximum 8) can enjoy a private guided tour of the garden. The tour will last one hour, and brunch may be available afterwards at a local restaurant. Cost will be $17.00 per person.
If interested in attending, go to the RSVP page on our website to register.
"A Moon for the Misbegotten" Eugene O'Neill Play--Sunday, September 25th
Eugene O’Neill, America’s only Nobel Prize-winning playwright, lived in the hills above Danville when he wrote his greatest plays. O’Neill’s home Tao House is a National Historic Site. This September the Eugene O’Neill Foundation will produce A Moon for the Misbegotten, which has been produced five times on Broadway and is perhaps O’Neill’s most popular play, in the Old Barn at Tao House. Before the September 25 matinee, which will be attended by SIRs members from several branches, audience members will have an opportunity to picnic on the Tao House grounds and to tour Tao House. Tickets are $60 and will soon go on sale on the Eugene O’Neill Foundation’s website, eugeneoneill.org. There will be a special page on the website offering a $5 discount to SIRs members.
For further information contact Sir Dan McGovern. danielwmcgovern@gmail.com
Mt. Diablo Tarantula Tour-September 23rd
On Friday evening, September 23rd, 14 Sirs/guests led by Sir Dan Mahoney and spouse Dolores, hiked a portion of Mt. Diablo in search of tarantulas! Mount Diablo is home to black tarantulas. These magnificent creatures come out typically at night in the fall. This is when the males come out of their holes and go searching for a mate.
We had 3 guides from the Mt. Diablo Interpretive Center who provided lots of information regarding these unusual and furry creatures: they are not poisonous—in fact, they are very friendly and can easily be held as evidenced by one of the photos below; the females don’t eat the males after mating; tarantulas don’t jump and they are not fast runners.
During our hike, we learned about the various flora and fauna on Mt. Diablo and fortunately came upon 7 male tarantulas at various locations on the trail. No one got assaulted, bitten or eaten by any of the 7 we discovered!
Everyone had a wonderful time and we definitely recommend that other Sirs consider this tour in the future.
Irish Music Concert--Friday evening, September 16th
A concert of traditional and contemporary Irish music at the Veterans Memorial Building in Danville was the kickoff event of the 23rd Annual Eugene O’Neill Festival. Eugene O’Neill, America’s only Nobel Prize-winning playwright, lived in Danville when he wrote his greatest plays, which remain among the hottest tickets on Broadway. The concert celebrates the Friendship City relationship between Danville and New Ross, Ireland, from which O’Neill’s father James emigrated. Acclaimed Bay Area musicians Cormac Gannon, Erin Thompson, and Steve Gardner will vocalize and play a variety of instruments, including the fiddle and uilleann pipes. Tickets were $20 thruough the O’Neill Foundation’s website — eugeneoneill.org
Contact for this event was Sir Dan McGovern. danielwmcgovern@gmail.com
Chabot Space and Science Center Tour-September 14th
On Wednesday, September 14th, 20 SIR128 members and guests took a 2 hour guided tour of the Chabot Space and Science Center, located in Oakland, California. The Center features interactive exhibits, planetariums, a large screen theater, hands-on activities and three powerful telescopes. We were treated to a ½ hour video presentation on the current Artemis uncrewed Moon-orbiting mission; a visit to and overview of the various telescopes followed.
Our tour guide did a wonderful job in overviewing the various venues located throughout the Center. Afterward, nearly all Sir attendees and guests gathered for Lunch at the Science Center café.
The $15 admission fee and tour cost were well worth it. We strongly encourage other Sirs to visit the Science Center at a future date.
Special thanks to Sir Danny Basso for facilitating this event.
SF Giants vs. San Diego Padres--August 31st
Sir members and guests watched the Giants take on the San Diego Padres on Wednesday, August 31st starting at 12:45 pm. We've reserved 50 tickets in Section 311--- upper deck View Reserve seats between home plate and first base. The cost was $21.00 per person.
SF Anchor Brewery Tour-- Saturday July 23rd
On Saturday, July 23rd, the SIR Special Events Committee sponsored a private tour and beer tasting at the historic Anchor Brewery in San Francisco.
The Brewery dates back to the days of the Gold Rush and was founded in 1896. It is located in a beautiful art deco style building in the Protrero Hills. Anchor Steam Beer owes its deep amber color, thick creamy head, and rich distinctive flavor to a historic brewing process like none other. Attendees learned about the history of the origin of its name, and the original practice of fermenting the beer on San Francisco's rooftops in a cool climate. In lieu of ice, the foggy night air naturally cooled the fermenting beer creating steam off the warm open pans.
The tour was a great success. All of the guys and their wives had a wonderful time. The docent was excellent, and all the members had a chance to enjoy their great beers. I hope to make this one an annual event.
SF Giants vs. Arizona Diamondbacks--July 13
Sir members and guests participated with our group to see the Giants take on the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday, July 13th starting at 12:45 pm. We've reserved 50 tickets in Section 311--- upper deck View Reserve seats between home plate and first base. The cost was $21.00 per person.
San Francisco Presidio Tour, Wednesday June 22nd
On Wednesday, June 22nd, a docent led City Guides tour was held at one of California’s Historic Landmarks, the PRESIDIO of San Francisco. From Spain, to Mexico, to the United States—The Presidio has been home to more militaries than almost any other fortress in America. It is a sprawling, fortified estate strategically located at the northern tip of the San Francisco Peninsula. In 1994 by act of Congress the Presidio’s status as an active military installation came to an end, and it became a National Park in 1996 under the Presidio Trust. The park has many wooded areas, hills, beautiful homes, and scenic vistas overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, and the Pacific Ocean.
The tour started at the Officers’ Club at 10:30 am, and lasted for 2 hours. The cost was $15 per person with a maximum of 16 participants.
Lunch was held at Café RX in the Tides Converge building near the end of the tour.
"Spirit of the West" Blackhawk Museum Tour--June 10th
On Friday, June 10th, 22 Sirs and guests were treated to a special tour of the Blackhawk Museum “Spirit of the West” exhibit. Fellow Sirs Truman Howard and John Chiorini were our guides for this +1 hour excursion.
During the tour, we learned about “1800’s Native American life and culture, settlers’ expansion in the West, and the many people (e.g. Sitting Bull, General Custer, William and Clark) who impacted this era.
After the tour, we were free to visit the many other venues (Into China, Classic Car Collection, Natural History) within the Museum. Everyone had a wonderful time and many suggested we schedule future SIR128 tours of the other Museum exhibits..
San Francisco Presidio Tour, Wednesday, May 25th
On Wednesday, May 25th, we enjoyed a docent led City Guides tour is planned for one of California’s Historic Landmarks, the PRESIDIO of San Francisco. From Spain, to Mexico, to the United States—The Presidio has been home to more militaries than almost any other fortress in America. It is a sprawling, fortified estate strategically located at the northern tip of the San Francisco Peninsula. In 1994 by act of Congress the Presidio’s status as an active military installation came to an end, and it became a National Park in 1996 under the Presidio Trust. The park has many wooded areas, hills, beautiful homes, and scenic vistas overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, and the Pacific Ocean.
The tour will started at the Officers’ Club at 10:30 am, and last for 2 hours. The cost was $15 per person with a maximum of 16 participants.
Lunch was held at Café RX in the Tides Converge building near the end of the tour.
HILLER AIR MUSEUM TOUR--WEDNESDAY, MAY 11TH
On Wednesday, May 11, 2022, twelve Sirs and guests toured the Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos. Dedicated to the dreams of flight, and the adventurousness and innovations of aviation pioneers, the museum chronicles over a century of aviation history and provides a glimpse into air transportation’s future.
During our docent led tour we visited many exhibits including 1) the early days of the Hiller Aircraft Company and its competition with Howard Hughes Air, 2) the WWI Aviation history venue, 3) the Women in Aviation exhibit and much, much more. Vintage and futuristic aircraft, prototypes, photographic displays and models were also on display.
After the 1-hour docent led tour, we had free time to visit venues of our choice. This was followed by lunch at a local restaurant down the street from the Museum.
SF MISSION MURALS TOUR --APRIL 21ST
On Thursday, April 21st , 8 Sirs and guests participated in a docent led tour of the San Francisco Mission Murals. The Murals first appeared in the Mission in the 1970s and soon became central to the area's identity. Over the decades artists have used the walls of the Mission district, its buildings and even entire alleyways to give voice to matters of social and political importance to the neighborhood.
Dine Out--Rocco's in Walnut Creek-April 6th
we’ll have lunch and will take place from 09:30 AM to 11:30 AM Reservations are made for Noon on the 6th.
NOTE: This Dine Out and the Wildflower Walk are separate events but designed to work together. You may sign up for one or both but you must register for each, independently.
This should be a really fun event! We hope to see you there!
Jim and Joyce
925 786-7866
askquon@yahoo.com
Rocco’s Ristorante & Pizzeria
2909 Ygnacio Valley Rd.
Walnut Creek, CA 94590
(925) 947-6105
Rocco’s has earned ‘institution’ status since 1999! Yes, it’s a pizza place but it’s far more than that! They are also well known for their pastas and other items other than pizza and sandwiches. Their thin crust pizza is outstandingly good! There is, literally, something for everyone! The food is excellent, portions are large and the prices are very reasonable, thus making an excellent value for all. They are located in a shopping center at the intersection of Ygnacio Valley Blvd. and Oak Grove Rd. They’re next door to Whole Foods, across the street from the new Safeway store. Rocco’s has a private dining room large enough to take 30+ of us. We’ll be issued individual checks per couple. Parking is easy in the large parking lot shared by all the surrounding businesses.
NOTE: This Dine Out and the Wildflower Walk are separate events but designed to work together. You may sign up for one or both but you must register for each, independently.
For more information about the Wildflower Walk, go to our Special Events section on our SIR128 website.
This should be a really fun event! We hope to see you there!
Jim and Joyce
925 786-7866
askquon@yahoo.com
Mount Diablo Wildflower Walk--April 6th
On April 6th, Sir Phil Reed led our group on a interesting 2.5 mile walk up Mitchell Canyon fire road to observe the beautiful wild flowers that come up every spring on Mt. Diablo. Some of the blooms are only found on Mt. Diablo, and Phil is an expert on the the flora and fauna of the canyon. He pointed out the beautiful little flowers some that only grow in Mitchell Canyon, Mt. Diablo.
The walk lasted about 2 hours, and was enjoyed by 22 participants, then followed by lunch followed at Rocco's Pizza organized by Sir Jim Quon.
Warriors/San Antonio Basketball--March 20th
Sunday, March 20 at 5:30 against San Antonio. We have 30 tickets available at $75 each and signups are open to all SIR 128 members and their guests. Our seats are in section W but they try to keep us in the lower part of the balcony. Once again, I will be asking for passes to the shoot around that happens for 30 minutes before the game. This will put you in seats a few rows back from court side and you will get to watch some of the players warm up. After 5:00 they send us back to our assigned seats. This is a great opportunity to see some of the players warm up from very close. We never know for sure who will come out but Curry is usually one of the players.
SAN FRANCISCO MISSION MURALS WALK - THURSDAY MAR 13, 2022
On Thursday March 3rd, 13 Sirs and guests attended a docent led tour of the San Francisco Mission Murals. Our guide escorted us through the Mission District where we stopped and were given an orientation on approximately 30 of the many hundreds of Murals scattered though out the area. These Murals first appeared in the Mission in the 1970s and soon became central to the area's identity. Over the decades artists have used the walls of the Mission district, its buildings and even entire alleyways to give voice to matters of social and political importance to the neighborhood. Scroll down to see some photos taken on this tour.
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We toured for about 2 hours and then had lunch at one of the many Tacquerias in the area. Everyone have a great time; special thanks to Danny Basso for coordinating this wonderful event. Those attending Tour #2 on April 21st should expect a similar experience.
ANO NUEVO SEAL WALK - FEB 17, 2022
ANO NUEVO SEAL WALK - FEB 17, 2022
20 Sirs and spouses enjoyed beautiful weather and elephant seals plus a great dinner at Sam’s Chowder House in Half Moon Bay. Couldn’t have been a more perfect event.
USS HORNET TOUR - WEDNESDAY, FEB 9, 2022
USS HORNET TOUR
Wednesday, Feb 9, 2022
22 Sirs/guests visited the USS Hornet on Wednesday, February 9th. We were blessed with 3 docents and broke down into smaller groups which proved most beneficial when navigating the bowels of the aircraft carrier. Our docents took us to many of the 18 decks of the ship to include the Engine Room, infirmary, torpedo room, enlisted and officer quarters, hangar bay, flight deck and much more. They provided interesting facts, trivia and stories about the Hornet and it’s participation in both World War II and the retrieval of capsules from the Apollo space missions. And who knew that John Kent's sister Jolene was a Rosie the Riveter poster girl!
After the 2 ½ hour tour, many of our group retreated to the Pier 29 Waterfront Restaurant for a wonderful meal and socialization.
A great day was had by all attendees and we’ll definitely consider another Hornet tour in the future.
NORTH BEACH WALKING TOUR - THURSDAY NOV 11, 2021
At 10:30 am on Thursday, November 11th, Sirs and guests attemded a 1 ½ hour docent led walking tour of one of the most famous and colorful San Francisco neighborhoods , North Beach, also known as “Little Italy”. Once popular in the 1950’s for its transformative literature produced by beatniks and bohemians, it is better known for its rich Italian heritage. Immigrants came in the 1910s establishing the authentic Italian character that remains its defining quality to this day. The tour will start at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church and meander through some of the famous streets and hidden treasures soaking up the charm of this unique historic neighborhood.
After the tour we can have lunch at one of the many Italian restaurants known for its rich traditional cuisine. The cost of the tour is $20 per person ---all monies collected go to a donation to SF City Guides part of the SF Public Library. We will be met by two docents and will break up into smaller groups on the steps of Saints Peter and Paul Church, across from Washington Square at 10:30am. The tour will be limited to24 participants so go to our SIR128 website ASAP to register.
SIR128 NIGHT AT THE WARRIORS - SATURDAY, OCT 30
SIR128 has just received access to 20 tickets for the Warriors vs. OKC basketball game at the Chase Center on Saturday, October 30.
Our tickets are in section 214 rows 7 and 8. While these seats are high up, I am assured they are just a few steps down from the escalators which let you off at row 10 in this area. The area is not wheelchair accessible, but the few steps should be reasonable for most people.
In addition to the game, we've obtained passes for those going to the game who wish to watch the “shoot around” that begins at 4:00 and goes until about 4:30. For this part of the afternoon we will be seated in the first 5 rows court side which should make it a lot of fun to see the players up close. Then after 4:30 I would assume that most of us will get dinner somewhere in the arena and then proceed to our game seats. The game itself starts at 5:30.
The cost for the tickets is $65 each. If interested in attending, please register ASAP on the SIR128 website. NOTE that these 20 tickets will be given out on a first come first serve basis.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION on payment procedure, parking, COVID guidelines, etc will be provided when you receive your registration confirmation
This should be a fun experience for all of us and even more so to share it with your fellow Sirs and significant others. Tickets are hard to get for Warriors games, so we are limiting these tickets to just Sirs and their spouses/significant others until a week before the game. If we are not sold out by that time, we will open the extra seats to more guests.
If you have any questions, please call Dan Mahoney at 925-831-9557.
SF CHINA TOUWN TOURS - OCT 27 & 28
SF CHINA TOWN TOUR - 10/27 & 10/28
One of the most interesting and historic places in San Francisco is Chinatown. On Wednesday, October 27th at 10:30am we will be offering a private 1 1/2 hour tour of Chinatown led by a City Guide Docent.
San Francisco Chinatown rose from the ashes of the 1906 earth-quake to evolve into a Chinese community holding fast to its traditions amid a rapidly changing cityscape. Discover the local alleys where this community has continued to flourish for over 150 years. Temples, dim sum, herbal apothecaries and jade jewel-ry shops all contribute to the vibrancy of this place, one of the oldest Chinese communities outside of China.
SF VICTORIAN HOMES WALKING TOUR - OCT 6 & 7, 2021
SF VICTORIAN HOMES WALKING TOUR - 10/6 AND 10/7
Our grpoips joined professional guide, Jay Gifford, on a tour of Pacific Heights with its colorful Victorian row houses, famous mansions, and beautiful gardens. This event started at Post and Powell St in front of the St. Francis, Union Square. During the tour we visitdc the inside of a period Queen Anne Victorian. Saw where Mrs. Doubtfire and Princess Diaries were filmed, and where Robin Williams and Francis Ford Coppola lived. The walk was easy and there were no hills to climb. The tour length was approximately 1 1/2 hours including one short bus ride with the cost and arrangement covered by our guide. Some of the group enjoyed lunch after the tour on Chestnut Street, the exclusive Victorian commercial district, or returned via bus directly back to Union Square arriving around 1:30pm.
Cost was $25 per person.
Additional info can be found on the VICTORIAN HOME WALK web site.
HISTORICAL DANVILLE WALKING TOURS - SEP 22 & 23, 2021
HISTORICAL DANVILLE WALKING TOURS - 9/22 & 9/23
Each tour began on Front Street where the town began. Participants learned the identity and deeds of the founding families, how Danville was named, location and news of the first schools and postal services, and visit the designated historic buildings along Front, Hartz and Prospect Avenues, many of which have a unique story. Wonderful old photographs of Danville were shared. The tour took about an hour and a half.
Cost was $10 per person—all monies collected go to the Museum of the San Ramon Valley association. Bring exact change on the day of your tour and a SIR representative will collect all attendee's monies.
LAWRENCE BERKELEY NATIONAL LABS VIRTUAL TOUR - SEP 11, 2020
We had a virtual tour of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
September 11, 2020
11:00am-12:00pm.
The tour covered 3 major labs: Advanced Light Source, Molecular Foundry, and NERSC (the super fast huge computer lab).
Ano Nuevo Seal Walk - Feb 13, 2020
Ano Nuevo Seal Walk-Feb 13, 2020
Our group gathered at the park's meeting area prior for our scheduled 1 pm tour start. Some brought and enjoyed picnic lunches before the start of the tour.
After a near 1 mile walk from the initial meeting location along a gravel path to the tour staging area, the group was able to hear from a park ranger about the various animals that were active along this section of the California coast and meet our tour docent, Wendy Wheeler.
Docent Wendy Wheeler led our tour of 14 members and guests. Her knowledge was extensive and she was able to answer all of the questions the group had. Everyone agreed that she provided an awesome experience over the 3 hour tour.
The path from the staging area to the beach locations of the seals was a bit tougher to hike, especially going up over the sand dunes but everyone made it! On the way, we encountered several young bull seals that were lounging about. Early February is peak season when the Northern Elephant Seals are most plentiful and our group was not disappointed with the near 3-hour tour.
Our group witnessed bulls engaging in battles for breeding with the females, and female mothers with their pups. Mothers nurse their pups for a month before weaning their pups, mating, and heading back to sea. In that short time our docent Wendy Wheeler explained that pups can grow from 50 lbs at birth to 300 lbs!
Additional info is available on their web site.
Our group enjoyed a very nice early dinner following the tour at Sam's Chowder House in Half Moon Bay before returning home. What a great outing!
Sitting from Left to Right: Betty Maddox, Barb Wixon, Monica Wnuk, Chris Poulin & Denise Basso
Standing from Left to Right: Fred Pourmirzaie, Bob Maddox, Frank Wnuk, John Kent, Bill Cunningham, Dan Poulin, Danny Basso, Margie Basile & Bob Basile
Historic Paramount Theater Tour - Feb 5, 2020
Historic Paramount Theater Tour - Feb 5, 2020
Oakland's Paramount Theatre is one of the finest remaining examples of Art Deco design in the United States. Designed by renowned San Francisco architect Timothy L. Pflueger and completed in late 1931, it was one of the first Depression-era buildings to incorporate and integrate the work of numerous creative artists into its architecture and is particularly noteworthy for its successful orchestration of the various artistic disciplines into an original and harmonious whole. It is the home of the Oakland East Bay Symphony and, as one of the San Francisco Bay Area's premiere performing arts facilities, hosts a year-round schedule of popular music concerts, variety shows, and theatrical plays.
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Our group tour consisted of a 90 minute docent led behind the scenes tour of this beautiful Theater. The cost was $6 per person; the tour started at 10 am and was considered a wonderful day according to all 18 attendees. Docent (Erin) was informative, articulate and really funny- highly entertaining. Items discussed: theater history, architecture, renovation, etc. Lunch at Agave Uptown was a hit.
California State Railroad Museum - Jan 22, 2020
Train Ride to Tour - Jan 22, 2020
Widely regarded as North America's finest and most popular railroad museum, the California State Railroad Museum houses more than 20 restored locomotives and railroad cars, along with thousands of smaller artifacts and a variety of exhibits in its 100,000 sq.ft. exhibition facility.
Our group outing, consisting of 30 SIR members and guests, started off by boarding the SAC Captial Corridor AMTRAK train out of the Martinez station around 10 am. The 1 hour train ride was very comfortable and interesting, passing through the countryside that you don't see when traveling along highways 680 and 80.
Upon arrival at the Sacramento station on the edge of Old Sacramento Historic Park, we had a short walk over to the museum.
While our tour organizers, Randy and Lorna Wong, got our entry tickets, the group enjoyed a brief break in the museum lobby.
Our assigned docent, Bob Shillato, gave us a quick history of how the railroad was developed in California followed by a walk through the lower level of the museum. He pointed out some of the key exhibits to explore which included a number of original locomotives and refurbished train cars. The museum has done an amazing job of setting up the exhibits so you can walk through several of the cars to really get a feel for what it was like to be on a train in the late 1800's/early 1900's.
Of particular note was the Postal Car which had a docent to explain how it all worked!
At noon our entire group walked over to the Rio City Cafe for a wonderful lunch on their covered patio. Following lunch, some members of our tour explored 'old town' while a number of our party headed back to the the museum to continue to explore. Along with the many exhibits there was an award winning 20 minute movie , "Evidence of a Dream", which described the importance of the railroad in developing California and making America. They also have the largest collection of toy trains to look at.
Our group enjoyed a relaxing return trip by train to the Martinez station, returning about 4:30 pm.
It was a great day!
Tracy Amazon Distribution Center - Jan 8, 2020
Visit to Tracy Amazon Distribution Center - Jan 8, 2020
31 Sirs and guests participated in this latest visit to this amazing facility. Due to popular demand, another tour has been scheduled for July to allow those that could not get into this tour to get a chance to visit the facility!
SF Asian Art Museum - Dec 12, 2019
VISIT TO SAN FRANCISCO ASIAN ART MUSEUM
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019
A number of members attended our branch outing to the San Francisco Asian Art Museum scheduled pn Thursday, December 12th. The exhibits span cultures from Turkey to India and China to the Philippines through 6,000 years, the collection provides a panorama of Asian art and culture. Included are over 18,000 objects ranging from tiny jades to monumental sculptures. Superb paintings, porcelains, arms and armor, furniture, textiles, and bronzes are featured. The group enjoyed lunch following the tour.
Holiday Dinner/Dance Party - Dec 4, 2019
SIR 128 Holiday Dinner Party
Diablo County Club
Dec 4, 2019
Our annual Holiday Dinner & Dance Event was another great success thanks to SIR Frank Wnuk and his event committee (Tony Fassiotto, Frank O'Neal, Bill Corbett and Dan Poulin)! Following another great Diablo culinary experience, the dancing commenced with our new favorite band, ALISON SHIRONA
Check out the photos attendees have submitted for sharing.........
New member Sam Martin and wife Retha really enjoyed their first time to this event; Retha posing with new Big Sir John Kent and Barb Wixon; Retha and Barb out on the dance floor.
Starting on left, Richard and Sally Graver; Paul and Steph Ahern; Peter and Missy Davey; Sue and Gil Madeiros
Joanne and Gary Sarmento
Walt Disney Family Museum - Nov 6, 2019
VISIT TO WALT DISNEY FAMILY MUSEUM
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2019
Our branch visited the Walt Disney Family Museum, located in a renovated building on The Presidio in San Francisco.
Exploring Angel Island - Oct 23, 2019
EXPLORING ANGEL ISLAND
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2019
Located in the northeast corner of San Francisco Bay, Angel Island has been an integral part of the San Francisco story dating back to the Civil War. Our group departed from the Tiburon/ Angel Island ferry terminal on Wednesday October 23rd at 10:00 AM. After exploring the Visitor Center and gift shop, the tour stopped at all of the historical sites while the narrator gives us the history of that site. Other stops included the Civil War camp, the Nike Missile Sites, WWII battery sites, the US Immigration Station as well as the Japanese detention center.
SIR Day at the Races - Oct 18, 2019
SIR Day at the Races
Golden Gate Fields
From L to R: Bill & Judy Buhl, jockey Kyle Frey, Joe Santone, guest Mike Fazzio and John Bevilacqua
Several branch members and guests had a great time at the recent Sirs Day at the Races event at Golden Gate Fields. Bill Buhl has now been designated as the official Branch racing tout as he was the big winner having picked a number of winners including daily doubles and exactas. From now on we can refer to him as Lucky Bill!
We took advantage of the $41 deal which got you complimentary parking, entrance to the Turf Club, a Racing Program and a Prime Rib Buffet (tax and gratuity included). This is a semi-annual event so you will have another chance to go this spring.
Fleet Week Cruise aboard USS Pototmac - Oct 9, 2019
Approximately 120 members and guests enjoyed a wonderful day on the bay sailing the USS Potomac in the branch private charter during Fleet Week! Comments included the following:
"It was a wonderful afternoon...worth repeating!" - Peter Davey
"My wife and I had a wonderful time." - Peter Garcia
"Great day thanks for organizing" - Guy Greco
Photos taken during the cruise!
Eugene O'Neill Play NIght - Sep 19, 2019
Eugene O'Neill was America's first great playwright, and the only American playwright to be honored with the Nobel Prize for Literature. He lived at Tao House in the hills above Danville from 1937-1944. It was here that O'Neill wrote his greatest and final plays, including Long Days Journey into Night, The Iceman Cometh, and A Moon for the Misbegotten, among others.
Long Day’s Journey is a memory play about the playwright's family when he was growing up in New London, CT. His father, James O'Neill, was a prominent actor; his mother - a former convent girl addicted to morphine after childbirth; and his carousing brother Jamie. All have dreams, ambitions and secrets that impact younger brother Eugene (named 'Edmund' in the play). Long Day’s Journey into Night is considered one of America's greatest dramas.
A limited number of reduced price seats were reserved for SIR members and guests for this special event sponsored by the Eugene O'Neill Foundation. Branch 128 was well represented.
SF Victorian Homes Tour - Sep 3, 2019
A special private 2-hours walking tour of Victorian homes in San Francisco was organized for Wednesday, September 4. The cost was $25 per person. Our guide, Jay Gifford, took us on a tour of Pacific Heights with its colorful Victorian row houses, famous mansions, and beautiful gardens. Feedback from the tour was extremely positive. Lots of details and stories from our guide made the experience quite special.
Branch BBQ - Aug 7, 2019
The SIR branch cooking activity group, led by John Noll, hosted 150+ members and guests to a fantastic cookout at the Central Park complex in San Ramon on Wednesday, August 7th from 4 - 7 pm.
The windy conditions did not dampen the enthusiasm and enjoyment of all that attended. The cooking activity teamwork was in full view as they grilled sausages and chicken to perfection.
Accompanying the succulent grilled meats, the group enjoyed pasta and potato salads and, drum roll please, Ann's Famous Beans (OMG - clearly the star of the show! Click HERE for the recipe!).
Many thanks to the crew!
Front L-R: Joe Rivello, Bo Brummett, Bill Chang, Danny Basso, John Noll
Back L-R: Doug Beck, Mike Thelan, Fred Pourmirzaie, Truman Howard, Greg Grebe, Chuck Lipper, Randy Wong
SF Bay Model Tour - Jul 24, 2019
SIRS interested in the geological and natural landscape of the San Francisco Bay area participated in a 90-minute docent-led tour of the SF Bay Model located in Sausalito.
Feedback from the tour....
"Very interesting and informative tour. Volunteer Docents explained many of the water issues very well, and the pace was relaxed!"
"The Bay Model is impressive. It is huge – two football fields in size. We learned that it was designed and built in the 1950s by the US Army Corps of Engineers. It was built to answer questions about water flows and “what if” scenarios for the SF Bay’s mix of fresh water and salt water. What is impressive is that this was all done manually (“with slide rules”) including extensive fathom and current measurements. It operated until the 1990s, being replaced by computer modeling now done in Vicksburg, Mississippi by the Corps of Engineers.
The model is two football fields in size. That works out to a very large model area with water that’s maybe ¼ to 1” deep. Only a small part of the model is deeper. That’s lots of water in a pretty shallow Bay and delta. The Golden Gate itself is impressively deep and scoured down to bedrock. The model simulates a day’s four high and low tides in about 15 minutes. You can see the Golden Gate’s tidal water inflow and outflow change in less than 4 minutes.
Thanks to Randy Wong for arranging the tour.
Oakland Zoo Tour - Jul 12, 2019
Sirs and guests participated in a docent-led walking tour of the Oakland Zoo on Friday, July 12th. During this 90 minute toor, they explored and learned about the animals and wildlife in the zoo’s main venue. After the tour, the group was free to roam the zoo grounds at their leisure. Some packed a lunch to take advantage of the numerous picnic tables available or dined in one of the restaurants in the park, including the Landing Cafe at the top of the zoo in the recently opened California Trail exhibit. Feedback from participants was very positive.
Amazon Distribution Center Tours - Jun 10 & 12, 2019
Group Tours of the Tracy Amazon Distribution Center
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The events committee organized several docent-led tours of the Amazon Fulfillment Center in Tracy, CA.
Both tours started at 10 a.m. and were led by Amazon employee Shane Agrella and several of his associates. Shane walked us through the facility explaining every thing that was going on.
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The Tracy facility is nearly 1.3 million square feet and employs 2500 full time personnel. All who participated expressed amazement and wonder at the scale and complexity of the operation - how “humans and robotics work in concert to process from 1 to over 2 million orders a day during the holiday season!”
Wildflower Walk on Mt. Diablo - May 22, 2019
Wildflower Walk on Mt.Diablo & Lunch
Sir Phil Reed led a group of hikers along the Mary Bowerman trail to view wildflowers on Mount Diablo on this outing.
Following the hike, some of the group shared lunch together at Rocco's Pizzeria.
Rosie the Riveter Tour - May 17, 2019
Rosie the Riveter – WWII Home Front
National Historic Park Visit
We had a great tour and got to meet some of the surviving "Rosies".
SF Maritime Museum Tour - Apr 24, 2019
Our group had a docent-led tour of the sights, sounds,and textures of San Francisco's seafaring past with a visit to San Francisco Maritime Museum. The open air tour which started at 11 am took them through many of the historic ships that sailed in and out of the Bay Area which included the coastal schooner, C.A. THAYER and walk on the wooden decks of the BALCLUTHA, a square-rigger sailing ship that rounded Cape Horn 17 times.
The group enjoyed the beautiful day!
Ladies Day Luncheon - Apr 10, 2019
Annual Ladies Day Luncheon
It was a lovely day at the SIRS 128 Annual Ladies Day Luncheon which was held at Blackhawk Country Club for the first time.
The Goodwill Bags, a volunteer auxiliary of Goodwill of the Greater East Bay, presented a unique fashion shows featuring an exquisite collection of high fashion couture gowns to humorous sporting attire, corsets, bustles, chamber pots, reticules, flappers, furs and more – all vintage fashions from the mid-1800s to 1960s.
The Goodwill Bags’ models presented an hour long show with a commentator who brought the fashions to life, incorporating history and humor. It was an extraordinary opportunity to learn a bit of “live” history to which we might otherwise not be exposed.
The narrative was both fun and full of interesting facts about the fashions and happenings in the era in which they were worn. Please turn up your speakers and click on the link below to see the wonderful slideshow that Sir Bob Basile's resourceful & creative spouse, Margie, produced....
CLICK HERE to view the slideshow!
A BIG round of applause for all of those who contributed to this delightful event to honor the ladies who are in the lives of our members. Kudos to organizer, Sir Joe Rivello for coming up with a new and unique event this year!
Claude Monet Exhibit - Mar 26, 2019
Special Claude Monet "The Late Years" Exhibit
On Tuesday, March 26th, SIR 128 members and guests had the opportunity to tour the de Young Museum in San Francisco which featured a special guided tour of Claude Monet's "The Late Years" displaying 50 of his paintings from 1913 to 1926, the final phase of his long career.
The group was also able to take in the works of Paul Gauguin entitled "Spiritual Journey", an exceptional display of more than 50 of his paintings, wood carvings, and ceramics. The exhibition featured artworks from all of the distinctive phases of his work.
They also shared lunch during their visit.
Many thanks to Bob Denison for organizing the tour!
Holiday Dinner/Dance Party - Dec 5, 2018
Diablo Country Club
Dec 5, 2018
Our 2018 Holiday Dinner/Dance Party was enjoyed by over 266 members and guests on December 5th thanks to the efforts of event organizer, former Big Sir Frank Wnuk, and his event team!
The food (164 beef filets, 97 salmon filets and 5 vegetarian pastas) was delicious! How do they serve that many perfectly cooked filets???
Our new band this year, Alison Sharino, entertained all during dinner, rocking out for dancing the rest of the evening.
The event was an unqualified success as you can see from the many photos listed below!
SF Ferry Building Farmer's Market Visit - Oct 13, 2018
SF Ferry Building Farmer's Market
Our Cooking Class Activity Group experienced a Foodie Field Trip to SF’s Ferry Building Farmers’ Market
Thirteen SIRs and spouses enjoyed a beautiful day at the SF Ferry Building Farmers Market. Weather was perfect - 70° and brilliant sunshine. There was a huge colorful array of peppers, heirloom tomatoes and fresh greens. We all enjoyed unique, tasty luncheon treats: porquette sandwiches, Arab street wraps with beef sausage, duck eggs, pulled pork – the choices were incredible. And the boat ride was terrific – views of the city, all three bridges, the bay and the tents from the Market.
Check out these photos from the day....
Chabot Space & Science Center Tour - Oct 10, 2018
It was a beautiful, sunny day as our group congregated in front of the Chabot Space & Science Center in the Oakland hills in advance of our 10:30 am docent-led tour of the facility. Because of our number, we were split into 2 groups. One group, led by docent Michael Steckel, headed up to the observatory deck to check out the telescopes.
Chabot houses three telescopes on its observatory deck. Nellie, Chabot‘s most powerful telescope, is a 36 inch reflector telescope, housed in a rolling roof observatory that allows access to 180 degrees of sky. This modern, research-quality telescope offers breathtaking views of the cosmos. Everyone enjoyed the briefing provided by the docents explaining the history of the telescopes and how they operated. We learned that the 2 of the telescopes (Leah & Rachel), could not be exposed until the humidity level dropped to 85 degrees or less. That did happen later in our visit so a number of the group went back up to catch a glimpse of Venus!
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| LEAH | RACHEL | NELLIE |
| 8" Refractor | 20" Refractor | 36" Reflector |
The impressive 20 inch telescope, named Rachel, is the largest refractor in the western United States regularly open to the public. Its companion, the 8 inch Alvan Clark refractor, named Leah, is the original 1883 instrument donated by founder Anthony Chabot.
Our group also enjoyed the newly opened deck area that included a fascinating exhibit of a HEAT CAMERA. The stationary Heat Camera provided a window into a sliver of the light spectrum that is otherwise unavailable to the human eye – infrared. A camera sensitive to infrared light picked up the heat emitted by our group on the deck and displayed it as a color image on a large screen. Warmer objects emit more infrared light than cooler ones, and different parts of the body are often different temperatures, as revealed by the camera. Many of us looked like quite comical through this camera!
After a quick lunch, we enjoyed a movie in the Planetarium theater. It was a highly enjoyable experience!
Chocolate Making Class - Sep 13, 2018
Rachel Dunn Chocolates - Sep 13, 2018
On Thursday, Sept 13th, 35 branch members and guests experienced a hands-on chocolate workshop making delicious American and French chocolates with acclaimed Chocolatier Michael Dunn. The 90 minute workshop began at 1:15 pm and many attendees expressed that "they and spouses had a wonderful time." Check out the newly trained chocolatiers of SIR Branch 128!
L to R: Greg Grebe, Dan & Sylvia Mahoney, Maureen & Herb Schreiber
L to R: Ron & Eileen Weston, Vernon Olson, Chris Whelan, Judy Holmes
L to R: Danny Basso, Bill Corbett, Frank O'Neill
Randy & Lorna Wong
Niles Canyon Wine Train Experience - Aug 18, 2018
SIR 128 Wine Train Special Event
Our group enjoyed an afternoon of Livermore wines while cruising through Niles Canyon, riding on history!
We experienced the bygone era of travel through scenic Niles Canyon on a vintage train from Sunol to Niles and back thanks to Danny and Denise Basso, our organizers. En route, we were served specially-selected wines from the Livermore Valley, accompanied by a small taste of cheese and grapes.
We learned that as one of the Golden State's oldest wine regions, Livermore Valley played a pivotal role in shaping California's wine industry. Spanish missionaries planted the first wine grapes in the Livermore Valley in the 1760s. In the 1840s, California pioneers looking for outstanding vineyard sites began planting grapes in the region. Robert Livermore planted the first commercial vines in the 1840s. Pioneer winemakers C. H. Wente, James Concannon, and Charles Wetmore recognized the area's winegrowing potential and founded their wineries in the early 1880s.
Wine Educator Steve Ferree talked us through tasting a flight of Livermore wines. Each wine will be paired with an hors d’oeuvre selected especially for that wine. A Certified Wine Professional with the Society of Wine Educators, Ferree has earned certificates in wine from the Culinary Institute of America and the Wine & Spirits Education Trust. He writes about wine for the online newspaper Examiner.com and in his wine blog at WineProGuy.com.
The Marine Mammal Center Visit - Jul 20, 2018
Docent-led tour of Marine Mammal Center
Our guide, Gabriella, provided an excellent overview/tour of the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito attended by 25 SIR members and guests. All were impressed with her knowledge of the subject matter. Lot's of questions posed and answered. The facility is quite extensive and seems to play a leadership role in the field of Marine Mammal science. Unfortunately, our timing did not coincide with feeding time but everyone seemed to enjoy the visit.
Lunch happened at FISH in Sausalito
Everyone seemed to enjoy it!
SIR 128 MLB Ballgame Outing - Jun 6, 2018
SIR 128 Day At The Giants - Jun 6, 2018
40 SIR members and guests enjoyed a thrilling extra-inning day game at AT&T Park as our Giants took on and defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-4.
SF Botanical Gardens Docent-led Tour - May 8, 2018
Approximately 20 Sir members and guests traveled to San Francisco to experience a guided tour of the magnificent 78 year old Botanical Gardens park!
The hour tour covered how the park came to be and evolved over the years to establish a collection of trees, shrubs and flowers from around the globe. It seems our SF location, found along the 37th parallel, provides a similar climate to that of many Mediterranean countries, as well as, countries such as Japan! Along the southern 37th parallel, Santiago, Chile is very much like our San Francisco climate, only in reverse.
Mt. Diablo Special Wildflower Walk - Apr 28, 2018
Mt. Diablo Special Wildflower Walk Led by Fellow SIR Phil Reed
18 Sir members and guests enjoyed a wildflower walk on Mitchell Canyon Road in the north side of Mount Diablo State Park. The group met at the Mitchell Canyon parking lot at the end of the Mitchell Canyon paved road. The weather was mostly cool and cloudy which worked well.
The 3-hour, 2 - 3 mile stroll along a dirt fire road and adjoining trail was led by our very own 128 member Phil Reed, a long-time docent and hike leader for the Mount Diablo Interpretive Association. Phil did an outstanding job pointing out all of the flowers, bushes and trees encountered along the way. He even provided a detailed listing documenting the various flowers, trees and shrubs the group might encounter on our little expedition.
Following the experience, a majority of the group enjoyed lunch at Rocco's Pizzeria & Ristorante close by. Fortunately, Phil forgot to carry through with the threatened quiz of the flora viewed that day.
SIR Day at the Races - Apr 20, 2018
A small SIR 128 contingent enjoyed the Golden Gate Fields “Salute to SIR” day at the races on Friday April 20, 2018 at a special discounted Turf Club group rate of $41 pp for SIR groups. Their Turf Club package included valet parking (or parking for a bus), admission and reserved seating, a welcome glass of champagne, daily racing program, Turf Club buffet, tax/tip for the food servers.
Ladies Day Luncheon - Apr 18, 2018
Annual Ladies Day Luncheon
Diablo Country Club
269 Registered Guests!
Comedian David VanAvermaete
was very entertaining but considered by some to be a bit too "salty"
USS Hornet Tour - Apr 4, 2018
20 SIR 128 members and guests participated in a 2+ hour docent-led tour of the USS Hornet on Wednesday, April 4, 2018. A Registered Historical Landmark, the aircraft carrier Hornet participated in two of history's most significant events: World War II and the recovery of the Apollo 11 and Apollo 12 manned lunar missions.
During this docent led tour, the group experienced the following:
- Climb to the Navigation Bridge and stand at the helm where captains bravely commanded this 900 foot long, 41,600 ton ship & visit the Combat Information Center (CIC)
- Stand on the flight deck and sense the thrill of aircraft being launched and recovered
Take a close look at vintage aircraft and an authentic
- Apollo test Capsule and Mobile Quarantine TrailerApollo test Capsule and Mobile Quarantine Trailer
- Walk through Officer's quarters, crew's deck, medical spaces and other areas imagining what life was like on a floating city
Following the tour, a number of the group gathered for lunch at a local restaurant, Scolari's At The Point, located at the nearby Rockwall Winery.
Blackhawk Museum Tour - Mar 7, 2018
24 members & guests experienced a docent-led tour of several exhibits featured at the museum on Wednesday, March 7th! The tour included a look at the Classic Autos followed by the Spirit of the Old West exhibit. Our very own Truman Howard was one of our docents.
Elephant Seals at Ano Nuevo State Park - Feb 7, 2018
The group enjoyed a docent lead tour of the Elephant Seals at Ano Nuevo State Park. Ano Nuevo State Park is between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz and is home to a large colony of Northern Elephant Seals. Seal activities, birthing and population counts vary widely from December through March, but are at their peak in early February. The walk is 3 miles,lasting 2.5 hours, and is considered moderate with varied terrain including sand dunes
Holiday Dinner/Dance Party - Dec 5, 2017
Our 2017 Holiday Dinner/Dance Party was enjoyed by over 230+ members and guests on December 6th thanks to the efforts of event organizer, former Big Sir Frank Wnuk, and his event team!
The food (150 beef filets, 80 salmon filets and 4 vegetarian lasagnas) was delicious! How do they serve that many perfectly cooked filets???
Our band, Larry and the Mob, rocked out following dinner to the delight of all attendees.
The event was an unqualified success as you can see from the many photos listed below (thanks Margie Basile)!
Calm before the Storm - Getting Ready!
Pre-Dinner in the Lounge!
Dinner is Served!
Welcome, Thank-You, and Drawing Time!
Can you say "Prom King & Queen"?
Bob & Karen Turner
Dance, Dance, Dance!
Some Happy Couples Enjoying the Event!
Judy and Bill Buhl
Dick & Carole Gilpin
Dan & Chris Poulin
Marilyn & Tan Matosian
Judy & Jim Powers
Angela & Joe Rivello
Maureen & Herb Schreiber
Marianne & Bob Lyons
John & Virginia Arezone
Margie & Bob Basiile
Christ the Light Cathedral Tour - Nov 9, 2017
Former Big Sir Frank Wnuk led a tour of the Christ the Light Cathedral in Oakland. The cathedral was dedicated on Sept 25, 2008. It was designed by Craig Hartman of Skidmore, Owings and Merrill of Sa Francisco. The design uses the natural elements of Wood and Light and the ancient construction elements of Glass (sand and fire) and concrete, a Roman invention. The design has won over 32 architectural awards for its utterly unique design fusing Catholic tradition and 21st Century technology.
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Tour - Jul 18, 2017
Tour of Lawrence Livermore Labs with the SIR128 group
The tour started and concluded at the Laboratory's Discovery Center off Greenville Road in Livermore at 8:30 a.m. and last 3-1/2 hours. The group was very impressed.
The tour stopped at the National Ignition Facility, the world's largest and most energetic laser; the National Atmospheric Release Advisory Center, the national center for mapping and predicting potential spread of hazardous materials in the atmosphere; and the Center for Accelerator Mass Spectrometry, a world-class research facility used for environmental and biomedical research, nuclear physics, materials characterization and national security applications.
Filoli Gardens Tour - May 10, 2017
Filoli Gardens
We had 25 participants for our visit to the Filoli Estate and Gardens. The docents did a wonderful job - nearly 2.5 hour tour of the Filoli mansion and gardens. Everyone seemed to have a good time. Some had lunch on premises at Filoli Cafe while others dispersed to other local restaurants or went directly home.
Ladies Day Luncheon - Apr 19, 2017
ANNUAL LADIES’ DAY LUNCHEON
Diablo Country Club
Diablo Country Club
232 members and guests attended this annual event favorite! All enjoyed the tasty lunch that started with a spinach salad, followed by an entree of either grilled salmon, grilled chicken or ravioli. Dessert consisted of vanilla ice cream with a butterscotch sauce
An Outstanding Comedian
Performed Following Lunch
The ladies present were included in a raffle of great prizes this year which included restaurant certificates, chocolate & wine, spa visits, tickets to the annual Holiday Dinner/Dance in Dec and a night at the Marines Memorial hotel in downtown San Francisco!
Special thanks to event organizer Joe Rivello (and Angela) for continuing the tradition of making this a very special SIR 128 event!
Oakland Museum of California Visit - Feb 1, 2017
18 members and guests attended this outing on Wednesday, February 1st for a 45 minute guided tour of the Museum. Did you know that according to the popular travel web site Trip Advisor, the Oakland Museum of California is the #1 thing to do of 115 in Oakland? OMCA is an interdisciplinary museum dedicated to the art, history, and natural science of California, and contains more than 1.8 million objects dedicated to "telling the extraordinary story of California." The museum entrance fee was discounted to $13 per person and well worth the visit.
Presidio National Park Tour - Oct 6, 2016
HERITAGE GALLERY I Telling the Presidio Story
Experience the Presidio story from 10,000 years ago to the present through multi-media displays - including films, images, and artifacts. A first-person film gives deeper meaning to the Presidio's legacy and its new national park chapter. Seasonal changing exhibits are hosted within the Presidio Heritage Gallery.
PASSAGE WAY I Beyond the Gates
Explore the impact the Presidio had on the history of the American West and on events around the globe, and learn about the generations of soldiers who passed through the post.
MESA ROOM I Within these Walls
See layers of history literally revealed, from the exposed colonial adobe walls of the 1810s to the Post Headquarters of the 1880s and the Officers' Club of the 1930s and 1970s.
MORAGA HALL I The Life of the Post
The social life of the Officers' Club, past and present, is illustrated here. A scrapbook highlights the Presidio Commanding Officers', and an accompanying display honors the men and women who served here in the U.S. Army. This grand space also hosts free public programs and is a comfortable place for relaxing during a visit.
USS Potomac Cruise - Aug 25, 2016
Thanks to Tony Mullins (aka Capt Kayaker) our branch, with over 100 members and guests, enjoyed a spectacular day cruising San Francisco Bay on the USS Potomac! The cruise started out cool and overcast but ended sunny and warm. Our private charter allowed us to bring all manor of food, snacks and beverages onboard. The docents and crew were excellent relating all of the stories, facts and information on the history of this vessel. It was a truly wonderful day!
Some Photos of our Cruise
As you can probably tell, it was a bit "cool" out on the bay!
Oakland A's Game - May 4, 2016
SIR #128 MEMBERS and Guests watched the Oakland A’s take on the Seattle Mariners at 12:35 pm, Wed., May 4th. Just $15 each for Reserved Seating Tickets in the “shade.”
Filoli Gardens Tour - Apr 6, 2016
Designed between 1915 – 1917 and set against the dramatic backdrop of the northern Santa Cruz mountains in Woodside, California, Filoli Estate and gardens is an excellent example of the Golden Age of American garden design and country house architecture.
Our group split up into 2 groups and went off with our assigned docents. The gardens are extensive and truly beautiful. The old Oak trees surrounding the estate were awe-inspiring. Everyone enjoyed the day!
Hiller Aviation Museum Tour - Mar 2, 2016
SIR 128 members, family and guests visited the Hiller Aviation Museum on Wednesday, March 2, 2016 for a docent-led tour of the Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos. Upon entering the museum they experienced exhibits that highlighted the many historic flight achievements native to Northern California. Entry only cost $9 per person and included a 1 hour docent led tour.
The exhibits were very interesting.
Many from the group enjoyed lunch from the food trucks located in the Museum parking lot.
Blackhawk Museum Tour - Nov 11, 2015
A number of branch members and their guests participated in a docent-led tour of the recently opened Spirit of the Old West exhibition at the Blackhawk Museum. The permanent exhibition tells the story of the western frontier from the perspective of both the Native Americans and the settlers before, during and after the expansion west.
The exhibition features authentic artifacts from the period, a large diorama depicting key historic moments, scenes of wildlife from the frontier and other elements that bring the past to life.
Visitors did not believe how large and detailed this diorama is!
Our tour began at 1 pm and lasts approximately 90-120 minutes.
El Sol Winery Visit - Oct 22, 2015
Little Sir Phil Davey organized a visit/tour to the El Sol winery in Livermore attended by a small group of members and spouses. The feedback from attendees was very positive. The tour & tastings, which were projected to last approximately 90 minutes, lasted 3 hours. It included going to the vineyards and seeing how the vines are pruned and a visit to the warehouse where the grapes are stamped three times a day.
And, of course, lots of tasting!
All in all, what a great three hours and all for only $7.50 per person
Giants vs. Dodgers - Oct 1, 2015
Giants vs. Dodgers Group Outing
40 members, spouses, family & friends enjoyed a gorgeous day on the bay watching their favorite National League baseball team!
Christ the Light Cathedral Tour - Jun 24, 2015
Former Big Sir Frank Wnuk led a tour of the Christ the Light Cathedral in Oakland on June 24th. The cathedral was dedicated on Sept 25, 2008. It was designed by Craig Hartman of Skidmore, Owings and Merrill of Sa Francisco. The design uses the natural elements of Wood and Light and the ancient construction elements of Glass (sand and fire) and concrete, a Roman invention. The design has won over 32 architectural awards for its utterly unique design fusing Catholic tradition and 21st Century technology.
Yankee Hill Winery Coooking Class and Dinner - May 28, 2015
SIR 128 branch members and their guests (27 strong) trekked out to Columbia (gold country) to participate in another cooking class/dining experience at the Yankee Hill Winery. This was the 2nd outing with a number of repeat attendees. Upon arriving at 2 pm on the day of the event, the well-stocked kitchen was ready for action..........
Chef Ron Erickson led the group through the preparation of a Basque culinary experience.
From left to right, Larry Roy, Bud Audette, Karl Scheick, Chef Ron & Jim Quon
...with many, many helpers!
Everyone seemed to have a good time creating tapas to enjoy before the main meal. The group was very enthusiastic with most participants taking an active part in the preparation of the meal which featured a seasoned pork roast and several large pans of paella! As with our prior event, the wine flowed freely throughout the 3+ hour event.
All-in-all, it was really fun and a great learning experience for all attendees. All for an incredibly low price of just $40 per person! Everyone appeared thrilled with the experience and said they would like to do it, again! It appears that Moroccan cuisine was the consensus for a future class.
30th Anniversary Luncheon - May 20, 2015
A special SIR Lunch Meeting to mark our 30th anniversary
was held on Wednesday, May 20th!
SORRY IF YOU MISSED THIS VERY SPECIAL EVENT!
IT WAS AWESOME!!!
SORRY IF YOU MISSED THIS VERY SPECIAL EVENT!
IT WAS AWESOME!!!
Sir Bob Denison led the efforts of a small team of volunteers to plan and execute a spectacular Celebration Lunch with a special menu, birthday cake, prizes, special guest entertainment, and much, much, much more…..
The Olivina Olive Ranch Tour - May 13, 2015
We had 32 SIR128 members and guests travel to Livermore for a 2 hour tour of The Olivina olive grove and processing facility. This olive ranch is located across from the Wente Vineyards. Everyone learned a great deal about the olive oil industry in general, as well as, the history of the Olive Oil industry in the Livermore valley. In addition to the oral presentation, the group received an olive oil processing overview and tour from the owner. Upon the tour's conclusion, the group had the opportunity to taste many of the fine Olivina oils with a number of members purchasing a bottle or two to enjoy at home.
Many thanks to Sir Robert Caviglia for organizing this tour.
Ladies Day Luncheon - Apr 15, 2015
April was an exciting month with the celebration of another fabulous Ladies Day Lunch at Diablo Country Club. Every year it is an honor and pleasure for we Sirs to cherish the ladies in our lives. The weather was great, food was delicious, good service, and a very entertaining comedian. We had a record high turnout of 250 members and guests this year representing a 25% increase over our 2014 event. Here are some photos provided by members....
Rosie the Riveter Museum Tour - Jan 30, 2015
15 SIR's, spouses, and guests traveled to the Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front, National Historic Park for an informative two hour docent- led tour. Two excellent documentary films presented both the local Richmond, Kaiser shipbuilding of 746 Liberty ships from 1940 to 1943 as well as the Ford assembly plant where both tanks and jeeps were built and shipped overseas. Three women Rosie's, now in their late 80's/90's, spoke to us of their personal efforts as welders and riveters during WWII. Our tour ended with lunch at the nearby Assemble restaurant. We all enjoyed this informative program and would highly recommend it to others.
Holiday Dinner/Dance Party - Dec 3, 2014
Our annual Holiday Dinner/Dance Party was, once again, our best attended event of the year! Over 100 members attended this event! Paid attendance, including spouses and guests, totaled 236. Attendees enjoyed the wonderful meal and entertainment provided by Larry Lynch and the Mob. The following photos were provided by members attending the event.
DANCING THE NIGHT AWAY!
Sir Tony Mullins, Theresa Fierro, Little Sir Ernie Fierro & Mary Mullins
Yankee Hill Winery Cooking Class and Dinner - Nov , 2014
Our Special Event - Yankee Hill Cooking Class, held in November, 2014 was an unqualified success by any definition!!! This was the first event of it's type for Jim Quon's Dine-Out group but clearly won't be the last! This last event was based on Italian cuisine. We had 27 souls for the event and I was really pleased at that number considering that it was a 2-hour drive to/from. However, most folks stayed overnight in the immediate area and came home the next day.
EVERYONE ENJOING THE FRUITS OF THEIR LABORS!
Everyone had a good time. The spirit and enthusiasm of all was readily apparent. We started with the making of appetizers and had a large selection of them on the table within a short time. All were enjoying the appetizers and wine while our teaching Chef, Ron Erickson, conducted sessions on making fresh pasta and Lava Cake. At the same time, we had started a nice Chicken Risotto for the main course. We had a terrific dinner of a tossed green salad, a Zucchini Pasta for a starch and the Chicken Toscana with Mushroom Risotto for our main dish.
The wine was good and unlimited. The food was great as was the group. All-in-all, it was really fun and a great learning experience for those that were so inclined. Some just kicked back, relaxed and watched the action and sipped wine and had a great dinner! All for an incredibly low price of just $35! Everyone I talked to were thrilled with the experience all said they would like to do it, again! So, it looks like it will be an annual event. It might even be more than once a year.
Wente Winery Tour - Oct 23, 2014
On Thursday, Oct 23rd, 35 SIR #128 members and their guests traveled to Livermore for a tour and wine tasting at Wente Winery. During the tour, we learned how various Wente wines are made, bottled and mass produced–-followed by samplings of both "whites and reds." After the tour/tasting, many of the group joined Jim and Joyce Quon for the SIR monthly dine out at Posada Restaurant. Everyone seemed to have a great time.
