This year has been a time of economic hardship for many families. Money gets even tighter during the holiday season as parents try to balance regular expenses and buy gifts for their children.
As the Holiday Season approaches, many of us will enjoy the special pleasure of “giving back.” Volunteering has a meaningful, positive impact on your community by helping others and improving their well being. What better way is there to connect with your community? You can make a difference!
Volunteering is a great way to spend a day. It’s fun and it’s free. Your presence in community programs enhances the quality of life in San Ramon. A small contribution of your time can make a big difference.
Many organizations will be hosting food drives, toy drives and Adopt-A-Family programs. The Marines will be collecting Toys for Tots. The Rotary Club will sponsor their annual One Warm Coat drive. Consider volunteering as a Thanksgiving Food Drive Coordinator or at a local shelter.
San Ramon also offers several volunteer opportunities. City Lights Volunteer Program is designed to bring volunteers and City Staff together, in a partnership, to assure the success of our programs and services. Volunteer opportunities are available in the areas of: administrative support; special events; publicity; race volunteer; Senior Scholars; volunteer drivers; Senior Center garden; specialized recreation, coaching and more.
To register as a City Lights Volunteer or to receive job descriptions and a City Lights Newsletter, call the Volunteer Coordinator at (925) 973-3222. Information is also available for pick up at the San Ramon Community Center, 12501 Alcosta Blvd. or by e-mail at bmertz@sanramon.ca.gov.
It is my hope that your volunteering endeavors will not be limited to the giving season of the holidays. While there are certainly many opportunities to volunteer at this time of year, please think about giving back to your community after the holidays and throughout the year.
Together we can—Together we will—Make a difference—Make a better community, and be proud that we’ve made a Better San Ramon.
You may contact Mayor Wilson by email, at: hawilson@sanramon.ca.gov.
11/26, 5:00 – 7:00pm: Community Family Thanksgiving at the Alcosta Senior & Community Center.
Pre-registration required by 11/20. Anyone wishing to volunteer or contribute to this event should be a City Lights Volunteer. Call Nick Vitalis at 973-3254.December 4, 5, 6, 11, 12 & 13: Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) presented by San Ramon Community Theater at the Front Row Theater.
Tickets can be purchased at www.sanramonperformingarts.com.12/05, 9:00 – 11:00am: Bah Humbug! 5K Run/Walk at Bishop Ranch #2. Start the Holiday Season off with a healthy fun run or walk through San Ramon. Info: (925) 973-2500
12/05, 8pm: A Day in His Life Starring Tim Piper as John Lennon & Featuring the band Working Class Hero. Spend an evening with Rock icon ‘John Lennon’ as portrayed by world-famous actor/musician Tim Piper. www.SanRamonPerformingArts.com.
12/02, 8:30am – 10:00am &10:30am – 12:00pm: Breakfast with Santa presented by San Ramon Arts Foundation. The San Ramon Community Theatre presents Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Elves with a variety of breakfast treats, a personal visit from Santa Claus and some special holiday entertainment. Info: (925) 389-7529.
12/12, Saturday, 10:30am: Children’s Home Society of California’s East Bay Council of Auxiliaries Present “STORYBOOK BRUNCH WITH SANTA”. A holiday event for children of all ages. Songs and Storytelling featuring Clayton Valley High School Drama Department, Jeanni the Magician, and a Special Visit for each child with Santa.
Tickets $15 Children 12 & under; $30.00 Regular Admission. San Ramon Marriott Hotel Tickets and Info: (510) 267-186012/18, 7pm: Community Chorus Holiday Concert at the Community Center at Central Park. Bring the entire family to this delightful holiday concert featuring multi-cultural holiday music and dance. This charming program is certain to entertain one and all. The evening will culminate with a special visit from Santa Claus himself. FREE admission.
12/19 at 2pm & 4:30pm – 12/23 at 11am, 2pm & 4:30pm: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. This pratfall-filled comedy, which brings to life the popular book of the same name, will delight preschoolers, while parents chortle with recognition at the antics of the exuberant mouse. Holiday treat for the whole family!! SanRamonPerformingArts.com.
12/20, December 20, 7pm: Messiah Sing-A-Long at the San Ramon Presbyterian Church (12943 Alcosta Blvd.). Four soloists will perform with an orchestra and you! The chorus is made up of those in the audience who wish to add their voices to the inspiring strains of George F. Handel’s Messiah. There will be free choral workshops on 11/16, 11/30, 12/5 & 12/14. www.sanramonarts.org.
ALIVE IN SAN RAMON
MAYOR H. ABRAM WILSON