Paper: San Ramon Valley Times (CA)
Title: 'ALAMO CRAZIES' HEAD TO OREGON FOR RELAY
Date: August 22, 2000

Alamo resident Bill Ralyea and 23 other local runners who call themselves the "Alamo Crazies" are heading off to Oregon for the Nationwide Insurance Hood To Coast Relay.


This is the longest relay in North America, with its course stretching from Mt. Hood to the shore of the Pacific Ocean in Seaside, Ore. Bill told me the 195-mile course challenges 12-member teams to confront hills, urban areas and the unique characteristics of running in the day and at night.The tight-knit "Alamo Crazies" began about 30 years ago with two or three members. Today about 35 members enjoy the camaraderie of running Las Trampas trails, Shell Ridge and other open spaces. The group also runs up Mount Diablo twice a year, and one of those times is always New Year's Day. The members manage to get out and run five days a week.


The running group participating in the relay includes Tom Pinkard (one of the original members), Len Coster, Charlie Cowden, Dennis McLean, Mike Egan, Mike Levin, Bill Messana, Clark Nelson, Bill Schaaf, Bob Shaw, Dennis Simikin, Bart Simmons, Rick Doyle, Josh England, Scott Guisti, Brian McCaul, Alisdair McGregor, Rich Powell, Scott Osmus, Bill Ralyea, Joe Reid, John Scheffler, Brent Watkins and Clint Williams.


"Running with this group has definitely elevated my enjoyment of the sport," Ralyea said. "I've gone from running by myself on pavement in the late afternoon to going out in the early morning on beautiful open trails with a cast of characters! We look forward to the challenge, camaraderie and stories that are sure to come from Hood To Coast. Wish us luck."


Indeed, good luck to you and your teammates.


FELTON FAMILY FOUNDATION FUND-RAISER: Whoo, that sounds like a tongue twister! Alamo resident and president of the Diablo Chapter of the Felton Family Foundation, Jean Spear, is excited about the foundation's event Sept. 16 at 7 p.m. in the ballroom of the Behring estate in Blackhawk.


Jean said guests can expect an evening of "life, merriment and celebration" throughout the evening called "Tour d'Esprit," a charity event sponsored by the foundation, benefiting children with life-threatening illnesses and their families at John Muir Medical Center.


Renowned Bay Area caterer Paula LeDue has planned a unique dinner menu for the event. In keeping with the international theme, choices will range  from exotic flavors of the Far East to an icy Russian caviar bar.


Channel 2 anchorwoman Tori Campbell will emcee the evening, and live and silent auction packages will feature trips, dinners and parties. One lucky ticket holder will take home an exquisite Tahitian black pearl and diamond pendant designed and donated by Davidson & Licht, exclusive jewelers for Tour d'Esprit.


Jean also told me the musical entertainment will be provided by performers from the sold-out San Francisco show "Teatro Zinzanni."


"Tour d'Esprit will be a very special evening with a little something for everyone," said Diablo Chapter member Joni Gordon.


The Felton Family Foundation was established in 1997 to provide psychological counseling and support to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. The foundation provides licensed psychologists to be part of the medical team working with families to help them cope with the daily struggles they face with a seriously ill child. The counseling services are free to families.


The chapter was founded last year in order to establish a Felton Family Center in the pediatric oncology department at John Muir Medical Center.


"Initially the center is focusing on oncology patients and families, but it is our hope that through the fund-raising efforts of our membership, the foundation will be able to expand the services to include pediatric patients and their families from other departments as well," Jean said.


For ticket information please call 925-472-9363.


Have a great week!


Have news to share? Call Caterina at 925-743-2205, write to her c/o San Ramon Valley Times, P.O. Box 68, Danville, CA 94526 or send a fax to 925-837-4334. Her column runs every Tuesday.