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Submitted by Trish Munro
With 2024 upon us, here are some activities to get to know Livermore and all who live and work here better.
1. Nature: Walk, hike, or boat in the parks and open space surrounding Livermore. Sycamore Grove, Del Valle, Brushy Peak, Morgan Territory, and Springtown Open Space are there for all of us to enjoy.
2. Science: Play with how the world works at one of QUEST's science at Stockmen's Park, visit the LLNL's visitor center, or try with the floating ball at Livermorium Plaza.
3. Live performances: From Shakespeare in the Vineyards to the variety of Bankhead shows to live music at Vineyards and throughout Livermore, live performances connect people to each other and to the experience in ways that build our common humanity.
4. Good food: Livermore's downtown has food, drink, and atmosphere — we know it, so do others. In 2024, look to the places outside of downtown — the restaurants up Vasco or off Bluebell, those by the airport, or in the newish space by Concannon and Holmes.
5. Religion or none: Livermore is home to people with many beliefs: avowed atheists, Christians of all kinds (Orthodox, Protestant, Catholic), Hindus and Sikhs, Jews, and Muslims. There are values we share and worldviews that vary. Make this the year to listen and understand another religious or nonreligious perspective.
6. History: Visit Carnegie Center and take a trip through the City of Livermore's past, from its founding — which was connected to the transcontinental railroad — right through the present.
7. Governance: Livermore has three governmental bodies: the city, the school district, and LARPD. Attend a few council meetings, school board meetings, and LARPD board meetings to understand the scope of the work our public servants do.
8. Building community: host a neighborhood block party, volunteer for Meals on Wheels, Goodness Village, or Open Heart Kitchen, apply for an advisory body, volunteer to tutor adults or children.
This year has every promise of being another rough ride. And yet whoever we are, whatever our circumstances, it will be a better year if we approach it with gratitude, with curiosity, and with compassion for ourselves and others. May this year be one of wellbeing and peace for all.
