"Hobbies were considered slightly embarrassing, though mostly harmless, through the 18th century," according to Melissa Mohr, a correspondent for the Christian Science Monitor. "In the 19th century, though, they grew more socially acceptable as middle-class leisure time increased. It became de rigueur for both men and women to pursue activities that would have seemed strange or frivolous a century before. In the early 20th century, according to historian Steven Gelber, hobbies 'shed the old stigma of eccentricity' and came to be seen as a way to imbue life with meaning and dignity. With a hobby, people could choose their own goals and progress toward them."

The popularity of some American hobbies has shifted over time. The 1950s, for example, saw a boom in the sales of model kits for assembling planes, ships, trains, and cars. The golden age of slot-car racing occurred in the 1960s, according to The Classroom website, which notes the popularity of outdoor photography during that period as well. Other hobbies, such as reading and gardening, have been popular throughout history. Any activity that hobbyists find satisfying can contribute to their quality of life.

"Making time to do what you enjoy can help you ease your stress, lift your mood, and expand your social circle," notes a publication from Hacienda tenant Kaiser Permanente. "It can even help you manage chronic pain, improve your heart health, and add quality years to your life."

Hobbies enjoyed in the company of others can be especially beneficial, according to researchers. Sports clubs and service organizations are two popular examples widely embraced in the Tri-Valley. However, even beyond these, hobbyists in the Tri-Valley will find numerous opportunities to engage in a wide range of activities and interests with others who share these same passions. Below is a sample of more specialized and sometimes surprising hobby organizations found locally. Each one welcomes newcomers and has developed an enthusiastic membership based on its specific focus.

Exploring Stars and Rockets

More than 40 years ago, scientists and engineers from what are now Lawrence Livermore National Lab and Sandia National Laboratories founded the Tri-Valley Stargazers (TVS) of Livermore. TVS holds monthly technical meetings and also supports a telescope-loaning library for members so that users can learn about telescopes and their use without having to buy one initially. The group also accepts donations of telescopes and passes them along to clubs at high schools such as California High School in San Ramon. Several TVS public events are held throughout the year at Del Valle Regional Park, at local middle and elementary schools, and elsewhere including downtown Livermore in support of "sidewalk astronomy."

"We've evolved from being lab-centric to community-oriented and have members in the Tri-Valley, Oakland, and other East Bay communities," says TVS 2023 President Ron Kane. "Now, with Zoom, we have added members in Arizona and Maine. The club has many members who are new astronomers. You don't need to know anything about the stars or telescopes, we will help you get started.  Our resources include an agreement to use a light-blocked area within Del Valle to reduce light pollution from the Tri-Valley cities. We also have a long term observing site well along the back roads to Lick Observatory with little light pollution where we house permanent telescopes and will soon have a scientific-grade instrument installed for use by members, especially those who are interested in astrophotography. A personal goal for this new capability will be to find citizen-science activities that our members may participate in with professionals in furtherance of astronomical research."

The diverse club encourages girls and women to explore their interests in astronomy and telescopes. "I'm hoping TVS will have a role in encouraging some young astronomer to become the next Henrietta Swan Leavitt or Vera Rubin or Neil deGrasse Tyson," says Kane, referring to notable American scientists.

TVS is not the only group that has roots from or was encouraged by the existence of the national labs. The Livermore Unit of the National Association of Rocketry (LUNAR) is an active club of about 300 model rocketry enthusiasts of all ages. Members gather at meetings and events "to learn rocketry, teach rocketry, exchange modeling techniques, and, of course, fly model and high-power rockets," according to LUNAR officials.  Meetings take place six times per year while rocket launches occur once or twice each month. There is no cost to watch a launch. The group also teaches rocketry to youth groups and promotes model rocketry with demonstrations and articles, officials say.

From Quilts to Homebrew and More

Amador Valley Quilters (AVQ) is a registered nonprofit that welcomes quilters of all skill levels, from complete beginning sewers to professional quilters. "There's something for everyone in this guild, from traditional to art quilting, handwork or machine, and every combination you can imagine," according to 2022-2023 President Victoria A. Shore. AVQ offers a variety of workshops, classes, and activities. They range from introductions to fusible quilting for beginners, Quilting Then and Now  events at the Alviso Adobe Museum, donations of Quilts of Valor to area veterans, and much more. In-person events usually take place at Pleasanton Middle School; online meetings are also held.

In 2007, Pleasanton resident Brian Cooper started The Mad Zymurgists club for fellow Tri-Valley homebrew beer enthusiasts. The club is intended for the advancement of homebrewed beers, ciders, and meads, according to officials, who say they encourage the study and appreciation of fermentation science, which is called zymurgy. Members are a mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced homebrewers and professional brewers. "We welcome brewers of all levels of experience," according to club officials. "Club members are typically quite generous in sharing their knowledge of various brewing techniques and their enthusiasm for the craft. A typical meeting consists of a social hour, club business and announcements, and often discussion of specific brewing techniques."

The Livermore Valley Camera Club (LVCC) was established in 1958 "so that photographers of all levels could meet to share their images, learn from each other, and take part in a range of photo-related activities," according to club officials. "We share a desire to interpret the world around us in images and to help each other become better photographers." Meetings are currently held in a hybrid format, both online and in person at a location in Pleasanton.

The Pleasanton Newcomers Club focuses on fostering friendships between members. Tri-Valley residents of all ages and backgrounds, from young parents to business owners to single people to retired individuals, are encouraged to explore membership in this community nonprofit social group. Activities include Welcome Coffees for new members, monthly luncheons at local restaurants, holiday get-togethers, day trips, classes, movies, shopping, bowling, crafts, visiting museums, playing bocce and other games, participating in the group's book club, joining a hiking and walking group, and much more.

"At any time throughout the year, our members can initiate new activities, outings, and workshops," according to officials. "Share your interests with the group! Send an email to pnewcomers@gmail.com to request a copy of our club's newsletter and calendar for monthly activities and upcoming events."

For more information about the Tri-Valley Stargazers, please visit https://trivalleystargazers.org.

For more information about the Livermore Unit of the National Association of Rocketry, LUNAR, please visit http://www.lunar.org.

For more information about Amador Valley Quilters, please visit www.amadorvalleyquilters.org.

For more information about The Mad Zymurgists, please visit www.madzymurgists.com.

For more information about the Livermore Valley Camera Club, please visit www.livermorevalleycameraclub.net.

For more information about the Pleasanton Newcomers Club, please visit www.pleasantonnewcomers.com.

For information about Tri-Valley book clubs, please visit www.hacienda.org/news-events/hacienda-online/pulse/2021/feature/book-clubs-enrich-tri-valley.

For information about the Tri-Valley Writers Group, please visit www.hacienda.org/news-events/hacienda-online/pulse/2018/community/tri-valley-writers-group-supports-new-and-established-writers.

Photo by Alexis Brown on Unsplash