Santa Maria Sun / News

Hobnobbing with Helen

BY HELEN ANN THOMAS

Tres Hermanas revelers George Cudd (left) and Jill Tucker (right), executive director of the Santa Maria Valley Humane Society, attended the Tres Hermanas Valentine's Day barbecue. Cudd is head of the planning committee for the capital campaign seeking funds for a new animal shelter. PHOTO BY HELEN ANN THOMAS

One such event, which benefited the Santa Maria Valley Humane Society, was held on Feb. 13, at Marvin and Paulette Teixeira’s Tres Hermanas Winery barn on Foxen Canyon Road. The barn is a spacious affair with interesting wrought-iron chandeliers and a bar.

About 150 people paid $35 for tickets. Tres Hermanas wine club members paid $25. There was a no-host bar—and two complimentary bottles of Tres Hermanas syrah at each table of 12.

Dinner was a Santa Maria-style barbecue with tri-tip, salad, macaroni salad, beans, garlic bread and—hooray!—strawberry shortcake and coffee.

It's for the birds, Baby! Birdhouse architect Jody Venema appeared with wife, Realtor, and Humane Society volunteer extraordinaire Bunny Maxim. Venema donated three custom-made birdhouses to the Humane Society auction. PHOTO BY HELEN ANN THOMAS

Dancing followed. At first, I thought it would be only 30-somethings in 4-inch heels out there, but they were soon joined by 50-somethings, 60-somethings, and 70-somethings who like to shake, rattle, and roll with the best of them.

Board members Carla Biely (with husband Chuck), Geri Murphy (with husband Pat), and Pat Goble were on hand, along with Board President Bodil Cudd and husband George, and Beverly Johnson, Santa Maria Valley Humane Society volunteer.

Board member Wanda McDonald and husband Jim Hopkins and daughter Holly Hopkins were at my table.

The Humane Society’s annual dinner, scheduled for May 1, is moving to the Santa Maria Country Club. The theme this year is “The Great Catsby and the Barking ’20s.” Humane Society uber-volunteer Bunny Maxim asked her friend, graphic artist Nancy Jo Ward, if she could produce program art and posters that look 1920-ish—something the New Yorker would put on its cover. The resourceful and talented Ward produced a delightful art-deco-ish piece. Get out your flapper dresses!

Be my Valentine! Bailey and Celeste Hudson joined the Valentine's Day celebration at Tres Hermanas Winery. The event benefited the Santa Maria Valley Humane Society. PHOTO BY HELEN ANN THOMAS

It was pouring rain when I traipsed into the Minerva Clubhouse on Boone Street on Feb. 6 at 11:30 a.m., and spilling sunshine when I exited at 3:30 p.m. The Minerva Club was bustling with members and guests (more than 112) who were there for “Love Bingo,” one of the club’s two annual fundraisers. The proceeds of this event were earmarked for maintaining the lovely clubhouse, which is a Julia Morgan design and a landmark building.

A $15 ticket covered lunch (lasagna-type casserole, salad, croissants, and cake with sherbet) and two bingo cards.

There were more than 40 beautifully wrapped prizes, donated by the Minerva Club members. Someone at my table won a $25 gift certificate to Albertsons, as well as a gift certificate from the “Piece o’ Cake Bakery.”

Nighttime Altrusa prez Pauline Skiba, also at my table, was delighted with the huge basket of crackers and snacks she took home.

Lou Glenn was the delightful emcee. She will also be mistress of ceremonies at the Women’s Network March 3 dinner at the Santa Maria Inn.

If you want to hobnob with Helen, you may contact her at helenthom232@yahoo.com.