Hobnobbing with Helen

It was one of those nights when you had to circle the block at least once to find a parking place at the Veterans’ Memorial Community Center.

The nighttime Kiwanis held its annual fundraiser—always surefire fun—on Friday evening, Aug. 7.

For several years, this event has had a speakeasy theme. This year, the nighttime Kiwanis put together “Club K presents the Dino’s Martini Lounge” featuring “Frank’s Dinner Show and Sammy’s Casino.”

The martini lounge attracted about 130 fans of the ’50s. 

“We sold about 30 percent more tickets this year,” Anna Rubcic, the event chair, happily reported to me. 

What was the big attraction? Part of it was the Riptide Big Band, brimming with saxophones and trombones. They play frequently at the Mussell Senior Center, and they are terrific. Bob Nations (whom we have met in the nighttime Rotary’s “Santa Maria’s Got Talent” competition) sang.

While sipping martinis, eating dinner, and listening to Riptide, it felt like being in a nightclub. It was really nice, as we have come to expect of the nighttime Kiwanis’ annual wingding. 

Dinner, prepared under the direction of club president and gourmet cook Julie Posada, consisted of ham and roast beef (you got both), roasted red potatoes, carrots, spinach salad, and cake.

Kiwanis members enjoying the evening included Larry and Diana Bell, Dr. Michael and Susan Moats, and Marjorie Gjerdrum.

Libby Kelly, Barbara Steverson, Claire McGhee, Franzitska Shepard and Liz Addamo were at my table.

One of the signature features of this event is the broad selection of really attractive and not-run-of-the-mill silent auction items. 

Dr. Roland Miller, perennial purchaser of Parry Pies, looked forward to satisfying a sweet tooth with his silent auction coup—a cherry pie and a peach pie—both made by the Kiwanis’ Jill Parry. Every year, she bakes pies for the silent auction and every year, Dr. Miller hovers over the bid sheet until he wins. We certainly know the way to his heart.

I was happy to see Mike and Marianne McCormick, who got married about two months ago. They had an unusual wedding—horseback riding and a campsite sleepover in Santa Ynez for 20 friends. 

A recent event that deserves attention is the Chamber of Commerce annual citizen of the year dinner held on Wednesday, Aug. 12, at ye olde Elks Club.

My goodness, but the place was bursting with buzz. About 270 pillars of the community turned out to celebrate awards given to Dr. James Peterson (citizen of the year), Rick Sweet (public service award), and Halsell Builders (business of the year).

Congresswoman Lois Capps, State Assemblyman Katcho Achadjian, and City Councilpersons Bob Orach, Etta Waterfield, Jack Boysen, and Teri Zuniga applauded the winners, as did Joyce Howerton, who represented State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson.

Rob and Sandy Buchanan, Carolyn McCall, Terese and Jim Diani with son Jason, Bob and Teresa Hatch, and Hancock College’s President Dr. Kevin Walthers with his wife, Shannon, were among the guests.

About 25 percent of the gents were in black tie. “I like to see people dressed up,” said Karen Cordary, who was at the Economic Alliance table along with Mike Kirkwood, Viki Connor, Nancy Stewart, Mike Sell, Sandra Dickerson, and the United Way’s Eddie Taylor.

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

This article appears in Aug 20-27, 2015.