It’s that time again.
“ … and the award goes to … ”
We’re not talking Academy Awards or Golden Globes, but the Women’s Network’s annual, much anticipated Women of Excellence (WoE) awards held on March 14.
For the past 24 years, the Women’s Network has recognized extraordinary local ladies in the following four categories: Women Helping Women, Women Taking Creative Risks, Women of Spirit, and Lifetime Achievement.
Heavy-duty, industrial strength community involvement has been characteristic of most of the nominees.
This event has been traditionally held at the Santa Maria Inn, home of the network’s monthly luncheon meetings, but this year, to celebrate a milestone—the 25th (silver) anniversary of the WoE awards—the event moved to a new venue, the Santa Maria Country Club.
Civic activists, movers and shakers, and pillars of the nonprofit community peppered the audience of more than 120 people.
Two Chamber of Commerce CEO’s came to support the nomination of former Chamber president Donna Randolph. I thought, “Long time no see,” when former Chamber CEO Bob Hatch, who nominated Donna, popped into view.
At another table, along with the Chamber’s Dave Cross, I spied the new CEO, Glenn Morris, and his wife Shannon.
Two rows down, the SM Historical Society table (board members Evie Geiger, Mike Farris, Laura Dias, and executive director Cindy Ransic) showed support for nominee Shirley Contreras.
My table had its share of winners. Board member Madeline Stevenson enjoyed conversation and camaraderie with Terry Amies of Solvang (a recent Santa Ynez Foundation Woman of the Year in the Santa Ynez Valley) and Sheri Hughes, who won a 2012 WoE award. Nominee and crime scene investigator Lydia Magdaleno (wouldn’t you love to have lunch with her?) was also at this table.
Faith Comé chaired this popular dinner event. Sgt. Sandra Brown (of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office), who ran for sheriff last year, was a funny and quick-on-her-feet mistress of ceremonies. Sandra also was a 2014 WoE award recipient. Not sure what category Sgt. Sandra won last year, but she is a shoo-in for any “Gutsy Gal” awards that are floating around.
Ed Carcarey, Roxanne Ventriglia, Sandra Dickerson, Bodil Cudd, and Dennis Prescott were among familiar faces in the crowd.
Board member Amy Curti played the piano during social hour. I would not be surprised if at the next year’s WoE banquet, there is a Women’s Network chorus under the direction of the amiable Curti. She is that into music.
At the Discovery Museum table were nominee Chris Slaughter and husband Joe, Amy Asman, and former WoE award recipient Diane Adam (with husband Kerry).
Nominee Clare McGhee sat at table with Hindi Beaman, Margaret Cooper, and Nancy Hight. Not sure if these busy, super-involved ladies were from AAUW or the Friends of the Library.
And the awards go to … Women’s Network board member Erika Tower, former network president Donna Randolph, Nancy Williams, and Lisa Long
The Women’s Network shows heart with yearly scholarship awards to a Hancock student in transition and to a member for a special project. It also gives a $500 Christmas season grant to a nonprofit that will use the funds to underwrite a holiday party or event they could not otherwise afford.
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you may contact her at helenthom232@yahoo.com.
This article appears in Mar 19-26, 2015.