When he was a young man, ophthalmologist Dr. Dennis Shepard spent time as a medic in Korea, Viet Nam, and Laos, some of it on the staff of famed humanitarian Dr. Tom Dooley.
This is just one of the riveting aspects of Dr. Shepard’s life that he talked about on Jan. 8 in the Historical Society’s “Santa Maria Speaks” series held in the library’s Shepard Hall.
At the end of the program, Dr. Shepard showed a terrific DVD, produced by his friend Richard Gwyn, about the medical history of the Santa Maria Valley.
Well known for being an entertaining speaker, Shepard did not disappoint at this event.
It was fitting that Oregon native Shepard discussed “Santa Maria—it’s just like home” in the library’s Shepard Hall, which is named for his family. He and wife Franzitska donated generously for the privilege of having the hall named for them.
Ever since the gorgeous new library opened, Shepard Hall has been the cultural heart of the community.
Harrell Fletcher reception at Santa Maria Inn
Also on Jan. 8, friends and family of prominent civic leader Harrell Fletcher gathered at the Santa Maria Inn for a noontime reception following his memorial service and burial.
Barbara and Tom Urbanske, Shirley Contreras, Shere and Bob Nations, and Jimmy Enos were a few of those who attended after being at the Shepard talk.
Enos played the piano outside the dining room. County Supervisor Joni Gray, her husband George Wittenburg, Mayor Larry and Donna Lavagnino, Nancy Stewart, and Dave Cross were among the crowd.
Santa Maria Inn manager John Reinacher was on hand to chat with Fletcher’s fans and to oversee the lovely tri-tip and salad buffet. The reception took place in the hotel dining room, with tables and serving stations also set up outside on the patio. Several gorgeous flower arrangements, sent as expressions of sympathy to the family, were placed around the dining area.
Celebrate Philanthropy is a winner
In the last Sun issue of 2010, this column was to have wrapped up the year just past. But opportunity knocked; there was serious hobnobbing to accomplish at the next-to-last Rotary Breakfast Club meeting of 2010, when Lt. Jake Bradfield revealed a slideshow and presentation about a soldier’s life in Afghanistan. Couldn’t miss that!
It’s a little late for end-of-the-year traditions, so I will skip a belated summary of the year—except for two items.
The Celebrate Philanthropy luncheon, held in November, has become the event not to miss. It’s always sold out, always a panorama of who’s who, always abuzz with conversation and chit chat.
The Santa Barbara Foundation works with Marian Medical Center Foundation and some other groups to honor three to six individuals who deserve recognition for their generosity and support of the community.
Philharmonic Society in 2010
One of the great pleasures of 2010 was the series of free concerts held on Sundays in Town Center West. I thoroughly enjoyed the three I attended and regret not having been able to go to them all. The concerts were a collaboration between Town Center management and the Santa Maria Philharmonic Society. Many, many thanks to both parties for these Sunday afternoons of musical pleasure.
Want to hobnob with Helen? Contact her at helenthom232@yahoo.com.hoo.com.
This article appears in Jan 13-20, 2011.
