Originally published December 17, 2015 Decisions, decisions, decisions. That’s the situation that faces diners at the Chumash Casino’s recently renovated, recently reopened, and much-changed casual dining spot, The Buffet. The Buffet has always been a popular destination for those who want variety and the ability to pile plates high. With the new restaurant, the casino […]
HELEN ANN THOMAS
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Hobnobbing with Helen
So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodbye. That line, from “The Sound of Music” says it all. This column, dear readers, is Hobnobbing’s swan song. After umpteen years of publishing my columns on social events—that focused on nonprofit fund raisers—the Sun is discontinuing “Hobnobbing with Helen.” I hope this is not by popular demand. Shall we […]
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HOBNOBBING: Wishes do come true
What a special day! On Tuesday, May 21, the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara held its annual North County reception at the Far Western in Orcutt. About 75 people came to enjoy camaraderie, wine, and appetizers in the pleasing ambience of the restaurant’s second floor banquet room. Allan Hancock College President Kevin Walthers and Santa […]
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Hobknobbing with Helen: Cowboy style in the valley
Two organizations that provide support for cancer patients—in one way or another—enjoyed astounding success at their annual fundraisers. I was dazzled by the sea of faces at the Teal Journey’s fourth annual fashion show and luncheon on Saturday afternoon, April 6, at the Radisson. My, how the Teal Journey has grown. About 250 people were […]
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Hobnobbing with Helen: Local groups are in full bloom
What a lollapalooza! The annual OASIS Spring Gala held on Saturday, March 23, at the Radisson Hotel was jam-packed with great vibes and high energy. About 250 people filled the hotel ballroom for dinner and the program. Julie Hall, OASIS staffer, told me it was a sellout. Euphoria was in the air when this blockbuster […]
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Hobnobbing with Helen: A whole lot to love
Wow! What a lovefest. It seemed like everyone at the Orcutt Children’s Arts Foundation’s (OCAF) 16th annual gala was totally enamored of country music singer Pryor Baird. The young man—who was raised in Orcutt, attended Orcutt schools, and had been a contestant on The Voice—flew in from Nashville with his band to perform at the […]
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Hobknobbing with Helen: Mahjong tournament
BY HELEN ANN THOMAS Mahjong, anyone? Eighty-eight devotees of the game expressed a resounding “yes!” on Friday, Jan. 22. They gathered at Minami Community Center for the city’s fourth annual mahjong tournament. Donna Eschen is the energetic, imaginative, and efficient force behind this benefit for the Special Olympics program, which is sponsored by the Deptartment […]
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Hobnobbing with Helen: December doings
It has been, as expected, a frantic and frenetic month of shopping and socializing. Of course, there were holiday parties galore all over town. My December, by chance, was highlighted by hobnobbing opportunities with les femmes (this means “the ladies” in French–some words just sound better en francais). But I digress. Women’s Network Extravaganza Notable […]
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Hobnobbing with Helen: November notables
The Great Gatsby Gala—hosted by the Santa Maria Philharmonic Society on Saturday, Nov. 17, at the Radisson—positively delighted guests with a mix of creative decorations, xylophone and guitar music in the atrium, and a musical welcome (Jim Enos at the piano) with chilled sparkling wine in the foyer. Doesn’t that sound like the makings of […]
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Hobnobbing with Helen: A socially satisfying October
It was impossible not to have a good time at the Boys & Girls Clubs’ annual Celebrity Waiter’s Night on Oct. 18 at the Santa Maria Country Club. This was a high-octane event, positively oozing with energy and excitement. The fundraiser attracted 225 enthusiastic friends and supporters and included some in costume. You had to […]
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Hobnobbing with Helen: September socialite
Tis the season to try new things, and the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum did just that at its annual fundraiser event. Instead of “heavy appetizers” served on trays at a buffet bar, they staged a Sunday afternoon sit-down, family-style dinner for 142 at the Museum on Jones Street, on the Sunday afternoon of Oct. […]
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HOBNOB: Summer’s end soirees
You don’t have to be a sports fan to enjoy the annual Joe White Memorial Dinner and Auction. This event raises money for athletics programs at Allan Hancock College and thus has a sports theme. Quite a few of the auction items were sports related as well. About 300 trickled into the Santa Maria Elks […]