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 Barbara Foundation board Chair Diane Adam were among the crowd. Invitees included the many volunteers who start the scholarship process rolling by interviewing student applicants. Among these were Lompoc’s Leslie Sevier and Bill Ostini, Santa Maria’s Pam Risher, and Nipomo’s Marylinn Green.
Earlier in the day, thousands of dollars of scholarships had been awarded to local students at a ceremony at Hancock. Not everyone who gets a scholarship is in their teens. One pre-millennial, George Crowder, was awarded a Vietnam vets scholarship with which to finish his Hancock education. Way to go, George!
Erik Frost, a retired educator and member of the board of directors, emceed.
Countywide, 2,445 scholarships were awarded. These include sizable awards for medical and dental school students. The Santa Barbara Scholarship Foundation is indeed awesome.
Minerva Club movers and shakers
At the scholarship foundation’s reception, I was happy to see members of the Minerva Club whom I had seen earlier in the day: Mary Nanning, Linda McCollister, and Judy Frost.
Minerva winds up its club year with a potluck luncheon at which they introduce incoming officers. Co-presidents Mary and Linda relinquished the gavel to the indefatigable Dottie Lyons, who will preside over meetings and programs designed to educate and entertain.
One of their most delightful programs is Kentucky Derby Day, held this year on April 25. As if they were going to Churchill Downs (or a royal wedding), the ladies wore big hats—some outrageous and silly. The 60 or so attendees who were in the room participated in betting on actual past Derby races (narrated on vintage radio tapes) that were dug up by the ever-creative Phyllis Lander. Mint juleps (with and without bourbon) were served, along with other Southern standards.
Minerva members can spend their summer (when they are on hiatus) looking forward to the traditional October luncheon, which marks the beginning of another club year.
Wish you were there
Jared Bailey of the Santa Maria Physical Therapy Group has earned five-star bragging rights for fundraising. Over nine years, he and his team have raised $342,500 for the Tri-Counties Make-A-Wish Foundation with a series of golf tournaments. Staff member Chrissy Sarten plays a big role in the planning of this fun and heartwarming event.
A chunk of that $340,000-plus total was raised on Friday, May 3, at the ninth Golf for Wishes Tournament at the Santa Maria Country Club.
Some background: Several years ago, Jared and his good friend Danny Sheridan decided to host an event that would benefit children with terminal or severely challenging illnesses. Children would be granted wishes, such as a trip to Disneyland.
One hundred and thirty-six golfers participated. (I could not help noticing the naughty name tags of the rowdier gents.) A whole bunch of folks (they filled up the dining room) came for the always appealing buffet dinner. Really good roast beef and grilled chicken were the mainstays of the meal. Guests could choose between complimentary wine and ice-cold beer on tap (Modelo and Coors Light).
News of the fun of this event has spread far and wide. Golfers from Fresno and Buellton were at my table. Jared’s brother, Jason, flew in from Ohio to see what all the fuss was about. How’s that for family loyalty?
Likewise Karen Bailey’s family—Tom and Jeanine Dawes (parents), Peggy Dawes (sister), and Dr. Tom Dawes Jr. (brother)—are no slouches when it comes to supporting the event. Neither sleet nor snow nor wind nor rain can keep them away! Well, not all of them come every year, but still … .
And not to worry—if someone fell out of their golf cart or took a tumble, docs from the Central Coast Orthopedic Group (Dennis Blackburn and Paul Castello, along with wives Angie Blackburn and Karen Castello) were among the crowd. Fortunately they did not have to leap into action!
Former Santa Maria City Councilman Jack Boysen was part of a foursome put together by Randy Renfrow.
To the not-so-truthful fellow who told me he had been elected Mr. Congeniality on the golf course, I say thanks for a laugh. I would have voted for you.
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you may contact her at column151@gmail.com.
This article appears in May 30 – Jun 6, 2019.
I am so pleased to discover this collection of Helen Thomas’s articles. Thank you for providing it.
I am immensely pleased to discover this collection of Helen Ann Thomas’ s
“Hobnobbing with Helen” articles. She has such a talent for making accounts of social events
so personable and fun to read. Thank you for including them on your website.
Beverly “SilverBee” Scofield