Kiwanis Gypsy Carnival
When I learned that the noontime Kiwanis were having belly dancers and tarot readers at their Gypsy Carnival, I knew I had to go.
Held on April 24 at the Veteran’s Memorial Building on Tunnel Street in Santa Maria, the carnival offered a buffet, entertainment, games of chance, and a no-host bar for $25.
This party was a hoot. I loved it.
First, let it be known that any event where Julie Posada participates in the preparation of the food is one worth attending. Her array of spreads and dips is beyond Martha Stewart.
The Vocational Training Center’s catering department was responsible for the hot entrees: meatballs, chicken wings, and pork and beef kabobs.
Gerald’s (the new candy store in the mall) provided boxes of irresistible chocolates for sampling. Blue Sky Coffee Company’s owner Sally Ysalde was on hand with thermoses of java.
President-elect Anna Rubcic was committee chair for the carnival. Mike Sell chaired the games committee and worked with good sport Randy Beal (dressed in a jester outfit) and Austin Petty. Former city council members Leo Trujillo and Marty Mariscal with wife Marye were among the crowd, as were Linda Williams and Ray Arensdorf with wife Courtney.
Before dinner, Jim Massung played the guitar outside on the patio. The belly dancers gave us their all after the buffet line had started. Not only were these gals good, but they were also colorfully clad, overloaded with bells, tassels, and jewelry.
Two tarot card readers did their thing under tents in the back of the room. I couldn’t help myself—I had a reading with Christopher Childress from Nipomo. Alas, he did not see a winning lottery ticket in my future.
The Noontime Kiwanis meet at noon on Thursdays at the Minerva Club.
Arbor Day
The Friends of Waller Park initiated a new event on the morning of April 25. This nonprofit group that raises money for park enhancements planted a gingko tree in its new Commemorative Grove.
There’s a large sign (see the photo) roughly southeast of the Woof Park that marks the spot of the grove. Tree expert, former city arborist, and consultant Bailey Hudson was the first to have a tree planted in his honor.
About 50 people congregated at 11 a.m. to honor Hudson. In a beautiful, lush, green setting, a Girl Scout honor guard presented the colors, and the super-cool Central City Chordsmen sang two patriotic songs. Next year, fellas, how about another two tunes?
Friends of Waller Park president Don Ward presented Hudson with a framed certificate of appreciation. County park rangers then planted the first tree in the Commemorative Grove, which will be joined by others on future Arbor Days. Cake and coffee were available.
Hudson’s wife Celeste Hudson, his granddaughter (Elks Rodeo Queen Candidate Lindsey Serra), George and Barbara Johnson, and Karolyn Addington were among those attending.
Oasis Center board member Pauline Herrmann introduced herself and reported that their recent fundraiser at the Fairpark raised more than $100,000 for the new center.
The Friends of Waller Park are responsible for many of the amenities that make the park even more special. Over the 27 years they’ve been around, the group has funded lake restoration, volleyball courts, the disc/Frisbee golf course, sprinkler and irrigation systems, and children’s playground structures, as well as many other projects.
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you may contact her at helenthom232@yahoo.com.
This article appears in May 7-14, 2009.