January is the month of anticipation.
With the whirlwind of holiday events behind us, we can now look forward to some special times in 2013.
The Santa Maria Valley Women’s Network always kicks off the new year with verve and excitement. They have two hot events coming up in February and March.
On Wed., Feb. 6, they will hold their annual Mini-Trade Fair at the Santa Maria Inn. The fair showcases products and services offered by members, and provides a finger food buffet for lunchtime visitors. This high-energy event attracts a lively crowd.
On March 6, they will hold their annual “Women of Excellence” awards banquet at the Santa Maria Inn. You still have time to nominate someone whose contributions to the community deserve recognition. For nomination information and application forms, contact Christine Gerber at 598-9192.
The four award categories are “Women Taking Creative Risks,” “Women Helping Women,” “Women of Spirit,” and “Lifetime Achievement.” A $40 application fee must accompany the application.
All of this was discussed at the network’s first meeting of the year on Jan. 2 at the Santa Maria Inn.
“Discovering Your True Purpose for Money” was the topic presented by speaker Trent Benedetti, who is a CPA, financial planner, investment coach, and occasional campaign finance manager. Daughter Christine Benedetti Crabtree assisted her dad by passing out brochures (and greeting old friends).
Deb Jeffers, Cheryl Vines, Gina Keogh, Mary Jo Hernandez, and Deena Ryan were a few of the members getting the scoop on attitudes toward money. (Truth be told, most of us ladies probably long to run out and buy a Dooney & Bourke handbag with any stash of cash we have!)
Lincoln’s Birthday coming up
I couldn’t help myself. After picking up a map at the Chamber of Commerce office on South Broadway (a girl has to know where she is going), I popped in at the visitor-friendly Historical Society Museum next door.
I know, I know. Hobnobbing has been writing a lot about the Historical Society. But they are radiating energy from their revitalization program.
Get a load of this: The memorabilia-rich museum will celebrate Lincoln’s birthday in February with an event that features absolutely fascinating documents from the 1860s. Reading these documents is, said executive director Cindy Ransick, “an opportunity to know what Lincoln was thinking and feeling” during this incredibly important time in America’s history.
She promises surprises at Lincoln’s birthday party and, based on her history, we know she will deliver.
Altrusa tree raffles
Among the many highlights of Santa Maria’s Christmas season were the Altrusa tree raffles at the Elks Club, Town Center West mall, and near J. C. Penney’s.
These beautifully decorated trees attracted hundreds of admirers, who bought raffle tickets at a buck each for a chance to win a tree that came with as much as $2,500 worth of merchandise.
This year was a banner year for the Golden Valley Altrusa club, which had trees in the mall. Their ticket sales in 2012 almost doubled what they did in 2011.
Raffle proceeds will be distributed to community organizations, with a hearty emphasis on the schools. They provide backpacks loaded with supplies for a large number of school children.
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you may contact her at helenthom232@yahoo.com.
This article appears in Jan 10-17, 2013.