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 among these was the Women’s Network’s ever-delightful, traditional holiday December Extravaganza, which was held on Wednesday, Dec. 5, at the Santa Maria Country Club–the perfect place for Christmas festivities. Multiple trees, beribboned wreaths, and candle centerpieces festooned the halls and tables.
Lucky us! Former member Christine Gerber flew in from Hawaii for the holidays and, of course, she couldn’t miss connecting with friends.
Among those in the crowd were Marisol Cruz, Noe Mahelona, winemaker Clarisse Nagy, Amy Curti, Michelle Shipman, Sandra Dickerson, and Erika Weber.
The gist of the Extravaganza is that members and guests come for lunch and maybe a glass of wine. Those so inclined donate baskets engulfed in cellophane wrappers with glorious big bows and everyone buys a ton of raffle tickets. The spiffy baskets boasted such enticing items as $100 gift certificates for the Hitching Post and Moxie Cafe, beauty aids, jewelry, poinsettias, and wine.
President Susie Duane moved the proceedings right along, amid howls of laughter and glee, until we were all out on time.
Proceeds from the raffle fund a $500 grant to a nonprofit for a special holiday project or party. The Luis Oasis Center was this year’s recipient. Executive Director Doug Dougherty and Director of Development Ali Bailey were on hand to accept the check. The money will be used for their holiday program, which provides Christmas cookies for older folks. Not only is it “sweets for the sweet,” but “sweets for the sweet and elderly.”
January’s Network lunch meeting will feature a panel of professionals discussing the difference between marketing and sales. If you want to hobnob with local businesswomen, come to the Network meetings, usually held on the first Wednesday of the month at the Country Club. Membership details can be found on their information web page, smwn.net.
Mingling at the Minerva Club
No slouches when it comes to socializing–the all-female Minerva Club scheduled a full month of meetings, teas, bridge games, and programs. Some were totally Christmassy and some, well, read on.
Should the need for such information arise in their day-to-day activities, Minerva Club members got some insight into how to choreograph a sword fight. PCPA’s Artistic Director Mark Booher brought a sack of swords and rapiers (used in fencing), a three-dimensional model set that looks like a giant pop-up in a children’s book, and a slide presentation to the Minerva meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 4, at the historic clubhouse on Boone Street.
Using material from PCPA’s production of Richard III, Mark demonstrated how to parry and thrust with grace and aplomb. This guy certainly knows how to whip a sword around.
The 60 or so Minerva members who were on board for this event–called a “General Meeting and Tea” in the club’s schedule and handbook–were clearly delighted with Mark’s sense of humor and playfulness (pardon the pun).
He demonstrated moves that occur during a staged sword fight and explained how he orchestrates a clash of opponents and notates it so that the actors understand the recipe for mayhem.
Judy Frost, former managing director at PCPA, and Diane Beebe, PCPA Foundation volunteer, worked together to bring us this look at what transpires in the theater. Minerva ladies love PCPA, so this was an afternoon filled with warm fuzzy feelings for the speaker.
Then, on Thursday, Dec. 13, about 30 Minerva members turned out for an elegant Testa-catered lunch, the star of which was pomegranate glazed game hen. Doesn’t that sound just too elegant for words and holiday-ish?
Enjoying the afternoon were Virginia Souza, Cynthia Thacker, Kathy Brown, Margie Halsell, and co-president Linda McCollister. Dottie Lyons, we missed you.
Minervans were invited to wear traditional Christmas sweaters, including those which have come to be known as “ugly sweaters.” Can’t help loving those outrageous sweaters that have developed a cult following.
A large pile of member-contributed unwrapped new toys sat under the Christmas tree, ready for delivery to Toys for Tots.
Pat Chandler (who does wonderful centerpieces for Minerva meetings), and Lynn Della Croce masterminded the program, which was planting small, you-can-take-these-home succulent boxes.
All in all, a festive month, wouldn’t you say?
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you can reach her at column151@gmail.com.
This article appears in Dec 20-27, 2018.