June was not exactly busting out all over with hobnobbing opportunities for moi. Social schedules were no doubt crammed with graduation and wedding dates that are not part of my world. So I was especially delighted to be able to go to a Santa Maria Noontime Rotary special occasion–the outgoing president’s step down dinner–on Tuesday evening, June 19, at the Radisson Hotel.
It was a regal affair. Much ado was made about Noontime Rotary president Heather Weare‘s outgoing status. Known affectionately as “Your Royal Highness” by her fellow Rotarians, she was outfitted with symbols of royalty–a purple cape with fake ermine trim, a “golden” crown (that continually tilted windward), and a scepter–appropriate accessories for her last presiding moments over the club and souvenirs of what has been a happy year for her.
Heather obligingly circled the ballroom and bid farewell as Madame President to the 70 or so who came to her celebration.
Immediate past president Jason Diani was chairperson of this fun event. He emceed, introduced guests like Rotary District Governor John Weiss from Morro Bay and gave out awards for a variety of achievements. Tom Martinez and Fred Pratt were among those acknowledged. Jason also made presentations to Heather and her husband Chris Edwards.
Virginia Perry Souza introduced everyone’s favorite historian, Shirley Contreras, who was given the Community Service Award for, as Virginia said, “keeping our Santa Maria history alive.” The ever-gracious Shirley (a Massachusetts native) told all of us that she was, “So glad I found Santa Maria.”
A skit, putting Heather on “trial” for taking too many vacations, was a hoot. Among the cast were Scott Dunn (who played an attorney), Lynda Gannt (perfect as a judicious judge), and playwright John Henning (who definitely has a future in dinner theater), who played yet another attorney. Heather, sitting on the hot seat, was all smiles. On this night, nothing could faze her, not even accusations of a dubious nature.
The step down dinner attracted Ron and Mary Nanning, Frank Culley, and Yvonne Biely with daughter Jennifer (whom we all know from her duties at the Country Club) and grandson Britton Morgan (with wife Nikki). Everyone was delighted to see Hardy Hearn looking fit as a fiddle with wife Judy, looking cute as June bug in her blue outfit. We can always count on Judy for fashion fun.
I enjoyed chatting with Sharon Henning, Scheryn Pratt, and Bob Frias. Scott Dunn and Lynette Muscio displayed a ton of kilowattage on their smiling faces–they were all aglow in anticipation of their September wedding. Will they have an honor guard of fellow Rotarians? Just a thought.
Jo Grande, who sat at my table, is almost as jazzed about the recently founded Orcutt Community Theater as she is about Rotary. Jo is involved in helping ensure the theater’s success.
If there is an outgoing president, of course, there is an incoming one as well. As Heather and her board relinquished their roles in club leadership, incoming president Michelle Shipman stepped forward and introduced her board.
Tokens of appreciation were passed around. Thanks and hugs were exchanged. Heather, holding onto her errant crown, said that she was happy to come back in the future and redo her role as president. She liked the job!
“Thank you,” Michelle told Heather, “for being awesome and so much fun.”
All night long, the ballroom reverberated with positive vibes. Jason, you need to know you did good. This was really a fun evening.
Outdoor mixer
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce’s June monthly mixer, hosted by Morris & Garritano Insurance, was a pleasant surprise. Held outdoors, on Thursday, June 21, in the north side parking lot of the Community Bank Building at Miller and Broadway, the mixer attracted about 70 business-minded locals.
This was the perfect way to celebrate summer solstice: sipping wine on a sunny afternoon, amid dappled sunlight filtered through the trees, whilst chatting with the likes of Janet Silveria (president and CEO of Community Bank), Diane Aleman-Stevens (Chamber Ambassador and volunteer-extraordinaire), and Sara Holloway (marketing coordinator for Morris & Garritano).
Aside from networking and socializing opportunities, the mixer featured beer and ale from Orcutt’s Naughty Oak Brewery, wine from the fabulous Presqu’ile Winery, and hors d’oeuvres from Testa Catering. The latter included an artistically arranged charcuterie plate with crostini, flatbread with caramelized onions, chocolate-covered strawberries, and cheesecake. That mix of potent potables and food is hard to beat.
Former Chamber President Ed Carcarey of Emerald Wave Media emceed and announced raffle prize winners, while Chief Ambassador Erika Weber circulated among the crowd.
The annual Chamber trade show is scheduled for August, so we have more good Chamber stuff coming up. Hooray!
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you can reach her at column151@gmail.com.
This article appears in Jun 28 – Jul 5, 2018.