Santa Ynez Valley Star January A 2017 by Santa Ynez Valley Star

January 3 ~ 16, 2017 • Volume 1, Number 12

Every Issue Complimentary Every Time

Vikings’ party delights hundreds of children, adults by Drew Esnard

drew@santaynezvalleystar.com

n abundance of ear-to-ear grins tipped the scales from potential chaos toward sublime pandemonium as the Vikings of Solvang hosted their 42nd annual Christmas party for those with special needs and their care providers on Dec. 5. Nearly 750 North County people —350 children and adults with special needs along with their teachers, aides, and instructors —were invited by the Vikings to attend the lunch event in the Turf Club Ballroom at the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott in Buellton. Nearly all showed up. “Most people don’t realize how many people with special needs live in the area,” said Jim Cassidy, chairman of the event. Cassidy noted this year’s attendance numbers surpassed those of last year by roughly 100 guests. Richard Saferite, 2016 Viking Chief, called 2016 a “banner year” for the group’s flagship event. Carolers, a brass band, and the familiar faces of Mr. and Mrs. Claus, Rudolph, Frosty the Snowman, Santa’s elves, and the Grinch provided entertainment while 70 or so Viking members, formally dressed in navy sport coats, personally served lunch and Christmas cheer to their guests. Sara Becerra, an instructor at the Vocational Training Center (VTC) in Santa Maria, was visibly moved by the gracious manner and spirit of the Vikings. “They were so friendly and hospitable, so very accommodating,” Becerra said. First-time attendee Kristen Cook from Santa Maria was undoubtedly delighted to join the party. Cook, dressed up beautifully for the occasion, shared a lunch table with Mr. and Mrs. Claus alongside Becerra, her instructor, and other friends from VTC. Expressions of sheer joy were evident through her aston-

www.santaynezvalleystar.com

LIGHT MY FIRE

Year’s hottest event wraps up Julefest by SYV Star Staff

news@santaynezvalleystar.com

Photo by Paul Matthies Kids were greeted by familiar Christmas characters as they arrived at the Vikings’ Christmas party.

ishing ability to communicate and answer questions via eye movement despite the cerebral palsy that limits much of her ability to command her body. When asked if she’d had a good time, she looked up with her eyes to indicate “yes!” with a radiant, palpable happiness. It was the first time volunteering at the event for Aaron Fisher, a Solvang resident and Viking of three years. “I was helping to clear a table and this little girl tugged on my jacket and asked me, ‘Is there gonna be cookies this year?’” Fisher said, remarking on one of the many sweet moments of the day. “There were lots of hugs and lots of smiles. It was a great way to start the Christmas season.” Each guest left the party with a full stomach and a bucket of cookies from Olsen’s Bakery, and each of the 58 teachers in attendance were given a $350 Amazon gift

certificate to acquire classroom supplies to foster the development and learning skills of children and adults with special needs. The Vikings of Solvang are well known to most Valley residents for donning their Viking helmets and riding on their imposing Viking ship in local parades, but the magnanimous group’s community contributions are as robust as their Nordic namesakes. The group is a men’s social and philanthropic organization dedicated to filling unfunded, medically related needs of individuals and families in Santa Barbara County. Members remain steadfast in their mission to provide county residents with a better quality of life through paying medical expenses, assisting in patient advocacy, and hosting events to serve meals to senior citizens throughout the year. The Vikings have contributed more than

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he annual Christmas Tree Burn in Solvang will close the 2016 Julefest celebration and open the new year from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 6, in the fields at Mission Santa Ines. The event, coordinated by the Solvang Parks and Recreation Department and supervised by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, is billed as one of the largest fire safety demonstrations and community holiday gatherings on California’s Central Coast. There will be free, live entertainment as well as refreshments for purchase. Last year’s event was canceled due to rain, so the trees were chipped up for mulch, according to Solvang officials, who promised to announce as quickly as possible if rain is expected to delay or cancel this year’s event. All area residents are invited to bring their tree (with stands and ornaments removed) to the big burn pile until 5 p.m. on Jan. 6. For more details, call Solvang Parks & Rec at 805-688-PLAY or visit www.solvangusa.com/ events/annual-christmas-tree-burn/. Mission Santa Ines is at 1760 Mission Drive in Solvang.

Photos contributed The Santa Barbara County Fire Department demonstrates how quickly a dry Christmas tree can ignite and spread flames as part of the annual Tree Burn at Mission Santa Ines.

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star news

BE ON THE LOOK OUT!

Residents warned of car thefts, phone scams by SYV Star Staff

To avoid becoming a victim, look for these possible scam indicators:

news@santaynezvalleystar.com

he Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s office is warning valley residents about a rash of nine car burglaries in the past two months and is renewing its periodic cautions about scam artists. In November there were four reported cases of local burglaries from automobiles and in December there were five more. Three of those cases occurred at Nojoqui Falls Park, where people hiking the trail found items stolen when they returned to their cars. Santa Ynez Valley resident Morgan Clendenen went for a hike at Nojoqui and returned to find her back window smashed in. Luckily nothing of value was taken, but she still feels violated, she told the Star. “I wish they would post more signs about the problem so others are aware,” she said. The sheriff’s office also wants to keep people alert to scams that are popping up, including a kidnapping phone scam because there has been a recent spike in these “virtual kidnapping” extortion calls on the Central Coast. Over the past decade, several FBI offices, along with many state and local law enforcement partners, have received reports from the public regarding extortion schemes, often referred to as virtual kidnappings. These schemes typically involve a person or criminal organization calling a victim on the telephone and demanding payment for the return of a “kidnapped” family member or friend. While no actual kidnapping has taken place, the callers often use co-conspirators to convince their victims of the le-

VIKINGS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 $2.7 million since their inception in 1974 through donations to their endowment fund, their own contributions, and the occasional need-based fundraiser.

n Callers go to great lengths to keep you on the phone, insisting you remain on the line. n Calls do not come from the victim’s phone. n Callers try to prevent you from contacting the “kidnapped” victim. n The scammers make multiple successive phone calls. n Incoming calls are made from an outside area code. n Demands for ransom money are to be paid via wire transfer, not in person.

Photo contributed After local resident Morgan Clendenen went for a hike at Nojoqui Falls Park recently, she found that thieves had smashed her car’s back window.

gitimacy of the threat. For example, a caller might attempt to convince a victim that his daughter was kidnapped by having a young woman scream for help in the background during the call. Callers sometimes represent themselves as members of a drug cartel or corrupt law enforcement. They will typically provide the victim with specific instructions to ensure the safe “return” of the allegedly kidnapped person. These instructions usually involve demands of a ransom payment, and instructions usually require the ransom payment be made immediately and most “The Vikings charities do so much, they do so many generous things,” commented Santa Claus, a former Viking with a membership history extending multiple decades, as he and the Mrs. left the Christmas party arm-in-arm. “It just goes beyond the imagination.”

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NEWS STAFF Raiza Giorgi

ADVERTISING STAFF Shana DeLeon

news@santaynezvalleystar.com

ads@santaynezvalleystar.com

Publisher & Editor

Dave Bemis Copy Editor

Drew Esnard Reporter

Director of Advertising

Amberley Lahr Advertising Sales

syvstaramberley@gmail.com

805-350-8786

drew@santaynezvalleystar.com

PRODUCTION STAFF Aimée Reinhart Avery Art, Design & Pagination aimee@reinhartdesigns.com

often by wire transfer. Most schemes use various techniques to instill a sense of fear, panic, and urgency in an effort to rush the victim into making a very hasty decision. The criminal’s success depends on this generated urgency and fear. They know they only have a short time to exact a ransom payment before the victims and their families unravel the scam or authorities become involved. Criminals often use social media to gather information and track their potential victims. For that reason, the sheriff’s office also

The sheriff’s office recommends these responses: n Hang up . n Immediately contact family members. n Notify law enforcement. If you have any question about whether a ransom demand is a scheme or a legitimate kidnapping, call the FBI or your nearest law enforcement agency immediately. advises people to be cautious regarding the amount of personal information they post on social media.

This year we want to pay special tribute to two women who live, work and breathe Buellton

They are Kathy Vreeland and Jody Knoell of the Buellton Visitor’s Bureau and Chamber of Commerce. I have worked with them both for five years and I cannot praise anyone more for their hard work and passion for their jobs. They are truly motivated by passion for their love of Buellton. When travelers enter our door they are always met by two smiling faces who always go out of their way to help tourists seek out all there is to do in Buellton. They talk to visitors from all around the world and so many times I head people say “Thank You” for the time and energy their devote to help. So many times people end up staying an extra night in our hotels or return for another visit. Their trade show attendance has brought a shining light to Buellton that was previously an unknown city to many people. Attendance to the International Council of Shopping Centers has created talk by developers and real estate brokers about the economic potential of Buellton. The Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Bureau are extremely lucky to have you.

The SY Valley Star is proud to be a member of: ©2016 Santa Ynez Valley Star LLC No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied or distributed without the authorization of the publisher. Digital copies available at: issuu.com/santaynezvalleystar

Ron Anderson

Board of Directors President of the Buellton Chamber of Commerce

January 3 ~ 16, 2017 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 3

BUELLTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Organizers thankful for Winter Fest success by Kathy Vreeland

Buellton Visitors Bureau & Chamber od Commerce

Photo by Allyson Ross Congresswoman Lois Capps, third from left, presented the Purple Heart Medal to Los Olivos resident Bruce Bennett, a former U.S. Marine Corps corporal who suffered a major back injury and leg wounds 48 years ago in Vietnam. Also pictured are Alexis Weaver, executive director of Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center, at left, and Devon Sachey, the Hearts program director.

Local veteran receives Purple Heart after 48 years by SYV Star Staff

news@santaynezvalleystar.com

anta Barbara County veteran Bruce Bennett survived grave shrapnel injuries on April 30, 1968, when a mortar hit a tree above his foxhole in Vietnam. He has undergone five back surgeries and continues to live with chronic pain as a result of the injuries, but one thing he had never received was a Purple Heart. Nearly half a century later, the 68-yearold Los Olivos received received the long-awaited military honor. In a special ceremony on Nov. 18, Congresswoman Lois Capps presented the Purple Heart Medal to the former U.S. Marine Corps corporal, who suffered a leg wound along with the major back injuries 48 years ago. Capps presented the Purple Heart Medal to Bennett in front of close family and friends who gathered to honor him at Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center, a place Bennett calls his “saving grace” and “heaven on earth.” “It is truly an honor to present Cpl. Bennett with the Purple Heart,” Capps said. “Americans owe our freedom to the

bravery and sacrifice of service members like him. In addition to his bravery on the battlefield, Cpl. Bennett has continued to serve by creating “Horses for Heroes,” a riding program for fellow veterans at Hearts — a unique way to support our military as they transition back into civilian life. There is no better place to present this well-deserved award. I congratulate Cpl. Bennett and his family, and thank him for his perseverance and service, both in the Marines and at home in our community.” Bennett joined Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center as a volunteer in 2007, shortly after retiring, and went on to serve on the board of directors. He is a founding member of the organization’s Horses for Heroes riding program for U.S. veterans, now called Operation Unbridled Freedom, which provides equine-assisted therapy and the opportunity to ride and interact with horses and fellow veterans at no cost. Bennett continues to ride with the group every Wednesday. “Bruce Bennett not only helped create our veterans program but has been involved — riding, supporting and recruiting participants — for years,” said Alexis

he Buellton Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau and Buellton Rec Center would like to thank the following people and organizations for making the Buellton Winter Fest a huge success: Buellton Senior Center and Country Garden Catering; Buellton Historical Society; Buellton Rotary Club; Dan & Bridget Cassara; Troop 42 Boy Scouts; Girl Scouts;

Photo contributed Visits with Santa are a popular part of Winter Fest.

Santa Ynez Feed & Milling Co. The largest most complete feed store serving the Santa Ynez Valley offering the largest variety of feed, supplements, tack, pet toys, treats and grooming needs.

JANUARY SAVINGS

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WE ARE

*Sale applies to pictured items only. Limited to stock on hand. In store purchases only. Deliveries excluded.

Santa Ynez Fine Pine Bedding

National Charity League; Santa Ynez Valley Jazz Band; Valley Tool Rental; Don Heart; Halia Sparkman; Mike Hecker; Flying Flags RV Resort; Brian Jordan with South Coast Karate; Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co.; Helix Winery; Terravant ; Ascendant Spirits ; and Brothers Spirits. The Buellton Winter Fest takes place the first Sunday of December and welcomes people from near and far. We are so thankful for all of the people who made this day possible and wish all of you Happy Holidays and a very Merry Christmas!

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4 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H January 3 ~ 16, 2017

NEWS ROUNDUP

Photo contributed

in Goleta. Practices are typically from 7 - 9 p.m. on Tuesdays and 10 a.m. - noon on Saturdays at the Earl Warren Fairground hockey rink. People of all skill levels are welcome, and new skaters are trained for two months before they are assessed and then allowed to be competitive skaters. “Bouts” (games) are in the summer to fall, with dates to be announced. “This is a great sport for anyone because it’s a great workout and very social. I have a blast,” said Meggan Johnson, a player for the Mission City team. For more information, email queefie@ missioncityrollerderby.com.

SB roller derby team Library offering free looking for new members Internet access ‘to go’

The Mission City Roller Derby is looking for skaters, referees and volunteers, and The Santa Barbara Public Library it will host a recruitment night from 6 - 7 System, which includes the libraries in Buellton and Solvang, has a new program p.m. on Jan. 12 at Captain Fatty’s

Kirk Raymond Ewell 1983~2016 Kirk Raymond Ewell, 33, of Los Angeles, CA, died December 16, 2016 at his home. He was born November 10, 1983, in Santa Barbara, CA, the son of David Lynn and Pamela Diann Ewell. He attended primary school in the Santa Ynez Valley, where he enjoyed playing basketball and soccer. He attended Santa Ynez Union High School and graduated in 2002. He went onto the University of California at Santa Cruz, where he obtained his degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting in 2006. Kirk began his career at KPMG and was pursuing his Master’s Degree from University of Southern California until his untimely death. Kirk had a unique sense of humor and a great love for his family. He enjoyed traveling with family and friends to Hawaii and Costa Rica, and often spent time in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. He was a very motivated person and spent much of his adult years invested in his career. When he wasn’t working, he spent time at his Grandfather’s cabin in Utah, hunting with family, and attending sporting events. Kirk will always be remembered for his willingness to help others in their time of need and his loyalty to those he cared for. Kirk is survived by his parents David and Diann of the Santa Ynez Valley, and his sister Tiffany of Santa Barbara. He also leaves his wife Lacey, of Los Angeles and many aunts, uncles, and cousins who loved him dearly. In Lieu of flowers the family asks you consider a donation to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

that allows users to check out a device that provides free mobile Internet access. The MiFi to Go is an easy-to-use mobile hotspot that enables any mobile device, tablet, or laptop to access the Internet, anytime and anywhere, for free. Library officials noted that Internet access has become critical for getting basic information, including students complet-ing homework or people applying for jobs, yet the percentage of Americans who have Internet access at home has leveled off. According to a 2015 study by the Pew Research Center, “More Americans – both broadband users and those who do not have broadband – are increasingly likely to view home broadband as a key tool for accessing information that is important to their lives. But at the same time, the monthly cost of broadband service is now cited by a plurality of non-adopters as the most important reason for not having a home broadband subscription.” “The Library is constantly seeking ways to serve our community and meet the needs of our users,” said Library Director Jessica Cadiente. “We’ve played a signif-

VETERAN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 Weaver, executive director of Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center. “We are so honored that he chose to be presented with the Purple Heart at Hearts, and so grateful for his service to his country. Bruce is one of those rare people that truly make an impact on your life, helping you gain a greater understanding and appreciation for the men and women who serve their country. I am so happy we could give back

The library is constantly seeking ways to serve our community and meet the needs of our users. We’ve played a significant role in providing services to all ages that help bridge the digital divide, and providing free mobile hotspots to those that need it is the next chapter in that story.

icant role in providing services to all ages that help bridge the digital divide, and providing free mobile hotspots to those that need it is the next chapter in that story.” Library patrons may check out one MiFi mobile hotspot per library card and may keep it for seven days. Up to 10 devices can be connected to one MiFi, and patrons may renew the MiFi for another seven days as long as no one else is waiting to use it. to him on this meaningful occasion.” The Purple Heart Medal, the nation’s oldest military decoration, was conceived by President George Washington in 1782. It is awarded to members of the armed forces who are “wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy.” Hearts’ mission is to inspire, strengthen and motivate people of all ages and capabilities through equine-assisted activities. For more information, call (805) 964-1519 or visit www.heartsriding.org.

January 3 ~ 16, 2017 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 5

business

Chumash donate $25,000 to Toys for Tots

The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. Local campaigns are conducted annual-ly in more than 700 communities in all 50 states. The Central Staff Report Coast Marine Local camnews@santaynezvalleystar.com Corps League 1340 startpaigns are ed campaigning in 1994. conducted “The long-time partDecember performance of the annually in nership with the Santa Moscow Ballet’s “Great Russian more than Ynez Band of Chumash Nutcracker” at the Chumash Indians and the Central Casino raised $25,000, a tribal spokesman 700 commuCoast Marine Corps said, for the Central Coast Marine Corps nities in all League Toys for Tots Reserve Toys for Tots campaign, which 50 states. program has made it posserves children in Santa Barbara and San The Central sible throughout the years Luis Obispo counties. Coast Marine to help family agencies “Our involvement with Toys for Tots Corps League reach over 6,000 families began 13 years ago with the first concert 1340 started who might not otherwise held at the resort in December 2004,” said Tribal Chairman Kenneth Kahn. “We campaigning have had a Christmas,” said 1st Sgt. Soledad Kencontinue to support this program year after in 1994. nedy, a spokeswoman for year because of the positive impact provided to the children in our community during the organization. “We are truly grateful the holidays.” for the tribe’s continued support.”

Moscow Ballet’s performance of ‘Great Russian Nutcracker’ raised funds

Missed an issue? Lost your copy? Want to read on your tablet?

Correction The marriage announcement that ran on Page 3 of the December 2016 edition of the Santa Ynez Valley Star misspelled the name of the groom, Jean-Paul Demeure. It also misspelled the word celebrated. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Photo contributed Pictured, from left, are Tribal Chairman Kenneth Kahn; Jay Turner, Sunny Country disc jockey; 1st Sgt. Soledad Kennedy, the local Toys for Tots coordinator; George Moran, commandant of Marine Corp League 1340; Raul Armenta, tribal vice chairman; Gary Pace, tribal secretary-treasurer; and Mike Lopez, a tribal committee member.

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6 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H January 3 ~ 16, 2017

Sepsis is deadliest disease you’ve never heard about by Dr. Robin Knauss Contributing Writer

infection anywhere in the body can cause sepsis, including infections in the lungs (such as pneumonia), urinary tract, skin, abdomen (such as appendicitis) or any other part of the body. Sepsis can occur even after a minor infection. Common symptoms of sepsis are fever, chills, rapid breathing and heart rate, rash, confusion and disorientation. Anyone with these symptoms should go to the hospital’s Emergency Department immediately. Doctors at the hospital treat sepsis with antibiotics as soon as possible. Many patients receive oxygen and IV fluids to maintain normal blood oxygen levels and blood pressure. Other types of treatment, such as assisting breathing with a machine or kidney dialysis, may be necessary. Sometimes surgery is required to remove tissue damaged by the infection. How can you help prevent sepsis? Get vaccinated against flu, pneumonia, and any other potential infections; prevent infections that can lead to sepsis by cleaning scrapes and wounds and practicing good hygiene, by washing your hands and bathing regularly. If you have any doubt about a medical emergency, please call 9-1-1 or visit us at 2050 Viborg Road in Solvang. We are proud of the ability of our team members to provide you the best care right here in the Santa Ynez Valley.

ven though you may rarely hear about it, sepsis kills more people each year than breast cancer, prostate cancer and HIV/AIDs combined. More than 1 million cases of sepsis occur in the United States each year. In fact, it is the most common cause of hospital deaths in the United States, ahead of both heart attack and stroke. Fortunately here at Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital and throughout our Cottage Health hospitals, more than a decade ago we implemented a “Slay Sepsis Protocol” that has dramatically improved survival rates to over 80 percent — which is well above the 64 percent national average. Sepsis is the body’s overwhelming and life-threatening response to infection, which can lead to organ failure, tissue damage and death. Anyone can get sepsis, but the risk is higher in people with weakened immune systems; babies and very young children; elderly people; those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, AIDS, cancer and kidney or liver disease; or someone suffering from a severe burn or wound. Many people who have sepsis recover completely, and their lives return to normal. But some may experience permanent organ Dr. Robin Knauss is chief of staff and damage. Emergency Department medical director Sepsis does not arise on its own. Any type of at Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital.

Please join us Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2016 6 to 8 pm at Full Cycle Accountants 485 Alisal Road, Suite 205, Solvang, CA 93463

SOLVANG CONFERENCE & VISITORS BUREAU

We celebrate 2016, get ready for 2017 by Tracy Farhad

Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau

t’s January 2017 already, and Solvang Julefest is coming to a close on Friday, Jan. 6, with the final event that literally ignites the new year — our annual Christmas Tree Burn in the fields of Mission Santa Inés. Of course, this event is totally supervised by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department as one of the largest fire-safety demonstrations and holiday community gatherings on California’s Central Coast, and it’s coordinated by the Solvang Parks & Recreation Department. We hope you and your family will stop by, starting at 5 p.m., for free live entertainment and refreshment sales, with the actual “burn” starting at 6 p.m. You can bring your Christmas tree without your stand and ornaments to the burn pile between Jan.2 and 6. January also marks the mid-point of our “tourism year” since, like the city of Solvang, the Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau runs on a fiscal calendar of July 1 to June 30. Looking back to this summer and fall, we’ve had some outstanding events, promotions and coverage including the 80th annual Danish Days and being featured on Food Network’s “Great Food Truck Race” TV show in an entire episode. We have also participated in events sponsored by Visit California including the Los Angeles Media Reception, Crisis

Communication Workshop and China Ready Training; attended the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association annual conference, the LGBT Marketing Conference, and the California Society of Association Executives trade show — all the while serving more thousands of guests in the Visitors Center at 1639 Copenhagen Drive. We created a specific Tourism Crisis Communication Plan that is now an addendum on the city of Solvang’s emergency management plan since, let’s face it, things like fires and earthquakes happen and we need to be pro-active about handling information that effects our visitors and tourism industry partners. Speaking of partners, the rising tide of tourism promotion raises all boats, so we continue to work cooperatively with many organizations in the region including the Solvang Chamber of Commerce, Buellton Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau, Visit the Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara Vintners, Visit Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Car Free Project and the Central Coast Tourism Council. In the next six months, Solvang will be launching its first Car Free promotion rewarding visitors who take the train-bus connection to Solvang with great savings; hosting the 25th annual Taste of Solvang in March; participating in numerous travel trade shows designed to increase visitation such as Go West (travel agents), National

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January 3 ~ 16, 2017 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 7 nized standards of care, the clinic demonstrated a strong commitment to maintaining patient safety and patient privacy, and met all federal, state and local laws as well as AAAHC standards for care. The clinic first received the prestigious distinction in 2013 and, as a measure of continuing quality of care, is required to The Santa Ynez Chamber of Commerce renew with AAAHC every three years. is seeking members for its board of direcThe lengthy renewal process included tors, to help direct the group’s efforts to self-assessments, renewal applications, support local businesses. Directors ending policy review and updates, and a 2 ½-day their terms are Jay Conner, Wayne Natale interview and site visit by AAAHC assesand Kathy Sechler. sors, who are volunteer medical profesAny interested chamber member should sionals. call Jennie Bradley at 805-886-6644. “We were thrilled to receive notification To qualify, a nominee must: that we were re-accredited,” said the clinn Be a regular business or individual ic’s executive director, Ron Sisson. “We member of the chamber in good standing; hold our staff to a high standard and they n Be a current or past business owner or work diligently to ensure we are providing served in a management capacity in a busi- the best care for our patients. This is a colness in the Santa Ynez Valley for at least laborative effort by the more than 62 staff three years; and members who contribute to the clinic’s n Be a resident of California. success every day.” This year, the annual meeting will be The clinic’s comprehensive medical, held at the Santa Ynez Community Serdental and behavioral health services are vices District, 1020 Faraday St., at 5:30 available to all members of the communip.m. Jan. 10. The meeting will include a ty, not only Native Americans. The facility recap of the past year, a look forward to provides sliding fees based on income and the coming year, and the election of new other low-income programs, and it accepts board members and officers. Medicare, Medi-Cal, and most major insurance plans. “This national distinction means we are providing the highest standard of quality care to the more than 4,700 patients we see through the more than 43,000 visits annuThe Santa Ynez Tribal Health Clinic has ally. We’re proud of that care and honored renewed its accreditation from the Accred- to be recognized, once again,” said Chuitation Association for Ambulatory Health mash Tribal Chairman Kenneth Kahn. The clinic is at 90 Via Juana Lane on the Care Inc. (AAAHC). Santa Ynez Chumash Reservation in Santa Through the accreditation process, in being measured against nationally recogYnez.

BUSINESS ROUNDUP

Santa Ynez Chamber seeks board members

Photo by Raiza Giorgi Executive Director Tracy Farhad of the Solvang Visitors and Convention Bureau and Executive Director Shelby Sim of Visit SYV, with his daughter Bella, unveil the cover of the 2017 Santa Ynez Valley Visitors Guide.

VisitSYV unveils new tourist guide, announces new president by SYV Star Staff

news@santaynezvalleystar.com

n a chilly December evening at the carriage house event space of the Santa Ynez Inn, local residents and business owners gathered to see the unveiling of the 2017 Santa Ynez Valley Visitor’s Guide. Visit the Santa Ynez Valley (VisitSYV) is a nonprofit, membership-based marketing organization promoting the entire Santa Ynez Valley as a year-round tourism destination. VisitSYV encourages responsible and sustainable tourism that retains the Valley’s rural, small-town character and unique sense of place in the six communities that it represents: Ballard, Buellton, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez and Solvang. “The last year has been amazing for Visit SYV as we have been promoting all our communities, and we look forward to 2017 being

SOLVANG CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 Tour Association (tour bus operators); Scandinavian travel shows and IPW (International travel, tour and media outreach). In April, for the first time, I will be joining a delegation from throughout California and traveling to China to meet with travel agents and tour operators interested in bringing more of this lucrative business

our best year yet,” said Shelby Sim, Visit SYV’s executive director. The visitor’s guide will be released all over California at resorts, visitors centers and other locations to promote all facets of tourism in the Santa Ynez Valley. The back cover, emphasizing Solvang, features a photo of Solvang restaurant Bacon and Brine taken by local photographer Tenley Fohl, known for her food and wine photography. Also in December, the VisitSYV board elected Linda Johansen as president for 2017. She replaces outgoing president Jessie Osehan of the Hamlet Inn, who is stepping down to oversee renovations there. “Jessie was instrumental in getting me into this position, and I thank her for her dedicated service to promoting the valley. We are lucky to have her,” Sim said. To learn more about Visit SYV or to request a copy of the visitors guide, log onto www. visitsyv.com. to Solvang. In that spirit, allow me to wish you Xīnnián kuàilè — Happy New Year in Chinese. Tracy Farhad is the executive director of the Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau, the nonprofit agency promoting Solvang’s culture, cuisine, shopping, arts and attractions. For more information, call 805-6886144 or visit www.SolvangUSA.com.

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8 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H January 3 ~ 16, 2017

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January 3 ~ 16, 2017 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 9

spotlight Mie Hartmann took over the shop of what was then called Kandra’s Beads. She offers the Central Coast’s largest selection of seed beads, which come predominantly from Japan. Photo by Gina Potthoff

Below, beads can be more than necklaces and bracelets, including 3-D objects such as pendants or table ornaments. Photo contributed

Mie’s Beads brings unique inventory to Solvang by Gina Potthoff Contributing Writer

here’s something soothing about thoughtfully placing one small bead after another onto a piece of wire — the makings of a bracelet or a decorative trinket. Those who appreciate beading as therapy as well as art can find a safe haven at Mie’s Beads on Mission Drive in Solvang. Mie (pronounced Mee-a) Hartmann took over the shop beside Paula’s Pancake House more than a year ago after serving as the longtime manager of what was then called Kandra’s Beads. The bead business has been around for five years, offering the largest selection of seed beads on the Central Coast. Seed beads come predominantly from Japan and are uniform in color, size and style. So many beads are packed into tiny plastic containers at Mie’s Beads that customers can feel overwhelmed when they enter the store, but Hartmann is always quick to give a tour or answer questions about vintage beads, pearls, natural stone, books. or on-site bead-weaving classes. “I’ve always been crafty,” said Hartmann, a Santa Ynez resident who lived most of her life in Hawaii. “I love what I do. I love the colors.” Hartmann runs the shop alongside her two daughters — ages 19 and 23 — and sells yarn,

string, premade jewelry, pre-made beading kits and more to beaders, who she said come from all age groups. Mie’s Beads is open every day of the week but Tuesday. “You kind of feed off each other’s activity,” Hartmann said of bead-weaving classes taught by local and visiting instructors. “It’s just like gardening or golf. I find it very relaxing. It’s very rewarding.” Beads can be more than necklaces and bracelets, she said, including 3-D objects such as pendants or table ornaments. Hartmann, who moved to the Santa Ynez Valley in 2008, was introduced to beading at a young age and got back into the art form when her daughters were younger. She said she loves beading because of the endless opportunity — texture, shape, color — the craft offers veteran bead enthusiasts as well as newcomers. Mie’s Beads at 1539 Mission Drive in Solvang is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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10 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H January 3 ~ 16, 2017

star lifestyle

Special events light up holiday season by SYV Star Staff

news@santaynezvalleystar.com

he holiday season in the Santa Ynez Valley is packed with events that celebrate helping and giving to others, including Buellton’s Winter Fest, Solvang’s Julefest, Los Olivos’ Olde Fashioned Christmas, Santa Ynez Tree Lighting festivities, and the Los Alamos Holiday Stroll. Solvang began its Julefest celebration with a tree-lighting ceremony on Dec. 2 in Solvang Park, where dancers from Fossemalle Dance Studio delighted crowds with their ballet and tap routines. People sang along to Christmas carols and enjoyed hot chocolate and visits with Santa Claus. The next day, more than 400 participants and 60 entries festively marched, rolled, trotted, cruised and strolled in the JulefPhotos contributed est Parade. Thousands of spectators from Kids loved being able to tell Santa and Mrs. Claus what they wanted for Christmas during the pancake breakfast for near and far enjoyed the parade as well as Buellton’s Winter Fest. post-parade visits with Santa in Solvang Park. bread-building contest at St. Marks-in-theThe 2016 grand marshals were the Nielsen family of Solvang, who are active com- Valley Episcopal Church to raise funds for munity volunteers as well as the owners of Arts Outreach. Sharla Branquinho’s class at Los Olivos Nielsen’s Market, which is celebrating 105 Elementary won for their rendition of years of business this year. Pleasant Valley School, the one-room “The Solvang Julefest committee schoolhouse on Tina and Paul McEnroe’s is proud to honor this incredible Danranch in Buellton. ish-American family that embodies this Buellton held its ever-growing Winter year’s theme of ‘Celebrate Together.’ The Nielsen family’s embrace of this communi- Fest, complete with a pancake breakfast ty and service since its founding in 1911 is with Santa Claus. Hundreds of children outstanding,” said Tracy Farhad, the execu- loved throwing snowballs and playing in tive director of the Solvang Conference and tons of trucked-in snow. A parade led people around the streets of town to see light Visitors Bureau. displays before finishing at Avenue of Flags Los Olivos celebrated the holidays with for a Christmas tree lighting. its annual Christmas tree lighting on Dec. “The Buellton Winter Fest turned out to 3 as well. Hundreds of people gathered to enjoy the festivities that included a ginger- be a great day for people of all ages. From

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The Padilla family - Efren, Coreen and Cora - decorated their bicycles with lights for the parade during Buellton’s Winter Fest.

Maddie Wood of Buellton enjoyed playing in the snow during Buellton’s Winter Fest celebration.

Aaron Fisher and his merry helpers handed out free hot chocolate to keep people warm during Los Olivos’ Olde Fashioned Christmas.

breakfast with Santa, snow, live jazz music, shopping, the Light Parade … Buellton welcomed people from all over to celebrate the season and get in the spirit of the holidays,” said Kathy Vreeland, executive director of the Buellton Visitors Bureau and Chamber of Commerce.

Kenleigh and Parker Strange of Santa Ynez had their picture taken with Santa Claus in Solvang Park during the Julefest celebration.

The valley’s holiday festivities wrap up on Jan. 7 with the annual Christmas Tree Burn at Mission Santa Ines. Look for that story on page 1.

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January 3 ~ 16, 2017 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 11

Antique purchase launches obsession by Morgan Clendenen Contributing Writer

ot long ago I was perusing the well-curated store BLiving in Solvang. I love their concept. They handle unique and often functional antiques as well as new and local products. On this day I saw the coolest thing ever, a fully intact antique English poker caddy. And that’s how my poker obsession began.

I bought it and was determined to form a girls’ poker night. I set to work right away making it accessible to any, like myself, who didn’t know how to play. I told the girls I’d hire someone to teach us and he could double as a bartender in between rounds. I asked everyone to bring something to nibble on, and I handled all the beverages. First of all, the best reason for an all-girl poker night? The food. Probably didn’t hurt that some in the group are in the food

business, but I doubt any of the guys are eating quail, grilled artichoke, goodies from Global Gardens or French cheeses from Barbieri Wines. The second best reason for a girl’s poker night is the sheer competition. As females, our evolutionary psychology tells us to compete for men. Here, it’s about luck and wit. It’s an entirely different competition that’s not behind your back, it’s up in your face! Winners gloat and losers conspire. I’ve never had so much fun losing $20.

But the last and best reason to form a girls’ poker night is the sheer camaraderie. Women need a non-traditional way to hang out. We need a place to be playfully competitive. In this day and age, women need to have each other’s backs, even if one of them does take all your money. Because, in the end, you can commiserate with everybody else who lost to that b-word. Morgan Clendenen is the owner and winemaker of Cold Heaven Cellars in Buellton.

Peking Acrobats making stop on 30th anniversary tour Show planned for Jan. 15 at The Granada Theatre in downtown Santa Barbara by SYV Star Staff

news@santaynezvalleystar.com

he Peking Acrobats have been redefining audience perceptions of Chinese acrobatics for more than 30 years. Experts at trick cycling, precision tumbling and gymnastics, they seem to defy gravity with amazing displays of contortion, flexibility and control. Their local show begins at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15, at The Granada Theatre in downtown Santa Barbara. They showcase tremendous skills with astonishing juggling dexterity and incredible balancing feats. (See a preview video at www.chineseacrobats.com/YouTube-PA. php).

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For tickets and information Call UCSB Arts & Lectures at (805) 893-3535 or visit www.ArtsAnd Lectures.UCSB.edu, or contact The Granada Theatre at (805) 899-2222 or granadasb.org. acrobats add its own improvements and embellishments, so high honor is conferred upon those skilled enough to become acrobats. Photo contributed Since their founding in 1986, The Peking The Peking Acrobats seem to defy gravity with amazing Acrobats have been featured on numerous displays of contortion, flexibility and control. television shows and celebrity-studded Audiences of all ages can delight in the TV specials. These include Nickelodeon’s beautiful costumes, dazzling special Unfabulous, Ellen’s Really Big Show effects and live musicians playing tradi(hosted by Ellen DeGeneres), The Wayne tional Chinese instruments in this 30th Brady Show, That’s Incredible, ABC’s anniversary celebration in the Year of the Wide World of Sports and NBC’s Ring in Monkey. the New Year Holiday Special. The Peking Acrobats are part of a The Peking Acrobats are presented by time-honored Chinese tradition, rooted in UCSB Arts & Lectures and The Granada centuries of Chinese history and folk art. Theatre. Tickets are $45, $25 for UCSB Tradition demands that each generation of students, plus a Granada facility fee.

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12 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H January 3 ~ 16, 2017

SENIOR FITNESS

The story of long car trips, or ‘Oh, my aching back’ the spine. n Adjust the seat back slightly so it has Contributing Writer a 10- to 20-degree rearward tilt, and adjust the lumbar support to gently lift the ribcage often hear complaints about long and lengthen the spine. Your lumbar spine driving trips. “I’m dreading driving to should now gently curve forward, providSan Francisco.” “Six hours in the car ing an openness in your ribcage. is a back killer.” “What can I do?” Similar n Lengthen the neck by softly lifting the complaints are common as car trips often head toward the roof and drawing the chin evoke neck, shoulder and back pain. in. Why are long car trips difficult, and what n Periodically reset your seating posican we do about it? tion as you travel, because you are likely to First, car-seat design is the root of the slump into old habits. problem. They are designed to promote car The second problem is simply the nature sales, not to support or improve posture. of long car trips. Our bodies are designed The average person exhibits a degree for moving on our feet, not for prolonged of forward head, rounded shoulders, a sitting. You can’t expect to sit for long slightly collapsed rib cage and a rounded periods without some discomfort. low back. These postural maladjustments With that in mind, here are some suggesare acquired over time as we experience tions for improving comfort on long road prolonged poor sitting and moving habits trips. and become inactive in our world of conn Stop, get out of the car and walk briefvenience. ly and do some gentle extension stretches. The average person feels comfortable in A five-minute break for each hour of drivthis rounded posture, habitually slumping ing should be built into your travel schedinto it while walking and sitting. Proper, ule. This short pause will allow the blood erect posture feels uncomfortable and is flow to increase and provide a chance to difficult for them to gain and maintain. And realign and use your muscles. comfort sells cars. n Squirm while you drive. Periodically Sadly, car seats are designed to fit the perform subtle movements as you drive. A average rounded body shape. They push few deep breaths or muscle contractions the shoulders and head forward, allowing will stimulate the body. the rider to feel comfortable in a habitual n Use cruise control so you can move poor posture while reinforcing a poor sityour feet or lift them gently as you drive, ting position. The result is often pain that when safety conditions allow. increases with the duration of the trip. We create good postural habits through Fortunately, some things can be done practice. to improve the comfort of a car seat and to Subtle movement allows spinal support support better sitting posture. muscles to “share the load.” They can n Adjust the seat so your elbows are bent work and rest and be more effective in slightly more than 90 degrees with your their task of spinal stabilization. hands in driving position and your feet reaching the pedals comfortably. James Riley of Solvang is a certified n Push your buttocks gently into the strength and conditioning coach and a space between the seat and the seat back. Level One Olympic Lifting Coach who Your pelvis should rest slightly forward holds a B.A in physical education, M.A. in on wide sit bones. You should feel about psychology and a doctorate in education. 60 percent of your weight on your pelvis He consults at Performance Fitness in and 40 percent on your thighs. This allows Solvang and can be reached at jimhriley@ the pelvis to be in good position to support gmail.com.

by James Riley

Did You Know:

In the Georgian calendar, the calendar that most of the world uses, January is the very first month of the year. The name January came from a Roman god Janus, who was always shown as having two heads. He looked back to the last year and forward to the new one. According to the Roman legend, in 700 B.C., the ruler Numa Pompilius added January to the end of the 10-month Roman calendar. When it was added, Pompilius gave 30 days to January. However, Romans later made January the first month of the year. Moreover, in 46 B.C. Julius Caesar added one more day to January and that’s why there are 31 in January today. January was known as the wolf month to the Anglo-Saxons because in winter, wolves came into the villages to search for food. It is the coldest month in the northern half of the world, nature is quiet and the birds travel less. Also, the bears and woodchucks go into hibernation. However, in the southern half of the world, January is the warmest month. During this time, unlike the northern half of the world, animals are active and plants are growing.

January 3 ~ 16, 2017 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 13

arts & nonprofits ART/NONPROFIT ROUNDUP

multiyear commitments, developing community partnerships, and overseeing the Team Chumash employee volunteer program. Active in her tribal community as well as the surrounding local community, Sandoval was re-elected in November to the College School District Board of Trustees, a position she has held since 2011. Sandoval is a foster-turned-adoptive parent. She previously served as a board member for CASA from 2013 to 2015, when she stepped down to serve on Santa Barbara County’s Child Welfare Safety Net Task Force.

Photo contributed Veggie Rescue Executive Director Amy Derryberry, second from left, recently accepted a check for $2,500 from the Towbes Group. She is pictured with several Towbes employees who voted for the donation to be given to the Santa Ynez Valley-based nonprofit group, which provides gleaned produce to local organizations and schools.

Real estate company supports Veggie Rescue by SYV Star Staff

news@santaynezvalleystar.com

Photo contributed

Veronica Sandoval rejoins CASA board Veronica Sandoval has been re-appointed to the board of directors of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Santa Barbara County, a nonprofit organization that trains and supports volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children in the dependency court system. The group is making a renewed push to support and promote court-appointed volunteer advocacy for every abused or neglected child in Santa Barbara County. “CASA plays a key role in fulfilling society’s most fundamental obligation, to keep our communities’ most vulnerable children safe,” CASA Executive Director Kim Colby Davis said. Sandoval has more than 21 years of experience working for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indian, where she serves as administrator for the Chumash Foundation. She is responsible for managing the tribe’s philanthropic programs including administering grants, sponsorships, and in-kind donations to local nonprofit organizations, overseeing

Photo contributed “Coastal Beauty” by Sharon Foster at Los Olivos Café

Foster art photos are latest show at LO Café A new show by local photographic artist Sharon Foster will be on view at the Los Olivos Café from Jan. 5 through March 2. The longtime resident of Santa Maria captures stunning photographs as she wanders through the hills and valleys of the Central Coast, seeking just the right play of light and shadow for her images. Foster says she digitally enhances her photos “so the majesty of God’s creation, that is so alive in nature, is reflected in a fresh expression of joy and wonder.” This exhibit is the latest in a series at the café to showcase local art and artists. The nonprofit Santa Ynez Valley Art Association (formerly the Artists Guild SYV) coordinates and manages the “art without borders” installation in cooperation with the café. A portion of art sales benefits the organization, which helps to keep art alive and accessible in the Santa Ynez Valley.

eggie Rescue has received a $2,500 grant from the Towbes Group, a real estate investment, development and construction company based in Santa Barbara. Officials at the Towbes Group said their employees nominated the nonprofit group, which gleans local produce from farms, farmers, farmers markets, home gardens and orchards

and delivers it to charitable organizations for lunch programs in Santa Barbara County. Veggie Rescue recently reached a milestone of 500,000 pounds of produce donated since its beginning in 2010. The donations help stretch food budgets for schools and programs that target lower-income organizations. Veggie Rescue invites people to help them glean the produce, learn about where food comes from, and learn more about sustainable farming. For more information log onto veggie rescue.org.

Spring classes start the week of January 23. More than 1,200 classes available, including 200 online options. SYVUHS Students: Enroll in a concurrent enrollment class offered at SYVUHS to receive both high school and college credit! Classes are free! Call the AHC Solvang Center for information. (805) 693-1543

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14 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H January 3 ~ 16, 2017

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January events at the library Because of support from the Friends of the Library, admission is free to all events.

Weekly Preschool Storytimes: A fun time that helps get preschoolers ready to read. Stay for a craft afterward and make a new friend. n Mondays 11 a.m., Buellton Library – in Spanish and English n Tuesdays 10:30 a.m., Solvang Library Wiggly Storytime: Wednesdays - 10:30 a.m., Solvang Library Short stories, songs, rhymes, and activities for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Be ready to participate with your child, and spend some time being silly together. Crafternoons: Make something different every week. We supply the materials, you bring your friends. n Fridays 12 - 4:30 p.m., Solvang, for adults and students ages 9 and older n Kids Crafternoons: Fridays 12 - 5 p.m., Buellton, for ages 5 to 11 Local, Licensed, and Bonded

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Manga Club - The SYV Manga Club meets Wednesdays from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. at Solvang Library. For young adults and teens in eighth grade and older who like to draw Manga-style art, and/or create stories. Materials provided. Tail Waggin’ Tutors: Children practice reading aloud with trained dogs, the kindest, least judgmental listeners around. Drop in for a 10-15 minute individual session with a “tutor.” n Wednesdays, Buellton Library, 4:305:30 p.m. n Thursdays, Solvang Library, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Using e-books and audiobooks on your mobile device – One-on-one tutoring, Tuesdays 5:30-6:30 p.m., Buellton Library.

Special Events Investors’ Roundtable: Best Stocks for 2017 – Saturday, Jan. 12, 3 - 4:30 p.m., Solvang Library. Both novice and veteran investors are welcome for informal presentations and discussions. TEDx & Conversation - 10 - 10:50 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 19, Solvang Library The library will screen an inspiring or thought-provoking 10-minute talk from the famous TED Talks series, and the audience can explore the topic together afterward over tea and coffee. Planned for the third Thursday of each month. Movie Afternoons - Our movie license

allows us to show both classics and recently released films – we just can’t advertise the name. The films planned for this new monthly program will be rated PG or PG13, and will (mostly) be connected with a book. Come in and ask in person for the movie titles. n Saturday Jan. 21, 2 - 3:30 p.m., Buellton Library n Saturday Jan. 28, 2 - 3:30 p.m., Solvang Library Music Together - 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, Solvang Library A music participation program for you and your baby, toddler or preschooler. Diane Byington of Solvang Conservatory shares songs, instrument play, rhythm chants and movement in a relaxed, playful setting. Caregiver participation required. Pre-registration guarantees a spot. Board Game Days: Try out a variety of board games, old and new, for the whole family. n Noon to 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26, Solvang Library (Pokemon Trading Card group at 4 p.m.) n Noon to 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, Buellton Library Coyote America: A natural and supernatural history – 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31, 7 p.m., Legion Wing of Solvang Veterans’ Memorial Hall A lecture and book signing with Dan Flores. His New York Times bestseller “Coyote America” explores multiple aspects of the coyote’s role in Native American culture as trickster and genius, as well as its incredible survival story during the last 200 years. Co-sponsored by the Santa Ynez Valley Natural History Society.

Library Info & Hours BUELLTON: 140 W. Highway 246, 805688-3115, BuelltonLibrary@santabarbaraCA. gov Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 11 a.m.- 7 p.m.; Friday & Saturday Noon – 5:30 p.m.; closed Sunday & Thursday LOS OLIVOS: Grange Hall, 2374 Alamo Pintado Ave., Saturday 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. SOLVANG: 1745 Mission Drive, 805-6884214, SolvangLibrary@santabarbaraCA.gov Tuesday & Friday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Wednesday & Thursday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; closed Sunday & Monday SANTA YNEZ: 3598 Sagunto St, Saturday 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

ag & equine January 3 ~ 16, 2017 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 15

Los Olivos fourth-graders travel back in time Students have an enthralling day of lessons at Pleasant Valley Schoolhouse by Drew Esnard

drew@santaynezvalleystar.com

harla Branquinho’s fourth-graders at Los Olivos School were treated to a day of living history at the nearly 150-year-old Pleasant Valley Schoolhouse on Rancho La Purisima in November. Dressed in bonnets and collars, the students arrived at Rancho La Purisima’s entry gate in a modern-day yellow school bus, but when they stepped out they entered a pre-industrialized world. Paul McEnroe greeted the children at the gate on horseback and escorted them up the hill toward the school and their teacher for the day, his wife Tina McEnroe. Mrs. McEnroe, as the students called her, then led the students in the Pledge of Allegiance under the American flag. Afterwards, the students surprised her with an animated rendition of “You’re A Grand Old Flag.” Kathi Carlson and Sue Field, both active members of the Santa Barbara County CattleWomen Association, were on site with a rescued Holstein cow, Bessie, and two rescued orphan calves. Carlson explained to the students the daily care rituals of cattle and how they served as a vital life-giving element to families in the late 19th century. Back at the schoolhouse, McEnroe presented lessons in true period fashion, having the students line up to compete in a spelling bee, solve math equations on in-

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Photo by Drew Esnard Tina McEnroe, in her role as a 19th-century teacher, welcomes Los Olivos fourth-graders to the Pleasant Valley Schoolhouse on her family’s Rancho La Purisima in Buellton. McEnroe and her husband Paul restored the 150-year-old building and now use it to provide field trips for area children. Students learn in period fashion, writing with chalk on individual slates and reading from 100-year-old McGuffey Readers. See our www.santaynezvalleystar.com for more photos.

dividual slate chalk boards, and read from 100-year-old McGuffey reading books. The children got a kick out of McEnroe’s demonstrations of the iconic “dunce cap” and hickory stick, items once used to discipline unruly children. “The kids have so much fun and really enjoyed the lifestyle of the day with getting to dress up and having old-fashioned lunches,” Branquinho said. “It’s neat to be able to immerse them in a whole living experience where they learn so much more about the time period than they would just

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by reading about it.” The one-room Pleasant Valley Schoolhouse was originally established in Santa Maria and served as a school, non-denominational church, and community center from 1869 to 1936. It fell into disrepair after its closure, but McEnroe saw its potential and was able to move it and restore it to its former glory. The schoolhouse now sits on the McEnroes’ property and has been restored to look like a schoolhouse from the 1890s. After traveling the world looking at old

schoolhouses, McEnroe spent about a year and a half furnishing the building with school materials from the period. “Everything in here is authentic,” she said, “from the alphabet strips to the kerosene lanterns to the actual clock that we found in Santa Maria that at one point had hung on these walls.” Throughout the year, classes from all over the valley come to the Pleasant Valley Schoolhouse to learn about what it was like to be a student in the 1890s.

Join in January and pay only $20.17 your first month of membership.

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16 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H January 3 ~ 16, 2017

SINGING ON HORSEBACK

Kid’s Corner

Libraries are great resource for families with kids by Victoria Martinez Contributing Writer

Photo by Karen Forbes Every year a group of local equestrians enjoys singing Christmas carols and spreading holiday cheer while riding through Los Olivos. Pictured are, left to right, Erik Mallea, Julie Moore, Anna Weiss, Joe Olla and Amber Giorgi Mallea.

Riders bring Christmas cheer by SYV Star Staff

news@santaynezvalleystar.com

his year’s group of dozens of men and women on horseback caroling through the streets of Los Olivos seemed like

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the biggest ever, according to the riders. “We had a lovely time, and it was a great way to celebrate the holidays, country style,” said Karen Forbes, who rode her horse Rhea. People came out of their businesses and shops to watch and wave to the horses. Local veterinarian Chris Pankau organizes

Photo contributed Shown left to right are Linda Houston, Zach Houston, Aaron Houston and Scoutmaster David Watkins.

Local Boy Scout earns Eagle Award by SYV Star Staff

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the group that included horse enthusiasts Erik Mallea and Amber Giorgi Mallea, Anna Weib, Joe and Alice Olla, Lucy McCarthy, Judy Adams, Lily Masopust and others. They also sang to the postmaster at the Los Olivos Post Office and then rode to Los Olivos Elementary School to sing to the children.

news@santaynezvalleystar.com

ach Houston of Solvang Troop 41 was awarded the Boy Scouts’ highest honor of Eagle Scout at a Court of Honor held at St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church in Los Olivos, with an audience of about 100 family members, friends, scouts and scout leaders. Fellow scouts started the evening with a presentation of the colors and flag salute. Troop members gave an invocation and presided over the Court of Honor. Vickie Sorensen represented the Cachuma District and officially opened the ceremonies. Troop 41 scouts explained the trail to Ea-

gle, starting at the beginning rank of Scout and moving through ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life and ending with Eagle. Scoutmaster David Watkins of Troop 41 presented Zach with his Eagle award. Zach’s parents, Aaron and Linda Houston, each received an Eagle pin. A video of Zach’s Eagle Project showed the construction of a hand-made bench and trellises for seniors at the Atterdag Village. After the Court of Honor, guests were treated to a tri-tip sandwich buffet dinner provided by the Santa Ynez Elks Club. Zach is now in the process of starting a new Boy Scout Venture Crew, a program for male and female scouts from 13 to 20 years old, in the Santa Ynez Valley.

ith the number of cold and rainy days we’ve been having in the Santa Ynez Valley this winter, it’s easy for our kids to get a little extra stir crazy being stuck inside. When you hit your breaking point, and are desperate to get the kids out of the house, why not take them to the public library? Some of the library events for kids in January are: n Story Time. Both Buellton and Solvang Library branches have story time for different age groups. Check their websites for days and times. n Tail Waggin’ Tutors. Bring your young readers to either library to practice their reading skills by reading to a trained dog. Every week at the Buellton Library from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays and at the Solvang Library from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Thursdays. n Crafternoons. On Fridays, bring your kids to either library for a free and fun craft — Buellton Library from noon to 5 p.m. for ages 5 and up, and Solvang Library from noon to 4:30 for fourth-graders and older. While you are at the library, you can: n Start a reading journal. A little notebook where you and your kids write down or draw a picture of what books they are reading, and what they liked about the book. n Show them the electronic catalog. Have your kids pick a topic of interest or something they are learning about in school, and show them how they can find books in the library or request them from other libraries in the system. n Get to know the librarians and the staff. Introduce yourselves and ask for recommendations. Don’t forget that they are a resource for you and your family. n Pick out some books that can keep the kids busy once they get home. Check out a cookbook and bake something from it, or take home an architecture book and then try to recreate a building from it with Legos. Victoria Martinez, a relatively new transplant to the Santa Ynez Valley, likes to explore great places to visit with her husband and two children.

January 3 ~ 16, 2017 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 17

education

NATIONAL CHARITY LEAGUE

Moms, daughters bond while volunteering by Raiza Giorgi

news@santaynezvalleystar.com

t just about the age when daughters start wanting to be more independent from their mothers in junior high, Terri Staude’s daughter asked her to join National Charity League with her. “I was really shocked she was interested in joining, and in the years we have done it, it just brought us closer together, and we instilled a love of philanthropy in her,” Staude said. The mission of NCL is to foster mother-daughter relationships in a philanthropic organization committed to community service, leadership development and cultural experiences, according to the organization’s website. Staude is the president of the Santa Ynez Chapter that has girls from seventh through 12th grade, including 12 to 24 girls in each grade with a leader at each level. They complete a cumulative total of 2,500 hours of volunteering for local nonprofits such as People Helping People, American Cancer Society, Casa Pacifica and military families. “The girls are called ‘Tick Tockers,’ and they learn leadership skills, formalities of etiquette and parliamentary procedures. It really helps them prepare for life outside of the home and skills they’ll need to learn,” Staude said. “It forces them to break down the clique barrier and connect with the other girls in their level as well as meeting people doing community service they wouldn’t otherwise know,” said Vicki Moeller, a mother and local NCL vice president of membership. Moeller said her daughter has blossomed in the program by challenging herself to try new things. The events they do throughout the year, such as helping local charities and organizations, have also instilled a sense of graciousness. “We recently wrapped and decorated the doors in Christmas decor for the seniors

Application deadline near Students interested in joining the local National Charity League chapter this year must apply by Jan. 6. Call 895-4535 or log onto members.nationalcharity league.org. at the Solvang Friendship House, and the girls loved bonding with the seniors there,” Moeller said. National Charity League was established in 1925, when a group of women founded the organization in Los Angeles. They supported the American Red Cross by making layettes and assembling food baskets for the hungry during the holidays. The women engaged their daughters and by 1938 the daughters formed their own group. In 1947, all groups united to become the nation’s first mother-daughter charity. National Charity League expanded its program beyond philanthropic work to include educational and cultural activities. National Charity League was reorganized and incorporated in 1958 to become National Charity League Inc. “Beyond the charity and community service we also get together eight times a year and have social events like a mother-daughter tea in the spring. It’s so amazing to get to spend time with my daughter on a regular basis and do things that will better her future,” Staude said. The Santa Ynez Chapter started in 1992. There is also a chapter in Santa Barbara and new ones being started in Orcutt and San Luis Obispo, Staude said. Those interested have to be entering seventh grade in the fall and apply for membership. The registration period ends on Jan. 6, so anyone interested should contact Moeller at 895-4535 or log onto members. nationalchartiyleague.org.

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18 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H January 3 ~ 16, 2017

Robotics Club builds its own kind of team Local youth build and program robots to perform complex tasks in competitions by Drew Esnard

drew@santaynezvalleystar.com

egos have offered local youth a whole lot of fun and a unique opportunity to develop science, technology, engineering and math skills in an engaging team environment. Yes, Legos: the small, plastic, interlocking construction “toys” that are infamous among parents for their tendency to get misplaced or positioned sharpest side up, provoking even the most patient adults to utter lessthan-gentle words as they find the soles of their feet under attack in their own home. “The Robotics Club allows a different way for kids that aren’t into sports to interact with each other,” said Sydney Vogel, a 13-year-old student at SYV Charter School who joined the club in 2015. The Robotics Club is led by Rob Tesdahl, a man clearly well-suited to his role as head coach because of his more than 20 years experience in software development and his current position as a senior software engineer at DreamWorks Animation. Several local students between fourth and eighth grade comprise the team, which began gathering weekly near the start of the

Photo contributed The “Meme Team” includes, from left, Assistant Coach Dell Richardson; Ivy Allin; head coach and YMCA representative Rob Tesdahl; Aidan Tesdahl; Sydney Vogel; Calan Williams; Noah Ovesen; Ian Palmer; Weston Hinnrichs; and mentor parents Aaron Allin and David Ovesen.

school year at the Stuart C. Gildred YMCA. The team spent the first few weeks learning the fundamentals of robotics, math, logic, and programming, getting a head start on the

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fall competition season when teams compete in a series of FIRST Lego League (FLL) tournaments. FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1989 to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology. In December the team — they named themselves “The Meme Team”— competed against approximately 400 other teams from throughout San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles counties at the two-day Los Angeles Region FLL Championship Tournament in La Cañada. The Meme Team obtained top rankings and the honor of earning one of only four

invitational slots offered during the tournament to the Razorback Invitational at the University of Arkansas in May. Throughout the competition season, the teams are expected to use the core values of the FLL, “celebrating discovery, teamwork and gracious professionalism,” to solve problems in two different challenges: The Project and The Robot Game. The FLL Project of the season was “Animal Allies,” which challenged teams throughout the nation to “identify a problem when people and animals interact, design a solution that makes the interaction better for animals and people, and share (the) problem and solution with others.” In the Robot Game, students build, test and program an autonomous robot using Lego Mindstorm technology to solve a set of mission challenges. The Meme Team chose to focus their Animal Allies project on humans’ deteriorating relationship with bees by solving the problem of colony collapse disorder, which is caused by habitat fragmentation from urbanization. “Bees are an important insect, although people don’t often realize it because they sting. But bees pollinate one-third of our plants, and if they become extinct things might fall apart. For that matter, we should all be more conscious and concerned about them,” Vogel said. Together, the team developed seed packets designed to grow plants that attract bees and distributed them at school and at the farmers market. Later, Vogel created a website dedicated to the Meme Team’s “Save the Bees” project. To inquire about joining the Robotics Club (for 8- to 12-year-olds), contact the Stuart C. Gildred YMCA. For information about the FIRST Lego League, visit www. firstlegoleague.org.

January 3 ~ 16, 2017 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 19 her senior season and earned a degree in kinesiology. Reck is the SYHS record holder in the 800 meters and ran cross-country and track at Harvard University, where he earned a degree in economics. He was an eight-time Ivy League finalist in track with personal bests of 4:05 in the mile and 1:50 in the 800. Fredrickson played basketball and received her degree in applied health at Azusa Pacific University. She holds the SYHS record in the shot put was first-team Photo contributed all-league in basketball. In college, she was a member of the 2011 Pictured, from left, are Larry Hughes, representing his son NAIA national champion women’s basketDon; Hailey King; Connor Reck; and Annie Fredrickson. ball team.

EDUCATION ROUNDUP

CCB: Corporate logos Former SYHS athletes Blue: cmyk 88-77-0-0 / no PMSRegister match now for Hancock inducted into Wall of Fame Gray: cmyk 52-43-41-0 / no PMS match Four former Santa Ynez High School ath- classes beginning Jan. 23 letes were inducted into the school’s Wall of Honor at halftime of a boys basketball game in December. Type version: Those honored on the wall are graduates who excelled in their chosen sport and went on to compete in that sport in college and earned a four-year degree. The quartet inducted in December included Don Hughes (Class of 1987), Hailey King (2011), Connor Reck (2011), and Annie Fredrickson (2010). Hughes, who was represented in the ceremony by his father, Larry, played basketball at Humboldt State. In 1987 he was captain of the last SYHS boys basketball team to win a league title. King, who was league MVP and first team All-CIF in high school, played basketball at Cal State Fullerton. She led her college team in field goal percentage in

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Hundreds of classes are being offered at Hancock College’s Santa Maria campus in the spring term. Many begin the week of Jan. 23. Registration continues through Jan. 22. Nearly 1,000 semester-length classes are being offered. Other eight-week classes begin Jan. 23 or March 22. Dozens of shortterm classes that last less than eight weeks begin throughout the semester. The spring courses range from accounting, agribusiness and auto body to chemistry, dance, economics, Spanish and welding. Spring classes are also being offered at the Solvang, Lompoc Valley and Vandenberg AFB centers, as well as online. Short-term and eight-week courses are designed for students who prefer shorter, more intense study. Eight-week classes

offer the credit of a full semester course. “For some students, the eight-week time frame fits their schedules better,” said Nohemy Ornelas, vice president of student services. “Others enroll in eight-week classes because they enjoy the intensity and focus of the shorter courses.” To view all spring classes, visit www. hancockcollege.edu and click the Class Search link on the homepage. Search options include subject, location, instructor, number of credits, and more. Photo contributed All students register online via myHanVeronica Sandoval of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians cock, which is reached from the college’s presented a check for $7,500 to President Francisca Escobar of home page. Click the Student tab, then the Santa Ynez Valley Music Boosters and SYHS Music Director Register/Add/Drop/Search Classes. Cameron Clarno at the school’s winter concert on Dec. 7. High school students can take advantage of Hancock’s Concurrent Enrollment of our community,” said Tribal Chairprogram. Students at Santa Ynez, Cabrillo, man Kenneth Kahn. “Not only does this Blue: St. cmyk PMS match Orcutt Academy, Joseph,88-77-0-0 Santa Maria, / no program provide students access to music Pioneer Valley, Lompoc and Righetti high Gray: cmyk 52-43-41-0 /education, no PMSthey match participate in numerous schools can register for a class taught at performances throughout the valley.” the high school and simultaneously receive The boosters are volunteers dedicated to high school and college credit. promoting and providing financial support Those classes include Elementary Statis- to the high school Music Department, tics (MATH 123), version: Symphonic Band (MUS Type which has grown from an enrollment of 140), Elementary French (FRCH 101) and 20 students 10 years ago to more than 100 American Government (POLS 103). students. The music program now encom-

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passes an award-winning concert band, marching band, vocal ensemble and choir. “The Santa Ynez Music Boosters is grateful to the Chumash Foundation for their generous donation towards our instrument The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash replacement project,” President Francisca Indians presented a check for $7,500 to the Escobar said. “This grant allows us to upSanta Ynez Valley Music Boosters at their date aging instruments and equipment that Winter Concert on Dec. 7. The funds will enhances the quality of music education in help support the boosters’ efforts to provide the valley. Music is an essential element new and updated instruments for students in of a balanced educational experience and the Music Department at Santa Ynez Valley provides sensory and intellectual skills that Union High School. motivate and excite young minds, which is “SYV Music Boosters is an integral part required for academic success.”

Chumash donate to SYV Music Boosters

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food~drink

Let’s give a high-five Restaurant Week to be for winter vegetables DELICIOUSLY FUN

celebrated Jan. 22 - 28 by SYV Star Staff

news@santaynezvalleystar.com

oodies of the Central Coast will be visiting the Santa Ynez Valley this month for the tastiest time of year, as the seventh annual Restaurant Week runs from Jan. 22 - 28. For seven delicious days in 2017, anyone can afford to dine at any style of restaurant and enjoy a three-course meal for just $20.17. Participating restaurants include upscale swanky restaurants, farm-to-table styles, Danish, and country-style that any cowboy would love. More than two dozen restaurants are participating, and a full list will be announced in the Star’s second issue this month, coming out Jan. 17. “Restaurant Week is the Santa Ynez Valley’s once-a-year homage to all things food and wine, and it is the perfect reason to visit our six wonderfully diverse and unique communities,” said Shelby Sim, executive director of Visit the Santa

Ynez Valley. The valley is known for its exceptional wine region and chefs that pair those wines with outstanding fresh produce and meats. “Eating great food is just one of the many reasons to visit, and visitors can also explore the wineries, shops, back roads and charming communities that make up this casual yet sophisticated wine region,” Sim added. As an added feature, a number of Santa Ynez Valley wineries will be offering wine and cheese pairings, again for $20.17, and special lodging deals are available at hoteliers throughout the valley. Santa Ynez Valley Restaurant Week menus do not include tax, tip or beverages, and reservations are strongly encouraged. For the latest updates on the event, including menus and dining hours, visit dinesyv. com. For more information about tourism offerings in the Santa Ynez Valley, including a complete listing of restaurants, wineries, tasting rooms and events, go to VisitSYV. com.

ark green, weird-looking leafy of olive oil. Cut them in half to increase things. A slew of sour citrus and a the crisp factor, sautee them on high heat bunch of rooty, dirty, long-tailed and again under the broiler for a finishing vegetables. Hard-as-heck yellow-orangecrisp-up. Lots of salt and pepper and a nice green squash. (How do you open those vinegar finish does these guys right. things?) Radishes, turnips and parsnips Winter produce can seem are amazing roasted off with strange, unapproachable, and a chicken or beef roast, or just just not fun. However, buying as-is in some olive oil, garlic and cooking it doesn’t have to be and herbs. They get all caramela sad, nasty experience. With a ized on the outside yet tender little knowledge and a few tips, and slightly sweet on the inside. you’ll be smiling with green in I love these so much I always your teeth in no time. make extra and eat them cold on “Cruciferous” sounds like a a salad later or rewarmed on top type of dinosaur, but it’s actually of a baked potato. a large family of vegetables that Last but not least is winter include cabbage, kale, broccoli, squash. Don’t be intimidated brussels sprouts, radishes and if you’ve got some big, hard even arugula. Before you make by Coreen Padilla squash staring you down and a face and remind everyone whispering, “So what are you going to do with me?” Most winter squash how much you hate that trendy, filthy kale can be peeled like a potato and then diced. or those brussels balls from hell, give these These diced bits can be softened in curry guys a chance. To make this bitter crew taste more palat- and stock, then pureed into soup, baked with parmesan and breadcrumbs as a gratin, able you’ll need two tools: fat and acid. Kale or collard greens are delicious when topped on pizza, sliced and put in lasagna, caramelized then added to polenta … the added to sauteed onions and garlic, allowed possibilities are endless. to wilt, then deglazed with some beef or chicken stock and a squeeze of lemon. You Spaghetti squash can be halved and could stop there or stir in some cream, shave roasted. Its interior is, well, spaghetti-like, a bit of hard cheese over the top and toss that and the strands can be added to rice, veggies, pan under the broiler. sauces and the like. Arugula or watercress is best with a tart Acorn squash is the perfect size for stuffand tangy vinaigrette and has a slew of part- ing, so if you go this route skip the peeling ners in crime to pair it with. Avocado, bacon and put that energy toward your creative bits, toasted nuts (fats) and maybe some stuffing ideas. sectioned oranges, cranberries, or green Let’s give a high-five for winter vegeapples (acids). tables. They taste good, are easy to cook, Brussels sprouts are best crispy, and can fun to play with, and abundant at your local be made so with either bacon fat or a lot market. So go get ’em.

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January 3 ~ 16, 2017 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 21

A GRAPE EDUCATION

Dragonette Cellars co-founder wins wine scholarship by SYV Star Staff

news@santaynezvalleystar.com

randon Sparks-Gillis, the co-founder of Dragonette Cellars in the Santa Ynez Valley, is the first recipient of a new scholarship from the Napa Valley Wine Academy. This first scholarship for a student in the Institute of Masters of Wine study program includes money toward fees, tastings, travel and other costs incurred during the rigorous program. The scholarship was open to Stage 2 candidates in North America who submitted an essay on “Cabernet Sauvignon: The future of Napa Valley?” The judging panel consisted of four Masters of Wine: Christy Canterbury, Peter Marks, Tim Hanni and Matt Deller. “I am honored and thrilled to receive this very generous scholarship. It was a really fun question to explore, and I would like to thank my colleagues in Napa for so graciously sharing their perspectives and helping to shape my view on the subject. Thanks to the Napa Valley Wine Academy for the opportunity, and for their commitment to the MW program and wine education in general,” Sparks-Gillis said. The Napa Valley Wine Academy also awards four scholarships for the globally recognized Wine & Spirits Education Trust

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Photo contributed Dragonette Cellars co-founder Brandon Sparks-Gillis has received a scholarship to help pay for his study program with the Institute of Masters of Wine.

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(WSET) courses of study. The academy offers courses in several of America’s bestknown wine markets: Napa Valley, Santa Barbara, and locations in Florida, Colorado, Ohio, Tennessee and Nevada.

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22 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H January 3 ~ 16, 2017

january January full of events to entertain, acquaint

appy 2017! I have quite the lineup for your consideration this month, including a celebratory one-year anniversary lunch and concert for Raiza Giorgi and The Santa Ynez Valley Star on Jan. 14. New this year are special tours I am hosting at local businesses, such as a great tour of the Chamberlin ranch for 20 guests with Fred Chamberlin. We will also be admiring Fred Brander’s Spanish ceramic art collection, as well as a unique olive-oil tasting with Shannon and John Casey of Rancho Olivos. I hope you will also check out my free photography show on Saturday, Jan. 21. Many talented photographers will attend and show their work from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Roblar Winery in Santa Ynez. There will also be live music. Please RSVP for any of my events to alchavezups@yahoo.com. I look forward to entertaining and connecting you. n Jan. 7 (9 - 10 a.m.) Coffee with Dunn School Superintendent Mike Beck at Valley Grind in Santa Ynez. n Jan. 7 (11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.) Lunch

with Dan Agin of The Santa Ynez Valley Junior Rifle Club at Red Barn. Cost is $22 per person and lunch is included. n Jan. 14 (10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.) Celebrating one year of the Santa Ynez Valley Star with Raiza Giorgi. Musical Performance by Kaitlyn Chui and Stephen Styles at Red Barn. Cost is $30 and lunch is included. Special Tour Schedule n Jan. 19 (8-9 a.m.) Midland School Organic Farm Tour with Nick Tranmer for 20 guests. Free. n Jan. 19 (10-11 a.m.) Chamberlin Ranch Tour in Los Olivos with Fred Chamberlin. Free, limited to 20 guests in Los Olivos. n Jan. 19 (1-2 p.m.) Tour of The Landscapes of Christopher L T Brown at his Solvang Gallery on Alisal Road for 20 guests. Free. n Jan. 19 (3 - 4 p.m.) Tour for 20 of Fred Brander’s Spanish ceramic art collection in Los Olivos. Free. n Jan. 19 (4:15 - 4:45 p.m.) Olive-oil tasting for 20 at Rancho Olivos with Shannon and

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events

To submit an event to be listed in the Santa Ynez Valley Star, email news@ santaynez valleystar.com. For the online calendar www.visitsyv.com.

6 Christmas Tree Burn - 5 p.m. - Mission Santa Ines – Watch the spectacular flames as a huge pile of Christmas trees is ignited in Solvang. The fire department will offer safety tips and demonstrations; free live music and concessions for sale.

8 Kenny Broad, National Geographic Cave Diver and Anthropologist - 3 p.m. at UCSB Campbell Hall. Kenny’s explorations led to important discoveries about early human inhabitants, animals seen nowhere else on Earth, and the planet’s climate history. For tickets and details log onto https:// artsandlectures.sa.ucsb.edu/allevents.aspx.

12 The Fab Four - 8 p.m. at the Chumash Casino. Beatlemania all over again with a tribute band recreating the most popular band of all time. Tickets are $25; log onto www.chumashcasino.com for details.

14 Celebrating One Year of the SYV Star - 10 a.m. at Brothers’ Restaurant at the Red Barn. Publisher Raiza Giorgi will speak on the creation of the valley’s newest and most local publication, and musicians Kaitlyn Chiu and Stephen Styles will perform. Lunch available for purchase. Hosted by “UPS Al” Chavez. RSVP to alchavezups@yahoo.com.

Start your year off right at Mad & Vin! Happy Hour 4-6:30 pm daily Dinner 5-9 pm Tuesday-Sunday Every Tuesday is Locals’ Night

receive 20% off of food plus complimentary corkage* *offer valid in restaurant only

KidKraft - 2 p.m. at the Wildling Museum of Art and Nature in Solvang. Learn to up-cycle common household “trash” into a creative project for your child to treasure. Or learn how to draw an animal or create a critter mask. Classes are fun and informal. All supplies are included. Cost is $5 per child (1 adult admission is included). Screen Print and Surface Design Demonstration - 1 - 3 p.m. at the Elverhoj Museum, 1624 Elverhoy Way, Solvang.

15 The Peking Acrobats - 3 p.m. at UCSB Campbell Hall - Experts at trick cycling, precision tumbling, somersaulting and gymnastics, they defy gravity with amazing displays of contortion, flexibility and control. For tickets and details log onto https:// artsandlectures.sa.ucsb.edu/allevents.aspx.

17 805.688.3121 thelandsby.com

Comedy Night at FigMtnBrew - 7 - 9 p.m. at

Figueroa Mountain Brew in Buellton. See figmtnbrew.com.

EveryDay Creative Play at Knitfit - 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 473 Atterdag Road in Solvang. Learn more at www. knitfit.com. Coastal Cacti and Sun-baked Succulents Artwork by Solvang School students grades 6 - 8 through Jan. 16 in the Jane Goodall Classroom at the Wildling Museum in Solvang. Exercise for Life - Weekdays except Wednesdays from 9:15 - 10:15 a.m. with Barbara Owens at Church at the Crossroads, 236 La Lata Drive, Buellton. Call 688-8027. Cachuma Lake Recreation - Wildlife cruises and boat rentals, fishing, nature walks and Nature Center. Visit www.countyofsb.org/parks. Clairmont Lavender Farms - Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 2480 Roblar Ave., Los Olivos. www.clairmontfarms.com. Zaca Creek Golf Course - Perfect little 9-hole course, daily from sunrise to sunset. No tee times. 691-9272.

Mondays Senior T’ai Chi - 9:15 a.m. at the Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086. Arthritis Classes - 10:15 a.m. at the Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086. Adult Coloring - every other Monday at 1 p.m. at the Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086. 4-H Meetings - Lucky Clover 4-H meets on first Mondays at 7 p.m. at The Grange in Los Olivos; info by emailing heehaws@comcast.net. Buellton 4-H meets on third Mondays at 7:30 pm at Buellton Senior Center; info by emailing buellton4h@yahoo. com.

Tuesdays Knitting - 9:30 a.m. at the Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086. Computer Classes - 9:30 a.m. at the Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086. Bridge and Poker - 12:45 p.m. at the Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086. Silver Striders – Meet at 10 a.m. at the Buellton Senior Center and walk around the community. In bad weather the group meets at the Buellton Rec Center and walks on treadmills. No RSVP needed and water provided. Bridge - 1 - 5 p.m. at the Buellton Senior Center

January 3 ~ 16, 2017 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 23

Events pages sponsored by

Wednesdays Art class at 9 a.m. Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086. Bingo at 1 p.m., Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086. Santa Barbara County MS meetings - 11:30 - 1 p.m. at High Sierra Grill in Goleta. Call Mike Jack at 886-3000 for more details.

Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086. Easy Does it Chair Exercise - 10 a.m. at Buellton Senior Center. Work on balance and strength while seated. Soiree Thursdays at Refugio Ranch - 5 - 7 p.m. Featuring live music, food pairings and wine by the glass; 2990 Grand Ave in Los Olivos. www. refugioranch.com/events.

Fridays

Solvang Farmers Market – Buy directly from growers on First Street at Mission Drive in Solvang from 2:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Pilates - 10 a.m. at the Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086.

Crafts - 1 p.m. at the Buellton Senior Center.

Bingo - 1 - 3 p.m. at the Buellton Senior Center.

After School Club - 2 - 5 p.m. at the Creation Station in Buellton. Cost is $20; supplies not included. For ages 7 and up. Call 693-0174 or log onto www. thecreationstation.com. Located at 252 E. Hwy 246 Buellton.

Live music - 5 - 7 p.m. at Carr Vineyards and Winery, 3563 Numancia St., Santa Ynez. www. carrwinery.com

Thursdays Arthritis Exercise - 10:15 a.m. at the Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive. Call 688-1086. Texas Hold ’em - 1 p.m. at the Solvang Senior

Live music - 8 - 11 p.m. at Copenhagen Sausage Garden, 1660 Copenhagen Drive in Solvang. www. csg-solvang.com Firkin Friday at Figueroa Mountain Brew - 5 - 10 p.m. at the Buellton and Los Olivos Figueroa Mountain Brewery locations. For more info log onto figmtnbrew.com.

New in-home care program for seniors announced by SYV Star Staff

news@santaynezvalleystar.com

new program to help seniors live safely at home has been launched by the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and Visiting Care and Companions Inc., an affiliate of Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care . A friend, family member or senior may request a free assessment and short-term services with a phone call to 805-690-6203 or at vnhcsb.org. Senior Wellness of Santa Barbara County is designed to optimize an older person’s access to community services, improve home safety, and enjoy good health and quality of life while living in their own home longer. The program provides a free in-home assessment by a registered nurse and will establish a personalized care plan that may include:

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John Casey. Free. n Jan. 21 (11 a.m. - 5 p.m.) “Hope & Renewal,” Santa Ynez Valley Photography, book and art show with musical performances by Kaitlyn Chui, ShaShaty and Jackie Bristow at Roblar Winery & Vineyards. Free. n Jan. 22 (4 - 6 p.m.) National Geographic documentary film “And Man Created Dog,” narrated by producer John Copeland at The Santa Ynez Valley Grange Hall for a 100

n Education on local medical and/or psycho-social resources n Assistance in developing realistic shortterm goals and strategies n Support for family members and caregivers n Improved safety and prevention of falls n Information and referrals to community agencies and financial assistance programs n Medication review and reassessment n Follow-up and short-term case management To schedule an in-home assessment, call 805-690-6203 visit www.vnhcsb.org/senior wellness. This program was funded by the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors in the county’s budget for the 2016-17 fiscal year. The county’s Aging and Adult Network, chaired by Supervisor Doreen Farr, identified this as a high need based on the increasing number of older adults with few options to address their needs. guests. Suggested donation of $5 goes to the Grange for upgrades and repairs. n Jan. 28 (9 - 10 a.m.) Michelle Juliet Feldman Castle of Honey Paper in Los Olivos on how to write a thank-you note at Valley Grind. n Jan. 28 (11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.) Lunch with Los Olivos Rancher Fred Chamberlin at Red Barn. Cost is $22 per person and lunch is included. Al Chavez, or “UPS Al,” volunteers to organize events throughout the valley.

The Fab Four pay tribute to The Beatles by SYV Star Staff

news@santaynezvalleystar.com

he Fab Four, billed as the ultimate Beatles tribute band, will return to the Chumash Casino Resort’s Samala Showroom at 8 p.m. Thursday,

Jan. 12. The band members use everything from the iconic mop-top hairstyles to the original band member’s mannerisms to make the audience feel as if John, Paul, George and Ringo were performing. “Beatlemania” began in 1963 when the group appeared on American television before more than 6 million viewers to promote their new single “Please Please Me.” In 1964, The Beatles held the top five spots on the Billboard charts for one week with “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “Twist and Shout,” “She Loves You,” “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” and “Please Please Me.” Throughout their careers, The Beatles produced 20 No. 1 singles on the Billboard Top 40 chart, holding a record for the most No. 1 hits that still stands. The Fab Four have traveled the world performing Beatles’ classics. In 2013, the group

Photo contributed The Fab Four return to the Chumash Casino to perform their Beatles tribute show on Thursday, Jan. 12.

was the focus of PBS special, “The Fab Four: The Ultimate Tribute,” that won an Emmy Award for special events coverage. The Chumash Casino Resort on Highway 246 in Santa Ynez is a 21-and-older venue. Tickets are $25 and available at www.chumash casino.com.

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24 H Santa Ynez Valley Star H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H January 3 ~ 16, 2017

$5,150,000 | 7369 Highway 246, Lompoc | 348± (assr) Brad Berch | 805.680.9415

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