‘How to Cook a Coyote’ with Betty Fussell

Written by Maria McCall

Casa Dorinda was abuzz as legendary food writer Betty Fussell welcomed an excited audience for the launch of her new book, How to Cook a Coyote: The Joy of Old Age. Sparkling with her cheeky sense of humor, she declared, “Live each day as if it were your first and last!” She shared her limelight with acclaimed photographer MacDuff Everton, who took Betty’s portrait for the cover of her book.

The volume traces her move from Manhattan to Montecito and tackles everything from fading eyesight to the wild metaphorical coyote that stalks her thoughts. Fussell serves up a recipe for savoring life to the very last drop.

Guests were treated to a tasty array which included “Coyote Pie” (actually made of braised beef) and Coyote Cocktails. (We didn’t ask.) The James Beard honoree and Silver Spoon Award winner had a long line of fans holding her books to be signed!

Notables included: MacDuff Everton, Mary Heebner, Joan Tapper, Brooks Firestone, Jerry Parent, Judy Milam, Tucky Fussell, Beth Leddy, Susan Case, Dirk Brandts, and Penny Arntz.

A Dash of Holiday Cheer: MClub Tours Unity Shoppe

Montecito Bank & Trust’s MClub gathered in the Kenny Loggins Community Room at Unity Shoppe for an uplifting afternoon to learn about one of Santa Barbara’s most treasured charities. Executive Director and CEO Angela Miller-Bevan delivered an informative presentation on the organization’s fascinating history, and how today this community cornerstone serves more than 52,000 residents each year with groceries, clothing, job training, and essential support.

Unity Shoppe’s roots reach back to 1917, when civic leader Pearl Chase founded the Council of Christmas Cheer to support mothers whose husbands were serving in World War I. Decades later, in 1972, Barbara Tellefson joined Pearl Chase and pledged to carry the mission forward.

Tellefson’s dedication led to the first of a series of permanent buildings in downtown. Its transformation to Unity Shoppe in 1987 was energized by entertainer Kenny Loggins and KEYT’s annual telethon. Tom Reed signed on in 2002 for 20 years to help Barbara Tellefson grow the organization into a sustainable year-round charity, providing not only food, clothing and toys, but also job training, school supplies, disaster relief, and special gifts for seniors. Tellefson’s insistence on preserving every client’s dignity remains the heart of the organization today.

Angela Miller-Bevan continues the legacy and works with stars Kenny Loggins, Michael McDonald, Duane Henry, Jeff Bridges and country singer Brad Paisley – who are all devoted to the mission. In 2012, Brad Paisley and his family volunteered at Unity Shoppe while visiting Santa Barbara and were so taken by how the mission was executed, they committed the next few years to replicating the model in their hometown of Nashville, calling it The Store.

Following the talk, members enjoyed a scrumptious Thanksgiving buffet in the telethon studio before touring the facility. Be sure to tune in and contribute to the Annual Holiday Telethon on KEYT December 12^th, 5-8 pm.

Guests included Karen Poythress, Monica Cruz, Anne Luther, Keith Moore, Brenda Blalock, Barbara Burger, Judith Green, Marian Jean, Diane Galvan, Robert Luria, Christine Holland, and Dirk Brandts.