Tag archives: children
For one year now, our lives have been upended in ways that were both unprecedented and unexpected. Although we’ve all risen to the challenge and found ways to adjust, a noticeable level of stress-tension has taken up residency just under the surface. An inconsiderate comment, a stubborn child, a dinner gone awry, or someone taking […]
“Ernie?… Ernie?… Ernie?… Ernie?…” “Sorry, can’t play right now, Jack.” “Why?” “Because I have some writing to do.” “Why?” “It’s for my column?” “What’s a column?” “About 700 words.” I laughed. Jack didn’t. “My column for the Montecito Journal is due. I have an allotted space to fill.” “What’s a lotta space to fill?” “About […]
After eight months of negotiations, the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Barbara is joining the United Boys and Girls Clubs of the County. This is the first time since the first club was founded in 1938 that all the clubs from Carpinteria to Lompoc will operate together. This affects 5,000 kids along with 450 […]
Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation is the only nonprofit organization in our community that provides financial, educational, and emotional support to local families who have a child with cancer. The organization also has a reputation for its signature events, as a way to raise much-needed funding. Their flagship event, the Gold Ribbon Luncheon held at Four […]
Entering the campus of All Saints-by-the-Sea Parish School was actually a homecoming of sorts for a variety of reasons, the most recent being that our granddaughter, now 10 and a big fifth grader, attended the Parish School as a toddler. Not that long ago she could be seen hopping around the playground laughing, playing, and […]
Little Women, a Classic Storybook Luncheon, was the theme of the Women United’s second annual luncheon at the Four Seasons Biltmore for United Way. Event chair Andrea Kahmann and her “gang” looked smashing in their Victorian dresses complete with corsets. Andrea commented, “I’m so glad we don’t have to wear these anymore.” The décor fit […]
It was amazing how many people got up so early to come to breakfast with the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF) at 7:30 am at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. It was the 6th annual Little Heroes breakfast to raise funds for their programs helping families who have a child struck with cancer. After […]
Join Richie Ramirez and his team in donating a toy of your choice for a child from toddler to teen. Just drop off the unwrapped toy at his barber shop on Coast Village Road during regular business hours starting now through Tuesday, December 17. Richie shared a few details about the toy drive in an […]
Records were broken when CALM – Child Abuse Listening Mediation – welcomed 330 guests to its annual Stepping Stones lunch at the Coral Casino raising a hefty $230,000, $80,000 more than expected. Speakers for the non-profit, which is just turning 50, were president and chief executive Alana Walczak and Dr. Andria Ruth, a graduate of […]
There’s always something new to write about. I got a call from Holly Murphy. She and her husband, Bob, were co-hosting a cocktail party at the Biltmore with John Paul and Lina Belltran to start a new chapter of World of Children in Santa Barbara. The Murphys had been supporters in Los Angeles for five […]
The elegantly dressed amazons were out in force at the Hidden Oaks Ranch when the charity Gwendolyn’s Playground, which is raising $4 million to build an all-inclusive play area, including disabled children, in partnership with the City of Santa Barbara and Parks and Recreation, at the Dwight Murphy Field, a tiara’s toss from the Santa […]
The paddles never stopped going up during “the ask” for dollars for the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF). In all the 25 years I’ve covered non-profit events, it was amazing. All the proceeds go to help children with cancer and their families in Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo counties. TBCF was founded in […]
The Montecito Family YMCA is gearing up for another summer filled with adventure, laughter, and enriching the lives of the Y campers, parents, and staff. Y Camp is accredited by the American Camp Association, which recognizes that the YMCA facilitates summer camp programs that are committed to building a safe, nurturing environment for their children. […]
It was an early start when the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation hosted its 5th annual Little Heroes breakfast for 350 guests at the Hilton, which was expected to raise around $100,000 for the popular charity. The boffo bash, co-chaired by Heather Ayer, Matthew Fish, Emilee Garfield, and Nina Johnson, featured keynote speaker Eduardo Garcia, a […]
“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” – Coretta Scott King Child Abuse Listening Mediation (CALM) is partnering to build resilient communities throughout Santa Barbara County. For their 7th annual luncheon, the theme was “CALM at Heart: Building Community.” As CEO Alana Walczak said, “We begin […]
Storyteller Children’s Center (SCC) held its 30-year black-tie gala in a new place in town – the Hotel Californian at 36 State Street. It was a movable feast with the evening beginning on the rooftop for a VIP reception for patrons. We moved on to the courtyard below for martinis, the silent auction, and a […]
There were decidedly shady things going on at the Biltmore when Angels Foster Care held its annual al fresco lunch on the impeccably manicured lawn with 200 guests, raising around $100,000 for the 12-year-old charity founded by Michelle Arntz. Despite taking place five months later than usual because of the New Year disasters, the sun […]
Beverley Jackson gives an annual Christmas party with all the guests bringing an unwrapped toy to be donated to needy children. This year she had to postpone it twice because of the fire and floods. About 100 folks gathered at her cozy condo in Montecito Shores armed with precious stuffed animals, games, and books that […]
I love kids. And fortunately, they seem to like me okay, too. Which is good, because between my wife, Pat and I, we have five children, four grandchildren and one granddog that I love teaching new tricks. “Roll over, no? Sit, no? Shake, no? How about lay there like a lump? Yeah!” And now, I […]
We are sending this email to all our friends and family who have reached out to us in regard to the Montecito fire and mudslide tragedies and evacuations. The story begins over a month ago, when Lynda and I were forced to evacuate our Romero Canyon home due to the largest wildfire in California history. Three […]
