(Plan to arrive no later than 9:45 am. Ceremony starts at 10 sharp)
WHERE:Santa Barbara Cemetery
901 Channel Drive, Santa Barbara, CA93108 (near East Beach)
INFO: (805)966-1660
COST:Free ~ Donations are welcome
SPECIAL: VIP seating and personal escorts provided for seniors and veterans – please RSVP to 805 966 1660 no later than Friday, May 24.
ABOUT: The PCVM Foundation motto is “Never Forget” and on this Memorial Day the organization inaugurates a full one-hour observance to honor and remember those who have served, and those who have given their lives for this country. Marking the 60th anniversary of the end of the Korean War, we will give a special salute to those service men & women with the first local commemoration of the Korean War (June 20, 1950 – July 27, 1953). Highlights of this memorial are keynote speaker Brigadier General Fred Lopez (Ret), and John Ramieri, president of the Korean War Vets reading a poem. Ceremony consists of a bagpiper and live music featuring vocal soloist, choir and flutist. Korean era aircraft – four T-34s - will do a two fly-over’s and event will conclude with Taps played by Howard Hudson.
COST: $100 donation/Limited attendance, please RSVP by Nov. 29
ABOUT: Learn how you can help support this new non-profit filling a much needed niche in Santa Barbara designed to help elders and others on limited incomes care for and keep their beloved companion animals by providing support for veterinary, behavioral or nutritional needs. Doing so minimizes the number of animals being turned over to shelters. Diana Basehart Foundation promotes dignity and respect for people and their pets in need.
Tipper Gore, photographer & social advocate along with Bill Allen, retired editor-in-chief of National Geographic Magazine, have each donated one of their framed photographs up for sale to the highest bidder for this worthy cause. The event, hosted by Nancy Koppelman, will have a silent auction, wine, appetizers, live music and special guest Lydia Hiby, world-renowned animal communicator.
Additional: William Laman’s Furniture, Garden & Antiques at 1496 East Valley Road will be donating a portion of sales on December 1 to the Foundation – stop by before the event.
Keynote Speaker is a Vietnam Veteran who did time in the infamous Hanoi Hilton PLUS Greatest Generation Award going to a Private –
two firsts for the Military Ball
Make plans to join in on November 10 & 11
(October 17, 2012/Santa Barbara, CA) Marking the 93rd observance of Veterans Day – the weekend of November 10 & 11 in Santa Barbara will have four great events for everyone to attend to honor the veterans from all conflicts and wars of the 20th & 21stcentury. In addition to the three free community events - marathon, concert & parade - the 17th annual Military Ball will take place on Saturday evening and is open to the public for the price of a ticket but reservations are required by 11.1.12. Having Col. John Fer as Keynote speaker, marks the first time a Vietnam Veteran has addressed the high profile event which usually draws more than 500. Another first for PCVM is awarding a Private with a ‘Greatest Generation’ Award. Both Colonel Fer and Pvt. Petersen will be in the parade along with Sgt. Major Robert Forties, who is also receiving a Greatest Generation Award.
Pierre Claeyssens, a philanthropist born in Belgium who passed away here in Santa Barbara in 2003, designated the seed money to bring to life the vision he had of a museum that would salute all veterans. His vision has grown under the leadership of co-founders of the Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Museum & Library (PCVM), Lt. John W. Blankenship (USN) & his wife, Hazel Blankenship. “Wanting to give the veterans of Santa Barbara County and beyond, thanks and acknowledge their service will ‘never be forgotten’ is the tenet we hold near and dear,” said Lt. Blankenship. The couple’s excitement spills over to the board, volunteers and all who attend the various events put on throughout the year by the PCVM. “We are premiering our new logo for the organization this weekend – so look for the distinguished logo created by local graphic artist, Cynthia Burt,” said Hazel. “The salute is the one unifying gesture for all the services – so this logo utilizes profiles of uniforms from WWI through Afghanistan – all in a salute in a V-formation,” she stated. You'll see the new design on the runners’ shirts, on banners and flags (see logo attached) at all four events.
You can get a good running start on the weekend in the Santa Barbara Int’l Marathon (now in its fourth year). Officials have dedicated the last mile of the marathon to the Veterans. Official marathon runners’ shirts will have the words: “The first 25 miles are for me, the last mile is for Veterans.” Indeed the last mile of the race – starting at the intersection of Cliff Drive & La Marina Drive (@Shoreline Park) down the hill to Santa Barbara City College La Playa Stadium will be festooned with flags, banners, balloons and military vehicles. We want to have thousands of people to cheer the veterans and runners on for the final mile. Runners Registration info online @ www.sbimarathon.com ($100 for half-marathon & $130 for full marathon, but prices go up for last minute entrants. Deadline for registration will be at the Health and Fitness Expo on Friday, November 9th at the Earl Warren Show Grounds).
This is a nationally sanctioned marathon and draws runners from all over the U.S. and world. Last year there were more than 5,100 runners from 50 states and 14 countries. This year, more than 6,000 runners are expected. Covering 26.2 miles from 7:30 am full marathon runners start at Dos Pueblos HS in Goleta while half marathon runners will begin at 7:15 am at Page Youth Center onHollister Avenue. BOTH the full and half marathon will have four T-34s fly-over to mark the start of their respective races. Race organizers anticipate at least 300 of the runners to be veterans or active duty personnel.
Rusty Snow, Co-Director of the race, noted, “There will be a constant flow of runners to cheer on at the Veterans Mile from 8:15 am to 1 pm. First runners will arrive around 8:15am, with the bulk coming in at 8:45-9:30, then again 10:30 to 12:30pm.”
Joining the marathon for the first time will be the 25-member National Guard Team of Elite Runners, led by Michael Hagen, SFC as the NGB Marathon Coordinator. They hail from ten different states (PA, WI, MA, IL, WA, OH, UT, MD, ND, and NE). Hagen was based at Port Hueneme in 2001 and is looking forward to coming back to the area. He noted, “We won 25 awards this year at the Kauai Marathon. One of our female runners set a new course record last year at the Missoula Marathon, and took third place last year at the San Francisco Marathon.”
Following the marathon is a fabulous free Concert Program at 2 pm at the Presbyterian Church, 21 E. Constance St.(@State). The concert will give special honor to the 237th anniversary of the United States Marines with honored guests Brigadier General Fred Lopez (USMC) and SB County Supervisor Salud Carbajal (US Marine Reserve) as speakers. Westmont College Orchestra conducted by Dr. Michael Shasberger along with the combined choruses of San Marcos H.S. under the direction of Carolyn Teroka-Brady. Selections ranging from our National Anthem, to the Marine Hymn (From the Halls of Montezuma) to Dvorak’s 9thsymphony performing the section called “Going Home” with Nathan Rundlett singing the solo. More generational music identified with the different wars will be included to make it an inclusive and lively one-hour program. The concert is produced by PCVM Board member Marilyn Gilbert.
Saturday evening, the 17th Annual Military Ball begins at 5 pm at Fess Parker's Double Tree Resort where you can mix & mingle, enjoy a delicious meal and then dance those calories off to the Swing Shift Band under the direction of Bob Hensen. Reservations are required to the Ball – RSVP@pierreclaeyssensveteransmuseum.com. Special guest and Keynote speaker is Colonel John Fer USAF, (Ret.) who served in Vietnam and was a POW in the notorious Hanoi Hilton for six years, from 1967 to 1973. This is the first time the Military Ball has had a Vietnam Vet as the keynote speaker. He earned the Silver Star, Bronze Star, two Legion of Merit Medals, two Defense Superior Service Medals, Distinguished Flying Cross and the Prisoner of War Medal.
Two local residents and honored veterans from World War II, Sgt. Major Robert Forties, (US Army) 82nd Air Borne and Pvt. Arthur Petersen (US Army) 101st Air Borne both of whom landed in Normandy on D-Day, will receive “The Greatest Generation Award 2012” from the PCVM and presented by well-known and loved Larry Crandell who served in WWII. This is the first time the PCVM has awarded a Private with this honor, reminding everyone about the mission of PCVM to acknowledge and honor all members of the armed services – from the boots on the ground to the generals in charge – all of them are essential and will “never be forgotten.”
Captain Carolyn Alexa Wagnild a United States Army Apache Helicopter pilot will perform the Missing Man Formation Service at the Ball to honor two of her fallen comrades - Jose Montenegro and Thalia Rodriguez. She returned from deployment inAfghanistan in May 2012. She was the Squadron XO of Delta Company. Capt. Wagnild is a 2006 UCSB ROTC Graduate of the Surfrider Battalion with a degree in global studies.
Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Museum has assembled ground & air troops for a most memorable weekend. It'll be an “all heads looking up” for this year’s Veterans Day Parade, beginning with an astonishing array of vintage & modern aircraft in a fly-over not seen here before to launch the start of the parade at 12:30 p.m. including: two P-51’s; a B-25; a C-47; four US T-34s and several Yaks 9s, a.k.a. Nanchangs. The WWII Army jeep, fondly named "Pierre" from Pierre Claeyssens Veteran’s Museum, leads the parade driven by co-founder of PCVM & a Vietnam Navy pilot, John Blankenship accompanied by Col. John Fer, USAF Retired (featured keynote speaker @ the Ball). Col. Fer was a POW in the notorious Hanoi Hilton from 1967 – 1973. Co-Recipients of the Greatest Generation Award local residents and honored veterans: Sgt. Major Robert Forties, US Army 82nd Air Borne and Pvt. Arthur Petersen, US Army 101st Air Borne will also be featured in the parade.
Present and accounted for on State Street, the Veterans Day Parade will include members from all of the armed forces; Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, UCSB’s ROTC Surfrider Battalion, and the Merchant Marines. Veteran's Day Parade starts at the 1400 block of State (@ Sola St.) and proceeds south down State St., turning west on Cabrillo Blvd. where it finishes at the Veteran’s Memorial Building, 112. W. Cabrillo Blvd. Master Sergeant Jon Parra (US Army Ret) is coordinator of the parade and noted why this year’s parade is not-to-be-missed. “Nearly 200 participants with 15 to 20 military vehicles from many different eras will anchor the parade. Additionally, the 425 USAR Civil Affairs Battalion recently home from Afghanistan will be in the lineup. Most of all the Parade is a great way for everyone to come out and salute our veterans and active duty personnel – the warriors – who have served and continue to serve and protect our country.”
For more information on the community events, call (805)966-1660. Details for the events are available online at the website and on the Facebook page.
Reservations for the Military Ball only can be taken at (805)969-0695 or online by e-mail to: RSVP@pierreclaeyssensveteransmuseum.com.
In 1918, on the 11th day of the 11th month in the 11th hour, of World War I an armistice was signed with Germany and the Allied Nations came into being. One year later in 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the day should be “filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and filled with gratitude for the victory.” Acknowledgements and church services marked the end of WWI on this day from that day forward and became known as Armistice Day; in 1938 an act of Congress made it a legal holiday to honor Veterans of WWI. But, WWII was only a few years away and required the largest mobilization of service men and women in the history of the world. Less than a decade later the Korean War pulled many more into the military service. In 1954, the veterans’ service organizations urged Congress to change “Armistice” to “Veterans” and on June 1, 1954 the official declaration was signed into law to be forever known as Veterans Day to honor those who have lost their lives and to pay tribute to all of our living veterans where ever and whenever they served.
The Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Museum and Library Foundation is committed to carrying out the mission of building a world-class destination museum to carry on Pierre’s dreams that American military history will never become lost in the fog of time.
WHO: Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Museum & Library Presents
WHAT: Santa Barbara Veterans Day Weekend Parade
WHEN: Sunday Nov 11th at 12:30 p.m.
WHERE: Starts at Sola & State Street. Fantastic fly-over of 16 different military aircraft will announce the start of the parade including: Two P-51’s; a B-25; a C-47; four US T-34s and several Yaks 9s, a.k.a. Nanchangs. Parade route heads down State Street to Cabrillo Blvd., where it turns right ending @ Veterans Memorial Building, 112 W. Cabrillo Blvd. SB, CA 93101
ABOUT: Come join members from all the armed forces in representing our country’s stars and stripes on Sunday at the Veteran’s Day parade! Event includes a special fly over of vintage and modern aircraft! This is sure to be an exciting family event for all ages to commemorate our Veterans. The parade starts at 12:30 pm at Sola St. and runs down State Street, to Cabrillo Blvd., and ends at the Veteran’s Memorial Building.
WHY: Celebrate and honor all veterans for their devotion & service
COST: All events are free except Military Ball. Donations graciously accepted. Wear your colors all weekend: red, white and blue. (805) 969-0695
Further details will be available on the website and Facebook page:
Official release party for Super-Tuscan Red“Tilly”Tasting Party to benefit Central Coast Chapter Alzheimer’s Association
Free Wood Fired Pizza
Tiramisu Cupcakes from Sugar Cat Studio
Authentic Italian Music by Joseppi on accordion
WHEN: Friday, November 18 6 – 9 p.m.
WHERE: 205 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
805.962.5857, oreanawinery.com
COST: Free / Wines sold by the glass (Must be 21 to attend)
WHY: Travel back in time to an Italian family kitchen where scratchy records play all night, the food and wine are endless and memories last forever… Join us for the tasting and raise a glass to Tilly. 100% of all sales on Nov. 18 event go to Alzheimer’s Assoc. November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and the award-winning local winery, Oreana is bringing out a new limited edition of Tilly, the Gold-Medal winning Sangiovese/Cabernet red blend with the unique goal of raising funds for Alzheimer’s research. Ten percent of all sales of Tilly will generate funds for the California Central Coast Alzheimer’s Association and will continue throughout the year. Just who is Tilly and why did owner and winemaker Christian Garvin name the blend Tilly? To honor his Italian grandmother who passed away from the disease as a tribute to her zest for life. We hope you enjoy it as Tilly would — with family, food, and people you will never forget.
Oreana wines are sold in 17 states and in China. You can find the label locally by going here: http://oreanawinery.com/findourwine.html. 10% of all sales of Tilly will generate funds for the California Central Coast Alzheimer’s Association.
WHAT: Second Annual Michael Bolton and Dave Mason Benefit Concert & Dinner
WHEN: Saturday, September 10, 2011 Silent Auction @ 6, Dinner @ 7, Show starts @ 8:30
WHERE: Ojai Valley Inn and Spa, 905 Country Club Road, Ojai, CA 93023
TICKETS: Individual VIP Dinner Tickets- $1000, Individual Dinner Tickets- $300, Benefactor Table- $5000 (includes dinner for 10 and VIP privileges)
INFO: (203) 483-6463 or online at michaelboltoncharities.com
The silent auction reception will begin at 6:00 pm. Emceed by television personality John O’Hurley.
Doors to the ballroom will open at 7:00 pm to begin dinner, award presentation, live auction and performances by Dave Mason and his band, Michael Bolton and his band, with a special appearance by guitar sensation Orianthi (Michael Jackson's `This is It'), and singer/songwriter Delta Goodrem.
The Michael Bolton Charities Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Del R. Bryant, President and CEO of BMI, Inc. A portion of the proceeds from this event will also benefit: Santa Barbara Community Food Bank - Yoga Blue, inc. - Work Vessels for Vets (WVFV). Tickets may be obtained by going to: michaelboltoncharities.com, or by calling: (203) 483-6463.
The Michael Bolton Charities, Inc. was founded in 1993 and is based in Bolton’s home state of Connecticut. The major focus of The MBC is the critical issue of violence against women. Since its inception, The MBC has dispersed close to $6 million in grants to various organizations that support children and women at risk of poverty, abuse, neglect, homelessness and domestic violence.
SPECIAL EVENTS: (Public is invited to attend all ceremonies)
►Saturday, October 1 @ 12 noon
Dedication Ceremony with flyover of Vietnam era aircraft @ 1 p.m.
Helicopters & fixed wing aircraft
►Sunday, October 2 @ 6:30 pm
Candlelight Vigil
WHY: Special five-day exhibit of the MOVING WALL, the original replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., designed to honor the sacrifice of the 58,000 men and women who died in the conflict and the 2.8 million who served in the Vietnam War. Visitors can go to the Moving Wall 24/7 during the five-day stay. The UCSB ROTC members will stand guard at The Moving Wall, illuminated 24/7, for the entire time it’s here giving the public access to come and visit it at anytime. Docents will be on hand as well and you are encouraged to bring notes, wreaths, photos or artifacts to honor your loved ones.
