Toastmasters Sam Alfano, Lynne Monds, Bart Woolery and David Heidelberger (not pictured) competed for Club 5's upcoming representation at the Area E5 contest at the Faulkner Gallery in the Downtown Library, 40 E. Anapamu Street, on Thursday, September 24, 7:00 p.m.
Learn how to evaluate from the experts in a second contest also taking place that evening. Judge for yourself how the participants apply their individual techniques to inspire and encourage.
Don't miss this unique event. Refreshments and raffle prizes! A $5. donation is appreciated.
On our walk yesterday around the lagoon at UCSB we noticed an open door at the Marine Science Institute's Research Experience Education Facility perched on a bluff above the ocean. Luckily, an undergraduate student/docent Kevin shared with us all the treasures of the touch tank. We felt the textures and noticed reactions of starfish, sea cucumber, mollusks, and anemones. We learned about lobsters, crabs, sharks and even observed tropical fish tanks.
This August ground will be broken at UCSB for the new Ocean Science Education Building which will house state-of-the-art interactive exhibits.
According to director Steven Gaines, "students of all ages...(will be able to) explore the riches of the ocean and help solve its global challenges." Exhibits will include a virtual dive, the magic planet (revealing among others: the patterns of ocean currents over time and global warming scenarios), an immersive digital theater and a hands-on study aquarium.
Until then don't miss the current touch tanks, free and open on Fridays and Saturdays for a couple of hours.
Call (805) 893-8765 or email outreach@msi.ucsb.edu for more information.
I wandered onto Cabrillo Boulevard opposite the ocean hoping to get a glimpse of the D-Day festivities at the Veterans Memorial Building.
Parked in front were a World War II-vintage jeep, truck and tank. I photographed them all including some awestruck onlookers who questioned the 2 military men posted on the tank.
I noticed a local gentleman, Mr. Richard L. Long, proudly donning his WWII veteran baseball cap and while I asked him about his experiences (in the Pacific), we were interrupted with an announcement that the program and luncheon were about to begin.
Mr. Long asked me if I was attending and when I explained that I didn't have reservations, he took my arm as we ascended the stairs and said, " Well, you're going now!"
Representatives of consulates for Great Britain, Canada and France spoke. Mr. John Blankenship, Retired U.S. Major Robert Forties, David Gonzales and the Reverend Dr. Charles C. Griffin recognized D-Day participants and all other World War II military and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance, Allied national anthems and an invocation.
I was both touched and honored to be in the company of such heroic men. I felt an urgency that the stories these men shared should be cherished by more than the couple hundred people present. Perhaps the high school faculty and administration could match students with veterans, melding history textbook information with real-life experiences.
The audience watched an emotional D-Day film which incorporated poignant excerpts of "The Longest Day" and "Saving Private Ryan."
Finally, the entire auditorium assembled at the front of the building to observe a fly over by vintage aircraft.
Thank you, Mr. Long, for sweeping me into one of the most beautiful and powerful experiences of my life. I suspect we have many stories ahead of us.
The Corner Cafe at Wake Center is operated by a seasoned caterer, Erna Zigler. She honed her skills at and now co-owns the upscale Cow Hollow Catering Company in San Francisco where she spends her summers.
When her son-in-law, Santa Barbara resident Ovie Mora, noticed an opening in the Wake food service, he realized that this was his chance to lure Erna to move in with them and set up shop (at least during the school year) nearby.
The rest is history.
If you're looking for a fresh, nutritious meal or snack at an affordable price (try her smoked salmon or her brie with fresh fruit), just hop over to Wake Center where Erna confesses, "My favorite customers are students."
Should you need someone to cater an affair, don't hesitate to contact this multi-talented lady at Ernaz@cox.net or (805) 729-5123.
Tags: sblifestyle, caterers, Santa Barbara caterers, bargains, Santa Barbara dining, dining
Never mind the kids. Everyone--the kids, grandkids, even my 90 year old mother--love the Harbor Seal Preserve in Carpinteria. While the beach is closed 750 feet on both sides of the rookery, you can get a superb view of adult seals and their cubs from the bluffs.
Bring your binocs, don't bring your dogs, and should you talk too loudly, expect to be reprimanded by a member of Seal Watch, a volunteer organization whose members monitor both seal activity and you.
Take the Bailard exit off the 101 and head towards the beach. Follow the footpath about 1/2 mile to view one of nature's delights.
Categories:
Tags: Harbor Seal Preserve, Seal rookery, carpinteria
What to do with your little munchkin when they're visiting Santa Barbara? This is an easy one. Try the 25-minute Pirate Cruise at Stearn's Wharf.
If Paycheck the whale happens to be around (mid-week is best), it's a real kick for both you and your grandchild to witness his antics. Should the whale be indisposed, the captain will venture out to the seals languishing on the buoy just outside the harbor.
Lucky petit sailors get to drive the boat and don a pirate's hat.
Be prepared for a steady briskness on the water, however. I brought a warm jacket and a blanket just in case.
Okay, so I'm not a guru at this "writing for an online newspaper" thing. If my photo actually shows up when I post this, I think I'll fall off my chair.
As a grandma in Santa Barbara, I am always searching for a place to take my active 2 and 5 year old granddaughters.
The other day I took the older one to Alice Keck Memorial Gardens where we pushed all the buttons on the tape machines, hiked on the paths and observed the fish and turtles in the pond.
We watched the turtles maneuvering up the crowded concrete sides of the pond only to slip back into water. We saw one turtle "get in the face" of another one and taunt him by vibrating his "fingers" (really fascinating to watch).
And when the 5 minutes were over, we headed back across the street to Kidsworld at Alameda Park where I resumed chasing, lifting, climbing, and my favorite, sitting on the whale.
The most recent guest at Maravilla is greeted with mixed response. Many admire his flamboyant showmanship. Others disapprove of his direct deposits (not at the on-the-premises bank)!
Remember the great television show "In Search Of"? The program aired back in 1977 and covered topics such as psychic detectives, dreams and nightmares, super children, past lives, ghosts in photography, Nostradamus and the Titanic.
To my recollection, it never addressed "the freshest and most-inexpensive salads in Santa Barbara."
Enter Susan Levine, Santa Barbara's savvy correspondent whose mission is to clue you in on cost-saving and other senior and boomer issues.
Answering my hunger pains, I had the good fortune of landing at Fresco's North on Calle Real in Goleta (between Patterson and Fairview) where I found my usual Chinese chicken side salad with a fresh roll and butter for only $5.
I can't honestly say this discovery was better than learning about Houdini's secrets or about the lost Vikings but I can say that I left the restaurant one very satisfied customer.
Tags: sblifestyle, restaurants, Santa Barbara restaurants, bargains, Santa Barbara dining, dining
Boy was I wrong. I thought all hospices dealt with the last 6 months of life. Not the Hospice of Santa Barbara, I learned Wednesday.
According to Amanda Kastelic, Community Relations/Education Coordinator, the Hospice of Santa Barbara forms partnerships with its clients sometimes lasting for years. The organization assists those who are experiencing the impact of a life-threatening illness or are grieving the death of a loved one by employing emotional, social and spiritual healing therapies.
Family members of all ages may participate in individual and group counseling, support groups, touch therapy, mentoring and educational programs.
The Hospice of Santa Barbara differs from the common image of hospice since this foundation does not involve skilled nursing (insurance companies and Medicare are non-issues). Moreover, it is completely funded by donations from the community so there are NO (and I repeat, NO) FEES for professional and other services.
Thank you, Hospice of Santa Barbara, for your compassionate care. It's groups like yours that make Santa Barbara a wonderful place to live...and die.
Roy's Soup Kitchen, open Monday - Friday, 11:30 - 3 p.m., offers a generous serving of mouth-watering homemade soup and freshly baked bread for a mere $5.00. Whether you fancy chili, stew, or chowder, you can find at least one (of 5 prepared daily) to please the tastebuds of vegans, vegetarians, or the rest of us.
Salad lovers, take notice. You, too, can graze through a bargain-priced ($5.00) salad sprinkled with surprises from the kitchen.
Eat in at the upscale locale or take out in eco-friendly containers. Either way at 7 West Carrillo between Chapala and State, you can dine handsomely without hurting your pocketbook.
Thanks, Roy and Lisa, for your contribution to SB's slumping economy.
Tags: sblifestyle, restaurants, Santa Barbara restaurants, bargains, Santa Barbara dining, dining
Boomers and seniors are proactive in their attempts to get jobs in this unstable economy. How do I know that? Because yesterday I co-presented a seminar at Wake Center with UCSB Associate Director of Career Services, Don Lubach, for 40 fabulous students who are actively filling in the gaps in their resumes, assessing their entire skill assortment, learning new tools for internet searches and contacts, and encouraging each other along this scary and often intimidating journey.
This much-acclaimed author, sociologist, and speaker presented a packed audience with information about life's third chapter, the period spanning from 50 to 75 years of age. Ms. Lawrence-Lightfoot asserts that views about aging are being redefined. We are learning to embrace our challenges, strengths, maturity, power and sexiness.
We are also searching for new meanings for money vs. making an imprint on others and it's time to compose and narrate our new life. She identifies this transition as "looking back and giving forward." Look back at the lessons we learned in childhood and enact those principles. This might require "unlearning school habits," confronting ancient wounds and rediscovering our gifts.
Teach our children (and ourselves) to appreciate the generations in a "respected reciprocity."
Cross boundaries into the unknown. Be curious. Let go of fear (particularly, fear of failure which may be camouflaged as an opportunity for growth). Be willing to be open and vulnerable. Develop empathy. Merge old and new.
Collectively act to effect change so that we can create a new vision of later life.
Don't miss this opportunity to become what you need to be.
Thank you, Ms. Lawrence-Lightfoot, for shedding a new positive light on a period of life many view with apprehension (myself included).
For more information about the 3rd chapter of life, see www.50somethinginfo.com dedicated to bringing the best of the Internet to boomers and seniors.
Categories:
Tags: Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot, self-improvement, aging, inspiration
She and the rest of us learned tonight that just because you have a ticket doesn't mean you're guaranteed a seat. Simply ask the mighty unhappy folks who had tickets to see Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot at Victoria Hall and couldn't get in tonight.
Car-man reminded me that rental agencies are the same way. Having a reservation for a certain car doesn't mean that you're going to get that car at that price because that car may not even be on the lot! (Remember Neil--Steve Martin--in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles?).
If you know the rules ahead of time, you less likely to want to throw the ticket-taker or rental agent out the window.
Categories:
Tags: sblifestyle, Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot, Around Town
