Historical society goes back in time

On the Town: Lorraine Wilson

12/25/05

On the Town: Lorraine Wilson

At the Santa Barbara Historical Society's 62nd annual holiday party, 400 guests applauded as Father Christmas entered the courtyard of the Historical Museum followed by a parade of a dozen actors and musicians in Renaissance costumes. The Merrie Wreath Consort and Noble Patrons troupe sang and danced and played tunes on 16th-century instruments.

Ralph and Diane Waterhouse were the creative leaders of the special Christmas celebration that included performances by juggler Bryson Lang, the Stroud Puppets and the Handbell Choir of the Carpinteria Community Church.

Wine and wassail bowls had everyone's attention. Museum staffer Anita Krissel catered the buffet, with committee members making their best recipes for the endless tables of luscious desserts. It was hard to hold the children back.

Among the committee members were Larry and Astrid Hammett, Harry Hovey, artist Tom Mielko and Eileen, Robin and Stefani Talliaferro, Susannah Rake, Jean Smith Goodrich, Richard and Kay Glenn, Betsy and Dr. Michael Lewis, Ruth Scollon, David and Lily Marx, JoBeth VanGelderen, Tony and Nancy Wall, Bill and Barbara Tomicki, Patricia Broome, Sheri Spencer, Mary Jane Leone, Diane and Tim Brown, Don and Susan Fuhrer, Patricia MacDonald, Georgine and Gary Fettis, John and Shannon Muller, Bill and Karen Gallivan, and Jeanne Buchanan.

The evening also celebrated the unveiling of a collection of inkwash artworks by HRH Princess Louise, the daughter of Queen Victoria, who visited Santa Barbara during the Christmas of 1882 with her husband, then Governor General of Canada. These watercolor drawings of the Santa Barbara Mission are the gift of Bruce Gimelson, of New York, and will be in the museum's permanent collection, according to George Anderjack, executive director.

The Historical Museum, located at Santa Barbara and De la Guerra streets, is open free to the public, Tuesday through Sunday. It is a special place to bring out-of-town guests, with local history on display year-round. There is currently an exhibit of American quilts in one of the galleries.

AIDS Housing, Sarah House

"Light Up the Night 2005," to benefit AIDS Housing of Santa Barbara and Sarah House, was held for the first time at Santa Barbara Woman's Club-Rockwood. The fundraiser was a bigger success than ever before with plenty of room to display the decorated trees, wreaths and tabletop decorations for the silent and live auctions. Luminarias and the outdoor blazing fireplace were welcome signs of a party. A sparkling wonderland awaited guests inside.

Drinks were donated by the Wildcat Lounge and served by volunteers from their staff, along with hors d'oeuvres by Laurel Lyle, followed by entertainment all evening.

Performing were the Cirque Destino, the New Aje Laser light show and the San Marcos High School Madrigals, singing traditional Christmas carols. Even the auction was entertaining with comic Jay Thomas and KEYT newsman John Palminteri exchanging puns and barbs with the audience -- they loved it.

Debbie McQuade, manager of Sarah House (often referred to as an "angel"), said, "I hope you understand about the loving hospice care provided to the terminally ill by Sarah House staff. We have 53 people who died with us this year and it cost more than $100,000. Please help us with this auction."

Among the sponsors and hosts were Michael Seabaugh and Roger Durling; Donna-Christine and Michael McGuire; Nora and Michael Hurley of La Vie Boheme; Kerrie Kilpatrick-Weinberg and husband Henry Weinberg; Diana McFarlane of Countrywide Home Loans; Kevin Harder; Mary Beth Carty for Venoco Inc.; John, Darryl and Jack Stegall; Linda Lorenzen-Hughes and husband Bill Hughes (they were the generous high bidders for the trip to Italy); and Tina Louise Fanucchi (her parents donated a week in Tuscany for the auction).

Randy Sunday, executive director of AIDS Housing, thanked the close to 400 supporters who rallied around to bid on more than 70 items donated by designers, florists and stores such as Saks, Macy's, William Laman and Gazebo.

Sharon and Dr. George Bifano were bidding along with his brother, Dan Bifano, and partner Allan Brostrom, Marlyn Bernstein, Ruth Hartzman, Jodi Segal of Pacific Pride, Gene Tyburn, Laura Dewey and board members Jean Davis, Iva Schatz and Preston Marx.

Young Professionals Club

It's their one formal party of the year when members of the Santa Barbara Young Professionals Club host the annual Holiday Gala, this time held at the Montecito Country Club. With this young crowd and their guests, dancing to the music of Spencer the Gardener and the Wedding Band was a priority.

Amie Parrish, president of the nonprofit club, stated the purpose of YPC is to promote activities in support of the business community and to provide financial assistance to programs serving the underprivileged. The funds raised from the gala this year will benefit the Wilderness Youth Project and the Food Bank of Santa Barbara County.

The club, with 57 male and 47 female members, has more informal monthly luncheons with guest speakers. Elected officers include: Chris Errea, vice president; Cathy Runkle, treasurer; Patty Engel, public relations; Hector Jimenez and Sam Sosa, membership; Leslie Snyder, events coordinator; Mary Lynn Harms; Rob Brandt; Greg Cox; Tony Sparks; and Justin Rowe. For membership information, visit www.sbypc.org.

Casa del Herrero

"Noche de los Pinitos," the "Night of the Little Trees," was a repeat of the huge success last year and may become a tradition at Casa del Herrero (House of the Blacksmith) in Montecito, designed by architect George Washington Smith.

The historic George Fox Steedman home and gardens are open to the public by reservation. For the fundraising event, dozens of small trees were decorated by local florists, architects, designers and celebrities and auctioned off. Funds raised were directed to the nonprofit Casa del Herrero Foundation, responsible for the care and maintenance of the residence and the gardens, said Diane Gault, executive director.

Three special days were celebrated with Twilight Tours, Holiday Floral Tours, a wreath-making workshop and the auction gala, with wine, music and an elaborate buffet.

A special treat was local author Pat Gebhard, signing her new book, "George Washington Smith, Architect of the Spanish Colonial Revival."

Sue Burrows, Betsy Coates, Cynthia Gray and Greg Corso were the energetic co-chairs for the benefit. Jill and Joe Nida were there as well as Perri Harcourt, Santa Barbara County Architect Robert Ooley, Don Benson of KBZ Architects, Jane and Jim Burkemper, Anne and Charles Knight, Bobbie and Ed Mullin, Michael and Teresa Bryant, and Foundation trustees Joan Jackson, Don Bensen, Albert Hinckley Jr., Greg Corso, Barbara Henzell, Joann Rodrigue, Chapin Nolan, Sue Burrows, Cynthia Gray and Ernest Bryant.