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Since the beginning of the year, the Buellton Senior Center has distributed more than 1 million pounds of food to locals from all around the Valley and neighboring towns. Executive Director Pam Gnekow said a grant she recently received said their fund distribution of $75,000 is being moved to next March instead of October of this year. 

“It completely destroyed me,” Gnekow said. “This grant I rely on getting the funds to pay for the increase in meals we are serving and covering the increased food costs. I literally haven’t slept trying to think of ways to fill this funding gap.

 “I am so thankful to the recent opening of the Holy Grounds Coffee Shop (see page X) that will hopefully help supplement along with our upcoming event.” 

The Buellton Senior Center serves approximately 350 meals per day at the cost of $5 each. Some of the seniors can cover that cost, but Gnekow said more than half are on a scholarship as they cannot afford it. 

“When COVID hit we didn’t know just how many of our seniors were living below poverty level,” she said. “Surviving on a can of soup or whatever scraps they had in their house. They would shop at discount stores and go to other organizations offering meals or groceries, but after the pandemic they were all too scared to leave their homes.” 

Gnekow was already working with the City of Buellton to create an event to introduce the Valley’s newest event site the Willemsen Barn, and she hopes that it will generate enough funds to fill the gap until next spring. 

The “Welcome to the Barn” event will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 16, at 202 Dairyland Road. It will feature great food and music by Jeff Pine and special guest Zach Hulshizer. It will serve as a fundraiser to the Meals on Wheels program. 

“Zach’s rendition of the National Anthem will melt you,” Gnekow said. “He will be singing it along side of the local VFW who will be presenting the colors.”

The Barn will be an event and meeting space, with other portions of the 24-acre Willemsen property being used by local nonprofits as well as becoming the future home of the Buellton Library. The property was purchased by the city of Buellton in May 2020 for $2 million. 

Tickets to the event are $75 and can be purchased www.buelltonseniorcenter.org or email info@buelltonseniorcenter.org. 

If you cannot make the event or simply want to help towards the Meals on Wheels program, you can donate on their website.

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As the evolution of the Buellton Senior Center has changed to fit the needs of the community, Executive Director Pam Gnekow said that the name no longer really fit what they were doing especially with the onset of COVID-19. The pandemic was the catalyst and the organization decided to rename itself Santa Ynez Valley Community Outreach as of September. 

“Our reach is far beyond just the seniors in Buellton, and our mission has changed,” Gnekow said. “We have grown up from our tiny existence behind the library.” 

That isn’t the only change happening as the Buellton Senior Thrift Shop is getting an upgrade with a grant from the Los Olivos Rotary Club, which also included free labor. “The thrift shop was so cluttered and in desperate need of a face lift,” Gnekow said. 

“We are so incredibly thankful to the Los Olivos Rotary and our volunteers for helping.” 

When Los Olivos Rotary President Chris Bashforth learned of the grant request, she was so excited to help fulfill it. 

“A lot of our members love doing community service, and we decided this year to keep our efforts close to home,” Bashforth said. “This project is perfect as so many of us are in construction and wanted to help.” 

Volunteers spent days in the excessive heat wave in September painting the inside and outside of the Buellton Senior Thrift Shop.
Photo by Raiza Giorgi

Gnekow said that the Rotary came in and fixed all the things that needed fixing before painting the entire exterior and interior and building a new outdoor garage to house the furniture. 

“The thrift shop is the lifeblood for our Meals on Wheel program, and we can’t wait to open back up and show off our “new” space to the community,” Gnekow glowed. 

Before Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered the stay-at-home orders in mid-March, the Buellton Senior Center was averaging about 175 meals a day. That number has since almost doubled to 320 meals a day and the center has distributed more than 82,000 pounds of food through its farmers market table, which is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day. 

“Our farmers market name is now Santa Ynez Valley Neighbors Table, as there are so many from not just Buellton and the valley communities, but Lompoc and Santa Maria that are welcome to shop. We want all our ‘neighbors’ to get good nutrition,” Gnekow said. 

The facility serves the Santa Ynez Valley and surrounding communities with more than just food support, but mental support as well. Since this virus is most harmful to the older population, and those with underlying conditions from heart and lung diseases, Gnekow said some of her seniors are afraid to leave their homes. 

“More than ever we need to be connected, even if we can’t be close to one another, we can still connect and help each other,” Gnekow said. “We are so grateful for all the people and organizations that are stepping up to do something — every little bit helps.” 

Los Olivos Rotary volunteer Inge-Lise Pedersen paints the inside of the Buellton Senior Thrift Store.
Photo by Raiza Giorgi

If the seniors are too afraid to leave their homes, Gnekow said she is bringing them breakfast every first Thursday, and doing “date night” every fourth Thursday to check up on them. 

Aside from the senior population Gnekow said that young families have also been in need of their services from food to getting connected with other agencies. 

“Never before have we as the non-profit community worked together like this,” she said. “If there’s one positive from this whole awful situation, is that we are communicating more and helping everyone get served.” 

Gnekow added they could always use additional help from volunteers, whose duties would include taking lunches for Meals on Wheels, helping sort through produce and stocking the produce tables. If people are too nervous about being in person, they can donate monetarily that will also provide help for their programs. 

Until a new website has been created for the SYV Community Outreach, you can still find information for the Buellton Senior Center at www.buelltonseniorcenter.org. 

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Healthy living and eating right during the COVID-19 pandemic has proven to be extremely difficult for some families that are struggling to pay their bills when there has been loss of income. Several Santa Ynez Valley nonprofits that typically work independently have come together to ensure that no one goes hungry. 

The Buellton Senior Center farmers market table is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day for anyone to come get fresh produce.
Photo by Daniel Dreifuss

“We are putting boots to the road and our local nonprofits and organizations have come together in ways we have never done before,” said Pam Gnekow, executive director of the Santa Ynez Valley Senior Citizens’ Foundation and Buellton Senior Center. “We constantly are sharing resources and information and supplies to make sure that we keep people fed and checked on.” 

Even now, as people are returning to work, living with the stress that the shutdown might come back again and or having to sacrifice a job to ensure their children are supervised while distance learning has also put families in difficult positions, Gnekow added as she is seeing in influx in families coming to her facility. 

“We are usually stocked with food at 9 a.m. and two hours later there’s barely anything left that we have to restock many times during that day,’ she said. “I am seeing that the evening hours are also a ‘rush’ time as it’s typically mothers with young kids coming to pick up food. If it weren’t for our partnerships we wouldn’t be able to do this and who knows where these families would be without it.” 

Without partnerships with other organizations like Veggie Rescue, the FoodBank of Santa Barbara County and businesses from Jordano’s and Cisco, there would be even more tough decisions for local families and seniors living on fixed incomes, Gnekow added.

Before Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered the stay-at-home orders in mid-March, the Buellton Senior Center was averaging about 175 meals a day. That number has since almost doubled to 320 meals a day and the center has distributed more than 82,000 pounds of food through its farmers market table, which is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day. 

Where Veggie Rescue steps in

After many years at the helm of Veggie Rescue, Executive Director Amy Derryberry said that pressing family matters need her undivided attention, and she is passing the reins as of August. However, she will continue to support the new director when chosen. 

Gleaning at the Bragg Apple Orchard in Goleta helped Veggie Rescue deliver extra apples to the Solvang Senior Center and Catholic Charities Food Pantry in Santa Maria.
Photo contributed

She added the pandemic has helped Veggie Rescue make more connections to food producers and providers in the state and get much needed nutrition to those who need it most. 

“In 2019 we distributed an astonishing 140,000 pounds of food which was the most we ever have,” Derryberry said. “That seems so small now compared with this year through June we have already done 239,000 pounds of food.” 

Derryberry added the colossal jump in food insecurity is not fading as fast as she would like before she exits, but she is so grateful for her partnerships and seeing the program increase its reach in Santa Barbara County. 

“We continue working with our amazing farmers who have also suffered during this pandemic as they planted their crops months before COVID-19 hit in expectation for seasonal restaurant menus that have had to shut down or limit service. We do not let any crop go to waste,” Derryberry said. 

Local growers like Tutti Frutti on Santa Rosa Road in Buellton have been wonderful partners as well as other farmers like Burkdoll Farms in the Central Valley, which is consistently donating extra produce to school lunch programs. 

Veggie Rescue has expanded in working with Catholic Charities Food Pantry to now distribute to their locations in Lompoc and Santa Barbara and the Salvation Army location in Santa Maria. 

Through new partnerships with growers networks in Ventura and Cisco, the program also brings in another 100,000 pounds of food that wouldn’t be possible without local support. 

Veggie Rescue regularly picks up produce and food from Jordano’s to deliver to the Buellton Senior Center and other organizations.
Photo contributed

“Steve at Valley Tool Rental is letting us use his refrigerated food truck to pick up the food from Cisco and store it which enables us to get essentials like cottage cheese, bacon, chicken, beef, yogurt and milk to families in need,” Derryberry said. “This isn’t a short and easy fix.” 

Derryberry added it is so satisfying being able to help other organizations feed their people from the Buellton and Solvang Senior Centers to school lunch programs and everything in between. 

The Challenge Continues

“The challenge continues to be able to deliver the volume of food needed to help our communities, but together we can get this done,” Gnekow said. “We don’t want anyone to feel like they are going to go hungry — we won’t let that happen.” 

As Santa Barbara County has dropped from 11.6 percent to 10 percent unemployment from June to July, according to figures the Employment Development Department (EDD) recently released, the need for food has not. 

Gnekow said in addition to the food insecurity, the mental aspect especially for seniors is important to be aware of. Since this virus is most harmful to the older population, and those with underlying conditions from heart and lung diseases, Gnekow said some of her seniors are afraid to leave their homes. 

Partnerships with other organizations like Veggie Rescue, the FoodBank of Santa Barbara County and businesses from Jordano’s and Cisco helps keeps the Buellton Senior Center stocked with fresh food.
Photo by Daniel Dreifuss

“I started doing a breakfast check in with our seniors every first Thursday of the month. We take coffee and muffins and check on their mental wellness and see if we can help them in any way. We are up to 250 seniors as of mid-August,” Gnekow said. 

Then her team added in “Date Nights” every fourth Thursday where they take seniors a dinner and make a theme every month. The theme for August was “Luau” so volunteer Sherry Musgrove prepared a Hawaiian-inspired dish and made deliveries. 

“More than ever we need to be connected, even if we can’t be close to one another, we can still connect and help each other,” Gnekow said. “We are so grateful for all the people and organizations that are stepping up to do something, every little bit helps.” 

How you can help

Both organizations said they could always use additional help from volunteers which would include duties like taking lunches for Meals on Wheels, helping sort through produce and stocking the produce tables. 

Veggie Rescue said if anyone has a home garden or fruit trees with extra produce they are happy to come pick up extras as well. 

Monetary donations are also welcome as that helps fuels their delivery trucks and more. 

To learn more about Veggie Rescue visit www.veggierescue.org and for the Buellton Senior Center visit www.buelltonseniorcenter.org. 

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The Santa Barbara County Cattlewomen donated 40 pounds of hamburger in June to each of the Solvang, Buellton and Cuyama senior centers. They are in the process of donating ground beef enchiladas to the Los Alamos Senior Center. The Cattlewomen purchased the meat from Jordanos, who also donated many cases of lemonade to share with the senior centers.

For several years the Cattlewomen have cooked a beef dinner for each of the centers, but this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic they are not able to do this. Therefore, they came up with the idea of donating the hamburger so they could cook it and serve it curbside. That has been a part of the organization’s beef education and beef promotion programs for many years.

The Santa Barbara County Cattlewomen have a long history of promoting the beef industry, dedicating their time to educate the public about where their beef comes from, safety standards, the economic impacts of the beef industry, and the many uses of beef byproducts.

The group also offers scholarships to local students who are furthering their education in agriculture, and supports agricultural organizations such as Future Farmers of America and 4-H.

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To meet the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Buellton Senior Center has nearly tripled the number of meals it provides daily throughout the Santa Ynez Valley and Los Alamos and has taken on new responsibilities for feeding the hungry. 

In response, the Vikings of Solvang have donated $5,000 to support the center’s efforts.

 “Our mission is to help qualified local people and organizations with their medically related needs,” said Vikings Chief Richard Kline, “and in this case, helping to keep people healthy when they would otherwise go hungry is completely fitting. Nutrition in a time of hunger is clearly a medically related need.”

Senior Center Executive Director Pam Gnekow said that in the first three weeks after community-wide COVID-19 closures began on March 9, the center began serving 324 lunches per day instead of its average of 133.

“At the same time we had to close our Thrift Store, our main source of income, and reduce payroll,” Gnekow said. “We couldn’t do it without the Vikings. The Vikings always come through for us.”

In addition to delivering the Meals on Wheels lunches, the center is providing prepared meals for community distribution twice a week at St. Mark’s Church and has delivered more than 87,000 pounds of fresh produce to seniors who cannot shop safely during the pandemic.

The Vikings of Solvang have quietly provided $3 million in aid since the group was founded in 1974, solely on the strength of tax-deductible donations from Vikings members and others in the community. About $1 million of the total has been given to individuals. The other $2 million has been donated to organizations such as local senior centers or spent on the Vikings’ annual Christmas party for special-needs children and their teachers in northern Santa Barbara County.

The group has zero overhead costs because it has no employees or office, and members pay for all operating costs — so every penny donated goes directly to helping someone. Each donation is invested in a carefully managed endowment fund, which has allowed the group to maximize each dollar donated by earning interest on it. Only a portion of the interest from the endowment, not the principal, can be spent each year, so donations to the fund help in perpetuity.

Vikings grants have helped local people build wheelchair ramps, get prosthetic limbs, buy disabled-accessible vehicles, pay their insurance deductibles and fulfill many other needs.

The group also operates two large blood drives each year and provides each donor with a $25 gift voucher for dinner at a local restaurant.

To apply for a grant from the Vikings, donate to the group’s endowment fund, or get other information, go to www.vikingcharitiesinc.com or contact Chief Richard Kline at rskcom@aol.com or 213-716-1111. 

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The Buellton Thrift Store is a god-send to many residents of the Santa Ynez Valley and surrounding areas. It has been in existence for 30 years, in a number of different location throughout the valley, and Rosemary Hrehor has been the store manager for the past 10 or 12 years. 

“I can’t exactly remember how long I’ve been running the store, but let’s say I have outlasted a number of directors,” said Hrehor. “But I have to say Pam Gnekow (director of the Buellton Senior Center, which operates the store) is a gem. She has an infinitely generous and kind heart.”

Hrehor tends to the store’s patrons and volunteers with humor, grit, and grace, keeping things rolling along successfully amidst a variety of unexpected incidents and unsolicited late-night donations.

“This is a team effort,” said Hrehor. “Our success is not because of the strength of one individual but how we function together as a team. All our volunteers work together to sort the piles of donations we receive daily. This job takes a lot of strength and time, with lots of back pain and achy bones to follow. While at times we are overwhelmed with the quantity of donations, at the same time we are blessed with all the wonderful things we receive every day. That’s why I always say, ‘Why do people buy retail? They should come to us and if we don’t have it, we’ll find it for you.’”

Hrehor says that working at the Thrift Store is very rewarding. There are 37 volunteers who help out, none of whom draws a salary. Most people are not aware that the Thrift Store not only helps seniors, but those in need as well, such as fire and flood victims. 

“We change people’s lives. And the feeling you get from being of service to others – well, it’s gratifying to say the least – there’s nothing quite like it,” she said.

Two tents stand next to the Thrift Store on West Highway 246 One is full of furniture, which is a big part of the store’s success. The volunteers work diligently to make sure all items are cleaned, prices are listed and then posted on Facebook and other online sites. The other tent is for storage.  

Hrehor explained that years ago, when the concrete floors were being poured, she thought they were building a garage for the Thrift Store. Instead of a garage, they got tents. 

“The tents are getting old and everything inside is a little dusty with all the wind, so if anyone feels moved to build us a garage, please come forward. The foundation is already there – we just need the building,” said Hrehor.

The Buellton Thrift Store is open six days a week, Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“We can always use more volunteers,” she stated. “Even though we seem to have a lot of volunteer help, we are still lacking, especially on Saturdays. A lot of us may be getting up there in age but we still have a lot of wisdom, heart, strength, and courage to offer. The people who are scheduled to work always show up promptly, raring to go.

“We are so fortunate to have this group of dedicated volunteers. We are more like a family than anything. A lot of the senior customers come into the shop for daily hugs or to have someone to talk to. They are welcomed by our wonderful staff of cashiers. We may be the only people they see in a day. My goal is to get all seniors out of the house.”

People often ask Hrehor why she continues to do this work and she says her reply is always the same. “I do it because I believe in it. My mother was an exceptional woman, always giving. She didn’t have much, but she would give you the shirt off her back. So I promised her that I would help others too,” Hrehor recollected. “It makes me feel great to know that my time is spent helping seniors in need. But I couldn’t do it without the help of all my volunteers. They are the backbone of this operation.” 

Volunteers who have worked at the Thrift Store for 19 years or more are Rosemary and Chuck Hrehor, and Connie and  Vince Liquori; for 10-14 years, Patricia Roather, Jan Myers, Dianne Day and Rita Gonzalez; for two to five years, Norma Steele, Mable Shatavsky, Ling Wheatly, Judy McDonald, Pat Fleming, Hanne Lawrence, Celia Alvarado, Steve (who likes to stay anonymous), Alan Andberg, Inger Hunger Hughs, Brigida Ortiz, Normajean Hubbard, Gary Whitehair, Roger and Sheila Junk, Julie Pattee, and Jan Skaling; and for two years or less, Glenn Windh, Charli Ricci and Finn Runge, Carolyn Russell, Judi Smith, Patti Kern, Norma Peterson, Jackie Peterson, Leclaire and Danny Belcher, and Erlinda Delgado. Art Nelson is the newest volunteer to join the team.

All of the funds raised by the Buellton Thrift Store go to the upkeep of the Buellton Senior Center and the many programs they provide the seniors in the area.

Buellton Thrift Store is at 56 West Highway 246 in Buellton. For more information, call 805-688-5073. 

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19

Tamale Making Party – 6 – 8 p.m. at Los Arroyos in Solvang – Interested in learning how to make tamales? Join in for this hands on demonstration with Dona Catalina. $25 per person, only 24 spaces available, no kids under 10. Contact Los Arroyos at 805-693-2994. 

20

Buellton Bookworms Club – 12:30 – 2 p.m. at the Buellton Library. Join the monthly discussions, this month’s title is “The Rosie Project”, by Grame Simsion. Call 805-688-3115 for more info. 

Parents Night Out – 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Gypsy Studios Art Spot. Kids Only Night provides art projects, pizza dinner and a kids movie, while you get a chance to go out! Free for Art Spot members, visit www.gypsystudiosart.com/art-spot-memberships/ for details. Ages 5 – 13. 

Felipe Esparza – 8 p.m. at the Chumash Casino – Don’t miss this hilarious comedian at the Chumash Casino! Visit www.chumashcasino.com for tickets. 

Politics of Dancing – 8 – 11 p.m. at the Maverick Saloon in Santa Ynez. Come rocks out to music from the ’70s through the ’90s. 

21

Valley Clean Team – 8:15 a.m. – Meet at Zaca Station Road and Foxen Canyon Road to go in both directions along Foxen Canyon. Supplies are provided. Contact Bill Connell at wconnell@connellandersen.com for more info. 

Ornament Workshop – 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Solvang Library – A free drop in craft for all ages, materials supplied and there are several instructions for different ornaments. Call 805-688-4214 for more info. 

Drone Light Show – 5 p.m. – Downtown Solvang – involve hundreds of unmanned aircraft flying in unison to create smoke-free and noise-free displays in the night sky. The show uses choreographed drones performing to music using the dark sky as the canvas for lights on the remote-controlled aircraft. Visit www.solvangjulefest.org for tickets and more details. 

22

Pet Photos with Santa – 12 – 3 p.m. at PAWS Park in Buellton. Suggested donation of $5 to support improvements and maintenance at the valley’s only dog park. Visit www.facebook.com/syvpaws for more information. 

21 & 22 

The Christmas Revels: A Venetian Celebration of the Winter Solstice – at the Lobero Theatre – The Christmas Revels is an exciting and heartwarming entertainment experience for every age and a favorite Santa Barbara holiday tradition created by and for our community for the past 12 years. Visit www.lobero.org for details. 

The Nutcracker – This beloved holiday tradition will delight audiences of all ages! State Street Ballet performs alongside students of the Gustafson Dance and the Opera San Luis Obispo Grand Orchestra. Visit ticketing.granadasb.org/single/PSDetail.aspx?psn=13712 for details. 

25

Christmas Day; Santa Barbara Zoo is open from 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 

27

SYV Cottage Hospital Nutrition Class – 11 a.m. – Noon – at the Cottage Admin Building 2050 Viborg Rd. Join Nutritionist Stacey Bailey as she gives free nutrition and diabetes education classes. This discussion is on Healthy Treats for the New Year. Call 805-694-2351 for more details. 

28

Valley Clean Team – 8:15 a.m. – Meet corner of 246 and Refugio Road to head toward the Mountain. Supplies are provided. Contact Bill Connell at wconnell@connellandersen.com for more info. 

Family Movie: Aladdin – 1 – 3 p.m. at the Solvang Library. December’s  film is the 2019 release of Disney’s “Aladdin” with Will Smith, Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott, Marwan Kenzari, and Billy Magnussen. Run time is 128, rated PG. 

31

New Year’s Eve

Dansk New Year – 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. – This new Solvang Julefest celebration will essentially entail a countdown to the Danish New Year, including a simulcast of the New Year’s Eve events taking place in Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens. The clock strikes midnight in Denmark at 3 p.m. Pacific, and the daytime celebration will also feature holiday goodies, games, music and Danish tradition. Visit www.solvangjulefest.org for details. 

New Year’s Eve Party – 9 p.m. through midnight at the Chumash Casino – Celebrate the end of 2019 and the start of 2020 at the Chumash Casino Resort with great music from The Boogie Knights and The Spazmatics! Visit www.chumashcasino.com for tickets. 

January

1

New Year’s Day; Santa Barbara Zoo is open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

3

Solvang Julefest Tree Burn – 5 – 7 p.m. at Old Mission Santa Ines – Supervised by the SB County Fire Department, this is the largest safety demonstration in the county. There will be free, live entertainment and refreshments for purchase. Visit www.solvangjulefest.org for details. 

4

Valley Clean Team – 8:15 a.m. – Help with their toughest assignment. Need all sober hands on deck for: Santa Rosa Road – all 14 miles of it! (Gulp!!)  Meet at the bottom of Avenue of The Flags/Mosby Winery. Supplies are provided. Contact Bill Connell at wconnell@connellandersen.com for more info. 

Continuing Events

Mondays

Yoga, 9 a.m.; Arthritis Exercise Class, 10:15 a.m.; Arts and Crafts every third Monday; Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive; 805-688-3793.

Preschool Storytime – 11 a.m. – Buellton Library – Bring your preschooler to story time to help get them ready to read!

Divorce Care Recovery Seminar and Support Group – 6:30-8:30 p.m. Santa Ynez Valley Christian Academy Library, 891 N. Refugio Road, Santa Ynez; Louise Kolbert at 805-688-5171.

Tuesdays

Computer class, 9 a.m., Knitting, 9:30 a.m.; Tai Chi, 11 a.m.; bridge and poker, 12:45 p.m.; Mah Jongg 1 p.m., Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive; 805-688-3793.

Preschool Story Time – 10:30 a.m. at Solvang Library. Bring your preschooler to story time to help get them ready to read!

Two-Step Dance Lessons – 6:30 p.m.; 8 p.m. – Industry Night and Karaoke Party. Maverick Saloon, 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez. Visit www.themavsaloon.com.

Pickle Ball – 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Buellton Rec. $3 per drop in or passes available. Multiple courts, players of all skills welcome. 

Wednesdays

SYV We Support the Troops – 9 a.m.-noon. Volunteers pack care packages on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Bethania Lutheran Church, 603 Atterdag Road, Solvang. 805-245-4951.

Art Class, 9 a.m.; Book Club, 10 a.m. (call first); Bingo, 1 p.m.: Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive; 805-688-3793.

Wiggly Storytime – 10:30 a.m. – Solvang Library – Short stories, songs, rhymes and activities for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. 

Knit and Crochet – 1 p.m., Buellton Senior Center, West Highway 246, Buellton; 805-688-4571.

Healing Hearts Support Group – 2-4 p.m. Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church, 1825 Alamo Pintado Road. Free. To R.S.V.P. call 805-693-0244.

Solvang Farmers Market – 2:30-6:30 p.m., First Street between Mission Drive and Copenhagen Drive, Solvang.

Crafternoons – 3:45-5:45 p.m. Arts Outreach, 2948 Nojoqui Ave. Suite 9, Los Olivos. $10/child; 805-688-9533.

Lindy Hop Lessons – 7:10 p.m. for Beginner, low impact and 8 p.m. for Intermediate level. Classes are taught by Hannah Rasby at the Solvang Vets Hall. Cost is $5 per class. 

Thursdays

Sideways Inn Local’s Night Specials – 5 p.m.- 8 p.m., 114 East Highway 246, Buellton; 805-691-8088.

Chair Exercises – 10 a.m., Buellton Senior Center, West Highway 246, Buellton; 805-688-4571.

Arthritis Exercise Class, 10:15 a.m.; Mah Jongg, Noon; Basic Cartooning, 1 p.m., Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive; 805-688-3793. 

Reading with Dogs – 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. at Solvang Library – Tail Waggin Tutors help young readers practice reading skills. 

Brain Injury Survivors of Santa Ynez Valley – Noon-2 p.m., Bethania Lutheran Church, 603 Atterdag Road, Solvang. Jodi House Brain Injury Support Center offers a support group for brain injury survivors and caregivers; www.jodihouse.org.

Pickle Ball – 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Buellton Rec. $3 per drop in or passes available. Multiple courts, players of all skills welcome.

Fridays

Nutrition Classes – 11 a.m. – SYV Cottage Hospital Conference Room – Instruction Stacey Bailey is a dietician and offers weekly courses in various topics. For more information call 805-694-2351. Bring your lunch and talk nutrition. 

Tai Chi, 9:15 a.m.; Mah Jongg, 10 a.m.; Pilates – 10:15 a.m.; Ukulele 11:15 a.m., Solvang Senior Center, 1745 Mission Drive; 805-688-3793.

Bingo – 1 p.m., Buellton Senior Center, West Highway 246, Buellton; 805-688-4571.

Saturdays

Cachuma Lake Nature Walk – 10-11:30 a.m.; 805-688-4515 or www.sbparks.org.

Junior Rangers Program – 12:30-1:30 p.m. Neal Taylor Nature Center, 2265 Highway 154. Children 3 and up; under 10 years must be accompanied by an adult. $3/person. Nature Center admission is free. Visit www.clnaturecenter.org.

World Folk Dance – 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Buellton Rec – Ages 8 – adults, learn dances from Scandinavia, England, Scotland, Italy and more. Family fun and free. 

Sundays

Brunch at The Landsby – 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. – They now accept reservations on Open Table app for the dining room and Mad & Vin patio starting at 7.30 a.m. For more info visit www.thelandsby.com. 

Fri – Sun 

Danish Christmas Market – from Dec. 3 through Dec. 26, trees and buildings along Copenhagen Drive between Atterdag and Alisal Road will be awash in more than 100 high-output LED lights ebbing and flowing, chasing and playing in a choreographed experience along the newly branded Danish Christmas Market. 

Coming Up

Log onto www.cityofsolvang.com, www.buelltonrec.com or www.visitsyv.com to see a full schedule of programs and events that range from adult and youth sports to teen dances, field trips, excursions and more.

The post Calendar of events, December 17 – January 4 appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

The Buellton Senior Center/Santa Ynez Valley Senior Citizen Foundation will host the inaugural Home for the Holidays Tour and Cocktail Reception on Sat. Dec, 14, at the Elverhøj Museum in Solvang to raise funds to provide nutritional, recreational, and transportation resources to the senior citizens and other members of the Santa Ynez Valley. The 12 – 4 p.m. home tour will feature four beautiful homes in Solvang, Ballard, and Los Olivos followed by the festive cocktail reception from 4:00 to 6:00pm boasting holiday-themed drinks, beer, wine, live music and appetizers. 

Guests will be treated to breathtaking views of the Santa Ynez Valley while enjoying the holiday decorations. Homes on the tour include Pat and Monty Roberts’ Flag Is Up Farms; Hidden Hills designed by architect, Angelo Caciola, designed to become one with its site and to take full advantage of the panoramic views across the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley; the Saarloos Family Windmill Ranch and Vineyard overlooking Ballard Canyon in Los Olivos; and the Serritslevs’ most festively decorated charming Ballard home. 

The Santa Ynez Valley Senior Citizen Foundation’s mission is to advocate and promote the wellbeing of valley-wide seniors, especially those who are financially at risk, and vision is to end senior hunger in the Santa Ynez Valley. Proceeds from the event will support the Meals on Wheels program, weekly Free Produce Bags, transportation to medical appointments, and Dial-A-Ride bus tickets for seniors throughout the valley. 

According to Executive Director, Pam Gnekow, the event is a key part of the Foundation’s overall fundraising efforts as the need for expanding programs and services is growing rapidly. “In 2018, we prepared and served 302,000 pounds of food, 7,296 bags of groceries, and 45,003 meals to 841 unduplicated people, and served over 1,600 unduplicated clients in all of our programs,” says Gnekow. 

Tickets can be purchased online at buelltonseniorcenter.org, by check (mail to SYVSCF, P.O. Box 1946, Buellton, CA 93427), and at the Buellton Senior Center. Tickets are $55 and include the home tour (12-4pm) and cocktail reception (4-6pm). For more information about event details and to learn more about programs and services, please visit https://buelltonseniorcenter.org. If you have additional questions, please call 805-708-4211 or email director@buelltonseniorcenter.org.

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Contributing Writer

The Buellton Senior Center’s “Lunch Buddies” enjoyed lunch recently at the Bakery Farmstand, a quaint little garden setting in Los Olivos.

The 23 guests were treated to a large slice of homemade quiche along with a fresh side salad, a glass of wine, and a scone covered with strawberries and freshly whipped cream for dessert, prepared by Tracy Fleming, owner of the Bakery Farmstand.

“Wow, the lavender-lemon scones were outrageous,” said Kathy Head.

“I didn’t know anything could taste that good that didn’t have meat in it,” said Bud Covington.

“We take our seniors out to lunch once a month to a variety of different locations, showing our seniors all there is to see and do and eat along the Central Coast and in our own back yard,” said Pam Gnekow, executive director of the Buellton Senior Center. “We also like to combine it with some local attraction. It’s more fun to explore when we do it together.”

“The group has traveled to San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach, and other spots up the coast and as far away as Los Angeles, in an effort to offer our seniors different experiences and enjoy a lunch together as a group,” Gnekow explained. “Every Christmas we go to the Madonna Inn. On Thanksgiving we travel to the Apple Farm Restaurant and then visit the pumpkin patch in Avila Beach. We’ve gone to Thousand Oaks to the Cineplex. Sometimes we go to the beach in Santa Barbara to enjoy the surf and sand and a day in the sun. We also do a Christmas luncheon at Sherrie Musgrove’s ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley, and everyone seems to have a wonderful time at these get-togethers.”

Buellton Parks and Rec supplies a bus to take the seniors where they want to go, so they can just get on the bus and enjoy the ride.

“The bus usually accommodates 30 people, but we try not to turn down anyone who wants to come,” said Gnekow.

“We’ve taken the train to San Luis Obispo and picnicked on the train and returned by bus to Solvang,” continued Gnekow. “We also went to Cambria to do some sightseeing and shopping.”

This month’s outing will be on July 18 to Kohler Winery on Foxen Canyon Road in Los Olivos.

“We enjoyed our lunch at the Bakery Farmstand and the beautiful surroundings,” said Arne Hansen, who was seated with his wife Telma at a shady table under a tree. “It gives us a chance to meet up with people we haven’t seen in a while and to spend an afternoon with friends.”

Gnekow said that seniors are also invited to the Buellton Senior Center on the fourth Tuesday of every month to enjoy lunch and wine with other seniors. The third Wednesday of every month the Valley Christian Fellowship Church and the Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Church provide a free community lunch at the center as well. Everyone is welcome.

“There is lots to do at the Buellton Senior Center,” said Gnekow. “There is no reason to sit at home alone. Come to the center and see what we have to offer.”

For more information on what the Buellton Senior Center offers, call 805-688-4571.

The post Buellton Senior Center enjoys lunch in garden setting appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

Caesar salad with Gino’s ranch dressing, spaghetti with meat sauce, and garlic bread was the menu for about 35 people who enjoyed some good old-fashioned Italian “home” cooking in April at Buellton Senior Center.

Dessert was mint chocolate chip ice cream and thin chocolate wafers. Soft drinks, water and wine refreshed palettes, along with coffee and tea.

Center staffers and board members pitched into make the evening a success. Executive Director Pam Gnekow, Linda Linton, Miro Sixto, Gracie Love and Wanda Nelson all served. Board president Irene Covington handled the check-in table, and Publicity Director Shoshanah Schwartz poured wine while Treasurer David Schwartz took photos.

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