Shawn Gran, owner of Parks Plaza Theater in Buellton, passed away suddenly last night, according to Buellton officials.

“We are saddened to learn of Shawn’s passing we just saw him at the movies and pass along our sympathies to his family,” said Kathy Vreeland, executive director of the Buellton Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Bureau.

Vreeland added Gran’s establishment contributes so much to not just Buellton but the entire Santa Ynez Valley community. He helped with the annual Oscar Award ceremony galas and other fundraisers.

Once we know memorial services we will post as soon as possible. If you would like to contribute a memory of Shawn to our story we will have in the November issue please email news@santaynezvalleystar.com.

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With great honor the Los Alamos Valley Mens Club members have selected long-time Los Alamos resident and community volunteer Jim Gravitt as the 2016 Los Alamos Old Days Parade Grand Marshal. The 70th annual Los Alamos Old Days Celebration is Friday, September 23 through Sunday, September 25, with plenty of fun for all ages in this historic, western-style town.

“Looking back on those who preceded me, I am especially honored. I will stand tall and wear the badge proudly. I have had a wonderful life with many blessings,” Gravitt said.

Admission is free and the public is invited to join residents and visitors who gather each year to honor, preserve and celebrate the town’s authentic Western heritage. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Our Community.” 

Gravitt retired after being an Electronic Engineer with Raytheon in Goleta for 40 years. He had a great job designing microwave systems. Now he fills his life with nonpaying jobs like Valley Community Mentoring, Cottonwood Community Fellowship, and Los Alamos Valley Senior Center. He also was Chaplain at the Men’s Club.

“We have a great little community here in Los Alamos. Where else can you go to find a small friendly town with so much to offer? Old Days has been one of our highlights that we have been proud of for 70 years. Thank you Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club members for this honor,” Gravitt remarked.

Los Alamos Old Days is sponsored by the Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club (LAVMC)—a philanthropic 501(C)3 not-for-profit group of men, women and families—dedicated to preserving the town’s unique character and hospitality.  Highlights of the LAVMC Old Days weekend-long celebration include Friday evening’s Chili Kick-off Party & Dance,two-day Peddlers’ Mart & Artisan Faire, Saturday’s Car Show “Deeply Rooted in the Community”; the evening “Happy Hour & Silent Auction” with more than 100 items and Sunday morning’s “Greatest Little Small Town Parade.”

Los Alamos is located at the intersection of US Highway 101 and State Route 135 (Bell Street); just an hour north of Santa Barbara and 20 minutes south of Santa Maria in the heart of Santa Barbara County ranch, farm and wine country. The Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club, founded in 1946, provides scholarships and funding to local students and organizations, as well as offering its facilities to rent for private events. The Club is supported by tax-deductible donations. Additional support for 2016 Los Alamos Old Days celebration is being provided again this year by Visit the Santa Ynez Valley.

Organizations and individuals interested in participating in the Car Show as well as the Parade are encouraged to visit the website for applications; and for complete schedule of 2016 Los Alamos Old Days events, see www.LosAlamosValleyOldDays.com

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