OCAF Fundraiser 2007

A great big thank you to everyone that helped make the OCAF Fundraiser, A Walk Through the Arts 2007 a huge success. We had hundreds of attendees not to mention the 27 artists, 14 winemakers, 2 brewers and 50 VWs including Herbie the Love Bug.
As I was just reminded the money, although for which purpose the fundraiser took place, is secondary to the community support, good times and recognition the event generated for OCAF.
My sister Aimee and I are so happy to be part of a group of people that absolutely appreciate every little show of support. To think that a new business in its formative years can still make a difference in the lives of the children in our community thrill us beyond words.
The board members that attended the event were awesome and we couldn't have had a smoother event without them. Victor Tognazzini is an amazing worker with such a nice pleasant way about him. He was a calming influence when I suspected I might loose it. Denice Cora was there for me when I needed her to help setup all the wine tasting as she always is for me. Janette Wesch was a great organizer and she was able to read my map and set up the wine and beer garden with Denice. Brenda Sullens was amazing as usual. She took control and made sure that all the artists were in position and their cars were moved out for the Bugs. Mark got the hang of the EZ-ups so that they were truly easy to get up. He kept telling me not to help and with him around it made it almost that easy. Sal Tolentino was the runner for the winemakers getting them ice and taking care of their needs. Ken Parker was a great supporter and helper. He was able to spend some time helping us then had his family obligations to take care of. Julianne Hemmill was awesome with the tickets and money and kept all the finances straight. That was such a big relief for me not to worry about. She said the preliminary numbers look like it will be over 5000 in funds donated to OCAF from the Walk Through the Arts 2007.
Thank yous also go to my sister Aimee who took over the restaurant operations while I played around and organized this event. I couldn't have contacted the sponsors and made it as successful without her support. Also, our staff worked so hard to make sure the appetizers were always on hand, the beer was poured, and everyone had what they needed. Alicia, the Bistro Mom worked her tail off making sure the food was always on the table and no one wanted for anything. She finally had to be told to go home and rest by the Chef and Chef de Cuisine, Troy and Ty.
An event like this just doesn't happen. It takes a lot of hard work from a lot of people. I know I may have missed someone but please forgive me. My brain isn't quite back in one piece yet.
See this week's Santa Maria Sun for more thank yous and kudos.
Rebecca

Greetings From Needles

Hello from Needles!
Hi guys! Just got done reading my good friend Dawn's blog from her last trip the her "happy place." I have to agree, only good things happen at the wine cottage. I didn't hang out nearly as much as she did that weekend, but when we all got together, it was a great time.

Just wanted to invite you all down to come hear me play guitar and sing Saturday July 14th. I will be making the trek all the way from Needles just to play for you guys, so hopefully you can get out and support me after my 6 hour drive:) I will have not one, but two awesome guitarists playing with me that night, so expect great music to be filling up that back patio. My brother Bob Haskins, and good friend Dennis Reese will be playing for the first time in a public outing. Both are amazing musicians and I am priveledged to have them accompany on my songs. So show your support for Dennis by coming out and listening. As usual I have a few familiar covers I'll be doing, Robert Earl Keen, Reckless Kelly & Cross Canadian Ragweed. If you haven't heard them, check em' out. You won't be disappointed, I promise.

Also, my brother Bob and I will be making a cd the morning after we play at th Wine Cottage, and coming up in July, I am entering about seven of my original songs in the ISC (International Songwriting Competition). As you would suspect, none of this stuff comes cheap, so if you want to contribute to the starving artist fund, there will be a sizable tip jar for those feeling generous to their favorite California Blonde:)

I look forward to my visit down to the Wine Cottage, as usual. Rebecca and Aimee are always wonderful hosts, and took a chance on letting me entertain their valuable guests that stop by to enjoy a great meal. I look forward to seeing you all there, and strumming my old guitar for you! Head on down to the Wine Cottage Saturday July 14th. Thanks all, I'll see you soon!

Happy Place

Although I haven't blogged in quite some time now, know that my visits to the Wine Cottage Bistro have not diminished. In fact, I have been several times, often for lunch and dinner in the same day. We were visiting the central coast for a wedding on June 2nd. While heading up the 101 all I was able to think about was WINE. Well, that and cheese. My cousins have been saying for a couple months now, if you liked our old cheese plate, WAIT UNTIL YOU TRY THE NEW ONE. Needless to say, I was not disappointed. It is absolutely mouth watering. Its a perfect balance of strong and mild. The special on Monday was a Walu(fish) wrapped in ham served over a bed of a beet risotto. YUM. I told Chef Troy that he needs to add it to the menu as a regular dinner. I just can't even tell you how spectactular it was. I also tried something new, Peringa, a sparkling shiraz. The "wine mom" (my aunt) said its an experience, and let me tell you it was a complete and total experience. When its poured into the champagne glass the purplish bubbles just mesmorize your eyes. Than you take a sip and its all about the dancing and happiness of your tastebuds.

Enough about the food, I could go on and on.
Family from all over was up for the wedding; Monrovia, El Monte, Needles, Bakersfield and Mojave Valley Arizona. The Bistro was the HUB, if you will. A centralized location for us all to come visit and drink wine. We may have kept the Chef on his toes as we all filtered in and out at different times but at no point were we ever disappointed with the food or service. My family laughs because I call the Bistro my "Happy Place." Its a place where enjoyment abounds, love surrounds, and laughter ensues.

I hope to see you there one day, whether its on June 23rd with all the VW guys, or on July 14th watching Natalie Haskins strum her old guitar, I want you to have the same kind of Happy Place I do when Im at the Bistro.