Morro bay life feb 2015

Life Bay

Morro

February 2015

Everything Morro Bay

MBR host Carnival!

Inside ...

Fairy Gardens 2 Central Coast Dollhouse and miniature show 3 Estero Bay Newcomers 5 Bicycle improvements 9 Community Calendar 10

An Evening with Heart Feb. 7

Opening the doors to knowledge

Photos contributed

by Farris Zoe

One of the many costumes that visitors can see if they attend the Rotary evening with heart.

Contributed Article

Morro Bay’s beautiful new library will re-open in February, a soft opening, after books and furniture are moved into the newly remodeled building at 625 Harbor Street.

Contractor T. Simons completed the project in early January and the City issued an Occupancy Permit on Jan. 9.

The grand opening ceremony, “Opening the Doors to Knowledge,” will be held Sunday, March 1, from 2 to 4 p.m. to honor and thank the many people who contributed to the successful renovation of the building’s interior.

Mistress of Ceremonies for the celebration will be former Librarian Jude Sanner Long, who managed the Morro Bay Branch for more than 30 years before retiring in 2009.

Mayor Jamie Irons will cut the ribbon at 2 p.m. and short speeches will follow by District 2 Supervisor Bruce Gibson, Library Director Chris Barnickel and Branch Manager Jackie Kinsey.

Refreshments will be served courtesy of Morro Bay Friends of the Library and local musicians Guy Budd and Inga Swearingen will Please turn to Page 2

By ALLYSON OKEN Of Morro Bay Life

Go Big, Bad and Ugly

EBSC host surf and turf invitational Feb. 14 &15

Photo Contributed by Val Wright

Surfers good, bad, young and old come out to enjoy the bay by Morro Rock every year for the Big, Bad & Ugly.

By ALLYSON OKEN Of Morro Bay Life

Known for its tides, unusual rock formations and waves that will toss and curl any surfer — the Big, Bad & Ugly Surf and Turf Invitational is ready to tear it up at Morro Rock. The event is hosted by the Estero Bay Surf Club on Feb. 14 and 15 at Coleman Park in Morro Bay. The deadline to enter is Feb. 11 so sign up fast to reserve one of the 96 open slots.

Val Wright, one of the founding members of the EBSC and man behind the scene at the invitational, explained that this all began when

a few misfits came together and decided that catching waves in the dead of winter was fun, then decided to share it with the surfing world in the form of the Big Bad & Ugly.

“It all stared after our club came together and went to a contest in Santa Cruz called Surf-O-Rama,” Wright said. “When we came back we thought we could do that. So we had what was going to be the Estero Bay Contest and the first one was really rough. It was really stormy and the waves were really big that year Please turn to Page 4

Coastal wine weekend

Featuring 9 wineries, including 2 in Morro Bay

By ALLYSON OKEN Of Morro Bay Life

PRSrt std U.s. postage paid Permit no. 19 PASO ROBLES, CA

******EcrWsseddm****** Postal Customer MORRO BAY, CA 93442

Please turn to Page 11

Please turn to Page 9

Monthly publication dedicated to covering everything in Morro Bay, CA.

Photo By Allyson Oken

Chateau Margene’s new tasting room is very inviting and will be open and ready to serve for the Passport Weekend Feb. 21 and 22.

Pick up a passport and be whisked away to the coast for the Pacific Coast Wine Trail Passport Weekend, Feb. 21 and 22, with a deadline to enter to win the prize drawing March 15. This event will feature nine wineries for a lovely jaunt up or down Highway 1 from San Simeon to Morro Bay. The wineries featured are all members of the Pacific Coast Wine Trail, a club that allows for coastal wineries to work together on fun events like the passport weekend. A portion of all the tasting room fees will go toward supporting

the Marine Mammal Center of San Luis Obispo, so fill your passport and win the raffle all for a good cause.

This year, two new participants have joined in the fun bringing Morro Bay into the fold with Cuatro Dias Winery and Tasting room and Chateau Margene Tasting room newly opened on the Embarcadero in July.

Cuatro Dias tasting room is located in the Highway 41 Antiques Emporium where you can shop for antiques and drink a glass of wine in the back garden.

Tasting room manager Vicara Esposito

It’s a Carnival Morro Bay! Adorn yourself with masks, powder white wigs, coats with tails and glistening gowns. The Morro Bay Rotary Club is dressing up its lodge for its fourth annual Evening with Heart — slated for 5 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 7.

Event co-chair Farris Zoe said it has been a team effort hosting this event.

This is her first year with this club and she is very excited to be a part of it. Zoe has a long history in graphic design and event planning and says that this year’s event will be extra special.

“This is a very dynamic group to be a part of in Morro Bay and I am very excited about this year’s theme, Venitian Carnival,” Zoe said. “I have always wanted to host an event with this theme in mind and now we are doing it. It is my first year with this club and in the past I was a member of the Cambria Club and helped with their events as well. This is a really fun theme because it is so colorful. It is dazzling and having attended Carnival I really wanted to bring that same feel to this event. People don’t need to dress up to attend, though it will be fun to get in the spirit of Carnival.”

According to Zoe this is the Rotary Club’s largest fundraiser of the year and supports the many things they do in the community. The Morro Bay Rotary has been a staple for more than 60 years and has gifted $80,000 in scholarships to high school seniors and donations to charitable organizations. The club works with Rotary worldwide to provide funding for the eradication of polio, for water well installation and educational

2 - Morro Bay Life - February 2015

Fairy Gardens – By the Bay

By RUTH ANN ANGUS For Morro Bay Life

Gardening is an important element in Helen Edwards’s life. Her husband Rick is a landscaper so it was natural that when Susan Stewart started Beads by the Bay Helen would be asked to develop the large open-air space out back into a garden.

“I came to the store to take a beading class from Penny Harrington,” Edwards explained, “and I ended up working here.”

That was about six or seven years ago and at the time the outdoor area had a tiny little house located there and the ground cover of pebbles. “Every person who had owned the shop added something to this spot,” Edwards said, “Madame and the Cowboy had their gallery here and Madame is the one who moved the small house back here. She also put in the stones.”

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When Sue Walker started a bead store at the location, she added a Koi pond and brought in some air plants. But the garden didn’t really come to life until after Susan Stewart bought Walker’s bead business and Helen came to work there. “I did the brick work and brought in tables,” she said. “I have an affinity for herbs so I added a variety of herb plants to the air plants as well as scented geraniums.”

Edwards also decided that it would be good to have some type of plants that people could buy for their gardens in the winter and succulents seemed to be the best choice. There is now a great variety of succulents for people to choose. “Succulents are easy to grow, don’t need a lot of water, and can be kept in even small pots for years.”

The garden has evolved into a nice, quiet spot where people can sit on the bench by the pond and meditate. In one area near the fence a large tree is growing and Edwards

Library

explained that it is a “grape cool-aid” tree given to Stewart by her mother as a gift when she opened the store. “These trees are from South Africa and when it blooms the lavender blossoms smell just like grape cool-aid,” Edwards said. Small starter grape cool-aid trees are for sale there now and the blossom resemble a sweet pea blossom.

The latest craze in gardening is the fairy garden. For people who like to make or collect miniatures, fairy gardens are a great way to extend that hobby into their outdoor gardens.

Edwards’ husband has made up several sizes of planting boxes that can be filled with soil and gravel and planted with sedum, a low growing succulent that comes in a variety of colors. She also has miniature pottery houses, wishing wells, castles, and other stoneware containers that work in the fairy garden. Of course, no fairy garden is complete without having some actual fairies, so Edwards has

an assortment of tiny ceramic winged fairies for sale. Some of the miniature houses can be fitted with mini-lights inside of them and there are tiny beads in the shapes of animals and people to be placed in the garden.

Edwards has several fairy gardens made up on display as well as tiny fairy garden settings placed inside glass bubbles that can be hung.

One of the cute additions to her fairy gardens are some handcrafted toadstools that she procures from an artist in Southern California.

“I think there might be some real fairy creatures visiting these gardens,” Edwards said, “because every day when I come in to check on them, some items in the settings have been moved around.”

Edwards invites you to come and experience the garden yourself. “How much happier could I be,” she said, “I have beads, little fairies, and plants.”

book sale April 18, 2015, at the Community Center. Please bring your donations of books, CDs, DVDs, VHS and audio tapes to the Library to help support the sale.

Books and magazines are also on sale in the library lobby every day and cash donations are always gratefully accepted. There are still naming opportunities for book stacks,

reading areas and the new computer island.

Morro Bay Friends of the Library appreciate and thank the wonderful community of Morro Bay that has supported and stood by its library since 1922.

William Shakespeare said it best, “Come, and take choice of all my library, and so beguile thy sorrow.”

Continued from page 1

perform gentle background music.

Mary Hay of Hay Printing and Graphics has designed keepsake bookmarks to celebrate the event.

Library hours will be Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. A new policy countywide is that library branches will be open on the Tuesdays following Monday holidays. Weekly book group meetings will return to the library after being held in the Chamber of Commerce office since last June.

The building closed June 21, 2014, and construction began in July under the supervision of Architect Shana Reiss and SLO County Department of General Services.

Morro Bay Friends of the Library paid for 100 percent of the upgrade with the exception of county funding for ADA compliance requirements and a federal Community Development grant of $80,000 to upgrade the rest rooms. With the help of the generous citizens of Morro Bay and dozens of book sales, the Friends raised more than $500,000 to pay for the project.

The remodel adds 30 percent more usable space inside the building as well as 30 percent more shelving for books, magazines, newspapers, CDs and DVDs. The children’s section was enlarged and a new teen section was added, as well as more computer stations and a patio enclosure.

A separate Program Room was enclosed and named after Henry B Humboldt, father of Bertha Schulz, a major donor to the library.

Additional work is still being planned to upgrade the exterior landscaping. Morro Bay In Bloom has offered to present a plan for City and Friends’ approval and the County will pay for plants and irrigation.

The Friends are already looking into the future and raising funds for the next Remodel Project. Book sales are a major part of their fundraising and will resume with a major

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Morro Bay Life - February 2015 - 3

Central Coast Dollhouse and Miniatures Show and Sale Miniature History Miniature crafting and collecting has a long and varied history. As far back as 5,000 BC Egyptians crafted and collected mini-items made of wood such as farm animals, carts, and other everyday articles. Many of these artifacts were found in Egyptian tombs. Armies used miniatures for battlefield set-ups to work out wartime strategies, and architects, designers, and even movie makers regularly use miniature pieces in their planning.

Dollhouses date to the 16th century when the first known dollhouse was built for the Bavarian duke, Albert V. It was a replica of the Duke’s home. Miniatures of this period were often displayed in cabinets made by hand with architectural details. These cabinets were the trophy collections owned by individuals who could afford them.

By the 17th and 18th century dollhouses were popular in England, Germany and Holland.

Germany produced the most prized dollhouses and miniatures and to this day some of the finest miniature artisans are from Germany.

During the 19th century dollhouses became more a children’s toy rather than a piece of art.

Mass production of dollhouses began in Victorian times and continues today. During the 1950s children’s dollhouses were often made with painted sheet metal and were done to the larger 1:18 or two-thirds scale. In the 1960s collectors and craftsman settled on 1/12th scale (one inch equals one foot) and this became the most popular size for dollhouses and miniature pieces.

The art and collector’s hobby continues today with online suppliers making the acquisition of items more accessible and the delight in seeing a fully furnished dollhouse never seems to diminish.

By RUTH ANN ANGUS For Morro Bay Life

Miniaturists, collectors, and people young and old who enjoy the “tiny” world should come out to the 25th Anniversary Central Coast Dollhouse & Miniatures Show & Sale put on by the Miniature Cottage Shop and the Central Coast Miniature Club on Saturday, Feb. 21 and Sunday, Feb. 22 at the Morro Bay Community Center.

This show that offers miniature houses, shops, furniture, food items, and other accessories from approximately 40 vendors and artisans is only one of a few miniature shows offered in California and is the only one on the Central Coast. Other shows occur in towns in Orange County, the Los Angeles area, and San Diego. For local miniature collectors and crafters, the Morro Bay show is their only resource for a show of this type. Unfortunately

this will be the last one held here unless a new promoter steps forward and takes it over.

The Miniature Cottage Shop owners Cherrel and Mike Botkin along with local miniature club members have been producing the show since shortly after the Botkins opened their store in Morro Bay 27 years ago. But the Botkins are not getting any younger and a show of this nature takes a lot of energy and time to produce. “We do hope that someone will take the show over,” Cherrel Botkin commented.

The 2015 club/show theme is “A-B-C’s in Miniature” and visitors attending will be able to view a variety of well crafted houses, rooms, furniture and accessories in all size scales, 1/12th, 1/24th, 1/48th and tiny, tiny 1/144th. You might be amazed to see the quality of craftsmanship that artisans from all across the country bring to this show.

There will be door prizes, BBQ, and food available during show hours and admission is a mere $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $3 for children (8-12) and children under eight free. The show is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

The Central Coast Miniatures Club has members from throughout the county and even some outside the area. They meet monthly on the second Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Miniature Cottage Shop. Each meeting has the group learning a new skill and making a new item. A benefit from belonging to a crafting club like this is that each individual may bring a specific specialty to the group so there is always something new to learn and share.

Each month Secretary Linda Costley produces a newsletter with all the activities and information about the club and this is available at the Miniature

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Some of the members also belong to N.A.M.E., the National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts and this group also holds monthly meetings locally and offers classes.

At the Central Coast Dollhouse & Miniature Show the club displays miniature projects that each member has made in the Community Center room behind the kitchen. All of the members work the show, collecting admission fees, helping the vendors set up and also sitting at their booths when they need a break, and tending the BBQ and giving out food and drinks. It’s this group effort that really makes the show a success.

Anyone interested in the Central Coast Miniature Club can contact Secretary Linda Costley at 7727202 or email her at SimplyHeart1@att.net or call the Miniature Cottage at 772-7 858.

4 - Morro Bay Life - February 2015

Surf Competition so Gene Dowdy coined what it is known as today, the Big Bad and Ugly Surf and Turf Invitational. This was 25 years ago, now we are the third oldest contest in the Coalition of Surf Clubs on the west coast.”

The Coalition of Surfing Clubs is a group of clubs that range all way from the Mexican boarder to Eureka and they also have a club on the East Coast and in Hawaii. This includes a large number of clubs and each is invited to the event every year. This year EBCS has hopes that their event will be recognized by the coalition and become one of the chartered events for the west coast.

Currently the EBCS is hosting this event following coalition rules, but have the freedom – as they operate outside of the chartered contests – to open registration up to anyone. Wright said that you don’t have to be a member of the club to participate in this contest, his wife Donita Wright adding that they enjoy keeping the event low-key, as a true hometown event should be.

“It is like a big family reunion every year,” Wright said. “It is a true hometown surf club and it is like seeing brothers that I have not seen all year because up and down the coast they come and they always tell us that ours is their favorite competition and club. We keep it simple and it is cheap comparatively when you look at Malibu and other big events. It is really a lot of fun.”

There are different divisions for all ages and for men, women, boys and girls.

Entrance is open to short boards, long boards and stand up paddle boarders. This was originally a long board only contest, but now anyone can join in. EBSC have

Continued from page 1

three different venues and three different divisions within those venues and they also have the Menehune and Grom group for little kids, with a push in group and a group of kids that are better trained that can go in by themselves.

The first day, Saturday, Feb. 14 will be the all out contest for all divisions. The Long Board Contest, 1st heat will kick off at 7 a.m. This is a long board, short board and paddleboard event as well as the supplementary divisions all-catching wave at the same time. There will be a panel of judges from each surf club participating that will ride atop a flat bed truck following the surfers are they compete and ranking each run.

The cost to participate is minimal in Photo Contributed by Val Wright comparison to major surf competitions around the world. The cost is $70 per There’s nothing quit like riding the funnel at the Big, Bad & Ugly in Morro Bay, kicking off on surfer and for EBSC members it is $60. For Feb. 14. the Groms and Menehune (surfers under the age of 16) the cost is $35. All entrance can better assess the waves. Val said that a EBSC also plan for everyone to get a fees include one ugly T-shirt, one awards big part of it is that with a 15 minuet long trophy and will host an awards dinner at dinner ticket, and one round of golf. (Grom preliminary heat it does not allow visitors 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15 at the Morro Bay and Menehune fee does not include golf). to familiarize themselves with the surf.

Veterans Hall, located at 209 Surf Street in For those that plan to surf in two or more “We tend to win because we know the Morro Bay. There will be a raffle, music divisions, add $5 to the fee. waves,” he said. “Morro Rock is a difficult and great food catered by Carla’s Country Remember slots will fill up fast so send place to surf at best, in 15 minutes, which Kitchen of Morro Bay all included in the entry forms to Estero Bay Surf Club, P.O. is the length of the preliminary heat, people entrance fee. Also at the awards dinner each Box 25, Morro Bay by Feb. 11 to enjoy the try to learn the place in 15 minutes and they team’s final standing will be announced fun. can’t do that. So to take the pressure off based on their final scores for the surf and EBSC tries to take some of the and take out the idea that your club is better golf tournaments, so don’t miss out. competitiveness out of the event on day two, than mine, we have a meeting of golfers.

To learn more about the Big, Bad & by hosting a nine-hole golf tournament at Not everyone shows up, but we tend to Ugly Surf and Turf Invitational contact Val Sea Pines Golf Course with a shotgun start pick ringers that will boost our scores and Wright by calling 995-2779 or E-mailing at 8 a.m., Sunday, Feb. 18. As EBSC tend the Malibu guys always have good golfers. fignueton@AOL.com. For those interested to win the contest due to the experience So what we do is combine the golf scores in the Estero Bay Surf Club or how to join level of their members and the fact that and the surfing scores and from that point their no meetings, visit, http://surfnitbig. mostly surf the area by the Rock daily they anyone can win.” wix.com/ebsc.

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Morro Bay Life - February 2015 - 5

Estero Bay Newcomers

Sharing the beauty and fun of life on the Central Coast

By ALLYSON OKEN Of Morro Bay Life

Discover the rewards of life on the Central Coast through the Estero Bay Newcomers Club, which is offering new membership for 2015 at cost of $12.50 per year. See what the EBNC is all about by attending one of their monthly luncheons, every third Wednesday of the month at 11 a.m. to join the many activities they offer.

Past-president Marilou Gamst said that the club sprang up from a meeting that was held between the Morro Bay Chamber aof Commerce and the Welcome Wagon tin 1971 with a membership of 30. Now, y43 years later, the Newcomers have 190 nmembers and are going strong. c “It is a social club and its aim is really to y connect new people with the club, but also e hwe make a sincere effort to introduce people dto new dining, activities and what living in dMorro Bay and on the Central Coast is all about,” Gamst said. “Anyone can join one &of our myriad of activities through our 40 l activity groups or just go to luncheons and g denjoying the speakers. It really is a great ngroup of women and though we do not .exclude men from joining, this tends to be a female dominant club.”

Current President Lynn Cronin-Ballou is filling Marilou’s sizable shoes for the year 2015. She joined in 2012 when she and her husband moved to the area. Cronin-Ballou was newly retired and was looking for some fun activities to keep her busy when she found the Newcomers.

“I found out about the Newcomers when I was attending a reading club at the library in Los Osos and was told about this great club,” she said. “I had been on the board for about a year and a half when I was asked by Marylou to take on the presidency for 2015.

I was very excited to be able to help the club that gave me such a great start in this community. It is really a lot of fun and you can be a busy as you want with our variety of clubs within our club there is something

for everyone.”

Barbro Bond is one of the newest members to the club and is originally from Sweden and has had a wonderful experience being a part of the Newcomers. She arrived in the area three months ago and met some members in the San Luis Obispo club then discovered they have one in Morro Bay that she could join.

“So I joined up and went to the first luncheon and found out about all these activities and guess who signed up for just about everything,” she said while laughing out loud. “ I have been lucky enough to go to many of the activities and meet a lot of good friendly people. I think one of my favorite things coming up is the Travel Club.

I am no longer a tourist in the area now I am here and I can actually explore and it is nice to have people to do that with. When I came to the club luncheon I had mentioned that I was looking for Scandinavian people in the area as I am from Sweden. Afterward three people came up to me and two of them had actually lived in Sweden and could even speak a little bit and another girl who was interested in learning about her Danish heritage. It turned out even being a new member I could openly share. It has been wonderful.”

The Newcomers with movie night, hiking, lunches, dinner, beer tasting and wine tasting, card clubs, scrabble, shopping and so much more just to give newcomers a chance to know where to go to have fun. It is a fabulous organization that is a wonderful asset to the people that are new to the area.

This is not an International or National club but a local creation to help people acclimate to life on the Central Coast.

Dorie Gaugh, Janice Munce and Janet Gallagher are some of the longest standing members of the Newcomers Club and have been in and out of the organization for years until the group decided to have alumni.

“We originally were only allowed to join the club for two years but found that we all enjoyed it so much that we didn’t

want to leave,” Gaugh said. “Now we allow for an alumni member to join and stay active in our group for five years. It is nice to have members that have been part of the group for a while because they can show the newcomers around.

It is a really wonderful group of women and even if you are not a joiner I feel women need the company of other women and this is a great way to make new friends.”

Newcomers young, old, women and men may come and enjoy Photo Contributed by the EBNC their new life on theGo down to Montana de Oro with the EBNC and get to know the tide Central Coast andpools in the area. learn from these activities. To join in the fun and learn more alumni members about what’s happening on the in the area. about the Estero Bay Newcomers Club, Anyone can join that is new to the area visit http://esteronew.com. or just interested in learning more about

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6 - Morro Bay Life - February 2015

Reach for the stars

Morro Bay High Dance Fusion performance Feb. 19 & 20

By ALLYSON OKEN

Of Morro Bay Life

Music, art and dance combine for two nights of explosive creativity at Morro Bay High School, slated for 7 p.m., Feb. 19 and 20. This night of artistic expression was masterminded by arts-driven students 15 years ago with the creation of the Morro Bay High School Dance Fusion club and is now the major fundraiser for arts education at the school.

Director of MBHS Dance Fusion Elena Smith is the full-time counselor at the High School. She also teaches at the San Luis Obispo Academy of Dance and danced as a principal in the Civic Ballet for 20 plus years, danced in the local Nut Cracker for 30 years and studied at the San Francisco Ballet. She said that when two students discovered her dance background they jumped at the chance to learn.

“The dance company was created in the year 2000,” Smith said. “Two students came up to me and knew that I had a dance background and so they approached me to start a dance company. That was the first year that we held auditions and every since then it was a go! From there we created a varsity letter so they earn that and get opportunities to perform in our local community events and school assemblies.

These are always a highlight for our school the student body looks forward to seeing them perform. Then we also hold our yearly show Feb. 19 and 20 and we set it up in the smaller gym like a theater. It is about the performing arts, so I also encompass two artists for each night and they are creating live art during the show and then

their works are raffled off at the end of the show. We will have contemporary, lyrical, jazz and hip hop dance teams performing and in between these dances we will have singers and musicians from Morro Bay High School. It is a chance for them to perform and let their personality out and artistry. It is a lot of fun!”

In the past they have traveled to New York, Chicago and San Francisco to perform get exposed to dance and cultural aspects of the artistry. Smith is very excited about having had such great success with MBH Dance Fusion for the past 15 years.

They are always in need of support to make their performances successful and afford to travel to gain experience and exposure.

All of the proceeds from their two-day event go to supporting their program. They purchase materials, costumes, lighting, music and sound equipment, programs and all of these things needed to perform in the community. Smith said that this group of kids are engaged in school because of Dance Fusion.

“For many of these dancers this program keeps them in school even though they are all really smart and I don’t have to worry about grades with this group,” she said.

“It is something to keep them hooked into Photo By Allyson Oken staying at Morro Bay High School and I have had several dancers say that if it were Dancers land a complicated leap they had recently learned. not for Dance Fusion at Morro Bay High they don’t know what they would have done. So it is a big outlet for them and me Lily Brengle, Allyssa Coloma, Emily Rose in one of the four dance teams and all Friedman Maddie Fugle, Abby Hoffman, expressed excitement about this years as well.”

The students involved this year are Julia Lay, Missy Love, Mark Luna, Ryan performance.

“I started as a freshmen and my mom gearing up for the show and, under Morris, Carina Regis, Jenna Rodden, Saela Rossetti, Monice Scoyni, Cassisy Stephens the direction of Smith, will produce Please turn to Page 11 astounding choreography. Bryn Andersen, and Niko Yaroslaski will all be performing

The Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce wishes all a happy and prosperous New Year!

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Chamber News

The Chamber continues to strive to promote the business of doing business in Morro Bay. We do this by advocating for and keeping Chamber members up to date on a wide variety of issues that impact businesses in Morro Bay. Special attention is being given to the participation in and implementation of the Local Economic Action Plan (LEAP).

We encourage all business owners and community members to attend the workshops to learn more about these important initiatives. The Chamber welcomes Karen Croley to her new position as Administrative Assistant to Executive Director Kelly Wells.

Welcome New Chamber Members

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Monthly Business Forums

All are welcome to attend the Chamber’s Monthly Business Forum where local business owners discuss current issues and strategies in the business community.

The February 19 Business Forum will be held from 8.30 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Building, 209 Surf Street, Morro Bay. The topics for the February Forum will include the new 2015 Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce mandatory paid sick-leave law that goes into effect 7/1/15 and the impact of the Annual Installation Dinner and Morro homeless population on local business. All Bay 50th Anniversary Wrap-Up local businesses and community members An amazing dinner and gala celebration was are encouraged to attend. held on January 23! The highlight of the evening was the honoring of 2014’s Citizen of the Year – Ken Vesterfelt, Business of February Mixer the Year – The Bartfield Group and Living The February 19 Chamber Mixer will be Treasure – Marlene Peter. The evening’s held at the Morro Bay Golf Course 5:30 program included a slide show presentation till 7:30. Come meet the new Owner and recapping the celebrating of Morro Bay’s General Manager, mingle and network 50th. Also introduced and welcomed were with Morro Bay’s business community new Chamber Board members Jon Elliott, while enjoying some refreshments against the backdrop of one of Morro Bay’s Travis Ford and Walter Heath along with spectacular sunsets! How great is that? gratitude and appreciation for outgoing Board members, Susan Stewart, Casey Kelso and John Headding. There were also some pretty fabulous items won during the live and silent auctions. It was an absolutely terrific and memorable evening!

The Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce is keeping busy for our businesses!

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Morro Bay Life - February 2015 - 7

Hats! Hats! Hats!

By Ruth Ann Angus For Morro Bay Life

Have you been down to the Embarcadero lately? There’s a new shop there and it isn’t just for tourists. The Morro Bay Hat Company opened in May of 2014 in the space right next door to Otter Rock Café.

Lorraine Farrell is the head consultant and she can tell you everything you need to know about hats.

Hats are one of the apparel items that were missing from the town (along with shoes and good place to buy jeans). There was a time when men and women wouldn’t be seen outside without a hat on. Well, that day is back. Hats are popular again.

“Hats are needed for sun protection,” Farrell commented, “it doesn’t matter if it is foggy; you still to protect your skin.”

You are sure to find a hat to your liking at this store and Lorraine and the other sales people specialize in being able to fit the hat to the customer. The store carries several different lines for both women and men.

The Scala brand is a fabric hat in bold colors. It has a wide brim and has a drawstring inside on the headband so you can adjust the hat to your size. San Diego Hat Company offers several styles, one of which is an ultra braid that rolls up and is secured with an elastic band. This makes the hat easy to pack in a suitcase for traveling or to just shove in your pocket if you don’t want to wear it indoors.

The wide brims on many of the hats help lkeep the sun off but can also be manipulated sso that they have a stylish look. You can wear them with the brim down or up or mdown on one side and up on the other.

Farrell works with each customer to show them different ways to wear the hats.

There is a variety of adjustable ball caps in many colors. Cancer survivors and supporters might like the ball cap that bears the pink ribbon symbol for breast cancer.

Farrell demonstrated how to wear the Buff line which is a fabric head covering.

“People going through chemo therapy who have lost their hair find this an easy hat

to wear,” Farrell said. The head covering comes with instructions for different ways to put it on and it can even be worn just as a headband.

One of the more stylish hats is made by Head ‘N Home and they come in leather and a breathable fabric and are water proof.

It has a small brim but enough for good sun protection. The hats are pliable and can be folded in half and tied for storage or packing. It comes with a renewable headband and the store gives an extra headband with this model.

The Man Cave section of the store has several lines of hats for men. Fedoras, Stetson hats, different style caps, and even Greek Fishermen caps are offered. The Greek hats are handmade in Greece just as they have been done since 1886.

Another area of the store has a whole line of hats, gloves, and flip-flops for children.

“We have Trapper hats,” Farrell said, “these are for wearing in cold weather.”

The hats have a fury lining throughout and tie down over the ears – perfect for those skiing trips in the mountains or to send to your relatives in the snowy states.

“We don’t just sell hats,” Farrell commented, “We have flip-flops, some with the strap through the toes and the classic crisscross type. We have California Republic sweatshirts and ball caps, cowboy hats with sparkles on them, and Morro Bay California sweatshirts, sunglasses and scarves as well as handbags and some jewelry.”

Vintage hats circa the 1920s are one of the most popular styles the store sells.

“These are so popular now,” Farrell said, “that we almost sell out.”

Morro Bay Hat Company is dog friendly too. Doggies can enjoy a nice drink of water at the entrance to the store and they even get a doggie treat if their owner allows it. The store is wheelchair and stroller accessible.

If you live in Morro Bay, if you work in Morro Bay, if you visit Morro Bay, you’re going to need a hat – come to “Morro Bay Hat Company – We’ve Got You Covered!”

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8 - Morro Bay Life - February 2015

Art imitating life

Fiona Bleu Gallery shares philosophy

By ALLYSON OKEN Of Morro Bay Life

Fiona Bleu Gallery owner and artist Rowan Chase draws inspiration from a life-long love of the Central Coast.

Creating vivid and vibrant seascapes as well as abstract paintings and sculptures that incorporate his passion for the great outdoors, the ocean and working with his hands.

“I have been creating all my life and was raised in a very creative household,” Chase said. “I find living in this area most of my life has inspired my art in a big way over the years. I like to sculpt and paint but mainly I like to create and build things. Sculpture is probably my number one passion, but I paint because I can do it here on site. Mainly I paint right here in the gallery, so often times you can come in and if I am working on something that is where it happens.”

Chase is not the only artist with work adorning the walls and breezeways of his gallery. He currently has about 60 very different artists featuring their work at Fiona Bleu. Chase said that when he is looking for new art to feature, he wants the art to inspire him to hang or display it.

“Whether it is jewelry, or paintings, sculpture or glass all mediums are welcome as long as they fit in the space,” he said. “I like to see things I have not seen before.

Sometimes I get artists in here and they say, ‘what do want to see,’ or ‘what are you looking for.’ I say ‘I don’t know what I am looking for. That’s your job as an artist to bring something in that inspires me or makes me want to sell it or be around it. It depends on mood. I operate on intuition and inspiration so it is not a formula it just has to be something that touches me somehow and inspires me.’”

Inspirations can come in many forms for

an artist. In Chase’s case the natural beauty of the world around him is his chosen medium involves using complex layering techniques to capture the way he sees the world. He uses layering to attain an almost three-dimensional look to his paintings and bold and refined linear techniques to provide a vivid definition to the shapes of a landscape or seascape.

“My favorite piece right now is out of my seascape work,” he said. “It is this painting called ‘Boat Ride’ and for abstract work probably the citrus piece because of the coloring. When I am working on an abstract there is a theory that you start with and you elaborate on that and get some paint on the canvas and see where it goes. Otherwise I will take a photo and do a stylized version of what I see there and interpret it. I draw out the scene a bit and then get rid of the photo and just work from what I want to see.”

A new addition to Chase’s chosen inspiration, which he has been developing since 2012, are his light installations.

He said that he has been working on the process more this year trying to develop a line of art that is unique, that does not hang on the wall. He uses a Giclee Printer and prints his paintings on cotton. They are very high quality prints that if unfurled would cost two or three times what they do as a lampshade.

“I get to construct something and see my art work in a different dimension,” Chase said. “It is nice to see it flat on the wall but it is even better to see it when it becomes threedimensional and you can create a painting and use it as a portion of something new.

It becomes like any other piece of material you would use in creating a sculpture at that point. The reality between painting and sculpture is that sculpture items don’t tend to sell as well as a painting. If you look at a bronze sculpture they cost a fortune, but

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if you look at a painting the person will be more inclined to buy the painting unless they are really interested in sculpture. They find that paintings have more value, though if you make a sculpture and sell it you have to make another you can’t just make a print.

So I feel that there is more work involved and art in this medium tend to be more original and unique because of this.”

On any given day you can find Chase barefoot, rocking out to some good tunes and painting. It is all part of the experience

at Fiona Bleu. When meandering through the door you will receive an instant shock to the system as the colors, shapes and vital art forms flood your senses. Chase has truly created a haven for the arts at Fiona Bleu Gallery that makes you not want to leave.

The Gallery is located at 900 Embarcadero in Morro Bay and is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. To learn more about Fiona Bleu Gallery, visit www.fionableu. com or call 772-0541.

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Morro Bay Life - February 2015 - 9

Bicycle and pedestrian improvements Contributed Article

San Luis Obispo Council Of Governments has begun the process of collecting Bike/Pedestrian Improvement Requests for 2015. The annual Unmet Transit Needs and Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements Public Hearings are scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 4 at the County Board of Supervisors’ Chambers located at 1055 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo. Deadline to submit is Feb. 11.

Morro Bay’s Citizens Bike Committee’s has compiled an initial list for submittal – 1.

Address tree root encroachment underneath the Class I multi-use trail from Main Street to the Cloisters.

Particular damage is occurring between the high school driveway and Coral Street. Existing pavement is buckling and cracking and will eventually become unsuitable for bicycle and skateboard travel. We are rapidly losing a major investment in an enormously popular walking and bicycling path that connects north and south Morro Bay. 2.

Provide a safe way for westbound bicyclists on San Jacinto to approach Main Street from Alder. The bike lane ends at Alder with no designated route for bicyclists to proceed farther.

3. Provide city-wide bicycle safety education targeted to adults and children to reduce unsafe and illegal bicycling practices.

4. Address a problem of motor vehicles making a right turn on red from Highway 1 onto San Jacinto.

“Drivers in the Highway 1 right turn lane race down that

Carnival

Road to Yerba Buena to provide either a. a wider bike lane for southbound bicyclists or b. a separated bikeway that accommodates users in both directions on one side of the street.

The northbound bike lane is up to 12 feet wide in places and the southbound lane is so narrow (four feet wide with direct proximity to a chain link fence that separates bicyclists from high-speed freeway traffic) that many users, particularly high school students, bike or skate south in the northbound lane.

13. Raise the Class I multi-use trail beside PG&E property above the flood line.

14. Widen Toro Creek Bridge across Highway 1 north of Morro Bay to add a bike lane on the northbound side.

15. Extend the Harbourwalk south along the Embarcadero through Tidelands Park to Morro Bay State Park and through the park to South Bay Boulevard.

16. Extend the Harbourwalk north from Morro Creek to the south end of the Morro Bay-Cayucos Connector.

17. Refresh bike lane painting as needed throughout the city.

lane only to slam on their brakes to avoid hitting children pedestrians/bikers in the crosswalk.” This is particularly hazardous when children and parents are in transit to or from Del Mar School.

5. Take a look at non-motorized vehicle use of Harbor and Beach Streets from Main to Embarcadero and see if bike lanes or sharrows or some other sort of accommodation should be made.

6. Re-engineer the intersection of Quintana with Main Street in Morro Bay to provide safe crossing for northbound cyclists from Main to the bike trail.

7.

Paint green the northbound bike lane on Main Street approaching Quintana where it begins the transition from the curb across the right turn motor vehicle lane.

8.

Provide more bike parking facilities at popular destinations. We would like the City to explore the idea that bike parking does not belong on sidewalks, that sidewalks are for pedestrians and that there are innovative alternatives such as bike corrals and parklets.

9. Paint Class II bike lanes on Atascadero Road from Morro Creek to the high school to connect to existing Class II and Class I bikeways.

10. Add sharrows to Embarcadero Road south of Beach Street.

11. Repair the path through Del Mar Park between Ironwood and Island streets.

12. Restripe North Main Street from Atascadero

If you have additional ideas to improve Morro Bay’s bike/pedestrian infrastructure, contact Red Davis at slobike@yahoo.com.

Continued from page 1

facilities in developing countries and so much more.

“Rotary is an integral part in this community and through the funds we raise throughout the year and volunteer efforts in the community, we are able make Morro Bay a little better for all of our citizens, young and old,” Zoe said.

Attending this even not only supports the Morro Bay community, but will be a great time as well. With Steve McCann and the Quiet Knights providing live music, Mari Lenci, a chef specializing in traditional gourmet Italian cuisine preparing a delicious gourmet meal and both live and silent auctions, it is not an event to miss.

There will also be a free door prize drawing to enjoy live auction bidding

by Jim Brescia, auctioneer and new San Luis Obispo County Office of Education Superintendent. For all those who want to

bid there are two amazing trips to win.

The first is an excursion to New Orleans for two with a three night stay at Hyatt French Quarter, airfare for two, VIP admission to Preservation Hall of Jazz and Commander’s Palace Jazz brunch or dinner with wine pairing. The second will magically whisk a bidder away to Cancun for a five nigh stay with airfare for two and some wonderful treats in story upon arrival.

Tickets for Rotary Club’s Evening with Heart are available at Coast Electronics, Village Cleaners and Lolo’s Mexican Restaurant. Tickets purchased after Jan. 7 will be $30. The event sells out every year so secure your tickets now. For more information and updates, visit the Rotary Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ pages/Evening-with-Heart-Morro-BayRotary or contact Carol Furtado at 3193180.

Photos contributed by Farris Zoe

The Rotary Club of Morro Bay will be decked out for Carnival.

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10 - Morro Bay Life - February 2015

ONGOING EVENTS Farmers Market 1

The Morro Bay weekly Thursday farmers market is open to the public beginning at 3 to 5 p.m.

There will be all kinds of wonderful artisan wares and produce for purchase. The event is located in downtown Morro Bay at Main and Harbor Street. For more information, or to become a vendor call 772-4467.

Farmers Market 2

The Morro Bay weekly Saturday farmers market is open to the public beginning at 3 to 6 p.m.

There will be all kinds of wonderful artisan wares and produce for purchase. The event is located in downtown Morro Bay at Main and Harbor Street. For more information, or to become a vendor call 772-4467.

The Morro Bay Senior Citzens, Inc.

The Morro Bay Senior Citzens, Inc. is looking for a few new volunteers! If you like assisting people, the Morro Bay Senior Center may be the perfect location to volunteer! Volunteers at the Morro Bay Senior Center meet and greet people daily, provide information regarding various senior services within our community, check-out medical equipment, and more! It is a fun and friendly atmosphere, a great place to spend a few hours once a week. Interested volunteers should contact the Senior Center at 772-4421.

MindBody Techniques for Health & Healing

In this 4 part class, learn how to use self hypnosis, applied meditation practices, guided imagery and qi gong to catalyze health & healing and reduce pain, stress, depression and anxiety. Taught by certified clinical / medical hypnotherapist & meditation / qi gong instructor Devin Wallace. Hosted Sundays, Aug. 31 -- September 21, 3-5 pm. Yoga Center of Morro Bay, 1000 Main St. Tuition is $80. Call 709-2227 or email devinwalla@gmail.com for information and registration.

Free Dance at Chessboard

Morro Bay Bellydance troupe Benat Serat invites you to join them for a free familyfriendly dance performance at the Giant Chessboard on the Embarcadero. This 45 minute show will begin at 2 pm. It will feature original dances set to current music as well as traditional middle eastern rhythms.

Beginning Belly dance classes are Tuesdays at 7 pm through the Morro Bay Community Center, and Sundays at Wilwand Tea Co. & Healing Arts upstairs studio in Atascadero.To learn more visit benatserat.wordpress.com

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Metaphysical discussion group This discussion group is free to all who would like to attend every Tuesday from 6-8 p.m.

Located at 875 Main Street Suite C in Morro Bay. To find out more about Ruby Dragon events visit www.rubydragon.info.

Cancer Support Group This meeting is on going and open to all for free. This will be hosted every Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. located at 875 Main Street Suite C in Morro Bay. To find out more about Ruby Dragon events visit www.rubydragon.info.

WRITERS GROUP Every Thursday (class limited to 10) / 6 - 8:30 p.m. $150/month (pro-rated depending on when you join) / with Tobey Crockett

FULL MOON CIRCLES At Morro Rock, on the beach Evenings of the full moon / 6:30 p.m. / Free! / with Teressena Celebrate the Full Moon! Open to men, women and children.

SCRABBLE CLUB

Grandma’s Frozen Yogurt & Waffle Shop Thursdays 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. One Board available or bring your own. Invite a friend. All Day, Every Day…Chess and many other games complementary for all ages! Enjoy the courtyard at Grandma’s Frozen Yogurt & Waffle Shop at “The Gathering Place.” 307 Morro Bay Blvd., (Corner of Main Street) Morro Bay, CA Sunday-Thursday 10:00-7:00 pm and Friday and Saturday 10:00-10:00 p.m., call 704-YUMM (9866) for more information.

Community Calendar SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1 FRAME DRUM WORKSHOP

From 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for the cost of $125 with Rowan Storm. Each participant will receive a 12” Thinline Frame Drum (retail value $40) The focus will be on the Symmetrical Frame Drum Method using Rowan Storm’s Thinline Frame Drums, which she designed for Remo Drums. Other drums and items will be available to play and for purchase. Rowan will teach the two-handed drum method that she has developed which utilizes both the left and right sides of the brain. To find out more about Ruby Dragon events visit www.rubydragon.info and to preregister call 772-1100.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2

Ruby Dragon events visit www.rubydragon.info and to preregister call 772-1100.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11

Morro Bay Art Center Creativity Day

Everyday is creativity day at the Morro Bay Art Center.

Now on Wednesday’s it’s official from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. all can let the creative juices flow. To learn more visit, www. artcentermorrobay.com.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12 Otter Rock Live Music

The Morro Bay Art Center is hosting Jason Mayr’s oil painting class for anyone to enjoy from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This class will be available every Monday for the year 2015. To learn more visit, www.artcentermorrobay.com.

Mud on the Tire will be taking the otter rock stage at 7 p.m. taking all on a musical excursion until 10 p.m.

Otter Rock Cafe offers tasty cuisine, libation and an open dance floor to get you groove on with one of many live bands that make this a hip spot and pit stop on their tours. For more information, visit www.otterrockcafe. com.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13

Everyday is creativity day at the Morro Bay Art Center.

Now on Wednesday’s it’s official from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. all can let the creative juices flow. To learn more visit, www. artcentermorrobay.com.

Green to White will be taking the otter rock stage at 8 p.m. taking all on a musical excursion until 12 p.m.

Otter Rock Cafe offers tasty cuisine, libation and an open dance floor to get you groove on with one of many live bands that make this a hip spot and pit stop on their tours. For more information, visit www.otterrockcafe.com.

Morro Bay Art Center Oil Painting Class

Morro Bay Art Center Creativity Day

ASTROLOGY Planetary and Personal Synchronicity

From 6 to 8:00 p.m. for the cost of $100 with Catherine Kincaid enhance your insight and understanding exploring the compelling connections between the personal and the planetary. You will receive your own personal astrological chart from Astrologer, Catherine Kincaid, when you provide her with your birth information: your birth date, time, and place. The celestial bodies at the time and place of your birth are completely unique to you: “as above, so below.” To find out more about Ruby Dragon events visit www.rubydragon.info and to preregister call 772-1100.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7

An Evening With Heart Morro Bay Rotary Club Fundraiser

Enjoy and Eventing with Heart with an italian dinner buffet, and carnival as the theme kicking off at 5 p.m. at the Morro Bay Community Center. The cost to attend will be $30 per person and all proceeds go to supporting the scholarships, donations to those in need and elder care programs that the Rotary supports. For more information, contact Farris Zoe by calling 468-5463.

Geo-Cache Grandma’s Frozen Yogurt & Waffle Shop

Do you know how many Geo-Cache treasures are located in Morro Bay? Always wondered what Geo-Cache is all about? Join this new Family Friendly group of “new to” and experienced Geo-Cachers at Grandma’s Frozen Yogurt & Waffle Shop at “The Gathering Place”, corner of Main Street & Morro Bay Blvd. The excitement starts at NOON with a dash of frozen for all who join this new group. Get outside for some fresh air, and watch the smiles as you and the others discover treasures throughout the City of Morro Bay. To reserve your packet of “how to’s” e-mail grandmasyogurt@live.com. You can walk or bike our lovely community for this first time and on-going group event.Enjoy the courtyard at Grandma’s Frozen Yogurt & Waffle Shop at “The Gathering Place.” 307 Morro Bay Blvd., (Corner of Main Street) Morro Bay, CA SundayThursday 10:00-7:00 pm and Friday and Saturday 10:0010:00 p.m., call 704-YUMM (9866) for more information.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8 REIKI I

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for the cost of $125 join Eileen Bilynsky for Reiki I. This is your introduction to a miraculous journey of healing and self-awareness. In this class you will learn the history of Reiki, the Reiki principles, and the use and benefits of consistent Reiki practice. We will demonstrate the hand positions for selftreatment and direct treatment on others and practice a self-Reiki treatment. We will discuss the energetic body and chakra system, do some exercises to help tune you into feeling the energy within yourself and around others, and show you how to scan the body for energy. There will be plenty of time for questions and lively discussion! You will receive your Reiki Level I attunement during the class and then be able to give Reiki to yourself, your family, your friends and your pets. Please dress comfortably and bring a blanket and two pillows for our practice session.

To find out more about Ruby Dragon events visit www. rubydragon.info and to preregister call 772-1100.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9

Morro Bay Art Center Oil Painting Class

The Morro Bay Art Center is hosting Jason Mayr’s oil painting class for anyone to enjoy from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This class will be available every Monday for the year 2015. To learn more visit, www.artcentermorrobay.com.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10

PALMISTRY: Secrets of the Hands Revealed

From 6 to 8:00 p.m. for the cost of $20 with Catherine Kincaid find Love, Purpose, Gifts and Fate; such are unveiled when you learn how to read the signs our hands display. Explore the insights of this mystic art and science studied by sages for thousands of years. Bring your open minds, hearts and hands for an intriguing and fun experience of Palmistry. To find out more about

FEB.

blockages. Know when to remove blockages and when to refer people to the medical profession. Learn about the major organs, the glands, the nervous system and much more. To find out more about Ruby Dragon events visit www.rubydragon.info and to preregister call 772-1100.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16

Morro Bay Art Center Oil Painting Class

The Morro Bay Art Center is hosting Jason Mayr’s oil painting class for anyone to enjoy from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This class will be available every Monday for the year 2015. To learn more visit, www.artcentermorrobay.com.

Otter Rock Live Music

MORRO BAY EMBARCADERO ART WALK

On the second Friday of every month from 5 to 8 p.m.

Art Galleries and Shops located in the Marina Square Complex on the waterfront side of the Embarcadero.

Spend an enjoyable evening along the waterfront free! Converse with many talented local artists about their fine art, jewelry, crafts and more! Have a work of art, signed by the artist! Listen to local guitarist, Mike Swanberg. Enjoy refreshments provided by participating galleries and shops. Marina Square Complex, 601 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, CA 93442 CONTACT:Marina Square Complex 772-1068.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14

Papagallo II CRUISIN’ THE BAY WITH Paul Johnson

Come enjoy Chef Len’s cuisine and your favorite beverage from our no-host bar begin boarding at 5:45 p.m. The cruz on board the Papagallo II will launch at 6 and return at 9 p. m.It’s time to bring your sweetheart for another romantic, magical evening with one of our favorite entertainers. Paul is a solo musician hailing from California’s Central Coast and has a very original style, putting a fresh face on some old music favorites.For more information, and to purchase tickets call 771-9916 or visit, www.onboardnauticalevents.com.

Big Bad Ugly Surf and Turf Competition ENTRY DEADLINE: Feb. 11, 2015

Long Board Contest, 1st heat 7:15AM This is a longboard and short board event (SUP also) – A longboard is 9 feet or 3 feet over your head. Cost for entry $70 and Estero Bay Surf Club members $60 and Grom $35.

This includes: 1 Ugly T-shirt, 1 awards dinner ticket, golf.

(Grom and Menehuni fee does not include golf). Note: Add $5.00 if planning to surf in two segments. Example: Longboard and shortboard or shortboard and SUP. Add $10.00 if surfing all three venues.The Estero Bay Surf Club will consider the first 96 entries and will form a waiting list in each division after that. Please notify Val by phone (or email) of your club’s interest for early planning. Each Team’s final standing will be based upon its members’ surf and golf scores. Fro more information, contact Val Wright at 995-2779 or e-mail fignueton@AOL.com

Grandmas Frozen Yogurt Valentines Day Live Music by Lenny Blue and Friends

From 3 to 6 p.m. Grandma’s got a “Sweetheart Specialty Belgian Waffle Boat” with frozen yogurt ready for you!

Complimentary Board Games for the Entire Family all day long! Sit, visit, and watch our Farmer’s Market come alive on the corner of Main Street & Morro Bay Blvd. in Morro Bay or call 704-YUMM (9866) for more information.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15

Big Bad Ugly Surf and Turf Competition ENTRY DEADLINE: Feb. 11, 2015

9 Hole Golf Tournament, Shotgun start, 8:00AM Sea Pines Golf Course, Los Osos, CA. Cost for entry is $70 and for Estero Bay Surf Club members the cost is $60 and Grom $35. This includes: 1 Ugly T-shirt, 1 awards dinner ticket, golf. (Grom and Menehuni fee does not include golf).

Note: Add $5.00 if planning to surf in two segments.

Example: Longboard and short board or short board and SUP. Add $10.00 if surfing all three venues.The Estero Bay Surf Club will consider the first 96 entries and will form a waiting list in each division after that. Please notify Val by phone (or email) of your club’s interest for early planning. Each Team’s final standing will be based upon its members’ surf and golf scores. For more information, contact Val Wright at 995-2779 or e-mail fignueton@AOL. com

HOW TO BECOME A MEDICAL INTUITIVE

Feb. 15, 22, Mar 1, 8, 15, and 22 From 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for the cost of $180 (payments will be accepted) or $150 if paid by Feb 1 for a class with Penny Harrington. Learn about the major systems in the body and how to interpret energy

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18

Morro Bay Art Center Creativity Day

Everyday is creativity day at the Morro Bay Art Center.

Now on Wednesday’s it’s official from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. all can let the creative juices flow. To learn more visit, www. artcentermorrobay.com.

ASTROLOGY Planetary and Personal Synchronicity

From 6 to 8:00 p.m. for the cost of $100 with Catherine Kincaid enhance your insight and understanding exploring the compelling connections between the personal and the planetary. You will receive your own personal astrological chart from Astrologer, Catherine Kincaid, when you provide her with your birth information: your birth date, time, and place. The celestial bodies at the time and place of your birth are completely unique to you: “as above, so below.” To find out more about Ruby Dragon events visit www.rubydragon.info and to preregister call 772-1100.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21& 22

Pacific Coast Wine Trail Passport Weekend

Nine participating wineries will be pouring their best and giving a portion of their tasting room proceeds to benefit the Marine Mammal Center in San Luis Obispo. For this that visit all 9 wineries they will have a chance to wine some wonderful raffle prizes too. Visit Chateau Margene on the Morro Bay Embarcadero and Cuatro Dias off the 41 in the Antiques Mall. Show your support for the only two Morro Bay Wineries and stop on by for a wonderful bite pared with exquisite wines from the Central Coast.

To pick up a passport and learn more visit, http:// pacificcoastwinetrail.com.

Dollhouse & Miniatures Show and Sale

On February 21st and 22nd, the Miniature Cottage Shop presents their Dollhouse and Miniatures Show and Sale in Morro Bay, California. During show hours, attendees can enjoy commercial vendors, crafts, door prizes and mouthwatering BBQ. For more information call 772-7858.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23

Morro Bay Art Center Oil Painting Class

The Morro Bay Art Center is hosting Jason Mayr’s oil painting class for anyone to enjoy from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This class will be available every Monday for the year 2015. To learn more visit, www.artcentermorrobay.com.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25

Morro Bay Art Center Creativity Day

Everyday is creativity day at the Morro Bay Art Center.

Now on Wednesday’s it’s official from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. all can let the creative juices flow. To learn more visit, www. artcentermorrobay.com.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26 Morro Bay Art Association: Morro Bay Historical

The “Morro Bay Historical” Show opens February 26th representing historical views and will run through April 13th. Come and enjoy an exhibition featuring local artists in different mediums. The Opening Reception will be held on Sunday, March 1st from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, visit www.artcentermorrobay. com.

To be included in the Community Calendar please contact Allyson Oken at aoken@atascaderonews.com

Morro Bay Life - February 2015 - 11

Wine weekend

MBHS Dance

Continued from page 1

Continued from page 6

Photo By Allyson Oken

Winemaker, Michael Mooney takes great pride in the wines he and his family create.

is very excited to be a part of the passport weekend this year, explaining that owner and winemaker Greg Allen has set up wonderful pairings for the day featuring dishes that pair best with their Viognier and blend, “Sins of Our Past.”

“Greg opened up the tasting room about a year ago and has been making wine for years for many different wineries in the Paso Robles area as well as being a full time fire fighter,” Esposito said. “This is where the name came from: Cuatro Dias is representative of his four days off that he uses to make the wine we pour here. For Passport Weekend we are going to be pairing our Viogner with clam chowder and our blend Sins of Our Past with a steak sandwich appetizer. People can come spend the afternoon in the garden or in our cool little tasting room and enjoy the full experience fro $8 and we will be offering a 10 percent discount on the two wines we are featuring. It will be a great time and we hope to see everyone out at the garden.”

Cuatro Dias is located at 520 Atascadero Road in Morro Bay and is open Friday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information or to download a passport, visit http:// pacificcoastwinetrail.com.

Also new this year to the Pacific Wine Trail Passport Weekend is Chateau Margene.

Originally opened in Creston in 1997, Chateau Margene is known for its boutique micro winery where they focus on creating the highest quality Cabernets Sauvignons, Cab blends, Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays sourced from their property, the Santa Lucia Highlands and Monterey County.

Winemaker and owner Michael Mooney and his wife Margene, for whom the winery is named, have a long history in the county. In fact one of their three wine labels, called El Pistolero, is a tribute to Mooney’s lineage in Los Osos and Morro Bay. Mooney said that when they were looking for a new tasting room location in the county they thought of Morro Bay because of his connection to the area.

“The Mooney family has a long history in this county that dates back to the Canada de Los Osos Mexican land grants about five generations ago when my great-great grandfather Victor Linares was given this property in 1842, now Montana de Oro,” he said. “We have our three labels Chateau Margene, Mooney and El Pistolero and take the time to make more high-end wines paying great attention to the fruit and using more lengthy fermentation processes. It is really a family business, my wife plans all events, my son works in the vineyards and I make the wine. When we opened our new tasting room in Morro Bay we saw an opportunity to be the first winery to open a tasting room on the Embarcadero. It was given a face-lift by my wife, who took it from bright turquoise to an understated, yet classy environment with an island feel. Since this is our first year on the coast pouring our wines we thought we should join the Pacific Coast Wine Trail and take part in their events. For the Passport weekend we will be pairing wonderful ahi tacos with wasabi crème fraiche with our Grenache Blanc and going with my wife’s French roots we will be serving a chocolate truffle with our Cabernet Sauvignon. It will be a great day to be out by the bay and enjoying our wines in the new tasting room.”

Chateau Margene will be offering their passport experience for the cost of $10 per person as well as a 10 percent discount on any wine purchased. They are located at 845 Embarcadero Road in Morro Bay and are open Friday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pick up your passport to enjoy the weekend at http://pacificcoastwinetrail.com or stop by a participating winery to get started.

Other participants include Hearst Ranch Winery, Black Hand Cellars, Moonstone Cellars, Twin Coyotes Winery, Stolo Family Winery, Harmony Cellars and Cayucos Cellars. Each winery will be pairing their wine with tasty bites to provide an exclusive tasting and pairing experience. To learn more about the seven other participating wineries and their pairings, visit http://pacificcoastwinetrail.com.

Fresh Vegan Cuisine Featuring Local & Organic Ingredients

Photos B Allyson Oken

Part of the Jazz Dance routine that will be preformed at the Febraury event by eight dancers with props.

actually told me about it,” student Bryn Andersen said. “I had been a acrobat since I was three so she thought I should join. I am in my junior year now and I like that we are all a family and that we all love each other. We meet every Monday and hang out on weekends and that is why I love it.”

Every student in the practice room was energetic and excited to be working together on the choreography for the show. They all feel like a team, a family and this is all thanks to Smith and her ability to create an environment where students feel comfortable and can express themselves artistically.

“I started as a sophomore,” student Ryan Morris said, “I had a bunch of friends that were constantly telling me to join in so I obliged them and it has been really, really fun. I am in eleventh grade and I really like that we are working together to create a work of art with movement that it really fun.”

These are the young minds that are being nourished by the arts education at Morro Bay High School. They are well versed, eloquent, artistically inclined and challenged by their instructor Smith to attain their own personal level of greatness. Though many will not go on to dance professionally they will never forget the experience.

To show support for MBHS arts, attend the two-day concert kicking off at 7 p.m. Feb. 19 and 20. For more information, about Dance Fusion and their activities in the community visit, http://oldmbhs.slcusd.org/pages/dance/index.html.

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12 - Morro Bay Life - February 2015