April 21 - May 4, 2020
Every Issue Complimentary Every Time
www.santaynezvalleystar.com
Shining a positive light into dark moments; keeping the community #SYVStrong By Raiza Giorgi
publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com
S
anta Ynez Valley is not immune to the effects of the COVID-19 virus that has swept the world. Businesses are closed as this heavily tourism-based community has turned into a ghost town with empty streets. Schools have switched to distance learning, and all the senior care facilities have been placed on lockdown. However, this isn’t the first time that the valley has seen crisis, such as when the Thomas fire and Montecito mudslide closed Highway 101 for weeks, which was financially devastating for a lot of local businesses. Most likely this isn’t the last either. The difference is in the attitudes of the residents and business owners who have come together to support others in need. We have put together this roundup of caring people who are working hard to help every facet of the community. We also have a short documentary on our YouTube page. The week before Easter brought in much-needed rain that will help farmers and ranchers get through another year. People were treated to amazing views from double rainbows and beautiful green hillsides, as a reprieve from the COVID-19 news. People put their heads together (digitally) to come up with fun, positive activities to brighten people’s spirits as well. The PVSR Hot Rod club decided to do a fun drive through various neighborhoods in the valley from Santa Ynez to Los Olivos, back through Solvang and a loop around Buellton. The club members also decided to drive the loop through the Atterdag Village of Solvang, as many of the residents haven’t left the facility in weeks. “Residents and staff came out from every level to watch the parade of cars,” said Chris Parker, executive director of Atterdag. “This was so uplifting for many of the residents to see the community remember they’re here.” Parker said Atterdag employees have been busy keeping the residents occupied with games,
Photos by Daniel Dreifuss The PVSR Hot Rod club decided to do a fun drive through various neighborhoods in the valley including Atterdag Village of Solvang.
The Camilleri family of Buellton loved having a visit from the Easter Bunny.
having social distancing coffee and cocktails outside. This situation weighs heavy on his heart as he knows how special and precious time is, and having to not let family and friends on campus to visit has been rough. “I have a couple who has been married for 45 years separate because one is in skilled nursing and the other in assisted living,” Parker said. “I am making sure they get to at least have visits outside near one another.” When the restrictions are eventually lifted, Parker is planning on how visitors will be screened when allowed on campus from taking temperatures and ensuring people still wear masks and gloves. The Solvang Senior Center is also still going strong, even during this time of uncertainty and concern. Although all physical and social activities have been suspended until further notice, Executive Director Ellen Albertoni and Kitchen
the community as their school routines have been upended. A lot of the neighborhoods have put teddy bears in their windows for kids to go on “Bear Hunts,” and held social distancing Easter egg hunts. The Buellton and Solvang Parks and Recreation departments usually come together for the annual Easter Eggstravaganza, but this year volunteers went around to the neighborhoods and placed eggs in yards for the kids to find. The Buellton Chamber of Commerce teamed up with Flying Flags RV Resort and Sideways Inn to hold “physically distancing” Easter egg hunts. Resident Candice Signa and her family dressed up as the Easter Bunny and went on a tour of Buellton to cheer up the kids. Signa was also a part of several local real estate agents and construction companies who SYV STRONG CONTINUED TO PAGE 22
Manager Anne Twigg are still at the Center every day during normal hours. “With the help of a fantastic group of volunteers, all of our 500 members have been contacted, checking in on their needs and offering a kind voice at the other end of the phone,” Albertoni said. The facility has restructured its lunch program and is also offering mental stimulation by offering free wool and patterns to knit for the troops, as well as puzzles, books and games. The senior center also has had great support from local restaurants like Solvang Restaurant, Veggie Rescue, Albertson’s, the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County and Sysco Systems. “Please call the Center at 805-688-3793 and ask for Ellen if you have any questions about available services or need someone to talk to,” Albertoni said. Children have also had a lot of support from
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