Red Cross golf tourney raises $50,000+ for youth programs

THIS YEAR marked the first time that the American Red Cross Greater Long Beach Chapter (GLBC) Golf Tournament enjoyed sold-out status and exceeded its goal, raising nearly $51,000 for the Chapter's award-winning Youth Services Programs.

The 7th Annual GLBC Golf Tournament was a huge success thanks to the support of Honorary Chairwoman Michelle Wie, the generous sponsors and players, donating organizations, and the volunteers who made it all possible.

On Oct. 10, 148 golfers enjoyed a beautiful day at the scenic SeaCliff Country Club along with a continental breakfast, goodie bags, tee prizes, lunch, a buffet dinner and awards ceremony. The raffle prizes were abundant and many silent auction items enjoyed unique one-of a-kind status such as a tour of the Zamboni Plant with Richard Zamboni and autographed Michelle Wie memorabilia. Next year's event will be Oct. 9.

The winning team of Butch Twining (president of Twining Labs), Dr. Doug Emery and Tim Ganatta received beautiful trophies and gift certificates for the pro shop at SeaCliff Country Club.

Tournament Sponsors: BP Pipelines (Presenting); Wal-Mart (Eagle); Yamaha Motor Corp. (Lunch); The Port of Long Beach (Banquet); Sempra Energy (Putting Contest); Supervisor Don Knabe (Long Drive Contest); Union Bank of California (Closest to the Line); Cabe Toyota, Lexus of Cerritos, Yamaha and TABC (Hole-in-One); Ted Roghan, Max DeZemplen, Nancy Kindelan and Goldsmith Construction (Par); CJ, Dorothy and Fred Wise, Farmers and Merchants Bank, Thums Company Long Beach and Betty Seal (Tee); and Blue Engravers (Awards).

FYI: The Greater Long Beach Chapter of the American Red Cross serves the communities of Artesia, Bellflower, Catalina Island, Cerritos, Hawaiian Gardens, Lakewood, Long Beach, Paramount and Signal Hill and is ready to respond at a moment's notice when help is needed. Red Cross volunteers make it possible to provide disaster relief, serve the military and their families, enable youth to learn leadership skills, train others in Red Cross fundamentals, and teach life saving CPR and First Aid. The Greater Long Beach Chapter is a United Way Partner in Bridging the Gap in the communities it serves.

Seen at the Scene: Tim Hawkins of BP Pipelines, Keith Green of United Way, Erin Stibal of Supervisor Don Knabe's Office, Max DeZemplen, Al Brunella, Harold Omel, Leo Vander Lans, Jim Wikenzy, Jean Bixby Smith, Ted Roghan, Scott Johnson, Bill Madonna, Phil and Barbie Wendel and Candice Stacy.

'SIDEWAYS' PARTY

The party line: "A Culinary Celebration of the Santa Barbara Wine Country" was the billing for the party offered at the Long Beach Cancer League's 2005 Saddle Baron's Ball and the event lived up to its promise on Oct. 15 at the Naples home of Gina and John Strong. Gina was a co-chair of the Saddle Baron's Ball.

Guests arrived at the beautifully decorated location were each greeted by a glass of sparkling wine, the first of many tastes to come of the Santa Barbara wine country. Chef Paul Buchanan welcomed everyone and gave them a brief overview of the evening. The guests were given menus listing the food courses, wines and quotes from the movie "Sideways." In all, 14 wines from the region were tasted throughout the evening. Each paired with gourmet delicacies specifically

prepared to complement their unique characteristics. Dana Buchanan poured and described each of the wines while Chef Paul served 14 courses of exquisite food paired with each wine.

Members of the happy throng moved throughout the home during the evening, starting in the living and dining rooms for the sparkling wine paired with the first three courses: roasted fingerling potato with American caviar and vodka creme fresca; spoons of pink grapefruit, avocado and pink peppercorn salad; and ciabatta crisp with petit Basque and persimmon chutney; served with Hobbit sparkling brut.

The group then moved to the back patio, spilling into the kitchen, where they enjoyed interaction with Chef Paul as he prepared each course. White wine was served with garlic shrimp risotto with Chef Paul's garden pesto; tri-color heirloom tomato cocktail with basil oil and baby grilled cheese sandwiches; hickory smoked salmon hash on blue potato Chips.The lovely wines included Babcock Sauvignon Blanc, Westerly Viognier and Bonnacorsi Chardonnay.

The red wines were next, served with roasted Japanese pumpkin lurry with Kaffir lime cream; mild mushroom crostini with white truffle butter and chives; braised beef short rib skewers with car siu sauce; and baked mission figs stuffed with bleu cheese and pistachios. Wonderful wines included Pinot Noirs from Arcadian, Lane Tanner and Au Bon Climat; Andrew Murray Syrah, Palmina Niebiollo and Sangiovese from Foxen and Cambria.

Desserts were served upstairs as the group enjoyed a romantic view of the Long Beach Marina from the balcony while enjoying the balmy fall evening. The taste delights included triple chocolate walnut brownies, fall pear tart with toasted almond and avocado flower honey and apricot tart with vanilla custard. Served with coffee, the wines included Mosby Raspberry Liqueur, Bonnie Doon Ice Wine and Westerly Apres.

The evening was casual and festive with lots of interaction with the chef and interest in the food and wines. All the guests had such a great time. And no, merlot was not served! (Miles, the lead in the movie, had a line which went, "If anyone serves Merlot, I'm outta here!")

Seen at the scene: Party donors Chef Paul and Dana Buchanan, owners of Primal Alchemy Catering and hosted by the three co-chairs of the Saddle Baron's Ball, Gina Strong, Jodi Cole and Elizabeth Holihan and their spouses John, Monte and Greg; Jan and Ray Jones (who had the high bid for the popular party); and their lucky guests Janet and Steve Jones, Vicki and Jack Russo, Maria and Tom DeBacher, Ann and Tony Duni, and Gayle Wright.

News of social events with charitable purposes may be sent to Shirley Wild by fax at (562) 594-9668. Send photos to Seen at the Scene at 604 Pine Ave., Long Beach CA 90844. She may be reached by phone at (562) 594-9468.

What are people saying about mortgages today:

Rates on 30-year mortgages edged down last week to a seven-month low. Mortgage-giant Freddie Mac reported Thursday that 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages fell to 6.3 percent, down slightly from 6.31 percent two weeks ago. It put rates at the lowest level since they were at 6.24 percent the first week of March.

Bank of Hawaii, Central Pacific Bank, Territorial Savings Bank and Wells Fargo Home Mortgages all cut their 30-year mortgage rates to 5.75 percent this week.

Most people think of a mortgage as a means to an end. After all, you buy a house, not a home loan. But a mortgage is much more than the path to homeownership. It is a financial instrument that must be managed, just like any other financial investment.