Orange County

Orange County Orange County

91st Annual Academy Awards ORANGE COUNTY STYLE

The 91st Academy Awards took place on February 8, 2020 at Hollywood’s Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California, just before our lives came to a crashing halt thanks to Covid 19.

Again, the Orange County Chapter enjoyed this event in the beautiful home of Dianna and Knight Steve Bulkeley located in Coto De CAZA. The Bulkeley’s decorated their home in Academy Award splendor; having a red-carpet entrance for guests and a variety of movie posters. Adding to the movie experience, there was an assortment of handmade desserts and a variety of popcorn flavors to enjoy.

Members brought a dish and wines to share during the awards ceremony. All in attendance were given a ballot to vote for each of the categories. Things got very lively during the show as each winner was announced. At the ends of the Academy Awards, ballots were picked up, and tallied. Susan Sommers was the winner and received a handmade chocolate statue of the Oscar.

Steve and Dianna Bulkeley Academy Award Hosts

Winner of Academy Awards Susan Sommers

Free at Last... On June 27 we had an impromptu event celebrating (or so we thought) finally being freed from our quarantine Wrong!Wrong!Jim & Linda Loomis (seated). Hosts for our Free at Last gathering nightmare. While many opted out and did not attend as they were still unsure, thirty brave souls did attend.

All guests had their temperatures checked upon entrance and a few brought masks, but never used them.

The gathering was held in the large backyard of Gentle Lady Linda Loomis and husband Jim’s home which is on Lake Mission Viejo. The area is large and accommodated our group with ease and comfort. The event was catered using disposable plates and utensils and members brought their own wines and wine glasses.

We had music playing and all had a wonderful, relaxing evening enjoying each other’s company. Everyone felt safe as the proper precautions were taken and it should be noted that no one attending experienced any medical issues for having been present. For that, we are all thankful and can’t wait to gather again.

Planning Party

Thank you to Knight Jeff Grether and his lady Sue for hosting the Planning Party on January 18 in their beautifully remodeled home to make great plans for 2020. It was wonderful to have 42 members and guests all together and interested in looking ahead to so many exciting events. Brainstorming was led by Jon Greer and Dianne Artim to establish events for the year. The Mexican buffet was arranged by Kris and TomMcCrystal along with a delicious chocolate cake frosted with our Knights of the Vine motto: Per Vitem! Ad Vitam! Through the vine, toward life! Sadly, as we all now know, due to Covid 19, most … but not all … of those plans were cancelled or postponed!