Taylor Sims, Karen Noble, Chris Benassi

Estate Management Group in Rancho Santa Fe  recently held an Open House at the Mille Fleurs patio.

Deborah Sims is the principle of the Estate Management Group. She began her career with Dean Witter 25 years ago in downtown Los Angeles. Within five years, Sims was named Vice President of Great Western Financial Services, an acclaimed Wall Street firm. For the last 15 years, Sims has been practicing as an Independent Financial Advisor.

While using her unique approach, founded on providing personal service, her mission has been to educate her clients with the knowledge to simplify a complicated subject.

Currently, Sims and the Estate Management Group provide financial guidance to clients of wealth, women, business owners, and foundations to help them plan their financial future and protect their family legacy.

Sims’ Estate Management Group is comprised of locally renowned estate planning attorneys and Certified Public Accountants. By structuring a team with outside specialists, Deborah is able to provide her clients with access to a variety of services.

Estate Management Group is located at 16906 Via de Santa Fe,
Rancho Santa Fe, 92067.

For more information, call 858-756-0004;
email dsims@estatemanagementgroup.com or visit www.estateinvestmentgroup.com.

–Photos/Jon Clark

The entire Class of 2013.

The National Charity League Del Sol Chapter Senior Class of 2013 held an event April 27 at La Costa Resort celebrating the community service and leadership of 25 girls, one of the largest graduating classes of the chapter.

Members from Carmel Valley (including TPHS, Cathedral Catholic, Canyon Crest Academy): (left to right); Molly Millar, Jessica Bakan, Genna McGrath, Kiersten Newquist, Kelsey O’Neill, Suzy Eiffert, Kristine Platt.

The Chapter President Kelsey O’Neill giving her senior speech. Courtesy photos

Kelsey O’Neill and her dad, Zachary O’Neill, dancing.

The chapter members have been active in their school leadership programs and community events, volunteering with many nonprofit groups, athletic organizations and the arts.  The girls were escorted by their dads and danced with them to “What a Wonderful World.”  The event was titled “Ain’t She Sweet” with a Frank Sinatra classical theme.

–Courtesy photos

By Diane Y. Welch

Jo Ann Kilty Courtesy

Lovers of classical music are in for a treat this summer as the Mainly Mozart Festival brings the best that live music has to offer to countywide venues and beyond.

Mainly Mozart historically has had strong ties to Rancho Santa Fe, said Nancy Bojanic, executive director and co-founder. “We’ve been doing chamber music in the Ranch for over eight years.”

And with the success of last year’s premier All-Star Festival Orchestra performance at the Village Church Sanctuary it returns this summer and is poised to become an annual event. “We’re thrilled to have this increased commitment to Rancho Santa Fe,” Bojanic said.

The Mainly Mozart All-Star Festival Orchestra Opening Night and Amadeus Gala Concert at the Village Church is scheduled for Saturday, June 8, at 6:30 p.m. (reception and auction at 5 p.m.). Maestro David Atherton, a co-founder, is the conductor. The principal players are Nathan Hughes, oboe; Anthony McGill, clarinet; Whitney Crockett, bassoon; and Julie Landsman, horn. This year marks Atherton’s farewell season, as he is retiring after a 25-year run.

A previous Mainly Mozart concert.

Mozart’s “Adagio and Fugue in C minor, K. 546” and “Sinfonia Concertante in E flat, K. 297b,” and Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 1 in C, Op. 21” comprise the program of Atherton’s final Gala Concert. In a fitting tribute, the event recreates the Festival Orchestra’s premier concert of 1989, which then featured William Preucil and Cynthia Phelps.

Tickets are priced at $55 and $125, with patronage opportunity at $500. There is priority seating and a wine and heavy hors d’oeuvres reception and silent auction at 5 p.m. for the higher ticket price and for patrons, said Jo Ann Kilty, gala chair, who has been assisted by Erin Weidner. Rancho Santa Fe residents and longtime supporters Jere and Joyce Oren are gala honorary chairs, and will be present at the concert.

“There will also be a special intimate meet-and-greet for patrons with these world-class musicians in an after-concert gathering in the library where ports, dessert wines and chocolates will be served,” said Kilty, whose tireless work was praised by Tyler Hewes, associate director, who noted that she has facilitated huge support from generous donors.

Silent auction items include an Omni Hotel/ Padres package; an in-home private recital; a New York travel package; an Old Globe package; a Beverly Hills designer’s custom-made suit; exclusive behind-the-scenes opportunities; and more.

All concert goers will receive champagne and dessert during the intermission which has been extended to 30 minutes.

A high point of the summer season, the Gala Concert is one of Mainly Mozart’s 43 events staged in 44 days, with venues ranging from Tijuana to Carlsbad — a primary location — along with La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe and downtown San Diego.

The Mainly Mozart Festival is now the largest summer classical music festival in Southern California. “And we are very proud that each of the five series — really festivals within the festival — have their own artistic leadership,” said Bojanic.

Alongside the All-Star Festival Orchestra, Anne-Marie McDermott curates the Spotlight Chamber Music; Ken Mullen leads Mozart in the Mind; Donald Thomas leads Chamber Players; and Stephen Prutsman, a composer/pianist from San Francisco, leads Evolution.

On June 21 a one-night-only event will be held at the estate of Valenti International in Rancho Santa Fe. This more intimate concert — with a wine and hors d’oeuvres reception —will present Evolution vocalist Bella Stevens with The DeClassified ensemble. The original arrangements of Stephen Prutsman will be featured and the program of “World Dances and Musical Movements” will be showcased.

Over the past 25 years, the Mainly Mozart Festival has grown from a two-week festival to year-round events and has become an organization that is deeply involved in community and education.

As part of its educational outreach, members of the Festival Orchestra will be the teaching faculty for the newly-formed Mainly Mozart Youth Orchestra, which recently merged with San Diego Young Artists Symphony, and is collaborating with The New Children’s Museum, and Tijuana’s Centro de Artes Musicales.

But the high point for Mainly Mozart has always been the Gala Concert, one that draws huge support from passionate benefactors.

Hewes asked one such patron, Jere Oren, why he and his wife chose to support this much-loved concert. “Jere replied, ‘The chance to see world-class musicians in an acoustically and visually stunning setting is a moving experience and one that can only be had in Rancho Santa Fe,’” said Hewes.

Tickets for the June 8 second annual performance of the All-Star Festival Orchestra at The Village Church Sanctuary, located at 6225 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe, are limited to 500 so reservations should be made soon.

Tickets for the June 21 Evolution at the estate of Valenti International are limited to 100. Call (619) 466 8742 or visit online at www.mainlymozart.org to make a ticket purchase, and for other festival event information.

Brent Davis

The Rancho Santa Fe Tennis Club held its annual Men’s Member Guest event on May 18.

–Photos/McKenzie Images

Lucy Wright, Linda Phillips, Julie Sarno

The Gold Diggers of San Diego held the 20th Anniversary “Hats Off to San Diego” luncheon and Betty Mabee Hat Parade on May 16 at the Del Mar Country Club.

The theme for 2013 was “Light Up The World Through Giving,” and the hats designed by the 11 local nonprofit competing charities all expressed this theme in a creative way that illuminates the mission of each organization.

This year’s major beneficiaries are License to Freedom, which promotes nonviolence and serves refugee and immigrant women and children, and a Transitional Storage Center for the homeless, organized by the Girls Think Tank. Both will receive grants of $5,000 from the Gold Diggers in honor of the 20th Anniversary of Hats Off. Photos/Jon Clark

Diane Witmeyer, Alchera Ayyad

The founding chapter of Teen Volunteers in Action held this year’s final parent luncheon on May 14 at Lomas Santa Fe Country Club, to close out the year, welcome new members for the 2013-2014 year, and enjoy a presentation on how to help teens become engaged in charitable work.

Serving north coastal communities, TVIA [www.tvia.org] is an organization of young men committed to developing community leaders through a structured program of volunteerism, philanthropy and personal growth.

–Photos/Jon Clark

Pamela Dirkes, Nora Kaiser, Jennifer Fernandez, Alchera Ayyad

The Rancho Santa Fe Community Center held a festive Gatsby Gala May 18 at the Fairbanks Ranch Country Club. Guests embraced the theme by wearing a dazzling array of 1920-era attire and enjoyed bidding on an impressive array of auction items that included a private two-hour basketball clinic with NBA legend Steve Kerr and an adorable Labrador retriever puppy named Gatsby. After a gourmet dinner, attendees danced the night away to tunes of the live band Liquid Blue.

The event’s proceeds will benefit the RSF Community Center, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to enhance the spirit and benefits of community life in Rancho Santa Fe through programs, events, and services of enrichment, recreation and outreach for all ages. Photos/Jon Clark

Peggy Korody, Cindy Olivier, Lori Fox

The Las Damas De Fairbanks Spring Fashion Show was held May 17 at the Fairbanks Ranch Country Club. The fashion show featured spring looks from Maggie B., Mister B., Nicole Miller and Dejachic. The designs were modeled by Fairbanks Ranch residents and their friends. Proceeds from the event will go directly to San Diego’s Veteran’s Village. Photos/Jon Clark

Mark Holmlund, Pat Newmark

Last Wednesday night, May 15, was an evening of celebration for members of the Rancho Santa Fe Women’s Fund as $250,000 in 2013 Grant Funds were awarded by the organization to six local nonprofits that address significant community needs. Kathi and Mike Mallick graciously hosted the event at their Rancho Santa Fe home.

Grants were awarded to the following six organizations (alphabetically):
1) Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito, 2) Cancer Angels of San Diego,
3) San Diego County Medical Society Foundation, 4) Scripps Health Foundation/Scripps Encinitas Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, 5) Vista Community Clinic, and
6) Voices for Children. Most of the six nonprofits received the full amount of their grant requests, up to a maximum of $50,000.

Each year, members of the RSF Women’s Fund champion two focus areas of need in the community. This year the group’s giving focus was centered on “Social Services,” as well as “Health and Research.” More than 160 Letters of Interest were received from local nonprofit organizations vying for an opportunity to submit a formal grant proposal request.

The vetting process takes nine months. During this time, the RSFWF Grant Committee of volunteers reviews the intent letters individually. The women then select those that are anticipated to have the most impact in the community and invite 20 of these organizations to submit a grant proposal. When the formal proposals are received, the Grant Committee analyzes the organization’s infrastructure and financials, and finally visits the nonprofit organizations’ sites. The RSF Women’s Fund members, currently consisting of over 120 local women, then vote on which organizations will receive the grant funds.

RSF Women’s Fund Organization: Advisory Chair: Victoria Hanlon; Grants Committee Chair: Kate Williams; Grants Committee Work Group Leaders: Jinda Schatz/Catherine Hopf; Site Visit Coordinator: Diane Murphy; Grants Committee Financial Advisors: Sue Sanderson/Candise Holmlund; Grants Committee Workgroups: 30-plus dedicated RSFWF members. Membership in the RSF Women’s Fund is open to RSF women interested in philanthropy. Contact Nancy Hashim at womensfund@rsffoundation.org

–Photos/McKenzie Images

Randy Beecher

By Diane Y. Welch

From Thursday through Saturday evenings Rancho Santa Fe’s genteel, award-winning Mille Fleurs on Paseo Delicias transforms into a hopping venue where regular patrons not only come to dine but to sing, dance and hear Randy Beecher play piano.

Beecher, the restaurant’s official piano man, has become as much an attraction as its five-star French California cuisine and on May 23 — to the day — he celebrates his 20-year anniversary of playing piano at Mille Fleurs.

Creating a “vibe” that is reminiscent of “Cheers,” Beecher knows the regular clients by name, and knows their favorite songs, said Mille Fleurs owner Bertrand Hug. “He truly cares about the customers,” he said. “And he’s an elegant guy who has been very loyal.”

Because of this client rapport Beecher has created a family of faithful followers, regular fans who not only come to hear him play at Mille Fleurs but who also follow him on facebook, making comments and posting photographs.

This popularity is in part due to Beecher’s ability to “read the room” and tailor his repertoire to fit the mood of a dynamic clientele. “I never arrive with a song list in mind,” said Beecher.

If clients are younger and more energetic then contemporary hits are played; if they are more relaxed, then jazz may fit the mood; and for the more reserved clients enjoying a quiet evening, classical favorites may be more appropriate. And this often changes as the evening progresses as clients arrive to round-off their night’s entertainment.

A vast repertoire of hundreds of songs was honed over decades of playing venues county-wide. For five years Beecher played five nights a week at the Mexican Village in Coronado, and played weekends for about four years at the Mercedes Room at the Bahia, and other local piano bars.

Beecher started piano lessons at the age of 10, then began playing in garage bands with school friends. His professional gigs started just after he graduated from Grossmont High School. A native San Diegan, Beecher is also a graduate of San Diego State University with both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in music. He currently teaches music at Mesa and Grossmont community colleges.

With a diverse musical line-up, Beecher recreates current hits along with the early classics of George Gershwin, Cole Porter and Irving Berlin, and of modern composers such as Andrew Lloyd Weber and Marvin Hamlisch. He has performed publicly or privately for numerous international and local celebrities, including President Gerald and Betty Ford, and Bill Gates.

His fateful relationship with Hug began when Beecher was playing happy hour at Kelly’s in the Town and Country Hotel. During his break a customer approached him. “It turns out he was the pianist at Mille Fleurs, and asked me if I had heard of it. I said, ‘I really hadn’t,’” recalled Beecher. “He was looking for a stand-in and was impressed by my playing.”

A week before Beecher was supposed to substitute for that pianist he called Beecher to say there had been a change of plan. “He had given in his notice and said that if I was interested in his job I should audition,” said Beecher. The day after his audition Hug hired Beecher and the rest is history.

“When I initially got this job, I had played just about every dive and four-star hotel in San Diego. But I soon began to see that Mille Fleurs is a very unique place,” recalled Beecher. “Everything about it — the location, Bertrand, the clientele — is special. I remember thinking 20 years ago, I’ve got to hang on to this. I saw this as one of the best working music gigs in Southern California. I still feel that way today.”

Over the years, Randy has been named “Best of the Best Piano Bar Entertainer” three times by San Diego Magazine.

The 20-year anniversary celebration will span May 23, 24 and 25. “I guarantee there will be a lot of people partying at Mille Fleurs this whole weekend,” said Hug.

Find out more about Randy Beecher at http://www.bestpianobar.com/bio.html; www.facebook.com/randy.beecher and find out more about Mille Fleurs at www.millefleurs.com.