The Buzz

Women and Wisdom

Kim Bates with Balboa Island Museum President Shirley Pepys

Balboa Island Museum, in its new location on Marine Avenue, hosted an evening for 70 guests featuring the WSDM (Wisdom) for Women Inspiring Female Speaker Series, with the theme, “The Rocky Road to Success.” The series was launched seven years ago by Kim Bates, a leader in women’s mentorship, coaching and empowerment. Bates moderated a panel of influential and inspiring women, including: Melissa Friebe(Taco Bell); Stefanie Farnsworth Salem(Newport Beach Wine & Food Festival); Daphne Freeman(Urban Decay); Nancy Dahan(Brown & Dahan, LLP); actress and author Danielle Kennedyand Annie Winter, (BVAccel). The discussion centered on the failures and/or tough life lessons that women have faced before they reach success. BalboaIslandMuseum.org                                     

“Ocean Soul”

Brian Skerry

The Irvine Barclay Theatre’s National Geographic Live! Series is featuring one of Nat Geo’s most seasoned photographers, Brian Skerry, known for his amazing photos in the vast, hidden world beneath the waves. The presentation is Sunday, April 14that 4 p.m. Skerry dives eight months of the year, often in extreme conditions beneath the Artic ice or in predator-infested waters and has even lived at the bottom of the sea to get close to his subjects. This past fall, National Geographic Books published Ocean Soul, a landmark retrospective of Skerry’s photographs. TheBarclay.org

Acclaimed Author to Speak at Literacy Luncheon

The 12thAnnual Gift of Literacy Author Luncheon, presented by Newport/Mesa ProLiteracy, is scheduled for Friday, April 5 at 11 a.m. The featured author is Lisa See, who will speak about her latest release, The Island of Sea Women. Selected as one of Oprah Magazine’s 25 most anticipated books for 2019. See is the author of such New York Times’bestsellers as The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane andSnow Flower and the Secret Fan. She is known for immersing her readers in captivating tales, rich in Asian history and intricate relationships between women. Tickets are $100 per person and include an autographed copy of her latest book. For more information, contact Literacy Services at 949.717.3874 or email Literacy@newportbeachca.gov.

It’s All About Yellow at South Coast Plaza!

Yellow Vase, a unique dining concept that combines a bakery, café and full-service florist has opened at South Coast Plaza.  With five locations in the South Bay, the popular and charming establishment boasts a cheery interior that includes seasonal yellow flowers and whimsical gifts, along with its French café with-a-twist fare and its grab-and-go bakery. Yellow Vase doubles as a high-end florist known for its creative floral arrangements and, in addition, offers catering services and specializes in unique cakes. The café is open for breakfast and all-day light, fresh fare with American, French and Italian accents.  It is located in the Saks Fifth Avenue wing, Level 1. SouthCoastPlaza.com