 On The Line -- Issue 009 -- May 12, 1995  Online News and Views of Life in San Benito County with Herman Wrede Published by HollisterOnline.com -- Copyright 1995-2008 HollisterOnline.com
|
|
On The Line -- Issue 009 -- May 12, 1995 Online News and Views of Life in San Benito County with Herman Wrede Published by HollisterOnline.com -- Copyright 1995-2008 HollisterOnline.com
|
|
A busy weekend just past, with many events that have meaning for many people.
A pleasant tradition continued Friday afternoon with the first Farmers' Market of 1995. It began in 1986 and for the first few years of its existence was held on Sixth Street at San Benito Street. Then it was shifted to Heritage Center where it did not thrive as well, and was halted for a season or so until it was revived in its original spot several years ago. Now, however, it has been moved to the empty lot where once the Bookstore and a number of other businesses stood until an arson fire burned it out. But since it is only a block away from the original site, it is expected to draw many of the downtown business people who made it a success in years past. Kathy and Allen Ritter were on hand to greet old friends and point newcomers to whatever they needed. Both Eric and Kirk Tognazzini showed up, and many other regulars were there as well. The weather was overcast, with a chill wind, but Mrs. Ritter was still happy. "All week long I've hoped it wouldn't rain," she said."We can take a little cold but rain keeps the visitors away." Anyone going downtown Saturday morning could see planters, trimmers and sprucer-uppers at work in beautifying the central business district. Sponsored by the Hollister Downtown Association, the activityhad been postponed from the previous Friday because of rain. It was cold and blowy Saturday morning but fairly dry so two to three dozen people were out doing what they could for the sake of beautification in the HDA's annual Spring Clean-Up. Frank Felice, who works downtown during the week as an insurance executive and as city treasurer, wielded a large pair of scissors to trim plants. The Cullinans, Mike and Amelia, were out with trowel, water canand enthusiasm to do their bit and did it. Also active were Luz and Melissa Maduda who planted from Third to South streets. The work is immediately apparent but also shows how people like to work together toward the common good. It is volunteerism at its best. An older tradition was observed that evening with the 25th Mexican-American Committee on Education (MACE) Scholarship Banquet. President Tony Munoz and wife, Lisa, greeted the diners, along with Vince and Mickie Luna, and Al and Margie Gutierrez, all long-time veteran planners of the event. Andreas Gutierrez, a talk show host in San Francisco, was master-of-ceremonies and kept the evening lively. Hollister Police Chief Cam Sanchez and wife, Olivia, were also among the guests as was Sergio Martinez, the first MACE scholarship recipient. He is now a local teacher who encourages his students to be the best people they can be. US Representative Sam Farr and State Senator Henry J. Mello had personnel from their staffs attend. Assemblyman Peter Frusetta was there to make a presentation. A sentimental hit was the Penny Club from St. Francis Juvenile Center in Watsonville. At the very first banquet in 1971, the Penny Club provided the music. Held each year on the Saturday closest to the Fifth of May (Cinco de Mayo), the banquet has awarded dozens of scholarships over the years. Most of it goes to Latino youth but some has helped Anglo youngsters attain a higher education. The Fifth of May marks that day in 1862 when a rag-tag group of Mexicans beat back a French army at Puebla, the first in a series of battles that culminated with the expulsion of the last European troops to attempt colonization in the Western Hemisphere. The 12th annual Fiesta Rodeo, which started in the 1920s as the San Juan Fiesta-Rodeo and was revived after the original became another casualty of rising costs, was held Sunday at Bolado Park. Alex Nacarrato coordinated it and participation was fierce and exciting in each of the events. One family group that always enjoys rodeo and so turned out Sunday was that of Julie Cabral, her younger daughter, Bindi, and two grandsons, Michael and Nicolas Costa, as likely-looking a pair of buckaroos as ever straddled a stick horse.Mrs. Cabral's older daughter, Louise. was unable to be there but a close family friend, Gina Guasco, accompanied them. Ed Kutz, one of the county's own, was the announcer and he added color to an event that is already colorful. Cheri Benson added to the flavor of the day with her smile and ready wave as befits a queen. San Benito County is among the rapidly declining places where rodeo still has much the same spirit that it did a century and more ago when vaqueros and cowboys tried to outdo those from other spreads. The San Benito County Arts Commission's annual Art Auction at Jardines Restaurant in San Juan Bautista was well-attended on Sunday evening, with many members and other supporters of culture in the area. Barbara Nicoara and Grace Winter were recognized for Champion ofthe Arts and for Lifetime Achievement in Arts, respectively, and each was moved by the honor. Barbara Lutes and Kent Child of the Commission participated in the program, and family members of both honorees turned out to share the pleasure. Doug Kuerschner selected the wine to go with the hors d'oeuvres so everything blended well. It was one of those events that residents enjoy so much - where good friends get together to honor their own and to socialize in pleasant surroundings. And that is what life is about, is it not? The millennium draws nearer, life changes too rapidly and friends leave, but for all that, there is stability and continuity in this place called San Benito County. |
 |
