 On The Line -- Issue 579 -- April 21, 2006  Online News and Views of Life in San Benito County with Herman Wrede Published by HollisterOnline.com -- Copyright 1995-2008 HollisterOnline.com
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On The Line -- Issue 579 -- April 21, 2006 Online News and Views of Life in San Benito County with Herman Wrede Published by HollisterOnline.com -- Copyright 1995-2008 HollisterOnline.com
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Weather continues to be among the most popular topics of conversation and speculation among people, no matter where they live. In San Benito County, with its rural heritage, it is a frequent topic indeed.
The rains of March and half of April had many old-timers reminiscing about similar rainfalls, and many said that "It's been wet, all right, but when I was a boy I saw worse." Don't press them about specific years because they may not be able to name them. Memory of a time long past can add an inch or so of precipitation, or even more. Another big topic because of the frequent reference to it by the media this past week is the centennial anniversary of the Great earthquake of April 18, 1906. It brought to mind other earthquakes, including the Loma Prieta quake in 1989, and even earlier ones. We in the county have a certain proprietary interest in earthquakes because Hollister, located between two faults, is subject to shifting of the earth from time to time, and most residents have become not exactly used to it but are not surprised when it happens. Some even brag about it to relatives or friends who live on more stable ground elsewhere. Another increasing topic of conversation is about the situation in the nation's capital and a series of events that is shaking the established political scene. However, that subject will not be dealt with in this column. But whatever happens -- rain, earthquakes and political shifting -- one basic rock of San Benito County is the county Chamber's mixer held on the second Wednesday of every month. They have grown in popularity ever since they became a regular event about 15 years ago. Before then they were held sporadically. Some of the persons attending have been regulars over the years and many others make at least three or four during the year. They were started to allow business people an opportunity to meet in a more relaxed atmosphere than the daily routine and exchange views on business, weather, politics, how the family is growing and any number of topics. Food and beverage is always included, in some in more generous amounts than in others. But whatever the venue, they are always pleasant affairs. Many newcomers are impressed by the friendliness and the solicitous views of others that are always present there. Each month has a different host and the businesses holding them often must wait months until their turn comes around, so popular have they become. The aura of good feeling remains with the attendees for a long time. This month's mixer was held at Country Rose Gallery and Frame in the 700 block of San Benito Street. At least one or two guests had understood it was to be held at the Country Rose Café in the 400 block of Fourth Street but soon realized their error when they drove over and found the latter establishment closed. Rain had been sporadically heavy in the two days preceding the mixer and some guests hoped it would let up by Wednesday evening. Although there was a slight drizzle it was not enough to keep dedicated mixer-goers from attending. Even before the official starting time of 5:30, the building was already beginning to be crowded. Among the first guests to arrive were Cilly Fisher and her friends, Jack and Francene Markle. Hosts Ty and Pam Holmquist welcomed everyone with a smile and it was immediately apparent that it was going to be a memorable event. Holmquist's friends will tell you that he is a reserved man who does not talk a lot but that does not mean he is anti-social. Far from it. He and his wife made everyone feel welcome as if they were guests in their home. Marie Gough, who helped dispense food at the buffet table, also had the same outlook. And what a lavish buffet spread it was. Prawns, hot meatballs, raw vegetables, fruit and many kinds of food awaited the guests but did not have to await them long. Everyone dug in with a will. Irene Agredano and Barbara Cosio were at their accustomed places at the registration table where they were assisted by Chamber president Frankie Valent Arballo, Kathy Johnson and Mark Vivian. Liz Sparling, the Chamber's executive secretary, was not there because she had pressing business elsewhere that evening. Nor were David and Ravena Huboi who have become frequent mixer attendees in the past year but most of the regulars were on hand. Jim and Shirley Horn, Mr. and Mrs. Mixer, were present as were their close friends, Ron Rodrigues and Helen McAbee. Wolfgang and Ingrid Leitenberger circulated freely among many friends, and Jim and Gayle Sleznick came over from San Juan Bautista. John Hodges and Reb Monaco, both seeking the Fourth Supervisorial seat that the latter currently holds, were very much on the scene, each pressing flesh in the grand old tradition of office seekers. Monaco's wife, Jill, was also there as she has been at most mixers. Scott Fuller came in after the mixer was well underway and lost no time in joining in the spirit of the evening. Larry Brown made an appearance but had to leave early because of other business at which is presence was required. Elaine Reyna was on hand to promote a festival in San Juan and talked with many friends while there. Kirk Tognazzini, who used to be seen regularly at the monthly even but has not been a frequent attendee for awhile, also circulated. By the time it ended many guests had been there and gone with a feeling of camaraderie and fun whose memory will last for a long time. Many guests remarked upon the hospitality and the enjoyment of the evening. The remarkable Shannon Grissom will be at Studio 333 in Sausalito this weekend as one of four featured artists. She has been extremely busy in promoting her artwork and her children's book, "Money Made of Sockies," that was published last fall. So life continues at a good enjoyable pace in San Benito County, no matter the weather, the state of politics or any other distractions. Neighborliness and camaraderie and plain old-fashioned visiting are never out of fashion in this community. |
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