 On The Line -- Issue 583 -- May 19, 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 583 -- May 19, 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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Each of the monthly mixers sponsored by the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce has its own distinctive flavor. Over the past 20 years since they became a regular feature, there have been only two -- three at the most -- that have disappointed the guests.
But most range from very good to superb. Some have been remembered for their lavish variety of food, and others for the fun generated at them. Most stand out because they reflect the personality of their hosts. The mixer of May 10 at Bolado Park was excellent. It was co-hosted by the county Saddle Horse association, the county fair and the chamber of commerce itself. Officials from all three were there in good number. The menu at this particular one, held as the others have been at Bolado Park, offered a simple but substantial meal that everyone liked, tri-tip beef on rolls with plenty of cooked onions. Chips, coffee and other beverages completed the menu. Many of the guests had been in the same restaurant, up the ramp to the right of the pavilion, two nights earlier for the pre-rodeo dinner. But custom does not stale the enjoyment everyone seemed to be having. As guests entered, they were greeted by a table full of ladies signing them in and selling lottery tickets. They included Barbara Cosio, Ruth Humber, Jessica French, Linda Daughenbaugh and Frankie Valent. Liz Sparling was nearby with husband Ev Sparling. Robert Scattini arrived early as he usually does and fell into conversation with friends Reb and Jill Monaco. Monaco is defending his supervisor's seat in the county's Fourth District this year, and was frequently sought out by his supporters. Kelley Ferreira circulated through the guests as they arrived, and occasionally stuck his head in the kitchen to see if the crew needed any help, but they were on top of it and declined his offer. Randall Brooks and Charles Martin were seeing to the preparation and slicing of the beef, and Jim O'Donnell, who had been a guest two evenings previously, was working on his specialty, the onions. Charles Tobias, president of the 33rd Agricultural District Association, also greeted many of the guests. His wife, Lisa, and daughters Annie and Grace, meanwhile, were sitting outside enjoying the shade and greeting friends in turn. Pat O'Donnell of The Pinnacle was on hand and talked with his father while the latter was seeing to the onions. Friends walked up often and added something to the conversation or sometimes just listened. John Hodges came in wearing his trademark Stetson, and shaking many hands. He is retiring as county clerk at the end of this year and is seeking election to the seat Monaco now holds. Others who arrived early included Ruth Erickson, Cilly Fisher and Jack and Francene Markle. All are popular so as the crowd grew, many greetings were called across the room at them. Someone asked where Irene Agredano was and were told that she had just returned from a long vacation in Mexico and was celebrating her younger son's, Jose, birthday, and trying to catch her breath. Jason Arballo circulated and talked for a little while with Jim West before spotting Fulton Picetti and going over to greet him. West saw Wolfgang and Ingrid Leitenberger and they found something to discuss -- something amusing if their laughter was any indication, Jane Dabo Cruz, accompanying her mother, Katherine Dabo, as she often does was asked about her campaign for county treasurer. "It's really hard to say," she remarked. "I talk to a lot of people." Richard Place, a former supervisor who is trying to unseat Supervisor Pat Loe, was philosophical about his campaign. "One important thing is to get momentum, then keep it going," he said. Art Cantu and Candice Hooper, contestants for the district attorney's office, seemed to enjoy a break for an hour or so at least, with the June primary less than four weeks away. They were unsuccessful candidates against John Sarsfield four years ago. Marv and Reba Jones talked with many people. They are ardent political activists and like to keep their fingers on the pulse of the community. David Huboi, a Hollister planning commissioner, greeted everyone jovially because he is not caught up in political contests. Dee Hone, wearing a shirt whose legend, "Mama Mia!" reflects her Italian ancestry, smiled from entrance to exit because she truly likes people. Shannon Grissom and Jeana Arnold looked up from their earnest conversation to smile and return her greeting. When dinner was announced, the chairs cleared as everyone got in line for the meal. Brooks and O'Donnell were pleased to see their beef and onions being so apparently appreciated. Some diners returned for more and the cooks smiled again. As stated in earlier columns, Leonard and Marcia Moles are among many people's favorite couple. His polite reserve is a perfect complement to her outgoing nature and they enjoy being together. Speaking of popular couples, Ron and Dianne Rodrigues shared a table with old friends, Jim and Shirley Horn. The comfortable feeling of being with friends you have known most of your life made the evening even more pleasant for them. Ed and Holly McWhinney were a new couple at the mixers but they got on so well with their tablemates that it is likely they will come again. Veterans Linda Fine, Beth Ivey and Gordon Machado talked to each other at some point during the evening. After dinner, Charles Tobias welcomed everyone at the microphone, as did Liz Sparling for the Chamber. Frankie Valent introduced the office holders and other dignitaries present and the drawing was held for prizes donated by local merchants. Ron Rodrigues won a plant, and someone nodded to it and said, "What are you now, Ron; a plant manager?" He grinned and answered, "I'm branching out." The rest of the evening passed in conversation and a lot of laughter. As people left the restaurant to go to the parking lot, some were still recalling old days, other friends and the prospects of a good rodeo next month. |
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