 On The Line -- Issue 588 -- June 23, 2006  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 588 -- June 23, 2006 Online News and Views of Life in San Benito County with Herman Wrede Published by HollisterOnline.com -- Copyright 1995-2008 HollisterOnline.com
|
|
Drivers along San Benito Street on the late afternoon of June 14 saw many American flags displayed in front of businesses and, if one was heading north, saw more flags beyond the point where san Benito Street becomes San Felipe Road.
The display continued at least as far as Tiffany Ford Mercury where many of the drivers stopped. They were not there to buy a car but because it was the second Wednesday of the month, to attend the regular mixer held by the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce. The car dealership was this month's host and Bob Tiffany, owner and general manager, smilingly greeted guests. He is a life-long resident so many of the guests were his friends. Wife Kathy Tiffany also smiled and spoke with many visitors. She is always involved in the community and is this year's Kinship Center president. Liz Sparling, the Chamber's executive director, had arrived well before the official 5:30 starting time to see that everything was going well. Notice her when she is talking to friends; she never misses a beat of the conversation but keeps an eye out for any situation where she may help. Barbara Cosio, Frankie Valent and Irene Turturici registered guests and sold raffle tickets with Kathy Johnson, Linda Daughenbaugh, Mark Vivian and Jack Hance nearby in case they were needed. Dee Hone was on hand with her famous smile. "It's so bright that you can save electricity when she's around," noted one wag but several others who heard the remark heartily agreed. Artist Shannon Grissom arrived early with her friend, Pam Primont of Simply Skin. Each has a wide circle of friends so they kept busy talking to them as they arrived and in the meantime talked to each other. Any local mixer would not be complete without the presence of Jim and Shirley Horn and, sure enough, they were there with their life-long friends, Ron and Dianne Rodrigues. They were joined shortly afterward by another bosom crony, Helen McAbee. Mrs. McAbee is a mixer regular but especially looked forward to this one because nephew Michael McAbee was among the new members. She circulated through the dealership's commodious quarters before returning to home base. Also among the new members that evening was Candice Hooper Mancino, who earlier in the month scored a political coup by defeating the other two candidates for the district attorney's office. Her new duties begin in January. Richard Place was there and received condolences from friends for losing a race for county supervisor. He was philosophical about it: "It was a disappointment, of course," he said, "but it's not the end of the world." Joe Paul Gonzalez, accompanied by his brother, Fernando Gonzalez, accepted congratulations upon being elected county clerk. When incumbent John Hodges decided not to seek re-election Gonzalez filed but was the only one to do so. He was still appreciative of the number of votes he received on June 6. He and Fernando Gonzalez remain the only set of brothers to have each served as mayor in the history of Hollister. Many guests sought out the refreshment table for a glass of wine, a soft drink or bottled water. It had grown uncomfortably hot outside and the dealership thus became a refreshing oasis. Nor did guest overlook the buffet table. Taylor Rivas of Bistro 427, the French Restaurant that takes part of its title from its San Benito Street address, stood by alert to the diminishing of food and replenishing each as needed. The buffet included shrimp, a liver pate, a salmon loaf, a mixture of many cooked vegetables, cheeses, crackers, dips and fresh fruit. As it was open on both sides, guests easily served themselves. Jon and Juanita Mansmith and Bill and Gloria Regentz, all of whom demand the best in the food they prepare and dispense, seemed to enjoy it, which was a compliment to Bistro 427's preparation. Although the Mansmiths are mixer regulars, many people were surprised but delighted to see the Regentzes because they rarely attend them. Robert Scattini, county marshal and mayor of Hollister, made it a special point to go over and talk with them. Tiffany had planned for appropriate entertainment so the pair known as Of One Accord, Kemo Rodriguez and Sandy Maule, were outside to accompany themselves on guitars as they sang popular numbers. Wolfgang and Ingrid Leitenberger were in their element with pleasant surroundings, good food and a host of friends. They value friendship highly and because they are so outgoing fins that it is reciprocate by many others. It is the same with Jim and Gayle Sleznick. The moment they walk into any gathering they are greeted with smiles and many people hurry over to talk with either or both. In a conversation with one friend, Sleznick said that there is a movement in San Juan Bautista to get Kim Novak to visit there for the 50th anniversary of the Alfred Hitchcock film, "Vertigo," in which she starred with James Stewart. Sleznick has a deeper reason for hoping it comes to pass. He and she were college classmates in the Midwest when she still used her original name, Marilyn Novak, before becoming known as Kim Novak in Hollywood. Jim West, a car buff, also liked the mixer being at Tiffany's. He and Scott Fuller talked awhile of this and that while nodding to friends such as Rick Shelton and Will Sutton as they passed by. A pleasant breeze arose after 6 p.m., and the group laughed and talked as new members were introduced and the raffle was held. Ruth Erickson was especially enthusiastic about the Takino, Japan, Hollister's sister city, delegation arriving later in the month to take part in the traditional parade that is the harbinger of the Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo at Bolado Park. So the evening ended with many people having a pleasant time among friends. Although Bob Tiffany said it was the first mixer he had hosted in several years, the memory of it will live with its guests for many more years. |
 |
