 On The Line -- Issue 594 -- August 4, 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 594 -- August 4, 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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It has become a summer tradition for thousands of San Benito County residents as well as those in many other American communities to participate in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.
The concept is simple. Individuals or teams solicit other residents to pledge so much a mile for every mile walked. The money realized in the overnight event then goes to the ACS to be used in research and treatment of the killer disease, possible even some day a cure. Last year's event, the seventh annual one, was held at San Benito High School's Andy Hardin Field as have they all since it began here. The 2005 Relay brought in approximately $225,000, and this year's is expected to top it. It began on Friday, Aug. 4. Many of the scores of volunteers had spent most of the day in setting up for it, and by 4 p.m., just about every space in the adjoining parking lot had been taken, with drivers who came after that parking on the street. Members of the Top Hatters Motorcycle Club watch the parking spaces to see that everything goes well and often aid handicapped passengers in alighting from the vehicles. A sign this year warns, "No alcohol, no dogs, no tobacco." Signs on the field caution participants to not walk in the center of the field as it has recently been planted with grass seeds. One self-proclaimed wit says, "That sign should read, ?I want to be a lawn.'" Even though opening ceremonies were not scheduled to begin until 5:30, many people already had streamed in. Because the field is so commodious it was difficult to judge the number there by 5 p.m., but it is safe to say that more than 500 already had arrived with more coming every minute. Cort Nichols, himself a cancer survivor, spotted an old friend as he arrived and they sat on the bleachers for a few minutes to catch up on what each had been doing. Nichols said that his wife, Sylvia Nichols, was engaged elsewhere then but would take part with him in his walk that night. Robert Scattini went by and waved at Fulton Picetti who has faithfully gone to each Relay because of his involvement with the American Cancer Society. Picetti was then just four days short of his 90th birthday, although few people believe he is anywhere near that age. Colleen Eastman with daughters Madison and Caitlyn to march as they have done in previous years. Husband and father Michael Eastman, former Free Lance publisher, joined them later. More and more people were coming in all the time, including Leonard and Beverly Poletti. They have lost family members and friends to cancer and the Relay is an important event for them. Before the marching began, they moved along the sides of the track, reading the names and messages inscribed on the luminaria, the illuminated paper bags lighted from inside that commemorate victims of cancer. Meanwhile in the field house, Denise Cauthen-Wright, in charge of food, was preparing to feed the cancer survivors and volunteers after the former made the first lap of the field. With her were Geraldine Johnson, Veronica Valdez, Charlie and Barbara Scott, and some of Mrs. Cauthen-Wright's visiting relatives, Dottie Cauthen and Norman and Doris Parentela. Ray and Linda Sanchez were to join them later as were Rick Maddux, Cilly Fisher, Dan Wright and Danika Cauthen-Wright. Volunteers prepared coffee, put out bowls of fruit and made salad. As the time grew near for the first serving, they prepared tortillas, tossed salad, and sliced tri-tip roasts. Many tents had been set up on the perimeter of the field and were staffed by businesses or groups interested in promoting the Relay. Shortly after 5:30 a gust of wind got under an open tent and blew it over. A few whoops and much laughter ensued as it was put up again. The opening ceremony started soon after and speeches and a rendering of the Star-Spangled Banner were made as officials and cancer survivors addressed the audience which kept growing. Then the first group -- the cancer survivors -- began their march around the field. Charlie Scott, Harry Hill III and Vivian McCormick were among them, and friends all along the route cheered them. David and Ravena Huboi had arrived by then and they stopped many times to talk with friends. Paul Tortorelli was also there as was Nadine DaRoza. Linda Daughenbaugh waved as she went by and Larry Brown seemed to have a smile for everyone. Everyone loves Frances Palmtag. Four women -- Patricia Geronimo, "Andy" Anderson, Angela Garcia and Linda Wilson -- found a place behind the field house to relax and talk for awhile and much laughter punctuated their conversation. At another spot Marv and Reba Jones joined friends for a few minutes of conversation. George Lewis and Barbara Niacora were on hand as they are at so many activities that benefit the community. More people kept arriving all the time, and Vincent and Mickie Luna greeted many friends among them. Although there was much levity, the purpose of the Relay was impressed on everyone there and at any given time there were more than 100 marchers on the field. And so it continued all evening and through the night. The luminarias were lighted at 9 p.m. and that ring of light symbolized the continuation of those who have since died and those who were remembering them by their participation in the Relay. Many organizations contributed to the dinner, to the hot chocolate and pastries served later, to the breakfast in the morning that was gratefully eaten by the participants. One had a palpable sense of the community coming together for something bigger than individual desires, and it was a good feeling, even an ennobling one. Even beyond the purpose of the Relay -- to fund research and perhaps development of a preventive or cure for cancer -- there was a feeling of the generations of Man; individuals all die in their time but Mankind goes on forever. |
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