 On The Line -- Issue 595 -- August 11, 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 595 -- August 11, 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 got hot again in San Benito County. It wasn't as bad as the torrid weather here two weeks ago, but warm enough to qualify as what one local television weatherman in his air-conditioned studio called a "nice toasty day in Hollister."
The temperature on Tuesday, Aug. 8, hit 94 but it wasn't done. On Wednesday, Aug. 9, it rose to an even 100. Relief was predicted with an almost glacial 87 forecast for the following day. But no matter the weather, the second Wednesday is the county Chamber of Commerce's monthly mixer, held this month next to the Mabie Facility on the hospital grounds. Umbrellas were set up around the tables so there was some shade and the temperature had dropped to 92 by the 5:30 p.m. starting time. As usual, Barbara Cosio and Irene Agredano were on duty registering guests (Jessica French lent a hand there shortly after) and Mark Vivian and Mari Davis sold raffle tickets to the guests. Liz Sparling, the Chamber's executive director, was apparent by her absence but President Frankie Valent-Arballo explained that she was attending a seminar. Another absence that registered was that of Mayor Robert Scattini, and friends surmised that either municipal duties or those he has as county marshal kept him away. But dozens of other did attend. Kelly Thompson of The Veranda helped guests to a buffet of cold meats and cheeses, crackers, dips, fresh fruit and vegetable and an inspired dish made of pureed beans whipped with a few other delicious ingredients. Over at the refreshment tables, Jack Markle presided over wine and bottled water while Jim West offered beer to those who wanted it. A cool container of iced tea saw many takers. Jim and Shirley Horn were on hand to validate the mixer's credentials. They have been among the most faithful participants since the mixers became a monthly event some years back. Also on hand were Wolfgang and Ingrid Leitenberger who are seen at most of the mixers. However, they had to cut their visit short this time as a gathering of model railroad train aficionados was being held at Bolado Park, and Wolfgang is a devout participant. It was good to see Shannon Grissom there. She likes to attend when she can but that has not been frequently lately as she has been busy at her easel, structuring painting workshops and promoting her children's book that was published last fall. Reb and Jill Monaco were on hand. They have been a regular fixture at mixers for the past five years so he does not have to worry about charges leveled at some office-holders that they attend social events in election years to draw votes. Beth Ivey, Gordon Machado and Mary McCullough talked as they usually do about the hospitals' agenda as they are vitally interested in its future and heave all put in many hours to make it a rosy one. Gerald McCullough accompanied his wife there, and Jo Anne Machado was also there with her husband. Jack and Phyllis Swallow is a popular couple who often attends mixers. He is especially interest in "buckskinning," the term for those who participate in events that depict the early history of the American West. He is also a docent for the San Juan Bautista Historical Society's museum. Francene Markle showed up after the mixer had a glow on and she was accompanied by her close friend, Cilly Fisher. Mrs. Fisher in turn was accompanied by her son and his wife who are visiting from New Hampshire, Gary and Debbie Blanchard. Nadine DaRoza got many compliments from the ladies about her weight loss program. She was not heavy before but her weight loss has made her almost too thin. "Only about a pound and a quarter more, and I'll have reached my goal," she beamed. Irene Turturici and Kathy Johnson talked together for awhile, then Mrs. Turturici stopped by the registration table to talk with her mother, Irene Agredano. Mrs. Turturici is a Chamber board member and her mother was named "Ambassador of the Year" in 2004, the Ambassadors being an arm of the Chamber. Susan Napier-Jones is becoming a more frequent guest of the mixers. Her husband, Don Jones, is the manager and coach of the Hollister Free Wheelers, a soccer team whose members are confined to wheel chairs. Both he and she devote much tome, energy and encouragement to the team. You can spot Dee Hone immediately at any social gathering by the intensity and brilliance of her trademark smile. She is truly glad to see any of her friends -- of which there is a wide, wide circle -- and they reciprocate. A close couple that people are always glad to see was there. Ray and Peggy Pierce have given much to the community, both individually and together, and the community is better for their presence. The evening passed in a stream of talking, laughing and sometimes a return trip to the buffet table. Helen McAbee, a standard mixer guest, had somehow overlooked it but heard of it while visiting a patient in the hospital and made a belated appearance. George Lewis and Barbara Nicoara circulated and at one point talked with Ken and Sunny Underwood. Underwood is the hospital's administrator and spends a great deal of time at his job. He was able to attend this mixer because it was, so to speak, right in his own back yard. Flo Pleyte showed up with a surprise guest, daughter Marla Pleyte who shattered girls' track records while attending San Benito High School. Her mother said that Marla is going to be married on Aug. 20. It was good to see Joan Lotz at the mixer because she is not seen in many places. A friend commented, "Joan, how do you stay the same when all the rest of us seem to age?" She laughed. The spirit of the mixer made it more memorable than the high temperatures did. That is the true spirit of the monthly gathering, informal fun, a pleasant atmosphere and, above all, friendship. |
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