 On The Line -- Issue 600 -- September 15, 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 600 -- September 15, 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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Sometimes blessings come in double measure. When that happens, people have several options: take part in (a), take part in (b) or, (c) enjoy some of both. Whatever choice is made, participants are happy.
The second Wednesday of every September offers both the monthly San Benito County Chamber of Commerce mixer, or the pre-San Benito County Fair dinner put on at Bolado Park under the auspices of the 33rd Agricultural District. The mixer traditionally begins at 5:30 p.m. Washington Mutual was the host and held it behind its offices at 650 San Benito St. It was catered by Dona Esther Mexican Restaurant of San Juan Bautista. Early arrivals at the mixer included some who got there early so they could circulate and for awhile at least could enjoy the company of those who determined to stay for the entire mixer. Guitarist Angel Uribe, who is often the entertaining musician at Dona Esther's, was there early as tables and chairs were being set up. In the meantime, Cynthia Holthouse of Washington Mutual welcomed guests as they streamed in. Barbara Cosio registered them but her customary partner, Irene Agredano, was not there because she was arranging a trip. However, the latter's daughter, Irene Turturici, a member of the Chamber board, stood by to help. Another board member, Jennifer French, substituted for Mrs. Agredano. She knows most of the mixer regulars by name and gives each a smile upon arrival. Also on hand to help out if needed were John Klauer, Jack Hance and Liz Sparling. Mrs. Sparling glowingly fielded many congratulations on her and Ev Sparling's first baby, due on March 19 or thereabout. Catherine Dabo was among the early arrivals and found many friends right away, and even more as other people arrived. Among other early birds was Jim West, who always seems to have a smile for everyone, as well as Shannon Grissom, the multi-talented artist who is so busy promoting her different projects that she sometimes misses a mixer. Many couples were on hand enjoying each other's company, the pleasant weather and the food. Among them were Jim and Shirley Horn, Wolfgang and Ingrid Leitenberger, Marv and Reba Jones, and Jack and Francene Markle. Cilly Fisher was in company with the Markles. She noted that a Los Angeles Times reporter had quoted her in an article about San Benito County that appeared Sept. 11. "I'm famous," she laughed. Kent Child and Elvira Robinson were there representing Gavilan College. They talked for awhile with a mutual friend who inquired about Mrs. Robinson's aunt, Jo Wahdan, the former county librarian. "She's fine," was the response, "and she loves living in San Diego" (her retirement home). Helen McAbee was on hand and talked with Richard Place among others. Beth Ivey and Gordon Machado always find something to talk about at mixers, and odds are that at least part of their conversation was about Hazel Hawkins Hospital in whose programs they are very active. Renee Flores and others laid out china and large containers of foods of many sorts and, because Dona Esther was catering it, the menu included beans. Soon after the first person got in line everyone was moving along, getting a little of this and a little of that, and repairing to the tables whose tablecloths had been secured at the bottoms because of the breeze. Just around 6 p.m. Robert Scattini waved goodbye to his friends and left for Bolado Park. Scattini, the county's marshal and Hollister's mayor, was double dipping that evening by attending both functions. As he parked the car and headed up the ramp to the Blue Room, other friends were greeting him. Steve Johnson and Randal Brooks shook his hand (one at a time) and Kelley Ferreira, Bolado Park manager, smiled as he came in. Paul and Willene Wattis spotted him and engaged him in conversation for a little while as did Reb and Jill Monaco. He made his way around the large room, shaking hands with almost everyone. Those he missed he caught later. Old friends and former colleagues Denise Cauthen-Wright and Brenda Weatherly came in together. Ms. Cauthen-Wright spotted a friend and confided, "I know only about half the people here because it's the first time I've been invited." He assured her that everyone was very friendly, and that if it was her first visit that she would be sure to appreciate the tri-tip. "It's always served on these occasions," he said. Many guests made a point of stopping by to talk with Fulton Picetti. Shortly after his release from the Army, Picetti began volunteering for the fair in 1946. Within a couple of years he was made a board member and has held most of the posts with the exception of the presidency, which he declined. He had announced earlier in the week that he was retiring after 60 years service. He also had stopped going into Mid-State Mutual of which he was a member. He explained that since reaching his 90th birthday on Aug. 8 -- "the eighth day of the eighth month, which equals '16, the year I was born," -- he decided to relax a little. Curtis Hill told a friend who inquired about his father's (Harry Hill) health. "He's getting along great," he responded, and he just turned 92. Robert Graves came along then and talked with a few people including Ed and Michele Stephenson. Romaldo Martin waved from his table and Mark White spotted another friend and went over to see him. Ron Domingues circulated around the room, touching base with a number of friends, as did wife Joan Domingues. Jim and Ann Strickland fielded the greetings and smiles of many guests during the evening. Ferreira has often said of her and other members of the office staff, "They make it much easier for me than it would be if they weren't on the job." When dinner was announced a line formed right away. Mark and Cynthia Fancher presided at the serving line, which included mixed vegetables, rolls and butter, salad, rice and a marvelous roast chicken with gravy on top. (Ms. Cauthen-Wright was a little surprised because she had been told to expect tri-tips). Scattini sat next to Bill Ritz, state Senator Jeff Denham's aide. The table next to his included the Monacos, Wattises, Gloria Grimsley, and Dennis and Lynn Madigan. Conversation continued throughout the meal, and Ferreira later announced highlights of the fair, scheduled Sept. 28-Oct. 1. It was 20 years ago that he presided at his first fair and -- "with the tremendous help of all the department heads and many, many volunteers" -- it was a huge success. This will be the 21st fair of which he is in charge. "The fair wouldn't be what it is if it weren't for the staff, board members, department heads and volunteers," he said. "But, most of all, it depends upon the participation of the public." |
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