 On The Line -- Issue 604 -- October 13, 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 604 -- October 13, 2006 Online News and Views of Life in San Benito County with Herman Wrede Published by HollisterOnline.com -- Copyright 1995-2008 HollisterOnline.com
|
|
The San Benito County Chamber of Commerce could not have selected a better place for its first monthly mixer of the fall than Casa de Fruta's Pumpkin Junction. At least 70 guests went there for the Oct. 11 affair.
Even though Casa de Fruta is just over the Santa Clara County line it is considered as part of the home turf because many residents have visited it from childhood on for the great number of attractions it offers. By 5:30, the official starting time, more than 45 guests had already arrived and more streamed in over the next 30 minutes. The weather cooperated with the outdoor affair, with only one or two clouds in the sky and the temperature standing at about 68. Barbara Cosio was at her usual place to sign in guests but next to her instead of Irene Agredano, who was absent that evening, was Mrs. Agredano's daughter, Irene Turturici, a member of the Chamber board. She distributed complimentary Casa de Fruta wineglasses. At another table across the way Jessica French and Kathy Johnson sold raffle tickets and a number of people lined up for them. David and Ravena Huboi arrived and were met with many greetings as they circulated. Linda Daughenbaugh, Mark Vivian and Jack Hance of the Chamber board of directors also circulated among the guests to greet them and to catch up on the latest happenings in the county. Hollister Mayor Robert Scattini and county Supervisors Reb Monaco and Jaime De La Cruz made their usual appearance. It's not just political expediency with them because they have been regulars for years. Speaking of politics, activist Tony Ruiz made a rare appearance at the mixer and seemed generated with the approach of Election Day. He exchanged greetings with Ron Rodrigues, former county Supervisor, and wife Dianne Rodrigues. Shannon Grissom also talked to many guests. A regular inasmuch as her schedule allows her to be, the artist and writer is usually busy in promoting her art, her television show and her children's book, "Monkey Made of Sockies," that came off the presses nearly a year ago. She is also involved with many community projects. Many gusts gravitated toward the buffet tables that were laden with cold meats, cheese, buns and garnishes while others bore fresh fruit like strawberries and grapes and dried dates and figs. Beverages available were wine, water and soft drinks. Loree Van Bebber was on hand and was made much of by many friends who saw more of her in past years than they do now. Linda Fine and Helen McAbee circulated and each has many friends at many mixers. Marv and Reba Jones arrived with a little stir created by her wearing a small patch at the tip of her nose, the result of recent surgery. "I'm all right," she answered many queries as they advanced into the crowd. Chuck and Beth Ivey moved around to greet friends. He fell into a conversation with one about the driving he does for the Gerber Company. "Six or seven hours behind the wheel can get boring," he said, "so I play audio books. It's entertaining and the hours slide by faster." The recent team of Kent Child and Elvira Robinson, Gavilan College board members seeking re-election, put in an appearance and mingled with many friends. A self-appointed wit said, "The headline Kent hopes to read the day after Election Days is ?No Child Left Behind.'" Jack and Phyllis Swallow were there, too. She is caught up in many community activities and he lends support to her. He is an avid historian of the American West and appears as an enactor in Mountain Men presentations. "I like buck skinning," he explained. Wolfgang and Ingrid Leitenberger are regulars at the mixers and this time they brought her mother, Elfrieda Heinemann, who was visiting them from her home in Frankfurt, Germany. She was favorably impressed with the company and the friendliness and will take many fond memories with her when she returns home. The mixer was graced by a pair of Graces, Mike and Bette. Each has been instrumental in the community's welfare and each supports the other's activities. She is a member of the Chamber's board. Elizabeth Gage looked especially happy that evening. She is a friendly lady, a bit on the reserved side, but enjoys seeing people enjoy themselves. Perhaps her glow was in anticipation of her birthday on the 28th. Don't all ladies love birthdays? Frankie Valent-Arballo, Chamber president, announced several functions coming up and introduced new members. She also introduced the hosts for that evening, Suzanne Slater, Gretchen Zanger Blatter and Joe Zanger Jr., there with wife Glinda. Frank and Sharlene Van Rooy were on the scene, too. Mrs. Van Rooy is a former Chamber office staff member and is now with the Hollister Downtown Association. She is also an avid local history buff and has tracked down many elusive facts for people seeking details on the community's past. A few people wondered where Jack and Francene Markle and their close friend, Cilly Fisher, were that evening as their presence at mixers is high. However, because the Markles and Mrs. Fisher are involved in a number of projects, friends guessed that they were somewhere doing something positive. Two ladies whose appearances at mixers have been growing this year arrived again, Susan Jones and Katherine Napier. They are pleasant and mixer regulars have come to look forward to seeing them again. Ty Holmquist is a quiet fellow but he evidently enjoys the company of people who like each other. He doesn't say much in comparison to other guests but he doesn't miss much going on. Ev and Liz Sparling talked with many people. A number of ladies inquired on her health as she and Sparling are expecting their first child around March 19. She is already glowing from impending motherhood. So the evening continued in conversation and laughter and speculation about the upcoming elections. Most people left with a smile and it was evident that the memories of this mixer will stay with them for a long time. |
 |
