 On The Line -- Issue 605 -- October 20, 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 605 -- October 20, 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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Many institutions flourish in San Benito County, including those based around religion. The Italian Catholic Federation has its annual Night in Italy dinner; the Portuguese Lodge, its annual weekend celebration in June; San Juan Bautista presents its festival on the weekend nearest June 24, the day in 1797 when the Mission was founded; and the parishioners of Immaculate Conception Church look forward every year to the barbecue in October.
The latter is said to be as old as the church itself, and it was dedicated in 1892 as the third of San Benito County's three parishes after Mission San Juan and Sacred Heart Church in Hollister. Until comparatively recently, some members of that parish had been born before or during Immaculate Conception's earliest years. The one trait which all those church-based traditions share is a sense of hospitality in which their events are open to anyone who cares to attend, without regard to faith. It grew from the struggles of the various groups to make a place for themselves in the community and their pride of accomplishment. Although the Immaculate Conception barbecue is served from about noon to 5 p.m., many people are involved and in planning it for months ahead. Even while Mass is being conducted on the actual day, some volunteers are at the adjoining hall already at work. The meal consists of barbecued chicken, pasta with a hearty sauce, garlic bread, salad and pie. Adults may have a glass of wine and there is coffee for those who want it. Other refreshments including soft drinks are sold outside. By noon on Oct. 15, the church's parking lot was already filled with vehicles, and volunteers were directing drivers to places in the adjacent fields. Coming in from behind the building, the first people one saw were the merry crew of cooks. Mark Rianda grinned from the steam arising from a pot of pasta and Steve Johnson deftly turned a row of chicken quarters roasting on the grill. Harry Hill III handed an arriving friend a slice of garlic bread, still hot from the grill, and Rudy DeLuca waved through the smoke arising from it. Two young ladies of high school carried trays of salads to diners at the outside tables. In front Joe Macfarlane sold tickets from his booth with a smile for every buyer. It was 12:30 and the long line steadily grew as more guests arrived. Friends spotted friends in line and the conversation and laughter increased. Inside Carla Hendershot smiled and greeted friends arriving. "I decided to take it easy after many years of this," she said before laughing and saying, "But here I am again; I guess I'll never learn." Mary Hubbell was at the hub of activity as she has been for many years. She oversaw the making of salads in a room at the rear of the building, as well as distribution of pie, coffee and wine. It is a demanding task but she and a crew of volunteers see that service is smooth and quick. Among those working with her are Patricia Dooling, Kathy Hill and Tammy Clayton. Janeane Williams was also a volunteer as were Jillian Williams and Joe Garcia. Ron Rose flashed a smile while hurrying to see to a guest's needs Joe and Lillian Casillas stopped for a second to talk with Gil Perez as he collected used dishes as tables are cleared to send them to the dishwasher. "Well, no one can say that the barbecue is not in good taste," he quipped. Gen Stevens smiled in appreciation. Eddie Falcone was seated near the side exit and he talked with a number of people including Rita Appenzeller, who was taking a short break. She has often lent a hand at the barbecue and many other functions. Falcone recalled some experiences when he visited Genoa, Italy, which his parents left to go to the United States early in the 20th Century. The weather was beautiful and many people chose to eat at the tables outside. Among, them was a foursome from San Jose, Bill and Margaret Bradley with their son, Steve, and his wife, Dinora. They fell into conversation with a local seated across from them and asked many questions about the county. Margaret Bradley smiled and explained: "I think Steve is after us to find a retirement home in some pleasant community so that he and Dinora can come visit on the weekends." They all laughed at that, then conversation turned to other topics. "That guy is really good," Steve Bradley said in referring to Ed Degroot, who was playing the keyboard and singing as he does every Immaculate Conception barbecue. Degroot was singing, "New York, New York" at the time and later softly crooned "It Don't Hurt Anymore" in the style of Eddie Arnold. Bill Bradley nodded in agreement with his son's remarks. "I hope the local people realize what a treasure they have in him." People left and others took their seats and the afternoon continued in a pleasant undertone of conversation and laughter, with friends seeing others at the tables and calling over to them as they arrived. Meanwhile inside, most of the tables were full and volunteers raced back and forth to see that guests had pie and wine, in addition to the regular menu. Joe and Lillian Casillas seemed to be everywhere at once and Lupe Salcedo graced the event with her trademark smile. Salvador and Irene Agredano were wrapped up in a n activity at which they are right at home, baby-sitting grandchildren. While Felicia Turturici talked about school with Grandpa, Grandma dandled Loren Agredano in her lap. Within a few minutes Dom Turturici and tagalong cousin Jordan Agredano came in from outside where they had been scouting the game booths and all the other action. "No smiling" cautioned an old-timer and both boys immediately violated the instruction. Ron and Dianne Rodrigues were enjoying themselves as they do at every social event they attend, and talked for a moment or so with Helen Casillas who was wearing a warm smile for the occasion. Reb and Jill Monaco were outside after eating and enjoying the day. He was nervous as befits a candidate with little more than two weeks before election. Also on hand were Tracie Cone and Anna Marie Dos Remedios. Martha Moses and Frances Palmtag had smiles for everyone. They are old friends who enjoy seeing people in a festive setting. And so the afternoon progressed with people coming and going, spotting friends with glad smiles, enjoying a meal and carrying on a tradition that began more than a century ago and promises to keep going for many years to come. |
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