 On The Line -- Issue 609 -- November 17, 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 609 -- November 17, 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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The San Benito County Chamber of Commerce's mixers, held on the second Wednesday of every month, have become a popular tradition through the years. They give people a chance to relax, to meet friends and make new ones in a pleasant atmosphere.
The November mixer offered two other incentives for attending. It was held at San Juan Oaks, which has been a hospitable place, and it occurred the day after the midterm elections in which many local, area, state and federal candidates were chosen or rejected. To winning candidates and their supporters the mixer offered a good atmosphere for celebrating and for those whose hopes were dashed it presented a welcome diversion and return to a more normal life. Scott Fuller was very apparent during the evening. He always looks upon any guests as guests in his own home and wants them to relax and enjoy themselves and they are appreciative of his care. Ray Becker of the hosting DPW has come to know many of the regulars at the mixers and was on hand with wife Martha to see that everyone enjoyed himself. His smile is a genuine one as he likes people. Barbara Cosio and Irene Agredano were at their usual places at the registration table with Liz Sparling, executive director of the Chamber, nearby to greet guests as they arrived. Each guest brought a can of food that will be used to feed local hungry families during the holidays. Linda Daughenbaugh quietly lent a hand wherever she determined it was needed. She and fellow board member Irene Turturici talked briefly before the latter joined the rest of the crowd with husband Pat Turturici. It was good to see Rick Shelton again. His open smile and willingness to help others could qualify him for the title of "Everyone's Friend" if such a title existed. Will Sutton, also a friendly low-key man, circulated among many friends. Of course, Shirley and Jim Horn were there as they are at most mixers. They gravitated toward old friends Ron and Dianne Rodrigues and Helen McAbee when they weren't mingling with other guests. Wolfgang and Ingrid Leitenberger have been mixer regulars for about five years now and everyone is always glad to see them because they apparently like everyone, a quality that is always welcome. Many guests soon moved toward the buffet tables, which were laden, with many delicacies, including several varieties of cheese, rolls, dips and fresh fruit and vegetables. But they kept room on their plates for the piece de resistance, prime rib that a chef cut to the thickness of each person's preference. Several types of condiments were available. Reb Monaco, there with wife Jill Monaco, received congratulations from many people on his apparent victory in the race for re-election in the Fourth Supervisorial District. "They're still canvassing the vote," he told them but they congratulated him anyway. His close friend and supporter, Hollister Mayor Robert Scattini, accepted the condolences of friends upon his apparent loss in the City Council race. "I've got no complaints," Scattini said. "The voters elected me to the Council, and now they've elected someone else." Three of the brightest faces among mixer regulars were glowing and smiling that evening, and those at the same table with Cilly Fisher and Jack and Francene Markle were infected by their genial good nature. Among their tablemates was Dee Hone, and anyone who has been around her in a social situation knows how much she enjoys life. Irene Agredano took a break from registering guests when most had arrived and added her own brand of gaiety to the group. David and Ravena Huboi were joined by Charlie and Barbara Scott and all found much to discuss. Also at their table were Charisse Tyson and Tom Horsfall, new guests. They are owners of Johnnie's, and she is on the committee to revive the motorcycle rally for the Independence Day weekend. Marv and Reba Jones, both politically active, also attended the mixer and talked with friends about different aspects of the election the day before. So did Jaime De La Cruz, a county supervisor with strong ties to one recent candidate. Ken Underwood, whose duties as head of Hazel Hawkins Hospital do not allow him much leisure time, was present and sat with Beth Ivey and Gordon Machado of the hospital's board of directors. Eugenia Sanchez, still glowing from having won a seat on the Hollister City Council the day before in her first venture into the political arena, entered to many congratulations and smiles from friends. Veronica Stevenson accompanied her and they talked excitedly with Mai-Lin Garcia. It was good to see Mrs. Sanchez's enthusiasm for her new duties because it takes a lot of spirit to successfully deal with a situation that can have some bad moments. Leonard Moles smiled with twinkling eyes as a friend greeted him. Moles is a quiet fellow who prefers to observe people rather than saying a lot himself. When you get to know him a little, you realize that he is enjoying himself tremendously. Jon and Juanita Mansmith were also there as they are at many mixers. He seemed to enjoy the beef, which constitutes a compliment to the chef because he is known for the fine meat he grills and dispenses and for the condiments he has devised t complement them. The evening progressed with people talking, laughing and visiting. Nasa Jimenez laughed at something Richard Ybarra said and Tom Lucas seemed to be listening to everything going on around him. Ty Holmquist waved to friends across the room and signaled that he would soon join them at their table. Catherine Vais-Bedolla talked with Ev and Liz Sparling, who are expecting their first child, a girl, at the advent of spring. The prospective parents had an aura about them as they talked to many friends. Although an unofficial harbinger, the mixer might have signaled the beginning of the holiday season in the county. It had all the components: good cheer, friends enjoying friends, and a hope for continuing good. |
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