 On The Line -- Issue 611 -- December 1, 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 611 -- December 1, 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 had rained during the night but the day dawned to blue skies and mild temperatures on Thursday, Nov. 23. Residents of the Central Coast had a perfect day to observe Thanksgiving.
It is the traditional day of reunion in the United States, when family member often travel to be together around one table, laden with a festive holiday dinner: turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, yams, cranberries and all the other components that make it special. It is often a day with men crowded around the television set to watch a round of football games, of women and girls busy in the kitchen to prepare the meal, of children running through the house, popping into the kitchen many times to ask when dinner will be ready, and of the family catching up on the news of the various branches. In San Benito County when one mentions Thanksgiving, many people automatically think of Marland Holte and the community dinner that is an offshoot of the Christmas dinner he established in 1985. The original dinners were held in the Hollister Community Center, with the Thanksgiving feats added a few years later. Both dinners were transferred to O'Reilley Youth Center on the grounds of Sacred Heart Church to accommodate the greater number of diners. The number of people served at each meal has fluctuated over the years but volunteers, whose number has also grown, are at hand with enough meals to accommodate the need, no matter how large. The dinners are open to the public and are free. It was determined very early that although many people who attend can use the meal, many others simply do not want to spend the holiday alone. It may be that they are newcomers to the community or that they are people whose children have grown and moved elsewhere. Whatever the reason, Holte and his volunteers made them feel welcome. Many businesses, agencies and private individuals have contributed food and money over the years without fanfare because they wish to be a part of a wonderful institution, and some of the volunteers make plans around it as part of their holidays. Holte died in September but some key volunteers were determined that the dinners would continue as his legacy to the community he loved and served so well. Some of the general public believed that since he had died the tradition would be abandoned. Mandy Rose who, with John Gregg, Gayle Hendricks and other long-time volunteers keep the dinners going, said, "Most of those who have contributed largely through the years were on auto-pilot, just waiting to be told when to deliver. "A story in the Free Lance informed the public that the dinners would go on, and we had many, many offers of help. We also needed more volunteers and we got them. The tradition will continue." Volunteers like Larry Brown, Ruben Lopez and Pat Richardson and many others lend their time, efforts and ideas to it and some people who are not able to help out at every one still volunteer at many of them. The public does not see others who turn out the night before a dinner to help. Wade and Joanie Simonsen, for instance, have been in the night-before crew for a long time but only in the past few years have they also come on the actual day of the dinner to lend a hand. Kirk Tognazzini was waiting when the doors opened early that morning to do whatever was needed. He is such a fixture at events that benefit the public that he is only noticed by his absence on the rare occasion that he cannot be present. Ron Rodrigues is another long-time volunteer, and was among the turkey carvers. He was performing that function again, across the table from the Rev. David Rodriguez of the First Presbyterian Church who was similarly engaged. The latter returned to the community in October after more than a year away. He is a chaplain in the Navy Reserve and was called upon to go to Iraq. He spent part of his active service time in helping Marines make the transition back to civilian life. Although the meal was not to begin until 11 a.m., several dozen diners had gathered outside and everything was ready so the doors were opened. Veteran stalwarts like Orlando Rostrand and Carole Willette welcomed them. The serving line takes care of people who go through it but most diners go to the tables where many teen-age volunteers wander among the tables bearing containers of turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn and stuffing. Pie and rolls were offered in abundance and punch or coffee was available. Friends and family members joined others already seated, and often two people who were strangers struck up conversations while they ate. Laughter was frequent and the goodwill was palpable. It was also heartening to see leave with food bags that had been prepared before the doors opened. Each contained a chicken, canned goods, pasta and other comestibles, enough to feed a family for two days. About 40 Thanksgiving meals were delivered to elderly and homebound people. Lillian Vasquez was on the serving line this year. She is a lady who has been involved in humanity her entire life. The local branch of the Red Cross has been her most noticeable venue but as long as it's helping others, any place will do. Also among this year's volunteers was Shannon Grissom, whose laughter and natural love of life make it a delight for others to be around her. Katherine Napier and Susan Jones also lent an attitude of good will to the dinner. Diners kept arriving, were served, ate and lingered with friends at the table for awhile before leaving, many with a glow that was not from the food alone. As Marland Holte often said, "It's a feast for the spirit as well as the body." |
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