 On The Line -- Issue 613 -- December 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 613 -- December 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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December is a month of parties, most centered on Christmas. Some are large, others small but no matter the size, and whether it be office, church or other venue, the celebrants have a good time.
One of the merriest is held annually at the San Benito County Library. It is sponsored by the Friends of the Library and includes its members, library staff and other friends throughout the community. The one held on the evening of Dec. 6 celebrated the season but it was also a vehicle to welcome and introduce Nora Conte, hired last month as the permanent librarian. She relieved Betty Mason who had agreed to fill in until a permanent librarian was hired. Mrs. Conte and Mrs. Mason were accompanied by their husbands, Pat Conte and Lanby Mason, respectively, who beamed at the high regard manifested for their wives. And that regard is well earned. Mary Schneider, president of the Friends of the Library, arrived before her husband, Franz Schneider, to help prepare the banquet table where all manner of good things were laid out. Most of the participants brought something to eat but this year a number of local businesses contributed also. They included Marich Confectionery, A. J. Sushi restaurant, Flapjacks Country Café, Nob Hill, Juice It Up, Subway Sandwiches and Salads Restaurant, Supermercado y Taqueria and Albertson's Market. Among the busiest members as usual were Harriet Brin, there with husband Bill Brin, and Ruth Erickson. The ladies and others set up the tables, decorated them, put on the coffee urn, made the punch and laid plates and utensils out neatly at appropriate places. As more food was brought in, they found places for them on the already laden tables. Hardly any time at all elapsed between 6:30, the official starting time of the party and the time guests lined up at the tables, working both sides of them for easy self-service. There were more than the 35 or so people gathered could comfortably eat but many did their best. In addition to sushi, salads and potato chips, there were miniature sandwiches of roast beef and ham, crackers, many varieties of dips, several casseroles, and cakes and pies of many kinds. Many who tried it went back again for a custard-like sauce that went on slices of assorted fruit. Pies and cakes of many kinds also beckoned. Most of the guests concentrated on three or four items but others had an eye for more so took tiny helpings of a number of foods before deciding which they liked best and getting more of it. It is always good to see Tom and Karen Breen and they were especially glad to be there. Even while he was still the county Superior Judge, he regularly put in stints at the library as a volunteer. He is very witty and she us very patient, usually smiling at one of his mots although she may already have heard it several times before. Elvira Robinson arrived with them. She was -- how does one describe it? -- not quite giddy but still in a glow about her recent re-election to the Gavilan College Board. She has a good record but campaigned vigorously because the position is important to her. Mrs. Robinson is the niece of Jo Wahdan, long-time county librarian who instituted many programs during her tenure, and saw many changes. She is credited with being the main person responsible for the continuation of the library when it was cut out of the county budget in the 1980s. Everyone likes Dick Fish. Besides being an all around good fellow he is a devoted worker for causes in which he believes. He also has an affinity for good stories. People telling jokes appreciate his reaction. Even before the punch line, Fish is already beaming and nodding, and when it is delivered he roars with laughter. Many members of the library staff were there. Carlos Munoz, Sandy Ekland and Kathy Franchesci traded conversation with Friends and others. Delia and John Gamez arrived with Joyce Young and the celebration took on a brighter glow. Martha Moses and Carole Willette were obviously enjoying each other's company although their laughter subsided when the topic of the San Jose Mercury's recent two-part story on Hollister arose. The ladies seemed to agree that the writer of the articles evidently had some preconceived notions of the community, its people and its politics. But then they returned to lighter topics and their laughter was good to hear. Carolyn Rivera spent some time in visiting with David and Nancy Tulchinski. Everyone smiled when Pat Loe arrived. She has been a supporter of the library and its programs on the county Board of Supervisors in addition to having a pleasant personality. Veldon and Diane Leverich always lend a spot of brightness to any gathering and they continued that tradition at the party. Dolores Conroy and Marilyn Hartman have many friends and when one talks with them it is easy to understand why. John and Don Kerkvliet are a somewhat quiet couple but they enjoy listening to others which adds to their popularity. With the following say being the 65th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor that launched the United States into World War II. Mrs. Kerkvliet reminisced about her memories of the day. Her brother was stationed at Pearl Harbor and she realized that Kerkvliet, whom she was to marry soon, would be going to war before long. The memories of that desperate time have softened over the decades but for a few seconds the girl that she was then resurfaced as she recounted her feelings upon hearing of the attack. Mrs. Conte made an announcement that got a good round of applause. Esme Casas, a dedicated staff member, had told her that day or the day before that she had decided upon a career in library science. To people ho love books and libraries, that was a good decision indeed. And so the evening went in talk, many reminiscences and a lot of laughter. Everyone present felt a part of something vital and their sense of celebration was heightened. |
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