 On The Line -- Issue 619 -- January 26, 2007  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 619 -- January 26, 2007 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 new year was not even three weeks old when its first big annual local social event took place at San Juan Oaks Golf and Country Club. It was the presentation of the county Chamber of Commerce's 86th annual Dinner/Dance and Recognition Night.
Although always well attended the event pulses with camaraderie because most of the guests have known each other well for years, and he camaraderie is palpable. Most of the ladies find it an occasion to dress their best, and a good number of the men do also. Barbara Cosio, Mari Davis and Jessica French were among those at the welcoming table, and Mrs. Cosio draped strings of beads on men and women alike as they entered. Although the theme was Celebrating Business in San Benito County, it also had a Mardi Gras touch. Tables were decorated with replicas of coins and with feathered masks in sticks ala the French court of the 18th Century. Many of the ladies did not even try to resist the urge to play peek-a-boo through them. Chamber President Mark Vivian was in formal attire and greeted guests as they arrived. He is a personable man and has a real liking for people. They sense that and return it in kind, so there were many smiles and handshakes as the stream of arrivals continued. Jolly Jim West, a recent addition to the Chamber's board, also spoke with guests as they poured in. He has many anecdotes and likes to laugh. For all that, he takes every responsibility seriously and carries it out. Here's a tip: Don't get West started about antique cars unless you have an hour to two to spare because they are among his passions. Liz Sparling, the Chamber's executive director, was carefully attended by her husband, Ev Sparling. She was just two months away from the birth of their first child and many of the ladies made a point of seeing how she was feeling. She looked radiant. As might be expected, Denise Cauthen-Wright was on hand to help out. She and Wolfgang Leitenberger were taking ticket stubs for the raffle. Ms. Cauthen-Wright was the Chamber's 2004 Woman of the Year. The long-time Free Lance advertising manager, she has been executive director of the San Juan Bautista Chamber of Commerce for more than a year. While her husband was thus engaged, Ingrid Leitenberger circulated and exchanged pleasantries with many friends. The Leitenbergers became involved with the Chamber about seven years ago and rarely miss any of its functions. Helen Chouinard of Helen's Photography was set up to take pictures of anyone who wanted them, and many guests did. Where else are they going to get a photograph of a husband and wife dressed in their best? If you have a joke to tell, seek out Chuck Ivey. He is already grinning by the first sentence and his shoulders begin to heave by the tie one is halfway through. At its conclusion, even if it's not very funny, he roars and his laughter is infectious. He was there with Beth Ivey and they were seated with Gerald and Mary McCullough, Gordon and Joanne Machado and others who help make Hazel Hawkins Hospital a truly wonderful facility. Other couples enjoying the evening included Jim and Gayle Sleznick, Tim and Nants Foley, Steve and Fran Sanders, and Jack and Francene Markle. They always seem to have an inner glow of happiness and part of it comes from their involvement in humanity. That also applies to Tom and Karen Breen. They're both on the quiet side but their popularity is eloquent. They appreciate the little foibles of life and she always patiently listens to his anecdotes when he spins them in public. Leonard Moles smiled as a friend threatened "to tell Marcia that you're out with this beautiful young woman" and an appreciative titter from Marcia Moles who hugged the friend. Helen McAbee stopped at the Dabo table where Catherine Dabo, daughter Jane Dabo Cruz, son Mitchell Dabo with wife Julia Dabo, and Marilyn Castro ("I'm her adopted daughter this evening") were sitting. Phil Fortino was master-of-ceremonies for the evening. He introduced Hollister Mayor Brad Pike, who led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Father Rudy Ruiz, who gave the invocation before the guests set to on dinner, a mixed grill that pleased every palate. An innovation accompanied dinner this year for the first time. While guests were eating, Addie Bakich conducted a live auction of prizes that included a weekend at a Pajaro Dunes beach house, a night under the stars with amateur astronomer Dave Baumgartner, and a painting lesson from artist Shannon Grissom, among others. One of the highlights of the evening was presentation of awards. Michele Stephenson and Will Sutton had been named Woman and Man of the Year for their activities in many fields that help make the county a fine place to live. Assemblywoman Anna Caballero, Bill Ritz representing state Senator Jeff Denham, county supervisors Anthony Botelho and Jaime De La Cruz, Brad Pike and Mark Vivian represented the entities making the presentations. U.S. Representative Sam Farr, who could not be present, sent awards. Mari and Jim Rossi accepted the Agriculture Business of the Year Award for B&R Farms. Deborah Wood of Drapoel/Teezerz accepted the Retail Business Award, and Theresa and Jim Martin accepted the Service Business Award. Following the presentations, many guests mingled with friends, some of whom they had not seen for two or three days, and talked about this and that - family, politics and whatever else came to mind. A good number of people stayed to dance and did so to music of SCS Productions with Sergio Flores in charge. It surprised at least a few newcomers to see the exuberance of many of the community's respected citizens on the dance floor. Among the spectators enjoying the sight was Michelle Cordova, the Chamber's administrative assistant. And so the evening went, with conversation and laughter, and strengthening of bonds among friends. It is a part of life in San Benito County that its residents love and come back to again and again. |
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