 On The Line -- Issue 626 -- March 16, 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 626 -- March 16, 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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Many guests seemed to have the feeling that it was going to be a great mixer even as they entered The Elegant Touch Restaurant on Wednesday, March 14. The law firm of Lombardo and Gilles hosted the event and Jeff Gilles later addressed the guests.
Robert Scattini is usually among the first persons to show up at the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce mixers but on that evening he was not there. Nor did he show up later. Friends surmised that duties in the Marshal's office demanded his presence. But his close friend, Reb Monaco, was there although his wife, Jill, had temporarily left him to cross San Benito Street to a shop still open so she could get in a bit of shopping and be back before The Elegant Touch filled up. By 5:30 p.m., the official starting time of the mixer, the restaurant was well on its way to capacity. Someone -- was it Jim West? -- suggested that it would not be as crowded if only smaller guests had been invited. Irene Agredano and daughter Irene Turturici are regulars at the mixers but also there that evening was Irene Hurtado, who had walked over from the downtown branch of San Benito Bank. Mrs., Hurtado agreed with Mrs. Agredano that "Irene" is a lovely name. Mrs. Turturici only smiled. Mrs. Hurtado was not the only person from a bank there that evening as it turned out. Soon, in came Sandi Slonaker and Bionca Martinez from Pacific Valley Bank, which recently opened a branch here. Although they are not regulars they appeared to enjoy themselves. Jack and Phyllis Swallow greeted Glen and Jean Koehl as they arrived. Mrs. Swallow could stay for only a short time so while Mrs. Koehl mingled with other ladies, Swallow and Koehl sat down together to discuss "buck skinning". Both are ardent Mountain Men and emulate those independent souls of the early 19th Century who explored the American West. Their chapter holds regular get-togethers in which they live as their predecessors did, wear clothing of that era, and use only utensils and food that would have been available then. In the course of buck skinning, Mountain Men learn much history and lore of the early West and are glad to pass it on to others interested, especially young people. Scout groups often tour their encampments. Chamber President Mark Vivian, and predecessor Frankie Valent-Arballo, were at the front door to greet guests as they arrived. Most mixer regulars anticipate a good time but their smiles upon entering said that their expectations were to be exceeded. In the meantime, the restaurant staff was setting out a variety of hors d'oeuvres, and some of the guests were shooting glances at the buffet table. When all was ready, a guest started the line, another followed, and soon everyone was moving along. And because it was the Elegant Touch the food was fine. Raw vegetables with dips, cheeses, miniature sandwiches and skewered fruit appealed to everyone, and the popcorn shrimp went quickly. Eclairs were offered later. Iced tea and various cola drinks were offered as well as two types of coffee. It is always a source of speculation to their friends when Ron and Dianne Rodrigues get together with Jim and Shirley Horn, and Helen McAbee. What do they talk about? If they saw each other only once every three months or so, one could understand it. But even if they had spent hours together the previous day, the flow of conversation continues unabated. Perhaps that's just part of true friendship: an active interest in the other person. Ruth Erickson always enlivens any assemblage and she went from table to table to pay her respects before going through the serving line. She and the vivacious Dee Hone exchanged pleasantries before each turned to other friends. Shannon Grissom was on hand and talked with everyone at some point in the evening. She loves the mixers but cannot make every one because she keeps busy promoting her artwork, television show and book -- make that "books" as she is getting ready to have her second published. The affable Leonard Moles smiled in obvious enjoyment in watching other people have a good time. His quiet demeanor should not be mistaken for shyness. Just tell him a joke and watch his eyes light up. Linda Fine and her father, Walter Fine, were at a table near the coffee urns. They are descended from Robert E. Lee and are also related to Frank and Jesse James. Ms. Fine did not say which branch she takes after most. Jaime De La Cruz came for awhile but he is still recovering from surgery last month and dares not overdo his activities. Even with a truncated evening he managed to get around to most of the tables. Also among the regulars were Jim and Gayle Sleznick and Jack and Francene Markle. Mrs. Markle informed another guest that their mutual friend, Cilly Fisher, is in remarkably good spirits during her recovery from a broken neck suffered early this year when she fell in her home. There was a lot of speculation, notably among the women, about Liz and Ev Sparling's first child, due any day. The couple was told it will be a girl and have the named "Emery" selected. Speaking of birthdays, it turned out that Sharlene Van Rooy was observing one that very day and that Nasa Jimenez was to have one the following day ("Beware the ides of March," a self-appointed wit whispered to her). Jim West's birthday was that Saturday and Shannon Grissom was to have hers on March 28 as will her twin sister, Cheryl Calhoun. None of the ladies confided their age but West said he did not mind if people knew he was 34. Much conversation and laughter went around and all the guests acknowledged that it had been an even better mixer than they had anticipated. One of the main components of the success of this and every other mixer is its social aspect. |
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