 On The Line -- Issue 630 -- April 13, 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 630 -- April 13, 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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It had rained that morning and a few stiff breezes hit the area in early afternoon; however, by 5 p.m. the weather was good as many vehicles pulled up to the DeMaggio's Café parking lot on Airline Highway.
It was April 11 and as it was the second Wednesday of the month, the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce was putting on its monthly mixer. David Perdu, who acquired the restaurant from founder David DeMaggio a little over a year ago, welcomed the guests as they arrived. His father, Barry Perdu, stood ready to help. Chamber president Mark Vivian also greeted the guests, most of whom are his friends, as they came in, and FrankieValent-Arballo and Jack Hance, the last two Chamber presidents, signed them in and bade them welcome. Jason Arballo arrived a little later and took his place next to his wife. It was unusual not to see Barbara Cosio and Irene Agredano at their customary places at the registration table. Someone said Mrs. Cosio had to work late that day, and someone else noted that Mrs. Agredano was out of town but other volunteers performed their offices in their absence. Also noticeable by his absence was Robert Scattini, who also missed last month's mixer. Scattini is also usually among the very first people at the affair but no one there seemed to have an idea where he was that evening. Jennifer French stood close by to sell raffle tickets and Jim West gadded about to talk to many friends. Kathy Johnson came in a bit later to help wherever she was needed and soon a hum of socializing fell over the restaurant that was filled by 5:30, the mixer's official starting time. Two regulars who had missed the last two meetings arrived fairly early and were greeted warmly. Wolfgang and Ingrid Leitenberger like people and people respond by liking them right back. They bring many smiles wherever they go. Gordon and Joanne Machado were on hand and soon were joined by Gerald and Mary McCullough and by Beth Ivey to form a little satellite of Hazel Hawkins Hospital, which Machado, Mrs. Ivey and Mrs. McCullough have served for years. Artist Shannon Grissom was especially happy as she has recently won approval of a PBS station in Tennessee to run her television program, "Give Your Walls Some Soul," to its million viewers. It has proven extremely popular in the central Coast and she hopes that Tennesseeans will also find it so. Mrs. Grissom's career has skyrocketed in the past five years, not only because of her excellent paintings. Her television show, her articles in an artists' magazine and her children's book, "Money Made of Sockies," have added to her luster. She is also a skilled businesswoman and promotes her enterprises. Glen and Jean Koehl are steady mixer-goers and they enjoy seeing people enjoy themselves. That is probably one of the main reasons people enjoy seeing them. The Koehls don't say much but their eyes light up at other people having fun. Ruth Erickson was there as usual but this tie with her friends, Bill and Harriet Brin of the Hollister Airmen's Association. It has just become a member of the Chamber, which is why the Brins were present to represent it. Mrs. Brin and Mrs. Erickson are also long-time members and officers of the Friends of the Library. The restaurant staff had laid out a buffet table full of hors d'oeuvres, including a succulent pasta, and guests lost no time in getting into line. A selection of wines was also available and everyone found something to his taste. Gene Kogle showed up, the first time in many months since he attended a mixer. As always, he was full of fun although he and a friend discussed some weighty matters and caught up on past experiences. In the meantime Elizabeth Gage was unobtrusively shooting pictures of many people of which one or two will be used in the Chamber newsletter that she edits. She has quite a background in journalism. Jon and Juanita Mansmith have become mixer regulars and, sure enough, they also were at this one. Mansmith was pleased that a friend remembered his April 9th birthday. Linda Fine, sitting nearby, has one on April 29th but you must ask her which it is. Ty Holmquist is seen more and more often at mixers. Upon arrival he mingled with many friends before going to the buffet table. He doesn't say much but people know that he's there because of his warm glow. Ron Rodrigues arrived without wife Dianne but still managed a brave smile. Jim and Shirley Horn were also among the missing so Rodrigues and Helen McAbee were the only two present of the five who usually sit and laugh together at the mixers. Frank and Sharlene Van Rooy found seats with friends and many topics were discussed, among them the Farmers' Market which will begin the season next month in downtown Hollister. Another frequent topic of discussion is the war in Iraq if one can call it discussion any more. If someone broaches it, others just throw their heads to one side and sigh, as if to say, "What can you do?" Someone brought it up this time but dropped it when no one else seemed to want to talk about it. The Open Studio for artists of the county is coming up April 21-22 and many people talked about it. Mrs. Grissom usually has many guests touring her studio at her home for the occasion. Two other ladies who usually attend mixers but weren't present that evening will also participate, Gayle Sleznick and Francene Markle. And so the evening passed in talk and laughter. Some guests made their goodbyes and left, then others followed suit after awhile. The hosts were cordial but turned with a will toward cleaning the restaurant for the next day's business when the last of the guests tricked out the door and talked for a few minutes before getting into their cars and heading home. |
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