 On The Line -- Issue 636 -- May 25, 2007  Online News and Views of Life in San Benito County with Herman Wrede Published by HollisterOnline.com -- Copyright 1995-2008 HollisterOnline.com
|
|
On The Line -- Issue 636 -- May 25, 2007 Online News and Views of Life in San Benito County with Herman Wrede Published by HollisterOnline.com -- Copyright 1995-2008 HollisterOnline.com
|
|
Passers-by at the Veterans' Memorial Building on Friday, May 18, my have noticed many people going into the building from the afternoon until the evening. Then if their curiosity was piqued enough to investigate, they would have found that it was the 12th annual Spotlight on Hollister.
The combined job fair and business exposition that started in 1996 as an annual presentation has been attended by tens of thousands of people over the years. It has resulted in a better understanding and greater appreciation of local business and in many jobs for local people. Although Al Martinez gives others most of the credit, the original idea was his and he has been the person most closely associated with Spotlight in the public's mind. And, as always, he visited every booth and talked with many people, both exhibitors and visitors. Spotlight did not seem to be as big this year as it previously had. For the second consecutive year there was no tented promenade leading to the entrance that had accommodated dozens of exhibitors in previous years. But it remains a vital part of the business community for all that. Its sponsors are the Economic Development Department Corporation, the City of Hollister, the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce, the Hollister Downtown Association and the San Juan Bautista Chamber of Commerce. Another difference noted by some this year was the absence of restaurants in preparing and dispensing food to the visitors. As many as six restaurants had participated in past years but in 2006 only Ridgemark and San Juan Oaks were still doing so. "We're grateful for all the restaurants that took part previously but they had certain considerations this year, including licensing," Martinez said. "Denise (Cauthen-Wright) solicited many but not one could comply because of licensing concerns and other reasons." Martinez pointed out that although fewer businesses had taken part than previously, "We keep in mind that it's a reflection of the business climate locally and/or nationally," he said, "Sometimes it's up, sometimes it's down." Whatever the state of business, that of participants' enthusiasm seems to remain at a high level. Indeed, in a few at least it can be described as exuberance. Those people are the cheerful volunteers, those who love to give of their time, energy and experience to serve others. Two such people were staffing the booth to one's immediate right upon entering the main building. Ruth Erickson and Adele Pimentel were on duty for the San Benito County Free Library. Both are Friends of the Library and have assisted at many of the library's functions and programs over the years. Carole Willette went by them on her way to help out at the Community Pantry space. "I'll be back in an hour to help out," she said. Mrs. Willette is also one of those people who live to help others. Gary Anderson, who retired as a sergeant from the Hollister Police Department a few years ago, was also on hand to see what was going on. He likes people so is often seen at functions where many people turn out. He took a minute to scan the portraits in Helen Chouinard's place. Mrs. Chouinard is an excellent photographer in a county where excellent photographers abound. Jim West of Granite Rock was going through the building when he spotted Leonard Moles and they discussed a number of topics, including a few recent county Chamber of Commerce mixers. Ed DeGroot wore his customary smile in front of the St. Francis Retreat booth. He handed a friend a flyer with a picture of Jack Haley as the Tin Man from the MGM musical, "The Wizard of Oz." Haley was instrumental in starting the Retreat and contributed a good deal of money to it. Life has surprises at times, and Liza Minelli, daughter of Haley's co-star in the movie, Judy Garland, and his son, Jack Haley Jr., were husband and wife for about five years in the 1970s. It was no surprise to see Eric Tognazzini wheeling around to see many of the exhibits as he likes to be wherever many people enjoy themselves. His brother, Kirk Tognazzini, wasn't there yet but was expected to show up later. Pauline Valdivia and her bright smile illuminated the Jovenes de Antano (Youth of Yesteryear) booth. She dispensed literature about the organization that keeps senior citizens informed of programs that can benefit them all the way to providing meeting space for recreation and discussion. Mrs. Valdivia has been a volunteer since she was a youngster. She is a Hollister City Council member and former mayor, and has spent innumerable hours in making her community and world a better place than it otherwise might have been. Not far from her Sharlene Van Rooy was staffing the Farmers' Market space. Mrs. Van Rooy, in addition to being a leading local historian, is active in the county Historical Society, the Hollister Downtown Association and the county Chamber of Commerce. Sue Rocha and Linda Daughenbaugh were in a conversation about something. It must have been amusing because after Mrs. Daughenbaugh says something, using her hands to gesture, both ladies laugh. Liz Frias smiled at their fun as she passed by. Baldo Salcedo projects images on the screen over the stage as he has done for every Spotlight on Hollister. He owns and manages Projectors Etc. and can provide the public any kind of graphics, "except porno-graphics," he said with a laugh. Bonnie Flores-Voropaeff rose as she spotted a friend approaching her Design Line & Granger Printing booth. She takes pride in her work and is happy when a client compliments her on the finished product. She has been a vital part of Spotlight on Hollister. Geri Johnson seemed to be everywhere but that is typical of her. She is a valued municipal official but also has a genius for making friends. Ms. Johnson possesses a rare sense of humor and people like to have her around. "You bet you can," Al Martinez said when queried if the public could expect to see the annual show in the same place next spring. "I'm not sure of how big we'll be but we'll be here." |
 |
