 On The Line -- Issue 643 -- July 13, 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 643 -- July 13, 2007 Online News and Views of Life in San Benito County with Herman Wrede Published by HollisterOnline.com -- Copyright 1995-2008 HollisterOnline.com
|
|
Among the most poplar continuous institutions in San Benito County is the mixer put on by the county Chamber of Commerce on the second Wednesday. K&S Properties was the host for July.
Although each in some respects resembles the others, each also has its own distinctive flavor and the July event was of a particularly high caliber. John Klauer and staff members made every guest feel special. Guests began arriving well before the normal 5 p.m. starting time and fell into conversation with each other, pausing only to hail the arrival of other guests and to likewise engage them in conversation. Most of the regulars are friends, sometimes of a lifetime, so many topics of conversation offer themselves. Part of it was the recently completed Independence Day Rally of thousand and thousands of motorcyclists, commemorating the Fourth of July weekend when thousands roared into Hollister in 1947, 60 years ago. Robert Scattini, county marshal and former Hollister mayor, was among those on the committee to have it restored after it was discontinued last year. Even many who were against it acknowledged that it was a success this year. Other topics included family doings, summer vacations and politics. The latter category seems always on the minds of many but the Iraq war has cast a gloom over the nation as it seems to rill on incessantly with ever more loss of life, great destruction and erosion of personal liberties. Jessica French, the Chamber's new executive director, was there early to help wherever she could and to anticipate any rough spots so guests would fully enjoy themselves. Mark Vivian was on hand as well as Jack Hankie, Irene Tartaric and other Chamber officials. Frankie Valent-Arballo signed in guests as they arrived. Staying near her was husband Jason Arballo who is always willing to lend a hand if needed and to offer moral support to his wife. Shannon Grissom and Ruth Erickson exchanged pleasantries before circulating to see other friends. Each is always busy with a number of projects and each usually wears a smile while carrying them out. When Jack and Francene Markle arrived with friend and neighbor Cilly Fisher many guests went over to see them. All are popular but everyone was especially happy to see Ms. Fisher at the first mixer she has attended this year. She is another of those very busy people who fund time to serve their community. She was often a volunteer in both the county and San Juan Bautista chambers of commerce, worked with the Hollister Downtown Association and for the Homeless Shelter, among other enterprises. In January of this year she suffered a fall in her Ridgemark home and broke her neck. After a relatively short time in the hospital she returned to her home where a few of her grown children and many close friends kept a close watch on her and saw to her needs. Ms. Fisher was compelled to wear a device, known as a halo, to protect her neck. She acknowledged that it took some getting used to -- "I never thought I'd get a halo," she joked -- because it weighed 11 pounds. "There were so many people who helped me that I feel blessed at having such good friends," she said. "I can't name them all for fear of forgetting someone but Francene (Markle), Irene (Agredano) and Rose (Ford) seemed to be there most of the time." Complete recovery will take some time yet, "but I'm a tough old bird and I'll make it," she laughed. With a gallant spirit like that you know that she will be back to her normal life and projects soon. Maverick Barbecue catered the event and guests lost little time in lining up at the buffet table for hors d'oeuvres that consisted of, among other items, skewered grilled chicken, small pork sandwiches, a variety of fruit and vegetables, with cheeses, chips and dips. Soda, wine and coffee were all available and most of the guests found seats with friends at the inside tables. Ron and Dianne Rodrigues sat with life-long friends Jim and Shirley Horn and they all talked as though they had not seen each other for years, rather than a few days or weeks since they had last seen each other. Gordon and Jo Ann Machado were at the same table with Beth Ivey and the conversation about many topics, including Hazel Hawkins Hospital, flowed. Doug Emerson put in a word now and then but seemed to find more pleasure in listening. Marv and Reba Jones also managed to mingle with a number of people, and Glen and Jean Koehl, another set of mixer regulars, chewed the fat with others who attend the mixers faithfully. Meanwhile at a table on the balcony, Jack Swallow, Reb Monaco and Jon Mansmith swapped tales about handiwork and the conversation turned to old telephones. Swallow, an expert on the subject, reminisced about the old crank variety (not suggesting that he is an old crank), while Phyllis Swallow, Juanita Mansmith and Jill Monaco were inside awaiting the results of the customary raffle. Linda Fine talked a little with Sharlene Van Rooy while Frank Van Rooy shot pictures of the gathering to appear in the next Chamber newsletter. He was aiming in the general direction of Scott Fuller and Yvonne Filippo but also shot a number of others, including Linda Fine. Catherine Vais-Bedolla smiled when the camera was pointed at her but because she usually smiles no one could charge her with posing. All in all it was a pleasant mixer and everyone and many people proclaimed Klauer was a good host, which was not news for others who have attended affairs in which he had a part' good company, warm conversation, and an excellent buffet. What is more enjoyable than that? |
 |
