 On The Line -- Issue 649 -- August 24, 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 649 -- August 24, 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 beginning of a business or enterprise is often exciting as it symbolizes the high hopes of those involved. The elation spills over to other people besides those in it and the atmosphere is further charged with good will.
In addition to that, the ribbon-cutting and grand opening reception for the Pacific Valley Bank has an aura of friendliness about it because it was conducted at the late Wayne Hone's former place of business at 260 Tres Pinos Road. Hone was among the most generous and kindest of men and often allowed the spot to be used for community gatherings and meetings. A legacy like that bodes well for the future of the new bank branch. Preparation had started early for the reception, scheduled from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 14, with many staff members setting out containers of fresh vegetables and dips, cookies, wedges of cheesecake, wine, bottled water, and coffee in the bank's offices. Sandi Slonaker, vice president and branch manager, greeted early guests and introduced members of the staff. Frank Lippman looked up with a smile as he continued preparing hors d'oeuvres. Barbara Marcantonio acknowledged the introduction as she deftly wielded a knife while slicing bread. "Please excuse me for continuing but this has to be done," she said. The guest replied, "I would not think of taking notice of it, certainly not to a lady with a knife in hr hand." Mrs. Marcantonio chuckled and kept on slicing. Jack Hance, immediate past president of the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce, and director Scott Fuller smiled as they saw the Chamber's executive director, Jessica French, arrive with the out-sized pair of scissors used for ribbon-cuttings of new businesses. More guests came as the ceremony was going on, and within minutes the tables set up in the parking lot were filled. Large umbrellas shaded the tables but the temperature was benign. Robert Scattini was among the early arrivals. His comment that the event seemed like a Chamber mixer was seconded by several other guests because of many of the same people attending, its hours from 5:30 to 7:30, the hospitality and the food. Margaret Pidd, who does not attend Chamber mixers, came because she has several friends in the new institution. She fell into conversation with Jon and Juanita Mansmith and joined them at a small table set up on the sidewalk connecting the offices. Ms. Pidd is a long-time resident, a former city officer and has been engaged in real estate for a long while. She has many friends and was pleased when one wished her a happy belated birthday, Aug. 2. Michel Shah of the staff was about to leave the office when a guest was coming in the doorway. The guest indicated that Shah go first, but Shah insisted that the other go first, and after a few repetitions of the Alphonse-Gaston routine, each started forward, with the result of bumping into each other and the guest spilling his coffee. Neither was splattered, and both took the blame. Ron Rodrigues, there with wife Dianne Rodrigues, was in an expansive mood and reminisced about his boyhood days. "My folks were in agriculture, so it was natural that I wanted to do my bit for the war (World War II) in supplementing the civilian food supply by growing a Victory Garden. "It turned out pretty swell and I got to thinking," he continued. "I thought it would be good to use even the things we wouldn't eat ourselves so fed the onion and garlic refuse to our cows." He smiled. "The milk tasted and smelled like onions. I never did that again." Others at his table laughed. They included Ruth Erickson, Walter Fine and his daughter, Linda Fine. ("A Fine pair") Rodrigues noted. The Fines have in their lineage three notable 19th Century personalities, Robert E. Lee and Frank and Jesse James. A friend, overhearing that, said that he was related to Vernon Farley of the same era as the outlaw brothers. When that drew blank looks, he explained that Farley drove a stagecoach that didn't have any wheels. After a moment, Fine asked what held it up. "Jesse James!" shrieked the friend and walked away laughing inordinately at his own wit. The tablemates just smiled, let it go and resumed their conversation. Denise Cauthen-Wright stopped briefly for a cookie and some conversation before hurrying off on other errands. She was pleased when a friend remembered her birthday (Aug. 11) and wished her the best for the coming year. Jaime De La Cruz was also among the guests and talked politics with Richard Place for awhile. When Robert Wheeler saw them eating cookies he told them to leave room for the hot food. Almost as if by cue, the Running Rooster truck pulled up. Jim Chapman and wife Brenda Blake emerged and carried a number of covered pans into one of the offices that Ms Slonaker indicated. In a twinkling guests formed a line and ooh-ed and ahh-ed over many of the culinary items that have made the Running Rooster one of Hollister's most popular restaurants. Small sandwiches, other foods and some particularly tasty pork ribs. Back at his table Walter Fine procured several empty paper cups and deposited the bones from the ribs after he and his friends had eaten the meat for his dog at home. Rick and Angela Shelton made their was through the line. A friend said to her, "I haven't seen you for years, then suddenly it's twice in one week (referring to the August mixer at the County Health Foundation)." She smiled. "That's life." Stephen Carew of the staff introduced himself as he mingled with guests at various tables. All agreed that the affair was enjoyable and marked a hopeful beginning for the bank. Nada Jimenez andVaughn and Orlaine Franklin smiled in agreement. Another opening, another show as the old tune has it but it generated just the kind if good will that often carries over to the everyday workings of a business and helps make it a successful one. |
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