 On The Line -- Issue 652 -- September 14, 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 652 -- September 14, 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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Saturday, September 8, was a pleasant day with the temperature in the mid-70s, much more agreeable than the previous week, in which it hovered in the 90s and on one day passed 100 degrees.
It was a day that invited one to the beach or the mountains as many San Benito County residents still looked for outdoor activities as the summer neared an end, when chilly days will abridge many outdoor pleasures. But an estimated 350 to 400 persons showed up at Hazel Hawkins Hospital because the Hospital District wanted to drum up interest in the centennial dedication of the hospital when it was built on Monterey Street. The inspiration for the hospital came to T. S. Hawkins, the most powerful man in Hollister, after his beloved 12-year-old granddaughter, Hazel, died from a burst appendix in March of 1902. Hawkins had lavished much love upon the girl and called her "Little Sunshine." He grieved for months before an idea was born to help others suffering pain and illness. He would build a hospital and name it after her. He consulted many medical experts and told them to spare no expense in furnishing the facility with the latest equipment and to staff it with the best doctors and nurses. The dedication was attended by a vast crowd of residents who applauded the speakers. When Hawkins' turn came to speak, he began but overwhelming emotion cut him short. His creation has spoken eloquently for him for 100 years. It remained on Monterey Street for its first 50 years, then was moved to its present facility on Memorial Drive. Although Hawkins would have been stunned by the modern equipment it has and the many discoveries made over the years to counter illness, he would be gratified to know that compassion and a relentless fight against disease and pain are still as vivid as they were when his inspiration came. The hospital has touched the lives of most county residents in its near century of operation. Many resident have been patients in it, many have visited patients there and some residents have been born in it. Most of its staff is made up of county residents and many of them have taken places of importance in the community beyond their regular duties. There is no part of the local social structure that they have not been involved in, including government and service organizations. Many participated in Saturday's affair. The area east of the general parking lot was festooned with balloons and ribbons. A large tent had been put up to accommodate a number of local organizations known for helping people. Another tented area was set up nearby and it held many tables so no one would have to stand. Maverick Barbecue catered the affair, so you know what that meant: good food and plenty of it. Guests were offered hamburgers -- the old-fashioned kind, thick patties done to perfection -- as well as gilled frankfurters, slices of cheese, tomatoes, lettuce and onions. Small bags of potato chips were offered and several large containers of ice water held canned soda. For those who wanted them, and everyone seemed to do so, a variety of cookies were found at the end of the food line. Johnny Espinoza and the Yerba Buena Band played near the entrance to the main tent, and many people sat nearby to listen and to make requests. Members of Jovenes de Antano (Youth of Yesteryear) had come by bus and roundly applauded each number. Pauline Valdivia, manager of Jovenes, remarked that their enthusiasm was not unusual because they maintain a happy outlook on life, having seen so much of it and believing a positive attitude makes it better. Inside the tent, such institutions as Emmaus House, Compassion Pregnancy Services, the California Highway Patrol and, of course, the Hospital District staffed their booths, answered questions and gave guests literature that told more about their organizations. Jessica Valero, a registered nurse at the hospital, seemed knowledgeable about everything connected with it. Many people stopped to talk with her and went away knowing more than they had before stopping. Beth Ivey staffed the hospital district's booth for awhile. She also distributed literature and small pouches from the hospital that contained Band-Aids and ointment, as well as centennial pins. Outside, meanwhile, Fulton Picetti has just gone through the food line and was getting a soda when he and a friend spotted each other. It is hard to believe that he turned 91 just a month earlier because his step is jaunty and his mind is as quick as it ever was. He said the way to remember his birthday is that he was born on the eighth day of the eighth month, Aug. 8, "and eight and eight equal 16," 1916 being the year of his birth. Glen Koehl was smiling at everything and everybody because he has a tremendous capacity for enjoyment. Although Kirk Tognazzini does not smile as much, he also likes being among the crowd at any worthwhile project. Robert Scattini had been on the scene but had to leave on some marshal's business. A few of his friends remarked that he had missed winning a prize in a drawing because his name was called after he had left. Gordon Machado was seated at a table with Andy Fernandez. Machado introduced him as "my favorite uncle" and Fernandez wryly commented, "I hope so because I'm the only one you have left." Ruth Erickson joined the table and told about her recent trip to southern California. She had spent some time with Jo Wahdan, her long-time friend and former head librarian at the county library. Sunny Underwood, and it is hard to think of a better adjective for her than her first name, stopped by to talk for a moment before rejoining her own table where 2-1/2-year-old Ryan Underwood reigned as undisputed king. Husband/father Ken Underwood was mingling with guests and welcoming them. Martha Moses was all smiles as she usually is. She and Regina Bixby were deep in conversation and whatever the topic, it made both ladies smile some more. Elvira Robinson went by with a wave and a smile to them and a few other friends. Pete Alosi stopped by to say hello. Frankie Arballo seemed to be everywhere at the same time and Barbara Brookshire was not far behind. In short, it was a very pleasant day. Talk and news releases about the centennial are expected to increase over the next two months to keep alive the memories of a girl who died. Because of the lack of proper facilities and the grandfather who was determined such a tragedy would not recur for that reason. |
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