 On The Line -- Issue 653 -- September 21, 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 653 -- September 21, 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 San Benito County Chamber of Commerce holds its mixers on the second Wednesday of the month, and has been doing so since they became more than a random event about 20 years ago.
On the second Wednesdays of June and September, respectively, the 33rd Agricultural District Association stages the pre-Saddle Horse and Rodeo dinner4 and the pre-county Fair dinner at the Blue Room at Bolado Park. One would assume then that the dinners conflict with the Chamber's mixers for those two months. However, because the mixers run from 5:30 to 7:30, and the Bolado Park dinners do not begin until 7 after an hour of socializing, it is possible for some who attend the former to also go to the latter. It proved so again on Sept. 12. She's, the popular shop for women's clothing and accessories, was the host of the mixer, with Sheila Stevens and her staff making everyone welcome. Hard Times Café, conveniently located across the street, catered it. It was good to see Barbara Cosio at the registration desk, a spot where she presided for years, along with Irene Turturici and Connie Melton. Jessica French stood by to help as did Mark Vivian and Jim West who sold raffle tickets for gifts donated by members. Robert Scattini had arrived early as is his custom and found his way to the buffet table where miniature sandwiches of a variety of meats and cheeses awaited the guests. Raw vegetables and dips were also there for those who wanted them. Then he joined Pat Turturici in conversation. Don Stevens presided over the wine station in the rear of the store and had many friends stop by to say hello, you may be sure. There was bottled water for those who did not want the wine. Glen Koehl visited the buffet and wine tables as did Larry Nicholson and most of the other guests. Jim and Shirley Horn circulated -- they became known as "Mr. and Mrs. Mixer" for their regularity in visiting the early ones -- as did Jaime De La Cruz and Richard Place. Ruth Erickson arrived soon after and immediately circulated among a great number of friends. Barbara Scott was also on hand but said, "Charlie didn't feel like going out tonight so stayed home." You can feel the warmth of Denise Cauthen-Wright's smile before you see it -- then the brightness of it is amazing -- as she arrived. She was stopped many times by friends on her way around the shop. Jon and Juanita Mansmith, who have become regulars at the mixers, talked for awhile with Phyllis Swallow and Jack and Francene Markle. Doug Emerson and Nasa Jimenez made their way to the buffet, and Irene Hurtado showed up soon. Helen McAbee was there and spoke with Mary Schneider and Ty Holmquist while circulating. Jim and Gayle Sleznick arrived and fell into conversation with friends while registering. Jack Hance and Marty Greenwood came in together and Hance made introductions with people who had not yet met Greenwood, although many seemed to do so. Tom Horsfall and Charisse Tyson arrived about then. Shortly before 6, a number of guests began leaving the mixer for the drive to Bolado Park. They included Scattini, the Tuturicis, West, De La Cruz and several others. It was a pleasant evening and everyone looked forward to a continuation of it. West had never been to any of the dinners before so was especially enthusiastic. A friend told him that the entrée was always tri-tips, "except once when I told Denise (Cauthen-Wright) that they served chicken. So if you like tri-tips you're in for a real treat." Upon arrival they made their way up the ramp to The Blue Room. Sitting outside were Reb and Jill Monaco and their close friend, Willene Wattis. "Paul's inside circulating," Mrs. Wattis said when asked about her husband. Kelley Ferreira, the Bolado Park manager, was at the door and greeted everyone. He came to Hollister in 1986 with an extremely short time to stage the first four-day fair. Before then it had run three days. The lead story of the first edition of The Pinnacle's first edition, Oct. 2, 1986 covered the new manager and the first four-day fair. He has said many times since that he received all kinds of help from department heads, staff members and volunteers, and that "I made many new, wonderful friends during that first fair, and the friendship and help has continued." Dara Tobias and Millard Strohn greeted many of the visitors, and reminiscences went around about past fairs and the people who participated in them. Jim and Ann Strickland came in to many smiles and handshakes as they circulated around the room. Mike Cullinan was enjoying life as usual. He has a happy face (his own) and a hearty laugh and enjoys people. They reciprocate the feeling and Cullinan is often in the center of conviviality. Jason and Frankie Arballo came in when the affair was getting a glow, and added to it. Tim and Judy McCord also have many friends and there was much laughing and hand-shaking going on. Wes Brummet talked with many friends and Susan Thompson made the rounds. Meanwhile, Mark and Cynthia Fancher and their crew were bringing out containers that emitted wonderful fragrances, and before long, they announced dinner was ready. The serving line formed in a twinkling. Jim West talked with friends as the line advanced, then picked up a plate and helped himself to bred and butter, and sliced carrots. A young man served him salad, and a young woman put a dollop of mashed potatoes on the plate. While he was not quite salivating he had been looking forward to the tri-tips. Have you guessed it by now? No, it was not chicken; it was roast pork. He sat next to Ron and Dianne Rodrigues, and the friend who had commended the tri-tips. "This is excellent," West remarked as he tried a bite, "but it's the most unusual tri-tip I've ever eaten." The friend pretended he didn't hear him. Ferreira and Don McFadden presided over the awards, especially a plaque to Don Marcus "for many years of dedicated service in the board of directors." Representatives of sponsoring organizations were given certificates of appreciation. It was one of many such dinners and will be followed by many more. But it served to perpetuate the legacy of the county Fair, scheduled for the last three days of September, and brought many good friends even closer. |
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