 On The Line -- Issue 657 -- October 19, 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 657 -- October 19, 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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You may be sure that when Ray Becker of DMB El Rancho San Benito holds a social event that it will feature classic hospitality, generous amounts of a variety of well-prepared foods and great numbers of people attending it.
So it proved again when the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce's monthly mixer was held at San Juan Oaks Country Club on Oct. 10, the traditional second Wednesday of the month. Arrivals at about 5:15, 15 minutes before the mixer officially got underway already found many vehicles parked there, indicating that others were as anxious as they were to not miss out on a minute of the mixer. Becker was on hand to greet many of the guests, as was Scott Fuller, manager of San Juan Oaks. He is quiet man but has a genial heart as people discover when talking with him. He circulated among the guests, most of them friends and the remainder soon to be. Barbara Cosio registered guests as they streamed in and Irene Turturici also was at the table, ready to lend a hand whenever needed. Her mother, Irene Agredano, was in New England with good friend Cilly Fisher to see the riotous color of the foliage as autumn advances, otherwise they would have been at the mixer. Mark Vivian, president of the chamber, and Jessica French, its executive director, extended their traditional greetings, making guests feel right at home. Jim West also was there and his distinctive laugh started many smiles. Bette Grace's trademark smile seemed to be turned on everyone and its recipients smiled in return. She has a very pleasant way about her and it gets a similar response. She has lived in Hollister a long time and has many friends. Robert Scattini arrived to numerous greetings and immediately was caught up in several conversations. He has many duties as marshal and spends long hours at the job but when he relaxes for awhile he is all fun. A number of people commented on Frank Borelli's presence because no one remembered seeing him at a mixer before but he was a welcome guest, as was Harold Cerrato, former county supervisor. Gordon Machado and Beth Ivey soon found each other and talked shop, that is, the present state and development of Hazel Hawkins Hospital, whose centennial will be observed in November. Everyone loves Dee Hone and she is among the most popular persons at mixers or any other gatherings. She is a cancer survivor and her indomitable spirit impels her to counsel and cheer those afflicted with the disease. Jack Hance, former Chamber president, mingled with guests and talked bout this and that or that and this as the conversational tide flowed. He and Marty Greenwood spent a minute or so talking together. The remarkable Shannon Grissom arrived in her usual aura of happiness and goodwill. She is a professional artist, published writer and television personality whose series "Give Your Walls Some Soul" has an audience of more than a million. Yet, she makes time for her community and has contributed her talent to many local institutions besides frequently being a mentor to youngsters unsure of their budding ability. She has many friends. Guests started through the food line after the first brave soul picked up a plate and began it. The others followed in a twinkling. Fresh fruit, cheeses, small sandwiches and other hors d'oeuvres saw many takers. Most diners already had full plates before they came to the main entrees, a baron of beef and roast turkey at the far end. Rolls and various garnishes were set at the adjoining table along with a container of beef broth for those who prefer their beef au jus. David and Ravena Huboi found a table with friends Charlie and Barbara Scott, and Frank and Sharlene Van Rooy. Denise Cauthen-Wright, a former Chamber Woman of the Year and now in public relations at DMB, later joined them. She had a small slice of turkey with cranberries. Huboi has been giving much of his time and effort lately to Measure T, designed to restore many needed services in Hollister, and is especially interested in programs for youngsters. It is on the November ballot. Elizabeth Gage was busy taking pictures as she frequently does at Chamber affairs for the monthly newsletter she edits. She gently chided one old fellow who sought to conceal his face. :"None of that," she said over his protests that all his photos look like him. At a nearby table were Catherine Dabo and daughter Jane Dabo Cruz. Both like to laugh and have many friends joining in when they start. Ruth Erickson was also there so there were many topics of discussion. Jim and Shirley Horn, the original Mr. And Mrs. Mixer, and friend Helen McAbee seemed to be enjoying themselves as they often do when together. Two other close friends, Ron and Dianne Rodrigues, were not present this time. Ed Ford and Francene Markle talked with other friends at their table. The friends were there without their spouses, Rose Ford and Jack Markle. The Markles are mixer regulars but the Fords do not attend as often as they formerly did. Linda Boomer tends to be on the quiet side but is still very apparent by the glow that surrounds her. Linda Fine, however, generates her glow by joining in fun with many others. She has an astonishing grasp of history, especially of the World War II era. Pat Turturici mingled as did Peter Spurzem, and Jaime De La Cruz shook hands with and spoke to many people. Tom Horsfall and wife Charisse Tyson greeted many friends and are on their way to becoming mixer regulars. Marv Jones waved while going through the food line and Rosemary Channing smile upon seeing a friend going by. Carlos Zapata and Diane Quaglia stopped by to talk for a few minutes before leaving. The last of the items raffled off that evening was a Boston cream pie that went to the person whose business card was selected. Most people laughed and a few cried "Fix!" when it turned out to be Jack Hance. So, another mixer became history but many people are going to keep this one in their memories for a long time. |
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