 On The Line -- Issue 662 -- November 23, 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 662 -- November 23, 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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It was an occasion that its attendants could celebrate in any number or combination of ways: as a prelude to the holidays, an extraordinarily good mixer, or the centennial observation of one of the county's most prized institutions.
But the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce's monthly mixer on Nov. 14 at San Juan Oaks Golf and Country Club focused on the centennial anniversary of Hazel Hawkins Hospital, with the hospital as sponsor. The turnout was good with some people not often seen at mixers present. But many regulars also were there. Some people, such as Jim and Shirley Horn, have been regulars for years while others have attained hat status in the last generation. It was good to see Barbara Cosio and Irene Agredano again at the registration desk. They shared that duty for several years but in the past months were seldom there for one reason or another. Jessica French greeted guests as they arrived and signed in. Irene Turturici also was close at hand to assist where needed and Frankie Arballo also stayed nearby, as did husband Jason Arballo. It was good to see Fernando Gonzalez among the guests as he rarely attends mixers. He was a member of the Measure E Committee that benefited the hospital when passed two years ago and is naturally interested in it. Speaking of others interested in the hospital, Gordon Machado, Jim and Gayle Sleznick and Chuck and Beth Ivey were present but they are at most of the mixers. Jack and Francene Markle were there with friends Cilly Fisher and Ed and Rose Ford. Mrs. Fisher was unencumbered of her halo, a metal device that supported her neck, for the first time in many months, Her neck was broken in a fall in her Ridgemark home early this year. "I'm very lucky in having such a good family and many friends who tended to me when I was unable to do it for myself," she said. The Sleznicks are among the most popular couples in the county, both as a couple and as individuals. They are recently back from their annual trip to Yosemite National Park. Sleznick retired to San Juan Bautista after ending his career with the National Parks as head ranger at The Pinnacles. She, the daughter of another ranger, is a talented artist and his career has taken them to many places where she exercises her skill. David Huboi arrived at 5:25, five minutes before the official start of the mixer, and found many of the parking spaces already taken. He signed in and almost immediately spotted his friend, Robert Scattini, sitting at a table with Jack and Phyllis Swallow and Marv and Reba Jones. Huboi was still elated about the passage of Measure T and communicated his enthusiasm to many others. He waved at Barbara Scott, whose husband Charlie Scott, stayed home that evening, and Denise Cauthen-Wright, a past Chamber Woman of the Year. The ladies were later joined by Thomas and Karen Breen who recently returned from a Mediterranean cruise. Breen said it was his first cruise and talked about the four days he and his wife had spent in Venice. A self-styled wit said that when he visited that city years ago there had been some trouble with the pipes because all the streets were flooded. He supplied his own laughter as the others tried to ignore him. The Breens had flown to Europe but enjoyed the cruise with their ship stopping at Lisbon and other ports before heading to Florida. He was especially impressed by Venice's Grand Canal and the Rialto. Other guests poured in and some immediately went to the food line after registering and buying raffle tickets. The food at San Juan Oaks is always good and proved to be so again that evening. The buffet featured a great variety of hors d'oeuvres and some such as the prawns and meatballs were replenished several times. Fresh fruit and vegetables had any takers and everyone found something to his taste. Many guests stopped at the rear bar for wine, and coffee was also available if one knew where to look for it (the front bar). Ruth Erickson mingled and spoke of her many interests. Linda Fine and Ron and Dianne Rodrigues gravitated toward each other and joined Catherine Dabo, Jim and Shirley Horn and Helen McAbee. Shannon Grissom was sought out by many friends and she glowed as she spoke of other television stations in several parts of the country that are now carrying her series, "Give Your Walls Some Soul." Mrs. Grissom is among that rare breed of people who set goals, work at them and see them through to success. Her art, her writing and television series on painting demonstrate what can be done with skill and work. Yet she is always ready to pitch in for her community and has inspired many others, particularly youngsters. Another outstanding lady, Dee Hone, mingled with other guests and enriched the evening with her personality and genuine affection for people. She has been through many crises but refuses to let them crush or embitter her. Jim West stopped at many tables as he made his way through the large room. West also has a number of interests, including classic cars, but can speak knowingly on many other topics. Elizabeth Gage also was among the guests as was Nasa Jimenez. The room seem to be filled with many such people: those who lead an active life but who manage to find time for something to do for their community. Sisters Katherine Napier and Susan Jones enjoyed themselves as usual. They are ladies of friendly dignity but if one manages to strum their funny bone as one old party evidently did they surrender themselves to waves of laughter. Ken Underwood, executive manager of Hazel Hawkins Hospital, also was there with his wife, Sunny. If there is a more appropriate name for a person it would be hard to imagine. Her customary expression is a genuine smile and it seems to deepen with each friend she sees -- and the lady has many friends. All together it was a very pleasant evening with a mixer that will be long remembered |
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