 On The Line -- Issue 663 -- November 30, 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 663 -- November 30, 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 is a local tradition that began more than two decades ago but its observance this Nov. 22 forcefully brought home memories of its origin because it was held in the same place where it began on Christmas Day of 1985.
A brief explanation: On that Christmas Day Marland Holte and wife Linda decided to use the money they would normally spend on presents for each other to fund a community dinner for those who might not be able to afford one. It was held at the Community Center on West Street with about 50 people, aside from the volunteers, attending. It proved to be such a success that Holte decided to make it an annual affair. The Thanksgiving dinner was added several years later. Attendance was so great at both dinners that Holte got permission from Sacred Heart Church to hold them at O'Reilley Youth Center where they were held through Christmas of last year. Holte remarked that the dinners were a feast for the spirit as well as the body because guests and volunteers found themselves enriched by the presence of others. Indeed, many guests who could easily afford to pay for a dinner came because they would otherwise have been alone on those holidays with families grown and scattered. No matter, all were welcome to the free meal with no questions asked. Some insisted on paying and Holte and the volunteers told them it was not necessary but that their contributions would be applied to the cost of the next holiday meal. Turkey with dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, rolls, cranberry sauce and vegetables, and pie made up the meal. Coffee and punch were also available and guests were invited to have seconds if they wanted them. Holte died in September of last year but many volunteers felt that the dinners should continue in his memory. Members of its board of directors had no doubt that the dinners filled a need and never considered dropping them. People like Mandy Rose, John Gregg and others line up help, encourage donations and make plans months ahead of time. They do not just show up on the holidays and hope for the best. Thanksgiving Day was bright and fair and Alex Knerr signed in the volunteers. The turkey carvers set at tables outside and went right to work. Among them were veterans like Ron Rodrigues and Kirk Tognazzini as well as some new recruits. Rodrigues carried on conversation with some praise for Rush Limbaugh but no one disagreed with him because it is unwise to argue with someone who handles a knife as deftly as he does. Eric Johnson stood across from Kathy Lair, a teacher new to San Benito High School who conducts classes in senior English. She was justly proud that a number of her students also had volunteered to help for the dinner. The subject of birthdays came up and she said hers was on July 14, Bastille Day. Johnson also has a birthday in July, on the first; the same day that the three-day Battle of Gettysburg began in 1863, and the day of the Battle of San Juan Hill during the Spanish-American War in 1898. Ruben Lopez, a long-time volunteer, chimed in that the English fleet fought the Spanish armada at the end of July in 1588 when daring English attacks and storms combined to scatter the Spanish fleet. Orlando Rostran smiled happily at fellow volunteers, most of whom he sees only twice a year. Richard Guzman, a volunteer at all the holiday dinners except one when he met daughter Samantha's future in-laws, had smiles for everyone. A friend who also had been at all but one, remembered that Samantha was a child volunteer at several of the early Christmas dinners, and got an extra smile from Guzman. Larry Brown was on hand as he has been for many years although it is sometimes hard to recognize him because he is usually obscured by steam from boiling potatoes. When it dissipates for a second or so he is wearing a smile. Carole Willette was first of the volunteers in her customary spot in the serving line with Yolanda Nunez right beside her. Many of the volunteers were very young this year. Kellen Sullivan, for instance, went from table to table to offer the guests punch. Max and Elli Giocamazzi were wherever they were needed as mother Annette Giocamazzi moved back and forth to serve. Emmanuel Servin, 10, accompanied father Eduardo Servin who was putting in another stint of service as he has done for many years. Manny Rodriguez and Mike Biechmn also kept busy. Joy Law moved about efficiently with a smile for each guest she served. In fact, there were so many volunteers that when Bob and Janet Brians showed up to lend a hand all jobs were taken. They remained for awhile to talk with friends before they left to be with family members for the day. Jim Pacheco was a volunteer again and he passed Carrie Gutierrez and Danielle Culllumber as they found many ways to help. Outside, Jon Mansmith relaxed for few minutes near his smoker-truck. He and wife Juanita Mansmith have greatly reduced the time that turkey preparation took by processing many of them in the truck rather than in the conventional ovens. And their smoked turkey has become a special treat. Kirk Tognazzini moved about efficiently to wherever he anticipated a need. He fills a similar need for many worthwhile enterprises through the year. Mandy Rose and John Gregg supervise many volunteers, especially new ones, in the duties. Remembering early holiday dinners, many veterans brought up the name of Marley Holte; indeed, some wore green shirts with his name upon them. It was a scene that he relished, with guests being served at the tables by young and older people who wanted to be part of it. Nor were the homebound forgotten as dozens of dinners were taken to them, and each delivered with a smile to further brighten the holiday. Much of the surplus food was sent to the labor camps where some workers are still living before the facilities become a shelter for the homeless through winter. Mandy Rose said, "There are many people to thank for the dinners' continuing success -- donors and volunteers -- but the community, too, for its support through more than two decades." |
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