 On The Line -- Issue 667 -- December 28, 2007  Online News and Views of Life in San Benito County with Herman Wrede Published by HollisterOnline.com -- Copyright 1995-2008 HollisterOnline.com
|
|
On The Line -- Issue 667 -- December 28, 2007 Online News and Views of Life in San Benito County with Herman Wrede Published by HollisterOnline.com -- Copyright 1995-2008 HollisterOnline.com
|
|
Residents of San Benito County, as well as those of the rest of the Central Coast, were anticipating a wet Christmas as winter approached. That was fine with many - perhaps most -- of them because rainfall has been lower than is needed for a growing year.
In a community whose biggest money-maker is agriculture even those who grew up elsewhere note significant changes in weather patterns over the years. Natives seem as they were born with the instinct of checking the sky several times a day. Many residents recall the seven-year drought that began in the mid-1980s with a mental shudder. Crop yields dwindled year after year, and cattlemen spent a lot of money to buy hay and grain for their herds because grass was sparse. Some long-time ranches folded, and others reduced the size of their herds and income along with it. Other local businesses suffered, even those not directly related to farming, because there was less money to spend. It was well into the 1990s before the precipitation pattern stabilized. Even then it took a number of years for some farmers and orchardists to get back to a profit mode. The rainfall also comes during the holiday season when some drivers imbibe the holiday spirit too freely. Law-enforcement agencies and safety organizations brace themselves for the number of accidents that occur on rain-slick streets, even if there is no partying involved. It is also an especially bad time for the homeless. Their ranks have grown with the economic situation of the nation. Millions of Americans have suddenly found themselves out of a job, unable to afford rent or their mortgage payments and are without a permanent home. Some of the homeless are drug addicts, others disoriented people -- including many military veterans -- who feel disenfranchised and with little hope of regaining their portion of the American dream. They live as best they can - sleeping in their vehicles or in home-made shacks that offer some shelter against the cold and rain. The holiday season is to them a bitter underscoring of what they do not have. Many people serving in many agencies try to help them, to remind them that they are not forgotten. The Red Cross, Salvation Army and dozens of other organizations bend their efforts to the tremendous chore. Private citizens step forward to help in whatever way then can, whether it be a donation of money, food or clothing, of time and effort, or even a smile and a word of encouragement when that seems to help. Among other institutions in Hollister that joyfully embrace the homeless or other economically-deprived persons of our society are the Marland Holte Community Dinners, and the county Homeless Shelter. Both are focused on the holidays although many of their members keep Christmas in their hearts all year round. The community dinners at Thanksgiving and Christmas see many people who might not otherwise have the traditional meal. The 23rd Christmas dinner will be held Dec. 25 from 11 to 1 at the Community Center. Everyone is welcome to the free turkey with all-the-trimmings dinner. Many people need the meal, and others who could pay for it come to share the day with others because they are alone. There is neither registration to sign nor any other obligation. All the children may visit Santa Claus there and receive a brand-new toy, appropriate to age and gender. For some it may be the only gift they get for Christmas. The Homeless Shelter is in its third season and came into being through the planning and good will of many people, including the late Marland Holte. It is on the site of the migrant labor camp on Southside Road, operating from the day after Thanksgiving until March 15. Its clients benefit from having a warm, clean place to sleep during the most inclement weather, as well as getting nutritious meals. They also receive serviceable clothing, showers to keep themselves clean, nutritious meals, counseling and the sense that they are valued members of the human race. It is bad enough to be out in the cold with little or no money for a meal, to wear the same clothes for days at a time because you have no way to clean them, without feeling that you are unimportant and unwanted. Cindy Parr, the shelter manager, and former executive director Leigh Dietz, who moved out of the state earlier in the year, and many volunteers have done untold good by their work. Any member of the public who wants to contribute to the good work done there will not find a more appreciative group. The poor are always with us and have been so through the ages. But acceptance of that fact does not preclude an effort to show them that people care. In the meantime, it is a season of parties, whether in offices, private homes or many other places. The season of good will has many venues in which to manifest itself, and cheer is found in many ways. For one group, Thursday, Dec. 20, was a gathering of merry friends, and a sort of a reunion at the same time. The scene was at County Flapjacks in Tres Pinos, the establishment of Phil and Karen Bartlett (what a pair) who served breakfast to seven men. Six were members of the former Jolly Boys Social Club and the other was a friend. The six were John Hodges, Ron Rodrigues, Leonard Poletti, John Sander, Paul Wattis and Herman Wrede. The other man was Reb Monaco. Sending regrets were Tom Breen, Fernando Gonzalez and Robert Scattini, former Jolly Boys. Poletti and the late George Kincaid started the group when they were both in public office about 20 years ago. They wanted to be able to get together with kindred spirits once a month where politics could be put aside. Over the years it has included others such as Wayne Purves, George Malone, Jack Vassalo and Paul Longo. Because many of them were in positions of influence, some of the public thought it as an organization to make political. However, its members sought only company in informal settings such as restaurants or in private homes. Membership was split fairly evenly among Democrats and Republicans so discussions often ran high about the national leaders of both parties. Even more discussion was devoted to the foibles of society, not excluding the membership. Much laughter ensued. The latest breakfast was no exception. With three members of Democratic persuasion unable to make it, the Republicans present had the upper hand but the ribbing was good natured and everyone left replete with a good meal and a full measure of seasonal cheer. The new year is nearly upon is (this is the last column of 2007) and every resident of the county looks forward to a brighter future and the continuation of friendship and family love. |
 |
