 On The Line -- Issue 668 -- January 4, 2008  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 668 -- January 4, 2008 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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Christmas has many meanings, many nuances depending on when and where one resided. In Hollister it is difficult to think of Christmas without one's mind turning to the annual community dinner.
The tradition began on Christmas Day, 1985, at the Hollister Community Center when Marland Holte and his wife decided to use the money they would have spent on Christmas gifts for each other for a feast for those who might not be able to afford a typical holiday meal as well as those who did not want to spend Christmas alone. It was an instant success, and it and the Thanksgiving dinners that were added a few years later had ever-increasing crowds. There was no obligation but to come and enjoy the meal with others. The turkey with all-the-trimmings feast saw a wave of volunteerism and an outpouring of donations from area businesses and private citizens. New toys for the children were presented at the Christmas dinner and many children who otherwise might not have had a toy received one appropriate to their age and gender. After several years at the community center, the meals were moved to O'Reilley Youth Center on the Sacred Heart Church grounds to accommodate the ever-growing number of diners. Holte died in 2006 but the community dinners had too much of an impetus to stop. Long before then a board had been formed to coordinate the planning and telephone calls needed to keep it going. In 2007, the dinners for the two holidays were moved back to the Community Center, where the 23rd Christmas dinner was held on Dec. 25. Although Holte was not there the presence of his personality was almost palpable. The day itself was brisk but sunny and a number of people had lined up by 10 a.m., an hour before the doors were opened to the public. Jon Mansmith had already come and gone with a number of turkeys he smoked in his truck used to prepare the barbecued met he sells on Fridays through much of the year. Larry Brown was partially visible through clouds of steam from the potatoes he boils every year, and other volunteers saw to their mashing as son as they were done. Ron Rodrigues and Kirk Tognazzini had their regular places at the carving tables. Others prepared vegetables, stuffing and gravy, and still others cut pies into symmetrical slices and still others prepared punch and coffee. Noticeable by his absence was John Gregg who for many years coordinated home delivery of dinners for those whose age or physical disability prevented them from coming. Gregg was visiting relatives out of state and was getting a little attention himself for once. Ruben Lopez was there, however, and lent a hand wherever needed. Another regular volunteer was Carole Willette, the smiling lady who presides at the serving table over a deep pan of turkey that is frequently replenished. Eduardo Servin wore his friendly smile, as usual, and greeted fellow volunteers and guests with a warmth that he seems to always carry with him. He has been helping out for the last several years, and the others who pitch in at the meals look forward to seeing him as he does them. Orlando Rostran was there as he has been for many, many meals. Members of his family who joined him in volunteering this year were Alyssa, Cameron and Christian Rostran. It's a loving family and each got a sincere joy in lending a hand. Many people, diners as well s volunteers, laughed in pleasure as Anthony Vallejo appeared on the scene. He and wife Florence Vallejo ran the delicatessen on Sixth Street across from the Veterans' Memorial Building for years until they retired. He smiled at the evident pleasure at seeing many of his former customers and other friends at work. Another familiar face was one of a lady who had volunteered for number of years but hasn't been able to do so for awhile. Ann Winn always seems to fit right in, no matter the place or the company. Linda Torres busied herself with tasks and seemed to be enjoying them so much that someone remarked that she should have paid admission. She laughed and several other volunteers joined in. When the doors opened at 11, the tables filled quickly with much jollity and waving and calling out to others at adjacent tables. Even as they were getting settled, many youngsters were upon them with platters of turkey, stuffing, rolls, mashed potatoes, gravy and vegetables. A variety of pies was served later. In the early years the guests lined up at the serving tables but it was determined that the process was too slow for the number of persons to be served, especially as some of the older diners tired easily. So, many young volunteers were directed to carry the food directly to the tables. Santa Claus used to appear at the Christmas dinner to distribute the toys to the children attending. He must have been late on his route that day so two young women called out to the children as they entered and gave each one a toy and candy. One boy of about three was fascinated by his present: five small racing cars in a box with a transparent cover. As the lady next to him, probably his grandmother, saw that he was eating her cradled the package next to his face. An elderly man said, ?Those are nice cars you've got there," and his smile deepened even more. Mandy Rose, chairman of the board, showed up just before noon. She is usually there from very early in the morning but someone remarked, "She's probably with her family but wherever she is, she's earned a break." Jessica Noble and Bret Borges found plenty to do, and enjoyed it s much that they made it look easy. Encarcion and Ramona Garcia were caught up in the spirit of the day and had plenty of smiles to go around, and got many in return. Thus, another episode of a tradition that seems it will go on forever was completed. Marley Holte is gone but the goodwill that he inspired and generated is carried on by many people of a similar outlook on life and love. |
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