 On The Line -- Issue 671 -- January 25, 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 671 -- January 25, 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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Traditionally the county's first big event of the year, the annual San Benito County Chamber of Commerce's annual Dinner, Dance and Awards Night was held at the San Juan Oaks Golf Club on Jan. 19.
The theme for the 87th event was "Business, the Treasure of San Benito County," and every table had a miniature chest of simulated gold coins, jewelry, chocolates and dried fruit for guests to take whatever they wanted. The current Man and Woman of the Year recognized were Edward Stephenson and Priscilla (Cilly) Fisher. Both have many accomplishments and memberships, and both were selected from many nominees. Four businesses were recognized in different categories. Winning for Agriculture was Earthbound Farm/Natural Selection, Drew and Myra Goodman, owners; Retail, McKinnon Lumber Co. Inc., owned by John and Jean Barrett; Hospitality, Flapjack's Country Café, Phil and Karen Barrett, proprietors, Service, Bianchi, Kasavan & Pope, LLP. Robert Bianchi accepting. Larry and Terry Marburger were down from their retirement home in Jamestown to see Mrs. Fisher receive recognition. The two ladies were especially close when Mrs. Marburger was manager of the San Juan Bautista Chamber of Commerce and Mrs. Fisher was a frequent volunteer, and that feeling carried over into their private lives. Salvador and Irene Agredano were on hand, making an especially attractive couple. They are special friends of Cilly Fisher as are Jack and Francene Markle and would not have missed seeing her honored. Father Ruiz is an entertaining conversationalist. He spoke of his boyhood and youth in Fresno and said he was the first member of his parish to decide upon becoming a priest. "It raised many eyebrows." He said. Jack Markle busied himself throughout the evening by taking photographs of many guests with his digital camera. He caught some by surprise but a few who appeared to be so had straightened their tie or patted their hair just before he took their picture. Jessica French, Chamber executive director, was on hand early along with Irene Turturici, Jim West and Kathy Johnson of the Chamber's board of directors to register guests. President Frankie Arballo and Vice President Scott Fuller were among the greeters. Jack Hance, a former president, also did his share of welcoming. Past Men and Women of the Year present included Mary McCullough, Mary Hubbell, Mary Damm, Dee Hone, Denise Cauthen-Wright, Barbara Cosio, Michele Stephenson, Gordon Machado, Jim Sleznick and Will Sutton. Sheriff Curtis Hill was master-of-ceremonies for the evening, which included the Sheriff's Honor Guard presenting the colors. Father Rudy Ruiz of Sacred Heart Church gave the invocation. A number of dignitaries, including Assemblywoman Anna Caballero, Chairman Jaime De La Cruz of the county Board of Supervisors, Hollister Mayor Doug Emerson of Hollister, and Carina Chavez, representing U.S. Representative Sam Farr, made presentations to the Man and Woman of the Year. Frankie Arballo did the same for the Chamber. Watching from one table were some of the presenters' spouses, including Linda Emerson, Angelina De La Cruz and Jose Caballero, as well as Hollister Council member Eugenia Sanchez. The latter is a quiet lady who seems to listen to many people simultaneously. From time to time during the rest of the program a number of people in pirate costume, and dialogue heavily punctuated with "Ahr!" (Aye, you may lay to that), rushed up to question Hill in their quest for treasure. Each time he sent them off again, and sound effects prompted their return in steadily more disheveled condition. Finally, it was determined that the true treasure of the evening was in the person of the guests attending. Harry and Kerry Tobias seemed to enjoy it all with Mrs. Tobias appreciating it a tad more because she is an important staff member of the Service Business of the Year. Enjoying it even more was her colleague, Joe Garcia, who won three prizes during the raffle. As always at most Chamber events, Hazel Hawkins Hospital was well represented. Among others there were Ken and Sunny Underwood, Frankie and Jason Arballo, Beth and Chuck Ivey and Gordon and Joanne Machado. Dottie Cauthen was there as guest of her son-on-law and daughter, Dan Wright and Denise Cauthen-Wright. Mrs. Cauthen had friends among the guests who remembered her helping out at The Relay for Life. If you have ever eaten at San Juan Oaks, you know the quality and quantity of the food. In addition to steak, chicken and shrimp, guests were served mashed potatoes and several vegetables. Coffee was frequently replenished, and dessert was an apple-filled pastry. During dinner Addie Bakich conducted a live auction. Bidding was spirited on all the packages that ranged from A Night Under the Stars, hosted by astronomer David Baumgartner, A Day on the Shooting Range. Tom and Karen Breen found some interesting conversation with Steve and Fran Sanders, the men no doubt discussing torts and other legal terms while the ladies perhaps found their subject to be on family and other considerations. Vivian Stubblefield and Christy Kennedy arrived together. The two ladies are popular because they sincerely like other people and it shows. In turn, people like them, and that's why they always seem to have company. Dwight Grissom escorted artist wife Shannon Grissom to the dinner and she was surrounded by many admirers for a good part of the evening. He smiled appreciatively and put in a word from time to time. Speaking of admirers, Dee Hone had more than her share, as usual. She has done much for the community and has cheered many people suffering from cancer as only a fellow sufferer can. In addition, she is vivacious and brings tat out in others. Gayle Sleznick talked and laughed with many friends. She is a talented artist and even more talented in bringing out the best in people. No wonder husband Jim Sleznick always seems to be smiling at her. Helen Chouinard had her camera set up and many couples and a few singles posed to get a photographic remembrance of the evening. It would be difficult to determine how many portraits she has created in her profession life but her attitude is never negative. Joe Postigo smiled and waved as he passed by and Steve Woolpert stopped to talk for a moment. Both Mark and Mary Paxton mingled with many friends. Nasa Jimenez also made the rounds as did Wendy Lawton Andrews. A couple so quiet tat one sometimes forgets that they are there are Mike and Bette Grace. They are not only married, they are business partners. Each points out that the other is also the best friend. Carlos Zapata escorted Diane Quaglia for at least the second consecutive Recognition Night. They are a pleasant pair and have many friends. Zapata is pleasantly surprised when casual acquaintances recall his last name, Spanish for "shoe." The evening ended with dancing to the music of Sergio Flores' SCS Productions. Among the ladies who distinguished themselves with grace and exuberance on the dance floor were Sunny Underwood, Dee Hone and Barbara Cosio. Everyone agreed that it was an enjoyable evening. It represented a lot of work, thought and planning and like other enterprises that demand those components for success, it seemed seamless. |
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