 On The Line -- Issue 678 -- March 14, 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 678 -- March 14, 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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The San Benito County of Chamber's monthly mixers, usually staged on the second Wednesday of each month, are usually held in Hollister business sites or those just outside of town.
So it was a tribute to the hospitality of Pietra Santa Winery, located miles out on Cienega Road, that so many guests -- an estimated 80 to 85 -- made the trip on the afternoon of March 12. Hosts were the owners, John Blackburn and son Cort Blackburn. Everyone was in a good mood even before they had even had as much as a sip of the variety of wines that Pietra Santa offers. Perhaps it was driving during the daylight, made possible earlier in the month by the return of Daylight Saving Time, or maybe the approach of spring. Whatever the reason, everyone seemed happy. Jessica French, executive director of the Chamber, and administrative assistant Bryan Caldron signed in the guests and sold them raffle tickets. Jack Hankie, former president, Kathy Johnson and Irene Tartaric of the Chamber board stood by to help wherever needed. There were several notable absences of people who are usually guests. They included Frankie Arballo, Chamber president, and husband Jason Arballo. Jim West of the board of directors also was absent, as was Jim Horn, although wife Shirley Horn was on hand. Also absent were the long-running team of Barbara Cosio and Irene Agredano who had for years registered guests and sold raffle tickets. Mrs. Agredano recently had foot surgery so perhaps could not stand for it this time. ("I can't kick," she reportedly told a friend). Guests passed two tables, one holding bottles of wine and the other, hors d'oeuvres. The latter had appetizers complementary to wine, including tiny bread squares next to a dipping dish of olive oil, cheese, grapes, small cubes of salami and -- chocolate balls? Robert Scattini mingled with many friends, including Reb and Jill Monaco. Ron and Dianne Rodrigues mixed with close friends Helen McAbee and Shirley Horn. They all greeted Steve Loos, former Chamber president, who had not attended a mixer for a long time. David Huboi went over to talk to Gayle Sleznick, there with husband Jim Sleznick. She and fellow artists Kathleen Sheridan and Shannon Grim had selected Carole Huboi, his sister, to paint a mural of an orchard on the side of the Maddux Jewelry building. The irrepressible David Huboi said that a garden might have been more appropriate for a jewelry store mural. "Then she could have painted in 24 carrots," he laughed. His wife, Ravena Huboi, was talking to other people when he made the remark. The mural is still in progress and both local newspapers have covered it. Many passers-by have paused in their comings and goings to watch the work unfolding and have liked what they saw. Cilly Fisher introduced daughter Bonnie who is visiting. Many of her friends know her because she has often visited here before. Ms. Fisher is the current Woman of the Year and has a birthday coming on May 21 (you ask her which). As is so often the case, when you see Ms. Fisher you will see her close friends, Jack and Francene Markle and Ed and Rose Ford. Ms. Fisher and Mrs. Markle are also very good artists in a community where art is valued. Much of the conversation in this presidential election year was about the race for the highest office. Senator John McCain of Arizona is the presumptive Republican nominee as he has earned more than enough delegate votes to clinch it, but the Democratic primary race is still unfolding. At this point, Senator Barack Obama of Illinois leads rival Senator Hillary Clinton of New York in the number of states won, delegates and the popular vote. However, there are still a number of state primaries ahead and no one can be assured as the eventual nominee, especially in a campaign that has had so many surprises. But that did not stop many Democrats at the mixer from arguing the merits of their respective favorites. At one point, a fervent Democrat paused for breath and saw Marv Jones smiling. Jones and wife Reba Jones are ardent Republicans and are rather enjoying the Democrat division while their party leader is receiving only collateral flak from the contentious candidates. All that will change in the fall after the Democratic convention and nomination but right now it is refreshing for the Grand Old Party to select some of the choicest tirades to use against the eventual nominee. Jaime De La Cruz talked to many guests and had a smile for each, His first term as county supervisor is in its final year and he has already told friends that he plans to seek re-election. He also attends most mixers in off years. Frank and Elizabeth Perez were present for their second mixer, he having become a Chamber member the previous month. They are a quiet couple and have already made a number of new friends. Speaking of quiet couple, Frank and Sharlene Van Rooy enjoyed themselves as they always seem to do, Elizabeth Gage was busy taking pictures during the affair and will use some in the next edition of the monthly Chamber news letter. Denise Cauthen-Wright, another former Woman of the Year, introduced Morgan Taylor, one of three young ladies competing for the title of Miss San Juan Bautista Chicken Festival. "What a fowl name," quipped one old ditherer but people ignored him. Ruth Erickson is always involved in a dozen projects and one near to her heart, the Sister City Project, will soon see a delegation from Takino, Japan visit San Benito County. "You really must come," she told a number of friends. Dee Hone said hello to Gordon Machado and Susan Jones while passing by to say hello to two or three other people. She is an extremely likeable woman and seems to have earned that distinction by liking everyone. So the afternoon drifted into evening and the guests laughed, drank, talked and laughed some more. San Benito County is a truly friendly place and there is no better evidence of it than at the mixers. |
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