 On The Line -- Issue 688 -- May 23, 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 688 -- May 23, 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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Monday, May 14, was an unusually hot day for this time of year and the temperature was still in the mid-80s at 5 p.m. as people began arriving at Bolado Park for the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce's monthly mixer.
Many reminders of the San Benito Saddle Horse Show and rodeo -- bumper stickers, posters, etc. -- were laid out near the registration table as people filed by to sign in and buy raffle tickets. Some of the guests had been in the same Blue Room Restaurant two evenings previously for the annual pre-rodeo dinner, so there as some of the usual, "My, it's been a long time since we saw each other" and similar remarks. Jessica French, the Chamber's executive manager, and President Frankie Arballo were there to greet guests. Jack Hance was also on hand to welcome people and to help out wherever needed. Robert Scattini was among the early arrivals -- "I should be working on some of my business (county marshal) but I missed the last mixer. I'll just burn some midnight oil tonight to make up for it." He spotted some friends there ahead of him -- Reb and Jill Monaco and Jack and Phyllis Swallow -- so went over to talk with them before others came in and he went to visit them. Scattini was pleased to see Marcia Moles, and later husband Leonard Moles when he came in. Some guests immediately went to the food table where workers from Dona Esther's Restaurant in San Juan Bautista had put out tacos, beans, chips, avocado dips and several other Mexican types of hors d'oeuvres. Several guests asked to be remembered to proprietor Al Castenada. Ruth Erickson arrived during the mixer's opening and she found many friends to talk with, including Helen McAbee, who had sought out her long-time friends, Ron and Dianne Rodrigues. Jon and Juanita Mansmth were also present and found the food good. That's a tribute coming from them because their barbecued meat and line of spices are popular items here, especially during the summer. Jim O'Donnell found himself the center of much attention. And why not? His family has lived here for several generations, he is a personable man and he has contributed much to the annual rodeo and fair. Besides, he was standing behind the bar and most guests welcomed a cold beverage. Ann Strickland stood by for awhile to trade gossip with him and -- it is presumed -- to talk about the coming rodeo. Many of the guests lining up talked with both for awhile. A few men put the iced beverage cans to their foreheads, and most of the ladies made fanning motions with their hands to underline the temperature. Imperturbable Fulton Picetti did not seem to mind the heat at all. He had seen many friends at the re-rodeo dinner two evenings previously and he reminisced with many about the old days. On Aug. 8, he will turn 92, which astounds newcomers. His appearance and attitude are those of a man 30 years younger. Pat and Irene Turturici circulated together and singly to talk with many friends. She is a member of the Chamber board so attends most mixers, but his schedule as county undersheriff doesn't always allow him to attend social functions. A few of the guests repaired outside where a cool breeze welcomed and comforted them. Jim West came out after awhile but seemed to have done so he could talk on his phone. Jack Markle did so, too, although it did not appear that they were talking to each other. Linda Jacobsen enjoyed the breeze for awhile. A little talk revealed her to be the mother of Amanda Jacobsen, the current Miss San Benito County Rodeo Queen. "I am proud of her, "she acknowledged, It was good to see Allen Ritter and Richard Tibbetts as their mixer appearances have been scarce in recent years. They are interesting men and have a wide stock of anecdotes, especially Ritter who loves jokes. Dee Hone must have greeted just about everyone there. She has always been vivacious and a bout with cancer a few years ago slowed her pace for awhile but never her spirit. She won't volunteer the information herself but she has counseled many people afflicted by the disease. No wonder everyone likes her. Beth Ivey is another popular lady who has a wide circle of friends. Husband Chuck Ivey had other business that evening and his absence was noted. He loves to hear jokes and high hearty laughter wells up inside him until the punch line is delivered, then it roars out in great waves. As usual, Mrs. Ivey gravitated toward Gordon Machado, there with wife JoAnne. Machado, and Mrs. Ivey are long-time directors at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital, which recently observed its centennial. Ed and Denny DeGroot arrived after the mixer was well underway. He passed out invitations to the groundbreaking ceremony schedule at 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 1, at the Saint Francis Retreat Center in San Juan. A devastating fire in 2006 burned several structures there. Although it struck a number of people who love the retreat, they lost no time in getting aid and resources to rebuild it. DeGroot asked that people who wish to attend call (831) 623-4234 beforehand. Refreshments will be served. It was good to see Richard Place as he has not attended the mixers as regularly as he once did. When he ran for a county supervisor's seat some years back, many of his supporters said he stood head and shoulders above his opponents. At six feet, five, Place has become used to such banter. Everyone left with smiles all around, and stood in little knots, talking and laughing. By and by, even they climbed into their cars and drove off. The mixer had its own flavor and added to the residual good will of all the others that had preceded it. |
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