What a week in the Salinas Valley! First, I want to mention the service for Francis Rubbo held last week at Eden Valley in Soledad. I bring this up first as it was a very sweet and solemn ceremony. As Commander of the American Post here in Gonzales, I was asked to say a few words. Chonie, as he was known to all who made his acquaintance, was a longtime member of the Post. He will be missed by all who knew him.
For me it was an honor I won’t forget, and in many ways it was very difficult for me to get the right words out, as I was touched by the presence of so many who knew and loved him. It was a special moment to see how the members of Eden Valley Care Center cared for this special person. The gardener even took a few moments out of his busy day to come over to remind the folks how beloved Francis was to have developed such a beautiful garden before his passing.
The only sad part of the day was that the young lady who had spearheaded the day and developed a wonderful program, Pam Hernandez, who is the social services director at Eden Valley and who had worked tirelessly to make sure this day was all about Francis, was not there to see the fruit of her labor. She had contracted Covid and was sent to bed to get better.
However, her special touches were everywhere, from the military presence, dressed in full uniform, to the Girl Scouts who were there, to the American Flag that was presented to his family. It was a very special service. I should mention that Pam’s touch was present through the actions of the speakers and the CEO of Eden Valley Care Center, Ida Lopez, who graciously stepped in when needed to make everyone comfortable for the day. She was assisted by Adriana T., the emcee who took Pam’s vision over the program. I have to say that if I ever need the care offered at Eden Valley, I won’t hesitate to pack my bag.
Since we are speaking about the American Legion Post 81 and their presence, I should mention that all the officers of our neighborhood Post were sworn in to their posts this weekend in Prunedale. As I shamelessly pointed out, I was sworn in as Commander, Artemio Ramirez as Adjutant, Steve Fellows as First Vice Commander, Rusty Histrine as Historian, Bob Chavez as Finance Officer, Abel Avila as Sergeant at Arms and Al Jones as Service Officer. A good time was had by all.
Another item that may be of interest is that we have been entertaining Lorraine’s cousins from Switzerland. The reason it is of interest is because of all the Swiss that came here so many years ago and the fact that they have many relations that remain here today. It has been fun because my Lorraine understands quite a bit of their language and it is always good to practice another language. It widens the mind. Her mother who lives with us also had a chance to warm up her native tongue. It expands the world.
The visitors are from Lugano, that is in the Cantone de Ticino. Mauro, Clarissa and Micol Pedrazzoli; Mauro is the son of Lorraine’s dad’s brother, Angelo. It was fun to listen to Lorraine and Mauro speak of the closeness of their fathers. I know Eric would have been pleased to see them together. I know that there are many that speak the dialect right here in the Salinas Valley.
I, of course, want to be able to discuss the happiness of the day. I’ll get better as I have taken at least five classes in Spanish since making my home in the Salinas Valley. So far I have mastered the language enough to order a tostada or a paleta. I’m not too terribly disappointed due to the fact that my neighbors understand and we all get a laugh when I ask for something using my ability of speaking a foreign language. That was a joke.
Another hope is that we take another vacation to Switzerland soon because I’d like my family to see where their grandparents came from. Lorraine and I made a trip like that a little over 20 years ago and I would like to visit once again.
Lorraine said it was great to show them the farms around Gonzales and the friends we know. One of the favorites was Nicki Bianchi, who is well versed in the history of her family. The local wines that were consumed were also a big hit. Lorraine is always proud to showcase our local wineries.
Shifting gears a little I might mention the Olympics, which are shown locally on Channel 8. It is always great to see the athletes with their finely tuned muscles showing the world how great the United States is. Of course, I’m biased.
For a while we don’t have to mention politics. Of course, taking this opportunity to not mention politics does not mean we should ignore the men and women who dedicate their lives, for a while, to guide our nation and keep those who are jealous of our lives from harming even one citizen. No matter who wins their specific contest, we can only hope that they continue to watch the winds of war and no matter the foe to assure the citizens that if we are together, there is no one that should desecrate our flag. We are a strong and welcoming country and I always think about the old song, “United We Stand, Divided We Fall.”
God Bless.
