Photo: Baja Cantina will be the site of a benefit for Becky Schilling, who is facing stiff medical bills.

HELP LINE...Once again, the local restaurant business has risen to meet an important challenge to one of its kin. Becky Schilling, a waitress at Stoke''s Adobe-as well as a volunteer EMT for Mid Valley Fire, and a massage therapist-was hiking in Yosemite when a boulder somehow fell on her hand, crushing it and severing three fingers. Suddenly, a giving, loving soul who spends her life saving and healing with her hands had been dealt a devastating blow. To compound her troubles, Becky was without health insurance.

Having already endured multiple surgeries, plus facing the prospect of even more, Becky can be somewhat bolstered by the outpouring of support she is receiving from the community. There has been a fund established through Washington Mutual Bank to raise money. Last Thursday, Stokes hosted a fund raising party/auction which was attended by over 200 of the area''s restaurant, wine, hospitality and other folks who all wanted to help.

On Super Bowl Sunday, Baja Cantina will be doing a benefit to raise money for Becky''s recovery. There is so much money still to be raised to handle the astronomical medical expenses. Please contribute heartily. Some contact names and places: Mike Schuller, Mid Valley Fire Department; Washington Mutual Bank-The Becky Schilling fund; Stokes Restaurant 373-1110; Baja Cantina 625-2252. If a couple of you really rich folks out there happen to be reading this, what do you say? How about passing the big hat among your friends. Thanks.

LOVE IS IN THE AIR...I got a phone call out of the blue from Terry Terflinger, former proprietor/chef of White Oak Grill, in Carmel Valley. As many of you know, Terry and his partner, Marilyn Beach, sold the joint a few months ago and got out of the kitchen. Good for them. Unfortunately, since that time, Marilyn''s father, who was ill, passed away. Terry and Marilyn decided to take a few weeks in Europe and the Pacific Northwest to unwind and recharge their batteries. They''re back in town and raring to start up another restaurant (just kidding). They are around though, and for you regulars who miss them, check out the lobby bar at Cypress Inn periodically, where you might find them enjoying quiet cocktails.

While I''m in a loving mood (no wisecracks please) let me mention that Joe Cingari, of Jekel Vineyards, and his lovely wife Lynn, recently gave birth to their first baby, Oliver Michael, vintage 2002. I am looking forward to meeting the little Cingari at Jekel Vineyards'' Valentine Excursion on Saturday, February 9th.

This is a cool event. Now in its third year, it works like this: The first hour is for hors d''oeuvres and barrel samples in the barrel room. Then, it''s into the banquet room for a five-course dining and wine extravaganza, hosted and catered by Joe along with the winemakers and various other staff. The tables are all beautifully set in red linen, with roses for the ladies and romantically cool harp music by William Faulkner, professor at Hartnell College.

The past events have proven to be uniquely wonderful, combining the magical ambiance of a winery at night, with excellent food and wine pairings, great music, love as the theme and the genuinely hospitable spirit of the Jekel folks. There''s only room for about sixty people and the event is a regular sellout, building a loyal following. Some intrepid revelers go so far as to park RV''s on the property to extend the party into the later hours without having to go anywhere...wish I''d of thought of that.

Ticket price of $120 per couple is all inclusive and assures a private table for whatever size your group is, from 2 to ? For a few extra skins, a shuttle will take you from the Monterey and Salinas area to the event and back. You can''t beat that action. Jekel Vineyards, 674-5525.