Open mic night: There will be an open mic night at Blak Sage Gallery Nov. 16, from 6-7:30 p.m. Recite poetry and prose, play music, or sing a song. Open to everyone.
Holiday boutique: Mars Hill Coffeehouse presents its annual Holiday Boutique from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 17 at the shop, 610 San Benito St. Participating vendors include B&C Farms with handbags and accessories; Sparling Spinners; Discount Dame; E.C. Gypsy Bling; Paints by Dre; Stain glass by Sharon; Hollister Free Wheelers; Crafts by Janice & Shirley; Tricia Harvey designs; Whalen family crafts.
Christmas extravaganza: The United Way of San Benito County will hold a fundraising event Nov. 17 at Ridgemark Golf and Country Club, 3800 Airline Highway, Hollister. No-host cocktails start at 5:30 p.m., and a sit down three-course holiday dinner will follow at 7 p.m. There will be a live auction and dancing afterward. See Ridgemark turned into a Christmas wonderland by local merchants, decorators and community members. All proceeds will support services of United Way. Cost: $50 per person. Details: (831)332-7550 or sa*******@un*********.org.
Meditation: The Hollister Japanese Temple Garden will host a one-hour meditation Nov. 18, at 1:30 p.m., 920 Riverside Road, in Hollister. Details: 637-6361.
Holte dinner organizers seek funds and volunteers: Organizers of the annual Holte Holiday dinner are seeking donations and volunteers to support the Thanksgiving feast on Nov. 22. Larry Brown, who is helping to organize the yearly event, said the nonprofit is especially in need of monetary donations this year. Volunteers are also needed to prepare, cook and serve food for the dinner. Volunteers are needed Nov. 21, the day before Thanksgiving to prep and cook food in the evening, and on Thanksgiving morning to finish cooking the food and to serve it to guests. The meal will be served Nov. 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Organizers also plan a Christmas Day meal. Those interested in donating or signing up to volunteer may call Larry Brown at 637-9037.
