Sacred Heart hosts open house
HOLLISTER
– Sacred Heart Parish School is holding an Open House, Jan. 30,
in O’Reilley Hall, 670 College St., from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The open
house will offer a full preview of the school’s curriculum, sports
activities, music and choir available for Pre School, K thru 8.
Applications will be accepted for fa
ll enrollment. Come join us.
Sacred Heart hosts open house
HOLLISTER – Sacred Heart Parish School is holding an Open House, Jan. 30, in O’Reilley Hall, 670 College St., from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The open house will offer a full preview of the school’s curriculum, sports activities, music and choir available for Pre School, K thru 8. Applications will be accepted for fall enrollment. Come join us.
Junior Girl Scout collects duffle bags
HOLLISTER – A local Junior Girl Scout is collecting gently used duffle bags and suitcases for foster youth. In a press release, she said she started the project because foster youth have to transition often. The duffle bags or suitcases should be clean and in food shape. The items can be dropped off at the San Benito Chamber of Commerce office, 650 San Benito St., Ste. 130, or donors can call Carlos Rodriguez, the clinical director at Chamberlain’s Children Center at 636-2134 to arrange a pick up. Donors can also e-mail [email protected] to arrange a pick up. The collection will help Mia, the Junior Girl Scout, complete her bronze project.
Boy Scouts seek pet supplies
HOLLISTER – Alex Engelhardt is organizing a collection of pet supplies for the Pet Friends shelter as part of his Eagle Scout project. Boy Scouts from Troop 436 distributed bags to neighborhoods near the intersection of Airline and Union Highway for items such as pet food, pet toys, dog or cat collars, cat litter and other pet-related items. Bags will be will be picked up on Jan. 22. Residents who did not receive a bag and would like to participate may drop off pet supplies at 1371 Panorama Dr., near the cross street of Glenview and Union roads by calling 635-9674.
Hazel Hawkins Hospitals Auxiliary offers scholarships for 2011
HOLLISTER – Applications for the 2011 Hazel Hawkins Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship Awards are now available. Each year the Auxiliary awards scholarships to students who are pursuing a medical or medically-oriented career. The total amount awarded to each recipient will be at the discretion of the Scholarship Committee.
Auxiliary members put in thousands of hours throughout the year running a thrift shop, the hospital gift shop and organizing their annual craft and antique faire in order to fund scholarships and purchase equipment for Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital.
To be eligible to apply for a scholarship students must:
– Be a high school graduate (or equivalent)
– Be a resident of San Benito County for a minimum of one continuous year
– Be enrolled in health-related course of study at an accredited institution.
A complete list of eligibility rules and application packet are available at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital Lobby, San Benito High School, Gavilan College, on the hospital website at www.hazelhawkins.com or by calling Frankie Arballo in the HHH Public Relations office at 636-2644 for additional information. The deadline to apply is April 1.
Resource Conservation District offers workshop series
HOLLISTER – The San Benito Resource Conservation District, in partnership with Ecology Action will present a series of workshops, “Livestock and Land.” The program will focus on land stewardship, best management practices, including pasture and paddock management, weed management, aerated manure composting, mud issues, site planning and how these issues affect livestock health. In addition to the presentations by area experts, attendees will also receive information about free local resources and how to apply for property improvement funding.
The three-week series continues Jan. 22 and 29, and Feb. 12. All workshops run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and costs $10 per family. The fee includes workshop materials and a light snack. Workshop scholarships are available.
Jan. 22: Mud and erosion management will be held at 101 Livestock, in Aromas, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Jan 29: Pastures and paddocks will be held at Slonaker Ranch, in Hollister, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Feb. 12: Livestock best management practices and site planning location to be determined.
The workshops are funded in part by the State Water Resources Control Board. For more information, call Kellie Guerra, the livestock program coordinator for the Resource Conservation District, at 637-4360, ext. 101 or e-mail [email protected] or visit www.livestockandland.org.
Beginning ceramics offered
HOLLISTER – A beginning ceramics class will be offered through Gavilan College Community Education, at the Briggs Building, Hollister Campus, Room 1. The class will be instructed by Louise Roy, who has a master’s in art with an emphasis on watercolor. Roy taught for more than 22 years at a local high school.
The class meets for five Saturdays, from Feb. 5 to March 12, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Registration is $99, plus a $20 lab fee for the cost of materials. The class is open to residents ages 15 and up. Students will learn the basic of hand building in clay. Step by step, they will make pinch and coil pots, platters, fish, animals, masks and more.
To register, call 408-852-2801 or visit www.GavilanCE.com.
Seventh-Day Adventist School open house
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Seventh-Day Adventist School will have an open house Jan. 25, from 5 to 8 p.m., at 2020 Santa Ana Road, in Hollister. Interested families will see what the school has to offer, meet teachers and parents of current students, and visit classrooms. Refreshments will be served. New students received a $250 credit toward 2011-12 tuition or registration fee.
For more information, call 637-5570, ext. 300, or visit www.HollisterSDAschool.org.
Kindergarten registration begins
HOLLISTER – Registration for Hollister School District kindergarten programs is Feb. 7-11. Parents should bring a certified copy of the birth certificate for children 5 years old on or before Dec. 2, written proof of immunizations as required by California State law, including Hepatitis B and a second measles vaccine, and proof of address.
Registration will be held at the follow times and locations:
Calaveras (K-8), 1151 Buena Vista Road, 9 a.m. to noon, 1 to 3 p.m., 636-4460
Accelerated Achievement Academy (4-8), call 634-4963 to inquire about the program.
Cerra Vista (K-6), 2151 Cerra Vista Drive, 9 to 11 a.m., 1 to 3 p.m., 636-4470.
Gabilan Hills (K-6), 901 Santa Ana Road, 9 to 10:30 a.m. 12:15 to 2:30 p.m., 636-4430
Dual Language Academy (K-5), register at your neighborhood school, 634-4930
Ladd Lane (K-6), 161 Ladd Lane, 9 to 11:30 a.m., 2 to 3:45 p.m., 636-4490
R.O. Hardin (K-6), 881 Line St., 9 to 11:45 a.m., 1 to 3 p.m., 636-4440
Sunnyslope (K-6), 1475 Memorial Drive, 9 to 11 a.m., 1 to 3 p.m., 636-4420
Hillside offers practical series
HOLLISTER – Hillside Christian Fellowship is offering a practical series that is free to the community to help those dealing with anger issues. The series is Sundays, from 9:15 to 10:30 a.m., Feb. 6 to March 10, at 281 San Felipe Road, in Hollister.
Participants will learn how to deal with angry feelings based on the book “Overcoming Emotions that Destroy,” by Chip Ingram. They will learn if they are a “spewer,” “leaker” or “stuffer” as well as the difference between good and bad anger, how to gain control of it and how to use it in constructive ways.
For more information, call 630-0800.
Bridge group offers lessons
HOLLISTER – The local bridge club will offer lessons on Tuesdays, from 9:45 to 11:15 a.m., for players of all levels. The lessons last about six weeks. The lessons are $8 and the book is $13. The lessons will be held at the Dunne Park Clubhouse. Open duplicate bridge games are scheduled Tuesday and Wednesday at noon, at the clubhouse.
Staring Feb. 2, the group will offer two over one game force, for four weeks, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The coast is $10 and includes duplicate game at noon.
For more information, call Linda King at 801-9257.
Gavilan College offers info sessions on ‘water careers’
HOLLISTER – Job-seekers interested in water careers including treatment plant operators, distribution system operators, wastewater operations, mechanics, electricians, SCADA/instrumentation specialists, chemists, biologists, lab technicians, accounting, clerical, public education and more are invited to informational sessions, hosted by Gavilan College.
Attendees will learn about careers in the water industry, find out how to get into the industry, what kinds of jobs are available and how to advance, and hear from regional employers about what they are looking for and how certification can help land jobs.
The first session is Jan. 25, from 6 to 9 p.m., at Gavilan College, 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd. in Gilroy, Room PB3. The second is Jan. 27, from 6 to 9 p.m., at Watsonville’s Civic Plaza, 275 Main St., fourth floor community room.
Within the next five to 10 years, more than 50 percent of the current water industry workforce is set to retire. Gavilan College Community Education offers in-depth water training classes that will help students enter the career field.
To register online for one of the free info sessions, visit www.GavilanCE.com, click on search and enter the word WATER in the course field, or call 408-852-2801. Walk-ins will be accepted.
Free international humanitarian law course
MONTEREY – The American Red Cross Monterey Bay Area Chapter is offering an International Humanitarian Law course to residents of Monterey and San Benito counties regarding the body of law which identifies the rules of engagement in armed conflict (The Geneva Conventions. The Red Cross played a critical role in the development of International Humanitarian Law and continues to play a leading role in educating the general public about its importance.
The course includes information on Red Cross relief efforts for International crises and reunification of families torn apart by armed conflict. A major segment of the course will be the capacity the law has to protect the most vulnerable in time of war or armed conflict.
The course is Feb. 11, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Monterey Institute of International Studies, 411 Pacific St., McGowan Building, Rm. 102.
For more information or to register for the course, call Jill Hoffman at 566-8841 or e-mail [email protected].
Luis Alejo gets committee assignments
SACRAMENTO – Assemblyman Luis Alejo, D-Salinas, who represents the 28th District – which includes San Benito County – in the California State Assembly, was appointed as vice-chairman of the Assembly Local Government Committee.
The former mayor of Watsonville, who previously was appointed to the assembly’s Special Session Budget Committee, will also serve on the Joint Legislative Audit Committee, the Budget Committee, Budget Committee No. 5 on Public Safety, the Labor and Employment Committee and the Rules Committee.
Local Red Cross seeks nominations for hero awards
HOLLISTER – The American Red Cross Monterey Bay Area Chapter is seeking nominations for its annual Hero Awards, which recognizes members of the community who have shown courage, dedication and character through acts of heroism and kindness.
The chapter is asking the community to help identify and recognize these local heroes for their selflessness and courage.
Nominations are being requested for the following categories: animal rescue hero; fire safety hero; Good Samaritan-Adult, Good Samaritan-Youth, law enforcement hero, medical professional hero and military hero.
Nominations can be made online at www.arcmontereybay.org or by requesting a nomination form from the chapter. The deadline to submit nominations is Feb. 28.
All nominees must work or reside in Monterey or San Benito counties, though heroic acts may have occurred elsewhere. The heroic act must have taken place between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2010.
The hero award recipients will be selected by a committee of community leaders based on the degree to which their acts of heroism uphold the values of the American Red Cross and leave a lasting and positive impact on the residents of Monterey and San Benito counties. Heroes will be honored at a dinner celebration May 14, at the Naval Postgraduate School, in Monterey.
For more information, or to request a printed nomination form, call Shelley Gesicki at 624-6921, ext. 28.
Blood drive
HOLLISTER – The American Red Cross will host a blood drive in Hollister, Feb. 17, from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m., at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Cultural Hall, 1670 Cienega Road. To find out more or schedule an appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or go to redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code HOLLISTER.
During the month of February, there will be four weekly drawings for “Movies for a year.” Each winner will receive 12 pairs of movie tickets. The drawings are open to all presenting blood donors during the month. Presenting donors will also receive a free T-shirt in February.
Staff responds to Blueprint comments
HOLLISTER – Envisioning the Monterey Bay Area: a Blueprint for Sustainable Growth and Smart Infrastructure will be coming to a class in the next few months. Staff responses to public comments are now available on the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments website, www.ambag.org.
The draft plan and technical draft as also available for download at www.ambag.org/programs/blueprint/index.html, and can also be viewed at each county’s main library, including the San Benito County Free Library, 470 Fifth St., in Hollister.
The AMBAG board is currently scheduled to adopt the final version of the fact-finding document in February.
Open Studios applications available
HOLLISTER – The San Benito Arts Council is now accepting applications from artists in all media for the annual Open Studios Tour, which is April 16 and 17. Applications must be submitted by Feb. 11 and are available for download at www.sanbenitoarts.org. Applications can also be requested by e-mailing the Arts Council at [email protected] or calling 636-2787.
Special highlights this year include a new “Emerging Artist” category for students in grades 9 and up as well as amateur artists who will have the opportunity to exhibit their artwork from March 17-30, at the Blak Sage Gallery in downtown Hollister, as part of a preview exhibition. The exhibition will also have work by Open Studios artists and will have a stronger educational focus on the process of art making. Separate applications are available for the “Emerging Artists” show.
For more information, call 636-2787 or e-mail [email protected].
Veterans Medical Team to visit
HOLLISTER – The Veterans Administration Medical Team, from Palo Alto, will be having an outreach program for all Veterans on the first Tuesday of each month at the Veterans Memorial Building, 649 San Benito St., from 1 to 5 p.m. The team will have doctors and nurses to address medical and mental issues as well as a Veteran Service Officer, who will process claims.
For more information, call 637-4846.
Oakwood School Open House
MORGAN HILL – Oakwood School is hosting an open house Jan 29, from 10 a.m. to noon, 105 John Wilson Way, in Morgan Hill. The school is a WASC accredited, non-sectarian, co-ed preschool through 12th grade school. It offers a robust academic curriculum and small class sizes, with specialty teachers in every subject beginning in kindergarten. Come meet faculty and parents, take a student-guided tour of the campus and see the facilities. Scholarships, sibling discounts and financial aid are available.
For more information, visit www.oakwoodweb.org or call 408-782-7177, ext. 204.
GriefShare meetings continue
HOLLISTER – GriefShare, a Christ-centered recovery and support group for those who are grieving a loved one meets at 145 Vine St., Thursdays at 7 p.m. The meetings include nationally recognized experts on grief and recovery topics. Seminar sessions include “God’s Prescription For Grief,” “The journey of Grief,” “The Effects of Grief,” “When Your Spouse Dies,” “Your Family and Grief,” and “Stuck in Grief.”
For more information, contact Tricia Harvey at 638-9751.
Art League calendar on sale
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Art League 2011 calendar, “San Benito County Life,” is now available for sale. The colorful calendar includes reproductions of original artwork by local artists, of barns and agriculture scenes. The calendars may be purchased at Country Rose Gallery, 722 San Benito St., or the Blak Sage Gallery, 727 San Benito St. All proceeds go toward San Benito High School scholarships.
For more information, call 634-1627 or 637-6062.
Co-Dependents Anonymous meets
HOLLISTER – A Co-Dependents Anonymous group meets Saturdays, from 10 to 11:15 a.m. at Mars Hill, in the conference room, 610 San Benito St. Co-Dependents Anonymous is a 12-step fellowship of men and women whose common purpose is recovery from codependence and the development and maintenance of healthy relationships. The group can help those experiencing denial, low self esteem, control issues (the lack or over use with yourself and others), or compliance issues.
Parkinson’s caregiver support group sets meetings for 2011
HOLLISTER – Family or friends who are caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s or other movement disorders, or those suffering form the disease can join a monthly support group that provides information on Parkinson’s disease, current medications and research, how to deal with the loss of function, develop good self care skills, and what steps are necessary to plan for the future. Monthly speakers address these issues as well as other issues such as finding community resources like home care, adult day care, transportation and other needed services that could be available to you and your family member. Speakers- are provided each month from different organizations on a variety of topics related to Parkinson’s disease or care giving
The group meets the first Tuesday of every month at the First Presbyterian Church, 2066 Cienega Road, in Hollister, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. The meetings will be held in the new building, in front next to the parking lot. The scheduled meetings are Feb. 1, March 1, April 5, May 3, June 7, Aug. 2, Oct. 4, Nov. 1 and Dec. 6. There will be no meeting in July or September.
Speakers and refreshments will be served at every meeting.
The group is sponsored by Jovenes de Antano, Health Projects Center and Parkinson’s Institute. No fees are required.
For more information, contact Kim Harman at 636-4977 or Shirley Kennedy at 637-3839.
Adopt a book
HOLLISTER – The Friends of the San Benito County Library is offering residents a chance to adopt a book. With sustained budget reductions to the materials budget in recent years, the donations ensure that the library will be able to purchase new materials to address the ever-changing educational, informational and recreational needs of our diverse and changing community.
“Adopt a Book” will be an ongoing program in which books or magazine subscriptions can be purchased by the library as a holiday gift, to celebrate a birthday, to honor a retiree or to serve as a lasting memorial to a friend or relative.
A donation of $25 will purchase a book for the library, bookmobile, or Mobile Family Learning Center. The book will have a book plate inside in honor or memory of the person designated. A donation of $15 or more will be used to purchase a magazine subscription. For both books and magazines, a gift card will be sent to the person honored or an acknowledgement card will be sent to the family in memory of a loved one.
Donors can select the type of book they would like purchased.
For more information or to complete a donation form, stop by the San Benito County Free Library at 470 Fifth St., in Hollister or call 636-4107.
Si, Se Puede! seeks donations
HOLLISTER – The Si, Se Puede! Learning Center is seeking sponsors for a T-shirt fundraiser. There are three levels of sponsorship for local businesses, organizations or individuals who would like to support the program this holiday season while promoting the name of their organization.
At the bronze level, sponsors will have their name in small print on the back of the T-shirt and received one Si, Se Puede! Learning Center T-shirt for $50. At the silver level, sponsors will have their name in medium print on the back of the T-shirt and receive one T-shirt for $75. The gold sponsors, will have their name in large print on the back of the T-shirt and will receive one T-shirt for $100.
The money will go toward educational field trips and school supplies. The Si, Se Puede! Learning Center offers free programming for residents of the Section 8, affordable housing complex, La Villa Luna Apartments. All of the money for field trips, special activities and events come from community support. To see photos of some of the past events, visit the Si, Se Puede Facebook page online.
To request a sponsorship form or for more information, call Charles Miller at 637-6855 or e-mail [email protected].
Office of Education offers math classes for teachers
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Office of Education will host meetings to help teachers enjoy mathematics among other math teachers. They will experience the excitement of learning mathematics content and history in a supportive group. They will gain knowledge and confidence, to allow them to rediscover the thrill of learning mathematics for its own sake.
Meetings will be Feb. 1, March 1, April 5 and May 3.
Visit sanbenito.k12oms.org or e-mail [email protected].
Blue Star Moms meet monthly
HOLLISTER – The Hollister city group of the South Bay Blue Star Moms meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. Those interested or who would like more information, should call Karol Burke at 801-6935, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.southbaybluestarmoms.org.
Student Art and Photography Contest
HOLLISTER – The Women’s Club of Hollister is sponsoring the annual Student Art and Photography Contest 2010. Entries should be completed in 2010 and the contest will be held at the monthly meeting Feb. 9. From that judging, the winners will go on to the Loma Prieta District contest on March 14. The first place winners in the district will advance to the state convention in May.
The art contest is open to students in K-12, with a category for special education. The categories are K-1; 2-3; 7-8; 9-12; graduating senior; special education K-8; special education 9-12.
The photography contest is open to grades 6; 7-8; 9-12, with special education 6; 7-8 and 9-12. All photography must be matted, no glass.
Awards will be given for first, second, third and honorable mention.
To arrange for a pick up of artwork, call Cindy at 637-0362. Artwork must be picked up by Feb. 7.
Native Daughters holds student art contest
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA – The Native Daughters of the Golden West (NDGW), Parlor #179, of San Juan Bautista, in conjunction with the statewide NDGW, is sponsoring a Student Art Talent Contest to encourage the interest of students and the general public in the historical and natural treasures of California, around the theme “California Treasures.” The contest is open to all students in grades ninth through 12th in any school in San Benito County. Enrollment in an art or photography class is not required.
Students may enter their original artworks or photographs of any landmark, historic site, park, historical building, natural formation, flora or fauna that contributes to the beauty of California. All artwork and photographs must be accompanied by an official entry form that includes a brief description of the subject and the reason the subject is a “treasure” to the State of California. Entries may be prepared in class, with suggestions and input from others, but the artwork and photographs must be those of the students.
Artwork will be judged by an outside guest juror at both the local and state levels. First place winners at the local level will automatically be entered in the contest at the state level of the NDGW. All original artworks and photographs are due by Feb. 6, at 5 p.m. All entries must be accompanied by three copes of the entry form, available from all high school fine arts departments in San Benito County, with one attached to the art work. Winners will be announced at the March 9 meeting of the SJB NDGW. The pick-up date for all artwork is the evening of March 9, except for first place winners, whose works will be delivered to the state level NDGW student art talent contest. First place winners will be contacted to pick up their works after June 30. Darlene Boyd is available to answer inquiries at 623-2750 or [email protected].
Library book sale
HOLLISTER – The Friends of the Library Saturday book sales are held in the book shed behind the library and the Historical Society, 470 Fifth St. from 9 a.m. to noon every Saturday. It will be cancelled on rainy days. Books are available at $3 a bag, as are videos, tapes and more. Donations are accepted, as are donations of used and new books. For more information on the book sale, call 636-4107.
Members needed for Library
HOLLISTER – The Friends of the San Benito County Free Library is recruiting new members and people to serve on the board to help plan the future of the library. The monthly meetings are held the third Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m.
Due to the large increase in library cardholders and the increase in circulation, more help and input is welcome.
For more information, call Ruth Erickson at 637-0987.
Returning Catholics group
HOLLISTER – Sacred Heart-St. Benedict Parish hosts a weekly meeting on Mondays at 5:30 p.m. for returning Catholics. The gathering is an opportunity for participants to understand the church through presentations, questions and discussion. Those who have left the church and are interested in returning are encouraged to attend.
For more information, contact Dolores Fenzel, the adult faith formation coordinator, at 637-9212.
Surrogate parents needed
HOLLISTER – The San Benito Office of Education and Special Education departments need volunteers to help with a surrogate parent program. Public school districts train and appoint surrogate parents for a child with a disability under the following circumstances:
– The biological parent or adoptive parents cannot be identified or located after reasonable effort; or parental rights have been terminated
– The child does not have a court-appointed person authorized to make educational decisions
– The child’s court-appointed “parent” is unwilling or unable to serve as the surrogate parents
– The child is an unaccompanied homeless youth.
Surrogate parents play a unique and critical role in supporting the special education rights and needs of children.
If you would like to learn more about the program, call Lorna Gilbert, the director of special services at 637-5393, ext. 131.
San Benito Aquatics seeks members
HOLLISTER – San Benito Aquatics is a nonprofit, year-round swim team. They offer swim lessons, competition and non-competition swim team, masters swim and dry land training for all ages. Enrollment is open year-round. Coaches are on deck every day from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at San Benito High School.
For more information, call 630-3042 or visit www.sanbenitoaquatics.org.
Si, Se Puede! seeks volunteers
HOLLISTER – The Si, Se Puede! Learning Center is seeking volunteers to facilitate evening computer classes for adults. Responsibilities include aiding the coordinator in facilitating lessons on various computer programs such as Microsoft Office, the basics of e-mail, and other software programs as well as working individually with the computer lab participants.
The SSPLC is also seeking tutors for its weekly homework help sessions on Thursday evenings. Volunteers will aid students in grades K-5 with homework and reading.
Contact Charles Miller, the Si, Se Puede coordinator, for more information or a volunteer application at 637-9097 or by e-mail the organization at [email protected].
Hollister Lions Club meets
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Lions Club holds its meeting at the Dunne Park Clubhouse on the second and fourth Thursday of every month.
For more information, call Sharon McCarthy at 630-0125.
Club Ed tutoring
HOLLISTER – Club Ed offers tutoring for grades first through 12th after school in the San Benito High School library at $14 an hour. Call 637-9605, e-mail [email protected] or call Dr. Katherine Foster at 623-9139 or e-mail [email protected].
Seniors needed for volunteer opportunities
HOLLISTER – The Monterey Bay Retired Senior Volunteer Program is looking for people 55 and older who would like to give back to their community by volunteering with one of the many nonprofits in San Benito County. RSVP provides a critical link between individual seniors in the community and nonprofit agencies. The group has been working to connect seniors to volunteer opportunities for 39 years. RSVP recruits, interviews and refers volunteers to more than 60 nonprofits.
Nonprofits are also welcome to contact RSVP if they are interested in connecting with volunteers.
For more information, call Regina Henderson, the outreach coordinator, at 427-5070 or e-mail [email protected].
Low-cost helmets available to local kids
HOLLISTER – The Child Injury Prevention Coalition, in partnership with the San Benito County Public Health Department will be offering low-cost bicycle helmets at Off the Chain Bikes. Helmets are $5.
To get a voucher, families need to present a WIC or Medi-Cal card, along with a valid form of ID. Vouchers for a low-cost helmet can be purchased at the Public Health Department Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., 439 Fourth St. Payment is due when picking up the voucher.
For more information, call Public Health at 637-5367.
Ladies Auxiliary meeting
HOLLISTER – The Ladies Auxiliary, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post No. 9242, meets the second Monday of the month to the second Saturday of the month. Meetings start at 2 p.m., Room 204, Veterans Building, 649 San Benito St.
For more information, call Dolly De Vasier at 637-1980.
Caregiver support and education group meets
HOLLISTER – The Caregiver support and education group, formerly the Alzheimer’s support group, meets the second Thursday of every month from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., at the Hollister Community Center, 300 West St. The meeting is facilitated by Kim Harman, who said the name has been changed to reflect that the group is open to any caregivers who are helping someone with dementia or memory impairment. Pamphlets and books on Alzheimer’s can also be checked out from a resource library at the Community Center. For more information, call 459-6639, ext. 16. The group is sponsored by Jovenes de Antano and the Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center.
Team Baler continues monthly fundraisers
HOLLISTER – In an effort to raise $100,000 to avoid cutbacks to athletic programs at San Benito High School, Team Baler will be hosting a monthly tri-tip barbecue on the second Wednesday of every month. Partners for the fundraiser include Progresso’s Tamale Parlor and Hollister Drive-In Market.
Those interested in being part of Team Baler, Balers Supporting Baler Athletes, can pick up a donation form at the San Benito High School student payment center, the student activities office or go to the athletics page, www.haybaler.org and click on the Team Baler link.
Singles dinner group
HOLLISTER – There is a singles dinner for individuals 50 and over, every third Saturday of each month. Each month, a member of the group will host a potluck-style meal, offering up a main course while other members provide side dishes, appetizers or desserts. For more information, contact Sandi Gowers at [email protected].
Red Cross seeks volunteers
HOLLISTER – The American Red Cross, Monterey Bay Area Chapter is looking for volunteers to staff the Hollister chapter office. The chapter office is located at 357 Fifth St., and the hours are Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Shifts are four hours, once a week, but any hours will be considered. The volunteer work offers an opportunity to give back to the community in a rewarding way.
For more information or to find out about volunteering, call the Red Cross office at 636-2100 or volunteer Howard at 297-3696.
Al-anon meetings
HOLLISTER – Al-anon meets Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Mars Hill Coffeehouse, 610 San Benito St.
Grief and loss support groups
HOLLISTER – Central Coast VNA and Hospice is offering free grief and loss support groups in Hollister, Monterey, Salinas and Gilroy. Central Coast VNA and Hospice has been providing quality in home care, end of life care and community health services as well as support for those struggling with grief and loss. The support is provided by bereavement specialists, spiritual care counselors and licensed social workers. The Hollister group meets at the Hollister United Methodist Church, 521 Monterey St., from noon to 1:30 p.m., on the first Tuesday of every month.
For more information, call Mick Erickson, the bereavement coordinator and counselor, at 758-8243.
Online survey gauges attitude toward Gilroy
GILROY – A new online survey aimed at Gilroy residents and visitors will help identify what makes Gilroy special – and what can be done to encourage more people to live, work, shop and play locally. All residents, tourists, and local businesses are encouraged to complete the online survey at www.gilroysurvey.com by Jan 31.
The “Discover Gilroy | Building Community” online survey project is spearheaded by a special joint committee that includes Mayor Al Pinheiro, City Administrator Tom Haglund and representatives from the City Council, Chamber of Commerce, Gilroy EDC and Gilroy Visitors Bureau. The committee’s goals are to learn more about people’s attitudes toward Gilroy, provide vital feedback to various community organizations and communicate the importance of thinking, acting and shopping locally.
At the website, three separate surveys have questions specifically targeted for Gilroy residents, local business owners and out-of-town visitors. Each survey takes only a few moments to complete, and all results are completely confidential. Questions for residents cover topics such as shopping habits, use of local recreation areas and parks, and patronage of downtown businesses. Spanish translations are available.
All those who complete the survey will be entered to win a Gilroy gift basket valued at more than $250.
