Community Farm
HOLLISTER
– The Comstock Community Farm and the San Benito Food Bank are
seeking volunteers to help at the community farm May 21, from 8
a.m. to 1 p.m. Families, children and youth are invited to help out
with weeding the garden, which includes 2,000 plants, preparing the
fruit orchard, planting and more.
The mission of the community farm is to feed healthy food to
low-income individuals and families of San Benito county,
particularly local farm-worker families, children and schools. The
goal is to also provide an educational space for youth to learn
healthy eating and how to grow food in an organic way that protects
their health as well as their community and environment.
A snack will be provided for volunteers and a pot luck lunch
will be served.
For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, call Lupe at
524-1305 or e-mail
co***********@ya***.com
. Visit the Comstock
Community Farm on Facebook.
Community Farm
HOLLISTER – The Comstock Community Farm and the San Benito Food Bank are seeking volunteers to help at the community farm May 21, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Families, children and youth are invited to help out with weeding the garden, which includes 2,000 plants, preparing the fruit orchard, planting and more.
The mission of the community farm is to feed healthy food to low-income individuals and families of San Benito county, particularly local farm-worker families, children and schools. The goal is to also provide an educational space for youth to learn healthy eating and how to grow food in an organic way that protects their health as well as their community and environment.
A snack will be provided for volunteers and a pot luck lunch will be served.
For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, call Lupe at 524-1305 or e-mail
co***********@ya***.com
. Visit the Comstock Community Farm on Facebook.
HDA seeks volunteers
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Downtown Association is looking for civic-minded groups to help with watering the hanging planters on San Benito Street. Weekday and weekend time slots are available. Equipment and training will be provided.
For more information, call Brenda Weatherly at 636-8406.
Small Business Financing Workshop
GILROY – The Gilroy Business Resource Coalition and the CSU Monterey Bay Small Business Development Center will host a small business finance workshop and a grand opening reception May 20. The reception is 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., with the workshop from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Light refreshments will be provided. The event is at the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce, 7471 Monterey St., in Gilroy. The workshop will discuss what actions the Small Business Administration has taken to stimulate lending to small businesses; what its role is in helping to stabilize and invigorate the economy; what options are there for small loans; what changes the recent Jobs Bill makes to existing loan programs; and what micro-lenders offer small businesses.
Pre-registration is required for the workshop. Register at http://bit.ly/sbdcoworkshops. or call 831-675-7232.
Creative writing workshops
HOLLISTER – Sandra Martz will host a creative writing workshop on the fourth Saturday of the month, from May through August, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost is $25 for five sessions. Space is limited. Writers of all ages, skill levels and genres are welcome. The workshops are sponsored by the Bobby McGee Art Foundation and a portion of the fee supports the Foundation.
For more information or to register for the classes, call Martz at 801-4411 or e-mail
al*********@ya***.com
.
Gavilan offers EKG training program
GILROY – The Gavilan College department of Community and Contract Education, in partnership with Boston Reed College, is offering a new electrocardiography technician training program. The 70 hour course provides instruction in EKG unit operation and troubleshooting, lead placement utilizing a 12-lead EKG, use of EKG grid paper, recognizing normal and abnormal EKG patterns in all 12 leads, plotting an EKG axis and Holter monitoring.
The class will meet for 10 Saturdays, from June 4 to Aug. 27, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., in Room HU 102, at 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd. There is no class meeting July 2.
The Community Job Survey shows that EKG technicians have a starting pay rate of $15-20 per hour. It is one of the largest industries in the country.
To take the course, students must be at least 18 years old and have completed a high school or its equivalent. Students need competency in, or completion of a basic computer operations course and command of the English language. The course fee is $1,945, including a textbook, workbook, consumable supplies and a certificate of completion.
Students can register online at www.GavilanCE.com or by calling 408-852-2801.
Redwood education grants available
SAN FRANCISCO – The Save the Redwoods League, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting ancient giant redwoods, is offering education grants for schools, park cooperating associations and nonprofits that can provide redwoods education in and out of the classroom. The league will award up to $100,000 total in grants to fund redwood education programs and create opportunities for people of all ages to visit and learn about redwood forests.
Proposals are requested for projects that:
Provided engaging, firsthand experiences in redwood forests for people of all ages and diverse backgrounds; help K-12 classroom teachers teach students about redwoods; foster the sharing of redwood resources or evaluate the existing redwood education programs; engage the public in redwood forest research through citizen science projects.
For more information or to apply for a grant, visit savetheredwoods.org/education/edgrants.shtml.
Blood drive
HOLLISTER – The American Red Cross will host a blood drive in Hollister, May 19, 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.
Oakwood preschool-kindergarten open house
MORGAN HILL – Oakwood School will host a preschool to kindergarten open house, May 14, from 10 a.m. to noon. Students benefit from a nurturing environment, small class sizes and specialty teachers beginning in kindergarten. WASC accredited; extended care available. Bring the whole family, no reservation required. 105 John Wilson Way, Morgan Hill. For more information, visit www.oakwoodweb.org.
Student work permits
HOLLISTER – Pursuant to California Labor Code mandates, students between the ages of 12 and 18 years of age who plan to work this summer must have a “permit to employ and work” on file with the employer during the term of employment. Students need to apply for these work permits at their school of attendance.
Each school has authorized personnel who approve applications and process work permits for students attending their school. Students under 14 years of age are only allowed to work in agriculture-related businesses or the entertainment field.
Applications for work permits for students attending the rural schools may be obtained by contacting their school principal.
Students are urged to process their applications before school recesses for the summer.
Students not attending a public school should direct their inquiries about work permits to the San Benito County Office of Education, 460 Fifth St.
Employers who employ students without work permits on file face potential finds of $500 per minor.
Vet Center offers counseling services
HOLLISTER – The Santa Cruz County Vet Center, from Capitola, will offer one-to-one counseling services to all combat veterans experiencing readjustment issues or psychosocial problems, as well as veterans suffering from past military sexual trauma. Any combat veteran who is filing a claim for post-traumatic stress disorder will be able to obtain free, confidential evaluation and counseling the first and third Monday of each month, at the Veterans Memorial Building, 649 San Benito St., in Hollister.
The counselor assigned to the building is Carolyn Carpenter, MSW, LCSW, and she will begin seeing clients in June. Call 464-4575 or 650-444-7381 to schedule an appointment.
MOMS Club meetings
HOLLISTER – The MOMS Club of Hollister will hold a general meeting at Mars Hill Coffee Shop, 610 San Benito St., May 13, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. All are welcome. MOMS Club of Hollister provides daytime activities for mothers and children.
They will host a Park Day at Las Brisas Park, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., May 17.
For more information, please visit www.momsclub.org, hollistermoms.googlepages.com or e-mail
ho***********@gm***.com
Saddle Horse Parade applications
HOLLISTER – This year’s Saddle Horse Parade application are available at the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce office, 650 San Benito St. #130, or on the chamber’s website at sanbenitocountychamber.com. The parade is 6 p.m. June 23.
Tire amnesty event
HOLLISTER – San Benito County Integrated Waste Management is hosting free disposal of used tires on three upcoming dates. The event will be June 4, at Veterans Memorial Park, 801 Memorial Drive. Tires can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
State law limits the transportation of tires to nine per vehicle, per trip. Tires from businesses will not be accepted. The tires will be recycled free of charge. The event is made possible through a grant from the California Department of Recycling and Resource Recovery.
For more information, call 636-4110.
Masonic family group meeting
HOLLISTER – Athena Chapter No. 46 Order of the Eastern Star meets the first Wednesday of every month at 8 p.m. at the Masonic Building, corner of Fourth and San Benito streets in Hollister. For more information, call Sue Bishop at 637-3554.
The San Benito Lodge No. 211 meets the second Wednesday of every month at the Masonic building at 8 p.m. For more information, call Steve Carpenter at 637-9082.
Registration opens for Kids Rule camp
HOLLISTER – The San Benito Stage Company Children’s Summer Theatre Camp, Kids Rule, is taking registration. The camp runs June 20-24, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The camp is open to students 6-13 years old. It includes workshops in ensemble music, dance movement, acting, improv, pantomime, small group vocal and much more.
For more information, call Kristy Burchard, the founder and camp director, at 636-6810.
Friends of the Library change meeting time
HOLLISTER – The Friends of the San Benito County Free Library have changed its monthly meetings to the fourth Monday of each month, at 5:30 p.m., at the library, 470 Fifth St., in Hollister.
For more information, call Ruth Erickson, president, at 637-0987.
Kids at the Park seeks participants
HOLLISTER – Kids at the Park, an annual event that promotes safety and health for local families, is scheduled for June 15. Participants can apply for a booth space through April 30.
Kids in the Park is a health and safety education event sponsored by the Hollister Youth Alliance, Community Food Bank of San Benito County, the San Benito County Safe Kids Coalition and Public Health Services. The event is 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and in the past 30 community agencies and programs have set up learning stations throughout the park for children to visit.
One of the key focal points of the event is the Safe Moves City, set up along West and Seventh Street to teach kids how to safely ride bikes or walk along city streets.
For more information on participating or volunteering, call Mary Anne Hughes at 637-0340 or e-mail
Ma*************@sb*******.net
.
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.
For more information or to find out about volunteering, call the Red Cross office at 636-2100 or volunteer Howard at 297-3696.
Pet Friends seeks sponsors for Wag ‘n Walk
HOLLISTER – Pet Friends, a nonprofit rescue group, is looking for sponsors for the third annual Wag ‘n Walk, in June. The 5K fun run/walk raises money to care for animals that are rescued until they are adopted and to help with the low-cost spay/neuter clinic the nonprofit runs.
Sponsorships are $50 for the bow wow level, which includes your name on a banner, a business card inserted in goodie bags and one registration; $100 for the sit and stay level, which includes the same benefits plus, an audio announcement of the business name and two registrations; $250 for the beg and bark, includes the above benefits, plus logo with name on banner, press release recognition and four registrations.
For more information on the Wag ‘n Walk sponsorship, call Marissa Brennan at 630-2495 or e-mail
ma*************@sb****.com
.
Adult literacy tutors needed
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Free Library is seeking volunteer tutors for its adult literacy program. The goal of the program is to reduce illiteracy within the county, raise education levels through instruction, teach the importance of reading to children and help local families or individuals become lifelong readers.
The program offers free tutoring to any resident of San Benito County. Learners meet weekly with trained volunteer tutors, for personalized one-on-one instruction and assignments. Tutors will be trained in supporting adults as they improve their reading and writing skills. Volunteers should have knowledge of basic English spelling and grammar, must be 18 years of age, and willing to commit to at least 1.5 hours a week for six months.
For more information, call Wendy Kay or Rosa Garcia at 636-4107, ext. 20, or e-mail
wk**@li*.us
or
rg*****@li*.us
.
Thursdays at the symphony series
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Symphony Group is taking orders for the 2011-2012 San Francisco Symphony season. The group takes a bus from Dunne Park at 8:30 a.m. on the day of the performances and returns by 6:30 p.m.
Performances are Oct. 27, Feb. 2, and April 19 at 2 p.m. Prices are $201 for front orchestra; $288 for premium orchestra; $240 for orchestra; $180 for upper orchestra; $213 for premium first tier; $186 for first tier; $117 for premium second tier; and $90 for second tier.
All orders must be accompanied by payment and include a $15 handling fee. Patrons who wish to be seated together should send their forms in the same envelope. All tickets will be mailed in July to the name and address on the order form. If requesting upper orchestra, please give a second choice of seating.
For more information or for an order form, call Sally Crissman at 630-0750.
Women’s Club takes over Comfort and Care backpacks
HOLLISTER – The Women’s Club of Hollister has taken over the “Comfort and Care Backpack Project” for 2011, started by the SBC Leadership Class of 2010. The program provides children arriving at foster care facilities with items that will make their arrival easier with necessities and personal items.
The backpacks are made to accommodate infants to 17-year-olds. Appropriate items fill the backpacks based on age and gender. Examples of items include handmade blankets, basic school supplies, a change of clothing, a stuffed animal, fun stuff and snacks. Aside from giving children a warm welcome, the backpack gives them a sense that they are important to many people – the backpacks are theirs to keep.
The recipients of the backpacks include Kinship Center, Chamberlain’s Children Center and Emmaus House.
The goal is to provide each organization with 25 backpacks, according to the needs of the organization. The average backpack costs about $30 to $40 for young children or $20 to $30 for older children. The Women’s Club is working with businesses, family and friends to support the project.
Residents can support the project with a donation of money, a donation of one of the items mentioned above (new only), or by sponsoring a backpack for $40. Donations can be sent to: WHC, P.O. Box 818, Hollister, 95024.
For more information or to help, contact a member of the Comfort and Care Backpack Committee: Cindy Biesmeyer, 524-1631
ac*****@ym***.com
. Other members of the committee include Betty Evans, Ruth Mendes Da Costa, Shannon Wilkerson, Peg Lairson and Gayle Jackson.
Vertigo Coffee raises money for Japan
SAN JUAN – The owners of Vertigo Coffee are collecting donations for the Northern Japan Earthquake Relief Fund. They are going to kick off the fund with $200. For residents who donate $10, they will offer a free traditional Italian cappuccino at the San Juan shop. One hundred percent of the donations go directly toward citizen relief efforts in the most affected areas.
Vertigo Coffee is located at 81 Fourth St., San Juan Bautista. For more information, call 623-9533 or visit www.vertigocoffee.com.
Kinship Center memberships available
HOLLISTER – Kinship Center Gabilan Chapter of San Benito County is accepting associate or family members. Associate memberships are $25 and family memberships are $100. Kinship Center’s mission is to help every child have a safe, loving family that will be there for a lifetime. Kinship Center helps place infants, children and teens who have been removed from their homes due to severe abuse, neglect or abandonment. Their goal is to place kids with adoptive families so they won’t have to spend time in foster care.
This year, Kinship hosted a May Open House, where guests got a personal look at the extreme needs in San Benito County and how Kinship helps traumatized children. They also added an educational component to the annual Wine and Food Tasting, at Paicine’s Ranch. Kids’ photos and stories decorated tables throughout the event.
Associate members can also purchase merchandise, such as a cookbook, totes, aprons and throw blankets.
For more information on supporting Kinship Center, call 634-0238 or visit 719 San Benito St., Suite A, in Hollister.
Students of the Constitution
HOLLISTER – Students of the Constitution is a monthly series that introduces people to the United States Constitution and other historic documents. It will be held the third Wednesday of the month at 8 p.m., at The Vault Restaurant. The event is free and open to anyone interested in attending. For more information, call 537-3611.
Pinnacle Quilters meets
HOLLISTER – The Pinnacle Quilters of San Benito County meets monthly in San Juan Bautista on the third Tuesday of the month in the San Juan Community Center, 10 San Jose St. A visitor fee of $5 is charged.
GriefShare meetings continue
HOLLISTER – GriefShare, a Christ-centered recovery and support group for those who are grieving a loved one will meet at the home of Greg and Tricia Harvey, 145 Vine St. The group will meet for 13 weeks, Thursdays from 7 to 8:30 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, call Grace Bible Church at 638-1394 or Greg Harvey at 207-6560.
YMCA and Club Ed partner on tutoring program
HOLLITER – The YMCA and Club Ed, a San Benito High School club that offers after-school tutoring, have partnered. Parents can hire students to tutor students in a variety of subjects, for kids from first grade to 12th grade. The fee is $10 per hour and is offered after school from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the YMCA office. For more information, call the YMCA at 637-8600 or Club Ed at 623-9139, or e-mail
kf*****@sb***.us
.
Bertuccio’s Market supports sports
HOLLISTER – Bertuccio’s Market has selected two days a week when the owners will donate 10 percent of the purchase price to local sports. Customers can come in on Sundays and mention the Balers to donate 10 percent to the athletic fund at San Benito High School. Those who come in on Wednesday can mention Pop Warner Football and Cheer to donate 10 percent of the purchase.
Probation department seeks mentors
HOLLISTER – The probation department is seeking community members who are interested in becoming a mentor for a six-month to one-year period working with juveniles on probation. The program is a voluntary program for the students and requires a one-hour to three-hour commitment each month. Both male and female mentors are needed, as well as community members with a variety of career backgrounds.
Those interested in becoming a mentor are encouraged to fill out an application. After that, the potential mentors will go through an interview with Richard Vasquez and the fingerprinting process before they are paired with a student.
To find out more, call Vasquez at 636-4070 or e-mail
yl***@co**.us
.
Minimum qualifications for mentors:
– Be at least 21 years of age
– Not have been convicted of a felony or places on deferred adjudication for a felony offense within 10 years, not currently be on felony probation or parole and never have been convicted of a sex offense or be registered as a sex offender
– Possess a valid driver’s license or other form of valid identification
– Have reliable transportation and proof of liability insurance
– Possess a reasonably flexible schedule with the ability to maintain a long-term, one-on-one commitment
– Possess and be able to relate experiences which will enhance the mentoring relationship.
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.
Learn to play bridge
HOLLISTER – Classes and duplicate bridge games are available at Dunne Park, in Hollister. For the full schedule, please call Linda King at 801-9257.
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.
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.
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 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.
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
so***************@at*.net
or visit www.southbaybluestarmoms.org.
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.
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.
Seeking space for free library
HOLLISTER – Residents are seeking a small, rent-free place to hold a free library and share Catholic books. Anyone with a space, may contact Mario Corota at 636-5290.
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.
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
re****@sc***************.org
.
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
sg*****@sb*******.net
.
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.
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.
Class of ’81 preps for reunion
HOLLISTER – The San Benito High School class of 1981 will hold its 30-year class reunion Aug. 13, at the Hollister Elk’s Lodge. The cost of the event is $45 per person.
For more information, e-mail Anita Warren at
an*********@ho*****.com
or Tony Ureno at
To***********@ch*****.net
.
Class of 1961 seeks members
HOLLISTER – The San Benito High School Class of 1961 is requesting help in finding the following classmates: Frank Barberi, Jeffrey Cane, Louise Capitanich, Norma Lee Cole, Livio De Biasio, Eileen Degang, Donald Fairley, John Garcia, Angelina Gonzales Alvarez, Steve Green, Johnny Hedrick, William Hill, Jeffery Kane, Sayeko Katashima, San Juana Martinez, Kaye Miura, Pat Nordin, Terry Nunes, Jackqueline Rashe, Jean Rodgers, Lucy Rodriguez and John Stevens.
Call Barbara Poggi 637-7539 or Patsy Zuniga at 637-6062 if you have any information on how to contact any of these people.
