Housing element workshop in SJB
SAN JUAN
– The city of San Juan Bautista is hosting a housing element
workshop Oct. 4, at 6 p.m., at San Juan Bautista City Hall, 311
Second St. The event will include an overview from a housing
element consultant as well as a chance for public comments,
suggestions and recommendations. The planning commis
sioners will also have a chance to make comments, suggestions
and recommendations. For more information, call 623-4661.
Art lessons start
HOLLISTER – San Benito St. Studio Art Academy will be offering a new art class for children Oct. 10-13. The class, “Leaves, Trees and Bees,” will teach children to work with pastel. The studio also offers a children’s handwriting class. For more information call 760-6404.
Housing element workshop in SJB
SAN JUAN – The city of San Juan Bautista is hosting a housing element workshop Oct. 4, at 6 p.m., at San Juan Bautista City Hall, 311 Second St. The event will include an overview from a housing element consultant as well as a chance for public comments, suggestions and recommendations. The planning commissioners will also have a chance to make comments, suggestions and recommendations. For more information, call 623-4661.
Funds out for rental assistance
HOLLISTER – The Community Services and Workforce Development department is currently out of funding for the Rental, or Stop Eviction Assistance Program. The staff will take down names for a waiting list, but cannot give out any funding at this time.
There is also a waiting list for the winter shelter that opens Dec. 1. To qualify, families cannot have stayed in the winter shelter before, must have children under the age of 17, be permanently disabled (receiving Social Security disability) or be a senior 60 or older.
Families can place their name on either waiting list by calling 637-9293.
Cal Poly Alumni event scheduled
SPRECKLES – The Greater Monterey Bay Area Chapter of the Cal Poly Alumni Association will host a special networking event and mixer for alumni, interested students, parents, and friends of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo on Oct. 8, from 4 to 7 p.m., at Tanimura and Antle, located at 1 Harris Road, in Spreckles.
The event will feature local wine and heavy appetizers, as well as a silent auction to provide scholarships to local students. Guests of the university include the Cal Poly Alumni Association President Fred Sweeney.
The guests are asked to make a $10 donation towards Salinas Valley Scholarships for Cal Poly.
For more information or to RSVP please e-mail Erika Spencer at
ek*******@ya***.com
or at call 623-4636. Please register online at http://cpaamontereybaywelcomeevent.eventbrite.com.
Suicide Prevention recruits volunteers
SANTA CRUZ – Suicide Prevention of the Central Coast is recruiting volunteers for an upcoming training session that start Oct. 11. Volunteers will train to answer the suicide crisis line. Join a community of volunteers dedicated to providing support for people experiencing loss, suffering and isolation. For more information, call 459-9373.
Central Coast colleges receive grants
GILROY – Gavilan Joint Community College District received $1.2 million in federal grants from the U.S. Department of Education’s Hispanic Institution STEM Program to improve education opportunities for Hispanic and other low-income students. Other schools to receive a portion of the $4.9 million awarded to Central Coast colleges included Cabrillo College, Hartnell Community College District and the University Corporation at Monterey Bay.
The purpose of the STEM program is to develop and carry out activities to improve and expand the institution’s capacity to serve Hispanic and other low-income students. The grant program also prepares students to transfer to four-year universities.
Workshop for local growers
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Water District will be hosting a workshop on the Advanced Pumping Efficiency Program, Jan. 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the office, 30 Mansfield Road, in Hollister. The program was designed and is managed by the Center for Irrigation Technology at California State University, Fresno. The program is designed to improve pump efficiency in California and assist growers in water conservation, water quality, energy conservation and air quality.
The focus of the workshop will be subsidized pump efficiency tests information; incentives for pump retrofit/repair information; technical assistance explained; and educational information. Free lunch is included.
For more information or to register, call Shawn Novack at 637-4378 or e-mail
sn*****@sb***.com
.
Halloween pet photo contest
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Animal Shelter will host a Halloween pet photo contest in October. Entries are due Oct. 31. Snap a Halloween-themed photo of your pet and sent a non-returnable copy with a completed entry form to:
sh*****@ho*******.gov
or Hollister Animal Shelter, 1331 South St., Hollister, CA 95023. Winning photos will be featured in the November Animal Times newsletter. The winning entrants from the summer fun photo contest included Sadie, for best cat; Grizlee, for best dog; and Anoush got the flower power award.
Native Daughters prepare for spring art contest
SAN JUAN – The Native Daughters of the Golden West Parlor No. 179 will be hosting a student art talent contest in the spring. They urge all visually or artistically inclined San Benito County high school students to find out more about the contest. Last spring, the sub-committee of the History, Landmarks and Historic Buildings Committee selected three students as winners of the local competition. The first place winner, Diana Fonseca was entered into the Grand Parlor Student Art Talent Contest and also won first place at that level.
For more information on the contest, visit ndgw.org or e-mail Darlene Boyd at
da*********@da*********.com
.
Walk to Work and School Day
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Council of Governments is sponsoring Walk to Work Day and Walk to School Day on Wednesday, Oct. 5.
For Walk to Work Day, the business with the highest percentage of employees walking to work on that day will win a free lunch for participating employees.
For Walk to School Day, students are encouraged to “go green” by walking to school and wearing green shirts, pants and/or hats. Participants can enter for a chance to win a lunchtime activity for their school.
Details and registration information are available from Veronica Lezama at 637-7665 or by e-mail at
ve******@sa**********.org
.
Retired Teachers meeting
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County chapter of California Retired Teachers will hold its next regular business meeting Oct. 5, at 10:30 a.m., at the San Juan Oaks Golf Club. A buffet luncheon will follow the meeting. The guest speaker will be Sheriff Darren Thompson, who will speak on a variety of important issues.
CWF hosts seminar for art grant applicants
HOLLISTER – The Creative Work Fund (CWF) invites artists and nonprofit organizations to apply for grants for collaborative projects featuring media or performing artists. Letters of inquiry are due by Dec. 2 at 5 p.m. Up to $810,000 will be available for grants that may range in size from $10,000 to $40,000. CWF received an $183,000 grant from the New ArtPlace Initiative, an initiative of 11 of America’s top foundations that are working in conjunction with the National Endowment for the Arts. The grant will be used to support four grants of $40,000 each to be awarded to projects that address the ArtPlace priorities in underserved counties and neighborhoods of the greater Bay Area.
An informational seminar hosted by the San Benito County Arts Council and Community Foundation for San Benito County will be held on October 6, 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Community Foundation offices at 829 San Benito St., Suite 200. For more information, please contact Jennifer at 636-2787 or
in**@sa***********.org
or visit www.creativeworkfund.org
Deadline approaches for countywide garage sale
HOLLISTER – A countywide garage sale is scheduled for Oct. 22, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Those interested in participating who would like their address included in promotional advertising for the event must complete an application by Oct. 7 with the San Benito County Integrated Waste Management Regional Agency. Participants will receive a list of tips for a successful garage sale, inventory sheets and a directory of reuse organizations who accept donations after the sale.
For more information or to get an application, call 636-4110 or visit www.cosb.us/government/county-departments/integrated-waste-managment/.
VFW to host Patriot Pen contest
HOLLISTER – Hollister VFW Post 9242 is accepting submissions to the 2011 Patriot Pen Essay Contest from students in grades sixth, seventh and eighth grade. Students in public or private schools, as well as those who are home-schooled are eligible to enter.
Rules and entry forms may be obtained at the County Office of Education, on Fifth Street or online at www.vfw.org. The deadline for submissions is Nov. 1.
This year’s theme is “Are You Proud Of Your country.” Any school that would like someone to come out to speak about the contest is welcome to contact Bob Burnham, the contest chairman, at 638-1703.
Applications available for Veterans parade
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Veterans Coalition is accepting applications for the 2011 Veterans Day Parade.
Applications can be picked up at the VFW Dugout, the American Legion or at the Veterans of Foreign Wars office, 649 San Benito St.
Applications can also be picked up at Hollister city hall, on Fifth Street. Those interested can also call 637-6015 or 638-6434 to leave a message with an address to have an application delivered.
Community blood drive
HOLLISTER – The American Red Cross will host a blood drive in Hollister Oct. 22, from 1 to 6 p.m., at Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1670 Cienega Road. Residents can donate at a local blood drive or at the Red Cross blood donation centers in San Jose at 2731 N. First St., or one of the four other centers in the bay area.
Individuals who are 17 years of age, meet height and weight requirements and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Donors can schedule an appointment by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org.
Separation and divorce support group
HOLLISTER – Sacred Heart/St. Benedict Parish is offering a workshop on “Separation and Divorce in the Catholic Church,” Oct. 28, at 6 p.m., in Spanish, and 7 p.m., in English. The first workshop will be led by Fr. Rudy and guests are welcome to bring ideas for future workshops. For more information call Edmond Monfette, Frank Scalmanini or Jeanmarie Centeno at 637-9212.
Club Ed offers tutoring
HOLLISTER – Club Ed of San Benito High School offers private tutoring to students in all grades, elementary through high school for $14 an hour. Call Rachel Flores at 637-9605 or Dr. Foster at 623-9139 for more information.
Law enforcement stops theft of recyclables
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Police Department and the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office will enforce laws prohibiting the theft of materials from recyclable bins.
The departments have received complaints of persons rummaging through recycle bins placed for curbside pick-up. According to California law, once the bins are placed at the curbside, the materials in these bins become the property of the waste collection agency, which in San Benito County is Recology San Benito.
Representatives of Recology have notified HPD and the sheriff’s office that they will cooperate in the prosecution of theft from the bins.
“Theft of recyclabes is a problem in most cities,” said Phil Couchee, the general manager of Recology. “We want to be responsive to the community concerns. Many residents have expressed concerns regarding scavengers wandering through neighborhoods early in the morning creating messes and intruding into personable items. If we can be of assistance in helping deter this, we will.”
Persons wishing to report the theft of recyclables from curbside bins can call 636-4331 within the city limits or 636-4080 in unincorporated San Benito County. They can also call County Communications at 636-4100 after 5 p.m. Since the victim of the thefts is Recology, the person reporting the theft does not have to reside at the residence at which the bins are placed.
Bridge lessons start
HOLLISTER – New weekly bridge games are being held on Tuesdays at Dunne Park, from 9:20 to 11:20 a.m. for those players who want to brush up on their bridge skills or for beginners players with 0-5 master points.
Newplicate games will start at 9:20 to 11:20 a.m., with a 20-minute lesson. Game 10-14 boards. Guests can ask questions and enjoy the social aspect of bridge. Masterpoints will be awarded to the winners. Refreshments served.
Cost is $8.
Call Linda King for partners or questions at 801-9257 or e-mail
lr****@hu****.net
.
Auditions for ‘The Nutcracker’ start
HOLLISTER – San Benito Dance Academy will host open auditions for the 2011 performance of ‘The Nutcracker.’ No experience is necessary to take part in the holiday tradition. Parts are available for boys and girls from ages 3 and up as well as adults. For more information, visit the studio at 101 McCray St., the website at www.sanbenitodanceacademy.com or call 801-8200.
YMCA sports seasons start
HOLLISTER – The YMCA is taking registration for a variety of sports, for children ages 2-and-a-half up to fourth grade. Preschool soccer starts Nov. 5, 12, 19 and December 3, 10 and 17. Children from ages 2-and-a-half to 5 are eligible for the season, which meets at Dunne Park. Kids 2-and-a-half to 3-and-a-half play from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., while kids 4 to 5 play from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. The fee is $45 per season.
For more information or to register for any of the programs, call 637-8600 or e-mail Kristie Agan at
ka***@ym**************.org
.
Family caregiver services available
HOLLISTER – The Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center, which services San Benito, Santa Cruz and Monterey counties, offers support to family caregivers. They work with family members or friends of people living with memory loss or brain impairments such as stroke; Huntington’s Disease; brain tumors; dementia; multiple sclerosis; Alzheimer’s Disease; Parkinson’s Disease and other conditions that may cause memory loss.
They provide family consultations and care planning; legal and financial consultations; counseling; education and training; support groups and emergency respite.
The services are free or based on a low-cost sliding scale according to income. For more information, call 1-800-624-8304.
Locally, they offer the Caregiver support and education group the second Thursday of every month from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., at the Hollister Community Center, 300 West St. 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.
Farm Bureau offers collegiate membership
SACRAMENTO – The California Farm Bureau Federation has announced a new category for students between the ages of 16 to 25. The “collegiate’ membership category is available for students enrolled in a post high school education program such as community college, four-year university or a trade school.
Collegiate memberships are $25 a person and include the online version of Ag Alert, a weekly newspaper, access to scholarship information, internship opportunities and agricultural career information. They get a discount on registration at the CFBF anaul meeting, the Young Farmers and Ranchers Leadership Conference and more.
More information can be found online at www.cfbf.com/joinfb or by visiting the San Benito County Farm Bureau, on San Benito Street.
Parade applications available for Lights On
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Downtown Association will host the 21st Annual Lights on Celebration and Parade Nov. 26. The event will feature for the first time this year a gift boutique in the Veterans Memorial Building, from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Many downtown businesses will also be hosting specials, tastings and more throughout the day. Pre-parade performances will begin at 4:30 p.m. The lighting of the downtown and the light parade will start at 5:30 p.m. Pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available in the Veterans Memorial Building following the parade after 8:30 p.m.
For more information or for applications, visit www.downtownhollister.org or call 636-8406.
Ladies Auxiliary meeting
HOLLISTER – The Ladies Auxiliary, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post No. 9242, meets 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.
Tai Chi at the park
HOLLISTER – Elaine Frey will be offering Tai Chi at the Park at Dunne Park, on Tuesdays, from 6 to 7 p.m. and Thursdays from 9 to 10 a.m., starting Nov. 3. The gentle, low –impact exercise can improve physical and mental health. It helps people improve strength, flexibility, balance, ease of movement, better health. They will enjoy relaxation, calmness, joy and peace of mind. Learn and practice the movements outdoors.
For more information, call 637-8083 or e-mail
ek******@ya***.com
St. Luke’s takes registration for after school program
HOLLISTER – St. Luke’s After School Academy is accepting registration. The program runs Monday through Thursday, from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. For more information, call 637-7570.
Griefshare meetings start
HOLLISTER – GriefShare is a Christ-centered recovery and support group for those who are grieving the death of a loved one. The group meets at Calvary Chapel Hollister at 320 Fourth St. each Thursday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. beginning Sept. 8.
GriefShare features 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 Greg Harvey at 207-6560.
Vendors needed for Rancho-Maze band boutique
HOLLISTER – The Rancho-Maze Band will be hosting a craft and vendor boutique Nov. 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Rancho San Justo Middle School. The proceeds will benefit the band. The event will include direct sale and craft vendors, as well as drawings throughout the day.
Vendors can apply now. For more information, call Mary Chase at 809-5045 or e-mail
ra*************@ya***.com
.
YMCA after-school programs holding registration
HOLLISTER – YMCA after-school programs are accepting registration for programs at Cerra Vista, Ladd Lane, Gabilan Hills, San Juan School, Spring Grove and Sunnyslope Elementary schools. The hours vary by location.
The programs provide a safe and nurturing environment for children to learn the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Led by trained YMCA staff, the programs offer activities designed to help children build self confidence, self esteem and independence. Activities include homework help, athletics, arts and crafts and community service projects. Space is limited and registration is required.
For more information or to register, call Nicole Hartshorn at 637-8600 or e-mail
nh********@ym**************.org
.
Farr accepts academy nominations
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Sam Farr will accept applications for nominations to the nation’s service academies operated by the Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine and Navy. For all service academies, except the Coast Guard, require applicants to be nominated by a federal official such as a U.S. representative, U.S. senator or the vice president.
Candidates must be at least 17 years old and not older than 23, as of July 1, 2012. They must reside in California’s 17th congressional district, be a U.S. citizen and must never have been married.
In order to be considered for a nomination, the following information is required:
A completed application form available online at www.farr.house.gov; a personal statement not to exceed 1,000 words; an official high school transcript; official SAT test scores (score file number is 4639); and three letters of recommendation not from relatives.
The deadline for those entering the academy in July 2012 is Nov. 1. All materials should be sent to: ATTN: Julian Chacon, 701 Ocean St., Rm. 318, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
For questions or more information, e-mail Chacon at
ju***********@ma**.gov
or call 429-1976.
American Red Cross holds fundraiser
OAKLAND – The American Red Cross Northern California region will hold its first-ever fundraiser Oct. 22 at Lake Merritt in Oakland, the “Out for Blood 5K Fun Run/Walk.” The event is open to everyone and people of all skill level are encouraged to participate. Registration is $30, or $25 before Sept. 1. Participants will receive a race bib, a timing chip, an event t-shirt, a goodie bag and refreshments. Prize drawings will be held at the race conclusion. Registration closes Oct. 14 and day-of registration will not be accepted.
All proceeds will stay in Northern California to purchase a new mobile blood drive truck. The truck will be used to transport equipment necessary to hold blood drives at locations in the community.
For more information or to register, visit redcrossblood.org/northernca/5K.
CASA to host training session
HOLLISTER – CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates of San Benito County, is starting the next training session for child advocates. The group is looking for community members who want to be a voice for an abused and neglected child. Contact Esther Curtice at the CASA office to sign up for the next training session or for additional information at 637-4992.
Cell phone collection
HOLLISTER – Community Solutions, a nonprofit that offers counseling for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, is collecting old or unused cell phones.
Community Solutions has partnered with Extreme Wireless to collect cell phones in the community. Stop by an Extreme Wireless location in South San Jose, Morgan Hill, Gilroy or Hollister to hand over unused phones. Cell phones are also being collected at Community Solutions in Gilroy or Morgan Hill. Cell phone chargers and batteries are not necessary for drop off.
Money raised through the collection of cell phones will help provide services and daily necessities for the women and children who seek refuge at La Isla Pacifica shelter.
Community Solutions is the most comprehensive nonprofit human services agency in South Santa Clara County. The agency offers a broad spectrum of services for mental health, substance abuse, teen parenting, family dysfunction, sexual assault, juvenile delinquency, domestic violence, homelessness and youth development. Community Solutions works in partnership with community-based organizations, law enforcement, local schools, and county health and human service providers. For more information, visit www.communitysolutions.org or call 637-1094.
Assemblyman Alejo has satellite office hours
HOLLISTER – Assemblyman Luis Alejo and his staff will hold satellite office hours every Tuesday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., in Hollister. The time is available for residents who need assistance in dealing with government agencies, accessing government services, as well as those seeking information on specific legislation or the legislative process. The staff members can also arrange for Capitol tours.
Satellite hours are held in Watsonville every Wednesday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 275 Main St., Ste. 104, and in Salinas, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 100 West Alisal St., Ste. 134.
For more information, call the Hollister office at 638-3228.
Al-anon meetings
HOLLISTER – Al-anon meets Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Mars Hill Coffeehouse, 610 San Benito St.
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. Call 464-4575 or 650-444-7381 to schedule an appointment.
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
.
Singles dinner group meets
HOLLISTER – There is a singles dinner for individuals 55 and older, every third Saturday of each month. The group enjoys dine arounds at area restaurants, and they also do potluck dinners at member’s homes. It is a nice way to meet and socialize with other singles. For more information, contact Sandi Gowers at
sg*****@sb*******.net
.
AARP Driver Safety program
HOLLISTER – The AARP Driver Safety Program is a refresher course for drivers who are age 50 and senior. AARP membership is not required. This course may be taken online at www.aarp.org or in the classroom. The initial classroom version is an eight-hour course, which is normally taught in two four-hour sessions, and then a renewal class that is four hours long can be taken every three years.
All graduates receive a certificate that may entitle them to a reduction in their California auto insurance. The course covers age-related physical changes, declining perceptual skills and rules of the road. The classroom tuition is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non members. The online course may be taken in segments over a month or so and costs $15.95 for AARP members and $19.95 for non-members.
For a list of classes scheduled in nearby towns, visit www.aarp.org.
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.
Friends of the Library change meeting time
HOLLISTER – The Friends of the San Benito County Free Library meets on the fourth Monday of each month, at 5:30 p.m., at the library, 470 Fifth St., in Hollister.
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.
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 a portion of their purchase 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.
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 is 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.
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.
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.
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 remaining scheduled meetings are Oct. 4, Nov. 1 and Dec. 6. There is no meeting in 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.
Seeking space for 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 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 is 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.
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.
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.
