Fruit Institute set for Feb. 11
HOLLISTER
– The annual Central Coast Fruit Institute will be held Feb. 11,
at 9 a.m. to noon, at the Veterans Memorial Building, in Hollister.
The free meeting is for apricot and cherry growers. Topics include
pesticide regulations, spotted wing drosphila, pest management
guidelines, limb dieback diseases a
nd herbicides. The meeting is sponsored by the University of
California Cooperative Extension.
Speakers include Bill Coates, the UC Cooperative Extension Farm
Advisor for fruit and nut crops in San Benito, Santa Cruz, Santa
Clara and Monterey counties; Doug Gubler, from UC Davis’ department
of plant pathology; and Bradley Hanson, of UC Davis’ department of
plant sciences.
For more information, call Bill Coates at 637-5346 or e-mail
[email protected]
.
CASA info meeting
HOLLISTER – Court Appointed Special Advocates, CASA of San Benito County is holding an information session at Starbucks on Airline Hwy., next to Hob Hill, Feb. 10, at 6 p.m.
Be a voice for an abused, neglected or abandoned child. Come and learn how you can make a difference in a child’s life and support our community by actively making positive changes.
Spread the word and bring a friend! To RSVP, contact Esther at 637-4992.
Parkinson’s caregiver support group
HOLLISTER – Family or friends who are caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s 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 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
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 673-3839.
Alzheimer’s support group
HOLLISTER – The Alzheimer’s support group meets the second Thursday of every month from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Pamphlets and books on Alzheimer’s can also be checked out from a resource library at the Community Center. For more information, call 636-8838.
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 and third Monday of every month.
The Gilroy group meets at the Kaiser Medical Center, 7520 Arroyo Circle, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of every month. A Salinas group that focuses on the death of a pet meets at the SPCA for Monterey County, 1002 Hwy. 68, from noon to 1:30 p.m., on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month. The Monterey group meets at the Visiting Nurses Association, 5 Lower Ragsdale Drive, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month. A Salinas group meets at the Salinas Valley Comprehensive Cancer Center, 501 East Romie Lane, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., on the second and fourth Thursday of every month.
For more information, call Tony Price, the bereavement coordinator and counselor, at 758-8243 or e-mail [email protected].
Auditions for Willy Wonka
HOLLISTER – San Benito Stage Company is holding auditions for its 2010 children’s production of “Willy Wonka Jr.” Auditions will be held at the United Methodist Church MPR, at 521 Monterey St., in Hollister Feb. 5, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Feb. 6, from 10 a.m. to noon and 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The auditions are open to children ages 8 through 8th grade. Children should come ready to dance and sing. Bring sheet music or a music-only CD. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
For more information, visit www.sanbenitostage.org or call 636-0122.
Sacred Heart open house
HOLLISTER – Sacred Heart Parish School will hold an open house for all parents interested in applying for their children in the Fall 2010 for grades preschool through 8th. An open house will be held Feb. 10 at 6 p.m.
Sacred Heart Parish School in the Diocese of Monterey, mindful of its primary mission to be a witness to the love of Christ for all, admits students of any race,
color, national and/or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to the students at the school.
For more information, call 637-4157 or go to www.sacredheartschool.org.
Tax help starts
HOLLISTER – The American Association of Retired Persons Tax-Aide program offers free personal tax counseling and preparation assistance to all taxpayers with middle and low income, with special attention to those 60 and older. Starting Feb. 12, Mondays and Fridays, through April 13, volunteers will be at the Hollister Community Center, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., to offer help. Appointments are required and residents are asked to bring their tax package they receive in the mail, last year’s return, and all relevant information on income and expense. Volunteer counselors are not trained to assist in preparing tax returns that report business, rental or partnership income.
For more information, or to make an appointment, call Irma at 630-0642.
Student Film Fest workshops
HOLLISTER – On Feb. 12, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Blak Sage Gallery, a workshop on Claymation and Animation will be held for students interested in learning the iStopMotion program, basic storyboarding, lighting and more.
A March 11 workshop scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., will focus on camera technique and editing where students can learn about using high-definition cameras, tripods, accessories and sound. Films created in the workshops are eligible to be entered in the film festival.
For more information on the film festival, call the Arts Council at 636-2787. For more information on the workshops, call 408-846-4983 or visit www.cmap.tv. The Student Film Festival is sponsored by the San Benito Arts Council and Community Media Access Partnership.
A Taste of Spain
HOLLISTER – DeRose Winery will be hosting ‘A Taste of Spain’ wine tasting Feb. 13, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., 9970 Cienega Road, in Hollister.
The cost is $20 per person. Wine club members and guests are welcome. The event will include a wide selection of Spanish wines, cheeses, meats and homemade paella.
For more information, or to RSVP, call 636-9143 or e-mail [email protected].
YMCA holds camp during winter break
HOLLISTER – The YMCA of San Benito County will be holding a President’s Camp Feb. 15-19 at the YMCA Afterschool Portable at Sunnyslope School. Hours will be from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The fee for this program is $149 for the week. Activities will include walking field trips, recreation, arts and crafts, guest speakers and more. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify.
For more information and registration visit the YMCA of San Benito, 339 Fifth St. Hollister, call 637-8600 or visit www.centralcoastymca.org.
City/County Housing Expo
HOLLISTER – City and county officials are sponsoring a free, two-day housing expo designed to help stabilize the local economy and minimize the negative effects of residential vacancies and foreclosures.
Sponsored by the County Housing and Economic Development Division and the city’s Redevelopment Agency, the event will be held Feb. 25 and 26 at the Veteran’s Memorial Building, 649 San Benito St. in downtown Hollister.
Day 1 will focus on foreclosure prevention between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., while Day 2 will discuss opportunities for prospective homebuyers. Walk-ins are welcomed but RSVP’s are recommended.
For more information, contact Maria Mendez at 636-4316, ext. 10 or by e-mail at [email protected].
Clean air art contest
MONTEREY – The Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District is inviting students in first through eighth grade in Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties to participate in its 12th annual Clean Air Month Calendar Art Contest.
The theme this year is “Let’s Clear the Air.” Students can show how their families can improve air quality through biking, walking, carpooling, riding the bus, telecommuting or other ideas. The deadline to submit posters is March 19, 2010.
The contest will commemorate Clean Air Month at an awards ceremony May 19, at the Air District’s board meeting, where 13 award recipients will be announced. In addition, the artwork will be featured in a 2010 calendar.
Please submit artwork to the Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District, 24580 Silver Cloud Court, Monterey, CA 93940.
Hospital scholarship applications available
HOLLISTER – Applications for the 2010 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 you 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 a health-related course of study at an accredited institution.
The deadline to apply is April 16.
A complete list of eligibility rules and application packets are available at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital Lobby, San Benito High School, Gavilan College, on the hospital Web site at www.hazelhawkins.com or by contacting Frankie Arballo in the HHH Public Relations office at 636-2644 for additional information.
Census Bureau hiring in South County
TRES PINOS – The U.S. Census Bureau is kicking off their 2010 census and looking for individuals interested in employment with good pay, flexible hours and paid training.
Test sessions are currently being held, with more now being scheduled in San Benito. Recruiters are securing sites and setting up dates for rural San Benito County as well, with testing sites to include Immaculate Conception Church in Tres Pinos, Jefferson School in Paicines and Bitterwater Tully School in the Paicines / Bitterwater area.
Call 866-861-2010 or 831-998-9670 for more information.
Treasurer’s Office revamps Web site
SACRAMENTO – The State Treasurer’s Office (STO) has revamped its Web site homepage and created a Twitter account to help better inform the public, the media and bond investors.
The reorganized homepage makes it easier to find information about California’s bond finance program, including the status of voter approved GO bonds and the state’s credit ratings. It highlights current State budget and cash flow data. Additionally, the homepage now provides more direct access to entities chaired by the Treasurer that finance economic development, health care, housing, environmental protection and other programs. And it more prominently features Buy California Bonds – the state’s pioneering retail bond sale program. Visit www.treasurer.ca.gov to see the changes.
The STO Communications Office is also now on Twitter at http://twitter.com/stonewsroom.
Women’s Street Survival Seminar
HOLLISTER – CrossFit Hollister is offering a Women’s Survival Seminar on personal awareness and self-defense. There will be a combination of lecture, group discussion, activities, demonstration and hands-on scenarios. The focus of the class is to increase awareness and reduce the risk of victimization. Women of all ages are welcome. The cost is $55, and the seminar will be held at CrossFit Hollister, 1803 Shelton Dr., 104, from 9 a.m. to 4p.m.
For more information, visit www.crossfithollister.com or call Ely and Beth Albalos at 637-3032.
Bloodmobile donation options to expand locally
SAN JOSE – The American Red Cross will debut a bloodmobile in the South Bay at a blood drive at Hitachi Chemical Diagnostics in Mountain View Jan. 27. The self-contained mobile unit will expand donation options in Santa Clara and San Benito counties, making it more convenient for donors in the South Bay to give blood.
“Having a bloodmobile in the South Bay will help us increase our commitment to meeting local health care needs,” said Jay Winkenbach, American Red Cross Northern California Blood Services Region chief executive officer. “Our growth in the South Bay is a reflection of our commitment to ensuring that there is always a plentiful supply of blood and numerous opportunities for people to donate that are convenient.”
The addition of the South Bay mobile unit comes at a time when the Red Cross is anxiously seeking donors to meet an O-Negative blood shortage. Blood centers often experience shortages during the winter months due to a variety of circumstances that can keep regular donors from giving blood – including holiday trips, an increase in illnesses and inclement weather.
Winkenbach said the mobile unit will help increase the amount of blood collected by the Red Cross. At present, the Northern California Region must import blood from other Red Cross regions across the country in order to meet the needs of local patients in more than 30 hospitals.
The bloodmobile, previously based in Oakland, has been refurbished to ensure the maximum comfort for blood donors and staff while efficiently utilizing available space. It will allow the Red Cross to collect blood at locations where it was previously not possible to set up blood drives.
The Red Cross operates a blood donor center in San Jose (2731 N. First Street), and regularly holds mobile blood drives in various locations throughout the South Bay.
Find a donation location near you at RedCrossBlood.org or call 800-GIVE-LIFE (800-448-3543).
Foundation launches ‘Friends’ campaign
HOLLISTER – The Community Foundation for San Benito County is launching its Friends of the Community Foundation fundraising drive. Adults can become a friend by donating $35 and children under 18 can be become a friend with a donation of $5.
The money donated is used to fund a variety of programs each year through grants for arts and culture, education and youth, health and social services, agriculture and environment, community enhancement and economic development. Friends will receive an annual newsletter and an invitation to a special yearly event.
Some of the agencies to receive grants form the Community Foundation in recent years include Oriana Chorale, Fishes and Loves food pantry, the Hollister Youth Alliance, Community Food Bank and the San Benito County Heritage Foundation, among others.
The Community Foundation also administers scholarship funds, unrestricted endowments and donor-advised endowments.
For more information, visit www.cffsbc.org, stop by 829 San Benito St., Ste. 200, in Hollister or call 630-1924.
ARC offers classes in Hollister
HOLLISTER – The American Red Cross Hollister Service Center is conducting CPR and first aid classes. Classes through February are available for registration.
For more information, on enrolling in the classes or for the full schedule and registration, visit www.arcmontereybay.org or call 636-2100. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 357 Fifth St.
Red Barn run set for May
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA – The Red Barn Run is scheduled for May 23, at 10 a.m.at Windhaven Ranch in San Juan Bautista, to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The registration fee for the 5K is $38 and for the 10K is $43. Fees will increase May 1.
Registration cost entitles entrants to a souvenir T-shirt, a barbecue lunch and a free beer for participants 21 and over. Live music will be provided by The Local Groove, and participants can receive a complimentary leg massage. Awards will be given for first, second and third place in each divsion.
For more information, to volunteer or to register visit www.redbarnrun.com
WERC volunteers needed
MORGAN HILL – The Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center in Morgan Hill is accepting applications for volunteers who care about wildlife and who are available to work during the morning, one day a week. Duties include cleaning, feeding, and caring for injured, orphaned or sick native wildlife. All volunteers are required to be at least 16 years old. Volunteers at our site work a 3-4 hour shift and are asked to make a three-month commitment.
WERC operates under permits issued by the California Department of Fish and Game, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
For more information, e-mail [email protected] or go to our Web site at www.werc-ca.org.
House watch program
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Sheriff’s Office is offering a House Watch Program for county residents who are going on vacation or going out of the area for any length of time.
“With the holiday season upon us, I would like to take this opportunity to remind the residents of San Benito County of this service,” said Undersheriff Patrick Turturici, in a press release.
To participate in the program, residents can fill out a House Watch information form on the Sheriff’s Office Web site and fax to 636-1416 or mail the form to the Sheriff’s Office at 451 Fourth St., Hollister, CA 95023.
For more information, call 636-4080 or visit www.sbcsheriff.org.
Lunch with Leaders
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Chamber of Commerce is holding its monthly Lunch with Leaders event from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 17. It is set to take place at San Juan Oaks Golf Club, and the guest speaker will be from Solargen. The sponsor is Meridian Pacific. For information, call 637-5315.
Si, Se Puede seeks activity leaders
HOLLISTER – The Si, Se Puede! Learning Centers of Hollister and Gilroy are seeking reliable and self-starting college students to work with at-risk youth, between the ages of 5-13, as a Resident Activity Leader (RAL). The RAL will work with the site staff in implementing the after-school and summer program and assist youth with their homework, reading and subject learning center activities.
The Si, Se Puede! Learning Center offers after-school services to youth in grades K-5 and is located on a Housing and Urban Development (HUD), affordable housing complex. The Center operates under the National Farm Workers Service Center, a non-profit established by Cesar Chavez & Dolores Huerta in 1966.
Position requirements: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, US citizen or legal resident, have interest in helping a low-income community establish new programs to help children, and able to commit to 6 months of service. Benefits include: ultimate learning and work experience, monthly living allowance of $2,500 for six months (12 hours/week) or $3,750 for six months (18 hours/week) and an end of service education award of $1,000 (12 hours/week) or $1,250 (18 hours/week). The position will begin in March 2010. For more information on positions in Hollister, contact Charles Miller at [email protected] or 637-9097 or for Gilroy, contact Jacqueline and Maggie at [email protected] or 408-847-9162.
Baler Education Foundation accepting nominations
HOLLISTER – The Baler Education Foundation is accepting nominations for the 2010 San Benito High School Hall of Fame, to be held March 27. For a nomination form or more information, call Kenneth Kovanda at 801-0092 or e-mail [email protected].
Homeless shelter needs donations
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Homeless Shelter is in need of donations of warm blankets and paper products such as dinner plates, hot/cold cups, napkins, paper towels and personal-size toiletries.
This interested in helping out can call Kathy Hough at 801-0265 or Cilly Fisher at 637-6357.
Donations needed for Rancho fundraiser
HOLLISTER – Rancho San Justo Middle School parent volunteers are seeking prize donations for their “Gift of Education Gala” to be held April 16 at the Elks Lodge in Hollister. Proceeds from the event will help fund participating students for a trip to Washington, D.C. next summer through WorldStrides, an educational company organizing the trip. Donations of gift baskets, gift certificates and other items are welcome. Donations are tax deductible.
For more information, contact Jennifer Ippolito at 638-0900 or Leah Kincheloe at 297-2341.
GriefShare meetings continue
HOLLISTER – GriefShare, a Christ-centered recovery and support group for those who are grieving a love one meets at Grace Bible Church, on the corner of Sixth and Monterey streets, Wednesdays 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, call 637-1394.
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 will be 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 Mary Schneider at 637-1794.
Returning Catholics group
HOLLISTER – Sacred Heart-St. Benedict Parish will be hosting a weekly meeting on Monday 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.
Library book sale
HOLLISTER – The Friends of the Library Saturday book sales will be held in the book shed behind the library and the Historical Society, 470 Fifth St. from 9 a.m. to noon every Saturday in November. It will be cancelled on rainy days. Books are available at $2 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.
Club Ed offers tutoring
HOLLISTER – Club Ed offers tutoring on a private basis at $14 in all subjects, all grades. They even have tutors for college mathematics. Contact Rachel Flores-Zepeda at 637-5831, ext. 370.
