Veterans of Foreign Wars Christmas Party
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA
– The Veterans of Foreign War Post Leslie L. Garratt will be
hosting a Christmas party Dec. 19, at 7 p.m. for those who served
the country in foreign wars. Family and friends are invited.
The menu will include appetizers, soup and salad, turkey stuffed
with spiced apples and prunes, honey glazed ham with pineapples and
cherries, southern stuffing, potatoes grand mere, giblet gravy,
mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, onion broccoli, cranberry sauce,
pumpkin pie, pecan pie, Christmas punch and eggnog. Please RSVP to
623-4320.
Volunteers to help decorate the post are also needed Dec. 18 at
5 p.m., and they will have cookies and milk for the helpers. Call
Ken Carlisle at 809-6194 for more information.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Christmas Party
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA – The Veterans of Foreign War Post Leslie L. Garratt will be hosting a Christmas party Dec. 19, at 7 p.m. for those who served the country in foreign wars. Family and friends are invited.
The menu will include appetizers, soup and salad, turkey stuffed with spiced apples and prunes, honey glazed ham with pineapples and cherries, southern stuffing, potatoes grand mere, giblet gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, onion broccoli, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, Christmas punch and eggnog. Please RSVP to 623-4320.
Volunteers to help decorate the post are also needed Dec. 18 at 5 p.m., and they will have cookies and milk for the helpers. Call Ken Carlisle at 809-6194 for more information.
Christmas tree pick-up
HOLLISTER – Boy Scout troops 436 and 428 will be offering a Christmas tree pick up in Hollister and San Juan Bautista beginning at 9 a.m. on Sunday Dec. 27, and continuing Jan. 2 and 3. A donation of $7 is requested and the trees can be left on the curbside by 9 a.m. on collection days. On Jan. 9, the Boy Scouts will also collect trees at the Veterans Memorial Park in Hollister.
For more information, call Troop 436 in Hollister at 638-9646 or Troop 428 in San Juan Bautista at 636-8360. All donations support Boy Scout activities and the Gerry Rawn Endowment Fund.
Baler Education Foundation accepts 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
kw****@ya***.com
.
LULAC toy drive
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County LULAC council have been distributing toys to needy children for 11 years. The majority of the toys are received through an annual toy donation from the south Santa Clara county fires district in Morgan Hill and the drive is done in partnership with the YMCA. Referrals from teachers, neighbors and friends have created a database of children’s names that has grown each year. Last year, LULAC distributed 353 toys to needy children.
This year the need for toys has increased in San Benito County and LULAC is hoping for community assistance. Toys or donations can be dropped at the YMCA, 339 Fifth St., in Hollister.
For more information, call Mickie Luna at 673-2009, Julio Salazar at 245-9608 or Laura Munoz Velasquez at 637-4030.
Homeless shelter needs volunteers, 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. Volunteers are also needed to cook meals at the Community Center and to shop for supplies.
Those interested in helping out can call Kathy Hough at 801-0265 or Cilly Fisher at 637-6357.
High-speed train public info meeting
GILROY – The U.S. Department of Transportation and the California High-Speed Rail Authority will be hosting public information meetings in January about the San Jose to Merced section of the high-speed train.
At the event the high-speed rail authority will display the results of the draft Alternative Analysis Report and its recommendations for carrying alternatives, stations and design options forward in the draft Environmental Impact Report/statement.
The proposed high-speed rail is 800-miles long and will connect major cities in the state.
A public meeting is scheduled in Gilroy, Jan. 11, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, 6070 Monterey Road. Other meetings include A Dec. 17 meeting from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Merced Community Senior Center, 755 West 15th St., and a San Jose Meeting Jan. 12, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Roosevelt Community Center, 901 E. Santa Clara St.
Library closed for holidays
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Library will be closed for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays beginning Thursday, Dec. 24, through Jan. 1, 2010. The library is closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Regular hours of operation will resume Jan. 4, at 10 a.m.
Please call 636-4107 for more information or visit the calendar of events at www.sanbenito.org.
HPD begins electronic messaging
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Police Department is using an electronic messaging system that allows direct communication with interested residents who sign up to receive messages via e-mail, SMS, text or other mobile devices. The service is provided by NIXLE.
– Messages that may be sent out include the following:
– Traffic – information related to traffic problems or diversions and parking.
– Community information – information about meetings that relate to public safety Advisories – crime alerts and press or informational releases from events in which the police department is seeking information from the public or when a neighborhood may be impacted by a response.
– Alerts – information on major events, emergencies or things such as Amber alerts.
NIXLE is configured to broadcast to all persons subscribed to the Hollister Police Department NIXLE messaging system or anyone following the Hollister Police Department on Twitter.
Broadcasts can be configured to occur to all persons subscribed or to a geographical area around a particular address.
Residents, businesses or others interested in following the department broadcasts can register securely at no charge at local.nixle.com/Hollister-police-department or by searching for local NIXLE broadcasts at www.nixle.com. The Department can also be followed online at twitter.com/hollisterpolice.
Annual Christmas Bird count set
SANTA CRUZ – A Christmas Bird Count will be hosted in Santa Cruz County Dec. 19 from dawn to dusk. Volunteers, including professional biologists and amateur birdwatchers, will gather locally and nationwide to collect data on the types of birds seen in the region.
Volunteers interested in participating, can visit www.santacruzbirdclub.org or visit www.birding.travel.
Hotline provides traffic info for Hwy. 1
MONTEREY – Caltrans District 5 has created a toll-free hotline that will provide information about traffic on Hwy. 1. The hotline will cover an area of the Big Sur coast highway from Cambria to Carmel.
Motorists are advised to consult the hotline before driving on Hwy. 1 in the Big Sur area. The toll-free phone number is (888) 836-0866.
The hotline will be updated as needed with information about construction, traffic delays, and or road closures.
“With the rainy season approaching, we are pleased to be able to provide this service to the traveling public,” said District Director Rich Krumholz, in a press release.
Caltrans reminds motorists that “we’re here to get you there.”
For traffic updates on Hwy. 1 projects between Cambria and Carmel residents can visit www.dot.ca.gov/dist05/road_information.htm or call the District 5 toll-free number at 888-836-0866.
Blood drive
HOLLISTER – The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive Jan. 21 from 1:30. to 6:30 p.m., at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Cultural Hall, 1670 Cienega Road, in Hollister. All donors will be entered into a drawing to win a 50-inch plasma TV and a one-night stay at the Inn by the Lake in South Lake Tahoe. To schedule an appointment, call 800-GIVE-LIFE (800-448-3543) or visit www.HelpSaveALife.org/NC and enter the sponsor code Hollister.
Christmas tree tips
MONTEREY – The Monterey County Fire and Arson Task Force offered tips to locals about Christmas trees during the holiday season. From 2003-2007, about 250 home fires started with Christmas trees, but some tips can help residents keep their homes safe.
– Do not purchase a tree that is already dry or dropping needles
– Place the tree in a sturdy tree stand designed not to tip over
– Keep live trees moist by giving them plenty of water daily
– When decorating the tree, always use lights that are in good working order and free of defects. Follow manufacturer’s instructions on how to use lights.
– Connect no more than three stands of lights together designed for indoor use.
– Always unplug tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
– Never use candles to decorate a tree. Make sure any lit candles in the room are well away from tree branches.
– Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source such as a fireplace or heater
– Keep a watchful eye on children when around the tree and do not let them play with wiring or lighting
– Safely recycle the tree when it begins dropping needles or as soon as possible after Christmas. Dried-out trees are highly flammable and should not be left in the house or garage.
For more information on Christmas tree safety, visit www.nfpa.org.
Nominations open for farmer, agricultural education awards
DAVIS – Nominations are being accepted for the 2010 Pedro Ilic Awards, which honor dedication to small-scale farming. The deadline for nominations is Jan. 15. The awards will be presented at the California Small Farm Conference in San Diego March 1.
The awards are named for Fresno County small-scale farm advisor Pedro Ilic, whose untimely death in 1994 prompted the UC Small Farm Program to annually honor those who carry out his legacy of personal commitment to small-scale and family farming.
The awards honor an educator and a farmer who embody characteristics that helped make Ilic a success. The honorees are chosen because they envision what can be done and have the imagination, energy and intellect to translate that vision into a successful activity; is part of the solution; is an advocate and risk taker; is an effective teacher; is a dedicated professional; has determination, exuberance, high energy and genuine friendliness; has high personal and family values.
Last year’s honorees included Dan Macon, a Placer County rancher and Jim Leap, a farm manager for the University of California, Santa Cruz center for agroecology and sustainable food systems.
Nomination forms can be found online at ucanr.org/ilicaward. More information can be found at sfc.ucdavis.edu/awards. For questions call 530-752-8136 or e-mail
lm******@uc*****.edu
.
Community Foundation seeks grant proposals
HOLLISTER – The Community Foundation for San Benito County is accepting letters of intent from local organizations and nonprofits for grant proposals. All proposals must support projects in one of six fields of interest: Arts and Culture, Agriculture and Environment, Education and Youth, Health and Social Services, Community Enhancement and Economic Development. The Foundation expects to fund nearly $450,000 in projects.
Applications, guidelines, forms and more details regarding the competitive review process can be accessed at www.cffsbc.org. All letters of intent must be received at the Community Foundation office no later than 4 p.m. Dec. 30. For more information, call 630-1924.
Community Solutions advocacy training
MORGAN HILL – Community Solutions will be hosting its semi-annual 65-hour Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Volunteer Advocate Training. The training lasts six weeks and will begin Jan. 5, 2010. Last year Community Solutions served 10,000 people in south Santa Clara and San Benito counties through the programs they offer in mental health, substance abuse and other programs. Victims of violence have included people of all ethnicities, gender, class or sexual orientation.
For more information and to complete the application process, call Emma Lucas at 408-776-6288.
Community Solutions Women’s Support Group
MORGAN HILL – Community Solutions for children, families and individuals, Inc. will begin a six-week Women’s Support Group in English and Spanish for women who are survivors of domestic violence. Groups will begin January 12, 2010.
For more information, contact Saozinha Restorick at 408-776-6208.
DUI enforcement boosted for holidays
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Police Department will have more officers on the roads to crack down on drunk driving during the holiday season. Officers will be out in force through Jan. 3.
“If you drive while under the influence, Hollister police officers will be looking for you and they will arrest you,” said Chief Jeff Miller, in a press release. “There will be no exception.”
The zero-tolerance policy will run through Jan. 3. Funding for the increased patrols is through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
By the end of September, Hollister police officers have made more arrests than in each of the prior years.
“Our goal is to make the 2009 holiday season the safest ever,” Miller said.
Since 2005, the number of alcohol-involved fatalities statewide has been dropping, but officers are still working toward zero deaths.
Hollister Little League registration
HOLLISTER – Registration for the 2010 season of Hollister Little League will be held on Dec. 16 and Jan. 9 for all levels – T-ball through Senior League (age 15 and 16). The December registrations will take place between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. at the Bertha Briggs House, 1221 Memorial Drive, near Veteran’s Memorial Park. Registrants must bring a copy of the player’s birth certificate, medical insurance information and they must complete a registration form and volunteer form, which requires a valid photo ID.
Registration fees are $65 for T-ball; $105 for farm, minors or majors; and $130 for the junior or senior leagues (ages 13 and up). Additional player registrations within a family are $70. Only cash, credit and debit cards will be accepted as payment. No checks.
For more information, go to www.eteamz.com/hollister, where online registration is available; or leave a message on the league hotline, 831-644-5159.
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, 2010 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.
Hollister Art League calendar on sale
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Art League 2010 Calendars of Victorian homes in San Benito County are now available. Colorful original paintings of watercolors, oils, linocuts and photography have been reproduced. Calendars are now for sale at Country Rose Gallery, 722 San Benito St. and Blak Sage Gallery, 727 San Benito St., in Hollister.
All proceeds go towards San Benito County high school art scholarships for graduating seniors. For more information, call 637-6062 or 638-0277.
PAWS to Light Up the Night
HOLLISTER – Pet Friends and SHARE Animal Rescue Effort will be holding a holiday fundraiser. The groups will be lighting up lights on a tree outside the Pet Friends Center on Buena Vista Road. Lights can be purchased for a $10 donation and donor names will be entered in the 2009 Commemorative Book at the center. A special handmade ornament will be sent to those who donate $50 or more. The lights can be purchased in memory of a beloved pet that shared their live, in honor of a current loved one, or as a gift to someone.
Call 634-1191 for more information, pick up donation forms at the Pet Friends Center or check the Web sites for more information at www.petfriends.org or www.shareanimalrescue.org.
GriefShare meetings start up
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.” There will be no meetings on Dec. 23 and Dec. 30.
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.
ASSE seeks area reps
HOLLISTER – ASSE International Student Exchange Program is looking for volunteers to serve as area representatives in the community. ASSE offers academic year, semester and short-term exchange programs in the United States for students from around the world between the ages of 15-18. Area representatives recruit and screen prospective host families, interview students to study abroad and supervise the visiting exchange students in their community. Representatives are reimbursed for their expenses.
For more information about ASSE or becoming an area representative, call 1-800-733-2773.
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 bookshed 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.
Pat’s Place in need of volunteers
HOLLISTER – Pat’s Place, a thrift shop at 101 Fifth St., in Hollister, is in need of volunteers. The thrift shop benefits Community Food Bank, which has seen a 25 percent increase in demand in the last few months.
The store sells slightly used kitchen items, furniture, clothing, books and more at low prices. According to a press release from Mary Anne Hughes, it offers “a revenue source badly needed for the Community Food Bank. The ever-increasing demand on the Community Food Bank’s services requires money to purchase food and supplies.”
She said while monetary donations tend to be seasonal, the hope is that Pat’s will offer a year-round source of income. Donations are accepted for the store, and volunteers are needed to sort the items, price them, stock and sell the items.
To find out about volunteer opportunities, call Mary Anne Hughes at 637-0340 or stop by Pat’s Place, or call 637-5500. Donations are accepted Monday through Saturday. The store is open to the public Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Math Talk program starts
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Office of Education will host a Math Talk on the first Tuesday of every month (there will be no meeting in January 2010.) The program will help teachers improve their math skills, and will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at 460 Fifth St., in Hollister.
For more information or to RSVP, call 459-5703.
