Briefs: Anzar orientation; HHH scholarships; satellite for growers

Anzar parent orientation

Anzar High School will host an eighth-grade parent orientation Feb. 15, with tours at 6 p.m. and the orientation at 6:30 p.m., in room 206.

All eighth-grade parents are welcome to attend without their children. Students will be invited to participate in two separate events – an introduction day in the spring and a Link Crew/freshman orientation in the summer. Parents will receive an overview of the school programs including advisory, service learning, athletics and clubs, academic and behavioral expectations. Details: [email protected].

Hazel Hawkins scholarships

 Applications for the 2012 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 health-related course of study at an accredited institution; apply by March 30. A complete list of eligibility rules and application packet are available at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital Lobby, San Benito High School, Gavilan College, on the hospital website at www.hazelhawkins.com. Details: Call Frankie Gallagher in the HHH Public Relations office at 636-2644 for additional information.

Satellite program for growers

The Water Resources Association of San Benito County will host a workshop on a new satellite technology program that will soon be provided through NASA satellites to California growers. The workshop is Feb. 9, at noon, at the San Benito County Water District, with Forrest Melton, a research scientist from California State University, Monterey Bay who works with NASA Ames.

The program will be able to provide growers with information about crop growth, irrigation demands and forecasts, as well as imagery of their fields throughout the growing season. Details: Shawn Novack at 637-4378 or [email protected].   

Free tax preparation

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance will show residents how to keep 100 percent of their tax refund. Get a refund fast and avoid hidden fees. IRS-certified preparers make sure residents receive the largest refund possible Refunds are available in 7-10 days with direct deposit. Sites will be open through April 11. Household income must be less than $50,000. What to bring: photo ID, SSN or ITIN, W-2s, 1099s, 1098s and any other tax form you receive; a voided check for direct deposit; and last year’s tax return.

The preparation is available at the following locations:  Wednesdays, from 6 to 9 p.m., through April 11 at the Community Services and Workforce Development office, 1111 San Felipe Road, Ste. 108; Mondays, from 6 to 8 p.m., Feb. 6 to April 9, at the Si, Se Puede! Learning Center Villa Luna Apartments, 850 Hillcrest Road, 637-9097; Feb. 14 and March 13, from 3 to 7 p.m., at the Panoche Inn, 29960 Panoche Road, in Paicines; and Jan. 28 and April 7, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Mars Hill Coffee House, 610 San Benito St., in Hollister. Details: 637-9293 or visit www.wix.com/sbccab/cab.