Briefs: Library forum is ahead

Library forum
Vision San Benito County is hosting a community forum on the future of county libraries. It is set for 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 23 at the San Benito County Free Library, 470 Fifth St., with Julie Morris moderating. Invited panelists include Supervisor Jerry Muenzer, Salinas Library Director Elizabeth Martinez, Gavilan Head Librarian Doug Achterman, Councilman Victor Gomez and GOP Chairman Robert Bernosky. The organization will be asking people about their vision for libraries in Hollister and San Juan. Details: (408) 506-0801 or

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Downtown cleanup
The next Hollister Downtown Association Fall Cleanup is set for 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 26. The participants will meet at the 400 block of San Benito Street at 8:30 a.m. Local groups are invited to take part. They can bring brooms, dustpans, clippers, garden gloves, shovels and other needs to help get downtown cleaned. Details: (831) 636-8406
Dia de Los Muertos makeup class
Mars Hill Coffeehouse is hosting a makeup class with a Dia de Los Muertos theme. It is set for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16. The Dia de Los Muertos makeup kit is $50, while the class is free. It is a step-by-step makeup class taught by a professional. All levels are welcome. Space is limited. Details: Pachucacosmetics.com or (408) 824-4142
Top Hatters Halloween Run
The Top Hatters annual Halloween Poker Run and Party is set for Oct. 26. The check-in is set for Whiskey Creek from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., or the end party is at Elk’s Lodge at the airport from 8 p.m. to midnight. It will include food, music, games, drinks, door prizes, poker hand, the mystery prize and a costume contest. The public is invited with $20 donations. It benefits the San Benito High School scholarship fund. Tickets are available at Whiskey Creek, Mom & Pop’s in San Juan or at the door of the Elk’s Lodge the night of the event.
Fundraiser Dinner Dance
Help support the Jacqueline A. Dilley Medical Fund at a dinner dance set for 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Oct. 19 at the Hollister Elk’s Lodge, 351 Astro Drive. It includes a no-host bar. A table of 10 is $350 or the prime rib dinner is $40 per person. There will be silent and live auctions as well. Tickets are available at Postal Graphics, Visions, Pacific Hair Trends or the Hollister Veterinary Clinic.
Friends of Mitch Dike
Friends of Mitch Dike and his girlfriend, Lydia – both of whom were involved in a serious motorcycle accident and were hit by a drunk driver in August 2012 – are hosting a fundraiser from noon to 6 p.m. Oct. 19 in the back room at Paine’s Restaurant. According to an announcement from the organizers, they both sustained serious injuries and Mitch received the brunt of it all. Many scars and surgeries later, Mitch is still in need of two more surgeries to help him walk and sit properly. They are inviting residents to honor him as well as support him for a Santa Maria Style BBQ, silent auction, 50/50 raffle bake sale and great entertainment provided by Aaron Avila & Second Wind Band. To purchase meal tickets please contact Allacyn Spears (831) 262-6027 or Ken Rose (831) 245-7016 for donations or information. Food will be served from noon until 5 p.m.
Annual benefit concert
The YMCA of San Benito County and Save the Music present the 13th annual benefit concert. Pacific Brass, a british-style brass band and the Rancho San Justo/Marguerite Maze Middle Schools Band will perform individually and together in concert on Nov. 3 at 2 p.m. in the Rancho San Justo Middle School Gym, 1201 Rancho Drive. The band is made up of musicians from San Benito, Monterey, Santa Cruz and Santa Clara counties. Their repertoire consists of traditional brass band and symphonic music as well as American folk songs, rangs, marches and selections from musical theater. Howard Miyata is the conductor of Pacific Brass. Proceeds benefit Hollister elementary school music and middle school sports programs. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and students. Children 12 and under are free with a paid adult. Tickets are available at the YMCA of San Benito County, Mr. O’s Academy, Postal Graphics, Ace Hardware or online at savehollistermusic.org. Details: (831) 637-7200
Food & Wine for Emmaus House
The third annual Best of San Benito County Food & Wine event is set for Oct. 27 at San Juan Oaks Golf Club. The event benefiting the Emmaus House shelter for women and children is scheduled from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on that Sunday. There will be both silent and live auctions with many great items. It kicks off with a casual gathering beginning at 3 p.m. with appetizers and wine. The five-course, sit-down dinner starts about an hour later. The event has limited seating. Tickets are $125 per person. They’re available at Richard Shelton Insurance on San Benito Street or Postal Graphics near Nob Hill. For details: (831) 630-5839
First San Benito Olive Festival is set for next weekend
The inaugural San Benito Olive Festival will be held at Paicines Ranch on Oct. 19, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $20, and tickets are available at the website sanbenitoolivefestival.com. See a preview of the event online next week or in next Friday’s edition of the Free Lance.