Methodist Preschool registration starts
HOLLISTER – The Methodist Preschool is accepting registration. The school accepts children from 2 years 9 months up to 5 years old to its school, 521 Monterey St. Details: Call for additional information or to schedule a tour at 637-0440.
Women’s Club meeting
HOLLISTER – The Women’s Club of Hollister will host its next meeting and luncheon May 9, from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. The meeting will include an introduction of the high school scholarship winners for 2012, initiation of new members and installation of officers for 2012-13. First-time attendees are invited as guests of the club. The price for all others is $17. Details: Call or email Ruth for reservations at 636-6592 or [email protected]
Homeownership workshop
HOLLISTER – Dreams & Visions Community Development will host the “Making Homeownership Affordable” workshop June 24, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. From 9 a.m. to noon, speakers will discuss foreclosure prevention options, followed by a workshop on looking to buy a home from 1 to 4 p.m. Event coordinators are looking for sponsorship and vendors for the event. Participants and speakers include CJ Valenzuela of the San Benito County housing department, and Elias Baracio of the city of Hollister housing department. Details: 635-6813 or www.DandVCD.org.
Free computer seminar for seniors
HOLLISTER – Leadership San Benito will host a free computer seminar for seniors this Saturday and May 19. The seminars will cover information on how to use computers, how to surf the Web, connect with friends on Facebook and how to use cell phones. The seminars will feature instruction from 9 to 11 a.m., with an open session from 11 a.m. to noon, at San Benito High School, Room 477. Space is limited, so RSVP is required. Details: 205-1799 or email [email protected].
Time changes for Ladies Auxiliary
HOLLISTER – The Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9242 will meet every second Saturday of the month at 4 p.m. The dues are $20 per year. Meetings are held at the Veterans Memorial Building, Room 204. Pins will be awarded for years of membership to celebrate 65 years in existence in Hollister. At a recent meeting, Ruth Gunnels, the only charter member in the group, was honored for her 57 years of service as treasurer. Details: Call Dolly De Vasier at 637-1980.
Farm Bureau to host candidates forum
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Farm Bureau will host a candidates forum May 10, at 6 p.m., at Hollister City Hall. Candidates for the supervisors’ races in Districts 1, 2 and 5 have been invited as well as candidates for the 30th Assembly District and United States Congress.
Auditions set for ‘Big River’
HOLLISTER – The San Benito Stage Company will host auditions for its summer show, Rodger & Hammerstein’s “Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” Auditions are May 10 and 11 at 6:30 p.m., and May 12 at 10 a.m., at the Granada Theatre, 336 Fifth St., in Hollister. Auditions are open to children age 8 through adult. Those trying out should prepare an audition song, bring sheet music and comfortable shoes for dancing. The show will be July 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 and 29. Details: 636-0122 or www.sanbenitostage.org.
Youth commissioner needed
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Parks and Recreation Commission is seeking youth commissioners to serve. Any student living in San Benito County who is under 18 years of age is qualified to apply. Students will have a chance to get more involved in the well being of the community, be at the forefront of making changes in the community and gain first-hand experience of working on a county advisory board. The deadline for the application is May 4, with interview and selection process taking place May 7-11. The appointment will be announced at the board of supervisors meeting on June 5.
To apply or for more information, call Janelle Cox at 636-4000 or email [email protected]. Applications should be returned to the County Administrative Office, 481 Fourth St., in Hollister.
Pet Friends offers neuter, adoption discounts
HOLLISTER – Pet Friends Rescue will offer discounted neutering for male cats in May and June. By appointment only, the cost is $15 per cat at the Pet Friends Low-Cost Spay/Neuter clinic. On May 12 and 13, Pet Friends will also host a feline adoption open house, from noon to 4 p.m., at 2975 Buena Vista Road. Residents can adopt a cat that is one year or older for $40 or share the adoption fee with a friend so that both residents take home a companion pet. Details: 634-1191.
Free compost class
HOLLISTER – A free composting class will be held May 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. Composting is a way to save money by lowering garbage bills and replacing store-bought soil conditioners.Details: 636-4110.
Cal-SOAP celebrates year end
GILROY – South County Cal-SOAP will host its end of the year celebration May 16, at the Gilroy High School Student Center, from 6 to 8 p.m. to honor Cal-SOAP scholarship recipients.
The Mission of the South County Cal-SOAP Consortium is to provide access to low-income and first-generation students who have the potential to succeed in post-secondary education. Cal-SOAP is committed to advising, informing and exposing students and their parents to post-secondary opportunities and resources.
Together, with sponsors and the staff members of four school districts (Aromas-San Juan Unified School District, Gilroy Unified School District, Morgan Hill Unified School District and San Benito High School District), South County Cal-SOAP is proud to report a 91.03 percent college-going rate.
The Year End Celebration is an annual event with the primary goal of celebrating the students and their accomplishments. This year’s Cal-SOAP scholarship recipients will receive a total of $200,000 in college scholarships. High School graduates from the four school districts, as well as past graduates who are attending college full time, are eligible for the scholarship. The end of the year celebration is by invitation only and includes dinner.
For more information on Cal-SOAP, call 408-846-7504.
Retired teachers meeting
HOLLISTER – The San Benito Chapter of California Retired Teachers will hold its next business meeting May 23, at San Juan Oaks. There will be a social half hour starting at 10:30 a.m., followed by the business meting. An agenda item will be the installation of new officers. A luncheon will be served following the meeting.
Sober grad night fundraisers start
HOLLISTER – The San Benito High School Sober Grad Night committee have scheduled four fundraising nights at local restaurants to support Sober Grad Night activities. Progresso’s will donate 15 percent of the proceeds from lunch and dinner on May 15. Papa Murphy’s will donate 25 percent of proceeds on May 22. The events are open to all Balers as well as members of the community. Mention the sober grad night fundraiser when ordering.
The money will support Sober Grad Night, to be held June 1.
Details: To donate to the committee or for questions, call Trudy Kelley at 801-6242.
Saddle Horse show entries available
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau is accepting entries for the 2012 Saddle Horse Show Parade, scheduled for June 21, in downtown Hollister. The parade is limited to 80 entries, and forms are due June 15, by 4 p.m.
Entry fees are $30 for single entry or vehicles, $50 for two vehicles, or free for public safety or local school marching bands. Entry fees can be found online at www.sanbenitocountychamber.com or by calling 637.5315.
Mail or drop off entry form, announcer card, and entry fee to: San Benito County Chamber of Commerce, 650 San Benito Street, Suite 130, Hollister, CA 95023
Payment types accepted include checks, cash or credit card.
Details: 637-5315.
Volunteers and vendors needed for Air Show
Hollister – The Hollister Airshow will be May 26 and 27 at the Hollister Municipal Airport. Volunteers are needed, who are 18 years or older, who can provide at least eight hours. An orientation meeting will be held May 16, at 7 p.m., at the First Presbyterian Church, 2066 San Benito St., in Hollister. Applications can be submitted online at www.hollisterairshow.com/volunteers.php.
Vendor spaces are also available for those who would like to have a booth at the event. Booths are 10×10’ with no electrical outlets, though community water hook-ups are available. San Benito nonprofits can rent a space for $50. For profit businesses or nonprofits based outside San Benito County can rent a space for $150. Payment for vendor spaces is due May 1. Vendor guidelines, information on licensing fees and more can be found online at www.hollisterairshow.com/vendors.php.
Scholarships for local new or returning college students
HOLLISTER – Monterey County Farm Bureau and Central Coast Young Farmers & Ranchers have announced the posting of its scholarship applications. Scholarships are available for new and returning college students attending a university or community college in Fall 2012 from San Benito or Monterey County.
Various scholarship amounts are available, depending on the number of applications. Applicants must have completed their high school education in Monterey or San Benito counties, and are seeking a higher education degree that focuses on an agricultural curriculum.
Completed applications are due by May 18 and can be found online at www.montereycfb.com.
Local blood drive
HOLLISTER – There will be an American Red Cross blood drive held May 17, from 1 to 6 p.m., at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1670 Cienega Road. To make an appointment, use the sponsor code HOLLISTER.
Details: 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or www.redcrossblood.org.
Class of 1982 plans reunion
HOLLISTER – The San Benito High School class of 1982 is planning a reunion for September. The reunion will be Sept. 15 at Leal Vineyards. Tickets are $50 per person.
Details: Call Teri at 636-8204, or visit the class of 1982 on Facebook, Classmates.com or SBJUHS website.
VFW wants to connect with those who served in French liberation
HOLLISTER – The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9242 of Hollister is looking for men and women from San Benito County that served in the Armed Forces that liberated France. The French government is planning to award those that are still alive with the Legion of Honor. Those who served in the liberation of France are asked to call the local post at 637-9028 and leave their name and phone number.
Pat’s Place accepts donations
HOLLISTER –Pat’s Place is open on the first Saturday of each month from noon to 3 p.m. to receive donations. The store will be closed for shopping, but donations will be accepted.
The thrift store benefits the San Benito County Food Bank. It is located at 101 Fifth St., in Hollister.
Details: 637-5500.
Hollister Hills offers educational opportunities
HOLLISTER – The interpretation department at Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area is gearing up to provide a variety of educational opportunities through the parks curriculum-based education program and its Junior Off-Highway Ranger adventure. The free programs offer educational, inspirational and recreational opportunities. The program will expose students to the various topics concerning the environment, cultural preservation, OHV safety and OHV recreational opportunities.
In addition to the outdoor program, Hollister Hills SVRA staff members will be holding a Junior Off-Highway Ranger program. The free program will provide participants the opportunities to reinforce safe riding habits, improve and enhance their skills and riding etiquette while learning about the importance of protecting natural and cultural resources.
Details: Those interested in scheduling a class field trip or participating in a Junior Off-Highway Ranger Program can call 636-2065 or e-mail [email protected].
Street Fest accepts vendor applications
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Downtown Association is seeking vendors for its 26th Annual Street Festival and Car Show, scheduled from July 21, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., in downtown Hollister. Applications are available online at www.downtownhollister.org/StreetFestival or at the office, 455 San Benito St., Ste. 21. Booth discounts are available to nonprofits, HDA members and Hollister’s Farmers Market 2012 vendors.
Details: 636-8406 or [email protected].
Foundation accepts grant application
HOLLISTER – The Community Foundation for San Benito County is accepting applications for is Community Impact Grants for 2012. Applications will be accepted through Sept. 28, and will be reviewed and approved on a monthly basis. To learn more about updated guidelines and the streamlined application process, visit www.cffsbv.org.
Details: 630-1924 or www.cffsbc.org.
Rotary plans for summer antiques fair
SAN JUAN – The Rotary Club of San Juan Bautista is planning its 49th Annual Antique and Collectibles Fair for Aug. 12, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., in San Juan. An appraiser will be available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Applications are being accepted for vendor booths. The event this year will include an increase in vendors and food booths.
All proceeds go to the club’s community grants program, emergency fund for local families, leadership opportunities for high school students and the donation of dictionaries to all third-grade children in the Aromas-San Juan Unified School District.
Details: 207-2331 or email [email protected].
Art League calendars on sale
HOLLISTER – The 2012 Hollister Art League Calendars of local flowers are now on sale.
This calendar entitled “Beauty Around” features reproductions of original art in
oils, watercolors, acrylics, lino-cuts and photography by local artists.
These colorful calendars may be purchased at Blak Sage Gallery and Country Rose Gallery & Frame. All proceeds go toward San Benito High School art scholarships.
This project was made possible by a grant from the Community Foundation.
Details: 637-6062 or 638-0277.
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.
Details: 636-2100 or contact volunteer Howard at 297-3696.
