Briefs: New hours for Historical Museum

Free tax prep available on Wednesdays

HOLLISTER – 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 are open Feb. 1-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 from 6 to 9 p.m., at the Community Services and Workforce Development office, 1111 San Felipe Road, Ste. 108. Call 637-9293 for more information or visit www.wix.com/sbccab/cab.

Sacred Heart Open House

HOLLISTER – Sacred Heart School will host an open house Jan. 29, from 2 to 4 p.m. for families interested in learning more about the school. The event will be held at the school’s O’Reilly Hall, 670 College St. It will include a full preview of school’s curriculum, sports activities, music and choir will be available for pre-school and K thru 8. The school is accepting applications for fall 2012 enrollment.

New hours for Historical museum

HOLLISTER – The Historical Society has changed the hours for the Wapple House Museum, located at 498 Fifth St., in Hollister. The museum is open Saturday and Sunday, from 1 to 4 p.m., and the public is invited to visit for free.

During the month of February, there will be a special display of historic red objects put together for Valentine’s Day. The Museum is open the second Monday of each month, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for those people interested in doing research related to San Benito County.

Pastures and Paddocks Workshop

MORGAN HILL – Livestock and Land will present a “Pastures and Paddocks workshop” Jan. 28, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Machado School, in Morgan Hill. The workshop will teach how to manage a facility for healthy livestock and a healthy environment.

Presentations and interactive hands-on topics include: managing property during the rainy season, composting, rain catchment, drainage control, hydroponic feeding systems, & grazing management and more. Registration is $15, and includes lunch and all workshop materials. Email Camille Abreu-Woida at [email protected] to register.

Local reappointed to BLM advisory council

HOLLISTER – Former San Benito County Supervisor Reb Monaco was reappointed to the Bureau of Land Management’s Central California District Resource Advisory Council, which advises the BLM on public land issues.

Monaco, who represented southern San Benito County during his tenure as a supervisor, will represent dispersed recreation during his three-year term. The Central California council advises BLM officials in the Hollister, Mother Lode, Bakersfield and Bishop field offices.

Workshops for local growers

HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Water District will be hosting a workshop on the Advanced Pumping Efficiency Program from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Jan. 19 at the office, 30 Mansfield Road, in Hollister. The program was designed and is managed by the Center for Irrigation Technology at California State University, Fresno. The program is designed to improve pump efficiency in California and assist growers in water conservation, water quality, energy conservation and air quality.

The focus of the workshop will be subsidized pump efficiency tests information; incentives for pump retrofit/repair information; technical assistance explained; and educational information. Free lunch is included.

A second workshop on chemigation/fertigation will be held Feb. 9, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Water District office. The lecture and demonstration will use the mobile education center to teach about the four main items the grower has to accomplish when chemigating or fertigating to protect the environment and properly inject chemicals through the irrigation system; how chemigation rules came into being; information brochures and diagrams of proper equipment flow and pressure so that the irrigation system maximizes the Distribution Uniformity to enhance the chemigation event; see what happens wheimproper maintenance and equipment subjects water sources (groundwater, streams, canals, rivers, etc) to potential contamination or spills.

For more information or to register, call Shawn Novack at 637-4378 or e-mail [email protected].

LULAC raises money with enchiladas

HOLLISTER – San Benito LULAC youth will be selling enchiladas to raise money for members to travel to the National LULAC Youth Leadership Convention in June, at Disney World, in Orlando, Fla. Enchilada sales will be held Jan. 14, Feb. 18 and March 17. Orders must be placed in advance. The cheese-corn tortilla enchiladas are $14 per dozen.

For more information or to place an order, call Vince Luna at 673-1977, Sami Salazar Weaver at 408-706-8485, Julio Salazar at 245-9608 or Francisco Lezama at 537-8332.

Garlic Festival queen nominations

GILROY – The Gilroy Garlic Festival Association is seeking contestants for the 34th Annual Miss Gilroy Garlic Festival Queen Pageant. Contestant applications are available at the Garlic Festival office, 7473 Monterey St., Gilroy or downloaded at www.gilroygarlicfestival.com.

Miss Gilroy Garlic Festival Queen Pageant is a scholarship pageant. Contestants are judged on personal interview, speech, talent and evening gown. In addition to the selection of Miss Gilroy Garlic Festival Queen, scholarships will be awarded to many pageant contestants.

Applicants must be a resident of Gilroy, San Martin, Morgan Hill, Hollister, San Juan Bautista or Aromas; a single female who has never been married and has no children; a high school graduate by June 2012; and between the ages of 18 to 24 by July 2012. Deadline to submit a completed application is no later than 4:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3, 2012.

The Miss Gilroy Garlic Festival Pageant is scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday, March 31, 2012, at the Gavilan College Theater. Details: Garlic Festival office at (408) 842-1625.

Red Cross blood drive

HOLLISTER – The American Red Cross will be hosting a Mobile Blood Drive on Jan 19, from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Cultural Hall, 1670 Cienega Road. The drive is open to the public and appointments are recommended. To schedule an appointment, use Sponsor Code “HOLLISTER.”

For more information call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrosssblood.org.

Young Conservatory offers acting classes

HOLLISTER – The American Conservatory Theater will offer five Young Conservatory classes in Hollister Jan. 16 to March 17. Classes are $180 each and will meet at 360 Sixth St., in Hollister, at Mr. O’s Academy of the Arts.

Classes offered:

Acting workshop (Mondays)

3:30 to 5 p.m., third through eighth grade

5:30 to 7 p.m., ninth through 12th grade

Dance and movement for the theater (Tuesdays)

3:30 to 5 p.m., third through eighth grade

5:30 to 7 p.m., ninth through 12th grade

Audition workshop (Wednesdays)

3:30 to 5 p.m., third through eighth grade

5:30 to 7 p.m., ninth through 12th grade

Improv (Thursdays)

3:30 to 5 p.m., third through eighth grade

5:30 to 7 p.m., ninth through 12th grade

Musical theater (Saturdays)

9 to 10:30 a.m., third through eighth grade

10:30 a.m. to noon, ninth through 12th grade

For more information or to register for a session, call Julianne Palma at 245-8491 or e-mail [email protected]. For more on the Young Conservatory, visit www.act-sf.org.

 

 

 

Oakwood School open house

MORGAN HILL – Oakwood School will host an open house Jan. 21, from 10 a.m. to noon, at 105 John Wilson Way, in Morgan Hill. Bring the whole family; no reservation required. The school offers a robust academic curriculum and small class sizes, with specialty teachers in every subject beginning in kindergarten. Meet faculty and parents, take a student-guided tour of the campus, and learn about financial aid options.

For more information, call 408-782-7177, ext. 204.

Mission 10 Run sign-ups under way

SAN JUAN BAUTISTA – Registration is being accepted for the 29th annual Mission 10 run through the streets of San Juan Bautista on Jan. 28. Ten-mile and 5K races will be held, along with the Elliott Swank Memorial 1-Mile Kid’s Fun Run. The event is a benefit for community service projects sponsored by the Rotary Club of Hollister.

Entry fees are $5 for the fun run (with three or more children from the same fee charged $12 total). All other runners will pay $25 before Jan. 26 and $30 thereafter. Checks should be made payable to the Rotary Club of Hollister. Participants – except in the fun run – will receive a long-sleeve race T-shirt. Trophies, medals and ribbons will be provided.

For more information, visit Mission10.com or call Bill Tiffany at 637-0071 or email him at [email protected]. Online registration is available at TheSchedule.com (search Mission10).

Native Daughters accept artwork for contest

SAN JUAN – The Native Daughters of the Golden West Parlor No. 179 will host a student art talent contest in the spring. All students attending high schools in San Benito County are invited to enter their work in two categories, two-dimensional works and photography. The purpose of the contest is to encourage the creativity of oyouth and interest in the history, landmarks and natural wonders of the State of California. The contest is open to all students in grades 9 through 12 in any school in California. Enrollment in an art class is not required.

The theme this year is “Teamwork.” The artwork must be accompanied by an entry form that includes a brief description of the subject and the reason it is a significant historical landmark or historical event or period in California history. Limit is one entry per student. All original artworks and photographs are due by March 15 to the San Juan Bautista Parlor, No. 179, 203 Fourth St., San Juan Bautista, with prior arrangement. Please call at least 24 hours in advance to arrange for your drop off and pick-up to Darlene Boyd at 623-2750 or [email protected].

The pick-up date is April 11 after the award presentations at the monthly meeting, except for first place winners, whose art pieces will be delivered to the state level NDGW contest. All participants are invited to attend. First place winners will be contacted to pick up their works after June 30. Arrangements may be made by appointment for drop-off and pick up by contacting Darlene Boyd.

For more information on the contest, visit ndgw.org or e-mail Darlene Boyd at [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.

Caregiver University set for April

HOLLISTER – The Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center, the Area Agency on Aging, Jovenes de Antano and the Seniors Council will host a Caregiver University April 21, at the Hollister Community Center, 300 West St., in Hollister. The Caregiver University is a series of conferences that support and educate caregivers who are caring for loved ones with chronic health conditions. This year’s events will include new topics designed especially to meet the needs of caregivers. It is a free event.

Additional Caregiver Universities will be held March 24, at Inner Light Ministries, 5630 Soquel Drive, in Soquel, and May 19, at the Oldemeyer Center, 986 Hilby Ave., in Seaside.

For more information or to register, call Sandra at 459-6639.

Homeowners and homebuyers workshop

HOLLISTER – Homeowners and perspective homebuyers in San Benito County are invited to attend a free community workshop Feb. 8, at 6:30 p.m., at the Veterans Memorial Building, 649 San Benito St., Room 218, to learn about a variety of programs that can save them money. The event is sponsored by Energy Upgrade California, a new statewide program that aims to reduce energy use, save homeowners money and create local jobs.

Guest speakers will include housing staff representatives from the city of Hollister Redevelopment Agency and the county of San Benito. Topics covered will include an explanation of the complete home-buying process, how to access Energy Upgrade California rebates of up to $4,000 for home energy upgrades and how to attain financing and down payment assistance for a new home purchase. The workshop will be conducted in English and Spanish.

Residents can RSVP online to sanbenito-euc.eventbrite.com.

YMCA open house

HOLLISTER – The YMCA of San Benito County will host an open house Feb. 11, from 8 to 10 a.m. The event is free to the entire family. Guest who bring in an ad or flier about the open house will receive a free water bottle while supplies last.

The open house is part of the YMCA’s membership drive. The nonprofit offers sports, day camps, after school programs and health and wellness programs for the entire family. The YMCA is located at 351 Tres Pinos Road, Ste. A-201, in Hollister.

For more information, call 637-8600 or visit www.centralcoastymca.org

Mortgage workshop set for Jan. 31

HOLLISTER – Dreams and Visions Community Development will be offering a free Fresh Start Seminar for residents who are behind on mortgage payments or dealing with debt, Jan. 31, from 6 to 8 p.m., at Intero Real Estate, 800 San Benito St.

The workshop will give homeowners tools and options such as: the Making Home Affordable Program, credit repair and rebuilding credit after bankruptcies and/or foreclosure.

Please RSVP by calling 635-6813. Dreams & Visions Community Development is the only full-service certified housing counselor agency in San Benito County committed to home preservation and home buyers education.

Open Studios applications available

HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Arts Council is accepting applications for artists in all media for the annual Open Studios Tour and Emerging Artists Exhibit. Emerging and Open Studio Artists will have their artwork displayed at the Blak Sage Gallery March 20 through April 26, with the Open Studios Tour scheduled for April 28 and 29. Applications must be submitted by Feb. 10 and are available online at www.sanbenitoarts.org, or can be requested by mail or email by contacting the Arts Council at [email protected] or 636-2787.

New and past participants are encouraged to visit www.sanbenitoarts.org to learn more about the events. They are also invited to attend an informational meeting Jan. 31, at 6 p.m., at the Blak Sage Gallery, 727 San Benito St.

For questions or for more information, call 636-2787 or email [email protected].

Depression Recovery program orientation

HOLLISTER – An orientation of Dr. Neil Nedley’s Depression Recovery Program will be held Jan. 23, at 7 p.m., at the Hollister Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2121 Sunnyslope Road. The orientation is free, but there is a fee for the eight-week program which runs Feb. 6 through March 26 at 7 p.m. The program offers information on how to: identify depression and its sources, improve emotional intelligence, enhance energy levels and mood, overcome depression through positive lifestyle choices, eat for optimal brain function, manage stress without distress, live above loss, defeat depression through right thinking and achieve peak mental performance.

For more information or to register, call Marty Hix at 408-396-6823.

New AARP driving classes scheduled

HOLLISTER – The AARP Driver Safety Program will be offering sessions in 2012 for drivers 50 and older, for $15.95 for AARP members or $19.95 for non-members. The eight-hour course is available in a variety of locations as well as a four-hour refresher for those who have completed the course in the past. Some insurance companies offer a discount for drivers who have completed the course.

A four-hour refresher course is scheduled at 470 Monterey St., in Hollister, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., on Jan. 21. An eight-hour class is scheduled at 470 Monterey St.., in Hollister, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Feb. 11. To register, call Brian Lindberg at 408-307-6448.

Pre-registration is required. A full list of classes in the region is available online at www.aarp.org.

Red Cross blood drive

HOLLISTER – The American Red Cross will be hosting a Mobile Blood Drive on Jan 19, from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Cultural Hall, 1670 Cienega Road. The drive is open to the public and appointments are recommended. To schedule an appointment, use Sponsor Code “HOLLISTER.”

For more information call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrosssblood.org.

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 towards San Benito High School art scholarships.

This project was made possible by a grant from the Community Foundation.

Details: 637-6062 or 638-0277.

Union offers scholarships

HOLLISTER – The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 234 is offering $500 scholarships to three high school graduates, one each from San Benito, Monterey and Santa Cruz counties. The scholarship is for students who will graduate in the current school year.

To apply, a student must have at least one present or past member of any union in his or her immediate family and type a 500-word essay on one of three topics related to labor and union movements. The application deadline is March 9.

For details, topics and an application form, see www.ibew234.org. For more information, call Andy at (831) 594-7471.

Boy Scouts offer tree pick-up

HOLLISTER – The Boy Scouts will pick up used Christmas trees in Hollister and San Juan by 9 a.m. on Jan. 7 and 8. The trees should be stripped of decorations and stands. They will pick up within the city limits of both cities and will also offer drop-off sites at Veterans Memorial Park, Enterprise Road and the San Juan Bautista Scout House. Those living outside city limits can call to arrange a pick up. All trees are recycled.

The donation for tree pick-up is $8. Donations can be left under the doormat. Hollister residents can make the checks payable to BSA Troop 436 while San Juan residents can make the checks payable to BSA Troop 428.

The funds raised support troop activities, send scouts to camp in the summer and fund the Gerald Rawn Memorial Endowment.

For more information, call 638-9646, in Hollister, or 636-8360, in San Juan, or visit www.pageeasy.com/troop436christmastrees.

 

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.

For more information or to find out about volunteering, call the Red Cross office at 636-2100 or contact volunteer Howard at 297-3696.

Bridge lessons

HOLLISTER – New bridge classes have begun, including modern bridge conventions for duplicate and social bridge players of all levels. Learn about Stayman and Jacoby transfers on Jan. 10 and strong opening bids and responses Jan. 31 and Feb. 7, slam bidding on Feb. 21 and 28 and March 6. All classes are from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Dunne Park. The cost of classes is $8 each.

For more information, call Linda King at 801-9257 or email [email protected].

Save the Music Program instrument drive

HOLLISTER – Tyler Klindt is collecting musical instruments from the local community to donate to the Hollister School District elementary school music program for his Eagle Scout project. Any well kept or damaged instruments that can be donated or help with repairing damaged instruments will be accepted.

For more information on donating or repairing items, call Tyler Klindt at 801-0854 or email [email protected].

Move and learn with YMCA

HOLLISTER – YMCA of San Benito County will hold its Move and Learn Program from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. on Wednesdays, Jan. 11 through Feb. 15; Feb. 29 through April 4; and April 25 through May 30. Preschoolers with an adult guardian are invited to learn the joy of an active lifestyle and develop a healthy curiosity of the world. Cost is $50 per session and a program membership is required. Financial assistance is available.

Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. Details: Nicole Hartshorn at 637-8600 or [email protected].

Tai Chi location changes

HOLLISTER – Due to the colder weather and the time change, Elaine Frey will be offering Tai Chi at the Hollister Community Center, Thursdays from 9 to 10 a.m. She is looking for an alternative location for Tuesdays, from 6 to 7 p.m. class, and will post updated class times and locations on her blog at taichiforevery-body.com. The gentle, low -impact exercise can improve physical and mental health. It helps people improve strength, flexibility, balance, ease of movement, better health. They will enjoy relaxation, calmness, joy and peace of mind. Learn and practice the movements outdoors.

Details: 637-8083 or e-mail [email protected]

Separation and divorce support group

Adult literacy tutors needed

HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Free Library is seeking volunteer tutors for its adult literacy program. The goal of the program is to reduce illiteracy within the county, raise education levels through instruction, teach the importance of reading to children and help local families or individuals become lifelong readers.

The program offers free tutoring to any resident of San Benito County. Learners meet weekly with trained volunteer tutors, for personalized one-on-one instruction and assignments. Tutors will be trained in supporting adults as they improve their reading and writing skills. Volunteers should have knowledge of basic English spelling and grammar, must be 18 years of age, and willing to commit to at least 1.5 hours a week for six months.

Details: Wendy Kay or Rosa Garcia at 636-4107, ext. 20, or e-mail [email protected] or [email protected].

High school club seeks travelers

HOLLISTER – San Benito High School students who are interested in traveling can contact teacher Andrea Walton for more information on a June trip to London and France. The trip will take students to the shores of Normandy, where United States soldiers landed during World War II, as well as other historic sights.

For more information or to donate to the fundraisers for the trip, call Walton at 637-5831 ext. 372 or e-mail awalton@[email protected].

Club Ed offers tutoring

HOLLISTER – Club Ed of San Benito High School offers private tutoring to students in all grades, elementary through high school for $14 an hour. Call Rachel Flores at 637-9605 or Dr. Kathleen Foster at 623-9139 for more information.

Ladies Auxiliary meeting

HOLLISTER – The Ladies Auxiliary, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post No. 9242, meets the second Saturday of the month. Meetings start at 2 p.m., Room 204, Veterans Building, 649 San Benito St.

For more information, call Dolly De Vasier at 637-1980.

Family caregiver services available

HOLLISTER – The Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center, which services San Benito, Santa Cruz and Monterey counties, offers support to family caregivers. They work with family members or friends of people living with memory loss or brain impairments such as stroke; Huntington’s Disease; brain tumors; dementia; multiple sclerosis; Alzheimer’s Disease; Parkinson’s Disease and other conditions that may cause memory loss.

They provide family consultations and care planning; legal and financial consultations; counseling; education and training; support groups and emergency respite.

The services are free or based on a low-cost sliding scale according to income. For more information, call 800-624-8304.

Locally, they offer the Caregiver support and education group the second Thursday of every month from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., at the Hollister Community Center, 300 West St. Pamphlets and books on Alzheimer’s can also be checked out from a resource library at the Community Center. For more information, call 459-6639, ext. 16. The group is sponsored by Jovenes de Antano and the Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center.

CASA to host training session

HOLLISTER – CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates of San Benito County, is starting the next training session for child advocates. The group is looking for community members who want to be a voice for an abused and neglected child. Contact Esther Curtice at the CASA office to sign up for the next training session or for additional information at 637-4992.

Cell phone collection

HOLLISTER – Community Solutions, a nonprofit that offers counseling for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, is collecting old or unused cell phones.

Community Solutions has partnered with Extreme Wireless to collect cell phones in the community. Stop by an Extreme Wireless location in South San Jose, Morgan Hill, Gilroy or Hollister to hand over unused phones. Cell phones are also being collected at Community Solutions in Gilroy or Morgan Hill. Cell phone chargers and batteries are not necessary for drop off.

Money raised through the collection of cell phones will help provide services and daily necessities for the women and children who seek refuge at La Isla Pacifica shelter.

Community Solutions is the most comprehensive nonprofit human services agency in South Santa Clara County. The agency offers a broad spectrum of services for mental health, substance abuse, teen parenting, family dysfunction, sexual assault, juvenile delinquency, domestic violence, homelessness and youth development. Community Solutions works in partnership with community-based organizations, law enforcement, local schools, and county health and human service providers. For more information, visit www.communitysolutions.org or call 637-1094.

Assemblyman Alejo holds local office hours

HOLLISTER – Assemblyman Luis Alejo and his staff will hold satellite office hours every Tuesday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., in Hollister. The time is available for residents who need assistance in dealing with government agencies, accessing government services, as well as those seeking information on specific legislation or the legislative process. The staff members can also arrange for Capitol tours.

Satellite hours are held in Watsonville every Wednesday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 275 Main St., Ste. 104, and in Salinas, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 100 West Alisal St., Ste. 134.

For more information, call the Hollister office at 638-3228.

Al-anon meetings

HOLLISTER – Al-anon meets Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Mars Hill Coffeehouse, 610 San Benito St.

Vet Center offers counseling services

HOLLISTER – The Santa Cruz County Vet Center, from Capitola, will offer one-to-one counseling services to all combat veterans experiencing readjustment issues or psychosocial problems, as well as veterans suffering from past military sexual trauma. Any combat veteran who is filing a claim for post-traumatic stress disorder will be able to obtain free, confidential evaluation and counseling the first and third Monday of each month, at the Veterans Memorial Building, 649 San Benito St., in Hollister.

The counselor assigned to the building is Carolyn Carpenter, MSW, LCSW. Call 464-4575 or 650-444-7381 to schedule an appointment.

Singles dinner group meets

HOLLISTER – There is a singles dinner for individuals 55 and older, every third Saturday of each month. The group enjoys dine-arounds at area restaurants, and they also do potluck dinners at member’s homes. Organizers say it is a nice way to meet and socialize with other singles. For more information, contact Sandi Gowers at [email protected].

AARP Driver Safety program

HOLLISTER – The AARP Driver Safety Program is a refresher course for drivers who are age 50 or older. AARP membership is not required. This course may be taken online at www.aarp.org or in the classroom. The initial classroom version is an eight-hour course, which is normally taught in two four-hour sessions, and then a renewal class that is four hours long can be taken every three years.

All graduates receive a certificate that may entitle them to a reduction in their California auto insurance. The course covers age-related physical changes, declining perceptual skills and rules of the road. The classroom tuition is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members. The online course may be taken in segments over a month or so and costs $15.95 for AARP members and $19.95 for non-members.

For a list of classes scheduled in nearby towns, visit www.aarp.org.

HDA seeks volunteers

HOLLISTER – The Hollister Downtown Association is looking for civic-minded groups to help with watering the hanging planters on San Benito Street. Weekday and weekend time slots are available. Equipment and training will be provided.

For more information, call Brenda Weatherly at 636-8406.

Friends of the Library change meeting time

HOLLISTER – The Friends of the San Benito County Free Library meets on the fourth Monday of each month, at 5:30 p.m., at the library, 470 Fifth St., in Hollister.

Bertuccio’s Market supports sports

HOLLISTER – Bertuccio’s Market has selected two days a week when the owners will donate 10 percent of the purchase price to local sports. Customers can come in on Sundays and mention the Balers to donate a portion of their purchase to the athletic fund at San Benito High School. Those who come in on Wednesday can mention Pop Warner Football and Cheer to donate 10 percent of their purchase proceeds to a local organization.

Students of the Constitution

HOLLISTER – Students of the Constitution is a monthly series that introduces people to the United States Constitution and other historic documents. It is held the third Wednesday of the month at 8 p.m., at The Vault restaurant. The event is free and open to anyone interested in attending. For more information, call 537-3611.

Pinnacle Quilters meets

HOLLISTER – The Pinnacle Quilters of San Benito County meets monthly in San Juan Bautista on the third Tuesday of the month in the San Juan Community Center, 10 San Jose St. A visitor fee of $5 is charged.

Masonic family group meeting

HOLLISTER – Athena Chapter No. 46 Order of the Eastern Star meets the first Wednesday of every month at 8 p.m. at the Masonic Building, corner of Fourth and San Benito streets in Hollister. For more information, call Sue Bishop at 637-3554.

The San Benito Lodge No. 211 meets the second Wednesday of every month at the Masonic building at 8 p.m. For more information, call Steve Carpenter at 637-9082.

Probation department seeks mentors

HOLLISTER – The probation department is seeking community members who are interested in becoming a mentor for a six-month to one-year period working with juveniles on probation. The program is a voluntary program for the students and requires a one-hour to three-hour commitment each month. Both male and female mentors are needed, as well as community members with a variety of career backgrounds.

Those interested in becoming a mentor are encouraged to fill out an application. After that, the potential mentors will go through an interview with Richard Vasquez and the fingerprinting process before they are paired with a student.

To find out more, call Vasquez at 636-4070 or email [email protected].

Minimum qualifications for mentors:

– Be at least 21 years of age

– Not have been convicted of a felony or places on deferred adjudication for a felony offense within 10 years, not currently be on felony probation or parole and never have been convicted of a sex offense or be registered as a sex offender

– Possess a valid driver’s license or other form of valid identification

– Have reliable transportation and proof of liability insurance

– Possess a reasonably flexible schedule with the ability to maintain a long-term, one-on-one commitment

– Possess and be able to relate experiences which will enhance the mentoring relationship.

Veterans Medical Team to visit

HOLLISTER – The Veterans Administration Medical Team, from Palo Alto, will be having an outreach program for all Veterans on the first Tuesday of each month at the Veterans Memorial Building, 649 San Benito St., from 1 to 5 p.m. The team will have doctors and nurses to address medical and mental issues as well as a Veteran Service Officer, who will process claims.

For more information, call 637-4846.

Co-Dependents Anonymous meets

HOLLISTER – A Co-Dependents Anonymous group meets Saturdays, from 10 to 11:15 a.m. at Mars Hill, in the conference room, 610 San Benito St. Co-Dependents Anonymous is a 12-step fellowship of men and women whose common purpose is recovery from codependence and the development and maintenance of healthy relationships. The group can help those experiencing denial, low self esteem, control issues (the lack or over use with yourself and others), or compliance issues.

Parkinson’s caregiver support group meetings

HOLLISTER – Family or friends who are caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s or other movement disorders, 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 to 3:30 p.m. The meetings are held in the new building, in front next to the parking lot. The remaining scheduled meeting is Dec. 6.

Speakers and refreshments will be served at every meeting.

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 637-3839.

Blue Star Moms meet monthly

HOLLISTER – The Hollister city group of the South Bay Blue Star Moms meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. Those interested or who would like more information, should call Karol Burke at 801-6935, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.southbaybluestarmoms.org.

Library book sale

HOLLISTER – The Friends of the Library Saturday book sales are held in the book shed behind the library and the Historical Society, 470 Fifth St. from 9 a.m. to noon every Saturday. It will be cancelled on rainy days. Books are available at $3 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.

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 are 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 Ruth Erickson at 637-0987.

Seeking space for library

HOLLISTER – Residents are seeking a small, rent-free place to hold a free library and share Catholic books. Anyone with a space may contact Mario Corota at 636-5290.

Hollister Lions Club meets

HOLLISTER – The Hollister Lions Club holds its meeting at the Dunne Park Clubhouse on the second and fourth Thursday of every month.

For more information, call Sharon McCarthy at 630-0125.

Seniors needed for volunteer opportunities

HOLLISTER – The Monterey Bay Retired Senior Volunteer Program is looking for people 55 and older who would like to give back to their community by volunteering with one of the many nonprofits in San Benito County. RSVP provides a link between individual seniors in the community and nonprofit agencies. The group has been working to connect seniors to volunteer opportunities for 39 years. RSVP recruits, interviews and refers volunteers to more than 60 nonprofits.

Nonprofits are also welcome to contact RSVP if they are interested in connecting with volunteers.

For more information, call Regina Henderson, the outreach coordinator, at 427-5070 or e-mail [email protected].

Low-cost helmets available to local kids

HOLLISTER – The Child Injury Prevention Coalition, in partnership with the San Benito County Public Health Department is offering low-cost bicycle helmets at Off the Chain Bikes. Helmets are $5.

To get a voucher, families need to present a WIC or Medi-Cal card, along with a valid form of ID. Vouchers for a low-cost helmet can be purchased at the Public Health Department Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., 439 Fourth St. Payment is due when picking up the voucher.

For more information, call Public Health at 637-5367.

Caregiver support and education group meets

HOLLISTER – The Caregiver support and education group, formerly the Alzheimer’s support group, meets the second Thursday of every month from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., at the Hollister Community Center, 300 West St. The meeting is facilitated by Kim Harman, who said the name has been changed to reflect that the group is open to any caregivers who are helping someone with dementia or memory impairment. Pamphlets and books on Alzheimer’s can also be checked out from a resource library at the Community Center. For more information, call 459-6639, ext. 16. The group is sponsored by Jovenes de Antano and the Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center.

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 Tuesday of every month.

For more information, call Mick Erickson, the bereavement coordinator and counselor, at 758-8243.

Returning Catholics group

HOLLISTER – Sacred Heart-St. Benedict Parish hosts a weekly meeting on Mondays 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.