Briefs: Ongoing events and activities

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.

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

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Camera club seeks new members

HOLLISTER – The Hollister Camera Club is seeking new members. The club meets the fourth Tuesday of each month, at 100 Dry Creek Road, in Hollister. The next meeting will be Jan. 24, at 7:30 p.m. Photographers of all skill level who work with prints, slides or digital images are welcome.

Details: Jack Marcheski, 637-3453 or 524-5912.

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.

 

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

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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

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or

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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. Details: 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.

Details: 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.

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.

Details: 800-624-8304.

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. Details: Esther Curtice 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. Details: www.communitysolutions.org or call 637-1094.

 

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. Details: 464-4575 or 650-444-7381.

 

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. Details: Gowers at

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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.

Details: 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.

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. Details: 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. Details: 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.

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.

Details: Richard Vasquez at 636-4070 or email

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Veterans Medical Team to visit

HOLLISTER – The Veterans Administration Medical Team, from Palo Alto, offers 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.

Details: 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.

Details: 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. Details: Karol Burke at 801-6935, e-mail

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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. Details: 636-4107.

Members needed for library board

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.

Details: Ruth Erickson at 637-0987.

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.

Details: 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.

Details: Regina Henderson, the outreach coordinator, at 427-5070 or e-mail

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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.

Details: 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. The group is sponsored by Jovenes de Antano and the Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center. Details: 459-6639, ext. 16.

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.

Details: 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.

Details: Dolores Fenzel, the adult faith formation coordinator, at 637-9212.