Workshop set on high school success
HOLLISTER – The Youth Employment Opportunity Program will offer a workshop on being successful in high school Aug. 22, from 3:30 to 5 p.m., at the One-Stop Career Center, 1111 San Felipe Road, Ste. 107. Sandra Romero will facilitate the workshop for residents 14-20 who are working on a high school diploma or GED. The topics include reasons a high school diploma is important, issues teens face at high school, habits of successful high school students, understanding UC/CSU requirements, preparing for high school and supportive services at local schools or in the community. For more information, call Romero at (831)638-3322.
Job training program starts up
HOLLISTER – Local residents who were laid off from jobs at Milgard Manufacturing, the Hollister School District and the County of San Benito may qualify for job training programs that are starting up at the county. The programs include an individual training account, on-the-job training, work experience and support services. To qualify, former employees of Milgard have to have been laid off after Dec. 15, 2011, HSD employees after March 15, 2012 and county employees after July 1, 2012. Orientations will be held weekly on Wednesday and Friday, from 9 to 10 a.m. in Spanish and from 10 to 11 a.m. in English. For more information on the program, residents may call the One-Stop Career Center at (831)637-5627 and ask for Carina Escaname or Kou Yang. They can also visit the office at 1111 San Felipe Road, Ste. 107.
Get involved with youth employment program
HOLLISTER – Teens and young adults 15-25 are invited to get involved with the Youth Employment Program. Participants will help create events and fundraisers for Y.E.P. The group meets on the third Tuesday of the month in September, November, January, March, May and July at San Benito High School in room 327 at 3:15 p.m. Those who participate will help with job searches, tutoring and peer advising. They may be eligible for scholarships and will have a chance to make connections with people who can write letters of recommendation. For more information, call Sandra Romero at (831)638-3322 or Acela Reyes at (831)637-5627.
Participants needed for wine and beer stroll
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Downtown Association is organizing a downtown wine and beer stroll for Oct. 12, from 1 to 5 p.m. Local businesses who want to participate in what the HDA hopes will become an annual event still have time to sign up for a spot along the stroll by submitting a participation form by Aug. 15. To sign up, businesses must pay a $100 participation fee that covers the cost of a temporary one-day liquor license. They will then be partnered up with a local winery that will pour one-ounce tastings at the site. The businesses will be include in an event map, with business names included in all advertising of the event. Local restaurants can provide specials on food and beverages during the event to have their location include on the event map. The participating businesses will be required to have the building owner or landlord complete necessary paperwork to obtain the temporary liquor license. Businesses will also be asked to help sell tickets for the event at their locations. Participation forms are available online at www.downtownhollister.org or by calling (831)636-8406.
Health fair
HOLLISTER – The League of United Latin American Citizens will host a health fair Aug. 24 at the former of Monterey and Fourth Streets, in downtown Hollister, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is free and will include health education booths offering fitness, nutrition and health screenings, dental and eye care. The event sponsored by LULAC youth and the young adult councils will also include medical and health experts speaking on health issues along with Fitness Zumba presentations for all ages. The event is being offered in partnership with San Benito Medical Association, LULAC, San Benito Health Foundation and Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital.
Pat’s Place seeks volunteers
HOLLISTER – Pat’s Place, a local thrift shop that supports the San Benito Community Food Bank, is seeking volunteers. The store is open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a need for volunteers who are willing to work anything from a few hours to a full shift one day. The store is located at 101 Fifth St. in Hollister. To volunteer or find out more, call (831)637-5500.
Community Clean Up
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Police Department, other local groups and businesses are coordinating a community clean-up for interested residents on Aug. 17, meeting at 8 a.m. at Rancho San Justo School near the picnic tables. Participants should bring a pair of gloves and gardening tools. Garbage bags will be provided for trash pick up. Lunch and water will be provided. For more information, call Karson Klauer at (831)801-0858 or email ka**********@ya***.com.
Shop for a Cause
HOLLISTER – Chamberlain’s Children Center is selling Shop for a Cause passes to Macy’s eighth annual Shop for a Cause Event. For $5, residents can purchase a savings pass that will give them 25 percent off on regular, sale and clearance merchandise on items at Macy’s on Aug. 24. To purchase a savings pass, email Kim Meininger at ki*@ch***********.org or stop by the school office at 1850 San Benito St.
Financial literacy workshops
HOLLISTER – San Benito County will host a financial literacy workshop four times this year, at the San Benito County One-Stop Career Center, 1111 San Felipe Road, Ste. 107, in Hollister. The workshops will cover money management and household budgeting; credit, debt and loan management; bank account information; education and college planning; and homeownership and rental housing. The workshop is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and will be offered Aug. 12, Sept. 16 and Oct. 14. Participants can attend the full workshop or select the topics they are interested in. For details on the scheduleor to RSVP, call Christopher “C.J.” Valenzuela at 831-636-4316 ext. 13 or email cv*********@co**.us.
Health Foundation hosts community open house
HOLLISTER – The San Benito Health Foundation will host a community open house Aug. 14, from 4 to 7 p.m., at 351 Felice Drive, in Hollister. The theme for this year’s National Health Center week is “Transforming Health Care in our Local Communities.” Residents can learn more about services and programs offered in San Benito at the event. Details: (831)637-5306.
Aromas Day
HOLLISTER – Aromas Day will be Aug. 25. The day includes a pancake breakfast at the Aromas Grange, from 7 to 11 a.m., with a street fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will feature arts and crafts vendors, a classic car show, food booths that will raise money for local nonprofits, a petting zoo and more. Admission is free. Details: Call Cara at (831)588-9407 or visit www.AromasDay.com.
Red Cross seeks donors
HOLLISTER – The American Red Cross issued an emergency request for platelet and blood donors of all blood types to roll up a sleeve and give because many fewer donations than expected were received in June and early July. Nationwide, donations through the Red Cross were down approximately 10 percent in June, resulting in about 50,000 fewer donations than expected. The shortfall is similar to what the Red Cross experienced in June 2012. Each day, the American Red Cross Northern California Blood Region needs approximately 300 donors to step forward and give blood. Eligible donors with types O negative, B negative and A negative blood are especially encouraged to give. Type O negative is the universal blood type and can be transfused to anyone who needs blood. Types A negative and B negative can be transfused to Rh positive or negative patients. Residents can find out how to donate by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or by visiting www.redcrossblood.org.
County seeks Parks and Rec champions
HOLLISTER – San Benito County is seeking volunteers to serve as Parks and Recreation Champions. The champions will advocate to conserve natural resources, create healthy communities, invest in future San Benito County parks, create a connection to nature and foster economic development. The county is seeking community members, sponsors and partners who will serve in a leadership role. The goal is to select volunteers from a variety of different industries and backgrounds. The champions will work with the county’s Parks and Recreation Commission, provide advocacy at community events and public and private meetings, and keep residents informed and education about parks. For an interest form or more information, email Janelle Cox at jc**@co**.us or call 831-636-4000 ext. 18.
Local author hosts book signing
GILROY – Renette Torres will be at the Gilroy Barnes and Noble Sept. 7, from 2 to 4 p.m., for a “Meet the Authors” book signing for her book entitled “Widows Peek.” The book shares the stories of four women who were transformed by widowhood. A second book signing will be held Sept. 14, at the Almaden Center Barnes and Noble, from noon to 5 p.m.
Zazen meditation starts at Japanese Temple
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Japanese Temple Garden will start offering weekly zazen meditation classes on the forms, spirit and practice of Soto Zen with Robert Reese. It includes 40 minutes of sitting meditation, ten minutes of walking meditation, followed by dharma talk and discussion. The sessions are Monday from 7 to 8:30 p.m., at 920 Riverside Road, in Hollister. Reese has been practicing in the zen lineage of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi for 25 years. He has been teaching classes and workshops at the Monterey Bay Zen Center in Carmel. Details: Call Don Belt at 831-637-6361 or email do*****@ga****.com.
Rideshare launches new website
HOLLISTER – San Benito RideShare has launched a new website to make it easier for San Benito County residents or visitors to find information about travel options. RideShare is a project of the Council of San Benito County Governments and its new webstie is www.SanBenitoRideShare.org. The site provides commuters with a free matchlist through an interactive, on-demand system that helps people find others who would like to ride to work together through carpools, vanpools or bicycles.
Hollister History Book on sale
HOLLISTER – Arcadia Publishing’s “Images of America: Hollister” book is available for sale at Hollister Ace Hardware, DeRose Vineyards, San Benito Bene and Ranchers Feed of Hollister. The book, written by Joseph M. McMahon and Peter Sonne, features historical photos and information about Holliser, for $21.99.
Get rid of bulky items
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Integrated Waste Management Regional Agency will accept two bulky items per household free of charge on select dates this year. Suggested items for disposal include furniture, appliances, tires or other items. To participate, residents must bring a driver license or ID that identifies them as a resident of San Benito County or its incorporated cities. The bulky item collections dates for 2013 are Sept. 28 and 29, and Dec. 28 and 29, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at John Smith Landfill, 2650 John Smith Road. To confirm dates or for details on what items will be accepted, call 831-637-4515.
Meditation at the Japanese Temple
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Japanese Temple Garden, Inc., will host meditation Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m., at 920 Riverside Road, in Hollister. Details, call 637-6361 or email do*****@ga****.com.
Camera Club meets
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. Photographers of all skill level who work with prints, slides or digital images are welcome. Details: Jack Marcheski, 637-3453 or 524-5912.
Singles 55+ are invited to dinner
HOLLISTER – Singles 55 and up are invited to join a dinner club in San Benito County that meets on the third Saturday of the month. The group visits area restaurants for the meal, with the choice of each month’s restaurant selected by group majority. The group also enjoys the occasional dinner at a member’s home. The group is not a dating group, but for individuals who would like to meet and socialize with others. For details on the Jan. 19 dinner, email Sandi Gowers at sa*********@ya***.com.
