Briefs: Volunteer Fair set for February 11

Volunteer fair
HOLLISTER – Community Foundation and Sacred Heart Parish will host the 2012 Community Volunteer Fair Feb. 11, from noon to 4 p.m., at the Sacred Heart School gymnasium. The fair is a chance for locals to learn about nonprofits and volunteer needs in the community. Volunteer opportunities will be available for all ages.

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.

Women’s Club to meet Jan. 11
HOLLISTER – The Women’s Club of Hollister invites the women of the community to their first luncheon of 2012 to be held at San Juan Oaks, Jan 11, from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. This volunteer organization has been meeting for 98 years in San Benito County and is active in the community raising funds and giving back in projects like Kids in the Park, the White Elephant Tea, and the Comfort and Care Backpack Project. Reservations should be made with Ruth Mendes de Costa at 636-6592 or [email protected] no later than Jan. 9. The guest speaker, Kakoli Banerjee, will speak on conservation of resources. The group welcomes women of all ages to join it for lunch.

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.

Caltrans accepts grant applications
HOLLISTER – Caltrans is accepting applications online for the 2012-13 fiscal year transportation planning grants through April 2. Transportation planning grants promote sustainable communities, economic growth, environmental protection and community involvement. They also support close proximity of jobs and housing, efficient goods movement, safe and convenient bicycle mobility and access, multi-modal transportation, strategic land use and commute alternatives.
The agency is also accepting applications for the following grants programs:

• Community-based transportation planning grant – $3 million available
• Environmental justice – $3 million available
• Partnership planning – $1.2 million available
• Statewide or urban transit studies – $1.5 million available
• Rural or small urban transit studies – $1 million available
• Transit planning student internships – $300,000 available.
Funding for these programs is available on a statewide, competitive basis. Some restrictions apply for applicants. For applications and a guidebook to restrictions, visit www.dot.ca.gov/hq/tpp/grants.html.
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].

Cut the Commute survey
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Council of Governments, Community Vision San Benito and the Economic Development Corporation are sponsoring an online surveying about commuting with funding from the Community Foundation for San Benito County.
The survey at www.cutthecommute.com asks residents to complete questions about their routes and commutes. The participation will help create a vision of San Benito County’s future, establish transportation and road infrastructure priorities and promote the diverse workforce and brainpower located in the county to potential employers.
Those who take the survey will be entered into a drawing for an iPad 3G or one of the three $300 gas cards.

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.

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

Native Daughters prepare for spring art contest
SAN JUAN – The Native Daughters of the Golden West Parlor No. 179 will host a student art talent contest in the spring. The group encourages all visually- or artistically-inclined San Benito County high school students to find out more about the contest. Last spring, the sub-committee of the History, Landmarks and Historic Buildings Committee selected three students as winners of the local competition. The first place winner, Diana Fonseca was entered into the Grand Parlor Student Art Talent Contest and also won first place at that level.
For more information on the contest, visit ndgw.org or e-mail Darlene Boyd at [email protected].

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.