Free haircuts for unemployed job seekers
HOLLISTER
– The Hair Shoppe, of Hollister, is offering free haircuts (a
$30 value) to unemployed residents who have a job interview
scheduled. The Shoppe is located at 57 East St., and residents can
call 637-4356 to schedule an appointment.
Wag N’ Walk a success
HOLLISTER – The Leadership San Benito County Class of 2009 raised more than $6,500 for Pet Friends through the Wag n’ Walk 5K. The money will be used to construct a new outdoor cat area and buy supplies. Some of the leadership class members presented a check to Pet Friends members July 23.
The project was one of three undertaken by the class. Others included a day of painting and renovation at the San Benito County Historical Park and a Sock Hop fundraiser for Jovenes de Antano.
For more information on Leadership San Benito County, www.leadershipsbc.org or call 636-7629.
Art classes available
HOLLISTER – Dale Yarmuth, a member of the San Benito Arts Council and the Hollister Art League, will be offering daily two-hour art sessions for artists of all ages. The classes will focus on pen and ink with watercolor. Classes are Monday through Friday, and are available during daytime or evening hours. The cost is $20 per hour, with materials and tools costing extra. Artists will also learn how to mat and frame their work.
For more information, call 634-0821 or e-mail mm****@sb*******.net.
Legislature partially restores funds to nursing homes
SANTA CRUZ – California state legislatures approved assembly bill 392 to provide $1.6 million to sustain Ombusman services to residents in skilled nursing homes and residential facilities for the elderly.
Last year Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed a $3.8 million in funding for local Ombudsman programs. The program in San Benito and Santa Cruz Counties that administers the program, Advocacy Inc., but 24 staff hours per week and eliminated a volunteer coordinator program.
“This partial restoration came about because of the dedication and commitment of local Ombusmen throughout the state to the population they serve,” wrote Kathleen Johnson, the executive director of Advocacy, Inc., in a press release,” And the tremendous support and advocacy from other state and local organizations including California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform, AARP and the California Association of Area Agenices on Agency…”
If approved by Schwarzenegger, the local agency would receive $11,000 more than they received last year.
For more information on Advocacy, Inc., call 636-1638.
YMCA gears up for fall events
HOLLISTER – The YMCA is now accepting registration for their summer YMCA afterschool program. The program is offered at Cerra Vista, Gabilan Hills, Ladd Lane, San Juan, Spring Grove and Sunnyslope elementary schools. The program includes homework help, asset development, value lessons, organized sports, arts and crafts, nutritious snacks, special events and learning centers. Some financial assistance is available, and fees, days and times vary by site.
The Homework club is also available for $110 a month for one hour everyday after school.
Other upcoming activities include the YMCA Sharks and Parks youth hockey league that starts in September. The program is $80, or $75 before September 5. Three divisions are available, including first and second grade, third through fifth grade and sixth through eighth grade. In addition sign ups are available for co-ed soccer for kindergarten to fifth graders. The fee is $80, or $75 before September 5. For more information, contact Kristie Agan at ka***@ym**************.org.
An annual membership is required to participate in YMCA programs, $30 per individual or $55 per family.
For general information, call 637-8600.
Red Cross offers CPR and First Aid
MONTEREY – The Monterey-San Benito Counties Chapter of the American Red Cross received a $3,000 grant from the Target Foundation that will provide the Chapter with manikins, DVD’s, pet manikins, instructor training and supplies.
“The American Red Cross recognizes that knowing CPR and First Aid is the first step in being prepared for a disaster of any kind,” said Brielle Bumba, the chapter education and training director. “Summer is a great time to learn CPR and First Aid and I’d encourage all those who haven’t taken the training to sign up for one of our classes today…it’s money well spent.”
Those interested in signing up for training in CPR and First Aid are encouraged to visit the Chapter’s Web site at www.montereyarc.org to sign up for a course that best fits their needs. Individuals may also reach the Chapter by calling 424-4824 in Salinas, 375-5730 in Monterey or 636-2100 in Hollister. Onsite workplace training is also available for employers who are seeking training for eight or more employees.
‘Bye Bye Birdie’ benefits Ag Against Hunger
SALINAS – The Western Stage at Hartnell College will present a performance of “Bye Bye Birdie” to benefit Ag Against Hunger Sunday, Aug. 30. Tickets with the pre-show reception are $40 and are on sale through Aug. 28. The pre-show reception features a silent auction, hors d’oeuvres and a wine tasting at 12:30 p.m. The show begins at 2 p.m.
For more information, visit www.agagainsthunger.org/news.htm or call 755-1480.
Participants needed for YMCA’s Charity Golf Tournament
HOLLISTER – The YMCA of San Benito County will host its 11th annual Charity Golf Tournament at the Ridgemark Golf and Country Club, 3800 Airline Hwy., Friday, Sept. 18. Fees are $130 a person for green fees, cart, range balls, lunch, dinner and awards. Guests can attend dinner for $35. There are also $20 fun packages available for mulligan, prices, on-course games and refreshments.
Registration begins at 11:30 a.m., with a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. No-host cocktails are at 6 p.m., with dinner, awards, a live auction and raffle at 6:30 p.m. Music will be provided by the Music Jones Band.
For more information, call 637-8600 or visit www.centralcoastymca.org.
Homes needed for exchange students
HOLLISTER – International high school exchange students are coming to study in the Hollister area during the 2009-10 school year. These students will integrate themselves into a Hollister area family with the goal of experiencing American culture as an American high school student does. In turn, they will provide insight into their own culture. More family volunteers are needed to host the students.
STS Foundation, a nonprofit student exchange organization, is proud to help facilitate these relationships. They have been placing students for 20 years and look forward to finding new host families in Hollister and connecting them with exchange students. Two students STS is looking for host families in the area for this year are Nick and Rebecka. Nick is a 17-year-old boy from Eindhoven, Netherlands. He loves playing baseball and is a pitcher for a club in his hometown called PSV. He has also been a competitive swimmer and enjoys basketball and water polo. In the future, he would like to play baseball or be an airline pilot. Nick is eager to learn about American culture and customs. Rebecka is a 17 year old girl from a small city in Sweden called Vastervik. She is a competitive swimmer and also teaches young children to swim. She enjoys photography, dance and also loves animals and watching sports like ice hockey. They are both excellent students and will have their own spending money and health insurance.
The host family provides a separate bed, family meals and a safe environment. If your family is interested in being a host family, please call Lillian at 1-800-522-4678 or send an email to li*****@st***********.org. For more information, visit www.stsfoundation.org
Freedom Alliance Scholarship due Aug. 14
DULLES, VA – After a tremendous response, and in an effort to reach more eligible candidates, the Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund application deadline has been extended. Children of military personnel who have sacrificed life or limb should consider applying immediately. Go to www.fascholarship.com before August 14 to complete an application or call 1-800-475-6620 for more information.
“We know there are more potential applicants who could benefit from this college scholarship,” said Tom Kilgannon, the Freedom Alliance president. “In an effort to reach as many students as possible we are happy to announce an extension of the deadline for the 2009 academic year to August 14.”
In order to be eligible for a Freedom Alliance Scholarship, an applicant must be the dependent son or daughter of a U.S. soldier, sailor, airman, Guardsman or Marine who has been killed or permanently disabled (100% VA disability rating) as a result of an operational mission or training accident, or who is currently classified as a prisoner of war (POW) or missing in action (MIA). They must also be a high school senior, high school graduate, or registered as a full-time undergraduate student and under the age of 26.
The Fund has now awarded $2.5 million to the sons and daughters of our military heroes. Many parents of scholarship recipients were killed or permanently disabled in such recent conflicts as Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, the 9/11/01 terrorist attacks, and the Persian Gulf War.
“Our military heroes have sacrificed so much in the name of freedom,” Kilgannon said. “This scholarship is one way that we give back to their loving families.”
Last year 167 individual student scholarships were awarded. Spotlights on past recipients and more information on the history of the Fund can be found at www.FreedomAlliance.org.
Preparation starts for street festival
HOLLISTER – The 23rd annual Hollister Street Festival is Aug. 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Car owners who wish to participate in the annual event can obtain an application on the Web site www.downtownhollister.org or by stopping by the Hollister Downtown Association office at 455 San Benito St., Ste. 21.
Booths are available for local businesses, arts and crafts and nonprofits that would like to sell items, give out information or sell food. Applications are available online at www.downtownhollister.org.
Friends of the Library book sale
HOLLISTER – Books for all ages and interests are available for purchase at $2 per bag at the shed behind the San Benito County Free Library on Fifth Street every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information, call 636-4107.
Junior golf clinic at Ridgemark
HOLLISTER – The Ridegemark Golf and Country Club is offering another session of golfing instruction for children ages 8-16. The session consists of three, 3-hour days of lessons and guidance. Once young golfers join the Junior Golf Clinic at Ridgemark, they automatically receive youth on course certification.
The certification qualifies the golfers for discounted green fees at nearby golf courses. The cost for the clinic is $100 and will be held Aug. 4-6.
To register or receive more information, contact Bruce Vieira at 637-1010 or visit www.ridgemark.com.
IOOF Golf Tournament
HOLLISTER – IOOF Mound Lodge 166 is looking for participants for its Aug. 7 Golf Tournament at Bolado Park. Registration is $75 a person and includes a barbecue dinner, green fees, cart, prizes and awards, and gift bag for each player. Additional dinner tickets may be purchased for $15 each. Registration is 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., shotgun start at 1 p.m. for the four-person scramble, and dinner awards and raffle will be at 6:30 p.m. No-host cocktails. The proceeds will go to local charities.
For more information or to enter the tournament, make a donation or become a sponsor, call Bernie Ramirez at 637-7820; Ron Klauer at 637-8518; or Cliff Cardoza at 637-2623.
Health Foundation open house
HOLLISTER – The San Benito Health Foundation’s Community Health Center will hold a community open house from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 11 at its 351 Felice Drive site, just off of Fourth Street.
The event, held in commemoration of National Health Center Week, will offer guests an opportunity to find out more about services and programs offered by the Health Foundation, which is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served at the open house. For more information, call 637-5306.
Aviation program at Hollister Airport
HOLLISTER – Applications are now available for the FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technology program offered by Gavilan College at the Hollister Airport. Aviation Maintenance Technology is a two-year program leading to a certificate or associate’s degree.The program qualifies for veterans’ education assistance funds.
Classes begin Aug. 12 and are held at the Hollister Airport. For more information, go to www.gavilan.edu/aviation/gavhome/index.htm; or call 637-1151.
Rabies vaccination clinic
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Health and Human Services Agency is hosting rabies vaccination clinics on select Wednesdays through Aug. 12. The vaccinations are $6. Primary immunizations should be administered to dogs and cats between the ages of four months and one year of age every 12 months. Revaccinations after that can be every three years.
The clinic will be held in the Animal Shelter Parking lot, 1331 South St. in Hollister, Aug. 12, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., on the following date:
All dogs are required to be leashed at the clinic and cats are required to be in a carrying case.
For more information, contact San Benito County Health Department’s Environmental Health Division at 636-4035 or the Hollister Veterinary Clinic at 637-2580.
Blood drive
HOLLISTER – The American Red Cross will host a blood drive at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1670 Cienega Road, in Hollister, Aug. 20, from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The Red Cross will hold a weekly drawing for an 8GB iPod Nano for all participating donors in August, excluding high school or college blood drives.
For more information or to make an appointment, call 800-GIVE LIFE (800-448-3543) or visit www.HelpSaveALife.org and type in HOLLISTER.
New thrift shop opens
HOLLISTER – Pat’s, a new thrift shop, has opened at 101 Fifth St., in Hollister, at the corner of Sally Street. The shop will offer clothing, furniture, toys, household items, tools and more, with all proceeds to benefit the Community Food Bank. The thrift shop hours starting Aug. 1 are Saturday’s from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
1960s Hollister High reunion
HOLLISTER – A joint class reunion for Hollister High School classes from1960 through 1969 will be held Saturday, Aug. 29, at Bolado Park.
Guests should enter through Gate 2 and the event will be held at the north section area starting 11 a.m. Cost is $25 per person, which includes a barbecue tri-tip, Al Castaneda’s homemade chili beans, salad, garlic bread and fruit platter. Food will be served at 2 p.m. Guests should bring their own beverages and dessert.
Live music will be provided by “Forecast” and RV parking is available. For more information on camping, call 628-3421.
RSVP by Aug. 3 to Castaneda by mail at 814 Holly Oak Ct. in Hollister; e-mail him at lu******@ho*****.com; or call 636-0380. You may also RSVP to Fred Pagaran at fr**********@co**********.com or call 623-2951. Make checks payable to “1960s Joint Class Reunion.”
Low-cost support groups help locals
HOLLISTER – Suzette Dierkes, M.A., L.M.F.T. will be offering two ongoing support groups for $25 a session.
The first is an Anxiety and Depression support group for men and women that will run weekly from 6 to 7:30 p.m., at 345 Fifth St., Ste. 3 in Hollister.
The second support group is a women’s divorce and separation group that will run weekly 6 to 7:30 p.m.
For more information, or to register for the group, call 524-2371. Groups will be limited to a maximum of eight people.
El Teatro Campesino seeks new members
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA –El Teatro Campesino would like to remind current members to renew their membership and invite new members to sign up. Memberships range from $50 to $10,000. All members will be placed on a preferred mailing list and members are eligible for a 10 percent discount on our merchandise and get exclusive ticket privileges.
For more information on how to become a member of El Teatro Campesino, please call 623-2444 or e-mail St*******@el***************.com. Visit www.elteatrocampesino.com.
San Benito Stage Company seeks members
HOLLISTER – The San Benito Stage Company is planning its 2010 season of productions, including children’s, teen, family and dinner theater programs. The stage company is seeking support in the form of members, sponsors and volunteers. Members enjoy benefits such as ticket discounts, advertising, and free show passes depending on level of sponsorship. For more information, call 636-0122 or visit www.sanbenitostage.org.
Volunteers needed for WERC
MORGAN HILL – The Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center in Morgan Hill is accepting applications for volunteers who care about wildlife and who are available to work during the morning on Saturdays. Duties include cleaning, feeding and caring for injured, orphaned and sick native wildlife. Volunteers are required to be at least 16 years of age. They should also be able to make a three-month commitment and work a three- to four-hour shift.
For more information, call 408-779-9372, e-mail ed*******@we*****.org or go to www.wec.ca.org.
Chamber of Commerce accepting board applications
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Chamber of Commerce is now accepting applications for its 2010 board position openings. Chamber members only are eligible to apply. For more information, call the chamber office at 637-5315.
Free haircuts for unemployed job seekers
HOLLISTER – The Hair Shoppe, of Hollister, is offering free haircuts (a $30 value) to unemployed residents who have a job interview scheduled. The Shoppe is located at 57 East St., and residents can call 637-4356 to schedule an appointment.
