Project Christmas Child launched
HOLLISTER
– The San Benito Youth Services representatives and Leigh Dietz
will be delivering gifts from Santa to more than 60 children in San
Benito County as part of Project Christmas Child. The gifts will be
distributed at Chamberlain’s Children Center, Emmaus House and the
Homeless Shelter on Christmas.
HOLLISTER – The San Benito Youth Services representatives and Leigh Dietz will be delivering gifts from Santa to more than 60 children in San Benito County as part of Project Christmas Child. The gifts will be distributed at Chamberlain’s Children Center, Emmaus House and the Homeless Shelter on Christmas.
“What hatched as an idea 30 day’s ago has turned into one of the greatest things I have ever been involved with,” said Mark Steele, president of the board of SBYS. At a recent dinner fundraiser, 25 guests each paid $100 to support the project.
Next year, the group has plans to work with more groups and offer gifts to another 100 children.
For more information, call 784-4412 or visit www.sbyouthservices.org. Contributions may be mailed to San Benito Youth Services c/o Project Christmas Child, P.O. Box 2393, Hollister, CA 95024.
HOLLISTER – A longtime staff member at the Hollister office of the University of California Cooperative Extension was among those honored by the state for outstanding teamwork.
Bill Coates of Hollister was one of 29 Cooperative Extension specialists and farm advisers on a statewide panel examining water quality.
Others from the area on the team included Michael Cahn, Larry Bettiga, William Chaney, Mark Bolda, Laura Tourte and Richard Smith.
The 29 team members share a $10,000 award.
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Chamber of Commerce last week announced its 2007 Man, Woman and Businesses of the Year.
Michele Stephenson and Will Sutton are the individuals to be honored at the annual Chamber dinner dance Jan. 20. The businesses honored are Drapoel/Teezerz, Night Out Limousine, Ridgemark Golf and Country Club and B&R Farms.
Stephenson has been heavily involved in local causes since coming to the community 22 years ago. She’s been active in the Concert Association, Oriana Chorale and her church choir. She was a member of United Way and continues to be involved with Kinship Center. She has served three terms as president of Community Pantry.
Sutton is a 17-year resident of the community. Senior vice president of San Benito Bank, Sutton also is active in Rotary and Leadership San Benito County. He also serves on the board of the local YMCA, the Community Services Development Corp. and the San Benito County Community Action Agency.
Deborah Wood is the force behind Drapoel clothing store, the Retail Business of the Year. The store was cited for its excellent customer service and for its growth into two downtown area businesses with the opening of Teezerz in 2005.
Night Out Limousine is the Service Business of the Year. Owner Theresa Martin established the business with her husband, Jim, in 2003. In addition to providing rides for proms, weddings and nights on the town, the Martins developed day packages highlighting local attractions.
Ridgemark was named Hospitality Business of the Year. Judges noted the resorts imaginative marketing and advertising approach. Ridgemark plans to fully renovate its facilities over the next two to five years.
B&R Farms is the Agricultural Business of the Year. The farm dates back to 1929. Today run by Jim and Mari Rossi, B&R employs a staff of 10 year-round, with seasonal employment swelling to 200.
The company grows and markets top quality Blenheim dried apricots, and expanded its product line to include a variety of preserves, toppings and specialty products.
For information about the dinner-dance, call the Chamber at 637-5315.
PAICINES – Blane Strohn of Paicines was recently named to the Wrangler Division All-Star Rodeo Team.
The team is fashioned after Wrangler’s Champion Pro Rodeo Team. Strohn earned his spot on the team based on leadership qualities, academic eligibility and athletic achievements.
HOLLISTER – Snowbound Superstar, a 3-year-old gray gelding owned by Tommy Brinkley of Hollister, captured first place in the $54,100 Marathon National G1 at Los Alamitos Race Course in the Southern California town of Los Alamitos.
The horse, ridden by Cody Jensen and trained by Paul C. Jones, covered the 870 race in 44.501 seconds.
HOLLISTER – American Red Cross will conduct a blood drive Thursday, Jan. 4 from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. at 1670 Cienega Road, in the hall at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
