Flower sale
HOLLISTER
– The Fairview 4-H club will be holding the 2nd Annnual Garden
Flowers Fundraising Sale at Bertuccios Farm (next to Mansmith’s
Friday barbecue) at Airline Highway and Union Road April 10 and 11.
The sale begins at noon on Friday until dark (or 8 p.m.) and from 8
a.m. to noon on Saturday while supp
lies last.
Flower sale

HOLLISTER – The Fairview 4-H club will be holding the 2nd Annnual Garden Flowers Fundraising Sale at Bertuccios Farm (next to Mansmith’s Friday barbecue) at Airline Highway and Union Road April 10 and 11. The sale begins at noon on Friday until dark (or 8 p.m.) and from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday while supplies last.

Digital Media Festival in May

HOLLISTER – Student filmmakers have a chance to show off their work at the San Benito Student Digital Media Festival. The event is open for fifth to eighth grade, high school and Gavilan Community College students. Students can submit an animated film, a short movie, a band music video or a YouTube video to be shown at the festival. The festival will be May 30 at the Granada Theatre in Hollister.

Entries are due by 4 p.m. April 24. Students who are residents of San Benito County, attend San Benito County schools or Gavilan College are eligible to enter. Applications and a release form can be downloaded from the San Benito Arts Council Web site at www.sanbenitoarts.org/programs.php.

Students who are interested in learning more about movie making or camera basics can receive training through the Community Media Access Partnership at Gavilan College. Contact Mary Maio at SBHS, 637-5831, ext. 224 or CMAP at (408) 846-4983 to find out more. In addition, there will be a Movie Mad Libs class on April 15 and April 22 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. that is open to high school students. The students will play Mad Libs and then make a movie based on their Mad Libs. The workshop will be in the CMAP classroom, 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd., L139, in Gilroy.

New animal shelter hours

HOLLISTER – The Hollister Animal Shelter, 375 Fifth St., is now open on Saturdays for those interested in adopting a pet. The shelter hours are Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, call 636-4320.

Tokens take place of tickets

HOLLISTER – San Benito County Express switched to using tokens instead of paper tickets in January 2009, though they have continued to accept paper tickets through March as a transition period. The effort was to reduce paper waste and printing costs. Paper tickets will no longer be honored.

Tokens and monthly passes may be purchased at the following locations and times:

County Express Operations, 3240 Southside Road, in Hollister, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; or Local Transportation Authority, 330 Tres Pinos Road, Ste. C7, in Hollister, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tokens and passes can also be purchased by mail. Submit a mailing address, a daytime phone number for confirmation, which transportation authority is requested and how many. Allow two to three days for processing. For more information on purchase by mail, call 637-7665. For bus service information, visit www.SanBenitoCountyExpress.org or call 636-4161.

Local arrested for inappropriate touching

HOLLISTER – Hollister police responded to a report of a sexual assault April 1 and arrested Armando Medina, of Hollister, on two felony charges. A female victim reported that she had heard that Medina performed in-house chiropractic and massage work, and she contacted him. During the massage, she said she was sexually assaulted.

A second victim later contacted the police to report that she has also contacted the suspect and was sexually assaulted.

In a press release, police staff said they would “like the community to be aware of illegal chiropractic and massage practices of this nature. It is illegal to conduct these types of practices without having a city business permit/license and qualifying certifications.”

Public invited to meeting on courthouse

HOLLISTER – The Superior Court of San Benito County and the Administrative Office of the courts will present information about the proposed Hollister courthouse at the northwest corner of Fourth and Monterey Streets at the San Benito County Board of Supervisors Chambers, 481 Fourth St., on Monday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The meeting will start off with a welcome Judge Steven R. Sanders, followed by a presentation by the project manager and environmental analyst. From 5:45 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., members of the public will have a chance to comment and ask questions.

YMCA Spring Camp

HOLLISTER – The YMCA of San Benito County will be offering a spring camp April 13-17 at Sunnyslope YMCA. The program is open to children in kindergarten through eighth grade. Activities include arts and crafts, games and sports, special guest speakers and multicultural exploration.

For more information, call 637-8600.

Registration for Seventh-Day Adventist school

HOLLISTER – The Hollister Seventh-Day Adventist Christian School is accepting registration for their 2009-2010 school year starting April 14. Located at 2020 Santa Ana Road, the school provides K-8 education. For more information, visit www.hollistersdaschool.com or www.hollistersdaschool.org, or call 637-5570, ext. 300.

Peace protest and fast

HOLLISTER – On Wednesday, April 15, stop by the Hollister Post Office Porch on Maple Street for a peace protest and fast from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fasting and length of participation are voluntary. Visitors are asked to bring their own signs, water and handouts. Special clothing and costumes are optional.

For more information, call Mary at 637-6445.

Diabetic support group

HOLLISTER – The Hazel Hawkins Diabetic Support Group will meet Monday, April 20 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the hospital board room. There will be a guest speaker from the Monterey Sleep Apnea Center. The meeting is free and open to the public.

For more information, call Jennifer Bange at 636-2607.

Career Information Panel

GILROY – All job seekers are invited to a free Career Information Panel Discussion Monday, April 20, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the student center at Gavilan College, 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd.

The discussion will feature professionals who have worked in career services and include Martha Bell, director of community services for Silicon Valley Independent Living Center; Laurie Greer, mentoring and employment specialist for TransAccess; Diane McWilliams, human resources manager for Lowe’s; Steve Peat, owner-operator of McDonald’s; Lisa Cheftmet, disability advisor for Stanford University; and Shairon Zingshiem, human resources director for Gavilan College.

The program is sponsored by the Gavilan Workability III Program.

For more information, contact Lisa Franklin at 408-848-4851 or by e-mail to [email protected].

Free movie night

HOLLISTER – The Hollister People for Peace, the San Benito County Healthcare for All, and the San Benito County Democratic Party are hosting a free movie night at the San Benito County Free Library, in the Barbara Memorial Room Wednesday, April 29, at 7 p.m. The movie, “Iraq’s Lost Billions,” will focus on the cost of the war. Refreshments provided.

For more information, call Natasha Wist at 630-1059 or Mary Zanger at 637-6445.

Vendors needed for GavFest 2009

GILROY – Vendors, artists or nonprofits can showcase their agency or business by purchasing a booth at GavFest 2009, May 2, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is held at the main campus in Gilroy as an open house for the community college. Vendor fees are $50 for a commercial exhibitor and a $25 refundable deposit for nonprofits. The fee includes a six-foot table and two chairs. The event draws 2,000 visitors and includes a chance to have hair styled or receive a manicure, watch a soccer tournament or visit the kids area, among other activities.

For more information call Noemi Naranjo at (408) 852-2852 or download an application at www.gavilan.edu/gavfest/vendors/index.html.

Sock Hop tickets on sale

HOLLISTER – Leadership San Benito County is hosting a ’50s Sock Hop to raise money for Jovenes de Antano senior programs May 30, from 5 p.m. to midnight. The event will include a ’50s costume contest, raffle, dinner and a dessert bar. No-host cocktails at 5 p.m., dinner and program at 6 p.m. and dancing from 7 p.m. to midnight. Live music by “Come Back Buddy.” Tickets are $50 per person, $30 for those 65 and over. To sponsor the event or make donations, contact Pauline Valdivia at 637-9275 or for tickets, contact Robbie Russell at 901-7283 or by e-mail to [email protected].

Friends of the Library to meet

HOLLISTER – The Friends of the San Benito County Free Library will host its annual meeting Monday, April 13, at 5 p.m. in the Barbara Memorial Room at the library, 470 Fifth St. The meeting will kick off National Library Week. Nora Conte, the county librarian, will give a presentation about the library. The paintings of Carlos Munoz will be on display. Members of the public are invited to attend.

For more information, call Mary Schneider at 637-1794.

Foreclosure prevention workshop

HOLLISTER – The City of Hollister and San Benito County will host a free, bilingual foreclosure prevention workshop on Saturday, April 25, at the Veterans Memorial Building in downtown Hollister.

Hosted by Francisco Casas, Hollister’s housing programs coordinator and a NeighborWorks certified housing counselor, the workshop will offer an overview of the foreclosure process, tips on how to avoid foreclosure and loan modification options. The workshop will be held in conference room 204 at the Vet’s Building, 649 San Benito St. Doors open at 9 a.m. The workshop is from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Seating is limited. RSVP to Christopher “CJ” Valenzuela, 637-1763 or e-mail [email protected].

ARC offers fine dining raffle for donors

OAKLAND – Those participating in American Red Cross blood drives in April have a chance to win a brunch for two at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Half Moon Bay. Staff will hold five drawings for donors during the month for brunch at Navio, which features California coastal cuisine. The Red Cross operates five donor centers, one in San Jose at 2731 N. First St., and also hosts a monthly blood drive in Hollister. To schedule an appointment or for more information, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit HelpSaveALife.org.

MACE banquet tickets on sale

HOLLISTER – The Mexican American Committee on Education is now selling tickets for its 39th Annual Cinco de Mayo Scholarship Banquet. The banquet will be Saturday, May 2, from 5 p.m. to midnight. Keynote speaker Rocky Delgadillo, the city attorney for Los Angeles, will speak at 7 p.m. There will also be a tribute to the 2009 community award honorees, Jose Zepeda and Guille Reynoso. Tickets are $45.

For more information, call 637-2009 or 245-6971 or visit www.themacecommitte.org.

Graniterock to host career day

AROMAS – Graniterock is hosting a Construction Career Day Friday, May 8, at its A.R. Wilson Quarry in Aromas. The event is designed for students, and will highlight the many career paths available in the construction business. The event begins at 10 a.m. with a tour. Bruce Woolpert, president and CEO, will address the students. After that, 25 professionals representing various construction and green building occupations will meet with the students.

To RSVP or get your school program registered contact Audries Blake at 479-5013.

Casa de Fruta Crafts Fair

HOLLISTER – Casa de Fruta will be hosting the 15th annual Easter Weekend Arts and Crafts Fair, to be held at the Casa de Fruta train station Saturday, April 11, and Sunday, April 12, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Some of the items for sale include wood work, oil paintings, jewelry, leather work, and metal art, among other items. Music will be provided by Good Medicine, which will play blues, country, oldies classic rock and other music.

For more information, call (559) 877-3474 or (408) 842-9316.

Taxpayers’ tea party

HOLLISTER – The San Benito Chapter of Friends of the Constitution will host a Taxpayers’ tea party Wednesday, April 15 at 3 p.m. at the corner of Fourth and San Benito streets. They encourage residents who disagree with the way state and national government is using taxpayer money to attend and bring a tea bag with them.

For more information, visit www.sanbenitochapter.org or contact Marvin Jones at 638-0938.

Club Ed tutoring available

HOLLISTER – Club Ed, a club at San Benito High School, offers private tutoring for students in first through 12th grade in math and most language arts subjects. Tutoring takes place in the SBHS library from 3 to 4 p.m., and 6 to 8 p.m. The cost is $14 an hour. For more information, contact teacher Rachel Flores-Zepeda at [email protected] or 637-5831, ext. 370.

Spring boutique needs vendors

HOLLISTER – The Sunnyslope Christian Center is hosting a Spring Boutique Saturday, April 25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1520 Sunnyslope Road. Vendors will be selling Custom-made jewelry, candles, collectible dolls and other items.

For more information, call 637-2635 or e-mail [email protected].

Tax help for residents

HOLLISTER – The American Association of Retired Persons Tax-Aide Program offers free personal tax counseling and preparation assistance to all taxpayers with middle and low income, with a special emphasis on helping those 60 and older. The program will run through April 14 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Community Center, 300 West St., in Hollister. Help will also be available Saturdays from noon to 3 p.m. at the County Library on Fifth Street. Call ahead for an appointment at 637-1980.

Those who need help with preparing their taxes are requested to bring the tax package they received in the mail, last year’s return, and all relevant information on income and expenses. Volunteer counselors are not trained to assist in preparing tax returns that report business, rental or partnership income.

Cleanup downtown

HOLLISTER – The Hollister Downtown Association is hosting the annual spring cleanup, and volunteers are needed. The event will be April 25 from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Organized groups such as Boys and Girls Scout troops or 4-H clubs are invited to participate. Students looking for community service hours or adults wanting to pitch in can also join in. For more information, call 636-8406.

In search of Sacred Heart class of ’82

HOLLISTER – Members of the Sacred Heart class of 1982 are looking for missing classmates for a summer reunion. Bonnie Brown, maiden name Goodwin, and Michael Kirch are asking anyone who is in contact with a member of the Sacred Heart class of 1982 to help them pass the message along. They hope to have the reunion this summer in San Juan with all 48 class members present, with a date and location to be announced soon.

For more information, please contact Bonnie at [email protected] or Michael at [email protected].

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.

Children’s art contest

HOLLISTER – The Child Abuse Prevention Council of San Benito County is accepting entries for the April art contest. To enter children in grades third through sixth should create a picture and a slogan related to the theme of preventing child abuse. The pictures can be on 8 ½-by-11 paper up to poster size, and can be done in any medium such as charcoal, markers, paint, etc. Entries can be completed by an individual child, or a group of child, though only one prize will be awarded. All submissions should have a consent form completed by a parent or legal guardian attached.

The first prize is a $50 gift card; second place is a $25 gift card and third place is a $15 gift card. The winners will be announced at the YMCA Healthy Families Day April 25, and the winning entries may be used in agency newsletters Web sites, or on County Express buses.

For more information, contact Ana Cabrera at San Benito County Health and Human Services Agency at 634-0686 or by e-mail at [email protected].

Hospital scholarships available

HOLLISTER – Applications for the 2009 Hazel Hawkins Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship Awards are now available. Each year the Auxiliary awards scholarships to students who are pursuing a medical or medically oriented career. The total amount awarded to each recipient will be at the discretion of the scholarship committee.

Auxiliary members put in thousands of hours throughout the year running a thrift shop, the hospital gift shop, and organizing their annual craft and antique fair in order to fund scholarships and purchase equipment for Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital.

To be eligible to apply for a scholarship you must:

· Be a high school graduate (or equivalent)

· Be a resident of San Benito County for a minimum of one continuous year

· Be enrolled in health-related course of study at an accredited institution.

· Apply by April 17.

A complete list of eligibility rules and application packet are available at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital Lobby, San Benito High School, Gavilan College, on the hospital Web site at www.hazelhawkins.com or contact Frankie Arballo in the hospital’s public relations office at 636-2644 for additional information.

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