Friends of library sponsor essay contests
HOLLISTER
– The Friends of the San Benito County Library are inviting
junior high school and high school students to enter a student
essay contest to help celebrate the group’s 30th anniversary. The
theme is
”
The Library is my best ‘Friend’ because…
”
Each contest entry should include an essay on how the library
has touched their lives, including uses, experiences, how it has
helped and why it is a friend. Junior high school entries should be
300 to 350 words, while high school entries should be 350 to 400
words. Entries should be typed on one sheet of 8
½ x 11
”
paper. No binders or folders. On the back side of the paper,
write name, address, phone number, age, grade, school or home
school.
Send essays to the Friends of the San Benito County Free
Library, 470 Fifth St., Hollister, CA 95023. The deadline for
submissions is Oct. 15.
The prize is $100 in each category and it will be presented to
the winner Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m., at the Friends 30th Anniversary
Celebration at the San Benito County Free Library, 470 Fifth
St.
For more information, call Ruth Erickson at 637-0987.
Friends of library sponsor essay contests
HOLLISTER – The Friends of the San Benito County Library are inviting junior high school and high school students to enter a student essay contest to help celebrate the group’s 30th anniversary. The theme is “The Library is my best ‘Friend’ because…”
Each contest entry should include an essay on how the library has touched their lives, including uses, experiences, how it has helped and why it is a friend. Junior high school entries should be 300 to 350 words, while high school entries should be 350 to 400 words. Entries should be typed on one sheet of 8 ½ x 11″ paper. No binders or folders. On the back side of the paper, write name, address, phone number, age, grade, school or home school.
Send essays to the Friends of the San Benito County Free Library, 470 Fifth St., Hollister, CA 95023. The deadline for submissions is Oct. 15.
The prize is $100 in each category and it will be presented to the winner Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m., at the Friends 30th Anniversary Celebration at the San Benito County Free Library, 470 Fifth St.
For more information, call Ruth Erickson at 637-0987.
Aromas candidate forum
AROMAS – The Aromas Community Grange, in conjunction with the League of Women Voters of Salinas Valley, will host a candidates’ forum on Oct. 3, at 4 p.m., at the Aromas Grange, on the corner of Rose and Bardue streets.
Contested elections in the district include three seats for Trustee of the Aromas-San Juan Unified School District and three for Board of Directors of the Aromas Water District. Candidates will make short presentations and take questions from the public. The League of Women Voters will provide information on Propositions appearing on the state ballot, and sheriff candidates from Monterey County and San Benito County will be present to discuss issues and meet constituents.
Schedule of events:
4 p.m. to 5 p.m. – School board candidates (three seats open)
5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. – League of Women Voters’ presentation on propositions
5:45 p.m. to 6 p.m. – break
6 p.m. to 6:40 p.m. – Water board candidates (three seats open
6:45 p.m. – Monterey and San Benito counties sheriff candidates
The meeting is free and open to the public. Please contact Patty Brown for directions or further information at 831-726-1503.
Donate to Team Nicholas
HOLLISTER – A local group is raising money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association through the 2010 Bay Area Ride and Stride, at the Oakland Zoo, Oct. 2. Leeandra Archdeacon, her friends and family, founded their team because her son Nicholas has been diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
People can make a donation online or join their group for the Ride and Stride at https://www.joinmda.org/baywalk10/TeamNicholas
San Benito Arts Council hosts workshop
HOLLISTER – The San Benito Arts Council is kicking off the annual Artists in the Schools program for 2010-11 with an informational workshop, Oct. 7, at 6 p.m., at the Blak Sage Gallery, 727 San Benito St., in Hollister. The workshop is for artists working in all types of media who are interested in learning more about the program. The two-hour event will address how artists can join the online artists-in-the-schools directory, learn about developing arts-based curriculum and more. The meeting is free and open to all artists.
The program is made possible through the Community Foundation for San Benito County and the California Arts Council. It serves 13 elementary schools in San Benito County by providing hands-on arts education in the classroom as well as cultural assemblies. Previous participants include painter Shannon Grissom, ceramicist Louise Roy, ZunZun and members of El Teatro Campesino.
For more information or to RSVP to the meeting, contact Jennifer Laine at 636-2787 or e-mail in**@sa***********.org.
Musician seeks others for a capella ensemble
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA – Local musician Stephanie Woehrmann is looking to put together a women’s a capella ensemble and is looking for enthusiastic female vocalists ages 16 and up. The group will rehearse in San Juan Bautista or Gilroy. Rehearsals will be one evening a week to start, and more will be added as performance dates approach.
We have two performances scheduled for spring 2011. Details about performances will be provided at rehearsals. The group will explore a wide range of genres and composers as well as experimenting with creating their own vocal pieces. Ability to read sheet music is a plus, but not necessary.
For more information, contact Woehrmann at 261-4838.
Transportation advisory committee members sought
HOLLISTER – The Council of San Benito County Governments (COG) is seeking individuals to serve on the Regional Transportation Plan Advisory Committee, which will advise COG on the development of the 2012 Regional Transportation Plan.
The plan establishes goals, policies, programs and projects for transportation improvements in the San Benito County region. Committee members will be appointed by the COG board of directors, with six meetings scheduled on a quarterly basis between November 2010 and May 2012.
Those interested in serving on the advisory committee should complete an application and return it to COG by Oct. 4. For more information, go to www.sanbenitocog.org or contact Transportation Planning Manager Mary Gilbert at 636-4160 or by e-mail at ma**@sa**********.org.
Living with epilepsy conference
SAN FRANCISCO – The Epilepsy Foundation of Northern California will host the “Living with Epilepsy Conference” Oct. 9 at the University of California, San Francisco, in San Francisco. Registration begins at 8 a.m., with the conference starting at 8:45 a.m.
The conference is dedicated to those who are faced with the challenges of epilepsy and to their family members and friends who wish to better understand the treatment of epilepsy as well as life issues that arise for those with the condition.
To register or for more information, call 1-800-632-3532 or visit www.epilepsynorcal.org.
HHS launches Spanish-language website
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has launched a new website www.CuidadoDeSalud.gov, the first Spanish-language website of its kind to help consumers take control of their health care by connecting them to new information and resources that will help them access quality, affordable health care coverage.
The site is the partner site of www.HealthCare.gov, which launched in July. The new site provides information in Spanish on public and private health care options.
“Individuals, families and small businesses will be able to easily compare both public and private health coverage options tailored specifically for their needs,” said Kathleen Sebelius, the HHS secretary. “CuidadoDeSalud.gov will give Latinos across the nation better information about the choices they have, how much they cost and what they can expect from their doctor – specific to their life situation and local community.”
El Teatro holds open auditions
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA – El Teatro Campesino is holding open auditions for the holiday production of “La Virgen Del Tepeyac.” Auditions will be scheduled for Oct. 2, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Oct. 3, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 4 and 5, from 6 to 9 p.m., at the El Teatro Playhouse, 705 Fourth St., in San Juan Bautista
This year’s production will be directed by Adrian Torries, with a brand new cast. The director is looking for individuals to play the principal roles of La Virgen de Guadalupe, Juan Diego, El Obispo and Los Tres Frailes, as well as members of the Pueblo. All roles are Spanish peaking, and the roles of Juan Diego and La Virgen require confident speaking voices.
Those interested in participating should contact Christy Sandoval at ch*****@el***************.com or visit the website at www.elteatrocamepsino.com to fill out an online audition form. For more information, call 623-2444 or 537-7575.
Amateur radio license testing scheduled
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Amateur Radio Emergency Service, American Red Cross Monterey Bay Area Chapter and W5YI-VEC are hosting an amateur radio license testing study and exam session. The event is Sept. 25 at the Hollister American Red Cross Office, 357 Fifth St. The technician class is 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with testing for all levels from 1 to 6 p.m. The class is free, but testing is $15.
Those interested should bring two photo IDS, cash for the testing fee and previous grant if testing for an upgrade. Class size is limited to reservations are required.
For more information, visit sbcares.org or e-mail cv*@sb*****.org. To register, e-mail br**@Br********.com.
Retired teachers meeting set for Oct. 6
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Chapter of California Retired Teachers will hold its next business meeting at San Juan Oaks Oct. 6, at 10:30 a.m. A buffet luncheon with a choice of two entrees and two salads will follow the meeting. The guest speaker will be Richard Vasquez, a retired probation officer, who will speak about the opportunities for retired teachers to mentor kids who are on probation.
If anyone needs a ride, call Terry Cruz at 637-5077 to arrange for transportation.
Si, Se Puede! seeks volunteers
HOLLISTER – The Si, Se Puede! Learning Center is seeking volunteers to facilitate evening computer classes for adults. Responsibilities include aiding the coordinator in facilitating lessons on various computer programs such as Microsoft Office, the basics of e-mail, and other software programs as well as working individually with the computer lab participants.
The SSPLC is also seeking tutors for their weekly homework help sessions on Thursday evenings. Volunteers will aid students in grades K-5 with homework and reading.
Contact Charles Miller, the Si, Se Puede coordinator, for more information or a volunteer application at 637-9097 or by e-mail at nf************@gm***.com.
Club Ed tutoring starts
HOLLISTER – Club Ed offers tutoring for grades first through 12th after school in the San Benito High School library at $14 an hour. Call 637-9605, e-mail fl*********@gm***.com or call Dr. Katherine Foster at 623-9139 or e-mail kf*****@sb***.us and leave a message.
GriefShare meetings start up
HOLLISTER – GriefShare, a Christ-centered recovery and support group for those who are grieving a loved one meets at Grace Bible Church’s Education Building, starting Thursday, Oct. 7, at 7 p.m., and will continue on subsequent Thursdays. The meetings include nationally recognized experts on grief and recovery topics. Seminar sessions include “God’s Prescription For Grief,” “The journey of Grief,” “The Effects of Grief,” “When Your Spouse Dies,” “Your Family and Grief,” and “Stuck in Grief.”
For more information, contact Tricia Harvey at 638-1394.
Shriners host screening clinic at Hazel Hawkins
HOLLISTER – Shriners will host a no-cost screening clinic for children under 18 who might have orthopaedic problems Sept. 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Hazel Hawkins Hospital, 911 Sunset Drive. The screening is meant to identify children who may benefit from free medical care at Shriners Hospital for such issues as club feet, scoliosis, hand or back problems, bowed legs, myelodysplasia (spina bifida), dislocated hips, missing arm or leg or problems associated with burns. Parents or guardians are asked to bring any medical information for the child to the screening.
For more information, call 637-4454.
Auditions for ‘Mulan’
HOLLISTER – Limelight Productions is hosting auditions for Disney’s “Mulan,” Sept. 24-25 at West Coast Music and Dance FX, 618 San Benito St. The show is open to ages 8-18. The show will be Dec. 10-12.
For more information, call 635-0553 or visit Limelight’s Facebook page.
Patriot’s Pen Essay contest approaches
HOLLISTER – The Hollister VFW Post 9242 will award a $200 check to the winner of this year’s Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest, which is open to students in 6th, 7th and 8th grade, in public, private or home schools.
Rules and entry forms may be obtained at the San Benito County Office of Education, on Fifth Street, or can be downloaded at www.vfw.org.
The deadline for submissions is Nov. 1.
The theme this year is “Does Patriotism Still Matter?”
Bob Burnham, who coordinates the contest, is available to come out and speak to the students, for teachers or schools interested in arranging a visit.
For any questions, contact Burnham at 638-1703 or write him at 860 Marne Dr., Hollister, 95023.
Registration open for Red Ribbon walk and run
HOLLISTER – Registration is open for the Red Ribbon 5K and 1-mile fun walk Oct. 30, in San Juan Bautista. The family 1-mile fun walk begins at 9:30 a.m. and the 5K begins at 10 a.m. The course starts at the State Historic Park.
Discounted rates are available online at active.com, or people can mail in a check or register the day of the event. Pre-registration runs through Oct. 14. Entry fees are $10 for adults for the 1-mile fun walk, $5 for children 11 and under; $20 for adults for the 5K, and $15 for children 11 and under; or $25 for adults for the combined walk and 5K, $15 for children 11 and under.
Late registration, postmarked from Oct. 15 to Oct. 28, and race day registration is $25 for adults for the 5K, $20 for children 11 and under; or $30 for adults for the combined walk and 5K, $20 for children 11 and under.
Registration is 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. for the 1-mile walk and from 8 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. for the 5K.
Awards will be presented to the top three male and female finishers in each division, and an overall male and female finisher in the 5K. T-shirts are guaranteed to the first 100 people registered for the 5K.
The Red Ribbon Run is focused on promoting a drug and alcohol free lifestyle, and is sponsored by the San Benito County Behavioral Health Substance Abuse Services.
For more information, call the Red Ribbon Committee at 636-4020 or visit www.sbcprevention.com.
Gavilan College offers community education classes
GILROY – Community members can sign up for career and personal enrichment courses through the wide selection of local and online classes at Gavilan College Community Education. This fall’s catalog features a new program in Auto Wholesale Dealerships, and a continuation of popular programs in Water Technology and Pharmacy Technician training. Workplace Law Compliance and Project Management classes can help small businesses improve; Cupcake Decorating and Budget Cooking for the Holidays will help get ready for winter festivities.
More than 90 local classes are offered for adults and youth, plus more than 250 online classes are available, including career programs such as accounting fundamentals, supervision, and green building /LEED rating.
The classes run through January, with varying start and end dates.
Register and pay online at www.GavilanCE.com or call 408-852-2801. For timely updates, connect with Gavilan College Community Education on Facebook.
Blueprint survey available online
MARINA – The Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments has posted the Blueprint Survey v2.0 online for Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz County residents to provide more in depth information for the 2035 Blueprint. The survey can be found at www.surveymonkey.com/s/MN9Z72L. The input will be used for the Envisioning the Monterey Bay Area: the 2035 Regional Blueprint, which will be the basis for the 2012 Sustainable Community Strategy that will help the Monterey Bay Area achieve the regional greenhouse gas targets set by the California Air Resources Board.
The survey can also be accessed via the AMBAG website, www.ambag.org. The survey will close Sept. 15 at midnight. Those who would like to host a community group to do the survey in person can contact Linda Meckel at lm*****@am***.org or call 264-5084.
DOD deadline approaches for ‘Stop Loss’ pay
WASHINGTON – The Department of Defense is providing retroactive pay for active, reserve and former service members who involuntarily had their enlistment period extended or retirement suspended if they served on active duty between Sept. 11, 2001 and Sept. 30, 2009.
Service members must submit the claims no later than Oct. 21. Eligible personnel will receive a payment of $500 per month for each month (or any portion of a month) they were retained on active duty due to the process known as “stop loss.”
Service members must provide documented proof of the claim. Family members of deceased service members may contact the appropriate military service for assistance in filing their claim. Stop-lossed service members who voluntarily reenlisted or extended their service, and received a bonus for such reenlistment or extension of service, are no longer eligible to receive retroactive stop loss special pay.
For more information on how to file a claim contact the following branches of the military:
Army – 877-736-5554
Air Force – 800-525-0102
Marine Corps – 877-242-2830
Navy – 901-874-4427
www.defense.gov/home/features/2010/0710_stoploss/
Parkinson’s Disease Education Symposium
SANTA CRUZ – Members of the Santa Cruz Parkinson’s Disease Support Group will host an Education Symposium Oct. 16, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Elks Lodge, 150 Jewell St., in Santa Cruz. The event is open to people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers. The event will include three speakers as well as exhibits offering services and products.
The three speakers include Helen Bronte-Stewart, the director of Stanford Movement Disorders at Stanford Medical Center; Jaimie Henderson, the director of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, at Stanford Medical Center; and Marilyn Basham, a physical therapist specializing in Parkinson’s Disease. Local physicians will be on hand to discuss treatment options, including Medtronic DBS Therapy.
Refreshments will be served. The event is free, but seating is limited to advanced registration is required. For more information, 877-438-3574 or visit www.medtronicdbs.com/parkinsons/education/index.htm.
Oriana Chorale calls for singers
HOLLISTER – The Oriana Chorale, San Benito’s community chorus, is looking for singers as it prepares for its December Christmas concerts. The group will sing contemporary and seasonal music.
Rehearsals are 7:15 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, located at 2300 Airline Hwy. Rehearsals are every Monday evening until December. All sopranos, altos, tenors and basses are welcome. No auditions required. Singers must attend rehearsals and follow the instructions of the director.
Concerts will be Dec. 1 and 7, at the Mission San Juan Bautista and Dec. 5 at Sacred Heart Sanctuary, in Hollister.
For more information, call Barbara Nicoara at 628-3305 or www.orianachorale.org.
Blood drive
HOLLISTER – The American Red Cross is hosting a blood drive at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1670 Cienega Road, Oct. 21, from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. Appointments can be made by calling 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or going online to redcrossblood.org and entering the sponsor code HOLLISTER. The American Red Cross will hold drawings for a $50 gift card to Applebee’s or La Pinata Restaurant. There will be 10 drawings throughout October for the 10 gift cards.
Lights On Celebration and Parade applications available
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Downtown Association announces that applications for the annual holiday Lights On Parade, “Decorate a Christmas Tree” project and “Tree Light Sponsors” are now available. Nonprofit organizations, businesses and individuals are invited to participate as part of the 20th annual Lights On Celebration in Downtown Hollister Nov. 27, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. The theme is “Celebration of Lights!”
The parade application deadline is Oct. 29, and applications for tree project and light sponsors are due Nov. 5. For applications and guidelines, visit www.downtownhollister.org, e-mail ev****@do***************.org or contact the office at 636-8406.
Migrant Education seeks donations
HOLLISTER – San Benito High School’s Migrant Education program is seeking donations of clothing, towels or blankets. The program serves school youth who reside at the labor camps in town. Staff from the Migrant Education program visit the camps on a weekly basis and bring donations for those who are newly arrived from other areas such as Santa Maria or Bakersfield. Often, workers and their families have few clothing or other items when they arrive.
Donations can be dropped off at San Benito High School, Room 194, or a pick-up can be arranged by calling 637-5831, ext. 189.
Seniors needed for volunteer opportunities
HOLLISTER – The Monterey Bay Retired Senior Volunteer Program is looking for people 55 and over who would like to give back to their community by volunteering with one of the many nonprofits in San Benito County. RSVP provides a critical 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 re****@sc***************.org.
San Benito Stage Company seeks board members
HOLLISTER – San Benito Stage Company is actively seeking candidates for the 2011 Board of Directors. They are interested in professional and creative candidates to serve and oversee the mission of Hollister’s only nonprofit community theater. They are especially interested in candidates with knowledge in legal, accounting, business and marketing. Theater experience is not necessary. Please send a letter of interest and resume by Oct. 15 to: SBSC 1760 Airline Hwy Ste F PMB 184, Hollister, CA 95023
For more information, call 636-0122 or visit www.sanbenitostage.org
Low-cost helmets available to local kids
HOLLISTER – The Child Injury Prevention Coalition, in partnership with the San Benito County Public Health Department will be 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.
SBHS Travel Club seeks interested students
HOLLISTER – San Benito High’s Travel Club is currently offering spring break of 2011 travel to the following: France with Michele Lassaga; Yucatan, Mexico with Pat Adams/Rachel Flores, and Germany, Austria and Switzerland with Andrea Walton. Interested students and parents may contact teachers at SBHS for details, fares as follows:
France- Michele Lassaga 637-5831 ext. 391- ml******@sb***.us
Mexico – Pat Adams 637-5831 ext. 369 pa****@sb***.us Rachel Flores 637-9605 fl*********@gm***.com
Germany, Austria, Switzerland – Andrea Walton 637-5831 ext.372 aw*****@sb***.us
Ladies Auxiliary meeting time change
HOLLISTER – The Ladies Auxiliary, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post No. 9242, have changed meetings from the second Monday of the month to 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.
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.
Help preserve history
TRES PINOS – The San Benito County Historical Society is hosting volunteer work days to help maintain the buildings at the San Benito County Historical Park and Village. The volunteer days start at 9 a.m. and end at 3 p.m. The next work day is Oct. 16.
Volunteers are asked to bring a lunch, work gloves and friends or family to help. Drinks are provided.
To RSVP or for more information, call Don Pidd at 902-9349 or e-mail do*****@sv*.net. For more information on the San Benito County Historical Society, visit www.sbchistoricalsociety.org.
Water Resources Association offers home water survey
HOLLISTER – The Water Resources Association of San Benito County offers free home water surveys to local residents that can help them identify ways to converse water around the house. Some of the things the survey includes tips on leaks, showerheads and faucet aerators, irrigation, suggested watering schedule, water softener assistance and high-quality hose nozzles.
For more information or to schedule an appointment for a home water survey, call 637-4378.
Give Today, Change Tomorrow fundraiser continues
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Youth Alliance is holding its Give Today, Change Tomorrow fundraiser. All funds go to support after school programs in the community. Donors can help by visiting Mountain Mike’s Pizza, Cheap Seats, Jerry’s, Donuts and Deli, Hollister Super, in Hollister, or Windmill Market, in San Juan Bautista, where the owners will match contributions from the community up to $1,200.
For more information, call 636-2853.
Team Baler continues monthly fundraisers
HOLLISTER – In an effort to raise $100,000 to avoid cutbacks to athletic programs at San Benito High School, team Baler will be hosting a monthly tri-tip barbecue on the second Wednesday of every month. Partners for the fundraiser include Progresso’s Tamale Parlor and Hollister Drive In Market.
Those interested in being part of Team Baler, Balers Supporting Baler Athletes, can pick up a donation form at the San Benito High School student payment center, the student activities office or go to the athletics page, www.haybaler.org and click on the Team Baler link.
Singles dinner group
HOLLISTER – There is a singles dinner for individuals 50 and over, every third Saturday of each month. Each month, a member of the group will host a potluck-style meal, offering up a main course while other members provide side dishes, appetizers or desserts. For more information, contact Sandi Gowers at sg*****@sb*******.net.
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. The volunteer work offers an opportunity to give back to the community in a rewarding way.
For more information or to find out about volunteering, call the Red Cross office at 636-2100 or volunteer Howard at 297-3696.
Al-anon meetings
HOLLISTER – Al-anon meets Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Mars Hill Coffeehouse, 610 San Benito St.
Parkinson’s caregiver support group
HOLLISTER – Family or friends who are caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s 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 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.
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.
Library book sale
HOLLISTER – The Friends of the Library Saturday book sales will be held in the book shed behind the library and the Historical Society, 470 Fifth St. from 9 a.m. to noon every Saturday in November. 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 will be 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 Mary Schneider at 637-1794.
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.
