Change Team asks for input on Dunne Park Restoration Project
HOLLISTER
– The Hollister Youth Alliance Change Team will host a meeting
at the Dunne Park Clubhouse Sept. 17, at 6 p.m., to gather
community input on the Dunne Park Restoration Project. The youth
have surveyed about 100 residents in the neighboring homes, but
want to offer a chance for other community memb
ers to share their ideas about the project.
HYA received a grant from the Health Trust of Silicon Valley for
the Dunne Park Restoration Project. In the next 16 months, student
members of the Change Team and Lisa Faulkner, the project manager,
will gather input about how community members want to improve the
park and will start work on some initial improvements.
For more information, contact Lisa Faulkner at 634-4955.
Change Team asks for input on Dunne Park Restoration Project
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Youth Alliance Change Team will host a meeting at the Dunne Park Clubhouse Sept. 17, at 6 p.m., to gather community input on the Dunne Park Restoration Project. The youth have surveyed about 100 residents in the neighboring homes, but want to offer a chance for other community members to share their ideas about the project.
HYA received a grant from the Health Trust of Silicon Valley for the Dunne Park Restoration Project. In the next 16 months, student members of the Change Team and Lisa Faulkner, the project manager, will gather input about how community members want to improve the park and will start work on some initial improvements.
For more information, contact Lisa Faulkner at 634-4955.
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. K. Foster at 623-9139 or email
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.
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.
Volunteer guide positions open at aquarium
MONTEREY – The Monterey Bay Aquarium is inviting nature lovers to share the love by becoming a volunteer guide. Two informational sessions are scheduled, and potential volunteers are asked to attend one. They are set for Sept. 14 and 21, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Attendance at one of the meetings is a prerequisite to take the training course, which runs Oct. 11, 12, 14, 18, 19 and 21, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the aquarium. The course briefly covers the cultural and natural history of the Monterey Bay region, basic marine science and techniques for sharing information with the public.
Volunteer guides help interpret the aquarium’s galleries and exhibits to visitors. The two informational meetings will also touch on additional volunteer opportunities at the aquarium including the information desk and being a special event volunteer. Opportunities are open to individuals 18 and older.
For more information or to request application materials for this or other opportunities at the aquarium, e-mail
vo********@mb****.org
or visit the “About Us” pages on www.montereybayaquarium.org.
CASA holds information meeting
HOLLISTER – Court Appointed Special Advocates, CASA of San Benito County, is holding an informational session at Starbucks, on Airline Highway, Sept. 22, at 6 p.m. Advocates are a voice for an abused, neglected or abandoned child. Learn how to make a difference in a child’s life.
To RSVP, call Esther Curtice at 637-4992.
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.
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.
Tire recycling event
HOLLISTER – The California Department of Recycling and Resource Recovery (CalRecycle) have provided a grant for a free disposal of used tire events in San Benito County, Sept. 11, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Aromas School Parking lot, 365 Vega St.
Tires will be accepted and recycle free of charge. The event is intended to prevent the illegal dumping of tires, divert waste tires from landfills and help educate the public about waste tire recycling and proper tire maintenance.
State law limits the transportation of tires to nine per vehicle, per trip. Tires from businesses will not be accepted.
For more information, call the San Benito County Integrated Waste Management Regional Agency at 636-4110.
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 begin Sept. 13, at 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.
Better Breathers Club
MORGAN HILL – Breathe California will host a Better Breathers Club meeting Sept. 14, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the DePaul Health Center conference Room, 18550 DePaul Drive, in Morgan Hill. The meeting is a resource and support group for people suffering from lung disease and their family members. Cathy Lynch, a community relations coordinator for Pathways, Home, Health and Hospice, will lead a discussion on hiring help at home. For more information, visit 998-5865 or visit www.lungsrus.org.
Homeless shelter volunteer meeting
HOLLISTER – The Homeless Coalition will host a meeting for those interested in volunteering at the homeless shelter when it opens up for the season, Sept. 18 at 11 a.m. Volunteers will be involved in preparing meals, serving food and clean up. Groups and individuals are welcome to sign up.
The meeting will be held at the homeless shelter’s new kitchen facility, 3235 Southside Road.
For more information, call Cindy Parr, the Homeless Coalition executive director, at 801-9531.
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, Sept. 16, 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 Red Cross will hold four weekly drawings in August where donors have a chance to win a $50 gift card from Applebee’s.
The American Red Cross Northern California Blood Services Region issued an urgent call for blood donors Aug. 23. The Red Cross staff closely monitors national and local blood supplies to ensure donations are keeping pace with hospital needs for blood products in order to meet ongoing and emergency patient care.
“There is a critical need for blood donors now,” said Sara O’Brien, the communications manager for the region. “This summer we have had a particularly difficult time recruiting enough blood donors to meet the requirements of our community’s hospitals and the patients they serve.”
Donors of all blood types are needed, but especially type O negative. Type O negative blood can be transfused to patients with any blood type and is most readily given to patients in emergency and trauma situations.
Donwtown fall clean-up
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Downtown Association and Recology San Benito County are hosting a downtown fall clean up, Sept. 18, from 8 to 11 a.m., in downtown Hollister. Anyone is invited to sign up, including service clubs, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4-H clubs, youth groups, students needing community service hours and community-minded adults.
To participate or for more information, call 636-8406.
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/Ms. 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.
Hollister Montessori hosts open house
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Montessori hosts open houses the first Thursday of every month. For more information, visit www.hollistermontessori.com or call 630-3038.
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 673-3839.
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.
The Gilroy group meets at the Kaiser Medical Center, 7520 Arroyo Circle, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on the fourth Monday of every month. A Salinas group that focuses on the death of a pet meets at the SPCA for Monterey County, 1002 Hwy. 68, from noon to 1:30 p.m., on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month. The Monterey group meets at the Visiting Nurses Association, 5 Lower Ragsdale Drive, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month. A Salinas group meets at the Salinas Valley Comprehensive Cancer Center, 501 East Romie Lane, from 4:30 to 6 p.m., on the second and fourth Thursday 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.
