Community Foundation seeks grant proposals
HOLLISTER
– The Community Foundation for San Benito County is accepting
letters of intent from local organizations and nonprofits for grant
proposals. All proposals must support projects in one of six fields
of interest: Arts and Culture, Agriculture and Environment,
Education and Youth, Health and Social S
ervices, Community Enhancement and Economic Development. The
Foundation expects to fund nearly $450,000 in projects.
Applications, guidelines, forms and more details regarding the
competitive review process can be accessed at www.cffsbc.org. All
letters of intent must be received at the Community Foundation
office no later than 4 p.m. Dec. 30. For more information, call
630-1924.
Community Foundation seeks grant proposals
HOLLISTER – The Community Foundation for San Benito County is accepting letters of intent from local organizations and nonprofits for grant proposals. All proposals must support projects in one of six fields of interest: Arts and Culture, Agriculture and Environment, Education and Youth, Health and Social Services, Community Enhancement and Economic Development. The Foundation expects to fund nearly $450,000 in projects.
Applications, guidelines, forms and more details regarding the competitive review process can be accessed at www.cffsbc.org. All letters of intent must be received at the Community Foundation office no later than 4 p.m. Dec. 30. For more information, call 630-1924.
Amnesty International write-a-thon
HOLLISTER – The local Amnesty International chapter will be hosting the second annual Amnesty International write-a-thon Dec. 8, at 1044 Monterey St., in Hollister. The group will be writring letters in support of people around the world who have been jailed for their belief in freedom. One of the cases is that of Aung Suu Kyi of Burma.
For more information, call Franz Schneider at 637-1794 or e-mail fr************@at*.net.
Pinnacles staff assists stranded climbers
PINNACLES – On Nov. 15, Pinnacles National Monument staff assisted two climbers from the San Jose area off of a climbing route after they had become stranded due to nightfall. Both climbers were uninjured.
The climbers were able to place a cell phone call to a friend after they were no longer able to climb in the darkness. The friend contacted the park staff around 6 p.m. The climbers were near the top of Condor Condiment, a 500-foot route on the Condor Crag formation in the High Peaks area of Pinnacles National Monument. The climbers were in different locations on the route and could not complete the final 100 feet without additional light. Rangers contacted the party via cell phone and determined their location and condition.
With an overnight forecast of 25 degrees and gusting winds, rangers and search and rescue team members were dispatched to their location. A California Highway Patrol helicopter located the pair using infrared radar and a powerful “Night Sun” floodlight. With assistance, the climbers completed the route and the shorter descent off the back side of the formation. They completed the route at 1 a.m., after 14 hours on the trail.
“I am glad that through the efforts of our search and rescue team and partner agencies, this potential tragedy has been prevented,” said Eric Brunnemann, superintendent of Pinnacles National Monument.
The staff suggest that climbers be aware of their abilities and allow enough time for their climb before darkness is imminent. Other tips include:
– Use a helmet
– Know the route and carry a guidebook
– Know and practice self-rescue techniques
– Carry extra food, water and clothing
– Carry two ropes on a multi-pitch climb
– Carry a headlamp, spare batteries and bulbs
– Carry a first-aid kit and know how to use it
– Use redundant anchor systems.
For more information about climbing at Pinnacles, visit www.nps.gov/pinn/planyourvsiti/climb.htm or www.pinnacles.org. For general park information, call 389-4485 or visit www.nps.gov/pinn.
Grape Commission offers grants
FRESNO – The California Table Grape Commission is offering 10 mini-grants through the “Innovation in Teaching” program of up to $500 to teachers in California’s grape-growing regions. Since 1993, the commission’s grants have provided more than $75,000 to teachers from Coachella to San Joaquin Valley.
The grant program is available to elementary, middle school and high school teachers. Teachers must submit innovative project ideas in any subject that directly involve and benefit the education of their students. They can include ideas for classroom, outdoor, field trip or other projects to be completed by the end of the 2009-10 school year.
The applications are due Jan. 18, 2010 and can be e-mailed to in**@gr******************.com or mailed to 392 W. Fallbrook, Ste. 101, Fresno, CA, 93711. Winning applicants and school districts will be notified in February.
Community Solutions advocacy training
MORGAN HILL – Community Solutions will be hosting its semi-annual 65-hour Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Volunteer Advocate Training. The training lasts six weeks and will begin Jan. 5, 2010. Last year Community Solutions served 10,000 people in south Santa Clara and San Benito counties through the programs they offer in mental health, substance abuse and other programs. Victims of violence have included people of all ethnicities, gender, class or sexual orientation.
For more information and to complete the application process, call Emma Lucas at 408-776-6288.
Poinsettia fundraiser
SAN JUAN – The San Juan Home and School Club is selling poinsettias from the Headstart Nursery as a holiday fundraiser. The plans are the dark red Freedom variety, grown in 6-inch pots. The plants are available for $8 and order forms are available at San Juan School. Orders and payment need to be received by Monday, Dec. 14. The plants will be available for pick up Dec. 16, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Dec. 17, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., and Dec. 18 from 2:45 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
For more information, please call Monica Guaracha at 623-9987 or e-mail mo************@at*.net.
DUI enforcement boosted for holidays
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Police Department will have more officers on the roads to crack down on drunk driving during the holiday season. Officers will be out in force through Jan. 3.
“If you drive while under the influence, Hollister police officers will be looking for you and they will arrest you,” said Chief Jeff Miller, in a press release. “There will be no exception.”
The zero-tolerance policy started Nov. 21 and will run through Jan. 3. Funding for the increased patrols is through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
By the end of September, Hollister police officers have made more arrests than in each of the prior years.
“Our goal is to make the 2009 holiday season the safest ever,” Miller said.
Since 2005, the number of alcohol-involved fatalities statewide has been dropping, but officers are still working toward zero deaths.
American Red Cross opens holiday store
CARMEL – The American Red Cross Monterey Bay Area is operating a holiday gift store at 242 Crossroads Blvd., in the Crossroads Shopping Village in Carmel throughout December. The store will be open Thursdays through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays noon to 5 p.m., through Dec. 23.
The store will offer a variety of Red Cross items such as personal safety emergency packs, two-person 72-hour deluxe survival kits, cell phone charging emergency crank radios, Red Cross first aid kits and gift certificates for Red Cross classes.
Gift-wrapping is available during the store hours as the Crossroads Shopping Village, and at the Del Monte Shopping Center wrapping kiosk Dec. 23, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. for a suggested donation.
Hollister Little League registration
HOLLISTER – Registration for the 2010 season of Hollister Little League will be held on Dec. 16 and Jan. 9 for all levels – T-ball through Senior League (age 15 and 16). The December registrations will take place between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. at the Bertha Briggs House, 1221 Memorial Drive, near Veteran’s Memorial Park. Registrants must bring a copy of the player’s birth certificate, medical insurance information and they must complete a registration form and volunteer form, which requires a valid photo ID.
Registration fees are $65 for T-ball; $105 for farm, minors or majors; and $130 for the junior or senior leagues (ages 13 and up). Additional player registrations within a family are $70. Only cash, credit and debit cards will be accepted as payment. No checks.
For more information, go to www.eteamz.com/hollister, where online registration is available; or leave a message on the league hotline, 831-644-5159.
Donations needed for Rancho fundraiser
HOLLISTER – Rancho San Justo Middle School parent volunteers are seeking prize donations for their “Gift of Education Gala” to be held April 16, 2010 at the Elks Lodge in Hollister. Proceeds from the event will help fund participating students for a trip to Washington, D.C. next summer through WorldStrides, an educational company organizing the trip. Donations of gift baskets, gift certificates and other items are welcome. Donations are tax deductible.
For more information, contact Jennifer Ippolito at 638-0900 or Leah Kincheloe at 297-2341.
Blood drive
HOLLISTER – The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive Dec. 17 from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Cultural Hall, 1670 Cienega Road, in Hollister. All donors will be entered into a Lake Tahoe ski trip package that includes a one-night stay at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe and two 2-day ski passes at Heavenly Valley Ski Resort. The drawing will be held Jan. 8. The winner must be at least 21 years old or accompanied by someone at least 21 years old. To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit www.HelpSaveALife.org/NC and enter the sponsor code Hollister.
VFW dug out open
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Post Canteen is now open. Members of the VFW Hollister Post 9242 and their guests are invited to visit during the social hours of operation. Monday through Saturday, the dug out will be open from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sundays it is open noon to 5:30 p.m. The canteen is located in the Veterans Memorial Building, with an entrance near the back of the building.
For more information, call 637-5321.
Hollister Art League calendar on sale
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Art League 2010 Calendars of Victorian homes in San Benito County are now available. Colorful original paintings of watercolors, oils, linocuts and photography have been reproduced. Calendars are now for sale at Country Rose Gallery, 722 San Benito St. and Blak Sage Gallery, 727 San Benito St., in Hollister.
All proceeds go towards San Benito County high school art scholarships for graduating seniors. For more information, call 637-6062 or 638-0277.
PAWS to Light Up the Night
HOLLISTER – Pet Friends and SHARE Animal Rescue Effort will be holding a holiday fundraiser. The groups will be lighting up lights on a tree outside the Pet Friends Center on Buena Vista Road. Lights can be purchased for a $10 donation and donor names will be entered in the 2009 Commemorative Book at the center. A special handmade ornament will be sent to those who donate $50 or more. The lights can be purchased in memory of a beloved pet that shared their live, in honor of a current loved one, or as a gift to someone.
Call 634-1191 for more information, pick up donation forms at the Pet Friends Center or check the Web sites for more information at www.petfriends.org or www.shareanimalrescue.org.
GriefShare meetings start up
HOLLISTER – GriefShare, a Christ-centered recovery and support group for those who are grieving a loves one, will meet at Grace Bible Church, on the corner of Sixth and Monterey streets, Wednesdays at 7 p.m. 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, call 637-1394.
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.
ASSE seeks area reps
HOLLISTER – ASSE International Student Exchange Program is looking for volunteers to serve as area representatives in the community. ASSE offers academic year, semester and short-term exchange programs in the United States for students from around the world between the ages of 15-18. Area representatives recruit and screen prospective host families, interview students to study abroad and supervise the visiting exchange students in their community. Representatives are reimbursed for their expenses.
For more information about ASSE or becoming an area representative, call 1-800-733-2773.
Returning Catholics group
HOLLISTER – Sacred Heart-St. Benedict Parish will be hosting a weekly meeting on Monday 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.
San Benito Aquatics needs swimmers
HOLLISTER – San Benito Aquatics is accepting swimmers for the 2009-10 swim team. The team has been around for 35 years, and has a highly experienced coaching staff. The team offers an opportunity for students to improve swimming techniques, increase their level of physical fitness and compete in swim meets. Many alumni of the program have received college scholarships and continued on to successful college careers. San Benito Aquatics meets Monday through Friday at the San Benito High School pool.
For more information, visit www.sanbenitoaquatics.org.
Library book sale
HOLLISTER – The Friends of the Library Saturday book sales will be held in the bookshed 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 $2 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.
Club Ed offers tutoring as school starts
HOLLISTER – Club Ed offers tutoring on a private basis at $14 in all subjects, all grades. They even have tutors for college mathematics. Contact Rachel Flores-Zepeda at 637-5831, ext. 370.
Pat’s Place in need of volunteers
HOLLISTER – Pat’s Place, a thrift shop at 101 Fifth St., in Hollister, is in need of volunteers. The thrift shop benefits Community Food Bank, which has seen a 25 percent increase in demand in the last few months.
The store sells slightly used kitchen items, furniture, clothing, books and more at low prices. According to a press release from Mary Anne Hughes, it offers “a revenue source badly needed for the Community Food Bank. The ever-increasing demand on the Community Food Bank’s services requires money to purchase food and supplies.”
She said while monetary donations tend to be seasonal, the hope is that Pat’s will offer a year-round source of income. Donations are accepted for the store, and volunteers are needed to sort the items, price them, stock and sell the items.
To find out about volunteer opportunities, call Mary Anne Hughes at 637-0340 or stop by Pat’s Place, or call 637-5500. Donations are accepted Monday through Saturday. The store is open to the public Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Math Talk program continues
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Office of Education will host a Math Talk on the first Tuesday of every month, starting this month (no meeting January 2010.) The program will help teachers improve their math skills, and will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at 460 Fifth St., in Hollister.
For more information or to RSVP, call 459-5703.
Women’s support group starts
HOLLISTER – Community Solutions offers a women’s support group. The group is a free six-week program and is confidential. Topics include healthy relationships, domestic violence, safety planning, resources and much more. For more information or to register, call Debbie Ruiz at 637-1094.
