Gang forum set for Oct. 12
HOLLISTER
– A gang awareness and prevention community forum focusing on
parental rights and responsibilities will be held Oct. 12, from
6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Veteran’s Hall. It will include tips,
information and laws about exercising your authority as a parent to
keep children from joining or particip
ating in a gang.
The entire family is welcome and free childcare will be
provided.
Gang forum set for Oct. 12
HOLLISTER – A gang awareness and prevention community forum focusing on parental rights and responsibilities will be held Oct. 12, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Veteran’s Hall. It will include tips, information and laws about exercising your authority as a parent to keep children from joining or participating in a gang.
The entire family is welcome and free childcare will be provided.
Fall Fair in SJB
SAN JUAN – A Fall Fair will be held in San Juan Bautista Oct. 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will feature booths of arts, crafts, antiques, imports and handmade items.
For more information or to apply for a vendor booth, call 623-9275 or download application/info at www.sanbenitocountychamber.com
Law enforcement stops theft of recyclables
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Police Department and the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office will enforce laws prohibiting the theft of materials from recyclable bins.
The departments have received complaints of persons rummaging through recycle bins placed for curbside pick-up. According to California law, once the bins are placed at the curbside, the materials in these bins become the property of the waste collection agency, which in San Benito County is Recology San Benito.
Representatives of Recology have notified HPD and the sheriff’s office that they will cooperate in the prosecution of theft from the bins.
“Theft of recyclabes is a problem in most cities,” said Phil Couchee, the general manager of Recology. “We want to be responsive to the community concerns. Many residents have expressed concerns regarding scavengers wandering through neighborhoods early in the morning creating messes and intruding into personable items. If we can be of assistance in helping deter this, we will.”
Persons wishing to report the theft of recyclables from curbside bins can call 636-4331 within the city limits or 636-4080 in unincorporated San Benito County. They can also call County Communications at 636-4100 after 5 p.m. Since the victim of the thefts is Recology, the person reporting the theft does not have to reside at the residence at which the bins are placed.
Bridge lessons start
HOLLISTER – There is a new weekly bridge game starting Sept. 20, at Dunne Park, from 9:20 to 11:20 a.m. for those players who want to brush up on their bridge skills or for beginners players with 0-5 masterpoints.
Newplicate games will start at 9:20 to 11:20 a.m., with a 20-minute lesson. Game 10-14 boards. Guests can ask questions and enjoy the social aspect of bridge. Masterpoints will be awarded to the winners. Refreshments served.
Cost is $8.
Call Linda King for partners or questions at 801-9257 or e-mail lr****@hu****.net.
Family caregiver services available
HOLLISTER – The Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center, which services San Benito, Santa Cruz and Monterey counties, offers support to family caregivers. They work with family members or friends of people living with memory loss or brain impairments such as stroke; Huntington’s Disease; brain tumors; dementia; multiple sclerosis; Alzheimer’s Disease; Parkinson’s Disease and other conditions that may cause memory loss.
They provide family consultations and care planning; legal and financial consultations; counseling; education and training; support groups and emergency respite.
The services are free or based on a low-cost sliding scale according to income. For more information, call 1-800-624-8304.
Locally they offer the Caregiver support and education group the second Thursday of every month from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., at the Hollister Community Center, 300 West St. 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.
Farm Bureau offers collegiate membership
SACRAMENTO – The California Farm Bureau Federation has announced a new category for students between the ages of 16 to 25. The “collegiate’ membership category is available for students enrolled in a post high school education program such as community college, four-year university or a trade school.
“The new Farm Bureau collegiate membership provides an easy, inexpensive way for young people interested in careers in agriculture to connect with their peers, network with other Farm Bureau members and find their place within the farming and ranching community,” said Paul Wagner, the CFBF president.
Collegiate memberships are $25 a person and include the online version of Ag Alert, a weekly newspaper, access to scholarship information, internship opportunities and agricultural career information. They get a discount on registration at the CFBF annual meeting, the Young Farmers and Ranchers Leadership Conference and more.
More information can be found online at www.cfbf.com/joinfb or by visiting the San Benito County Farm Bureau, on San Benito Street.
Parade applications available for Lights On
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Downtown Association will host the 21st Annual Lights on Celebration and Parade Nov. 26. The event will feature for the first time this year a gift boutique in the Veterans Memorial Building, from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Many downtown businesses will also be hosting specials, tastings and more throughout the day. Pre-parade performances will begin at 4:30 p.m. The lighting of the downtown and the light parade will start at 5:30 p.m. Pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available in the Veterans Memorial Building following the parade after 8:30 p.m.
For more information or for applications, visit www.downtownhollister.org or call 636-8406.
Enrollment open for Fall Star workshop
GILROY – The Gavilan College Summer Theatre Arts Repertory program is taking enrollment for its Fall Star Spooktacular, a Saturday morning acting for video workshop for youth. It is open for students 10 to 16, and runs Saturdays, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The dates are Oct. 1, 8, 15 and 22, with a taping for broadcast set for Oct. 29. The fee is $125 for the program and includes a free DVD of the show. Costume and mask materials fees are an additional $20. The class will take place at the Gavilan College TV studio.
The students will learn to act in front of a green screen and on TV cameras. They will create a Halloween-themed variety show for GavTv, and participate in El Teatro Campesino’s Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration in San Juan Bautista.
For more information, visit www.gavilan.edu/star or call 408-612-2057.
Retired Teachers meeting
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County chapter of California Retired Teachers will hold its next regular business meeting Oct. 5, at 10:30 a.m., at the San Juan Oaks Golf Club. A buffet luncheon will follow the meeting. The guest speaker will be Sheriff Darren Thompson, who will speak on a variety of important issues.
Deadline approaches for countywide garage sale
HOLLISTER – A countywide garage sale is scheduled for Oct. 22, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Those interested in participating who would like their address included in promotional advertising for the event must complete an application by Oct. 7 with the San Benito County Integrated Waste Management Regional Agency. Participants will receive a list of tips for a successful garage sale, inventory sheets and a directory of reuse organizations who accept donations after the sale.
For more information or to get an application, call 636-4110.
Auditions for ‘The Nutcracker’ start
HOLLISTER – San Benito Dance Academy will host open auditions for the 2011 performance of ‘The Nutcracker.’ No experience is necessary to take part in the holiday tradition. Parts are available for boys and girls from ages 3 to adults. For more information, visit the studio at 101 McCray St., the website at www.sanbenitodanceacademy.com or call 801-8200.
HSD holds study session
HOLLISTER – The Hollister School District will be having study sessions to establish the district’s guiding principles, along with visiting the mission and vision statements. The second study session is open to the public and will be Sept. 24, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the district office, to discuss mission and vision statements, and board goals.
Informational meeting set for shelter volunteers
HOLLISTER – Residents interested in volunteering to cook meals at the Homeless Shelter when it opens for the season are invited to an informational meeting Sept. 24, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the shelter kitchen 3239 Southside Road. Groups or individuals can select the dates on which they would like to volunteer and find out more about the duties required.
The shelter is in need of donations as they prepare to open in September. The biggest needs are for toiletries such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap and shampoo, paper products such as toilet paper, paper towels and napkins, comforters, towels and socks. New or lightly used linens and clothing will be accepted.
For more information, call Cindy Parr, the Homeless Coalition executive director, at 801-9531.
Ladies Auxiliary meeting
HOLLISTER – The Ladies Auxiliary, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post No. 9242, meets 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.
St. Luke’s takes registration for after school program
HOLLISTER – St. Luke’s After School Academy is accepting registration. The program runs Monday through Thursday, from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. For more information, call 637-7570.
Agencies host Mills Act 101 workshop
HOLLISTER – City council members, planners, commissioners, staff, property owners, architects and designers are invited to attend a workshop on the Mills Act, state-sponsored legislation that grants local governments the authority to directly participate in a historic preservation program. The workshop is Sept. 29, from 1 to 4:30 p.m., at the Veterans Memorial Building. Registration is $75 for non members or $55 for California Preservation Foundation members or partner members.
The workshop will discuss how the act allows flexibility to design preservation programs to accommodate specific community needs and priorities for rehabilitating entire neighborhoods, encourage seismic safety programs, contribute to affordable housing, promote heritage tourism or foster pride of ownership.
The act is a self-directed, economic incentive program that is designed to provide private property owners the opportunity to actively participate in the restoration of their properties while receiving property tax relief.
For more information or to register for the workshop, visit www.californiapreservation.org or fax an application to 415-495-0265.
Ladies Auxiliary meeting
HOLLISTER – The Ladies Auxiliary, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post No. 9242, meets 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.
Tai Chi at the park
HOLLISTER – Elaine Frey will be offering Tai Chi at the Park at Dunne Park, on Tuesdays, from 6 to 7 p.m. and Thursdays from 9 to 10 a.m., starting Nov. 3. The gentle, low –impact exercise can improve physical and mental health. It helps people improve strength, flexibility, balance, ease of movement, better health. They will enjoy relaxation, calmness, joy and peace of mind. Learn and practice the movements outdoors.
For more information, call 637-8083 or e-mail ek******@ya***.com
Griefshare meetings start
HOLLISTER – GriefShare is a Christ-centered recovery and support group for those who are grieving the death of a loved one. The group meets at Calvary Chapel Hollister at 320 Fourth St. each Thursday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. beginning Sept. 8.
GriefShare features 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 Greg Harvey at 207-6560.
YMCA sports seasons start
HOLLISTER – The YMCA is taking registration for a variety of sports, for children ages 2.5 up to fourth grade. Preschool soccer has two seasons, Saturdays from Sept. 17 to Oct. 22, or Nov. 5, 12, 19 and December 3, 10 and 17. Children from ages 2.5 to 5 are eligible for the season, which meets at Dunne Park. Kids 2.5 to 3.5 play from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., while kids 4 to 5 play from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. The fee is $45 per season.
The kindergarten through second-grade soccer league and the third and fourth-grade soccer league run Sept. 19-Oct. 29. Practice is once a week after school at the home school site, with tournament games held on the third and sixth week of the season. Schools include Calaveras, Cerra Vista, Gabilan Hills, Ladd Lane, R.O. Hardin, San Juan Bautista and Sunnyslope. The fee is $50 per person. Parent volunteers and coaches are needed.
Students in grades third through eighth can register for roller hockey. The season is Sept. 24 through Nov. 5, with games on Saturdays. The cost is $80 to register for the YMCA, plus $80 for the program. The fee includes a jersey. Participants must provide inline skates, a hockey stick, a helmet, elbow, knee and shin guards.
For more information or to register for any of the programs, call 637-8600 or e-mail Kristie Agan at ka***@ym**************.org.
SBHS hosts college fair
HOLLISTER – San Benito High School will host a college fair Sept. 20, from 5 to 7 p.m., in Mattson Gym, 1220 Monterey St. Students in grades eighth through 12th, and their parents, are invited to attend the free college fair.
The fair will include more than 50 educational institutions including community colleges, CSUs, UCs, military academies, private or independent and public colleges and universities. The fair is sponsored by San Benito High School and South County Cal-SOAP.
For more information, call Sonja Romero at 637-5831, ext. 185 or e-mail sr*****@sb***.us.
Vendors needed for Rancho-Maze band boutique
HOLLISTER – The Rancho-Maze Band will be hosting a craft and vendor boutique Nov. 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Rancho San Justo Middle School. The proceeds will benefit the band. The event will include direct sale and craft vendors, as well as drawings throughout the day.
Vendors can apply now. For more information, call Mary Chase at 809-5045 or e-mail ra*************@ya***.com.
Community blood drive
HOLLISTER – The American Red Cross will host a blood drive in Hollister Oct. 13, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1670 Cienega Road. Residents can donate at a local blood drive or at the Red Cross blood donation centers in San Jose at 2731 N. First St., or one of the four other centers in the bay area.
Individuals who are 17 years of age, meet height and weight requirements and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Donors can schedule an appointment by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org.
VFW to host Patriot Pen contest
HOLLISTER – Hollister VFW Post 9242 is accepting submissions to the 2011 Patriot Pen Essay Contest from students in grades sixth, seventh and eighth grade. Students in public or private schools, as well as those who are home-schooled are eligible to enter.
Rules and entry forms may be obtained at the County Office of Education, on Fifth Street or online at www.vfw.org. The deadline for submissions is Nov. 1.
This year’s theme is “Are You Proud Of Your country.” Any school that would like someone to come out to speak about the contest is welcome to contact Bob Burnham, the contest chairman, at 638-1703.
Applications available for Veterans parade
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Veterans Coalition is accepting applications for the 2011 Veterans Day Parade.
Applications can be picked up at the VFW Dugout, the American Legion or at the Veterans of Foreign Wars office, 649 San Benito St.
Applications can also be picked up at Hollister city hall, on Fifth Street. Those interested can also call 637-6015 or 638-6434 to leave a message with an address to have an application delivered.
YMCA after-school programs holding registration
HOLLISTER – YMCA after-school programs are accepting registration for programs at Cerra Vista, Ladd Lane, Gabilan Hills, San Juan School, Spring Grove and Sunnyslope Elementary schools. The hours vary by location.
The programs provide a safe and nurturing environment for children to learn the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Led by trained YMCA staff, the programs offer activities designed to help children build self confidence, self esteem and independence. Activities include homework help, athletics, arts and crafts and community service projects. Space is limited and registration is required.
For more information or to register, call Nicole Hartshorn at 637-8600 or e-mail nh********@ym**************.org.
Oriana Chorale to begin rehearsals
HOLLISTER – The Oriana Chorale, a Hollister community chorus, will begin fall rehearsals Aug. 29, at 7:15 p.m. at the Methodist Church. The Christmas concert, ‘Christmas Around the World,’ will be performed Dec. 6, 11 and 13. The group is directed by Bruce Olstad. For more information, visit www.orianachorale.org.
Farr accepts academy nominations
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Sam Farr will accept applications for nominations to the nation’s service academies operated by the Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine and Navy. For all service academies, except the Coast Guard, require applicants to be nominated by a federal official such as a U.S. representative, U.S. senator or the vice president.
Candidates must be at least 17 years old and not older than 23, as of July 1, 2012. They must reside in California’s 17th congressional district, be a U.S. citizen and must never have been married.
In order to be considered for a nomination, the following information is required:
A completed application form available online at www.farr.house.gov; a personal statement not to exceed 1,000 words; an official high school transcript; official SAT test scores (score file number is 4639); and three letters of recommendation not from relatives.
The deadline for those entering the academy in July 2012 is Nov. 1. All materials should be sent to: ATTN: Julian Chacon, 701 Ocean St., Rm. 318, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
For questions or more information, e-mail Chacon at ju***********@ma**.gov or call 429-1976.
Review property value online
HOLLISTER – Pursuant to California Revenue & Taxation Code section 621 new legislation effective Jan. 1; the San Benito County Board of Supervisors on May 24 approved the Assessor’s request (Resolution 2011-42) to provide assessed value notices to owners of real and personal property via the county website instead of mailing printed notices.
Beginning Sept. 1, property owners can review their value notices at www.cosb.us/government/assessor. Under links select Agency/Public Access; click Public Access; input your assessment number (assessor parcel number) or address; select assessment number and click on “View/Print Value Notice.”
Property owners without access to the county website can obtain a printed value notice at no charge by calling the Assessor’s Office at 636-4030, request in writing, e-mailing the office (sb*****@co**.us) or coming to the office at 440 Fifth St. Rm. 108, Hollister CA 95023 to pick up a notice.
Math talks start with school year
HOLLISTER – San Benito County has formed a math teachers’ circle, “San Benito Math Talks,” for the third year in a row. This year the focus is on eight mathematical practices of the common core standards. Teachers are invited to the group, which meets the first Tuesday of each month at the San Benito County office of Education, 460 Fifth St., in Hollister.
For more information, visit the San Benito County Math Talks page at http://mbamp.ucsc.edu or register at http://sanbenito.k12oms.org.
American Red Cross holds fundraiser
OAKLAND – The American Red Cross Northern California region will hold its first-ever fundraiser Oct. 22 at Lake Merritt in Oakland, the “Out for Blood 5K Fun Run/Walk.” The event is open to everyone and people of all skill level are encouraged to participate. Registration is $30, or $25 before Sept. 1. Participants will receive a race bib, a timing chip, an event t-shirt, a goodie bag and refreshments. Prize drawings will be held at the race conclusion. Registration closes Oct. 14 and day-of registration will not be accepted.
All proceeds will stay in Northern California to purchase a new mobile blood drive truck. The truck will be used to transport equipment necessary to hold blood drives at locations in the community.
For more information or to register, visit redcrossblood.org/northernca/5K.
CASA to host training session
HOLLISTER – CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates of San Benito County, is starting the next training session for child advocates. They are looking for community members who want to be a voice for an abused and neglected child. Contact Esther Curtice at the CASA office to sign up for the next training session or for additional information at 637-4992.
Cell phone collection
HOLLISTER – Community Solutions, a nonprofit that offers counseling for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, is collecting old or unused cell phones.
Community Solutions has partnered with Extreme Wireless to collect cell phones in the community. Stop by an Extreme Wireless location in South San Jose, Morgan Hill, Gilroy or Hollister to hand over unused phones. Cell phones are also being collected at Community Solutions in Gilroy or Morgan Hill. Cell phone chargers and batteries are not necessary for drop off.
Money raised through the collection of cell phones will help provide services and daily necessities for the women and children who seek refuge at La Isla Pacifica shelter.
Community Solutions is the most comprehensive nonprofit human services agency in South Santa Clara County. The agency offers a broad spectrum of services for mental health, substance abuse, teen parenting, family dysfunction, sexual assault, juvenile delinquency, domestic violence, homelessness and youth development. Community Solutions works in partnership with community-based organizations, law enforcement, local schools, and county health and human service providers. For more information, visit www.communitysolutions.org or call 637-1094.
Assemblyman Alejo has satellite office hours
HOLLISTER – Assemblyman Luis Alejo and his staff will hold satellite office hours every Tuesday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., in Hollister. The time is available for residents who need assistance in dealing with government agencies, accessing government services, as well as those seeking information on specific legislation or the legislative process. The staff members can also arrange for Capitol tours.
Satellite hours are held in Watsonville every Wednesday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 275 Main St., Ste. 104, and in Salinas, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 100 West Alisal St., Ste. 134.
For more information, call the Hollister office at 638-3228.
Al-anon meetings
HOLLISTER – Al-anon meets Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Mars Hill Coffeehouse, 610 San Benito St.
Vet Center offers counseling services
HOLLISTER – The Santa Cruz County Vet Center, from Capitola, will offer one-to-one counseling services to all combat veterans experiencing readjustment issues or psychosocial problems, as well as veterans suffering from past military sexual trauma. Any combat veteran who is filing a claim for post-traumatic stress disorder will be able to obtain free, confidential evaluation and counseling the first and third Monday of each month, at the Veterans Memorial Building, 649 San Benito St., in Hollister.
The counselor assigned to the building is Carolyn Carpenter, MSW, LCSW. Call 464-4575 or 650-444-7381 to schedule an appointment.
Adult literacy tutors needed
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Free Library is seeking volunteer tutors for its adult literacy program. The goal of the program is to reduce illiteracy within the county, raise education levels through instruction, teach the importance of reading to children and help local families or individuals become lifelong readers.
The program offers free tutoring to any resident of San Benito County. Learners meet weekly with trained volunteer tutors, for personalized one-on-one instruction and assignments. Tutors will be trained in supporting adults as they improve their reading and writing skills. Volunteers should have knowledge of basic English spelling and grammar, must be 18 years of age, and willing to commit to at least 1.5 hours a week for six months.
For more information, call Wendy Kay or Rosa Garcia at 636-4107, ext. 20, or e-mail wk**@li*.us or rg*****@li*.us.
Singles dinner group meets
HOLLISTER – There is a singles dinner for individuals 55 and older, every third Saturday of each month. The group enjoys dine arounds at area restaurants, and they also do potluck dinners at member’s homes. It is a nice way to meet and socialize with other singles. For more information, contact Sandi Gowers at sg*****@sb*******.net.
AARP Driver Safety program
HOLLISTER – The AARP Driver Safety Program is a refresher course for drivers who are age 50 and senior. AARP membership is not required. This course may be taken online at www.aarp.org or in the classroom. The initial classroom version is an eight-hour course, which is normally taught in two four-hour sessions, and then a renewal class that is four hours long can be taken every three years.
All graduates receive a certificate that may entitle them to a reduction in their California auto insurance. The course covers age-related physical changes, declining perceptual skills and rules of the road. The classroom tuition is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non members. The online course may be taken in segments over a month or so and costs $15.95 for AARP members and $19.95 for non-members.
For a list of classes scheduled in nearby towns, visit www.aarp.org.
HDA seeks volunteers
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Downtown Association is looking for civic-minded groups to help with watering the hanging planters on San Benito Street. Weekday and weekend time slots are available. Equipment and training will be provided.
For more information, call Brenda Weatherly at 636-8406.
Friends of the Library change meeting time
HOLLISTER – The Friends of the San Benito County Free Library has changed its monthly meetings to the fourth Monday of each month, at 5:30 p.m., at the library, 470 Fifth St., in Hollister.
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.
For more information or to find out about volunteering, call the Red Cross office at 636-2100 or volunteer Howard at 297-3696.
Kinship Center memberships available
HOLLISTER – Kinship Center Gabilan Chapter of San Benito County is accepting associate or family members. Associate memberships are $25 and family memberships are $100. Kinship Center’s mission is to help every child have a safe, loving family that will be there for a lifetime. Kinship Center helps place infants, children and teens who have been removed from their homes due to severe abuse, neglect or abandonment. Their goal is to place kids with adoptive families so they won’t have to spend time in foster care.
This year, Kinship hosted a May Open House, where guests got a personal look at the extreme needs in San Benito County and how Kinship helps traumatized children. They also added an educational component to the annual Wine and Food Tasting, at Paicines Ranch. Kids’ photos and stories decorated tables throughout the event.
Associate members can also purchase merchandise, such as a cookbook, totes, aprons and throw blankets.
For more information on supporting Kinship Center, call 634-0238 or visit 719 San Benito St., Suite A, in Hollister.
Bertuccio’s Market supports sports
HOLLISTER – Bertuccio’s Market has selected two days a week when the owners will donate 10 percent of the purchase price to local sports. Customers can come in on Sundays and mention the Balers to donate a portion of their purchase to the athletic fund at San Benito High School. Those who come in on Wednesday can mention Pop Warner Football and Cheer to donate 10 percent of the purchase.
Students of the Constitution
HOLLISTER – Students of the Constitution is a monthly series that introduces people to the United States Constitution and other historic documents. It will be held the third Wednesday of the month at 8 p.m., at The Vault Restaurant. The event is free and open to anyone interested in attending. For more information, call 537-3611.
Pinnacle Quilters meets
HOLLISTER – The Pinnacle Quilters of San Benito County meets monthly in San Juan Bautista on the third Tuesday of the month in the San Juan Community Center, 10 San Jose St. A visitor fee of $5 is charged.
Masonic family group meeting
HOLLISTER – Athena Chapter No. 46 Order of the Eastern Star meets the first Wednesday of every month at 8 p.m. at the Masonic Building, corner of Fourth and San Benito streets in Hollister. For more information, call Sue Bishop at 637-3554.
The San Benito Lodge No. 211 meets the second Wednesday of every month at the Masonic building at 8 p.m. For more information, call Steve Carpenter at 637-9082.
Probation department seeks mentors
HOLLISTER – The probation department is seeking community members who are interested in becoming a mentor for a six-month to one-year period working with juveniles on probation. The program is a voluntary program for the students and requires a one-hour to three-hour commitment each month. Both male and female mentors are needed, as well as community members with a variety of career backgrounds.
Those interested in becoming a mentor are encouraged to fill out an application. After that, the potential mentors will go through an interview with Richard Vasquez and the fingerprinting process before they are paired with a student.
To find out more, call Vasquez at 636-4070 or e-mail yl***@co**.us.
Minimum qualifications for mentors:
– Be at least 21 years of age
– Not have been convicted of a felony or places on deferred adjudication for a felony offense within 10 years, not currently be on felony probation or parole and never have been convicted of a sex offense or be registered as a sex offender
– Possess a valid driver’s license or other form of valid identification
– Have reliable transportation and proof of liability insurance
– Possess a reasonably flexible schedule with the ability to maintain a long-term, one-on-one commitment
– Possess and be able to relate experiences which will enhance the mentoring relationship.
Veterans Medical Team to visit
HOLLISTER – The Veterans Administration Medical Team, from Palo Alto, will be having an outreach program for all Veterans on the first Tuesday of each month at the Veterans Memorial Building, 649 San Benito St., from 1 to 5 p.m. The team will have doctors and nurses to address medical and mental issues as well as a Veteran Service Officer, who will process claims.
For more information, call 637-4846.
Co-Dependents Anonymous meets
HOLLISTER – A Co-Dependents Anonymous group meets Saturdays, from 10 to 11:15 a.m. at Mars Hill, in the conference room, 610 San Benito St. Co-Dependents Anonymous is a 12-step fellowship of men and women whose common purpose is recovery from codependence and the development and maintenance of healthy relationships. The group can help those experiencing denial, low self esteem, control issues (the lack or over use with yourself and others), or compliance issues.
Parkinson’s caregiver support group sets meetings for 2011
HOLLISTER – Family or friends who are caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s or other movement disorders, 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 meetings will be held in the new building, in front next to the parking lot. The remaining scheduled meetings are Aug. 2, Oct. 4, Nov. 1 and Dec. 6. There will be no meeting in July or September.
Speakers and refreshments will be served at every meeting.
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.
Blue Star Moms meet monthly
HOLLISTER – The Hollister city group of the South Bay Blue Star Moms meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. Those interested or who would like more information, should call Karol Burke at 801-6935, e-mail so***************@at*.net or visit www.southbaybluestarmoms.org.
Library book sale
HOLLISTER – The Friends of the Library Saturday book sales are held in the book shed behind the library and the Historical Society, 470 Fifth St. from 9 a.m. to noon every Saturday. 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 are 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 Ruth Erickson at 637-0987.
Seeking space for library
HOLLISTER – Residents are seeking a small, rent-free place to hold a free library and share Catholic books. Anyone with a space may contact Mario Corota at 636-5290.
Hollister Lions Club meets
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Lions Club holds its meeting at the Dunne Park Clubhouse on the second and fourth Thursday of every month.
For more information, call Sharon McCarthy at 630-0125.
Seniors needed for volunteer opportunities
HOLLISTER – The Monterey Bay Retired Senior Volunteer Program is looking for people 55 and older who would like to give back to their community by volunteering with one of the many nonprofits in San Benito County. RSVP provides a 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.
Low-cost helmets available to local kids
HOLLISTER – The Child Injury Prevention Coalition, in partnership with the San Benito County Public Health Department is 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.
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.
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.
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.
