Foundation launches ‘Friends’ campaign
HOLLISTER
– The Community Foundation for San Benito County is launching
its Friends of the Community Foundation fundraising drive today.
Adults can become a friend by donating $35 and children under 18
can be become a friend with a donation of $5.
The money donated is used to fund a variety of programs each
year through grants for arts and culture, education and youth,
health and social services, agriculture and environment, community
enhancement and economic development. Friends will receive an
annual newsletter and an invitation to a special yearly event.
Some of the agencies to receive grants form the Community
Foundation in recent years include Oriana Chorale, Fishes and Loves
food pantry, the Hollister Youth Alliance, Community Food Bank and
the San Benito County Heritage Foundation, among others.
The Community Foundation also administers scholarship funds,
unrestricted endowments and donor-advised endowments.
For more information, visit www.cffsbc.org, stop by 829 San
Benito St., Ste. 200, in Hollister or call 630-1924.
Foundation launches ‘Friends’ campaign
HOLLISTER – The Community Foundation for San Benito County is launching its Friends of the Community Foundation fundraising drive today. Adults can become a friend by donating $35 and children under 18 can be become a friend with a donation of $5.
The money donated is used to fund a variety of programs each year through grants for arts and culture, education and youth, health and social services, agriculture and environment, community enhancement and economic development. Friends will receive an annual newsletter and an invitation to a special yearly event.
Some of the agencies to receive grants form the Community Foundation in recent years include Oriana Chorale, Fishes and Loves food pantry, the Hollister Youth Alliance, Community Food Bank and the San Benito County Heritage Foundation, among others.
The Community Foundation also administers scholarship funds, unrestricted endowments and donor-advised endowments.
For more information, visit www.cffsbc.org, stop by 829 San Benito St., Ste. 200, in Hollister or call 630-1924.
Hollister Little League tryouts
HOLLISTER – Tryouts for Hollister Little League will be held between 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, at Veteran’s Memorial Park. Tryouts for Junior League (13-14-year-olds) will be held between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. This will be the only tryout for that division. For more information, go to www.eteamz.com/hollister or call the league information hotline at 831-644-8185.
Auditions for Willy Wonka
HOLLISTER – San Benito Stage Company is holding auditions for its 2010 children’s production of “Willy Wonka Jr.” Auditions will be held at the United Methodist Church MPR, at 521 Monterey St., in Hollister Feb. 5, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Feb. 6, from 10 a.m. to noon and 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The auditions are open to children ages 8 through 8th grade. Children should come ready to dance and sing. Bring sheet music or a music-only CD. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
For more information, visit www.sanbenitostage.org or call 636-0122.
ARC offers classes in Hollister
HOLLISTER – The American Red Cross Hollister Service Center is now conducting CPR and First Aid classes. Classes through February are available for registration.
For more information, on enrolling in the classes or for the full schedule and registration, visit www.arcmontereybay.org or call 636-2100. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 357 Fifth St.
H1N1 flu clinic set
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Health and Human Services Agency Public Health Services will host an H1N1 flu clinic Jan. 27, from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Building in Hollister. The clinic is open to children ages six months up to adult seniors, and the Public Health staff estimated they will have up to 3,000 doses of the H1N1 vaccine to give out.
People with chronic illnesses are encouraged to get the vaccine. Some of the illnesses include asthma, neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions, chronic lung disease, heart disease, blood disorders, diabetes, kidney disorders, liver disorders, metabolic disorders, weakened immune systems due to disease or medication or people younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy.
H1N1 vaccinations are also available from local physicians and by appointment at the Public Health clinics Wednesdays from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call 637-5367.
Pet Photo Day
MORGAN HILL – The Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center will be hosting its Pet Photo Days Jan. 29-31, with professional award-winning photographer Peg Jackson. Photos are available for any animal from calicos to collies to canaries and chameleons. There is a separate day set aside for large animals such as horses, goats, cows or others.
Photo sessions are available by appointment Friday, Jan. 29, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 30, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, Jan. 21, from noon to 4 p.m., at the Granary, 17500 Depot St., in Morgan Hill. Photos are a $50 donation for a 5×7 photo (cash or check only). The donation benefits the orphaned, sick and injured animals that need WERC’s rehabilitative services each year.
To make an appointment, call Ava Geddes at 408-778-7539 or e-mail ag*****@me****.gov.
Leadership luncheon
HOLLISTER – Leadership San Benito County will be hosting a luncheon Friday, Jan. 22, at San Juan Oaks, at 11:30 a.m. The special guest will be Emmet D. Carson, CEO of Silicon Valley Community Foundation.
For more information, call Starr Wolf at 408-594-3464.
Clean air art contest
MONTEREY – The Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District is inviting students in first through eighth grade in Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties to participate in its 12th annual Clean Air Month Calendar Art Contest.
The theme this year is “Let’s Clear the Air.” Students can show how their families can improve air quality through biking, walking, carpooling, riding the bus, telecommuting or other ideas. The deadline to submit posters is March 19, 2010.
The contest will commemorate Clean Air Month at an awards ceremony May 19, at the Air District’s board meeting, where 13 award recipients will be announced. In addition, the artwork will be featured in a 2010 calendar.
Please submut artwork to the Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District, 24580 Silver Cloud Court, Monterey, CA 93940.
BLM announces appointments to advisory council
HOLLISTER – Three members of the Bureau of Land Management Central California Resource Advisory Council have been reappointed to new three-year terms by Interior Secretary Ken Salazar.
Paul McFarland and Lee Vining will represent the national/regional groups, while Marshal Leigh Marymor, of Point Richmond, and Walt Pachucki, of Bishop, will represent the public at large.
The BLM’s resource advisory councils help ensure that the management of public lands and resources are guided by a wide range of perspectives and by the input of citizens and local communities.
“I welcome our new RAC members and commend them for their service on behalf of America’s public lands,” Salazar said, in a press release. “Their input and recommendations will help us restore our treasured landscapes and ensure that we are harnessing the benefits of these lands in a balanced way.
The Central California RAC is one of 24 advisory councils in the United States, and works closely with mangers of BLM offices in Mother Lode, Bishop, Hollister and Bakersfield. The next meeting is scheduled for April 16 and 17.
Brain health workshop
HOLLISTER – The Philanthropic Educational Organization Chapter WX of Hollister, is hosting a workshop titled, “How Important Is a Healthy” brain Jan. 30, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the First Presbyterian Church facility hall, 2066 San Benito St., in Hollister.
The workshop on brain health will cover such topics as Alzheimer’s, dementia, autism, attention deficit disorder, alcoholism, depression and other brain traumas. The guest speaker will be William Klindt, a child and adolescent psychiatrist and founder of Brain Spect Imaging in San Jose. Local educations, physicians and those in health-related fields are encouraged to attend.
Admission is $15 per person, or $25 for two people. The funds will be used by the Philanthropic Educational Organization for its annual high school scholarships.
For reservations or more information about P.E.O., call Kathy Kogle at 637-6307 or by e-mail at kg*****@ch*****.net, or Bonnie at 635-9218 or bo****************@ya***.com.
WERC volunteers needed
MORGAN HILL – The Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center in Morgan Hill is accepting applications for volunteers who care about wildlife and who are available to work during the morning, one day a week. Duties include cleaning, feeding, and caring for injured, orphaned or sick native wildlife. All volunteers are required to be at least 16 years old. Volunteers at our site work a 3-4 hour shift and are asked to make a three-month commitment.
WERC operates under permits issued by the California Department of Fish and Game, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
For more information, e-mail ed*******@we*****.org or go to our Web site at www.werc-ca.org.
Climbing advisories in effect
HOLLISTER – Annual measures to protect nesting raptors of Pinnacles National Monument were reinstated as of Jan. 14, according to Park Superintendent Eric Brunnemann.
Last year 10 pairs of prairie falcons produced a total of 37 fledglings. Additionally, the monument had successful nesting by Peregrine falcons, American kestrels, red-tailed hawks, red-shouldered hawks, Cooper’s hawks, Sharp-shinned Hawks and Golden Eagles. Park researchers will continue to monitor raptors to better understand these interesting and beautiful birds. “We ask you to refrain from any off-trail hiking and climbing in sensitive areas which include the High Peaks, the Balconies Cliffs area, Machete Ridge, Citadel, Goat Rock, Little Pinnacles, Pipsqueak Pinnacles, Gargoyle/Piedras Bonitas, Frog/Hand, Egg Rock/Teapot Dome, and the Scout Peak area,” said Brunnemann. “Without your cooperation in avoiding the advisory areas, this program could not be the success that it is,” continued Brunnemann.
The specific locations of these sensitive areas are posted on information boards at trailheads, at the visitor centers, on the web at www.nps.gov/pinn or by calling 389-4485.
For more information regarding the monument’s raptor monitoring program, please call the office of Research and Resource Management at 389-4486 extension 270.
Poster contest for Student Film Fest
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Arts Council is seeking submission for its 2010 Student Film Festival poster contest. Students in sixth grade through community college can enter an original piece of artwork. Students can use pen, ink or paint mediums. The artwork should be scanned and e-mailed using jpg or pdf formats, of dpi 320 or higher. Poster contest submissions are due Feb. 1 by e-mail to in**@sa***********.org. The poster contest winner will be honored at the film festival May 29 with a special prize.
Workshops are scheduled in January, February and March to offer students a chance to learn more about the filmmaking process. A scriptwriting workshop is scheduled Jan. 22, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Blak Sage Gallery, 727 San Benito St., in Hollister. It will help students prepare their video projects for shooting, with an emphasis on pre-production, writing the script, choosing a location and determining production needs. The evening will server as an orientation for those interested in the film festival.
On Feb. 12, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Blak Sage Gallery, a workshop on Claymation and Anaimation will be held for students interested in learning the iStopMotion program, basic storyboarding, lighting and more.
A March 11 workshop scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., will focus on camera technique and editing where students can learn about using high-definition cameras, tripods, accessories and sound. Films created in the workshops are eligible to be entered in the film festival.
For more information on the film festival, call the Arts Council at 636-2787. For more information on the workshops, call 408-846-4983 or visit www.cmap.tv. The Student Film Festival is sponsored by the San Benito Arts Council and Community Media Access Partnership.
House watch program
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Sheriff’s Office is offering a House Watch Program for county residents who are going on vacation or going out of the area for any length of time.
“With the holiday season upon us, I would like to take this opportunity to remind the residents of San Benito County of this service,” said Undersheriff Patrick Turturici, in a press release.
To participate in the program, residents can fill out a House Watch information form on the Sheriff’s Office Web site and fax to 636-1416 or mail the form to the Sheriff’s Office at 451 Fourth St., Hollister, CA 95023.
For more information, call 636-4080 or visit www.sbcsheriff.org.
A Taste of Spain
HOLLISTER – DeRose Winery will be hosting ‘A Taste of Spain’ wine tasting Feb. 13, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., 9970 Cienega Road, in Hollister.
The cost is $20 per person. Wine club members and guests are welcome. The event will include a wide selection of Spanish wines, cheeses, meats and homemade paella.
For more information, or to RSVP, call 636-9143 or e-mail in**@de********.com.
Kick-off party 2010
HOLLISTER – A Kick-Off Party will be held Jan. 31, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at 845 Heatherwood Estates Drive, in Hollister, for some candidates for California offices. Speakers will include Chuck DeVore, a candidate for U.S. Sentate, Allen Barker, a candidate for the 28th state Assembly, and Diane Lenning, a candidate for state superintendent of public instruction. Tickets are $35 a person or $70 a couple. Finger food and drinks available.
To learn more about the event, sponsored by Friends to Elect California Conservatives in 2010, e-mail Cr************@ho*****.com or ro**********************@gm***.com
Si, Se Puede seeks activity leaders
HOLLISTER – The Si, Se Puede! Learning Centers of Hollister and Gilroy are seeking reliable and self-starting college students to work with at-risk youth, between the ages of 5-13, as a Resident Activity Leader (RAL). The RAL will work with the site staff in implementing the after-school and summer program and assist youth with their homework, reading and subject learning center activities.
The Si, Se Puede! Learning Center offers after-school services to youth in grades K-5 and is located on a Housing and Urban Development (HUD), affordable housing complex. The Center operates under the National Farm Workers Service Center, a non-profit established by Cesar Chavez & Dolores Huerta in 1966.
Position requirements: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, US citizen or legal resident, have interest in helping a low-income community establish new programs to help children, and able to commit to 6 months of service. Benefits include: ultimate learning and work experience, monthly living allowance of $2,500 for six months (12 hours/week) or $3,750 for six months (18 hours/week) and an end of service education award of $1,000 (12 hours/week) or $1,250 (18 hours/week). The position will begin in March 2010. For more information on positions in Hollister, contact Charles Miller at nf************@gm***.com or 637-9097 or for Gilroy, contact Jacqueline and Maggie at nf*********@gm***.com or 408-847-9162.
Baler Education Foundation accepts nominations
HOLLISTER – The Baler Education Foundation is accepting nominations for the 2010 San Benito High School Hall of Fame, to be held March 27. For a nomination form or more information, call Kenneth Kovanda at 801-0092 or e-mail kw****@ya***.com.
Homeless shelter needs donations
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Homeless Shelter is in need of donations of warm blankets and paper products such as dinner plates, hot/cold cups, napkins, paper towels and personal-size toiletries.
This interested in helping out can call Kathy Hough at 801-0265 or Cilly Fisher at 637-6357.
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.
Oakwood open house
MORGAN HILL – Oakwood, a nonprofit, nonsectarian private school in Morgan Hill, will be hosting an open house for its Pre-K to 12th grade classes Jan. 30 from 10 a.m. to noon. The school offers small class sizes and a challenging academic curriculum. Faculty and parents of enrolled students will be on site to answer questions.
The school offers scholarships, sibling discounts, tuition assistance and transfer assistance.
For more information, visit www.oakwoodweb.org or call 408-782-7177.
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.
Community Solutions Women’s Support Group
MORGAN HILL – Community Solutions for children, families and individuals, Inc. will begin a six-week Women’s Support Group in English and Spanish for women who are survivors of domestic violence. Groups will begin Jan. 12.
For more information, contact Saozinha Restorick at 408-776-6208.
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 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.
GriefShare meetings continue
HOLLISTER – GriefShare, a Christ-centered recovery and support group for those who are grieving a love one meets 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.
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.
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 $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
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 (there will be no meeting in January.) 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.
