Census training workshop
HOLLISTER
– A Census 2010
”
Train-the-Trainer Workshop
”
will be held at the Veterans Memorial Building, Room 218, Feb.
4, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., 649 San Benito St., in
Hollister.
To register, visit http://hagasecontar.yaeshora.info/eventos/.
For more information, contact Lydia Zendejas at 207-0865 or by
email at lz*******@na***.org.
Census training workshop
HOLLISTER – A Census 2010 “Train-the-Trainer Workshop” will be held at the Veterans Memorial Building, Room 218, Feb. 4, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., 649 San Benito St., in Hollister.
To register, visit http://hagasecontar.yaeshora.info/eventos/. For more information, contact Lydia Zendejas at 207-0865 or by email at lz*******@na***.org.
Applications available for artist in residence program
PINNACLES – Pinnacles National Monument staff is now accepting applications for the spring 2010 Artist Residency. The residency period is from April 5 to 18, 2010, with lodging provided on the east side of the park. Applications must be postmarked by Feb. 19 to be eligible for this spring residency.
The Artist in Residence program is open to all 2-D and 3-D visual artists and photographers. The artist typically produces a few pieces of original work, depending on the medium, and agrees to donate at least one finished piece to the park. Artists also interact with the public, often leading talks about their passion for art and their experience at the park.
Pinnacles launched the Artist in Residence program in the fall of 2008 as part of the Centennial Celebration, and this is the fourth residency. This program immerses artists in the serenity and tranquility of a park wilderness setting. Far away from the lights, sounds and distractions of city life, artists can find inspiration in the solitude and the surroundings of the park.
Interested artists can find more information at www.nps.gov/pinn or by calling Tammi Skalitzky at 389-4486 x243 or e-mailing ta*************@np*.gov.
Hospital scholarship applications available
HOLLISTER – Applications for the 2010 Hazel Hawkins Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship Awards are now available. Each year the Auxiliary awards scholarships to students who are pursuing a medical or medically oriented career. The total amount awarded to each recipient will be at the discretion of the Scholarship Committee.
Auxiliary members put in thousands of hours throughout the year running a thrift shop, the hospital gift shop and organizing their annual craft and antique faire in order to fund scholarships and purchase equipment for Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital.
To be eligible to apply for a scholarship you must:
– Be a high school graduate (or equivalent)
– Be a resident of San Benito County for a minimum of one continuous year
– Be enrolled in a health-related course of study at an accredited institution.
The deadline to apply is April 16.
A complete list of eligibility rules and application packets are available at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital Lobby, San Benito High School, Gavilan College, on the hospital Web site at www.hazelhawkins.com or by contacting Frankie Arballo in the HHH Public Relations office at 636-2644 for additional information.
Tax help starts
HOLLISTER – The American Association of Retired Persons Tax-Aide program offers free personal tax counseling and preparation assitance to all taxpayers with middle and low income, with special attention to those 60 and older. Starting Feb. 12, Mondays through Fridays, through April 13, volunteers will be at the Hollister Community Center, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., to offer help. Appointments are required and residents are asked to bring their tax package they receive in the mail, last year’s return, and all relevant information on income and expense. Volunteer counselors are not trained to assist in preparing tax returns that report business, rental or partnership income.
For more information, or to make an appointment, call Irma at 630-0642.
Sacred Heart open house
HOLLISTER – Sacred Heart Parish School will hold an open house for all parents interested in applying for their children in the Fall 2010 for grades preschool through 8th.
The open house days are Jan. 31 at 2:30 p.m., Feb. 4 at 10:30 a.m. and Feb. 10 at 6 p.m.
Sacred Heart Parish School in the Diocese of Monterey, mindful of its primary mission to be a witness to the love of Christ for all, admits students of any race, color, national and/or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, andactivities generally accorded or made available to the students at the school.
For more information, call 637-4157 or go to www.sacredheartschool.org.
HSD superintendent search
HOLLISTER – The Hollister School District is beginning its search for a new district superintendent to replace retiring Superintendent Ronald Crates. As part of the search process, the Board of Trustees is inviting the community to attend a public forum on Tuesday, Feb. 2 at 6 p.m. at the district office, 2690 Cienega Road.
The forum will provide the community a chance to tell trustees the qualities that community members seek in a school superintendent. Input from the forum will be used as part of the superintendent selection process.
YMCA holds camp during winter break
HOLLISTER – The YMCA of San Benito County will be holding a President’s Camp Feb. 15-19 at the YMCA Afterschool Portable at Sunnyslope School. Hours will be from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The fee for this program is $149 for the week. Activities will include walking field trips, recreation, arts and crafts, guest speakers and more. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify.
For more information and registration visit the YMCA of San Benito, 339 Fifth St. Hollister, call 637-8600 or visit www.centralcoastymca.org.
Census Bureau hiring in South County
TRES PINOS – The U.S. Census Bureau is kicking off their 2010 census and looking for individuals interested in employment with good pay, flexible hours and paid training.
Test sessions are now being held, with more now being scheduled in San Benito. Recruiters are securing sites and setting up dates for rural San Benito County as well, with testing sites to include Immaculate Conception Church in Tres Pinos, Jefferson School in Paicines and Bitterwater Tully School in the Paicines / Bitterwater area.
Call 866-861-2010 or 831-998-9670 for more information.
Treasurer’s Office revamps Web site
SACRAMENTO – The State Treasurer’s Office (STO) has revamped its Web site homepage and created a Twitter account to help better inform the public, the media and bond investors.
The reorganized homepage makes it easier to find information about California’s bond finance program, including the status of voter approved GO bonds and the state’s credit ratings. It highlights current State budget and cash flow data. Additionally, the homepage now provides more direct access to entities chaired by the Treasurer that finance economic development, health care, housing, environmental protection and other programs. And it more prominently features Buy California Bonds – the state’s pioneering retail bond sale program. Visit www.treasurer.ca.gov to see the changes.
The STO Communications Office is also now on Twitter at http://twitter.com/stonewsroom.
Women’s Street Survival Seminar
HOLLISTER – CrossFit Hollister is offering a Women’s Survival Seminar on personal awareness and self-defense.
There will be a combination of lecture, group discussion, activities, demonstration and hands-on scenarios. The focus of the class is to increase awareness and reduce the risk of victimization. Women of all ages are welcome. The cost is $55, and the seminar will be held at CrossFit Hollister, 1803 Shelton Dr., 104, from 9 a.m. to 4p.m.
For more information, visit www.crossfithollister.com or call Ely and Beth Albalos at 637-3032.
Bloodmobile donation options to expand locally
SAN JOSE – The American Red Cross will debut a bloodmobile in the South Bay at a blood drive at Hitachi Chemical Diagnostics in Mountain View Jan. 27. The self-contained mobile unit will expand donation options in Santa Clara and San Benito counties, making it more convenient for donors in the South Bay to give blood.
“Having a bloodmobile in the South Bay will help us increase our commitment to meeting local health care needs,” said Jay Winkenbach, American Red Cross Northern California Blood Services Region chief executive officer. “Our growth in the South Bay is a reflection of our commitment to ensuring that there is always a plentiful supply of blood and numerous opportunities for people to donate that are convenient.”
The addition of the South Bay mobile unit comes at a time when the Red Cross is anxiously seeking donors to meet an O-Negative blood shortage. Blood centers often experience shortages during the winter months due to a variety of circumstances that can keep regular donors from giving blood – including holiday trips, an increase in illnesses and inclement weather.
Winkenbach said the mobile unit will help increase the amount of blood collected by the Red Cross. At present, the Northern California Region must import blood from other Red Cross regions across the country in order to meet the needs of local patients in more than 30 hospitals.
The bloodmobile, previously based in Oakland, has been refurbished to ensure the maximum comfort for blood donors and staff while efficiently utilizing available space. It will allow the Red Cross to collect blood at locations where it was previously not possible to set up blood drives.
The Red Cross operates a blood donor center in San Jose (2731 N. First Street), and regularly holds mobile blood drives in various locations throughout the South Bay.
Find a donation location near you at RedCrossBlood.org or call 800-GIVE-LIFE (800-448-3543).
City/County Housing Expo
HOLLISTER – City and county officials are sponsoring a free, two-day housing expo designed to help stabilize the local economy and minimize the negative effects of residential vacancies and foreclosures.
Sponsored by the County Housing and Economic Development Division and the city’s Redevelopment Agency, the event will be held Feb. 25 and 26 at the Veteran’s Memorial Building, 649 San Benito St. in downtown Hollister.
Day 1 will focus on foreclosure prevention between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., while Day 2 will discuss opportunities for prospective homebuyers. Walk-ins are welcomed but RSVP’s are recommended.
For more information, contact Maria Mendez at 636-4316, ext. 10 or by e-mail at ma**********@ho*******.gov.
Foundation launches ‘Friends’ campaign
HOLLISTER – The Community Foundation for San Benito County is launching its Friends of the Community Foundation fundraising drive. 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.
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 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.
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 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 30, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, Jan. 31, 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.
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.
Submit artwork to the Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District, 24580 Silver Cloud Court, Monterey, CA 93940.
Red Barn run set for May
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA – The Red Barn Run is scheduled for May 23, at 10 a.m.at Windhaven Ranch in San Juan Bautista, to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The registration fee for the 5K is $38 and for the 10K is $43. Fees will increase May 1.
Registration cost entitles entrants to a souvenir T-shirt, a barbecue lunch and a free beer for participants 21 and over. Live music will be provided by The Local Groove, and participants can receive a complimentary leg massage. Awards will be given for first, second and third place in each divsion.
For more informaiton, to volunteer or to register visit www.redbarnrun.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 the 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 Fisha nd 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.
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 serve 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 accepting 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.
Oakwood open house
MORGAN HILL – Oakwood, a nonprofit, nonsectarian private school in Morgan Hill, will be hosting an opne 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.
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.
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 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.
