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.
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.
Baler Summer Nights event
HOLLISTER – Tickets are still on sale for San Benito High School’s Baler Backers athletic organization’s fourth annual Endless Summer Nights dinner event on Saturday at Bolado Park. The event, which runs from 6 p.m. to midnight, will feature hors d’oeuvres, no-host cocktails, a Block H raffle and silent auction, as well as a live performance by local band SoulKiss. Tickets are tax deductible and $50 per person, with all proceeds benefiting Baler athletics. For tickets, call Mary Breen at 831-902-7542 or visit the Student Activities Office at San Benito High School.
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.
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***********@********se.gov or call 429-1976.
Math sessions 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
Auditions start for teen musical
HOLLISTER – San Benito Stage Company will hold auditions for a teen musical on Aug. 19, from 7 to 9 p.m., and Aug. 20, from 9 to 11 a.m., at the Granada Theatre. The musical will be a 1960s- based hit. Kristy Burchard will produce, Kati Valdez will stage director, Becky Miser is the musical director and Janell Russell will choreograph.
Newcomers as well as returning performers are welcome.
For more information, call 636-0122 or 636-6810, or visit www.sanbenitostage.org.
Nominate a business, individual, or organization for a Gavilan College Community Spirit Award
HOLLISTER – Nominations are due Aug. 31 for the 2011 Gavilan College Community Spirit Awards. The Gavilan College Community Spirit Awards recognize contributions to the communities which form the Gavilan Joint Community College District. Each year, three sets of awards are presented, for the communities of Morgan Hill, Gilroy, and San Benito County. In each community an individual, a business, and a non-profit organization are selected for their history of service, their impact on the community, and the inspiration they provide to others. Anyone may submit a nomination for consideration. Nomination forms and a listing of past award-recipients are available online at http://www.gavilan.edu/pio/Community_Spirit_Awards.html. For more information, please call 408-848-4724 or email jb*******@*****an.edu.
Community blood drive
HOLLISTER – The American Red Cross will host a blood drive in Hollister Aug. 25, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1670 Cienega Road. Those who donate blood through Aug. 31 will receive a coupon for a pint of Baskin-Robbins ice cream as part of the “pint for a pint” promotion.
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.
Submit a pet photo to Animal Shelter Contest
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Animal Shelter is hosting the Summer Fun Pet Contest, with photos due by Aug. 29. Take a photo of a pet having fun in the sun, then mail or drop off a non-returnable copy with a completed entry form. Entry forms can be found online at www.hollister.ca.gov/Site/htmp/gov/office/summerfun.asp.
Winners will be featured in the September edition of “Animal Times” and on the shelter’s website.
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.
YMCA after-school programs take 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 fun and inspiring activities that will 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********@**************st.org.
Singles dinner group celebrates third anniversary
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*****@*******al.net.
Rehab road work continues south of Hollister
HOLLISTER – Caltrans will continue work on a four-mile stretch of Hwy. 25, from Willow Creek Bridge to just north of the San Benito River Bridge, in Hollister. The rehabilitation and overlay project will be completed from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and from 6:30 to 3 p.m., on Fridays.
Motorists will encounter one-way reversing traffic control with flaggers and minimal delays are anticipated. Roadwork is expected to be completed by the end of September.
The project is to relieve pavement distress and extend the service life of the section of the roadway. Granite Construction Company, of Watsonville, is the contractor for the $1.2 million project.
For traffic updates on other highway projects in San Benito, call 423-0396 or visit www.dot.ca.gov/dist05/projects/#sbt.
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.
Depression Recovery Program offers orientation
HOLLISTER – Orientation for an eight-week Depression Recovery Program will be Aug. 29, at 7 p.m., at 2121 Sunnyslope Road, in Hollister. Those interested are encouraged to attend the orientation so that the instructor knows how many books to order for the class and so that residents can get a sense of the program.
The program, created by Neil Nedley, will allow people to learn how to identify depression and its causes, improve emotional intelligence, enhance energy levels and mood, overcome depression through positive lifestyle choices, eat for optimal brain function, manage stress without distress, live above loss, improve brain function, defeat depression through right thinking and the achieve peak mental performance.
Classes begin September 12. For more information or to register, call 607-9549 or visit 2121 Sunnyslope Road, in Hollister.
Entries open for photo contest
SAN FRANCISCO – The California Coastal Commission and Thank you Ocean Campaign are taking entries for the 2011 California Ocean and Coastal Amateur Photography Contest. Entrants are encouraged to submit photos of the following subjects – the scenic coast and Pacific Ocean off California, People and the California Coast, California Ocean and coastal wildlife.
Plants and animals photographed should be native species in their natural setting. Photographs must be taken from a public place and should be in color. To avoid disturbance, photos or marine mammals must be taken from 50 yards away or more.
Online voters will pick a viewer’s choice winner while separate judge’s choice winners will be selected for first, second and third place. Winners will select from the following donated prizes: an overnight stay in Sonoma County with breakfast for two, courtesy of the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa, a one-night weekend stay in Orange County with valet parking courtesy of the Fairmont Newport Beach hotel, an overnight stay in San Jose, courtesy of the Fairmont San Jose, or a two-night stay in San Francisco, courtesy of the Fairmont Hotel San Francisco atop Nob Hill.
All entries must be submitted online by Sept. 2. Online voting must be completed by Sept. 16.
Amateur photographers are those who earn less than 50 percent of their income from photography. Entries can be posted at http://mycoastalphoto.com.
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.
Class of ’51 60th reunion
TRES PINOS – The San Benito High School class of 1951 will hold its 60th reunion on Aug. 27 at the San Benito County Historical Park in Tres Pinos. Organizers are trying to track down for the following classmates: Katherine Bailey, Joanne Faxon DeYoung, Dora Lierly Berdue, Judy Smyle Elliott, Charles White, Earl Woodard, Marie Aguilera, Bruce Carter, Roylee Clark Manzano, Evelyn Rhine, Juanita Rodriguez Alexander, Fannie Sanchez McDonald, Richard Souza and Dwight Yanez. Call 630-0166 if you can help.
Host an exchange student
HOLLISTER – The International Student Exchange Programs ASSE International is seeking local families to host male and female students, from 15 to 18 years, from a variety of countries. The students come to practice English and experience American culture. The students live with the families, experience household life. The students have their own pocket money for personal expenses and full health, accident and liability insurance.
For more information, call ASSE Western Regional Office at 1-800-733-2773.
Y seeks sponsors for charity golf tournament
HOLLISTER – The YMCA of San Benito County and Hollister Rotary Club are looking for sponsors for its 13th annual charity golf tournament, which will be Sept. 16, at San Juan Oaks Golf Club.
The sponsorship levels include:
$75, booster, program recognition
$150, tee sponsor, tee sign on hole and program recognition
$500, silver sponsor, name on sponsor banner, tee sign and program recognition
$1,000, gold sponsor, four dinner tickets, name on sponsor banner, tee sign and program recognition
$1,500, platinum sponsor, foursome, eight dinner tickets, name on sponsor banner, tee sign and program recognition.
For $130 per person, individuals can participate in the four-person scramble. The fee includes green fees, cart, range balls, lunch, dinner and awards. For $20, individuals can purchase a “mulli pack,” which includes mulligan, putting contest, prizes, on-course games and refreshments. Dinner only is $35 per guest.
Proceeds benefit the YMCA of San Benito County and the Hollister Rotary Club. For more information or to register, call 637-8600 or e-mail rc*****@**************st.org.
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**@******************ca.us or rg*****@******************ca.us.
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.
GriefShare meetings continue
HOLLISTER – GriefShare, a Christ-centered recovery and support group for those who are grieving a loved one will meet at the home of Greg and Tricia Harvey, 145 Vine St. The group will meet for 13 weeks, Thursdays from 7 to 8:30 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 Grace Bible Church at 638-1394 or Greg Harvey at 207-6560.
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***@**sb.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***************@*tt.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****@***************er.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.
Ladies Auxiliary meeting
HOLLISTER – The Ladies Auxiliary, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post No. 9242, meets the second Monday of the month to the second Saturday of the month. Meetings start at 2 p.m., Room 204, Veterans Building, 649 San Benito St.
For more information, call Dolly De Vasier at 637-1980.
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.
