Free income tax service available
HOLLISTER
– The AARP Tax-Aide program offers free personal tax counseling
and preparation assistance to taxpayers of low to middle income,
with special attention to those ages 60 and older. Beginning
February 11 through April 11, volunteers will be available every
Monday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. by appo
intment only to those who need help preparing their taxes.
Appointments will be held at the Hollister Community Center, 300
West St.
Participants should bring in all tax documents they receive in
the mail, last year’s tax return and all relevant information on
income and expenses. Volunteer counselors are not trained to assist
in preparing tax returns that report business, rental or
partnership income. For more information or to schedule an
appointment, call Irma at 630-0642.
Free income tax service available
HOLLISTER – The AARP Tax-Aide program offers free personal tax counseling and preparation assistance to taxpayers of low to middle income, with special attention to those ages 60 and older. Beginning February 11 through April 11, volunteers will be available every Monday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. by appointment only to those who need help preparing their taxes. Appointments will be held at the Hollister Community Center, 300 West St.
Participants should bring in all tax documents they receive in the mail, last year’s tax return and all relevant information on income and expenses. Volunteer counselors are not trained to assist in preparing tax returns that report business, rental or partnership income. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Irma at 630-0642.
Emergency drill at SBHS
HOLLISTER – San Benito High School will be conducting an emergency drill Feb. 14. As a result local residents and businesses may hear a loud siren sometime during school hours.
For more information, call Assistant Principal Antonio Vela at 637-5831, ext. 137.
Learn about the Constitution
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Tea Party is holding a series of DVD lectures entitled, “A Citizens Guide to American’s Founding Documents.” The next meeting is Feb. 16, at 8 p.m., at The Vault.
Caregiver’s Tool Kit
HOLLISTER – The Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center and Jovenes de Antano is sponsoring a series of workshops, Caregiver’s Tool Kit, for four Thursdays, Deb. 24, March 3, 10 and 17, from 10 a.m. to noon, at Jovenes de Antano, 300 West St., in Hollister. The class is free, but pre-registration is required. Respite funds may be available to attend the class.
The instructor Christina Andrade has a background in nursing and more than 20 years of experience in geriatric care. She has developed and taught classes on basic caregiver skills, behavior management, stress management and disease progression.
For more information or to register, call the Del Mar Caregiver Resource Center at 459-6639 or 1-800-624-8304.
Find property tax info
HOLLISTER – If filing the long form, property tax paid amounts are a part of the a list of deductions. Since property taxes run on a fiscal year basis, from July 1 to June 30, of the following year, there are two fiscal years that need to be taken into consideration.
The tax collector provides property tax information online. The website is cosb.us/view-tax-bill.
Log on and follow the instructions given. View or print the current and previous year’s tax information.
To access federal or state income tax forms, visit www.irs.org or www.californiafranchisetax.com.
Lunch with Leaders
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau’s Lunch with Leaders will be held Feb. 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at San Juan Oaks Golf Club. The guest speaker will be San Benito County Supervisor’s Chair Margie Barrios. The cost is $15 with reservation or $18 at the door.
Eagle Scout collects pet supplies
HOLLISTER – Boy Scout Alex Engelhardt and members of Troop 436 in Hollister will be collecting donations of dog and cat food, leashes, collars, cat litter and other pet items for his Eagle Scout project to benefit Pet Friends Shelter. The scouts will be out on Feb. 12, delivering collection flyers, and on Feb. 19, they will pick up the donated items. If you are not in the collection route, but would still like to donate items, please call Alex at 635-9674.
Fourth Annual Charming Chairs
HOLLLSTER – The Hollister Downtown Association is looking for artists who are interested in painting a char for the fourth annual Charming Chairs and Quilts Exhibit. Any kind of decorations are acceptable. The public will be invited to bid on 30 decorated chairs during an open house April 2, at the Blak Sage Gallery and then will be displayed at local businesses in downtown Hollister from April 4-15. Final bidding will take place at Blak Sage Gallery April 16. All proceeds benefit the Downtown Association.
For an application, call 636-8406.
Fruit Institute
HOLLISTER – The Central Coast counties Fruit Institute for apricot and cherry growers is Feb. 15, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Veterans Memorial Building, 649 San Benito St., in Hollister. Check in starts at 8:45 a.m., with a break at 10 a.m.
The speakers will discuss pesticide regulations, insects pests of apricots and cherries, management of spotted wing drosophila, limb dieback diseases of apricot and cherry trees and management of bloom and harvest diseases, and armillaria root rot (oak root fungus.)
Continuing education credit for two and half hours has been granted by the California Department of Pesticide Regulations.
For more information, call Bill Coates at 637-5346, fax 637-7111 or e-mail [email protected].
Retired Teachers meeting
HOLLISTER – The San Benito Chapter of California Retired Teaches will hold its next business meeting March 2, at 10:30 a.m., at the San Juan Oaks Country Club. Following the meeting, a buffet luncheon will be served. A guest speaker will address the group about opportunities to volunteer in the county.
Registration starts for middle school sports
HOLLISTER – The YMCA is taking registration for 6th, 7th and 8th grade girls flag football at Maze Middle School. The season begins Feb. 28 through March 31. Practices are after school, with games on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. The uniform is provided by the school and must be returned at the end of the season. Fee to participate is $75, with financial assistance available for some students. To be eligible students must have a grade point average of 2.0 and no Fs.
Registration is also open for 6th, 7th and 8th-grade boys wrestling at Maze Middle School. The season is Feb. 28 to March 31, with practice after school. Matches are Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. The uniform is provided by the school and must be returned at the end of the season. Fee to participate is $75, with financial assistance available.
Coaches are needed for both programs and the schools are still part of the Pajaro Valley Sports League.
To register or find out more about coaching, visit the YMCA of San Benito County at 351 Tres Pinos Road, Ste. A-201, call 637-8600 or visit www.centralcoastymca.org.
Survey on adult views of teen drinking
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Behavioral Health Services Substance Abuse Program staff have posted a survey online to gather information on how adults in the community view teen drinking.
The survey can be taken online at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CommunityAlcoholAdult.
For more information, call the Substance Abuse program at 636-4020.
Registration starts for YMCA break camps
HOLLISTER – The YMCA of San Benito County is taking registration for two upcoming camps, at Sunnyslope YMCA, from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekdays. The winter recess camp runs Feb. 21-25. The spring break camp is April 18-22. Registration is $145 a week. A daily rate is available, with limited space.
For more information, or to register, call 637-8600 or visit the YMCA office at 351 Tres Pinos Road, Ste. A-201.
Probation department seeks mentors
HOLLISTER – The probation department is seeking community members who are interested in becoming a mentor for a six-month to 1-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 moth. 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 [email protected].
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.
Anzar High School eighth-grade parent orientation
San Juan Bautista – Anzar High School staff will host an eighth-grade parent orientation that is open to all eighth-grade parents, Feb. 16, with tours at 6 p.m. and the orientation at 6:30 p.m., in Room 206. The program will include an overview of school programs (advisory programs, service learning, athletics and clubs, etc.), academic and behavioral expectations, Anzar college-prep curriculum and a sample of ninth-grade schedules. For more information, e-mail [email protected].
Seeking space for free 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.
CASA info session
HOLLISTER – Court Appointed Special Advocates, CASA of San Benito County is holding an informational session at Starbucks on Airline Highway (next to Nob Hill,) Feb. 16, at 6 p.m.
The nonprofit is looking for community members who would like to become volunteer child advocates. Be a voice for an abused and neglected child. Come and learn how to make a difference and support the community by actively making positive changes and making a difference.
To RSVP or for additional information, contact Esther at 637-4992.
Livestock best management practices workshop
HOLLISTER – The San Benito Resource Conservation District, in partnership with Ecology Action will present a series of workshops, “Livestock and Land.” The program will focus on land stewardship, best management practices, including pasture and paddock management, weed management, aerated manure composting, mud issues, site planning and how these issues affect livestock health. In addition to the presentations by area experts, attendees will also receive information about free local resources and how to apply for property improvement funding.
The three-week series continues Feb. 12. All workshops run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and costs $10 per family. The fee includes workshop materials and a light snack. Workshop scholarships are available.
Feb. 12: Livestock best management practices and site planning location to be determined.
The workshops are funded in part by the State Water Resources Control Board. For more information, call Kellie Guerra, the livestock program coordinator for the Resource Conservation District, at 637-4360, ext. 101 or e-mail [email protected] or visit www.livestockandland.org.
Seeking local heroes
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Youth Alliance will honor a local hero for his or her contribution to making San Benito County a better place. Residents can find a nomination form at www.hollisteryouthalliance.org, e-mail the nomination to [email protected] or fax it to 636-2850, by Feb. 28. Nominees will be selected and a short video will be made detailing their contribution to the community. There is no limit to the number of times someone can be nominated and he or she can by of any age. A dinner will be held honoring the community heroes April 1, at San Juan Oaks, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., with dinner, live music and a silent auction.
Open Studios applications available
HOLLISTER – The San Benito Arts Council is now accepting applications from artists in all media for the annual Open Studios Tour, which is April 16 and 17. Applications must be submitted by Feb. 11 and are available for download at www.sanbenitoarts.org. Applications can also be requested by e-mailing the Arts Council at [email protected] or calling 636-2787.
Special highlights this year include a new “Emerging Artist” category for students in grades 9 and up as well as amateur artists who will have the opportunity to exhibit their artwork from March 17-30, at the Blak Sage Gallery in downtown Hollister, as part of a preview exhibition. The exhibition will also have work by Open Studios artists and will have a stronger educational focus on the process of art making. Separate applications are available for the “Emerging Artists” show.
For more information, call 636-2787 or e-mail [email protected].
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. The volunteer work offers an opportunity to give back to the community in a rewarding way.
For more information or to find out about volunteering, call the Red Cross office at 636-2100 or volunteer Howard at 297-3696.
Blood drive
HOLLISTER – The American Red Cross will host a blood drive in Hollister, Feb. 17, from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m., at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Cultural Hall, 1670 Cienega Road. To find out more or schedule an appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or go to redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code HOLLISTER.
During the month of February, there will be four weekly drawings for “Movies for a year.” Each winner will receive 12 pairs of movie tickets. The drawings are open to all presenting blood donors during the month. Presenting donors will also receive a free T-shirt in February.
To boost donations during the winter months, when less donors make it to blood drives, the American Red Cross will enter blood donors who present between Jan. 1 and Feb. 28 in the “Ultimate Elvis Sweepstakes.” The prizes included an expense paid trip for two to Las Vegas featuring tickets to Cirque du Soleil’s “Viva Elvis” and accommodations at ARIA Resort and Casino and a VIP expense paid trip for two to Memphis, featuring VIP Graceland Access and accommodations at the the Peabody Hotel.
GriefShare meetings continue
HOLLISTER – GriefShare, a Christ-centered recovery and support group for those who are grieving a loved one will begin meeting Feb. 17 at the home of Greg and Tricia Harvey, 145 Vine St. The group will meet for 13 weeks, Thursdays from 7 p.m. 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.
Local Red Cross seeks nominations for hero awards
HOLLISTER – The American Red Cross Monterey Bay Area Chapter is seeking nominations for its annual Hero Awards, which recognizes members of the community who have shown courage, dedication and character through acts of heroism and kindness.
The chapter is asking the community to help identify and recognize these local heroes for their selflessness and courage.
Nominations are being requested for the following categories: animal rescue hero; fire safety hero; Good Samaritan-Adult, Good Samaritan-Youth, law enforcement hero, medical professional hero and military hero.
Nominations can be made online at www.arcmontereybay.org or by requesting a nomination form from the chapter. The deadline to submit nominations is Feb. 28.
All nominees must work or reside in Monterey or San Benito counties, though heroic acts may have occurred elsewhere. The heroic act must have taken place between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2010.
The hero award recipients will be selected by a committee of community leaders based on the degree to which their acts of heroism uphold the values of the American Red Cross and leave a lasting and positive impact on the residents of Monterey and San Benito counties. Heroes will be honored at a dinner celebration May 14, at the Naval Postgraduate School, in Monterey.
For more information, or to request a printed nomination form, call Shelley Gesicki at 624-6921, ext. 28.
Hazel Hawkins Hospitals Auxiliary offers scholarships for 2011
HOLLISTER – Applications for the 2011 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 students 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 health-related course of study at an accredited institution.
A complete list of eligibility rules and application packet are available at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital Lobby, San Benito High School, Gavilan College, on the hospital website at www.hazelhawkins.com or by calling Frankie Arballo in the HHH Public Relations office at 636-2644 for additional information. The deadline to apply is April 1.
‘How to Write a Screenplay’ workshop
AROMAS – Jennifer Chase, a local author of three thriller novels and the author of “How to Write a Screenplay” is hosting a workshop that will explain step-by-step the process that will result in a finished draft. The book is full of examples and easy exercises. Writers will learn proper terms, vocabulary and form. The workshop is Mach 5, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Aromas Grange, 361 Rose Ave. The event is sponsored by the Aromas Hills Artisans, and cost $125 per person, which includes the book, with 10 percent of the fee going to the Artisans.
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.
Junior Girl Scout collects duffle bags
HOLLISTER – A local Junior Girl Scout is collecting gently used duffle bags and suitcases for foster youth. In a press release, she said she started the project because foster youth have to transition often. The duffle bags or suitcases should be clean and in food shape. The items can be dropped off at the San Benito Chamber of Commerce office, 650 San Benito St., Ste. 130, or donors can call Carlos Rodriguez, the clinical director at Chamberlain’s Children Center at 636-2134 to arrange a pick up. Donors can also e-mail [email protected] to arrange a pick up. The collection will help Mia, the Junior Girl Scout, complete her bronze project.
Bridge group offers lessons
HOLLISTER – The local bridge club will offer lessons on Tuesdays, from 9:45 to 11:15 a.m., for players of all levels. The lessons last about six weeks. The lessons are $8 and the book is $13. The lessons will be held at the Dunne Park Clubhouse. Open duplicate bridge games are scheduled Tuesday and Wednesday at noon, at the clubhouse.
Staring Feb. 2, the group will offer two over one game force, for four weeks, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The coast is $10 and includes duplicate game at noon.
For more information, call Linda King at 801-9257.
Art League calendar on sale
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Art League 2011 calendar, “San Benito County Life,” is now available for sale. The colorful calendar includes reproductions of original artwork by local artists, of barns and agriculture scenes. The calendars may be purchased at Country Rose Gallery, 722 San Benito St., or the Blak Sage Gallery, 727 San Benito St. All proceeds go toward San Benito High School scholarships.
For more information, call 634-1627 or 637-6062.
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.
Adopt a book
HOLLISTER – The Friends of the San Benito County Library is offering residents a chance to adopt a book. With sustained budget reductions to the materials budget in recent years, the donations ensure that the library will be able to purchase new materials to address the ever-changing educational, informational and recreational needs of our diverse and changing community.
“Adopt a Book” will be an ongoing program in which books or magazine subscriptions can be purchased by the library as a holiday gift, to celebrate a birthday, to honor a retiree or to serve as a lasting memorial to a friend or relative.
A donation of $25 will purchase a book for the library, bookmobile, or Mobile Family Learning Center. The book will have a book plate inside in honor or memory of the person designated. A donation of $15 or more will be used to purchase a magazine subscription. For both books and magazines, a gift card will be sent to the person honored or an acknowledgement card will be sent to the family in memory of a loved one.
Donors can select the type of book they would like purchased.
For more information or to complete a donation form, stop by the San Benito County Free Library at 470 Fifth St., in Hollister or call 636-4107.
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 scheduled meetings are March 1, April 5, May 3, June 7, 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.
Office of Education offers math classes for teachers
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Office of Education will host meetings to help teachers enjoy mathematics among other math teachers. They will experience the excitement of learning mathematics content and history in a supportive group. They will gain knowledge and confidence, to allow them to rediscover the thrill of learning mathematics for its own sake.
Meetings will be March 1, April 5 and May 3.
Visit sanbenito.k12oms.org or e-mail [email protected].
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 [email protected] 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.
San Benito Aquatics seeks members
HOLLISTER – San Benito Aquatics is a nonprofit, year-round swim team. They offer swim lessons, competition and non-competition swim team, masters swim and dry land training for all ages. Enrollment is open year-round. Coaches are on deck every day from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at San Benito High School.
For more information, call 630-3042 or visit www.sanbenitoaquatics.org.
Si, Se Puede! seeks volunteers
HOLLISTER – The Si, Se Puede! Learning Center is seeking volunteers to facilitate evening computer classes for adults. Responsibilities include aiding the coordinator in facilitating lessons on various computer programs such as Microsoft Office, the basics of e-mail, and other software programs as well as working individually with the computer lab participants.
The SSPLC is also seeking tutors for its weekly homework help sessions on Thursday evenings. Volunteers will aid students in grades K-5 with homework and reading.
Contact Charles Miller, the Si, Se Puede coordinator, for more information or a volunteer application at 637-9097 or by e-mail the organization at [email protected].
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.
Club Ed tutoring
HOLLISTER – Club Ed offers tutoring for grades first through 12th after school in the San Benito High School library at $14 an hour. Call 637-9605, e-mail [email protected] or call Dr. Katherine Foster at 623-9139 or e-mail [email protected].
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 critical 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 [email protected].
Low-cost helmets available to local kids
HOLLISTER – The Child Injury Prevention Coalition, in partnership with the San Benito County Public Health Department will be 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.
Team Baler continues monthly fundraisers
HOLLISTER – In an effort to raise $100,000 to avoid cutbacks to athletic programs at San Benito High School, Team Baler will be hosting a monthly tri-tip barbecue on the second Wednesday of every month. Partners for the fundraiser include Progresso’s Tamale Parlor and Hollister Drive-In Market.
Those interested in being part of Team Baler, Balers Supporting Baler Athletes, can pick up a donation form at the San Benito High School student payment center, the student activities office or go to the athletics page, www.haybaler.org and click on the Team Baler link.
Singles dinner group
HOLLISTER – There is a singles dinner for individuals 50 and over, every third Saturday of each month. Each month, a member of the group will host a potluck-style meal, offering up a main course while other members provide side dishes, appetizers or desserts. For more information, contact Sandi Gowers at [email protected].
Al-anon meetings
HOLLISTER – Al-anon meets Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Mars Hill Coffeehouse, 610 San Benito St.
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.
Surrogate parents needed
HOLLISTER – The San Benito Office of Education and Special Education departments need volunteers to help with a surrogate parent program. Public school districts train and appoint surrogate parents for a child with a disability under the following circumstances:
– The biological parent or adoptive parents cannot be identified or located after reasonable effort; or parental rights have been terminated
– The child does not have a court-appointed person authorized to make educational decisions
– The child’s court-appointed “parent” is unwilling or unable to serve as the surrogate parents
– The child is an unaccompanied homeless youth.
Surrogate parents play a unique and critical role in supporting the special education rights and needs of children.
If you would like to learn more about the program, call Lorna Gilbert, the director of special services at 637-5393, ext. 131.
