Smart gardening class
HOLLISTER
– The San Benito County Water District will be hosting a free
smart gardening class April 17, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the San
Benito County Water District, 30 Mansfield Road, in Hollister. The
class is designed for homeowners who are interested in creating
water efficient landscapes. It will inc
lude discussions of garden design concepts, drought tolerant
plants, irrigation basics and irrigation scheduling and
maintenance. The class is limited to 35 residents.
The program is available due to a grant from the United States
Bureau of Reclamation Field Services Program.
In addition to the class, the Water Resources Association offers
free inspections of residential irrigation systems. The staff can
offer recommendations and design a watering schedule for
landscaping.
Smart gardening class
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Water District will be hosting a free smart gardening class April 17, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the San Benito County Water District, 30 Mansfield Road, in Hollister. The class is designed for homeowners who are interested in creating water efficient landscapes. It will include discussions of garden design concepts, drought tolerant plants, irrigation basics and irrigation scheduling and maintenance. The class is limited to 35 residents.
The program is available due to a grant from the United States Bureau of Reclamation Field Services Program.
In addition to the class, the Water Resources Association offers free inspections of residential irrigation systems. The staff can offer recommendations and design a watering schedule for landscaping.
One suggestions is to water early in the morning or in the evening since midday water loses as much as 30 percent of the water to evaporation. Others include using several short watering sessions rather than a single long one since lawns can absorb only so much water quickly. Keeping grass at least two inches high helps shade the roots and hold moisture. Aerateing lawns regularly and using mulch around plants can reduce evaporation. Water trees slowly, deeply and infrequently encourages deep rooting. Another suggestion is to change irrigation timers with the seasons, as less water is needed in different seasons.
For more information or to register, call Shawn Novack, the water conservation program manager for the Water Resources Association, at 637-4378 or e-mail him at
sn*****@sb***.com
. Visit www.wrasbc.org for more tips.
Child Development Center open house
GILROY – The Gavilan College Child Development Center is hosting an open house for parents of young children, Gavilan College students and community members April 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd., in Gilroy. The open house is free and will feature children’s activities such as fingerprinting by the Gilroy Police Department, Dottie the Clown, who will face paint and make balloon animals, a jump house, snow cones, popcorn, crafts, a book fair, cake walk, games and prizes.
Enrollment at the Child Development Center is open to community members and children ages 2 to 5 who are not yet eligible for kindergarten can be enrolled.
For more information, call 408-848-4814 or visit www.gavilan.edu/cdc.
Immigration forum
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County League of United Latin American Citizens is hosting an immigration forum April 3, at 10:30 a.m., at the YMCA office, 339 Fifth St., in Hollister. Immigration attorney Paula Solorio will be the guest speaker. She will discuss the following topics: how to apply for citizenship; immigrant rights; how to inform yourself on immigration services; immigrant assistance – organizations and agencies who can help; immigrants victims of crimes; and reporting of a serious crime to law enforcement.
For more information, call 673-2009 or e-mail
in**@sb******.org
.
Congressional art contest entries due
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The deadline to submit entries for the 28th annual Congressional Art Competition is April 30. Entries must be delivered to Congressman Sam Farr’s Salinas or Santa Cruz District offices by that date. A reception and judging will take place May 17 at the California State University, Monterey Bay campus.
The first-place winner will receive two roundtrip tickets to Washington, D.C. from Southwest Airlines, and the Savannah College of Art and Design will provide a $1,500 renewable scholarship. A reception will be held for the winners in Washington, D.C. June 17. The student artwork will be on display for a year in the Capitol.
For more information, contact Bertha Munoz at 424-2229.
Gang prevention leaders meet
HOLLISTER – The Gang Prevention Policy Committee held a special meeting and retreat March 20, at the Hollister School District Office to refine their plan. The committee began the retreat by reviewing the final recommendations of the Gang Task Force and the Grand Jury Report of 2008, the Memoradum of Understanding for the Gang Prevention Collaborative and the Best Practices Model created by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. The committee also reviewed the 2010 SBC Gang Prevention Work Plan to identify tasks for the year.
The next regular meeting is April 28, at 6 p.m. in the Board of Supervisors Chambers. The public is welcome to attend.
Members of the Gang Prevention Policy Committee include: Margie Barrios, District 1 county supervisor; Alice Flores, Hollister school board; Ronald Hatchett, Hollister school board; Eric Johnson, superintendent of schools for Southside Elementary; Pat Loe, District 3 county supervisor; Eugenia Sanchez, District 2 Hollister city council; Mike Sanchez, San Benito County Office of Education superintendent of schools; and Pauline Valdivia, District 3 Hollister city council.
Management committee members include Brent Cardall, chief probation officer for San Benito County; Ron Crates, superintendent, Hollister School District; Clint Quilter, city manager, Hollister; and Susan Thompson, chief administrative officer, San Benito County.
Hollister Police recognize graffiti abatement volunteers
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Police Department sponsored a graffiti abatement day March 27. About 40 community members donated time to the cleanup. Participants came from Anzar High School, San Benito High School, Spring Grove School and members of the League of United Latin American Citizens Youth and Adelante programs joined the Hollister Police Department volunteers in the cleanup.
The volunteers cleanup three areas of the city, including locations in downtown Hollister.
“We appreciate the dedication shown by those who participated,” said Jeff Miller, the Hollister Police Chief. “Our community should be especially proud of all the youth who came to help.”
The Hollister Police Department, with the help of its VIPs (Volunteers in Policing), will be sponsoring more graffiti abatement days this year. Persons or groups wishing to participate can sign up by filling out a registration form at the police department, Hollister City Hall or by downloading a form at www.police.hollister.ca.us.
Anyone wishing to report graffiti can call 636-4330 or can leave an anonymous tip at WeTIP at 1-800-78-CRIME (1-800-782-7463.)
Curves food drive
HOLLISTER – Hollister Curves, at 396 Fourth St., Ste. A, is hosting a community food drive that will benefit the Community Food Bank of San Benito County. Non-perishable food items can be dropped off through March 31.
CASA info session
HOLLISTER – A Court Appointed Special Advocates, CASA of San Benito County, informational session will be held April 7 at 6 p.m., at Starbucks, on Airline Hwy. Volunteers can be a voice for an abused, neglected or abandoned child.
To RSVP or for additional information, contact Esther Curtice at 637-4992.
Sponsors needed for band fundraiser
HOLLISTER – The Rancho-Maze Band is hosting a golf tournament June 12 at Ridgemark and is looking for sponsors for the event. Companies or individuals who are interested can sponsor a hole for $150 or a team for $500. The hole sponsorship includes a sign with the business’ name at one of the tees. The Team sponsorship includes a team of four players and a sign with the business’ name at one of the tees. Anyone who would like to donate, can mail a check to Erinn Mitchell, c/o Rancho San Justo, 1201 Rancho Drive, Hollister, CA 95023. Donations benefit the middle school bands.
Help preserve history
TRES PINOS – The San Benito County Historical Society is hosting volunteer work days to help maintain the buildings at the San Benito County Historical Park and Village. The volunteer days start at 9 a.m. and end at 3 p.m. Upcoming dates include April 17, May 15, July 17 and Oct. 16.
Volunteers are asked to bring a lunch, work gloves and friends or family to help. Drinks are provided.
To RSVP or for more information, call Don Pidd at 902-9349 or e-mail
do*****@sv*.net
. For more information on the San Benito County Historical Society, visit www.sbchistoricalsociety.org.
Probation department updates payment options
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Probation Department has announced that clients can now pay Probation Department fees and fines online or by calling an Interactive Voice Response System. Payments can be made for probation fees and fines, electronic monitoring, juvenile traffic and juvenile hall maintenance using either of the options. Accepted payment methods included American Express, Discover, Mastercard or Visa credit card or debit cards. The county has contracted with Point & Pay, a third-party vendor, to process the payments.
“Point & Pay is helping us improve service through the innovative use of technology,” said Brent Cardall, the chief probation officer. “We are excited to be able to provide 24/7 payment convenience to our clients.”
Clients can make an online payment by going to the San Benito County Web site at www.san-benito.ca.us/departments/probation and clicking on the online payment link. Phone payments can be made by calling 1-866-923-2198. The information requested will include the client’s probation ID number, credit or debit card account information and the amount that is to be paid. A nominal fee is calculated and charged for the service.
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.
Speed Campaigning event
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Chamber of Commerce announced a new “Speed Campaigning” event for April 21 that is scheduled to involve local candidates for the open supervisorial and sheriff seats. Residents are invited to attend the event at San Juan Oaks Golf Club. The candidates will move from table to table – based on the “speed dating” premise – and share their views for the upcoming election. Residents, meanwhile, will get to stay at their tables while awaiting a new candidate with each changeover. The “Speed Campaigning” event is set for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at San Juan Oaks Golf Club. The price is $15, which includes lunch. Anyone from the public is invited to attend. Residents are asked to RSVP the chamber at (831) 637-5315. The chamber will contact the candidates, but they can call the office for information as well.
Volunteer training for crisis line
SANTA CRUZ – Suicide Prevention of the Central Coast, which services Santa Cruz, San Benito and Monterey counties, is hosting a training for volunteers interested in helping with the 24-hour suicide crisis line. Training begins April 13 and space is limited.
The suicide crisis line is available 24-hours a day, seven days a week and takes calls in 150 languages. Each volunteer devotes four hours a week to answering calls, and a staff of 70-80 volunteers is needed.
Anyone in need of help can call 1-877-ONE-LIFE (1-877-663-5433).
For those interested in finding out more about the training, call 459-9373.
Vehicle detection systems up on Hwy. 156
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA – Caltrans started installing microwave vehicle detection and closed circuit television systems on Hwy. 156 from the Hwy. 101 interchange to Fairview Road, near San Juan Bautista March 16.
There will be shoulder closures during the daytime working hours from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. There will be a possible closure of northbound 101 to eastbound 156 connector from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sundays through Thursdays. Message signs will be posted when these closures occur. The public can expect minimal delays during the project.
The monitoring systems will gather real-time traffic data so emergency personnel can quickly respond to incidents. The system will also result in timely activation of electronic message boards, highway advisory radio and updated information online.
The contractor for the $212,000 project is Lee Wilson Electric Co, of Arroyo Granda, CA. The project is expected to be completed in June.
Adopt-a-highway program
HOLLISTER – The Adopt-A-Highway program is in full swing. Adoption opportunities include litter removal, graffiti removal, vegetation control, tree planting and wildflower planting. There are more than 2,500 active groups statewide, and more than 7,700 should-miles of highway adopted.
The program was started in 1989, and from July to Dec. 2009, saved $1 million in clean up projects for the state.
For more information on the program, visit http://adopt-a-highway.dot.ca.gov or call Jeanette Green, at 372-1132 or e-mail
Je************@do*.gov
, to find out about volunteer opportunities in Monterey, San Benito or Santa Cruz counties.
Free theater workshops
HOLLISTER – The San Benito Stage Company, with support from the San Benito Arts Council and the Community Foundation for San Benito County will be hosting a series of free theater workshops for those interested in learning more about theater.
The workshops are 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Granada Theater, 336 Fifth St., in Hollister.
The workshop on March 26 will be on “Stage Movement,” and participants are asked to wear comfortable clothing and no flip flops. The April 2 workshop will introduce participants to “Beginning Stage Sound” and the April 9 wil be on “Beginning Stage Lighting.”
For more information or to RSVP, call 636-0122 or visit www.sanbenitostage.org.
Red Cross blood drive
HOLLISTER – An American Red Cross blood drive will be held April 15, from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
In April, all presenting donors can enter a drawing to win their choice of either a one-month pass on public transportation or a $100 gift certificate to greenhome.com, in honor of Earth Day. There will be four weekly drawings.
Individuals who are at least 17 years of age (16 with parental permission), meet height and weight requirements (at least 110 pounds based on height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to schedule an appointment.
Hollister High School class of 1960
HOLLISTER – The Hollister High School class of 1960 will be hosting a 50th reunion this year, but the reunion committee is trying to find contact information for the following classmates:
Alfred Altamirano, Jenny Madrid Cabrera, Ted Castro, Rose Ann Gonzalez Cordero, Louisa Amador Correa, Pasty Moses Cubbage, Ken DeMello, Dorothy Baltazar Estrada, Pat Paulson Fernandez, Roy Flores, Mike Forgy, Ann Rogers Garroutte, Clarence Hendrick, Margaret Garcia Hoffman, Ken Katashima, Daniel Kinoshita, Gary Larson, Al Montoya, Heladia Martinez Nardi, Josephine Flores O’Campo, Shirley Oliver Ellington, Tom Oteri, Louise Rezendes, Dennis Sayers, Carl Schreiber, Helen Clark Temblay, Jose Varela, Wayne Vessey and Maxine West.
Anyone with information can contact Armando Salcedo at 637-4029, David Baumgartner at 637-1148 or Vivian Medina at 637-1567.
Graffiti abatement day
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Police Department is sponsoring a graffiti abatement day March 27. Volunteers ages 15 years and older can sign up to help out by March 26 at 5 p.m. Registration forms may be obtained at the Hollister Police Department, 395 Apollo Way; Hollister City Hall, 375 Fifth Street; or the Hollister Utility Department, 1291 South St. They can also be downloaded at the Police Department’s Web site at www.police.hollister.ca.us. Volunteers under the age of 18 need to be accompanied by a supervising adult.
Volunteers will meet at 9:15 a.m. at the City of Hollister Corporation Yard, 1321 South St. The event will last two and a half to three hours, and will encompass several locations in the city.
For more information, call Sgt. David Westrick at 636-4330.
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.
Art classes for artists of all ages
HOLLISTER – San Benito St. Studio Art Academy is pleased to present the work of Abgail Huber, Vivian Hall, Colin Overfelt, and Jackson and Simon Wilson, which will be on display at Miyako Japenese Restaurant through March. The next class will be offered April 5-9 and includes MT. FUJI flames & fans and Evelyn’s Butterfly class for young artists. Each class will have five students, so reserve a spot ahead of time. For more information, call 760-6404.
Learn Spanish in Playa del Carmen
GILROY – Students and community members who want to improve their knowledge of Spanish can earn up to five transferable college credits by participating in a Spanish language immersion experience at the Solexico Language and Cultural Center, in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
The program is offered at different levels from beginners to advanced. The program includes classroom instruction plus local immersion in the Spanish language. Students will visit cultural centers, live with a host family and be exposed to many facets of Mexico life.
The session runs from June 7 to July 2. For more information, call David Perez at 408-848-4842 or e-mail
dp****@ga*****.edu
.
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.
Al-anon meetings
HOLLISTER – Al-anon meets Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Mars Hill Coffehouse, 610 San Benito St.
Student art contest 2010
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA – The Native Daughters of the Golden West (NDGW), Parlor #179 of San Juan Bautista, is sponsoring a Student Art Competition to encourage the interest of students and the general public in the historical and natural treasures of California, around the theme “Connect, Communicate, Change.” The contest is open to all students in grades 9 through 12 in any school in San Benito County. Enrollment in an art or photography class is not required.
Basic guidelines state that all art work must be original student work of a California landmark or historical location that played a part in the history of California. Also allowed are original illustrations of an event or people, portraying an historical event or period in California. Student photography guidelines state that students may enter photographs of any historic site, park, natural, formation or fauna that contributes to the natural beauty of California. All artwork and photographs must be accompanied by an entry form that includes a brief description of the subject and the reason the subject is important and relevant to the State of California. Entries may be prepared in class, with suggestions and input from others, but the artwork and photographs must be those of the students.
There will be an outside guest juror to select the artworks best suited for awards at both the local and state levels. The first place winners of the local level, will also be entered in a contest at the state level of the NDGW. All original artworks and photographs are due by May 1. All entries must be accompanied by an entry form, available from all high school fine arts departments in San Benito County. The pick-up date for all artwork is June 5, except for first place winners, whose works will be delivered to the state level NDGW student contest. First place winners will be contacted to pick up their works after June 15. Darlene Boyd is available to answer inquiries at 623-2750.
Chiropractic seminar
MONTEREY – The California Chiropractic Association, Monterey Bay District, is hosting two half-day seminars for Doctors of Chiropractic and their staffs. A seminar will be held Thursday, March 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. They will be presented by Lisa Bilodeau, a prominent chiropractic billing and management specialist. The March seminar will be on “Essential Coding.” CCA member doctors can attend for $75 and nonmembers for $100. The seminars will be held at the Best Western Beach Resort, 2600 Sand Dunes Dr., in Monterey.
The California Chiropractic Association, Monterey Bay District hosts its district meeting March 9 at Tarpey’s Roadhouse on the Salinas-Monterey highway in Monterey. Member and non-member Doctors of Chiropractic are invited. A $35 or $50 fee respectively includes dinner and a presentation by Dr. Jeffrey Tucker on the topic of low-tech rehabilitaion techniques. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. with a meet-and-greet and no-host bar and the presentation starts at 7 p.m.
For more information or to RSVP for either event, call Dr. Brunke at 372-5602.
Day in the Sky
WATSONVILLE – The Shared Adventures and Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 119 will host its “Day in the Sky” in Watsonville, April 17, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free booths are available for vendors and exhibitors who are interested in participating. Visit www.dayinthesky.org/vendor.htm for more information.
The event will offer a chance for young people with disabilities to take 20-minute flights along the central coast. Passenger registration will be open shortly.
Tax help starts
HOLLISTER – The American Association of Retired Persons Tax-Aide program offers free personal tax counseling and preparation assistance to all taxpayers with middle and low income, with special attention to those 60 and older. On Mondays and 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.
Additional tax help is available to low-income individuals, seniors and other eligible taxpayers on Tuesday evenings from 5:45 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the San Benito County Free Library through April
Singles dinner group
HOLLISTER – There is a singles dinner for individuals 50 and over, every third Saturday of each month. The dinner has rotating hosts with potluck style meals. For more information, contact Sandi Gowers at
sg*****@sb*******.net
.
Parkinson’s caregiver support group
HOLLISTER – Family or friends who are caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s 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 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 673-3839.
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, Mondays 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, contact Tricia at 801-9751.
Alzheimer’s support group
HOLLISTER – The Alzheimer’s support group meets the second Thursday of every month from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Pamphlets and books on Alzheimer’s can also be checked out from a resource library at the Community Center. For more information, call 636-8838.
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 and third Monday of every month.
The Gilroy group meets at the Kaiser Medical Center, 7520 Arroyo Circle, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of every month. A Salinas group that focuses on the death of a pet meets at the SPCA for Monterey County, 1002 Hwy. 68, from noon to 1:30 p.m., on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month. The Monterey group meets at the Visiting Nurses Association, 5 Lower Ragsdale Drive, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month. A Salinas group meets at the Salinas Valley Comprehensive Cancer Center, 501 East Romie Lane, from 4:30 to 6 p.m., on the second and fourth Thursday of every month.
For more information, call Tony Price, the bereavement coordinator and counselor, at 758-8243 or e-mail
aj*****@cc***.com
.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
Great garlic cook-off accepts recipe submissions
GILROY – The Gilroy Garlic Festival committee and staff are now accepting recipe submissions for the Great Garlic Cook-off amateur cooking competition through May 1.
The Great Garlic Cook-Off will be held July 24, at the Gilroy Garlic Festival, where eight finalists from the field of entries will be selected to appear on stage at the Cook-Off to prepare their submissions. The original recipes must include a minimum of six cloves of fresh garlic or three tsps. of chopped or minced garlic. The recipes have to be prepared and presented to a panel of six judges in two hours. The eight finalists receive travel and lodging accommodations.
The 2010 Great Garlic Cook-Off Champion will receive $1,000 and the ceremonial crown of garlic. Second prize is $750 and third prize is $500.
Last year’s winner was Andrew Barth, of Winnetka, who won with his recipe for spicy garlic butter cookies with garlic goat cheese and honey.
Entries can be submitted to the Gilroy Garlic Festival Cook-Off, P.O. Box 2311, Gilroy, CA, 95021-2311, or by e-mail to
cl***@gi******************.com
. Submissions should come in recipe form and include a photograph of the final dish.
Free film series for seniors
MORGAN HILL – Gavilan College is offering a free film series for seniors 55 and older at the Morgan Hill Community Playhouse, Wednesdays, from 2 to 5 p.m. through May 26. The course is open entry, meaning participants do not need to attend all the sessions. The course is noncredit.
Instructor Grant Richards is a graduate of Gilroy High School and Gavilan College, who earned his B.A. in liberal arts at California State University, Chico, and an M.A. from Sacramento State University. He teaches film history and film production at Gavilan College.
Some of the films that will be screened include “Goldrush,” “Psycho,” “Regarding Henry,” “Stranger Than Fiction” and more.
Students can register by calling 408-852-4859.
