Community Foundation hosts 2011 grants orientation
HOLLISTER
– Community Foundation for San Benito County is hosting its 2011
grants orientation meeting for nonprofits Nov. 1, from 6 p.m. to
7:30 p.m., at San Juan Oaks Golf Club. All nonprofit organizations
serving in San Benito County are asked to attend the orientation
meeting where the Foundation staff m
embers will update them on grant guidelines and the application
process for the coming year. Coffee, tea and cookies will be served
at the meeting.
United Way Serving San Benito County will also be on hand to
share their timeline for grant requests.
For more information, visit www.cffsbc.org or call 630-1924.
Community Foundation hosts 2011 grants orientation
HOLLISTER – Community Foundation for San Benito County is hosting its 2011 grants orientation meeting for nonprofits Nov. 1, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at San Juan Oaks Golf Club. All nonprofit organizations serving in San Benito County are asked to attend the orientation meeting where the Foundation staff members will update them on grant guidelines and the application process for the coming year. Coffee, tea and cookies will be served at the meeting.
United Way Serving San Benito County will also be on hand to share their timeline for grant requests.
For more information, visit www.cffsbc.org or call 630-1924.
Open forum scheduled for Open Studios
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Arts Council will hold an open forum on the Open Studios Tour 2011 Nov. 4, at 6 p.m., at the Blak Sage Gallery, 727 San Benito St., in downtown Hollister. The forum is free, open to the public and will provide an opportunity to share ideas, get involved and receive up-to-date information this year’s Open Studios event.
Open Studios is a self-guided tour of artists’ studios in Hollister, San Juan, Aromas and Tres Pinos that showcases high quality works from local artists, including painters, sculptors, potters, weavers, jewelry makers, glass artists and more. It is a unique opportunity to meet the artists and experience how art is created.
So whether you’re new to the arts scene or a long-time veteran, this forum is your opportunity to get involved, share your experience and participate in this year’s event.
For more information, visit www.sanbenitoarts.org, call Jennifer Laine at 636-2787 or e-mail her at
in**@sa***********.org
.
San Benito Stage Company seeks board members
HOLLISTER – San Benito Stage Company is actively seeking candidates for the 2011 Board of Directors. We are interested in professional and creative candidates to serve and oversee the mission of Hollister’s only nonprofit community theater. We are especially interested in candidates with knowledge in legal, accounting, business and marketing. Theater experience is not necessary. Please send your letter of interest and resume by Nov. 15 to: SBSC 1760 Airline Hwy Ste F PMB 184, Hollister, CA 95023. For information, call 636-0122 or visit our website at www.sanbenitostage.org
Blue Star Moms share info on Veterans Day
HOLLISTER – The Hollister City group of the South Bay Blue Star Moms will have an informational table in front of the Veterans Memorial Building during the Veteran’s Day Ceremony and will be participating in the parade Nov. 11.
The group will provide a barrel to receive donations to send to deployed military personnel. The next car packages will be sent out Dec. 4. Donations need to be travel or individual-sized items, including food. It allows for the ease of packaging as well as the need for military members to carry what they receive. Suggested items are individually-wrapped snack bars, snack-size nuts, seeds, trail mixes and jerky, instant oatmeal, single-serving packets of powdered drink mixes, individual packets or instant coffee, tea and hot chocolate, foil-packed tuna, travel-size games, international calling cards, magazines and puzzle booklets, DVDs and CDs, cards and letters of encouragement.
The Hollister city group meets the fourth Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. Anyone interested or who would like more information, may call Karol Burke at 801-6935, e-mail
so***************@at*.net
or visit www.southbaybluestarmoms.org.
Democrats hold monthly meeting
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Democratic Central Committee will host its next meeting Nov. 3, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at 750 San Benito St. Members are encourage to arrive early to help with office work.
For more information, call 537-4323.
AnnJAM 5K Charity Walk and Celebration
GILROY – Family members of Ann Jaszewski are planning a 5K charity walk and celebration in honor of her 90th birthday, Dec. 4, at Christmas Hill Park. The walk will take place along the levee, with ending with a celebration in the picnic area at Christmas Hill Park. Registration is $30 and includes a shirt, continental breakfast and party favors. Check in begins at 8 a.m., with the walk starting at 8:30 a.m. The celebration will be 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sponsorship and proceeds benefit Hospice of the Valley. Those who register before Nov. 7 will be guaranteed their select shirt size.
Daughters Terri Ryan and Suzi Munoz decided to organize the run for the long-time Gilroy resident because Ann is an active walker. They chose Hospice of the Valley because the staff their provided comfort to Ann’s son Gary when he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. He died in 2008.
To register, visit www.annjam.org or call 408-462-1266.
Red Cross volunteers respond
HOLLISTER – Volunteers from the American Red Cross Monterey Bay Area Chapter responded to a home fire Oct. 21. The Red Cross Disaster Action Team dispatched volunteers and provided food, clothing, counseling and temporary lodging for a family of six.
Last month the local Red Cross chapter responded to eight home fires in Castroville, Marina, Pacific Grove, Salinas, Seaside and Watsonville, providing basic food, clothing, emergency shelter, emotional support and referrals for families. In addition, the chapter dispatched trained volunteers to provide assistance to the victims of the massive explosion and fire in San Bruno.
All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people.
The Monterey Bay Area Chapter provides support and services to all of the cities and unincorporated areas within Monterey and San Benito Counties.
For more information, visit www.arcmontereybay.org or call the Hollister office at 636-2100.
Manta Rays open to new members
HOLLISTER – The Manta Rays are a nonprofit, competitive swim team for those who desire to be the best possible swimmers. Our team goal is to send swimmers to Stanford to compete at the highest level. Our definition of fun is winning and reaching our full potential with like-minded parents and swimmers. We want to keep our numbers low so we can concentrate on quality. We have room for five more swimmers who would like to accomplish something substantial in the sport of swimming and are willing to work for it.
For more information, or to sign up, call Coach Dave Steele at 637-6559.
New sponsorship level available for Lights on
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Downtown Association has announced a new level of sponsorship for the 20th Annual Lights on Celebration, which will be Nov. 27, from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The $20 “I just want to help the 20th Annual Lights on Celebration!” level was designed for local residents who want to help with a small contribution that relates to the event’s anniversary.
The deadline for sponsorships is Nov. 6 and applications are available at www.downtownhollister.org, by e-mail to
ev****@do***************.org
or by calling 636-8406.
Oakwood High school hosts open house
MORGAN HILL – Oakwood High School, an independent, not-for-profit school in Morgan Hill, is hosting an information night Nov. 4, at 7 p.m. The school boasts smaller class sizes, top-tier faculty and a rigorous academic curriculum to prepare students for a prep college or university. Faculty, students and staff will offer first-hand information about the school. The open house will be at 105 John Wilson Way, in Morgan Hill.
For more information, visit www.oakwoodweb.org or call 408-782-7177.
Patriot’s Pen Essay contest approaches
HOLLISTER – The Hollister VFW Post 9242 will award a $200 check to the winner of this year’s Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest, which is open to students in 6th, 7th and 8th grade, in public, private or home schools.
Rules and entry forms may be obtained at the San Benito County Office of Education, on Fifth Street, or can be downloaded at www.vfw.org.
The deadline for submissions is Nov. 1.
The theme this year is “Does Patriotism Still Matter?”
Bob Burnham, who coordinates the contest, is available to come out and speak to the students, for teachers or schools interested in arranging a visit.
For any questions, contact Burnham at 638-1703 or write him at 860 Marne Dr., Hollister, 95023.
Breathe California hosts support group
MORGAN HOLL – Breathe California will host a Better Breathers Club meeting Nov. 9, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the DePaul Health Center conference room, 18550 DePaul Dr., in Morgan Hill. This month’s speaker will be Nancy Williamson, Esq. San Jose Wills and Trusts, who will speak on estate planning. The meetings are a resource and support group for people suffering from lung disease and their families.
For more information, call 408-998-5865 or visit www.lungsrus.org. Club volunteer Jean Elder can be reached at 408-779-7564.
Lights On Celebration and Parade applications available
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Downtown Association announces that applications for the annual holiday Lights On Parade, “Decorate a Christmas Tree” project and “Tree Light Sponsors” are now available. Nonprofit organizations, businesses and individuals are invited to participate as part of the 20th annual Lights On Celebration in Downtown Hollister Nov. 27, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. The theme is “Celebration of Lights!”
The parade application deadline is Oct. 29, and applications for tree project and light sponsors are due Nov. 5. For applications and guidelines, visit www.downtownhollister.org, e-mail
ev****@do***************.org
or contact the office at 636-8406.
Military academy applications accepted through Nov. 1
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Sam Farr (D-Carmel) is currently accepting applications for nomination to one of the nation’s service academies. Operated by the Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines and Navy, these academies provide a college education in exchange for a commitment to serve as a commissioned officer.
For all service academies (except the Coast Guard), applicants must be nominated by one of several federal officials including U.S. representatives, U.S. senators and the vice president.
Candidates must be at least 17 years old but not older than 23 as of July 1, 2011. They must reside in California’s 17th Congressional District, be U.S. citizens and must never have been married.
In order to be considered for a nomination, the following information is necessary:
– A completed application form, available from Congressman Farr’s office or Web site (www.farr.house.gov).
– A personal statement not to exceed 1,000 words.
– An official high school transcript, sealed and in a school-stamped enveloped.
– Official Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores. If you have the scores forwarded by the testing center, Congressman Farr’s SAT Score File Number is 4639. If your SAT scores are shown on your high school transcripts, that is acceptable.
– Three letters of recommendation, not from relatives.
Applicants for the class entering July 2011 must submit all application material no later than Nov. 1. All materials should be sent to Congressman Sam Farr, ATTN: Julian Chacon, 701 Ocean Street, Room 318, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
Please direct any questions to Julian Chacon at
ju***********@ma**.gov
or call 429-1976. More information is available online at www.farr.house.gov.
Vendors needed for Rancho/Maze craft boutique
HOLLISTER – The Rancho/Maze band will be hosting an arts and craft boutique Nov. 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Rancho San Justo Middle School. The boutique will benefit the Rancho/Maze band. The event will include sales of arts and crafts as well as a raffle with prizes.
Vendors can apply now. For more information, call Laura Arballo at 524-3528 or e-mail
ad************@ho*****.com
.
Small Steps seeks volunteers
HOLLISTER –Small Steps is seeking volunteers for its event Nov, 6, from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., at Target, in Hollister. Jobs include registering families, shopping with kids and clean up.
Small Steps is a local nonprofit that hosts a shopping event for 375 children who have been identified by San Benito County teacher. The students selected, and their siblings, each receive $100 to spend on shoes, a jacket, clothing and school supplies. Target and Payless Shoe Source offer a discount to the group during the event.
Each shopper is accompanied by a volunteer who is 18 or older. Volunteers must sign up in advance, and include their names, addresses and driver’s license to be compared to Megan’s Law list. Thumbprints and photos of all volunteers are taken on the day of the vent. At least 400 volunteers are needed.
In 2009, 350 children participated with the help of 400 volunteers. More than $35,000 in clothing, shoes and school supplies were purchased.
Tax deductible contributions can be made to Small Steps, PO Box 2137, Hollister, CA 95024. Any person interested in volunteering can download an application at www.smallstepssbc.org.
Applications ready for Vets parade; volunteers needed
HOLLISTER – Volunteers are needed to help with the 2010 Veterans Day Parade on Nov. 11, in Downtown Hollister. The parade begins at 1:30 p.m. Volunteers are needed to: set up barricades, serve as Block Captains, take down barricades and serve as runners. Applications for the 2010 Hollister Veterans Day Parade are also available. Applications can be picked up in the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce Office, the San Benito County Public Library and at Hollister City Hall. There is no entry fee for this parade.
For more information on parade applications, call Jesse Garza, Jr. at 637-9028 or for more on volunteering, call Frankie Arballo at 638-6434.
National Alliance on Mental Illness hosts a meeting
HOLLISTER – San Benito County Behavioral Health will host a bilingual informational meeting for a National Alliance on Mental Illness chapter Nov. 12, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at the Esperanza Center, at 544 San Benito St., Ste. 102. Residents can inform themselves on a new resource for mental illness in San Benito County.
For more information, call Elizabeth Lopez at 636-4020.
Blood drive
HOLLISTER – The American Red Cross is hosting a blood drive at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1670 Cienega Road, Nov. 18, from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. Appointments can be made by calling 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or going online to redcrossblood.org and entering the sponsor code HOLLISTER. The American Red Cross will hold drawings for a $100 Macy’s gift cards. There will be four weekly drawings and four winners.
DOD deadline approaches for ‘Stop Loss’ pay
WASHINGTON – The Department of Defense is providing retroactive pay for active, reserve and former service members who involuntarily had their enlistment period extended or retirement suspended if they served on active duty between Sept. 11, 2001 and Sept. 30, 2009.
Service members must submit the claims no later than Dec. 3. Eligible personnel will receive a payment of $500 per month for each month (or any portion of a month) they were retained on active duty due to the process known as “stop loss.”
Service members must provide documented proof of the claim. Family members of deceased service members may contact the appropriate military service for assistance in filing their claim. Stop-lossed service members who voluntarily reenlisted or extended their service, and received a bonus for such reenlistment or extension of service, are no longer eligible to receive retroactive stop loss special pay.
For more information on how to file a claim contact the following branches of the military:
Army – 877-736-5554
Air Force – 800-525-0102
Marine Corps – 877-242-2830
Navy – 901-874-4427
www.defense.gov/home/features/2010/0710_stoploss/
Library to host a summit
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Free Library will host a summit Dec. 1, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the library. The mixer will include light refreshments at 5:30 p.m., followed by a presentation of the results of the 2010 Community Library Survey and Focus groups.
For more information, call 636-4107.
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 Dec. 7, Feb. 1, March 1, April 5 and May 3.
Visit sanbenito.k12oms.org or e-mail
sg*****@sb***.org
.
Native Daughters holds student art contest
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA – The Native Daughters of the Golden West (NDGW), Parlor # 179, of San Juan Bautista, in conjunction with the statewide NDGW, is sponsoring a Student Art Talent Contest to encourage the interest of students and the general public in the historical and natural treasures of California, around the theme “California Treasures.” The contest is open to all students in grades ninth through 12th in any school in San Benito County. Enrollment in an art or photography class is not required.
Students may enter their original artworks or photographs of any landmark, historic site, park, historical building, natural formation, flora or fauna that contributes to the beauty of California. All artwork and photographs must be accompanied by an official entry form that includes a brief description of the subject and the reason the subject is a “treasure” 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.
Artwork will be judged by an outside guest juror at both the local and state levels. First place winners at the local level will automatically be entered in the contest at the state level of the NDGW. All original artworks and photographs are due by Feb. 6, at 5 p.m. All entries must be accompanied by three copes of the entry form, available from all high school fine arts departments in San Benito County, with one attached to the art work. Winners will be announced at the March 9 meeting of the SJB NDGW. The pick-up date for all artwork is the evening of March 9, except for first place winners, whose works will be delivered to the state level NDGW student art talent contest. First place winners will be contacted to pick up their works after June 30. Darlene Boyd is available to answer inquiries at 623-2750 or
da*********@da*********.com
.
Co-Dependents Anonymous meets
HOLLISTER – A Co-Dependents Anonymous group meets Saturdays, from 10 a.m. 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.
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 their 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 at
nf************@gm***.com
.
Bridge group offers lessons
HOLLISTER – The local bridge club offers lessons on Tuesdays, from 9:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., for players of all levels. The lessons are $5 and will be held at the Dunne Park Clubhouse. Open duplicate bridge games are scheduled Tuesday and Wednesday at noon, at the clubhouse.
For more information, call Linda King at 801-9257.
GavTV expands offerings
GILROY – GavTV, the Gavilan College Educational Channel, offers original programming by and about the Gavilan College Community on channel 18 (through Charter Communications) or online at the Gavilan College website. This year the line-up includes “Dr. O is in the StudiO,” with Carlton Orler, a psychology professor. He will discuss mental health issues, recognizing them and overcoming them. The first show topic will be procrastination.
The station will also air live football games and replay recorded games.
Returning shows include: Great Kitchens with the Sakabozzo twins; Gavazine, a student run and hosted show that covers news on campus and in the community; Good Morning Gavilan, hosted by Jan Bernstein Chargin, the director of public information; Let’s Ask Alice, a show on health and wellness topics hosted by public health nurse Alice Dufresne-Reyes; Carol on Creativity, with local artist Carol Peters; Art is Essential, a show with in-depth interviews with artists and musicians; Gavilan Connections, a show that explores work done in the community by Gavilan College partners.
The channel will also air special presentations of El Teatro Campesino performances, Back to Blues, the South Valley Symphony and the Gavilan Summer Theater Arts Repertory.
In Gilroy, Hollister and San Juan, the channel can be viewed on Charter cable channel 18. It can also be watched online at www.gavilan.edu/gavtv/.
GriefShare meetings start up
HOLLISTER – GriefShare, a Christ-centered recovery and support group for those who are grieving a loved one meets at Grace Bible Church’s Education Building Thursdays 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 Harvey at 638-1394.
Musician seeks others for a capella ensemble
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA – Local musician Stephanie Woehrmann is looking to put together a women’s a capella ensemble and is looking for enthusiastic female vocalists ages 16 and up. The group will rehearse in San Juan Bautista or Gilroy. Rehearsals will be one evening a week to start, and more will be added as performance dates approach.
We have two performances scheduled for spring 2011. Details about performances will be provided at rehearsals. The group will explore a wide range of genres and composers as well as experimenting with creating their own vocal pieces. Ability to read sheet music is a plus, but not necessary.
For more information, contact Woehrmann at 261-4838.
Club Ed tutoring starts
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
fl*********@gm***.com
or call Dr. Katherine Foster at 623-9139 or e-mail
kf*****@sb***.us
and leave a message.
Oriana Chorale calls for singers
HOLLISTER – The Oriana Chorale, San Benito’s community chorus, is looking for singers as it prepares for its December Christmas concerts. The group will sing contemporary and seasonal music.
Rehearsals are 7:15 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, located at 2300 Airline Hwy. Rehearsals are every Monday evening until December. All sopranos, altos, tenors and basses are welcome. No auditions required. Singers must attend rehearsals and follow the instructions of the director.
Concerts will be Dec. 1 and 7, at the Mission San Juan Bautista and Dec. 5 at Sacred Heart Sanctuary, in Hollister.
For more information, call Barbara Nicoara at 628-3305 or www.orianachorale.org.
Migrant Education seeks donations
HOLLISTER – San Benito High School’s Migrant Education program is seeking donations of clothing, towels or blankets. The program serves school youth who reside at the labor camps in town. Staff from the Migrant Education program visit the camps on a weekly basis and bring donations for those who are newly arrived from other areas such as Santa Maria or Bakersfield. Often, workers and their families have few clothing or other items when they arrive.
Donations can be dropped off at San Benito High School, Room 194, or a pick-up can be arranged by calling 637-5831, ext. 189.
Seniors needed for volunteer opportunities
HOLLISTER – The Monterey Bay Retired Senior Volunteer Program is looking for people 55 and over 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
re****@sc***************.org
.
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.
SBHS Travel Club seeks interested students
HOLLISTER – San Benito High’s Travel Club is currently offering spring break of 2011 travel to the following: France with Michele Lassaga; Yucatan, Mexico with Pat Adams/Rachel Flores, and Germany, Austria and Switzerland with Andrea Walton. Interested students and parents may contact teachers at SBHS for details, fares as follows:
France- Michele Lassaga 637-5831 ext. 391-
ml******@sb***.us
Mexico – Pat Adams 637-5831 ext. 369
pa****@sb***.us
Rachel Flores 637-9605
fl*********@gm***.com
Germany, Austria, Switzerland – Andrea Walton 637-5831 ext.372
aw*****@sb***.us
Ladies Auxiliary meeting time change
HOLLISTER – The Ladies Auxiliary, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post No. 9242, have changed meetings from 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.
Water Resources Association offers home water survey
HOLLISTER – The Water Resources Association of San Benito County offers free home water surveys to local residents that can help them identify ways to converse water around the house. Some of the things the survey includes tips on leaks, showerheads and faucet aerators, irrigation, suggested watering schedule, water softener assistance and high-quality hose nozzles.
For more information or to schedule an appointment for a home water survey, call 637-4378.
Give Today, Change Tomorrow fundraiser continues
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Youth Alliance is holding its Give Today, Change Tomorrow fundraiser. All funds go to support after school programs in the community. Donors can help by visiting Mountain Mike’s Pizza, Cheap Seats, Jerry’s, Donuts and Deli, Hollister Super, in Hollister, or Windmill Market, in San Juan Bautista, where the owners will match contributions from the community up to $1,200.
For more information, call 636-2853.
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
sg*****@sb*******.net
.
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.
Al-anon meetings
HOLLISTER – Al-anon meets Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Mars Hill Coffeehouse, 610 San Benito St.
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 637-3839.
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.
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 $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 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 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.