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.
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.
Historical Society hosts general meeting
TRES PINOS – The San Benito County Historical Society will be hosting its quarterly general meeting Aug. 21, at 1 p.m. at the San Benito County Historical Park, located at 8300 Airline Hwy. A presentation about the upcoming Civil War event taking place Sept. 18 and 19 will take place.
Those attending will be able to drive up into the historical section down to the Saloon area for parking. Watch for signs directing traffic. The event is free of charge to the public and refreshments will be served.
For more information, call 277-3836.
Pinnacles climbing areas reopen
PINNACLES – Rock formations subject to advisory closures to rock climbing and off-trail hiking for protecting nesting falcons and eagles are now reopened at Pinnacles National Monument.
“All sensitive areas have been reopened and will remain so until next January when the raptors return and being to select nest areas,” said Eric Brunnemann, the superintendent of Pinnacles National Monument.
A total of seven prairie falcon nests successfully produced nestlings and fledged a total of 27 young, representing an average year for Pinnacles productivity, according to a press release. In addition American kestrels, red-shouldered, red-tailed sharp-shinned and Cooper’s hawks produced young this year, as well as one Peregrine falcon.
Monument staff members have been monitoring raptors for 24 years.
“We thank the climbers and hikers for their patience and support of our efforts to protect these spectacular birds of prey at Pinnacles,” Brunnemann wrote. “Without your cooperation in avoiding the advisory areas, this program could not be the success that it is.”
For more information regarding raptor activity at Pinnacles National Monument, or the park’s raptor monitoring program, call the Office of Research and Resource Management, call 389-4486, ext. 270.
AARP Driver Safety program
HOLLISTER – The AARP Driver Safety Program is a refresher course for drivers who are age 50 and senior. AARP membership is not required. This course may be taken online at www.aarp.org or in the classroom. The initial classroom version is an 8-hour course, which is normal taught in two-four hour sessions, and then a renewal class that is four hours long can be taken every three years.
All graduates receive a certificate that may entitled them to a reduction in their California auto insurance. The course covers age-related physical changes, declining perceptual skills and rules of the road. The classroom tuition is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non members. The online course may be taken in segments over a month or so and costs $15.95 for AARP members and $19.95 for non members.
Those interested in taking the course in a classroom can register for the course in Hollister on Aug. 28, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., which will be held at the San Benito County Free Library, 490 Fifth St. To register, call Brian Lindberg at 831-307-6448.
Ladies Auxiliary meeting changes time
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 starting Aug. 14. Meetings start at 2 p.m., room 204, Veterans Building, 649 San Benito St.
On Aug. 8 the local VFW is hosting the 12th District quarterly meeting starting at 9 a.m. at the Veterans building. All members of the Post and Auxiliary are urged to attend.
For more information, call Dolly De Vasier at 637-1980.
Hollister Montessori hosts open house
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Montessori School is hosting an open house Sept. 8. The school hosts open houses the first Thursday of every month. For more information, visit www.hollistermontessori.com or call 630-3038.
Auditions for teen musical
HOLLISTER – The San Benito Stage Company will be holding open auditions for its teen musical “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” directed by Heidi Henderson. It is a hilarious musical set in the 60s about climbing the corporate ladder. Auditions are open to teens 13-19, at the Granada Theater on Fifth Street, Aug. 26 and 12 with check in at 6 p.m. Auditions run form 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Auditions will also be held Aug. 28, with a 10 a.m. check-in and auditions from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Be prepared to sing, learn a dance and read from a script. No appointment required. For questions, call 636-6810 or 636-0122. Show dates are Oct. 22-24, 29-31 and Nov. 5-6.
Sacred Heart Foundation seeks nominees
HOLLISTER – The Sacred Heart Parish School Alumni Foundation is seeking nominees for the 2010 event Celebrating Catholic Education. The deadline for the submission is Aug. 31. The induction ceremony will take place at San Juan Oaks Golf Club on Nov. 13. Proceeds from the event will benefit the scholarship fund for Sacred Heart Parish School. The goal of the SHPS Alumni Association’s goal is to recognize individuals affiliated with Sacred Heart Parish that have taken their Catholic faith and lived out the message of Jesus Christ.
Those selected for induction into the SHPS Hall of Distinction are recognized for their outstanding accomplishments in the areas of career achievement, community service, academics or fine arts.
Nomination forms can be found on the Sacred Heart School website: www.sacredheartschool.org/school/alumni/shpsaa.htm or pick one up at the school office, 670 College St., in Hollister. For more information, call 637-4157.
Nominations sought for Community Spirit Awards
HOLLISTER – Nominations are due for the Gavilan College Community Spirit Awards Aug. 31. The awards recognize contributions to the communities which form the Gavilan College Joint Community College District. Each year, three sets of awards are presented, for the communities of Morgan Hill, Gilroy and San Benito County. In each community an individual, a business and a nonprofit organization are selected for their history of service, their impact on the community and the inspiration they provide to others.
Anyone may submit a nomination for consideration. Nomination forms, and a listing of past award-recipients are available online at www.gavilan.edu/pio/Community_Spirit_Awards.html. For more information, please call 408-848-4724 or e-mail [email protected].
Stimulus-funded training program comes to Gavilan College
GILROY – Gavilan Community College and Contract Education, in partnership with San Benito County Water District and others will be offering a training program that prepares students for careers in water and waste water industries.
The program is being offered with stimulus-funded from an Industry Driven Regional Collaborative grant to fund the development of a Water Technology Program. The program is designed to prepare students for entry level employment in public water supply or wastewater treatment industries, or to qualify for more responsible positions within those industries. The grant runs for two years.
The Water Treatment Plant and Operation program, offered in short-term not-for-credit classes through Gavilan College’s Contract and Community Education Program, consists of 12 modules. Fall classes starting in September, October and November. For more information or to register, visit www.gavilance.com or call 408-852-2801.
Veterans Administration to host medical outreach program
HOLLISTER – The Veterans Administration with the help of the Veterans of Foreign War Post #2942 and the Ladies Auxiliary are having a medical outreach program for all veterans Aug. 24, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Building, in Hollister. The event will be staffed by medical and psychology personnel. A veteran service office will be available for processing claims.
Farr to host town hall meetings
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA – Congressman Sam Farr (D-Carmel) will be hosting four town hall meetings, including one in San Juan Bautista.
The schedule is as follows:
Salinas Town Hall
Aug. 23, 6 p.m.
Monterey County Office of Education Meeting Room
901 Blanco Circle, in Salinas
San Benito County Town Hall
Aug. 31, 6 p.m.
San Juan Bautista Community Center Hall
10 San Jose St., in San Juan Bautista
Santa Cruz County Town Hall
Sept. 2, 6 p.m.
First Congregational Church
900 High St., in Santa Cruz
Pertussis vaccine available
HOLLISTER – Pertussis has been declared an epidemic in California, as of June 25. In an effort to prevent pertussis in San Benito County, the Health Department strongly urges parents and caregivers of infants less than 12 months of age to become vaccinated.
As of July 22, there have been six infants deaths reported in California, all of children who were less than three months of age.
The California Department of Public Health is recommending that all patients indicated for immunization against tetanus, diphtheria or pertussis be immunized with the following:
A DTAP vaccination for children age six weeks through 6 years or a Tdap for those age 7 years or older.
Newer pertussis vaccinations are recommended for all persons without documentation of full immunization against pertussis; women of childbearing age, preferably before pregnancy; other close contacts of infants, especially parents and childcare providers regardless of when contacts received any prior doses of TD; health care personnel, especially those who have direct contact with infants and pregnant women; patients with wounds – CDHP recommends that providers administer Dtap whenever tetanus toxoid is indicated for wound management in patients 7 years of age or older.
Increasing community immunity through widespread immunization will aid in decreasing the chance that vulnerable infants will be exposed to pertussis. Immunization will also prevent debilitating cases of pertussis in older children, adolescents and adults.
The Health Department also recommends that residents check with their primary healthcare provider for vaccine availability prior to contacting the Health Department to make an appointment. Low-cost vaccinations are available at the SBC Public Health Department for families of high-risk infants.
Pertussis in children and adults typically starts with a cough and cold-like symptoms for the first two weeks, followed by weeks of rapid coughing fits that sometimes end with a whooping sound. Fever is rare. Symptoms and disease characteristics in young infants are more variable. Childhood immunization does not provide lifetime immunity.
For more information, call the healthcare provider, the Health Department at 637-5367 or check the California Department of Public Health’s Web site at www.cdph.ca.gov.
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.
Celebrity look-a-like casting call
HOLLISTER – Members of the Baler Backers Athletic Organization are holding a casting call for celebrity look-a-likes to attend their Hollywood Glamour fundraiser in August.
They are looking for people who look like actors, models, comedians, entertainers, musicians or other celebrities. Auditions are Aug. 10, from 6 to 8 p.m. at San Benito High School, Room 203, at the cross streets of Monterey Street and Richardson Drive. Participants must be available Aug. 28 and bring props or attire to go along with their celebrity impersonation. All levels of experience are welcome. There is no compensation offered, except a fun evening and resume building.
The Glamour Hollywood fundraiser is Aug. 28, at San Juan Oaks, in Hollister, from 6 p.m. to midnight. Tickets are $65 a person or $625 for a table of 10. All proceeds benefit the San Benito High School Athletic Department. For more information, visit www.HaybalerAthletics.com. Attire is semi-formal. No one under 18 is admitted.
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, Aug. 19, 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 Red Cross will hold four weekly drawings in August where donors have a chance to win a $100 gift card from Best Buy.
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. The next work day is 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 [email protected]. For more information on the San Benito County Historical Society, visit www.sbchistoricalsociety.org.
Water Resources Association offers home water survey
HOLLISTER – The Water Resources Association of San Benito County is continuing to offer 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 [email protected].
Class of 1990 reunion coming up
HOLLISTER – The San Benito High School Class of 1990 will be holding its 20-year reunion Aug. 7. Organizers are looking for classmates who are interested in attending.
For more information, call Julie Neff at 801-6764.
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 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.
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.
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.
The Gilroy group meets at the Kaiser Medical Center, 7520 Arroyo Circle, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on the 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 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 $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’s ‘Friends’ campaign
HOLLISTER – The Community Foundation for San Benito County is holding 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.
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.
