Senior Network Services seeks volunteers
HOLLISTER
– The Senior Network Services Health Insurance Counseling
&
amp; Advocacy Program (HICAP) is looking for volunteer
counselors to assist Medicare beneficiaries in understanding their
benefits through direct counseling. Volunteers receive extensive
training in Medicare and meet one-on-one with beneficiaries at
various sites in Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties. HICAP’s New
Volunteer Training includes five, daytime sessions in early May at
Senior Network Services, 1777A Capitola Rd., Santa Cruz. Call
462-5510 or e-mail
sn******@cr****.com
.
Senior Network Services seeks volunteers
HOLLISTER – The Senior Network Services Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP) is looking for volunteer counselors to assist Medicare beneficiaries in understanding their benefits through direct counseling. Volunteers receive extensive training in Medicare and meet one-on-one with beneficiaries at various sites in Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties. HICAP’s New Volunteer Training includes five, daytime sessions in early May at Senior Network Services, 1777A Capitola Rd., Santa Cruz. Call 462-5510 or e-mail
sn******@cr****.com
.
Meningitis health alert
HOLLISTER – San Benito County Public Health has recently been notified that a local resident died after being infected with bacterial meningitis caused by strep pneumoniae. They send out heartfelt condolences go out to the family of the patient.
There are many types of bacteria and viruses that can cause meningitis. Meningitis is a swelling of the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Many of the bacteria or viruses that can cause meningitis are fairly common and are more often associated with other everyday illnesses. Sometimes, however, they spread to the meninges from an infection in another part of the body. The infection can start anywhere, including in the skin, intestines, or urinary system, but the most common source is the respiratory tract. From there the organisms can enter the bloodstream, travel through the body, and enter the central nervous system.
Some common symptoms of meningitis include fever, lethargy (decreased consciousness), irritability or sensitivity to light, although symptoms may vary depending on age. Many cases of meningitis result from infections that can be contagious. Drops of fluid from the throat and nose of someone who is infected may become airborne when the person coughs, laughs, talks, or sneezes. They then can infect others when people breathe them in or touch the drops and then touch their own noses or mouths. Sharing food, drinking glasses, eating utensils, tissues, or towels may all transmit the infections as well. Some infectious organisms can spread through a person’s stool, and someone who comes in contact with the stool – such as a child in day care – may contract the infection. The infections most often spread between people who are in close contact, such as those who live together or people who are exposed by kissing or sharing eating utensils. Casual contact at school or work with someone who has one of these infections usually will not transmit the infectious agent.
Meningitis is a treatable illness if caught early. If you or your child displays any of the symptoms described above contact your doctor immediately.
Remember that many serious and fatal illnesses are preventable by vaccination. Routine childhood immunizations include very effective vaccines (Hib, pneumococcal and meningococcal) to prevent various types of meningitis. Adults who are 65 years of age and older, or who are cigarette smokers, or who have high risk health conditions, should also receive their pneumococcal vaccine.
Call your doctor if you have any questions about the currently recommended childhood or adult vaccination schedule and keep your and your children’s immunizations up to date. If you have any questions or concerns, please call San Benito County Health Department at 637-5367.
Miss San Benito Rodeo apps due
HOLLISTER – Applications for the 2010 Miss San Benito Rodeo contest are due April 28. Applications are available at the Bolado Fairground office, Rancher’s Feed, McAbee Fee, Tres Pinos Ranch and Feed Supply and online at www.sanbenitocountyrodeo.com.
For more details, call the office at 628-3545.
Retired teachers meeting
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Chapter of California Retired Teachers will hold its next business meeting May 5, at 10:30 a.m. at Paine’s Restaurant. Officers for the next year will be installed. Following, the meeting lunch will be served. Members have a choice between chicken parmesan or Mandarin filet of sole. Musical entertainment will be provided.
Open house at SDA
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Seventh-Day Adventist Christian School is hosting an open house April 27, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., for students enrolling in kindergarten to eighth grade.
For more information, call 637-5570 or visit www.HollisterSDAschool.org.
Preschool round-up
HOLLISTER – Parents who are looking for a preschool or family childcare provider for their children may attend the Preschool Round-up Resource Fair May 1, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in the Multi-purpose room at RO Hardin Elementary School, 881 Line St. The event will be attended by public, private, free and for-pay programs, including center-based and in-home programs.
Space is limited in most programs so the event is a chance to get a jump on enrolling children for next year.
Parents with children from birth to 5 years may attend. Door prizes will be given out.
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.
Farm Bureau candidate forum
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Farm Bureau will be hosting a Candidates Forum May 6, at 6:30 p.m., at City Hall Chambers, located at 375 Fifth St., in Hollister. CMAP will be recording the forum and it will be televised on the local channel up to the election. There is no cost for residents interested in attending. The forum will have candidates running for: San Benito Supervisor District 3 and 4, San Benito Sheriff, State Assembly 28th district, State Senate 12th district, and U.S. Congress 17th district.
San Juan Service Club Flower sale and barbecue
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA – The San Juan Service Club is hosting a flower sale and tri-tip barbecue April 24 and 25, at the San Juan Gardens, Fourth Street, in San Juan. A whole tri-tip and loaf of garlic bread can be purchased for $25. Call Bernadette at 801-7346 to place an order by April 22.
Open house for art studio
HOLLISTER – The San Benito Street Studio Art Academy will be hosting an open house April 24 and 25, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at 890 San Benito St. The event is a chance to see the studio and register students for the Summer SeaArt Studio class.
For more information, call 760-6404.
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.
Summer Fun Club starts
HOLLISTER – Parents looking for a way to entertain kids entering kindergarten through third grade can join the Summer Fun Club. It is a group for families whose children has “aged-out” of traditional mommy and me groups, then this is the perfect way to meet new people and have a great time. For more information, contact Julia at
Je******@ao*.com
.
Recycle bulky items
HOLLISTER – Residents can dispose of two bulky items for free at the John Smith Road Landfill April 24 and 25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Residents need to show identification that shows they live or own property in San Benito County. Items that will be accepted include mattresses, tires, washers, dryers, yard waste, dining tables, chairs and other items. All other landfill rates will be in effect during the event. No business waste will be accepted.
For more information, call 636-4110.
Red Cross blood drive
HOLLISTER – An American Red Cross blood drive will be held May 20, from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m., at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
In May, all presenting donors can enter a drawing to win a $100 Home Depot gift card. 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Local booth vendors wanted for Street Festival and Car Show
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Downtown Association is preparing for the 24th Annual Street Festival and Car Show July 17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Local businesses, crafts people and nonprofit organizations are invited to participate with a sales, information or food booth. New this year will be an auto-related vendor row.
Applications are available at the HDA office, 455 San Benito St., Ste. 21, online at www.downtownhollister.org or by e-mailing
ev****@do***************.org
.
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.
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.
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.
Al-anon meetings
HOLLISTER – Al-anon meets Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Mars Hill Coffehouse, 610 San Benito St.
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
.
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 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.
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.
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 an increase in demand in the last few months.
The store sells slightly used kitchen items, furniture, clothing, books and more at low prices. 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.
