Manufacturing employer roundtable
HOLLISTER – The Workforce Investment Board of San Benito county
and the Economic Development Corporation of San Benito County is
hosting an employer roundtable for manufacturing management teams,
Aug. 31, at San Juan Oaks, from noon to 1:30 p.m. RSVPs are
required (two per company.)
The key note speaker will be Congressman Sam Farr. The guest
speaker will be Bob Lane, an instructor/counselor from The Federal
Techology Center. Guests will get an overview of the last
congressional session, including the recently passed Health Care
Bill, and will learn how to do business with the government.
To RSVP, call Juanita Calderon at 637-5627 or e-mail
[email protected].
Manufacturing employer roundtable
HOLLISTER – The Workforce Investment Board of San Benito county and the Economic Development Corporation of San Benito County is hosting an employer roundtable for manufacturing management teams, Aug. 31, at San Juan Oaks, from noon to 1:30 p.m. RSVPs are required (two per company.)
The key note speaker will be Congressman Sam Farr. The guest speaker will be Bob Lane, an instructor/counselor from The Federal Techology Center. Guests will get an overview of the last congressional session, including the recently passed Health Care Bill, and will learn how to do business with the government.
To RSVP, call Juanita Calderon at 637-5627 or e-mail [email protected].
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 begin Sept. 13, at 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.
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 p.m. 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 [email protected] or contact the office at 636-8406.
Homeless shelter volunteer meeting
HOLLISTER – The Homeless Coalition will host a meeting for those interested in volunteering at the homeless shelter when it opens up for the season, Sept. 18 at 11 a.m. Volunteers will be involved in preparing meals, serving food and clean up. Groups and individuals are welcome to sign up.
The meeting will be held at the homeless shelter’s new kitchen facility, 3235 Southside Road.
For more information, call Cindy Parr, the Homeless Coalition executive director, at 801-9531.
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, Sept. 16, 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.
The American Red Cross Northern California Blood Services Region issued an urgent call for blood donors Aug. 23. The Red Cross staff closely monitors national and local blood supplies to ensure donations are keeping pace with hospital needs for blood products in order to meet ongoing and emergency patient care.
“There is a critical need for blood donors now,” said Sara O’Brien, the communications manager for the region. “This summer we have had a particularly difficult time recruiting enough blood donors to meet the requirements of our community’s hospitals and the patients they serve.”
Donors of all blood types are needed, but especially type O negative. Type O negative blood can be transfused to patients with any blood type and is most readily given to patients in emergency and trauma situations.
Donwtown fall clean-up
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Downtown Association and Recology San Benito County are hosting a downtown fall clean up, Sept. 18, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., in downtown Hollister. Anyone is invited to sign up, including service clubs, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4-H clubs, youth groups, students needing community service hours and community-minded adults.
To participate or for more information, call 636-8406.
California Conservation Corps seeks applicants
WATSONVILLE – The California Conservation Corps is recruiting 20 applicants, ages 18 to 25 for a paid one-year training program to learn to administer and implement energy efficiency programs targeting low-income households in Santa Cruz, San Benito and Monterey counties. All project service will be conducted under the supervision for industry professionals at Central Coast Energy Services, in Watsonville. The program begins in November. At the end of the program, participants will receive an industry-recognized certificate in basic weatherization.
To participate, applicants should be a current California resident, be able to commit to a year-long service program and be open to a background check. Compensation includes a $13,600 per year stipend/living allowance, dividing on a monthly basis; up to $7,350 toward an accredited education or existing student loans; childcare and health benefits and student loan forbearance during the term of service.
Applications can be requested from Bonnie at [email protected]. Applications are due Sept. 7, by 2 p.m. They can be faxed to 831-539-2048. For questions, call Marcus Garrett or Brenda Burks-Herrmann at 768-0150.
Migrant Education seeks donations
HOLLISTER – The 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 [email protected].
Pertussis (whooping cough) vaccination clinic set
HOLLISTER – A free vaccination clinic for Pertussis, or whooping cough, will be held Sept. 1, from 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital’s old business office, 911 Sunset Drive. The tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis booster is suggested for anyone 10 years and older who has not had a prior dose and children 7-9 who do not have a complete childhood series of DTaP. Anyone under 18 years should bring a yellow card to the clinic. The California Health Department declared an epidemic of whooping cough in June. For more information on the clinic, call 637-5367.
San Benito Stage Company seeks board members
HOLLISTER – San Benito Stage Company is actively seeking candidates for the 2011 Board of Directors. They are interested in professional and creative candidates to serve and oversee the mission of Hollister’s only nonprofit community theater. They are especially interested in candidates with knowledge in legal, accounting, business and marketing. Theater experience is not necessary. Please send a letter of interest and resume by Oct. 15 to: SBSC 1760 Airline Hwy Ste F PMB 184, Hollister, CA 95023
For more information, call 636-0122 or visit www.sanbenitostage.org
Library survey still available
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Free Library strategic planning committee members are asking residents to complete a survey about their library use and what types of services or resources they would like in the future. The survey is available at the Library, 470 Fifth St. in Hollister and online at www.sanbenitofl.org. Surveys should be returned by Aug. 27.
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 Ms. Lassaga; Yucatan, Mexico with Mr. Pat Adams/Ms. Flores, and Germany, Austria and Switzerland with Ms. Walton. Interested students and parents may contact teachers at SBHS for details, fares as follows:
France – Ms. Michele Lassaga 637-5831 Ext. 391- [email protected]
Mexico – Mr. Pat Adams 637-5831 ext 369 [email protected] Rachel Flores 637-9605 [email protected]
Germany, Austria, Switzerland – Ms. Andrea Walton 637-5831 ext.372 [email protected]
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 Theatre on Fifth Street, Aug. 27 with check in at 6 p.m. Auditions run from 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.
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 408-307-6448.
Better Breathers Club
MORGAN HILL – Breathe California will host a Better Breathers Club meeting Sept. 14, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the DePaul Health Center conference Room, 18550 DePaul Drive, in Morgan Hill. The meeting is a resource and support group for people suffering from lung disease and their family members. Cathy Lynch, a community relations coordinator for Pathways, Home, Health and Hospice, will lead a discussion on hiring help at home. For more information, visit 998-5865 or visit www.lungsrus.org.
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. Meetings start at 2 p.m., room 204, Veterans Building, 649 San Benito St.
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.
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.
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:
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
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.
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].
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 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.
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 $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.
