Markers available for military gravestones
HOLLISTER
– The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9242 and the Ladies
Auxiliary are trying to identify the gravestones of all who served
in the military, including those without military gravestones so
that they can place a marker next to the gravestones. This will
allow for an American Flag to be put next to a
ll the gravestones of those who served in the armed forces. If
your family member or friend has a non-military stone and you would
like a marker at no cost to you, please call the IOOF Cemetery at
637-3793 or Calvary Cemetery at 637-0131.
Markers available for military gravestones
HOLLISTER – The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9242 and the Ladies Auxiliary are trying to identify the gravestones of all who served in the military, including those without military gravestones so that they can place a marker next to the gravestones. This will allow for an American Flag to be put next to all the gravestones of those who served in the armed forces. If your family member or friend has a non-military stone and you would like a marker at no cost to you, please call the IOOF Cemetery at 637-3793 or Calvary Cemetery at 637-0131.
Project Linus wok day
HOLLISTER – The Project Linus San Benito Chapter will be hosting a make a blanket work day Oct. 10, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hollister United Methodist Church, 521 Monterey St.
The group will be collecting handmade washable blankets, yarn and monetary donations. Project Linus gives security blankets to children in San Benito County who are seriously ill or traumatized. The blankets are handmade by “blanketeers” and “Kids Helping Kids.”
For more information, call the chapter coordinator Sheron Johnson at 637-2971.
ACGS Rescue of Hollister holds adoption day
GILROY – All Creatures Great and Small Rescue of Hollister will hold an adoption day Oct. 4, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Dog House Inn, in Gilroy, 8525 Forest St. Puppies and dogs will be available for adoption.
For more information, call Vivian at 636-7559.
New Harvest music night
HOLLISTER – Come and enjoy a night of positive music at New Harvest Church of Hollister, 372 Fourth St., Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. All ages welcomed to this free concert. For more information, call 637-0643.
Library closes on Saturday
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Free Library, 470 Fifth St., will start Saturday closures as of Oct. 3, due to county budget cuts. The new hours of operation are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays, from noon to 8 p.m.
The Saturday book sales will still be held in the bookshed behind the library and the Historical Society, 470 Fifth St. from 9 a.m. to noon every Saturday in October. Books are available at $2 a bag, as well as video, tapes and more. Donations are accepted, as are donations of used and new books. For more information on the book sale, call 636-4107.
Holiday tree sponsors needed
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Downtown Association is accepting applications for the annual “Decorate a Tree” project. Nonprofit groups, businesses and individuals are invited to sponsor one of the 30 Christmas trees donated by John and Tina Bourdet, of Bourdet Christmas Trees, as part of the annual Lights On Celebration in downtown Hollister Nov. 28. Decorated trees are given to deserving families in the community the second week of December.
For more information, call the HDA at 636-8406 or visit www.downtonwhollister.org. Applications are due Nov. 6.
Lights on Parade
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Downtown Association is now accepting applications for parade entries for the Lights on Parade and tree light sponsorships. Nonprofit groups, businesses and individuals are invited to participate. The theme this year is “Candy Cane Lane.”
For more information, contact the HAD at 636-8406 or visit www.downtownhollister.org. Tree light sponsorship applications are due Oct. 15, and parade applications are due Oct. 20.
Veterans Day parade applications available
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Veterans Day Parade will be Nov. 11 at 1:30 p.m. in downtown Hollister. It will be preceded by a veterans benefit fair at 10 a.m., a Veterans Day ceremony at 11:11 a.m., and a Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9242 barbecue.
Applications can be sent to the VFW, P.O. Box 99, Hollister, CA 95023 or faxed to 637-6015.
For more information, or for a copy of the application, call Jess Garza at 637-9028, Frankie Arballo at 638-6434 or Richard Herrera at 801-7424.
Volunteers needed for suicide crisis line
SANTA CRUZ – The Suicide Prevention Service of the Central Coast is seeking volunteers for its suicide crisis line. Join a community of volunteers dedicated to providing support for people experiencing loss, suffering and isolation. Training begins Oct. 13.
For more information, call 459-9373.
Retired teachers meeting
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County chapter of California Retired Teachers will hold its next business meeting Oct. 7 at Paine’s Restaurant at 10:30 a.m. Following the meeting, a luncheon will be served. Members have a choice between chicken marsala or filet of soul.
The scheduled speaker is Leah Douty, the director of the Hazel Hawkins Hospital Foundation. She will discuss the construction happening at the hospital and new services that will be available.
YMCA health seekers workshops
HOLLISTER – The next YMCA Health Seekers Workshop will be Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. at the YMCA office, 339 Fifth St. This month’s topic will be “Hiking and Biking in San Benito County.” Guest speakers include Michael Rupp, of Pinnacles National Monument, Brian Lucas, of Off the Chain Bikes, and Michelle Armijo, a park ranger for Hollister Hills and the San Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail.
Upcoming workshops will include topics such as whole food nutrition, keeping balanced with chiropractic care, alternative approaches and more. The workshops are funded through the Activate American program at the YMCA.
For more information, call Rochelle Callis at 637-8600 or e-mail rc*****@ym**************.org.
Auditions for ‘A Christmas Carol’
HOLLISTER – Limelight Productions will be hosting open auditions for “A Christmas Carol.” Auditions are Oct. 9 at 6 p.m. or Oct. 10 at 11 a.m. for children ages 8 to 18, at 618 San Benito St., in Hollister. Those auditioning are asked to prepare a song and bring a small photo.
For more information, call 635-0553.
Blood drive
HOLLISTER – The American Red Cross will host a blood drive at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1670 Cienega Road, in Hollister, Oct. 15, from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
For more information or to make an appointment, call 800-GIVE LIFE (800-448-3543) or visit www.HelpSaveALife.org and type in HOLLISTER.
Latino Student Leadership Conference
HOLLISTER – The 13th annual Latino Student Leadership Conference will be Oct. 24, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at San Benito High School, 1220 Monterey St. The event is open to anyone, and is sponsored by the San Benito County LULAC Council #2890. The event includes workshops on such topics as education, health, law, media, business development, law enforcement and firefighters, with role models as presenters. It also features a special session for parents, as well as a career fair for students. Breakfast, snack and lunch will be provided.
The event is co-sponsored by San Benito High School, the Hollister School District, California Teachers Association, State Farm Insurance, South County Housing, and the Community Foundation of San Benito County.
For more information or to RSVP, call 673-2009 or visit www.sbclulac.org.
Vendors needed for Rancho/Maze craft boutique
HOLLISTER – The Rancho/Maze band will be hosting an arts and craft boutique Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Rancho San Justo Middle School. The boutique will benefit the Rancho/Maze band. The event will include sale of arts and crafts as well as a raffle with prizes.
Vendors can apply now. For more information, contact Laura Arballo at 637-4343 or ad************@ho*****.com.
SBHS career fair
San Benito High School will be hosting a career fair at the campus, 1220 Monterey St., in Hollister, Nov. 18 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Employers and college recruiters are invited to participate in the career fair.
To participate, RSVP by Nov. 1 to Sonja Romero at 637-5831, ext. 185 or by e-mail to sr*****@sb***.us.
Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest approaches
HOLLISTER – Hollister VFW Post 9242 will be hosting the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest, which is open to students in sixth, seventh and eighth grade. Rules and entry forms can be picked up at the County Office of Education, on Fifth Street, or online at www.vfw.org. The deadline for submissions is Nov. 1. This year’s essay topic is “When is the right time to honor our military heroes?”
The winner of the essay contest will be awarded a $200 check.
For questions, contact Bob Burnham at 638-1703.
AARP tax-aide program seeks volunteers
HOLLISTER – The American Association of Retired Persons is looking for volunteers to help with its free tax counseling and preparation services offered from Feb. 1. to April 15. Volunteers will learn tax law and will help prepare personal income tax returns for middle-to-low-income residents. Each year, AARP volunteers prepare tax returns at more than 10,000 sites nationwide.
Volunteers will receive free tax training from the Internal Revenue Service, and are asked for a commitment of 40 hours over the 10-week season. Local training is scheduled in late Jan. 2010. Volunteers do not need to be AARP members.
For more information, contact Dolly De Vasier, the San Benito County coordinator, at 637-1980.
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.
Holiday boutique needs vendors
HOLLISTER – The Cerra Vista Elementary School Holiday Boutique needs vendors for its Dec. 5 event. The boutique will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the space fee is $45. For more information, call Julie Englehardt at 635-9674.
Club Ed offers tutoring as school starts
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.ext.370.
Pat’s Place in need of volunteers
HOLLISTER – Pat’s Place, a thrift shop at 101 Fifth St., in Hollister, is in need of volunteers. The thrift shop benefits Community Food Bank, which has seen a 25 percent increase in demand in the last few months.
The store sells slightly used kitchen items, furniture, clothing, books and more at low prices. According to a press release from Mary Anne Hughes, it offers “a revenue source badly needed for the Community Food Bank. The ever-increasing demand on the Community Food Bank’s services requires money to purchase food and supplies.”
She said while monetary donations tend to be seasonal, the hope is that Pat’s will offer a year-round source of income. Donations are accepted for the store, and volunteers are needed to sort the items, price them, stock and sell the items.
To find out about volunteer opportunities, call Mary Anne Hughes at 637-0340 or stop by Pat’s Place, or call 637-5500. Donations are accepted Monday through Saturday. The store Is open to the public Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Free art classes
HOLLISTER – Bob Wilkinson will be offering free art classes at Mars Hill Coffee House on Tuesdays from 4 p.m.to 5 p.m. or 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Space is limited. For more information, call 635-9218.
High school essay contest open to nations students
ARLINGTON, VA – Local students are eligible to participate in the “Being An American” essay contest administered by the Bill of Rights Institute, a nonprofit educational organization in the Washington, D.C. area. The nationwide contest will award 180 students and teachers cash prizes, and received more than 31,000 essays last year.
“This contest is unique in that it gives students the opportunity to share their thoughts about how the principles expressed in America’s founding documents shape and influence contemporary American citizenship,” said Victoria Hughes, president of the Bill of Rights Institute. “This conversation is vital to preparing the next generation of voters and civic leaders for the challenges that are ahead of them and our country.”
This year’s theme is “What civic value do you believe is most essential to being an American?”
The top three student winners and their teachers from each of the nine geographical regions will be announced at a special Washington, D.C. gala in spring 2010. First place is $5,000, second is $2,500 and third is $1,250. Honorable mention will go to additional students with a cash prize of $250.
Students in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, U.S. territories and American Armed Forces schools abroad will be judged in the Pacific region. The deadline for submissions is Dec. 1, 2009.
For more information, visit www.BeingAnAmerican.org.
San Benito Stage Company seeks members
HOLLISTER – The San Benito Stage Company is planning its 2010 season of productions, including children’s, teen, family and dinner theater programs. The stage company is seeking support in the form of members, sponsors and volunteers. Members enjoy benefits such as ticket discounts, advertising, and free show passes depending on level of sponsorship. For more information, call 636-0122 or visit www.sanbenitostage.org.
Math Talk program starts
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Office of Education will be hosting a Math Talk on the first Tuesday of every month, starting this month (no meeting January 2010.) The program will help teachers improve their math skills, and will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at 460 Fifth St., in Hollister.
For more information or to RSVP, call 459-5703.
Women’s support group starts
HOLLISTER – Community Solutions is offering a women’s support group. The group is a free six-week program and is confidential. Topics include healthy relationships, domestic violence, safety planning, resources and much more.
For more information or to register, call Debbie Ruiz at 637-1094.
T’ai chi at the Grange
AROMAS – T’ai chi classes are available at the Aromas Grange, at the corner of Rode and Bardue, Mondays and Wednesday from 8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
For more information, call 726-7151.
Art classes available
HOLLISTER – Dale Yarmuth, a member of the San Benito Arts Council and the Hollister Art League, will offer daily two-hour art sessions for artists of all ages. The classes will focus on pen and ink with watercolor. Classes are Monday through Friday, and are available during daytime or evening hours. The cost is $20 per hour, with materials and tools costing extra. Artists will also learn how to mat and frame their work.
For more information, call 634-0821 or e-mail mm****@sb*******.net.
Project proposals due for art grant
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Arts Council is looking for proposals of new art projects in visual and performing arts to apply for funding through the Creative Work Fund Grant program.
The Arts Council will serve as a fiscal sponsor for artists and nonprofit organizations that would like to collaborate on new works in dance, theater, literature and the visual arts. Those interested can submit a summary of their project to the Arts Council at in**@sa***********.org by Oct. 12. The summary should include a description of the art project, contact information for all artists involved, the collaborating organization and a brief budget outline.
The lead artist must have residency in one of the following counties for at least two years: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Monterey, Napa, San Benito, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma and Stanislaus. The lead artists cannot be a board member of the collaborating nonprofit. The work should be in the areas of visual and performing arts. The artists must collaborate with the nonprofit organization in all creative aspects of the project.
The fund offers grants from $10,000 to $40,000 per project and is funded through the William and Flora Hewlett and James Irvine Foundations, and administered through the Walter and Elise Haas Fund. Artists will receive two-thirds of the total grant awarded.
For more information, call 636-2787.
