Registration opens for Kids Rule camp
HOLLISTER
– The San Benito Stage Company Children’s Summer Theatre Camp,
Kids Rule, is taking registration. The camp runs June 20-24, from
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The camp is open to students 6-13 years old. It
includes workshops in ensemble music, dance movement, acting,
improv, pantomime, small group vocal and
much more.
For more information, call Kristy Burchard, the founder and camp
director, at 636-6810.
Registration opens for Kids Rule camp
HOLLISTER – The San Benito Stage Company Children’s Summer Theatre Camp, Kids Rule, is taking registration. The camp runs June 20-24, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The camp is open to students 6-13 years old. It includes workshops in ensemble music, dance movement, acting, improv, pantomime, small group vocal and much more.
For more information, call Kristy Burchard, the founder and camp director, at 636-6810.
Friends of the Library changes meeting time
HOLLISTER – The Friends of the San Benito County Free Library have changed its monthly meetings to the fourth Monday of each month, at 5:30 p.m., at the library, 470 Fifth St., in Hollister.
The meeting on April 25 will be an annual general meeting, with board elections, followed by refreshments and a special program.
For more information, call Ruth Erickson, president, at 637-0987.
Cinco de Mayo Scholarship Banquet tickets available
HOLLISTER – Tickets are on sale for the 41st annual Cinco de Mayo Scholarship Banquet hosted by the Mexican American Committee on Education (MACE) May 7 at San Juan Oaks.
The event will feature the presentation of the Man and Woman of the Year awards as well as a MACE honorary award. Tickets are available pre-sale only for $50 per person.
For ticket information, contact Mickie Luna at 673-2009 or George Munoz at 623-4429.
Kids at the Park seeks participants
HOLLISTER – Kids at the Park, an annual event that promotes safety and health for local families, is scheduled for June 15. Participants can apply for a booth space through April 30.
Kids in the Park is a health and safety education event sponsored by the Hollister Youth Alliance, Community Food Bank of San Benito County, the San Benito County Safe Kids Coalition and Public Health Services. The event is 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and in the past 30 community agencies and programs have set up learning stations throughout the park for children to visit.
One of the key focal points of the event is the Safe Moves City, set up along West and Seventh Street to teach kids how to safely ride bikes or walk along city streets.
For more information on participating or volunteering, call Mary Anne Hughes at 637-0340 or e-mail
Ma*************@sb*******.net
.
Recreation Commission hosts workshops
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Parks and Recreation Commission is hosting to public meetings to gather input from community members about what they see as priorities for parks such as the river parkway, a regional park, the Veterans Memorial Park and the San Benito County Historical Park. Anyone in the community – youth, seniors or families – is invited to share their opinions on recreational needs.
Meetings are set for May 4, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and May 7, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at the Veterans Memorial Building, 649 San Benito St.
For more information, call Janelle Cox at
jc**@co**.us
or call 636-4000.
Hollister PD offers free pet microchips
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Police Department’s Animal Control Bureau will be offering free microchip coupons in an effort to reunite lost pets with their owners. Due to an anonymous donation of 100 microchips, the police department will give out certificates, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for Hollister and San Benito county residents only, at the shelter at 1331 South St. The certificates can be redeemed at the Hollister Animal Shelter at a future date. Animals do not need to be brought to the certificate pick up.
According to a press release from the HPD, eight to 12 million companion animals enter shelters nationwide every year. Less than 2 percent of cats and 17 percent of dogs are reunited with their owners. When animals come into the shelter, they are scanned for a microchip immediately. If the animal has a chip, the shelter or veterinarian can call a national database and locate the owner.
For more information on microchips, call 636-4320.
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.
Historical Society to form fundraising committee
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Historical Society is looking for volunteers to participate as part of a fundraising committee that will raise money to complete the first stage of rebuilding the Dance Hall. The group will tentatively begin meeting next week.
The Dance Hall was blown down in a windstorm in 2006. When it is rebuilt, the building will serve as a space for meetings, events, fundraising and more.
Anyone interested in being on the committee can contact Don Pidd at
do*****@sv*.net
or 902-9349.
AARP driver safety program course offered
HOLLISTER – The AARP Driver Safety Program is being offered April 30, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Hollister Public Library, 470 Fifth St., in Hollister. The course is offered in person for $12 to AARP members or for $14 for non-members. The class can also be taken online for $15.95 for AARP members, or $19.95 for non-members.
All graduates receive a certificate, which may entitle them to a reduction in their California auto insurance for the next three years. The course covers age-related physical changes, declining perceptual skills and rules of the road.
Other upcoming classes include a course in Salinas, April 19 and 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Salvation Army, 2460 N. Main Street, or in Castroville, May 7, from noon to 4:30 p.m., at the Japanese School House, 11199 Geil St.
To register for the Hollister or Castoville classes, call Brian Lindberg at 408-307-6448 or for the Salinas class, call Linda Howell at 818-1214. Other upcoming classes can be seen at www.aarp.org.
Volunteers needed to plant community garden
HOLLISTER – Volunteers are needed at the Comstock Farm April 30 to plant fruits and vegetables that will go to the Community Food Bank of San Benito County. The two groups are working together to grow more than an acre of fruit trees and vegetables to feed low-income individuals and families in San Benito County. The goal is to provide an educational space for youth to learn healthy eating and how to grow food in an organic way that protects their health as well as their community and the environment.
For more information, or to sign up to volunteer, call Lupe at 524-1305 or e-mail
co***********@ya***.com
Class of ’81 preps for reunion
HOLLISTER – The San Benito High School class of 1981 will hold its 30-year class reunion Aug. 13, at the Hollister Elk’s Lodge. The cost of the event is $45 per person.
For more information, e-mail Anita Warren at
an*********@ho*****.com
or Tony Ureno at
To***********@ch*****.net
.
Tire amnesty event
HOLLISTER – San Benito County Integrated Waste Management is hosting free disposal of used tires on three upcoming dates. The events will be May 7, at Spring Grove School, 500 Spring Grove Road, and June 4, at Veterans Memorial Park, 801 Memorial Drive. Tires can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
State law limits the transportation of tires to nine per vehicle, per trip. Tires from businesses will not be accepted. The tires will be recycled free of charge. The event is made possible through a grant from the California Department of Recycling and Resource Recovery.
For more information, call 636-4110.
Pet Friends seeks sponsors for Wag ‘n Walk
HOLLISTER – Pet Friends, a nonprofit rescue group, is looking for sponsors for the third annual Wag ‘n Walk, in June. The 5K fun run/walk raises money to care for animals that are rescued until they are adopted and to help with the low-cost spay/neuter clinic the nonprofit runs.
Sponsorships are $50 for the bow wow level, which includes your name on a banner, a business card inserted in goodie bags and one registration; $100 for the sit and stay level, which includes the same benefits plus, an audio announcement of the business name and two registrations; $250 for the beg and bark, includes the above benefits, plus logo with name on banner, press release recognition and four registrations.
For more information on the Wag ‘n Walk sponsorship, call Marissa Brennan at 630-2495 or e-mail
ma*************@sb****.com
.
Adult literacy tutors needed
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Free Library is seeking volunteer tutors for the adult literacy program. The goal of the program is to reduce illiteracy within the county, raise education levels through instruction, teach the importance of reading to children and help local families or individuals become lifelong readers.
The program offers free tutoring to any resident of San Benito County. Learners meet weekly with trained volunteer tutors, for personalized one-on-one instruction and assignments. Tutors will be trained in supporting adults as they improve their reading and writing skills. Volunteers should have knowledge of basic English spelling and grammar, must be 18 years of age, and willing to commit to at least 1.5 hours a week for six months.
For more information, call Wendy Kay or Rosa Garcia at 636-4107, ext. 20, or e-mail
wk**@li*.us
or
rg*****@li*.us
.
Thursdays at the symphony series
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Symphony Group is taking orders for the 2011-2012 San Francisco Symphony season. The group takes a bus from Dunne Park at 8:30 a.m. on the day of the performances and returns by 6:30 p.m.
Performances are Oct. 27, at 2 p.m., Feb. 2, at 2 p.m. and April 19, at 2 p.m. Prices are $201 for front orchestra, $288 for prem. Orchestra, $240 for orchestra, $180 for upper orchestra, $213 for prem. First tier, $186, for first tier, $117 for prem. Second tier and $90 for second tier.
All orders must be accompanied by payment and include a $15 handling fee. Patrons who wish to be seated together should send their forms in the same envelope. All tickets will be mailed in July to the name and address on the order form. If requesting upper orchestra, please give a second choice of seating.
For more information or for an order form, call Sally Crissman at 630-0750.
Free composting class
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Integrated Waste Management Regional Agency will host a free composting class, on April 25, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Participants will receive a free compost bin. Space is limited so residents may sign up in advance by calling 636-4110.
Composting can help residents save money by lowering garbage gills and replacing store-bought soil conditioners. It can be used for garden and house plants, helps save water by reducing water and helping soil hold more moisture, and benefits the environment by keeping items out of landfills.
Blood drive
HOLLISTER – The American Red Cross will host a blood drive in Hollister, May 19, from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m., at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Cultural Hall, 1670 Cienega Road. To find out more or schedule an appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or go to redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code HOLLISTER.
Women’s Club takes over Comfort and Care backpacks
HOLLISTER – The Women’s Club of Hollister has taken over the “Comfort and Care Backpack Project” for 2011, started by the SBC Leadership Class of 2010. The program provides children arriving at foster care facilities with items that will make their arrival easier with necessities and personal items.
The backpacks are made to accommodate infants to 17 year olds. Appropriate items fill the backpacks based on age and gender. Examples of items include handmade blankets, basic school supplies, a change of clothing, a stuffed animal, fun stuff and snacks. Aside from giving children a warm welcome, the backpack gives them a sense that they are important to many people – the backpacks are theirs to keep.
The recipients of the backpacks include Kinship Center, Chamberlain’s Children Center and Emmaus House.
The goal is to provide each organization with 25 backpacks, according to the needs of the organization. The average backpack costs about $30-40 for young children or $20-30 for older children. The Women’s Club is working with businesses, family and friends to support the project.
Residents can support the project with a donation of money, a donation of one of the items mentioned above (new only), or by sponsoring a backpack for $40. Donations can be sent to: WHC, PO Box 818, Hollister, CA 95024.
For more information or to help, contact a member of the Comfort and Care Backpack Committee: Cindy Biesmeyer, 524-1631
ac*****@ym***.com
. Other members of the committee include Betty Evans, Ruth Mendes Da Costa, Shannon Wilkerson, Peg Lairson and Gayle Jackson.
Summer associates needed
GILROY – The Si, Se Puede! Learning Center coordinators are partnering with AmeriCorps VISTA to hire summer associates for the summer enrichment program offered June 20 to August 18. The summer associates work between 30-32 hours a week, Monday through Friday. It is a great opportunity for students in studying education, social work or psychology, though it is not limited to students in those fields.
Applicants should be 18 years old, currently enrolled in a college or university, able to commit to the entire internship period, enjoy working with children, youth and teens, and be a team player who works well with others, demonstrates strong leadership and follows and implements curriculum.
The benefits include a living allowance of $2,000 for the eight to 10 week period, free housing, depending on the location, and a $1,000 education award upon completion of the program.
For more information about the qualifications and benefits, please visit www.cecfellowship.org/fellowship.html or AmeriCorps.gov.
Vertigo Coffee raises money for Japan
SAN JUAN – The owners of Vertigo Coffee are collecting donations for the Northern Japan Earthquake Relief Fund. They are going to kick off the fund with $200. For residents who donate $10, they will offer a free traditional Italian cappuccino at the San Juan shop. One hundred percent of the donations go directly toward citizen relief efforts in the most affected areas.
Vertigo Coffee is located at 81 Fourth St., San Juan Bautista. For more information, call 623-9533 or visit www.vertigocoffee.com.
Kinship Center memberships available
HOLLISTER – Kinship Center Gabilan Chapter of San Benito County is accepting associate or family members. Associate memberships are $25 and family memberships are $100. Kinship Center’s mission is t help every child have a safe, loving family that will be there for a lifetime. Kinship Center helps place infants, children and teens who have been removed from their homes due to severe abuse, neglect or abandonment. Their goal is to place kids with adoptive families so they won’t have to spend time in foster care.
This year, Kinship hosted a May Open House, where guests got a personal look at the extreme needs in San Benito County and how Kinship helps traumatized children. They also added an educational component to the annual Wine and Food Tasting, at Paicine’s Ranch. Kids’ photos and stories decorated tables throughout the event.
Associate members can also purchase merchandise, such as a cookbook, totes, aprons and throw blankets.
For more information on supporting Kinship Center, call 634-0238 or visit 719 San Benito St., suite A, in Hollister.
Students of the Constitution
HOLLISTER – Students of the Constitution is a monthly series that introduces people to the United States Constitution and other historic documents. It will be held the third Wednesday of the month at 8 p.m., at the Vault Restaurant. The event is free. For more information, call 537-3611.
Pinnacle Quilters meets
HOLLISTER – The Pinnacle Quilters of San Benito County meets monthly in San Juan Bautista on the third Tuesday of the month in the San Juan Community Center, 10 San Jose St. A visitor fee of $5 is charged.
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.
The meetings are facilitated by the Monterey Bay Area Math Project and sponsored by the California Mathematics Project as well as the San Benito Office of Education. It is part of the National Association of Mathematics Circles.
The last meeting will be May 3.
Visit sanbenito.k12oms.org or e-mail
sg*****@sb***.org
.
GriefShare meetings continue
HOLLISTER – GriefShare, a Christ-centered recovery and support group for those who are grieving a loved one will meet at the home of Greg and Tricia Harvey, 145 Vine St. The group will meet for 13 weeks, Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 8:30 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, call Grace Bible Church at 638-1394 or Greg Harvey at 207-6560.
YMCA and Club Ed partner on tutoring program
HOLLITER – The YMCA and Club Ed, a San Benito High School club that offers after-school tutoring, have partnered. Parents can hire students to tutor students in a variety of subjects, for kids from first grade to 12th grade. The fee is $10 per hour and is offered after school from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the YMCA office. For more information, call the YMCA at 637-8600 or Club Ed at 623-9139, or e-mail
kf*****@sb***.us
.
Bertuccio’s Market supports sports
HOLLISTER – Bertuccio’s Market has selected two days a week when the owners will donate 10 percent of the purchase price to local sports. Customers can come in on Sundays and mention the Balers to donate 10 percent to the athletic fund at San Benito High School. Those who come in on Wednesday can mention Pop Warner Football and Cheer to donate 10 percent of the purchase.
Garlic Festival seeks cook-off recipes
GILROY – The 33rd Gilroy Garlic Festival committee will accept recipe submissions for the Great Garlic Cook-Off amateur cooking competition through May 1.
The Great Garlic Cook-Off will be held July 30. Eight finalists from the initial field of entries will be selected to appear on-stage at the Cook-Off to prepare their submissions. Original recipes must include a minimum of six cloves of fresh garlic or three teaspoons of chopped or minced garlic. At the Cook-Off the recipes must be prepared and presented to a panel of six judges in two hours.
The eight finalists receive travel and lodging accommodations. The champion will receive $1,000 and the ceremonial crown of garlic; second prize is $750; and third prize is $500.
Entires can be submitted to the Gilroy Garlic Festival Cook-Off, P.O. Box 2311, Gilroy, CA 95021-2311, or by e-mail to
cl***@gi******************.com
. Submissions should provide a recipe and a photograph of the final dish. For more information, visit www.gilroygarlicfestival.com.
Probation department seeks mentors
HOLLISTER – The probation department is seeking community members who are interested in becoming a mentor for a six-month to 1-year period working with juveniles on probation. The program is a voluntary program for the students and requires a one-hour to three-hour commitment each moth. Both male and female mentors are needed, as well as community members with a variety of career backgrounds.
Those interested in becoming a mentor are encouraged to fill out an application. After that, the potential mentors will go through an interview with Richard Vasquez and the fingerprinting process before they are paired with a student.
To find out more, call Vasquez at 636-4070 or e-mail
yl***@co**.us
.
Minimum qualifications for mentors:
– Be at least 21 years of age
– Not have been convicted of a felony or places on deferred adjudication for a felony offense within 10 years, not currently be on felony probation or parole and never have been convicted of a sex offense or be registered as a sex offender
– Possess a valid driver’s license or other form of valid identification
– Have reliable transportation and proof of liability insurance
– Possess a reasonably flexible schedule with the ability to maintain a long-term, one-on-one commitment
– Possess and be able to relate experiences which will enhance the mentoring relationship.
Veterans Medical Team to visit
HOLLISTER – The Veterans Administration Medical Team, from Palo Alto, will be having an outreach program for all Veterans on the first Tuesday of each month at the Veterans Memorial Building, 649 San Benito St., from 1 to 5 p.m. The team will have doctors and nurses to address medical and mental issues as well as a Veteran Service Officer, who will process claims.
For more information, call 637-4846.
Learn to play bridge
HOLLISTER – Classes and duplicate bridge games are available at Dunne Park, in Hollister. For the full schedule, please call Linda King at 801-9257.
Class of 1961 seeks members
HOLLISTER – The San Benito High School Class of 1961 is requesting help in finding the following classmates: Frank Barberi, Jeffrey Cane, Louise Capitanich, Norma Lee Cole, Livio De Biasio, Eileen Degang, Donald Fairley, John Garcia, Angelina Gonzales Alvarez, Steve Green, Johnny Hedrick, William Hill, Jeffery Kane, Sayeko Katashima, San Juana Martinez, Kaye Miura, Pat Nordin, Terry Nunes, Jackqueline Rashe, Jean Rodgers, Lucy Rodriguez and John Stevens.
Call Barbara Poggi 637-7539 or Patsy Zuniga at 637-6062 if you have any information on how to contact any of these people.
Art League calendar on sale
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Art League 2011 calendar, “San Benito County Life,” is now available for sale. The colorful calendar includes reproductions of original artwork by local artists, of barns and agriculture scenes. The calendars may be purchased at Country Rose Gallery, 722 San Benito St., or the Blak Sage Gallery, 727 San Benito St. All proceeds go toward San Benito High School scholarships.
For more information, call 634-1627 or 637-6062.
Co-Dependents Anonymous meets
HOLLISTER – A Co-Dependents Anonymous group meets Saturdays, from 10 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. The group can help those experiencing denial, low self esteem, control issues (the lack or over use with yourself and others), or compliance issues.
Adopt a book
HOLLISTER – The Friends of the San Benito County Library is offering residents a chance to adopt a book. With sustained budget reductions to the materials budget in recent years, the donations ensure that the library will be able to purchase new materials to address the ever-changing educational, informational and recreational needs of our diverse and changing community.
“Adopt a Book” will be an ongoing program in which books or magazine subscriptions can be purchased by the library as a holiday gift, to celebrate a birthday, to honor a retiree or to serve as a lasting memorial to a friend or relative.
A donation of $25 will purchase a book for the library, bookmobile, or Mobile Family Learning Center. The book will have a book plate inside in honor or memory of the person designated. A donation of $15 or more will be used to purchase a magazine subscription. For both books and magazines, a gift card will be sent to the person honored or an acknowledgement card will be sent to the family in memory of a loved one.
Donors can select the type of book they would like purchased.
For more information or to complete a donation form, stop by the San Benito County Free Library at 470 Fifth St., in Hollister or call 636-4107.
Parkinson’s caregiver support group sets meetings for 2011
HOLLISTER – Family or friends who are caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s or other movement disorders, 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 meetings will be held in the new building, in front next to the parking lot. The scheduled meetings are May 3, June 7, Aug. 2, Oct. 4, Nov. 1 and Dec. 6. There will be no meeting in July or September.
Speakers and refreshments will be served at every meeting.
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.
Blue Star Moms meet monthly
HOLLISTER – The Hollister city group of the South Bay Blue Star Moms meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. Those interested or who would like more information, should call Karol Burke at 801-6935, e-mail
so***************@at*.net
or visit www.southbaybluestarmoms.org.
Library book sale
HOLLISTER – The Friends of the Library Saturday book sales are held in the book shed behind the library and the Historical Society, 470 Fifth St. from 9 a.m. to noon every Saturday. 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 are 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 Ruth Erickson at 637-0987.
San Benito Aquatics seeks members
HOLLISTER – San Benito Aquatics is a nonprofit, year-round swim team. They offer swim lessons, competition and non-competition swim team, masters swim and dry land training for all ages. Enrollment is open year-round. Coaches are on deck every day from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at San Benito High School.
For more information, call 630-3042 or visit www.sanbenitoaquatics.org.
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 its 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 the organization at
nf************@gm***.com
.
Seeking space for free library
HOLLISTER – Residents are seeking a small, rent-free place to hold a free library and share Catholic books. Anyone with a space, may contact Mario Corota at 636-5290.
Hollister Lions Club meets
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Lions Club holds its meeting at the Dunne Park Clubhouse on the second and fourth Thursday of every month.
For more information, call Sharon McCarthy at 630-0125.
Seniors needed for volunteer opportunities
HOLLISTER – The Monterey Bay Retired Senior Volunteer Program is looking for people 55 and older 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.
Ladies Auxiliary meeting
HOLLISTER – The Ladies Auxiliary, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post No. 9242, meets 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.
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
.
Al-anon meetings
HOLLISTER – Al-anon meets Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Mars Hill Coffeehouse, 610 San Benito St.
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.
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.
Surrogate parents needed
HOLLISTER – The San Benito Office of Education and Special Education departments need volunteers to help with a surrogate parent program. Public school districts train and appoint surrogate parents for a child with a disability under the following circumstances:
– The biological parent or adoptive parents cannot be identified or located after reasonable effort; or parental rights have been terminated
– The child does not have a court-appointed person authorized to make educational decisions
– The child’s court-appointed “parent” is unwilling or unable to serve as the surrogate parents
– The child is an unaccompanied homeless youth.
Surrogate parents play a unique and critical role in supporting the special education rights and needs of children.
If you would like to learn more about the program, call Lorna Gilbert, the director of special services at 637-5393, ext. 131.
