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 for a low-cost helmet stop by the Public Health
Department Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., 439
Fourth St. Payment is due when picking up the voucher.
For more information, call Public Health at 637-5367.
Low-cost helmets available to local kids

HOLLISTER – The Child Injury Prevention Coalition, in partnership with the San Benito County Public Health Department will be offering low-cost bicycle helmets at Off the Chain Bikes. Helmets are $5.

To get a voucher for a low-cost helmet stop by 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.

Public meetings on high-speed rail

HOLLISTER – The California High-Speed Rail Authority and the United States Department of Transportation is hosting public information meetings on the San Jose to Merced Section Alternatives Analysis. The meeting allows an opportunity to learn about the next steps in the environmental review.

The meetings will begin with an open house, followed by a presentation. The same information will provided at each meeting.

Upcoming meetings:

Gilroy: Monday, June 28, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Hilton Garden Inn, 6070 Monterey Road

San Jose: Wednesday, July 7, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Gardner Community Center, 520 West Virginia St.

Merced: Thursday, July 8, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Merced Senior Center, 755 West 15th St.

For more information, call 1-800-881-5799 or visit www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov.

Summer reading program kicks off

HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Free Library will launch the children’s summer reading program “Make a Splash – Read!” June 17, 470 Fifth St. The program runs Thursdays, from 2 to 3 p.m. through July 22. Children in preschool through eighth grade can register at the Summer Reading Kick-Off Program.

Kids can chose their reading goal and receive a reading log as well as a calendar of free summer reading events at the library. Logs may be turned in between July 12 and Aug. 20.

Some of the programs include exploring our oceans, Shannon German and her white doves, starting a garden and your water and you. Each program will be accompanied by different related crafts. Children who meet their goal will be rewarded at the Finisher’s Party with a reading certificate, a goodie bag and a new paperback book.

Children can register for the program on the bookmobile and as participants of the Reading Readiness Champions Programs. All programs are free of charge.

For more information, call 636-4107.

Class of ’65 to hold reunion

HOLLISTER – The San Benito High School Class of 1965 will hold a class reunion July 17, at the Hollister Elks Lodge, from 4 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $40 a person or $50 at the door.

The organizers are still looking for some classmates including Lynn Cabral, Estella Castaneda, Curtis Cope, Patricia Craven, Sue Dame, Michael Denny, Cathy Dias, Gloria Garcia, Rosalinda Guerra, Mary Hinojos, Dora Hutchings, Shirley Jones, Anne Martinez, Angie Martinez, Amelia Ortiz, Norma Perez, Kathy Vigil, Sally Ware, Willis West and Carol Wilson.

Anyone interested in attending or who has contact information for the above mentioned classmates can contact one of the organizers. They include Diane Large Gibbs, at 637-5061, Marie Barrett Pera, at 630-1670, Gloria Rochelle Grimsley, at 801-2934, and Wayne Barnes, at 763-1217.

Entries close for Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo

TRES PINOS – The deadline to enter in the Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo is today at 6 p.m. Entry forms can be picked up at Ranchers Feed, McAbee Feed, Tres Pinos Ranch Supply and Feed or printed off the Web at www.sanbenitocountyrodeo.com. Mail in or drop off the forms at the Bolado Park office.

For more information, call 628-3545.

Health Foundation opens renovated WIC department

HOLLISTER – The San Benito Health Foundation will be hosting an open house June 15, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. to inaugurate the newly renovated WIC department, at 351 Felice Drive, in Hollister.

For more information, call 637-5306.

YMCA starts registration for summer programs

HOLLISTER – The YMCA of San Benito County is still accepting registration for its summer day camp. The program is open for children in grades K-8, and the students will have an opportunity to go on one field trip each week. The program runs now through August 12, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended care hours from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Some of the field trips include trips to Happy Hollow, Morgan Hill Bowl, the Discovery Museum, the Tech Museum, San Jose Giants Games and more, depending on the grade level of the student. Students entering ninth and 10th grade can register for the Leaders in Training program for $75 a week, where they have a chance to learn skills and prepare for future jobs by gaining work skills.

The weekly cost is $152 for YMCA members. The YMCA annual membership is $55 per family or $30 per individual. Students are asked to pack a lunch, a hat, two snacks and a bottle of water. The camp is located at Sunnyslope School, 1475 Memorial Dr.

In addition to the summer camp, registration is open for summer basketball for grades K-8. Practices start June 14 and games go through Aug. 7. Games are held on Saturdays, but some may be during the week. Games are held at Rancho San Justo Middle School and Watsonville Family YMCA.

The cost is $65 per child, right a YMCA membership.

For more information, call 637-8600 or visit www.centralcoastymca.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.

According to a press release from the agency though the region received more rainfall this year, surface water deliveries to the county are still below historical averages.

“Even during wet years, like we’ve had this year, it’s a good idea to conserve water because it costs money to pump and treat water,” the release said. “The most immediate thing any of us can do is use our local water supplies as efficiently as possible.”

For more information or to schedule an appointment for a home water survey, call 637-4378.

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, June 17, 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. Donors will be entered in a drawing to win a $100 Best Buy gift card. There will be four weekly drawings and four winners.

Rabies vaccination clinic

HOLLISTER – San Benito County’s health and human services agency will be hosting a series of rabies vaccination clinics. The immunization is required for dogs and cats between four months to one year who should be revaccinated within 12 months. After that, the animals can receive the vaccine every three years. Dogs should be leashed at the event and cats should be in a cage or carrier.

The clinics will be held in the Animal Shelter Parking Lot, 1331 South St., in Hollister, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Dates include June 16, July 14, and August 11. The fee is $6.

For more information, call the Environmental Health Division at 636-4035 or Hollister Veterinary Clinic at 637-2580.

Saddle Horse Parade applications available

HOLLISTER – Applications for participation in the 2010 Saddle Horse Show Parade in downtown Hollister are now available. The parade is scheduled for June 24, the Thursday before the horse show and rodeo at Bolado Park. For information, e-mail

br**@sa********************.com











, call 637-5315 or go to the office at 650 San Benito St.

Entries are also open for the Rodeo, and can be mailed in or dropped off at the Bolado Park Office. Anyone interested in sponsoring an award at the event, can call 628-3545 or visit www.sanbenitocountyrodeo.com for more information.

San Juan Soccer Club takes sign ups

SAN JUAN – The San Juan Soccer Club is accepting registration for fall 2010, for boys and girls ages 4 to 13. Signs ups are June 12, from 10-11 a.m., at Abbe Field, after baseball closing ceremonies or June 14, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Pizza Factory.

The registration fee for the fall 2010 season is $75 for the first player and $50 for each additional player in the family. The fee includes a soccer uniform, picture package and trophy. Those who register by June 30, can get $10 off registration.

Players have a chance to improve soccer skills and learn teamwork while having fun. Sign up sheets are also available at the San Juan Library 1 to 5 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday or Friday, 1 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday or Thursday, or 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. Complete a membership application, bring a recent wallet size photo of the child and a copy of a birth certificate for new players.

For more information, call Joey Canepa at 623-9048.

Summer registration for Cardinals

HOLLISTER – The last date to register for San Benito Cardinals Football and Cheer is June 26. All players must be age 5 to 15. Football is $250 and cheer is $200. There will be a two-day cheer clinic, June 19 and 20 at Calaveras School, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The clinic is $5 for both days. For more information, visit www.sbcards.org.

Designing for friendlier transit

HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Local Transportation Authority wants to hear ideas from the public about how transit design can be improved to meet the community’s needs. The LTA will hold public workshops on Wednesday, June 30 from 10 a.m. to noon and 4-6 p.m. at the Veteran’s Memorial Building, Room 204, 649 San Benito St.

Free transportation and food will be provided. For more information, contact Veronica Lezama at 637-7665 or by e-mail at

ve******@sa**********.org











.

Regional blueprint workshops start

The Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments is offering several workshops for local communities to address the challenges of the 2035 regional blueprint. Over the next 25 years, the region has a goal of lowering its impact on the environment while the region continues to grow.

The workshops will discuss regional challenges of 2035, potential solutions and scenarios, making decisions on solutions and a toolbox for 2035. Residents are invited to attend and share their input.

Upcoming workshops are June 2, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Watsonville Community Room, 275 Main St.; June 16, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Veterans Memorial Building, room 218; and June 26, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Veterans Memorial Building, room 218.

For more information, call Linda Meckel at 883-3750 or

lm*****@am***.org











.

Give Today, Change Tomorrow fundraiser starts

HOLLISTER – The Hollister Youth Alliance is kicking off 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.

Relay For Life gears up

HOLLISTER – The Hollister Relay For Life is gearing up with a team captain meeting June 13, at 7 p.m., at Paine’s Restaurant, 421 East Street in Hollister.

The annual Relay For Life raises money for the American Cancer Society while also raising awareness of disease. The event is scheduled for Saturday, July 31, at 10 a.m. to Sunday, August 1, at 10 a.m.

For more information, visit www.acs.org or call the co-event chair at 902-9549.

Class of ’71 preps for fundraiser

HOLLISTER – The San Benito High School Class of 1971 will hold its third annual scholarship fundraiser July 17, at Veterans Memorial Park, in Hollister. The barbecue and silent auction will be 1 to 5 p.m. Tickets are $25 a person and anyone is invited to attend. An RSVP is requested by July 7.

The Class of 1971 Scholarship is awarded to graduating seniors who plan to further their education at a college, university, technical or vocational school. The scholarship was stabled by 1971 Baler alumni. It is coordinated by Rudy Bermudes, Debbie Carrillo Villalon and Debbie Paura Dike. Bermudes said the scholarship was started to help outstanding Balers who have the desire to further their education, but do not have the financial mans.

Gabriel Espinoza and Xavier Beltran, 2009 SBHS graduates, were the first students to receive the scholarship. Espinoza is studying at Arizona State University and Beltran is studying at California State University, Fresno.

For more information on the scholarship or the fundraiser, visit http://classof1971scholarship.blogspot.com.

Work permits available

HOLLISTER – Students between the ages of 12 and 18 years of age who plan to work during the summer must have a “Permit to Employ and Work” on file with the employer during the term of employment. Students can apply for a work permit at their school attendance office, where authorized personnel are available to approve the applications and process the paperwork. Applications for work permits for students attending rural schools may be obtained from the school principal.

Students under 14 years of age are only allowed to work in agriculture-related businesses or the entertainment field. Students are urged to process their applications before school recesses for the summer.

Students not attending a public high school should direct their inquiries about work permits to the San Benito County Office of Education, 460 Fifth St., in Hollister. Employers who employ students without work permits on file, face potential fines of $500 per minor.

Team Baler launches 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











.

Navy and Marine reunion

FORT WAYNE, IN. – The USS Columbus Veterans Association is looking for Navy and Marine Corps shipmates who served on the USS Columbus CA-74/CG-12 from 1944 through 1976 or the USS Columbus (SSN-762) past and present who would like to share memories with old friends. A reunion will be held Sept. 19 – Oct. 2, at the Best Western Albany Airport Inn.

Anyone interested can contact Allen R. Hope, the president of the Association, at 3838 Hobson Road, Fort Wayne, IN. 46815-4505, call 260-486-2221, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time or e-mail

ho******@ve*****.net











.

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. The team goal is to send swimmers to Stanford to compete at the highest level. The definition of fun for the team is winning and having the swimmers reach their full potential. They keep the team numbers low so the coaches can concentrate on quality.

The team has 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.

Kids Rule camp starts registration

HOLLISTER – The San Benito Stage Company Children’s Summer Theatre Camp, Kids Rule, is open for registration. The camp is June 21-25, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is open to boys and girls ages 6 to 13. The week includes workshops in ensemble music, dance movements, acting, improv, pantomime, small group vocals and more.

For more information, call Kristy at 636-6810.

Pedal car display will be at Street Festival

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. This year will feature a pedal car display. All makes and models are invited to be displayed during the show. The cost to register is $5. A People’s Choice Trophy will be awarded.

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











. For more information, call 636-8406.

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.

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 a way to meet new people and have a great time. For more information, contact Julia at

Je******@ao*.com











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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 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.

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.

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 637-3839.

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’s’Friends’ campaign

HOLLISTER – The Community Foundation for San Benito County is holding its Friends of the Community Foundation fundraising drive. Adults can become a friend by donating $35 and children under 18 can be become a friend with a donation of $5.

The money donated is used to fund a variety of programs each year through grants for arts and culture, education and youth, health and social services, agriculture and environment, community enhancement and economic development. Friends will receive an annual newsletter and an invitation to a special yearly event.

Some of the agencies to receive grants form the Community Foundation in recent years include Oriana Chorale, Fishes and Loves food pantry, the Hollister Youth Alliance, Community Food Bank and the San Benito County Heritage Foundation, among others.

The Community Foundation also administers scholarship funds, unrestricted endowments and donor-advised endowments.

For more information, visit www.cffsbc.org, stop by 829 San Benito St., Ste. 200, in Hollister or call 630-1924.

Members needed for Library

HOLLISTER – The Friends of the San Benito County Free Library is recruiting new members and people to serve on the board to help plan the future of the library. The monthly meetings will be held the third Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m.

Due to the large increase in library cardholders and the increase in circulation, more help and input is welcome.

For more information, call Mary Schneider at 637-1794.

Returning Catholics group

HOLLISTER – Sacred Heart-St. Benedict Parish 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.

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