VFW dug out opens
HOLLISTER
– The Hollister Post Canteen is now open. Members of the VFW
Hollister Post 9242 and their guests are invited to visit during
the social hours of operation. Monday through Saturday, the dug out
will be open from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sundays it is open noon to
5:30 p.m. The canteen is located in
the Veterans Memorial Building, with an entrance near the back
of the building.
For more information, call 637-5321.
VFW dug out opens
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Post Canteen is now open. Members of the VFW Hollister Post 9242 and their guests are invited to visit during the social hours of operation. Monday through Saturday, the dug out will be open from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sundays it is open noon to 5:30 p.m. The canteen is located in the Veterans Memorial Building, with an entrance near the back of the building.
For more information, call 637-5321.
Hollister Art League calendar on sale
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Art League 2010 Calendars of Victorian homes in San Benito County are now available. Colorful original paintings of watercolors, oils, linocuts and photography have been reproduced. Calendars are now for sale at Country Rose Gallery, 722 San Benito St. and Blak Sage Gallery, 727 San Benito St., in Hollister.
All proceeds go towards San Benito County high school art scholarships for graduating seniors. For more information, call 637-6062 or 638-0277.
CASA info session
HOLLISTER – There will be an info session on becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate for CASA of San Benito Nov. 4, at 6 p.m., at Starbucks on Airline Hwy.
Be a voice for an abused, neglected or abandoned child. Come and learn how you can make a difference in a child’s life and support your community.
To RSVP, contact Esther at 637-4992.
PAWS to Light Up the Night
HOLLISTER – Pet Friends and SHARE Animal Rescue Effort will be holding a holiday fundraiser. The groups will be lighting up lights on a tree outside the Pet Friends Center on Buena Vista Road. Lights can be purchased for a $10 donation and donor names will be entered in the 2009 Commemorative Book at the center. A special handmade ornament will be sent to those who donate $50 or more. The lights can be purchased in memory of a beloved pet that shared their live, in honor of a current loved one, or as a gift to someone.
Call 634-1191 for more information, pick up donation forms at the Pet Friends Center or check the Web sites for more information at www.petfriends.org or www.shareanimalrescue.org.
Volunteers needed at Pinnacles
PINNACLES – Condor volunteers are needed at Pinnacles National Monument. An orientation will be held Nov. 7.
For more information or to RSVP, e-mail Da***********@np*.gov.
GriefShare meetings start up
HOLLISTER – GriefShare, a Christ-centered recovery and support group for those who are grieving a loves one, will meet at Grace Bible Church, on the corner of Sixth and Monterey streets, Wednesdays 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, call 637-1394.
Schoalstic Book Fair open house
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Seventh Day Adventist Christian School will host a scholastic book fair Monday, Nov. 2 through Friday, Nov. 6. Hours are Monday, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the school 2020 Santa Ana Road, in Hollister.
For more information, call 637-5570.
Women’s Club meeting
HOLLISTER – The Women’s Club of Hollister will be honoring women veterans at its regular meeting Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the Cedar House. Any woman vet who would like to attend is invited to contact Peg Lairson at pe*********@ao*.com or call Cindy at 637-0362 to secure a reservation. The luncheon will be preceded by the monthly business meeting and all women of the community are invited.
In addition the local chapter WX of the International Organization, P.E.O., announced two scholarships have been awarded to local San Benito County students. Freshman Taryn Lee Thompson is attending the University of California, Santa Cruz and studying journalism and Ila Foley, sophomore at Carnegie Mellon Institute in Pittsburgh, Penn. is studying writing. Both ladies were awarded these scholarships based on their grades, need and extra curricular activities. The local P.E.O. chapter supports women’s education and for more information please contact President Cindy Biesemeyer at ac*****@ym***.com or 831-637-0362.
Theft prevention workshop set
A theft and loss prevention workshop is set for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 4 at the Veterans Memorial Building in room 218. Scheduled speakers include Police Chief Jeff Miller and DA Candice Hooper. Topics include check issues, shoplifting prevention, safety and merchandising to deter loss. The cost is $5 per business. Please RSVP the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce by Oct. 30 at 637-5315. The event is sponsored by the chamber, the City of Hollister, the Hollister Downtown Association, the San Juan Bautista Chamber of Commerce and San Benito Bank.
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 car holders and the increase in circulation, more help and input is welcome.
The next meeting will be held at Nov. 19, at 5:30 p.m., in the Barbara Memorial Room at the San Benito County Free Library, 470 Fifth. St.
For more information, call Mary Schneider at 637-1794.
Blood drive
HOLLISTER – The American Red Cross will be holding a blood drive Nov. 19 from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Cultural Hall, 1670 Cienega Road, in Hollister. To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit www.HelpSaveALife.org/NC and enter the sponsor code Hollister. Those who donate in November will be entered in a drawing for a $100 Macy’s gift card.
ASSE seeks area reps
HOLLISTER – ASSE International Student Exchange Program is looking for volunteers to serve as area representatives in the community. ASSE offers academic year, semester and short-term exchange programs in the United States for students from around the world between the ages of 15-18. Area representatives recruit and screen prospective host families, interview students to study abroad and supervise the visiting exchange students in their community. Representatives are reimbursed for their expenses.
For more information about ASSE or becoming an area representative, call 1-800-733-2773.
SBA launches new online training
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration has launched an online training course to help women who own small businesses learn how to identify and take advantage of federal contracting opportunities.
The new training course “Winning Federal Contracts: A Guide for Women Entrepreneurs” is part of an ongoing government-wide initiative to promote opportunities for women-owned businesses in the area of government contracting.
“Federal contracts can provide unique opportunities for women entrepreneurs and small business owners to grow their businesses and create jobs, particularly during these tough economic times,” said Karen Mills, the SBA administrator. “It’s also a win for federal agencies, by contracting with women-owned small businesses; they are working with some of the most innovative and dynamic companies in the country.”
For more information or to take the course, visit www.sba.gov or go directly to www.sba.gov/fedcontractingtraining.
Cal-SOAP college fair
GILROY – South County Cal-SOAP is inviting students of all ages and their parents to its fifth annual College Fair, Thursday, Nov. 5 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Gilroy High School.
“This is one of the ways Cal-SOAP can reach all students and parents in the four different districts that participate in the South County Cal-SOAP Consortium,” said Erin Gemar, the project director for SCCC, in a press release. “South County Cal-SOAP welcomes students and parents from all over the South Country region, and especially families from Morgan Hill, Gilroy, Aromas-San Juan and the Hollister School Districts for this exciting event.”
Some of the schools present include Gavilan College, California State University, Monterey Bay, University of California, Santa Cruz and National University.
No reservation is required and the event is open to all community members.
For more information or to donate a door prize, call 408-846-7504.
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.
Open house at St. Francis
WATSONVILLE – St. Francis Central Coast High School is hosting an open house Nov. 22 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at its campus, 2400 East Lake Ave., in Watsonville. Visitors will have a chance to tour the campus, visit with students, faculty and staff and learn more about the school. The school was established in 2001 and services 200 students from Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito and Santa Clara counties.
For more information, call 724-5933.
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 for the tree decorating sponsorships and the parade are due Nov. 6.
In addition, the Hollister Downtown Association has extended the deadline for the Tree Light Sponsorship to Nov. 16. A special rate of $35 is available for those who would like to sponsor a light in honor of veteran. Other sponsorships are available for $75 or $125 for two years.
Nominations due in November for small business awards
FRESNO – The Small Business Administration is looking for nominations for the Small Business Awards, to be presented during the National Small Business Week, May 24-26, 2010.
The Fresno SBA office, which services 15 Central California counties, is now accepting nominations for several categories, including Small Business of the Year. Trade associations, chambers of commerce and business organizations are encouraged to nominate candidates.
Nomination criteria and deadline dates for all award categories can be found online at www.sba.gov/ca/fresno or by contacting Melende Ward at 559-487-5791 ext. 143. The deadline for some categories is November 13.
Send all nominations to: U.S. Small Business Administration, 2719 N. Air Fresno Drive, Ste. 200, Fresno, Calif., 93727, ATTN: Melende Ward.
Tree of Life children’s art contest
MONTEREY – Fifth-graders from Monterey and San Benito counties are invited to enter one original drawing in the Hospice Foundation’s Third Annual Children’s Commemorative Art Contest.
The drawings must depict someone that has made a significant and positive impact on their life. For complete contest rules and an official entry form, go to www.HospiceGiving.org. The deadline for submissions is Nov. 6.
The art competition is held in conjunction with Hospice Foundation’s four Trees of Life lighting celebrations Dec. 10, at the Steinbeck Center Dec. 11, at Veterans Memorial Plaza in Hollister Dec. 13, at King City High School and Dec. 15 at the Monterey Conference Center.
For more information, call 333-9023.
Deadline approaches for academy nominations
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Sam Farr (D-Carmel) is currently accepting applications for nomination to one of the nation’s service academies. Operated by the Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines and Navy, these academies provide a college education in exchange for a commitment to serve as a commissioned officer.
For all service academies (except the Coast Guard), applicants must be nominated by one of several federal officials, including U.S. Representatives, U.S. Senators or the vice president.
“The Central Coast has sent some outstanding students to our service academies over the years,” Farr said, in a press release. “I’m looking forward to nominating another great batch of future leaders.
Candidates must be at least 17 years old, but not older than 23 as of July 1, 2010. They must reside in California’s 17th Congressional District, be a U.S. citizen and never have been married.
To download an application, visit www.farr.house.gov. The deadline for applications entering academies in July 2010 is Nov. 1. For more information, call Julian Chacon at 429-1976 or e-mail ju***********@ma**.gov.
Nominate a community hero
HOLLISTER – The Hollister Youth Alliance will be honoring a local hero for his or her contribution to making San Benito County a better place. Nominations are due Nov. 2, and forms can be downloaded online at www.hollisteryouthalliance.org or picked up at the office, 310 Fourth St., in Hollister.
The recipient of the 2009 Community Hero Award will be announced Dec. 3 at 5:30 p.m. at the Cedar House Restaurant.
Call the HYA office for more information at 636-2853.
San Benito Aquatics needs swimmers
HOLLISTER – San Benito Aquatics is accepting swimmers for the 2009-10 swim team. The team has been around for 35 years, and has a highly experienced coaching staff. The team offers an opportunity for students to improve swimming techniques, increase their level of physical fitness and compete in swim meets. Many alumni of the program have received college scholarships and continued on to successful college careers. San Benito Aquatics meets Monday through Friday at the San Benito High School pool.
For more information, visit www.sanbenitoaquatics.org.
Community dialogue on the environment
GILROY – A community dialogue on the environment will be held in the 1905 City Hall Building, now the Lizzaran Tapas Bar, at the corner of Monterey Road and 5th Street, in Gilroy, Nov. 7, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. There will be a presentation of, “The Historical Ecology of the South County from Coyote Creek to the Pajaro Basin,” by Robin Gossinger of the San Francisco Estuary Institute. A panel discussion with audience participation will take place on current environmental topics such as the County Habitat Conservation Plan, Oak Tree Reforestation of the Valley, Coyote Valley Wildlife Corridor and Wetland Preservation. Lunch will be available for purchase and will be served during the panel. 20 percent of all lunch purchases will go to support the Committee for Green Foothills.
For more information, call 650-968-7243 or visit in**@gr************.org.
Markers available for gravestones
HOLLISTER – The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9242 and the Ladies Auxiliary are offering markers for military and non-military gravestones. The marker will allow an American Flag to be placed at the gravesites. 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 637-6015.
Library book sale
HOLLISTER – The Friends of the Library Saturday book sales will 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 to 5 p.m. or 5 to 6 p.m. Space is limited. For more information, call 635-9218.
High school essay contest open to nation’s 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 host 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 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 offers 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.
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.
