VITA offers free tax preparation
HOLLISTER
– The San Benito County Community Action Board and Community
Services and Workforce Development have partnered with Volunteer
Income Tax Assistance to provide free income tax preparation
services, every Wednesday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., through
April 11, at 1111 San Felipe Road, Ste. 108, in
Hollister. Other locations include the Si, Se Puede! Learning
Center Villa Luna Apartments, 850 Hillcrest Road, in Hollister,
Mondays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and the San Benito County Free
Library, 470 Fifth St., Tuesdays, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
VITA tax preparer volunteers participate in classroom training,
along with individual online study, in order to become fully
certified before completing returns. All preparers are volunteers
and receive no compensation for their service at the site. The only
requirement for residents to use the service is having an income
below $49,000.
Residents should be bring photo identification, social security
cards for each member of the household, income information such as
W-2s and 1099s, last year’s tax return and a bank routing number
and account number.
No appointments are necessary, except at the San Benito County
Free Library. Spanish language assistance is available.
For more information, call Velia Adaya, senior tax consultant at
408-817-6711 or Andi Anderson at 637-9293.
VITA offers free tax preparation
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Community Action Board and Community Services and Workforce Development have partnered with Volunteer Income Tax Assistance to provide free income tax preparation services, every Wednesday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., through April 11, at 1111 San Felipe Road, Ste. 108, in Hollister. Other locations include the Si, Se Puede! Learning Center Villa Luna Apartments, 850 Hillcrest Road, in Hollister, Mondays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and the San Benito County Free Library, 470 Fifth St., Tuesdays, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
VITA tax preparer volunteers participate in classroom training, along with individual online study, in order to become fully certified before completing returns. All preparers are volunteers and receive no compensation for their service at the site. The only requirement for residents to use the service is having an income below $49,000.
Residents should be bring photo identification, social security cards for each member of the household, income information such as W-2s and 1099s, last year’s tax return and a bank routing number and account number.
No appointments are necessary, except at the San Benito County Free Library. Spanish language assistance is available.
For more information, call Velia Adaya, senior tax consultant at 408-817-6711 or Andi Anderson at 637-9293.
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 [email protected]. Other members of the committee include Betty Evans, Ruth Mendes Da Costa, Shannon Wilkerson, Peg Lairson and Gayle Jackson.
Emergency Preparedness summit
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Health and Human Services Agency Public Health Division is hosting an emergency preparedness summit for city and county government employees March 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Ridgemark Golf and Country Club, 3800 Airline Hwy., in Hollister.
The workshop is free of charge, but registration is required. Space is limited so departments are asked to send no more than two people. Department heads and supervisors, or those responsible for the day to day operation of departments is invited to attend, as well as those interested in emergency preparedness.
The event will include information on disaster service workers, the incident command structure, disaster healthcare volunteers of CA as well as a scenario and planning tabletop exercise.
Please register by March 25. For a registration form, call 637-5367 or e-mail [email protected].
Hwy. 1 remains closed south of Carmel
CARMEL – Caltrans has announced that Hwy. 1, south of Carmel, will remain closed for a two-mile section until at least April 16 when a temporary repair will be completed.
Due to severe roadway damage to the southbound lane, a two-mile section of Hwy. 1 at Rocky Point will be closed in both directions north of Big Sur, from Bixby Creek Bridge to Palo Colorado Road, south of Carmel. The closure is for all vehicles, including emergency vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.
Crews assessing the roadway have tentatively said it will be closed a month, until April 16. All businesses along the coast remain open. Alternate routes include Hwys. 101, 68 and 46. Condon-Johnson & Associates of Oakland is the contractor for the $2.5 million emergency project and is currently mobilizing to drill vertical soil nails to further stabilize the remaining roadway section.
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. 100 percent of the donations go directly towards citizen relief efforts in most affected areas. So far, they have raised $600, with an anonymous $100 left in recent days.
Vertigo Coffee is located at 81 Fourth St., San Juan Bautista. For more information, call 623-9533 or visit www.vertigocoffee.com.
Dreams and Visions to host workshop on IDAs
HOLLISTER – Dreams and Visions Community Development will host a seminar on IDAs, individual development accounts, which are low-to-moderate income savings incentives that are matched two to one for people saving towards a home. The seminar will be March 26, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Intero Community Room, 800 San Benito St., Ste. C.
The program is sponsored by a nonprofit homebuyer education organization. Space is limited so register by calling 635-6813.
New vet assistant program at Gavilan
GILROY – Gavilan College Community and Contract Education, in partnership with Boston Reed College, will be offering a veterinary assistant training course. Students will learn how to assist veterinarians and technicians in their daily tasks. Students will learn proper handling and procedures for examination of pets for signs of illness, disease or injury through practical training. The source combines 35-hours of classroom instruction with a recommended 24-hour externship. Students will receive a certificate of completion when they graduate. The course is five weeks, on Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., starting April 9, with the externship required as volunteer work outside of class. The course is $1,099, and includes textbooks, course materials and certificate completion.
To apply, students should be 18 years and a high school graduate or equivalent. Students should be proficient in keyboarding, have a basic understanding of a word processing computer program (Microsoft Word recommended), and a command of English grammar and punctuation. Starting pay for vet assistants is $10-15 an hour.
For more information or to register, visit www.GavilanCE.com, call 408-852-2801 or fax 408-852-2805.
Free composting class
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Integrated Waste Management Regional Agency will host two free composting classes, on April 11 and 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.
San Juan School orientation and kindergarten informational meeting
SAN JUAN – San Juan School personnel will host an orientation and kindergarten informational meeting March 29, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Parents can learn information about school performance, curriculum, clubs, activities and more. An overview of the two kindergarten programs, traditional English instruction and Dual Language immersion for Spanish and English, will be presented. Applications for the 2011-12 school year will be available at the meeting. Classroom visits can be arranged by calling the school office at 623-4538.
Hazel Hawkins Hospitals Auxiliary offers scholarships for 2011
HOLLISTER – Applications for the 2011 Hazel Hawkins Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship Awards are now available. Each year the Auxiliary awards scholarships to students who are pursuing a medical or medically-oriented career. The total amount awarded to each recipient will be at the discretion of the Scholarship Committee.
Auxiliary members put in thousands of hours throughout the year running a thrift shop, the hospital gift shop and organizing their annual craft and antique faire in order to fund scholarships and purchase equipment for Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital.
To be eligible to apply for a scholarship students must:
– Be a high school graduate (or equivalent)
– Be a resident of San Benito County for a minimum of one continuous year
– Be enrolled in health-related course of study at an accredited institution.
A complete list of eligibility rules and application packet are available at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital Lobby, San Benito High School, Gavilan College, on the hospital website at www.hazelhawkins.com or by calling Frankie Arballo in the HHH Public Relations office at 636-2644 for additional information. The deadline to apply is April 1.
Vendors needed for rummage sale
HOLLISTER – Cerra Vista’s Parent-Teacher Organization is organizing a rummage sale April 9, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the school parking lot, 2151 Cerra Vista Drive, in Hollister. Anyone interested in renting a 10’x10′ vendor space can do so with a $20 donation. The PTO anticipates at least 40 vendors.
For more information, or to reserve a space, call Joe Martinez at 673-0075 or e-mail [email protected]. For more information, visit www.cerravista.com.
Free income tax service available
HOLLISTER – The AARP Tax-Aide program offers free personal tax counseling and preparation assistance to taxpayers of low to middle income, with special attention to those ages 60 and older. Through April 11, volunteers will be available every Monday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. by appointment only to those who need help preparing their taxes. Appointments will be held at the Hollister Community Center, 300 West St.
Participants should bring in all tax documents they receive in the mail, last year’s tax return and all relevant information on income and expenses. Volunteer counselors are not trained to assist in preparing tax returns that report business, rental or partnership income. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Irma at 630-0642.
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.
Red Barn Run starts registration
CASA DE FRUTA – The second annual Red Barn Run 5K and 10K will be May 22, at Casa de Fruta. The event benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Registration is $38 for the 5K and $43 for the 10K for runners or walkers who register by May 1. Prices will increase then. The registration includes the run, a souvenir T-shirt, a post-race barbecue lunch with water or a beer (for 21 and older), a best over all grand prize for the male and female top finisher and awards for the top three finishers in each division. There will be live music provided by Generation Gap and a beer booth. Additional lunch tickets will be available for purchase.
To register or for more information, visit www.redbarnrun.com.
Free income tax service available
HOLLISTER – The AARP Tax-Aide program offers free personal tax counseling and preparation assistance to taxpayers of low to middle income, with special attention to those ages 60 and older. Through April 11, volunteers will be available every Monday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. by appointment only to those who need help preparing their taxes. Appointments will be held at the Hollister Community Center, 300 West St.
Participants should bring in all tax documents they receive in the mail, last year’s tax return and all relevant information on income and expenses. Volunteer counselors are not trained to assist in preparing tax returns that report business, rental or partnership income. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Irma at 630-0642.
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 and open to anyone interested in attending. For more information, call 537-3611.
Story Time Adventures Camp Read-a-Lot
HOLLISTER – Julie Engelhardt will host the Story Time Adventures Camp Read-a-Lot “Rescue Me From Boredom: Read a Book!” April 19-21. The fee is $30 per child, plus $8 for materials.
The camp will include stories about people who work as police officers, firefighter and paramedics. There will be a visits from a sheriff’s deputy and a paramedic. Kids will take a field trip to Fire Station 2. Kids will get to take books home as well. The camp will be held at 1371 Panorama Drive.
To RSVP, or for more information, call 635-9674.
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.
Blood drive
HOLLISTER – The American Red Cross will host a blood drive in Hollister, April 21, 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.
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 [email protected]. Submissions should provide a recipe and a photograph of the final dish. For more information, visit www.gilroygarlicfestival.com.
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 [email protected].
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. Those who come in on Wednesday can mention Pop Warner Football and Cheer to donate 10 percent of the purchase.
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 B. Poggi 637-7539 or P. Zuniga at 637-6062 if you have any information on how to contact any of these people.
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.
Meetings will be April 5 and May 3.
Visit sanbenito.k12oms.org or e-mail [email protected].
Public comment open for PPP
MONTEREY – The 2011 draft update to the Monterey Bay Area Public Participation Plan has been released for the 45-day public review and comment period. The Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments board of directors will consider the comments at the March 9 meeting. The PPP is a federally-mandated transportation planning document that outlines all the required public outreach activities required by the Metropolitan Planning Organization during the planning and developmental of federally funded transportation projects. Residents have until March 30 to comment. The draft can be viewed online at www.ambag.org. Written comments can be submitted to: 445 Reservation Road, Ste. G., P.O. Box 809, Marina, CA 93933-0809, faxed to 883-3755 or sent by e-mail to [email protected].
A public hearing to receive public testimony on the final PPP document is set for April 13, no sooner than 6:30 p.m., during the AMBAG meeting, at 190 Seaside Circle, in Marina.
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 [email protected].
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.
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.
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.
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.
Junior Girl Scout collects duffle bags
HOLLISTER – A local Junior Girl Scout is collecting gently used duffle bags and suitcases for foster youth. In a press release, she said she started the project because foster youth have to transition often. The duffle bags or suitcases should be clean and in food shape. The items can be dropped off at the San Benito Chamber of Commerce office, 650 San Benito St., Ste. 130, or donors can call Carlos Rodriguez, the clinical director at Chamberlain’s Children Center at 636-2134 to arrange a pick up. Donors can also e-mail [email protected] to arrange a pick up. The collection will help Mia, the Junior Girl Scout, complete her bronze project.
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.
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 March 1, April 5, 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected].
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 [email protected].
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 [email protected].
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.
