Recycle bulky items
HOLLISTER
– Residents can dispose of two bulky items for free at the John
Smith Road Landfill April 24 and 25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Residents need to show identification that shows they live or own
property in San Benito County. Items that will be accepted include
mattresses, tires, washers, dryers, yard w
aste, dining tables, chairs and other items. All other landfill
rates will be in effect during the event. No business waste will be
accepted.
For more information, call 636-4110.
Recycle bulky items
HOLLISTER – Residents can dispose of two bulky items for free at the John Smith Road Landfill April 24 and 25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Residents need to show identification that shows they live or own property in San Benito County. Items that will be accepted include mattresses, tires, washers, dryers, yard waste, dining tables, chairs and other items. All other landfill rates will be in effect during the event. No business waste will be accepted.
For more information, call 636-4110.
Secured property tax deadline
HOLLISTER – Property owners in San Benito County have until Monday, April 12, to pay their secured property taxes since the usual deadline of April 10 falls on a Saturday. The deadline is extended to April 12 at 5 p.m. Payments received after that time may incur a penalty. Residents can pay by credit card or e-check by call 1-866-923-6394 or online at www.san-benito.ca.us/departments/ttcpa. They can also mail checks to: Mary Lou Andrade, San Benito County Tax Collector, 440 Fifth St., Courthouse Room 107, Hollister, CA 95023-3894. They can pay in person at the same address.
Mustangs and burros for sale
SAN JOSE – The Bureau of Land Management will be hosting the Wild Horse and Burro sale at the Santa Clara County Horsemen’s Association arena, April 17, 20350 McKean Road, at 8 a.m., with an hour of silent bidding to begin at 9 a.m.
“We will offer 40 mustangs ranging in age from yearlings to 5-year-olds, and 10 burros of all ages,” said Pardee Bardwell, of the BLM’s Wild Horse and Burro program. “They have been de-wormed and vaccinated against diseases, including West Nile virus. They are ready to train.”
Interested adopters can preview the animals when they arrive at the arena at 3 p.m. on April 16. Animals not taken during the bidding will be available for a $125 adoption fee through the rest of the day.
To qualify, adopters must be at least 18 years old and residents of the United States. Adopted animals must be kept in corrals that offer at least 400-square-feet per animal and are surrounded by six-foot pipe or board fences. Two-sided roofed shelters are required. Title to adopted animals initially remains with the U.S. government, but after providing a year of good care, adopters can receive the title.
The horses and burros were captured from wild herds whose populations exceeded the carrying capacity in their ranges. The animals are protected by federal law that requires BLM to maintain wild populations in balance with other range users, including wildlife and domestic livestock, so that food and water sources are sustained.
More information on wild horse management can be found online at www.wildhorseandburro.blm.gov. Adoption information is available by calling 1-866-4MUSTANGS.
Tax Day tea party
HOLLISTER – There will be a tea party April 15, at the corner of San Benito and Fourth streets in Hollister, at 2 p.m. The event will last until at least 5:30 p.m. Participants are asked to bring lawn chairs and signs.
Red Cross blood drive
HOLLISTER – An American Red Cross blood drive will be held April 15, from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m., at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
In April, all presenting donors can enter a drawing to win their choice of either a one-month pass on public transportation or a $100 gift certificate to greenhome.com, in honor of Earth Day. There will be four weekly drawings.
Individuals who are at least 17 years of age (16 with parental permission), meet height and weight requirements (at least 110 pounds based on height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to schedule an appointment.
Smart gardening class
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Water District will be hosting a free smart gardening class April 17, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the San Benito County Water District, 30 Mansfield Road, in Hollister. The class is designed for homeowners who are interested in creating water efficient landscapes. It will include discussions of garden design concepts, drought tolerant plants, irrigation basics and irrigation scheduling and maintenance. The class is limited to 35 residents.
The program is available due to a grant from the United States Bureau of Reclamation Field Services Program.
In addition to the class, the Water Resources Association offers free inspections of residential irrigation systems. The staff can offer recommendations and design a watering schedule for landscaping.
One suggestion is to water early in the morning or in the evening since midday water loses as much as 30 percent of the water to evaporation. Others include using several short watering sessions rather than a single long one since lawns can absorb only so much water quickly. Keeping grass at least two inches high helps shade the roots and hold moisture. Aerateing lawns regularly and using mulch around plants can reduce evaporation. Water trees slowly, deeply and infrequently encourages deep rooting. Another suggestion is to change irrigation timers with the seasons, as less water is needed in different seasons.
For more information or to register, call Shawn Novack, the water conservation program manager for the Water Resources Association, at 637-4378 or e-mail him at
sn*****@sb***.com
. Visit www.wrasbc.org for more tips.
Compost class
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Integrated Waste Management Regional Agency is hosting offering a free compost class May 20. The event will teach residents how to compost leaves, fruit, vegetables and yard trimmings into a rich soil for gardens. Participants will receive a free compost bin. Space is limited.
Call 636-4110 to sign up.
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 April 17, May 15, 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.
Probation department updates payment options
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Probation Department has announced that clients can now pay Probation Department fees and fines online or by calling an Interactive Voice Response System. Payments can be made for probation fees and fines, electronic monitoring, juvenile traffic and juvenile hall maintenance using either of the options. Accepted payment methods included American Express, Discover, Mastercard or Visa credit card or debit cards. The county has contracted with Point & Pay, a third-party vendor, to process the payments.
“Point & Pay is helping us improve service through the innovative use of technology,” said Brent Cardall, the chief probation officer. “We are excited to be able to provide 24/7 payment convenience to our clients.”
Clients can make an online payment by going to the San Benito County Web site at www.san-benito.ca.us/departments/probation and clicking on the online payment link. Phone payments can be made by calling 866-923-2198. The information requested will include the client’s probation ID number, credit or debit card account information and the amount that is to be paid. A nominal fee is calculated and charged for the service.
Volunteer training for crisis line
SANTA CRUZ – Suicide Prevention of the Central Coast, which services Santa Cruz, San Benito and Monterey counties, is hosting a training session for volunteers interested in helping with the 24-hour suicide crisis line. Training begins April 13 and space is limited.
The suicide crisis line is available 24-hours a day, seven days a week and takes calls in 150 languages. Each volunteer devotes four hours a week to answering calls, and a staff of 70-80 volunteers is needed.
Anyone in need of help can call 1-877-ONE-LIFE (1-877-663-5433).
For those interested in finding out more about the training, call 459-9373.
Hospital scholarship applications available
HOLLISTER – Applications for the 2010 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 you 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 a health-related course of study at an accredited institution.
The deadline to apply is April 16.
A complete list of eligibility rules and application packets are available at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital Lobby, San Benito High School, Gavilan College, on the hospital Web site at www.hazelhawkins.com or by contacting Frankie Arballo in the HHH public relations office at 636-2644 for additional information.
Child Development Center open house
GILROY – The Gavilan College Child Development Center is hosting an open house for parents of young children, Gavilan College students and community members April 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd., in Gilroy. The open house is free and will feature children’s activities such as fingerprinting by the Gilroy Police Department, Dottie the Clown, who will face paint and make balloon animals, a jump house, snow cones, popcorn, crafts, a book fair, cake walk, games and prizes.
Enrollment at the Child Development Center is open to community members and children ages 2 to 5 who are not yet eligible for kindergarten can be enrolled.
For more information, call 408-848-4814 or visit www.gavilan.edu/cdc.
Spotlight on Hollister
HOLLISTER – The Spotlight Business Tradeshow and Job Expo will be May 13 at the Veterans Memorial Building in downtown Hollister. This year’s theme is “Building Business Again in 2010.”
This year’s Expo and Job Fair will examine the success of companies that have been a part of the community for a century or more, according to a press release. One of the key goals for this year’s expo is a concentrated effort of networking among businesses within the community.
In addition to the focus on businesses that have succeeded by focus on the local community, a number of resources will be available to prospective employees. Career and continuing education counselors will be on hand as well as businesses or organizations seeking applicants.
For a participation packet or for more information, contact Bonnie Flores-Voropaeff at
bo****@dl*********.com
or 637-3347.
Congressional art contest entries due
Washington, D.C. – The deadline to submit entries for the 28th annual Congressional Art Competition is April 30. Entries must be delivered to Congressman Sam Farr’s Salinas or Santa Cruz District offices by that date. A reception and judging will take place May 17 at the California State University, Monterey Bay campus.
The first place winner will receive two roundtrip tickets to Washington, D.C. from Southwest Airlines, and the Savannah College of Art and Design will provide a $1,500 renewable scholarship. A reception will be held for the winners in Washington, D.C. June 17. The student artwork will be on display for a year in the Capitol.
For more information, contact Bertha Munoz at 424-2229.
Vendors wanted for Street Festival and Car Show
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. 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
.
Sponsors needed for middle school band fundraiser
HOLLISTER – The Rancho-Maze Band is hosting a golf tournament June 12 at Ridgemark and is looking for sponsors for the event.
Companies or individuals who are interested can sponsor a hole for $150 or a team for $500. The hole sponsorship includes a sign with the business’ name at one of the tees. The Team sponsorship includes a team of four players and a sign with the business’ name at one of the tees.
Anyone who would like to donate, can mail a check to Erinn Mitchell, c/o Rancho San Justo, 1201 Rancho Drive, Hollister, CA 95023. Donations benefit the middle school bands.
Red Cross seeks volunteers
HOLLISTER – The American Red Cross, Monterey Bay Area Chapter is looking for volunteers to staff the Hollister chapter office 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.
For more information or to find out about volunteering, call the Red Cross office at 636-2100 or volunteer Howard at 297-3696.
Volunteer training for crisis line
SANTA CRUZ – Suicide Prevention of the Central Coast, which services Santa Cruz, San Benito and Monterey counties, is hosting a training session for volunteers interested in helping with the 24-hour suicide crisis line. Training begins April 13 and space is limited.
The suicide crisis line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and takes calls in 150 languages.
Each volunteer devotes four hours a week to answering calls, and a staff of 70-80 volunteers is needed.
Anyone in need of help can call 1-877-ONE-LIFE (1-877-663-5433).
For those interested in finding out more about the training, call 459-9373.
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.
Day in the Sky
WATSONVILLE – The Shared Adventures and Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 119 will host its “Day in the Sky” in Watsonville, April 17, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Free booths are available for vendors and exhibitors who are interested in participating.
Visit www.dayinthesky.org/vendor.htm for more information.
The event will offer a chance for young people with disabilities to take 20-minute flights along the central coast. Passenger registration will be open shortly.
Singles dinner group
HOLLISTER – There is a singles dinner for individuals 50 and over, every third Saturday of each month. The dinner has rotating hosts with potluck style meals. For more information, contact Sandi Gowers at
sg*****@sb*******.net
.
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 673-3839.
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 launches ‘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.
Red Barn run set for May
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA – The Red Barn Run is scheduled for May 23, at 10 a.m.at Windhaven Ranch in San Juan Bautista, to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The registration fee for the 5K is $38 and for the 10K is $43. Fees will increase May 1.
Registration cost entitles entrants to a souvenir T-shirt, a barbecue lunch and a free beer for participants 21 and over. Live music will be provided by The Local Groove, and participants can receive a complimentary leg massage. Awards will be given for first, second and third place in each divsion.
For more informaiton, to volunteer or to register visit www.redbarnrun.com
WERC volunteers needed
MORGAN HILL – The Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center in Morgan Hill is accepting applications for volunteers who care about wildlife and who are available to work during the morning, one day a week. Duties include cleaning, feeding, and caring for injured, orphaned or sick native wildlife. All volunteers are required to be at least 16 years old. Volunteers at our site work a 3-4 hour shift and are asked to make a three-month commitment.
WERC operates under permits issued by the California Department of Fish and Game, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
For more information, e-mail
ed*******@we*****.org
or go to our Web site at www.werc-ca.org.
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.
Math Talk program continues
HOLLISTER – The San Benito County Office of Education will host a Math Talk on the first Tuesday of every month. 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.
Great garlic cook-off accepts recipe submissions
GILROY – The Gilroy Garlic Festival committee and staff are now accepting recipe submissions for the Great Garlic Cook-off amateur cooking competition through May 1.
The Great Garlic Cook-Off will be held July 24, at the Gilroy Garlic Festival, where eight finalists from the field of entries will be selected to appear on stage at the Cook-Off to prepare their submissions. The original recipes must include a minimum of six cloves of fresh garlic or three tsps. of chopped or minced garlic. The recipes have to be prepared and presented to a panel of six judges in two hours. The eight finalists receive travel and lodging accommodations.
The 2010 Great Garlic Cook-Off Champion will receive $1,000 and the ceremonial crown of garlic. Second prize is $750 and third prize is $500.
Last year’s winner was Andrew Barth, of Winnetka, who won with his recipe for spicy garlic butter cookies with garlic goat cheese and honey.
Entries 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 come in recipe form and include a photograph of the final dish.
Free film series for seniors
MORGAN HILL – Gavilan College is offering a free film series for seniors 55 and older at the Morgan Hill Community Playhouse, Wednesdays, from 2 to 5 p.m. through May 26. The course is open entry, meaning participants do not need to attend all the sessions. The course is noncredit.
Instructor Grant Richards is a graduate of Gilroy High School and Gavilan College, who earned his B.A. in liberal arts at California State University, Chico, and an M.A. from Sacramento State University. He teaches film history and film production at Gavilan College.
Some of the films that will be screened include “Goldrush,” “Psycho,” “Regarding Henry,” “Stranger Than Fiction” and more.
Students can register by calling 408-852-4859.
