The San Benito County Chamber of Commerce invites you to a mixer hosted by the San Benito County Fair, the Saddle Horse Association and the SBC Chamber of Commerce at Bolado Park at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 14. Chamber members, please bring a raffle prize to promote your business!
Thursday Fibromyalgia Recovery
The San Benito County Fibromyalgia Recovery Support Group meets next on Thursday at 10 a.m. until noon in the Barbara Room of the San Benito County Free Library. Patients and their families are invited to attend to learn about coping techniques on the journey to getting well.
For further information, contact group leader Annette Perry at 636-5302.
Friday Foundation gala dinner
The San Benito County Culinary and Hospitality Foundation will be teaming up with the San Benito County Winegrowers Association to hold their annual Gold Passport Gala Dinner. The event is held May 16 on the eve of Passport Weekend as a fundraiser for the foundation at the Inn at Tres Pinos. The Gala Dinner is an exquisite five-course meal paired uniquely with 11 wines from eight different wineries. Guests will be able to join each winery as they discuss their unique local product and share their visions of winemaking. Tickets start at $150 each and include a complimentary pass to Passport Weekend. To make reservations or find out how you can help, contact Michael Howard at 628-3320 or visit http://trespinosinn.com, and click on their guest book link. Or visit http://betterprepared.org.
Saturday Leadership San Benito fundraiser
"A Night on the Vine," a fundraiser for Leadership San Benito County, is set for 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. May 17 at Leal Vineyards. The event is $60 per person and includes $200 in casino money, wine tasting and food pairings. There will be silent and live auctions, a no-host bar and entertainment by "Soul Kiss." The raffle drawing, for which casino money is used, is at 11 p.m. Leadership San Benito County
Saturday-Sunday Oriana Chorale
The Oriana Chorale will be presenting two concerts under the direction of Bruce Olstad on May 17 at 7:30 p.m. and May 18 at 2 p.m. Both concerts will be held at the First Presbyterian Church on San Benito Street, 2066 Cienaga Road. The Chorale will be singing "Expressions of America," a medley of Broadway hits, and "Frostiana" by Randall Thompson. Tickets sold in advance are two for $25 or $12.50 each. Tickets sold at the door will be $15 each. Advance tickets can be bought at POSTNET, Kelly's or from members of The Oriana chorale.
Any questions, call Jan at 638-9002.
Sunday Art Out Loud!!!
"Colorful Images of Young Minds," an event showcasing the work of local artists and entertainers, will be held on May 18 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the San Benito High School cafeteria. The event will feature more than 500 works of art in various media plus a showcase of talented local entertainers. A free artists' reception, with refreshments, will be held in the cafeteria. It is open to all and there is something for everyone to enjoy. An awards presentation at 5:30 p.m. will recognize the artists whose work is on display. Original student artwork will be available for sale at the event. Plus, there will be a drawing for teachers' artwork donated to benefit San Benito High School's arts programs. ARTS OUT LOUD!!! is a way for the community to show its appreciation for young people and school arts programs.
May 19-24 Library fundraiser
A Friends of the Library fundraiser is set for May 19-24 at Running Rooster to benefit the "Stock the Bookmobile" campaign. Patrons can ask for a percentage of their meals to go toward the library campaign.
May 21 Farmers' Market entertainers?
The Hollister Downtown Association seeks anyone interested in providing entertainment for the Farmers' Market that starts May 21 and is every Wednesday through August. Hours are 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. for the market.
Anyone interested can call 636-8406.
May 30 Girl Scout Mom & Me Dance
The dinner-dance for Girl Scouts is set for May 30 at Ladd Lane Elementary School. It is $20 per couple and $10 for each additional girl. For information call Heidi at 801-0757.
May 31 Church production
The Drama Department of First Presbyterian Church Hollister is presenting "Bingo Spells Murder," a mystery dinner theater on Saturday May 31 at 6 p.m. and Sunday June 1 at noon at 2066 San Benito St. Reserved tickets are on sale at the church office, or call 637-4350. Adult tickets are $15, Childcare and Snack - $7. The meal and presentation will be in the Multipurpose Building. Limited seating.
June 6 Saddle Horse Parade entries
The Saddle Horse Parade is on Thursday, June 26, 2008. Entry forms for the parade are available at the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce office, 650 San Benito St., suite 130. The entry fees are $30 per single entry or vehicle and $50 for two. Public safety and local school marching bands are no charge. The number of parade entries is limited and determined on a first-come, first-serve basis. Entries are due no later than 5 p.m. Friday, June 6. For more information call 637-5315.
Meetings and Announcements Paper or plastic?
Don't throw away paper or plastic bags you get at the supermarket! Community Pantry needs them to help feed the hungry. If you have bags, please donate them to the pantry. Every bag donated is one we don't have to buy, and we'd rather use what little money we have for food.
For more information call 637-0340.
Independent Study
San Benito High School's Independent Study program is accepting applications for the fall 2008 semester. It offers a means of individualizing the educational plan for students. Each student meets once a week for a one-on-one meeting with a teacher and also may participate in small-group tutorial sessions. Families interested in applying can pick up an application at the Independent Study Office at the high school's new administration building on Nash Road.
For more information call Linda Yetter at 637-5831, ext. 467.
Women's support group
Are you feeling pushed to your limit, isolated, depressed or misunderstood?
Have you been hit by a partner, emotionally abused or sexually assaulted?
If you'd like to talk to people who understand, contact Community Solutions about a Women's Support Group. It runs 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays.
To register call Debbie Ruiz at 637-1094.
Tax service
The American Association of Retired Persons tax-aide program offers free personal tax counseling and preparation to all taxpayers with middle and low incomes, with special attention to those over age 60. Until April 10, the service will be available by appointment only. People should bring the tax package they received, last year's return and all relevant information.
For more information call Dolly at 637-1980.
VFW meetings
The VFW Post 9242 meets on the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Veterans Building on the second floor in Room 204. The group welcomes all veterans to call and inquire about joining and serving the community at the same time.
For more information call 637-6015.
Brain Injury Support
The Brain Injury Support Group meets from 6-8 p.m. every second and fourth Thursday of the month at Poblanita Restaurant, 313 Third St. in San Juan Bautista. Anyone who has had a brain injury, stroke or aneurysm is welcome to attend, along with caregivers, family and friends.
For more information call Maggie at 623-9271.
Republican Party meeting
The San Benito County Republican Party has changed its monthly meeting to the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Pacific Coast Bank Community Room, 260 Tres Pinos Road, Hollister. The location is across Rancho Drive from the San Benito Bank.
ObesityHelp Weight Loss Surgery Support Group will be held on the third Wednesday of the month from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Community Room next to Pacific Valley Bank on the corner of Tres Pinos Road and Rancho Drive.
Servicing the community for vision care needs, we meet on the second and fourth Thursday each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Dunne Park Club House at the corner of Sixth and West streets. We accept donations of eye glasses and hearing aids.
For more information, call 801-8811 or 636-3852.
Young Ladies Institute
The Gabilan Chapter of the Young Ladies Institute No. 172 meets the first and third Tuesday of each month. The first Tuesday is the business meeting with the third Tuesday being a social gathering. Applications for new membership are welcome.
For more information, call Julie Martin at 637-3281 or Vivian Medina at 637-1567.
I.O.O.F. Lodge meetings
I.O.O.F. Lodge #166 meets the first and third Thursday of each month at 330 C Fourth Street. Social hour is from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The meetings begins at 7pm. Applications for new membership are welcome.
For more information call: 637-3688.
SJB Library Books
The San Juan Bautista Library invites the public to check out new bestselling books, which are arriving weekly.
For more information call 623-4687.
Join Team Women
Team Women is a 'women-only' network with a chapter in Hollister. This person-to-person networking chapter is for women in business who are looking to actively increase sales, form lasting relationships, share business tips, discuss current business issues and have fun while doing it. Meets at 1 p.m. every other Tuesday at 1582 San Benito St.
For more information call Darcy Stevenson at 831-261-4130.
Democrat Meetings
The San Benito County Central Democratic Committee meets at 5 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the YMCA, 339 5th St. in Hollister. All are welcome.
For more information call 888-740-4432 or write For mor e P.O. Box 921, Hollister, CA 95023.
RPEA Meetings
The Retired Persons Employment Association meets at 1 p.m. on the third Monday of each month at the Methodist Church at Fifth and Monterey streets in Hollister.
For more info. call 637-4655 or 637-4716.
Compulsive Eaters Anonymous Meetings
Compulsive Eaters Anonymous meets from 5:30-6:30 p.m. every Tuesday at 1149 Powell St. (on the corner of Nash and Powell) in Hollister.
For more information call Nena at 801-4396.
Elks Lodge meetings
The Hollister Elks Lodge #1436 meets the first, third and fifth Tuesdays of the month. Social meetings occur every Tuesday. Dinner starts at 7 p.m. with lodge meetings at 8 p.m. The lodge is located at 351 Astro Drive at the Hollister Airport.
Parkinson support group
A Parkinson Support Group patients, caregivers and others meets the first Tuesday of every month at the Presbyterian Church on Cienega Road from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Emmaus House seeks volunteers
Emmaus House, a safe shelter for women and their children that are victims of domestic violence is seeking additional volunteers to assist the staff and clients. Openings are available for transportation of clients, general housekeeping, children's activities, bookkeeping, general office work and assisting house management with other necessary operations. Experienced counselors, teachers and health service personnel are also needed on a volunteer basis. Applications can be obtained by calling 831-636-7224 or by email to: alma.emmaushouse@yahoo.com.
Anyone wishing to adopt a family for Christmas or donate food or gifts for the families that are staying at Emmaus House, please contact us at 831-636-7224.
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Suspicious fire guts Gilroy school for second time
