BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//BenitoLink - ECPv6.15.18//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://benitolink.com X-WR-CALDESC:Events for BenitoLink REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Los_Angeles BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20120311T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20121104T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20130310T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20131103T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20140309T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20141102T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20150308T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20151101T090000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20140326T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20140326T235959 DTSTAMP:20260410T100028 CREATED:20140312T041912Z LAST-MODIFIED:20140312T041912Z UID:10001259-1395792000-1395878399@benitolink.com SUMMARY:Community Workshop Help Create Safe Streets for Everyone Nash/Tres Pinos/Sunnyslope Road and McCray Street DESCRIPTION: URL:https://benitolink.com/event/community-workshop-help-create-safe-streets-for-everyone-nash-tres-pinos-sunnyslope-road-and-mccray-street/ CATEGORIES:Government,Meetings,Neighborhood Associations,Schools,Volunteer END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20140315T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20140315T235959 DTSTAMP:20260410T100028 CREATED:20140222T071504Z LAST-MODIFIED:20140222T071504Z UID:10001239-1394841600-1394927999@benitolink.com SUMMARY:Pinnacles National Park: Condor Monitoring Assistants Training DESCRIPTION: URL:https://benitolink.com/event/pinnacles-national-park-condor-monitoring-assistants-training/ CATEGORIES:Volunteer END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20140302T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20140302T235959 DTSTAMP:20260410T100028 CREATED:20140205T101734Z LAST-MODIFIED:20140205T101734Z UID:10001230-1393718400-1393804799@benitolink.com SUMMARY:San Benito Bounty Seed and Plant Exchange DESCRIPTION:Come share seeds\, cuttings\, canes\, tubers\, young plants\, etc. of your favorite edible or ornamental plants from the garden! \nThis is a great opportunity to pass along extra seeds\, plants or cuttings you’re removing this season or to find new treasures for your garden. You do not need to bring items to exchange to participate. \nThe event is free to Slow Food Members and $5 per household for non-members. Gardeners of all levels are welcome!  The event will also include a seed planting demonstration and water-wise garden tips.  RSVP to sanbenitobountyca@slowfoodusa.org or call (831) 524-3816 for location and more information.  \nSan Benito Bounty is an all-volunteer\, non-profit chapter of Slow Food USA (slowfoodusa.org).  Learn more about San Benito Bounty on Facebook.   URL:https://benitolink.com/event/san-benito-bounty-seed-and-plant-exchange/ CATEGORIES:Arts-Entertainment,Sports-Recreation,Volunteer ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://benitolink.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/DSCN2428.JPG END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20131109T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20131109T235959 DTSTAMP:20260410T100028 CREATED:20131025T031543Z LAST-MODIFIED:20131025T031543Z UID:10001142-1383955200-1384041599@benitolink.com SUMMARY:Amateur Radio License Class and Exam Session DESCRIPTION:Amateur Radio License Testing\nStudy & Exam Session\n\nWHEN: Saturday November 9\, 2013\n 8:00am - 4:00pm - Study Session for Tech or General class license\n 1:00pm - 4:00pm - Exam Session for all levels of license\n\nWHERE: Centennial Rec. Center\, Multipurpose Room\n 171 W. Edmundson Ave.\, Morgan Hill\, CA\n\nFEE: Study & Exam Sessions: $24 \n Exam Session only: $14\n\nQuestions: Go to sbcares.org or email testing@sbcares.org\n\nRegister: Not needed for these sessions. \n\nPlease bring one photo ID and Social Security number or FRN\, cash for fees \nand previous License Grant if testing for an upgrade.\n\nThis session is sponsored by the Volunteer Examiners of San Benito County & W5YI-VEC.\n  \n  URL:https://benitolink.com/event/amateur-radio-license-class-and-exam-session/ CATEGORIES:Lectures,Volunteer ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://benitolink.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/W5YIVEC-logo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20131026T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20131026T235959 DTSTAMP:20260410T100028 CREATED:20131001T214028Z LAST-MODIFIED:20131001T214028Z UID:10001111-1382745600-1382831999@benitolink.com SUMMARY:Downtown Fall Cleanup DESCRIPTION: URL:https://benitolink.com/event/downtown-fall-cleanup/ CATEGORIES:Neighborhood Associations,Volunteer ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://benitolink.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/image003.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20131024T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20131024T235959 DTSTAMP:20260410T100028 CREATED:20130926T055537Z LAST-MODIFIED:20130926T055537Z UID:10001109-1382572800-1382659199@benitolink.com SUMMARY:Community Forum: Future of San Benito Libraries DESCRIPTION:Wednesday\, October 23rd\, 2013\nSan Benito County Free Library\n470 – 5th Street\n5:30 to 7:30 pm\nJulie Morris\, Moderator\nInvited Panelists \n\n•Jerry Muenzer\, Supervisor\, District 4\n•Elizabeth Martínez\, Salinas Library Director\n•Doug Achterman\, Gavilan Head Librarian\n•Victor Gómez\, City Council\, District 4\n•Rob Bernosky\, San Benito County Republicans  \n\nWe will be asking panelists and residents what their vision is of the future of our libraries in Hollister and San Juan Bautista. For more information\, contact: Lois Locci at 408.506.0801 and/or libraryactioncommittee@yahoo.com\nRefreshments URL:https://benitolink.com/event/community-forum-future-of-san-benito-libraries/ CATEGORIES:Government,Meetings,Volunteer ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://benitolink.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/SBC-Library-Sign.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20131010T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20131010T235959 DTSTAMP:20260410T100028 CREATED:20130930T233925Z LAST-MODIFIED:20130930T233925Z UID:10001112-1381363200-1381449599@benitolink.com SUMMARY:San Benito County ARES/ACS (Volunteer Emergency Communications) DESCRIPTION: URL:https://benitolink.com/event/san-benito-county-ares-acs-volunteer-emergency-communications/ CATEGORIES:Meetings,Volunteer ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://benitolink.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/sbc-ares-new-square.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20131004T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20131004T235959 DTSTAMP:20260410T100028 CREATED:20130928T050823Z LAST-MODIFIED:20130928T050823Z UID:10001114-1380844800-1380931199@benitolink.com SUMMARY:San Benito County Fair 2013 Oct 4 DESCRIPTION:FAIR & ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE \n\n\n\nFriday October 4th\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10:00 am\nCounty Fair Opens\n \n\n\n11:00 – 5:00 pm\nBC Characters\nStrolling\n\n\n11:00 – 5:00 pm\nStilt Circus – Stiltwalking\nStrolling\n\n\n12:00 noon\nCarnival Opens\n \n\n\n3:00 – 3:45 pm\nAli Dee\nVariety Stage\n\n\n4:00 – 5:00 pm\nTina Marie – Hypnotist\nMain Stage\n\n\n4:30 – 5:15 pm\nAli Dee\nVariety Stage\n\n\n5:00 – 5:30 pm\nSan Benito High School\, Drama\nPatio Stage\n\n\n5:30 – 6:30 pm\nThe Jillian Project\nMain Stage\n\n\n5:30 – 6:00 pm\nSan Benito Stage Company\nPatio Stage\n\n\n6:00 – 6:45 pm\nAli Dee\nVariety Stage\n\n\n6:00 – 6:30 pm\nWest Coast Music & Dance FX\nPatio Stage\n\n\n7:00 – 8:00 pm\nTina Marie – Hypnotist\nMain Stage\n\n\n7:00 – 10:00 pm\nMud Drags (Additional Charge)\nGrandstand/Arena\n\n\n7:30 – 8:15 pm\nAli Dee\nVariety Stage\n\n\n8:30 – 9:30 pm\nThe Jillian Project\nMain Stage\n\n\n10:00 pm\n\nCounty Fair Closes \n  \n  \nHORSE SHOW JUDGING SCHEDULE \nFriday September 27th \n5:00 pm Cutting Grandstand/Arena\n 6:00 pm Stockhorse Grandstand/ArenaFriday October 4th \nLIVESTOCK JUDGING SCHEDULE \n8:00 am Swine Judging Main Show Ring\n 10:00 am Poultry Judging Poultry Building\n 1:00 pm Poultry Showmanship Poultry Building\n 5:30 pm Lamb Lead Contest Main Show Ring \n  \n  URL:https://benitolink.com/event/san-benito-county-fair-2013-oct-4/ CATEGORIES:Fairs-Festivals,Sports-Recreation,Volunteer END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20130911T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20130911T235959 DTSTAMP:20260410T100028 CREATED:20130906T015359Z LAST-MODIFIED:20130906T015359Z UID:10001098-1378857600-1378943999@benitolink.com SUMMARY:Women's Club of Hollister DESCRIPTION:Women’s Club of Hollister will hold their first meeting of the fall on Wednesday September 11th at San Juan Oaks restaurant from 11:15 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. All women of the county are invited to attend to hear the speaker\, Beth Hyttinen\, with Healthy Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) speak about the new government healthcare initiative that will go into effect soon. The buffet lunch is $17 and reservations must be made by Monday September 10th with Glenda at 831-265-7027. The club is a member the General Federation of Women’s Clubs and is celebrating its centennial year. Members volunteer time and talents throughout the community through many projects and are part of a statewide network of clubs. URL:https://benitolink.com/event/womens-club-of-hollister/ CATEGORIES:Meetings,Volunteer ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://benitolink.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Womens-Club-of-Hollister-Logo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20130905T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20130905T235959 DTSTAMP:20260410T100028 CREATED:20130902T011406Z LAST-MODIFIED:20130902T011406Z UID:10001074-1378339200-1378425599@benitolink.com SUMMARY:Meeting for Radio for San Benito Wednesday\, Sept 4 DESCRIPTION:Meeting for Radio for San Benito Wednesday\, Sept 4\n\n\n\n\n  \n \n\n\n\nCritical Meeting to determine if there is sufficient support to make the application to the FCC\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRadio meeting Sept 4 at 6:00pm at the San Benito County Free Library.\nThis meeting is for those who are interested in working to make a radio station for Hollister\, San Juan\, and beyond a reality. Time is  short but it can be done with the right support. Needed are individuals who have the expertise to assist in preparing the engineering portion of the FCC application. \nOne of the needs identified in Vision San Benito's Vision Summit was the need for access to local news and information. The creation of BenitoLink has been one response. Having a local radio station with local programming would also be a way to provide access. More people have radios than computers. Radio is available to you in your car and at home. The programming would be up to the team who organizes the station. This will probably be an all volunteer effort. \nThere is a need for people who are willing to assist with the application process\, raise awareness\, and raise funds. \nCommunity Media Access Partnership may commit to being the nonprofit organization in the application. \nThere is an engineering section of the application which will require specifying the frequency which will be broadcast\, the height of the antennae\, power of the signal. This will cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. We have had advice from Don Mussell\, who helped to create several stations in our area\, KUSP\, KZSC\, KAZU and KKUP and many more across the country. He has told us that it is possible for us to submit a successful application\, there is a frequency available and\, if we locate the transmitter appropriately\, we can cover Hollister and San Juan Bautista and beyond. In addition we could put programming on the internet. \nCMAP may be in a position to assist by providing funds to build the station\, though they may need to be reimbursed for all or part of their funding. \nIf you have any interest in starting a radio station\, please come to the San Benito Free Library at 6:00 on Sept 4. \n  \nLet's make it happen! URL:https://benitolink.com/event/meeting-for-radio-for-san-benito-wednesday-sept-4/ CATEGORIES:Arts-Entertainment,Meetings,Volunteer END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20130830T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20130830T235959 DTSTAMP:20260410T100028 CREATED:20130827T011142Z LAST-MODIFIED:20130827T011142Z UID:10001082-1377820800-1377907199@benitolink.com SUMMARY:Youth Rally Team Meeting DESCRIPTION:A Brainstorming Meeting was held on Saturday\, August 24\, 2013 to discuss organizing a Teen Rally. At that meeting youth in attendance suggested that the event be for ALL youth not just teens.\nWe will continue discussion and planning of this community wide event and need volunteers to provide input and to assist with planning.\nA facebook page was set up for anyone interested in participating:\nYouth Rally Planning Team \nPlease join us! URL:https://benitolink.com/event/youth-rally-team-meeting/ CATEGORIES:Arts-Entertainment,Fairs-Festivals,Meetings,Rally-Causes,Schools,Volunteer ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://benitolink.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Teen-Rally-Brainstorm_1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20130824T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20130824T235959 DTSTAMP:20260410T100028 CREATED:20130822T000436Z LAST-MODIFIED:20130822T000436Z UID:10001083-1377302400-1377388799@benitolink.com SUMMARY:Youth Rally Brainstorming meeting DESCRIPTION:After community outcry about the violence among our young people in San Benito County\, we want to bring back the Youth Rally. This used to be an annual event for all teens in San Benito County. The last event was held in May of 2006. \nLets get together and share ideas on how we can garner community support\, donations\, volunteers\, etc to create an fabulous event that youth will be excited to attend. \nThe meeting should last about 1 hour. URL:https://benitolink.com/event/youth-rally-brainstorming-meeting/ CATEGORIES:Fairs-Festivals,Meetings,Neighborhood Associations,Schools,Volunteer ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://benitolink.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Teen-Rally-Brainstorm.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20130817T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20130817T235959 DTSTAMP:20260410T100028 CREATED:20130817T035330Z LAST-MODIFIED:20130817T035330Z UID:10001087-1376697600-1376783999@benitolink.com SUMMARY:Hollister Community Clean-up DESCRIPTION:Volunteers Gather for Community Cleanup in Hollister\n\n\n\n\n\nCommunity Clean-up\nSaturday\, August 17 from 8:00 – 11:00am\nVolunteers meet at Rancho San Justo picnic tables.\nHelp us work towards having a litter free community. \nWe will be focusing on beautifying Hollister's schools\, parks and roadsides. \nBring a buddy\, gloves\, a gardening tool\, if you have one. \nEveryone is welcome: families\, friends\, groups\, teams and organizations. \nGarbage bags will be provided to trash pickup. \nLunch and water will be provided. \nFor more information\, or to volunteer please contact: \nKarson Klauer 831-801-0858 or email karsonklauer@yahoo.com \n\n\n\n\n  URL:https://benitolink.com/event/hollister-community-clean-up/ CATEGORIES:Volunteer END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20130615T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20130615T235959 DTSTAMP:20260410T100028 CREATED:20130404T104405Z LAST-MODIFIED:20130404T104405Z UID:10001015-1371254400-1371340799@benitolink.com SUMMARY:3rd Annual Monterey Bay Master Gardener Boot Camp DESCRIPTION:Monterey Bay Master Gardener Boot Camp announcement \nAre you a home gardener? Would you like to be one? Do you want to learn more about irrigation for your home or how to do lawn removal? The Monterey Bay Master Gardeners invite you to register NOW for the 3rd annual Home Gardening Boot Camp for a day of seminar-style education for the home gardener on Saturday\, June 15\, from 8 to 5 at the Cabrillo College Horticulture Center\, 6500 Soquel Avenue\, Aptos. \nPreregistration is required for four (4) seminar sessions. Boot Camp starts with a keynote speech “Garden Myths and Legends” by our own Steve Tjsovold\, University of California Cooperative Extension/Master Gardener Adviser\, followed by two morning seminars\, lunch on the patio of the Cabrillo College Horticulture Center with a bay view (bring your own or purchase lunch from Cruz’n Gourmet catering truck)\, two afternoon seminars and a raffle & silent auction to cap off the day. \nYou can choose from a variety of seven classes for each seminar session but please note that registration is first come\, first served so don’t wait if want to be sure to learn about a “Wok in your garden”\, propagation\, pruning\, soils\, compost\, edible landscaping\, miracle microbes\, roses\, berries\, bees and more! For further information\, go to the Monterey Bay Master Gardener Home page at mbmg.org or call (831) 427-1381. Come grow with us! URL:https://benitolink.com/event/3rd-annual-monterey-bay-master-gardener-boot-camp/ CATEGORIES:Fairs-Festivals,Lectures,Schools,Volunteer END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20130521T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20130521T235959 DTSTAMP:20260410T100028 CREATED:20130412T003125Z LAST-MODIFIED:20130412T003125Z UID:10001017-1369094400-1369180799@benitolink.com SUMMARY:Youth Employment Program (YEP) Council DESCRIPTION:YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM (YEP) COUNCIL NEEDS YOU to SERVE ON OUR BOARD! \nMeetings held every other month\n(Jan\, Mar\, May\, July\, Sept\, Nov)\nOn the 3rd Tuesday @ 3:15 pm SBHS Room 327 \nThe Duties of the Youth Council\nSpecific duties and responsibilities are spelled out in Title I\, Chapter 2 of WIA\, Section 117 (h)(4). Most are the typical type of responsibilities of an advisory committee: some provide enhanced opportunities for the YC and WIB to take advantage of in order to bring about real change.\nDevelop the portions of the local plan relating to eligible youth\, as determined by the chairperson of the local board;\nRecommend eligible providers of youth activities\, to be awarded grants or contracts on a competitive basis by the local board to carry out the youth activities; and\nConduct oversight with respect to the eligible providers of youth activities\, in the local area;\nCoordinate youth activities authorized and;\nOther duties determined to be appropriate by the chairperson of the local board.* \nCurrent Vacancies: Out-of School Youth\, In-School and Parent/Grandparent of an Out-of-School Youth; Apprenticeship program Representative\, Job Corp Representative\nFor more information visit our website at:\nWWW.SBCJOBS.ORG\nor call (831) 637-JOBS (5627) URL:https://benitolink.com/event/youth-employment-program-yep-council-2/ CATEGORIES:Government,Schools,Volunteer ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://benitolink.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/YEP-Solicitation.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20130427T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20130427T235959 DTSTAMP:20260410T100028 CREATED:20130209T090007Z LAST-MODIFIED:20130209T090007Z UID:10000957-1367020800-1367107199@benitolink.com SUMMARY:Only SMACK a child with a kiss! DESCRIPTION:Child Abuse Prevention Month April 2013 \nWhat is the Blue Ribbon Campaign for Child Abuse Prevention Month? \nApril is recognized nationwide as Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Blue Ribbon Campaign is a comprehensive community wide effort led by the Child Abuse Prevention Council of San Benito County. This campaign will not only encourage the region to understand the problems of child abuse\, but will also guide efforts in what we can do to help. \nWhy is Child Abuse Prevention Council of San Benito County leading the charge?\nThe Child Abuse Prevention Council of San Benito County is a non-profit social service agency dedicated to ending the cycle of child abuse by promoting individual well-being and healthy relationships. For more than 25 years\, we have envisioned a world of safe children\, thriving families and nurturing communities. \nWhat can you do to help?\nSchools have a number of ways to help!\n• Help make posters for walkers to carry to bring awareness about why they are walking.\n• Wear a blue ribbon pin during the entire month of April.\n• Ask us for information or training\, recognizing and reporting child abuse.\n• Volunteer to help with the event. We need cross walk guards and people to put blue ribbons on trees downtown prior to the event. \nChild Abuse Prevention Month community-wide activities\nBlue Ribbon Family Fun Walk – Join the Child Abuse Prevention Council and the YMCA’s Healthy Families Day scheduled for April 27\, 2013 and walk to make a statement in our community. \nBlue Ribbon Awareness Campaign – The blue ribbon is the international sign of child abuse prevention. Started by a grandmother in Virginia who lost her grandson to the tragedy of child abuse\, the blue ribbon signifies the color of the bruises on her young grandson\, and is a call to action. Community members are encouraged to wear a blue ribbon pin during the month of April. \nBlue Ribbon Award for Outstanding Volunteer Work By an INDIVIDUAL or ORGANIZATION benefiting the health/safety/well being of children in San Benito County will also be awarded. \nPast Recipients\n2012 – Hollister Hills Off-Road Association\n2011 – Celebration Station\n2010 – Diane Ortiz\n2009 – Kris Armstrong \nThe Story of the Blue Ribbon\nThe Blue Ribbon Child Abuse Prevention Campaign had its early beginnings following the death of a very young child. In 1989\, a Virginia grandmother received the devastating news that her grandson had died of injuries inflicted by his parents. In an expression of grief and outrage\, this grandmother did something that has given us a symbol. She tied a blue ribbon to the antenna of her van as a way to remember “the bruised and battered body of her grandson” and to alert her community to the tragedy of child abuse. Her simple idea\, to wear or display a blue ribbon for child abuse prevention was picked up by grassroots organizations across the county. In her own words:\n “NO! It isn’t true! It simply cannot be true! They are telling me that my grandson is dead … they are wrong! There must be some mistake … Michael is fine … but deep in my heart\, I knew it was true for I have not seen him in weeks. It’s been so long since I sat by his side in the hospital. Of course I knew something was wrong as I sat there. I saw fear on his face\, the bruises on his body\, and the healing cigarette burns on his hands. His doctor did not believe my daughter’s story … “he fell in slippery water in the bathtub” … I felt sick … I didn’t understand … Are my granddaughters all right\, was all I thought. Where are they?\nI only had one child. She was a beautiful little girl. She was the light of our eyes. We knew she had entered into a stormy marriage\, for we brought her home several times in the five years the marriage lasted. We suspected heavy use of drugs … BUT … in those five years\, three beautiful\, healthy children had been born. I loved them dearly\, and they loved me. The children were 16 months\, 3 years and 4 years old.\nAfter the ordeal at the hospital\, my grandson was placed in foster care for three weeks. He cried when they came to take him back to his mother. He told his foster mother\, “my momma doesn’t love me\,” and he begged to stay. I ached for his dilemma. I was not physically able to care for him. The courts seemed to believe that home was the best place for him … but I knew better and I told … no\, begged them not to return him to his mother. But I was overruled. My instinct as a grandmother did not count.\nI never saw Michael again. My 16 month old granddaughter was hospitalized after being beaten severely her leg was broken in four places\, and her hand burned from the tip of her little fingers to her wrist. It was only then that the “search was on” for Michael. We learned that he had been killed\, wrapped in a sheet\, stuffed in a tool box and dumped in to a dismal swamp three months earlier.\nMy grandchildren had suffered and battled so much throughout their young lives that it sickened me. My life was turned into physical and mental chaos. My efforts to understand became a plea to stop abusing children. I tied a blue ribbon on my van antenna to make people wonder. It caught on locally with restaurants\, businesses\, the police department and radio and television stations. They all started supporting me in my efforts to make a real awareness campaign. Why the color blue? I never intend to forget the battered\, bruised bodies of my grandchildren. Bruises are black\, then eventually blue. Therefore\, blue serves as a constant reminder to me to fight for our children. Join with me. We must protect our most precious gift of all … our children. Please wear a blue ribbon. Put one on your car. Give one to your friends. Tell them what it means. You may be saving a child’s life! If you suspect anything is happening to your children … your grandchildren … the child next door … PLEASE ACT!”\nBonnie Finney\, Norfolk\, VA. \nFor more information on the Blue Ribbon Campaign for Child Abuse Prevention Month\, contact:\nAna Cabrera\, Social Worker Supervisor\nSan Benito County Health & Human Services Agency\n1111 San Felipe Road\, Suite 208\, Hollister\, CA 95023\nPhone: 831-634-0686 * e-mail: acabrera@cosb.us\nThank you for your support\, \nAndi Anderson\nChild Abuse Prevention Council Chair URL:https://benitolink.com/event/only-smack-a-child-with-a-kiss/ CATEGORIES:Fairs-Festivals,Rally-Causes,Schools,Sports-Recreation,Volunteer ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://benitolink.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/2013-fun-Walk-Flyer.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20130413T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20130413T235959 DTSTAMP:20260410T100028 CREATED:20130319T042201Z LAST-MODIFIED:20130319T042201Z UID:10001008-1365811200-1365897599@benitolink.com SUMMARY:Chamberlain's Campus Clean Up DESCRIPTION:Help us clean up our campus for spring! Projects include: weeding\, pruning\, irrigation systems\, creating a pizza garden\, building compost bins\, assembling a ceramic outdoor bread and pizza oven\, baseball field maintenance\, and fixing potholes. RSVP on Facebook or by contacting us! For more information\, contact Kim Meininger at (831)-636-2121\, Ext. 129. URL:https://benitolink.com/event/chamberlains-campus-clean-up/ CATEGORIES:Volunteer ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://benitolink.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Chamberlains-Logo_OFFICIAL.PNG END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20130410T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20130410T235959 DTSTAMP:20260410T100028 CREATED:20130404T073656Z LAST-MODIFIED:20130404T073656Z UID:10001014-1365552000-1365638399@benitolink.com SUMMARY:Hollister Women's Club Luncheon DESCRIPTION:Women are invited to attend the monthly Hollister Women’s Club Luncheon\nLocation: San Juan Oaks Golf Club\n11:15 am – Social\n11/:30 am – Lunch\n12:00 pm – Meeting \nThe speaker for April’s meeting will be Pauline Valdivia of Jovees de Anteanos \nFirst-time guests eat for Free\nPlease contact Glenda Goldstone at 805-701-1787 to RSVP by April 8th \nThe Hollister Women’s Club is a 501c3 non-profit service organiztion that does community service projects to better our community. URL:https://benitolink.com/event/hollister-womens-club-luncheon/ CATEGORIES:Meetings,Volunteer END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20130115T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20130115T235959 DTSTAMP:20260410T100028 CREATED:20130110T071508Z LAST-MODIFIED:20130110T071508Z UID:10000940-1358208000-1358294399@benitolink.com SUMMARY:Youth Employment Program (YEP) Council DESCRIPTION:The federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) offers a comprehensive range of workforce development activities through statewide and local organizations. Available workforce development activities provided in local communities can benefit job seekers\, laid off workers\, youth\, incumbent workers\, new entrants to the workforce\, veterans\, persons with disabilities\, and employers. Youth Council develops the portions of the local plan relating to eligible youth activities; recommend eligible providers of youth activities to be awarded grants or contracts on a competitive basis by the Workforce Investment Board (WIB) to carry out the youth activities\, conduct oversight with respect to eligible providers of youth activities; coordinate authorized youth activities in San Benito County; and perform other duties as determined to be appropriate by the WIB Chair. \nThe YEP Council meets every other month on the third Tuesday at 3:15 p.m. at San Benito High School. Room 327 (Depening on Room Availability. Otherwise\, we meet at Mars Hill). All meetings are open to the public. Meetings are held every other month (Jan\, Mar\, May\, Jul\, Sept\, Nov) on the 3rd Tuesday. \nIf you are interested in YEP Council membership\, please complete check out our website to download the application.  Once the WIB approves membership\, the application is then forwarded to the Board of Supervisors for official appointment. \nIn the interim\, if you have any questions regarding WIB membership\, please don’t hesitate to call: (831) 637-9293.  We look forward to hearing from you soon! \n\nCurrent Vacancies:\n\nOut-of School Youth (2);\nIn-School and Out-of-School Parent/Grandparent (2);\nApprenticeship programs; This category will be filled if Council approves the submitted applications.\nJob Corp Representative; (none in SBC) Discussed was checking with California Conservation Corps to see if they are eligible to serve. URL:https://benitolink.com/event/youth-employment-program-yep-council/ CATEGORIES:Government,Meetings,Schools,Volunteer ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://benitolink.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/YEP-Logo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20130111T000000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20130111T235959 DTSTAMP:20260410T100028 CREATED:20130110T065639Z LAST-MODIFIED:20130110T065639Z UID:10000939-1357862400-1357948799@benitolink.com SUMMARY:Community Action Board Meeting DESCRIPTION:The Community Action Board (CAB) presents an opportunity for residents\, service providers\, educational institutions and business interests serving San Benito County's low income people and neighborhoods to actively participate and be involved in resolving issues relating to the use of federal Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funds received by the County. An advisory body to Community Services & Workforce Development (CSWD) and the Board of Supervisors (BOS) on such matters\, the CAB draws its 15 members in equal numbers from three distinct sectors of the community: poverty\, public and private. While CSWD and the BOS comprise the final authority on the conduct and administration of the County's Community Action Program\, which the CSBG funds\, the CAB is an important medium through which community concerns can be aired. Services such as food\, shelter\, weatherization and utility payment assistance\, help low income individuals and families achieve self reliance and attain financial self sufficiency. \nMembership on the CAB is achieved either by appointment or through a democratic selection process. The BOS appoints Council Members\, or their respective designees\, to serve as public sector representatives. CSWD selects the private sector representatives from business\, institutions and organizations that reflect the broad San Benito County community. The poverty and public sector members must confirm private sector nominees to the CAB. Poverty sector representatives are elected from each of the County's five (5) Districts\, or neighborhood service areas. \nThe Community Services & Workforce Development (CSWD) administers the Community Services Block Grant contract with the State of California\, through which CSBG funds are allocated to the County. The CSWD\, acting through its Health & Human Services Agency\, is designated as the County's Community Action Agency (CAA) for this purpose.\nThe CAB regularly meets at the Community Services & Workforce Development located at 1111 San Felipe Road\, Ste 108\, Hollister\, CA 95023. CAB meetings are held on the second Thursday every month at 5:30 P.M. and are open for public comment. \nEnrique Arreola\nDeputy Director\nCommunity Services & Workforce Development \nhttp://sbccab.wix.com/cab URL:https://benitolink.com/event/community-action-board-meeting/ CATEGORIES:Government,Meetings,Neighborhood Associations,Volunteer ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://benitolink.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Community-Action-Logo.JPG END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR