If you want an item included in this calendar, please e-mail it two weeks in advance to Ariel Waterman at awaterman@santamariatimes.com, fax it to her at 928-5657, or mail it to her c/o Santa Maria Times, 3200 Skyway Drive, Santa Maria, CA 93455. Include the time, date, address of event and a contact phone number.

PEACE OFFICERS' MEMORIAL DAY

The Santa Maria Police Department and Santa Maria Police Officers Association will co-host Peace Officers' Memorial Day on Wednesday, May 14, to honor the memories of fallen officers in the State of California.

Memorial services are at 10:30 a.m. to remember the nine officers who died in California in 2007. The Memorial will be at the Santa Maria Police Department, corner of East Cook Street and McClelland, and will include a flag-raising ceremony, 21-gun salute, a piper, inspirational music and “Taps.” The public is welcome.

A fundraiser luncheon is at 11:30 a.m. at the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center, 600 S. McClelland, Santa Maria. Tickets: $10, proceeds go to the Santa Maria Police Officers' Association Benevolent Fund to assist members and their families during times of illness, injury and death. Info: Officer Al Torres at 928-3781, Ext. 362.

TIMES TO MEET

The Central Coast Cactus and Succulent Society: 2 p.m. Sunday, May 11, San Luis Obispo Public Library, 995 Palm St. There will be a speaker, refreshments and a plant raffle. Bring a plant to exchange. Info: Joan Field at 773-6644.

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The Five Cities Christian Women Emergency Food Ministry: noon Monday, May 12, for their potluck lunch, Bethel Baptist Church, 1935 Newport, Grover Beach. An “Hour of Prayer” will be observed. Bring a dish to share and a place setting. All people interested are welcome. Info: June Steves at 481-5280.

Orcutt Garden Club: 7 p.m. Monday, May 12, Oak Knolls Haven, 4845 S. Bradley Road, Orcutt. Info: 937-1861 or 929-6185.

The American Association of University Women (AAUW), Five Cities-Pismo Beach Branch will host an installation dinner for new officers at 5:30 p.m. Monday, May 19, at the Toucan Terrace clubhouse, 955 Terry Drive, Pismo Beach. Members, friends and anyone interested in membership are welcome. Cost: $25. Info and to RSVP by May 14: Gaye at 474-8977.

Central Coast Chapter of The Society of Military Widows: 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 14, Retiree Center (across from Home and Garden Shoppe) at Vandenberg AFB. Find support and get information regarding survivor benefits. Info: Arlene at 348-3579 or Juanita at 937-0940.

Democratic Club of Santa Maria Valley: 7 p.m. Thursday, May 15, IHOP, 202 Nicholson Ave., Santa Maria. No-host social at 5:30 p.m. Reservations are required for an optional dinner at 6 p.m. Info and to RSVP: 349-2708.

American Legion Post 534: 8 to 11 a.m. first Sunday each month for post breakfast, 145 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt. Info: 937-0651.

Debtors Anonymous 12-step program: 6 to 7 p.m. Monday (except holidays), First United Methodist Church, 275 Halcyon R, Arroyo Grande. Info: 546-1190 or www.centralcoastda.org.

Hesperian Lodge No. 264: 7 p.m. Monday, 700 Lakeview Drive, Santa Maria. Info: 937-7453.

League of Women Voters, Santa Maria Valley: 3 to 5 p.m. the first Monday each month for a board meeting, Community Room at Rabobank, corner of Broadway and Battles. Info: Jo Beck at 937-2292.

Military Parents of the Central Coast: 6:30 p.m., first Monday each month (second Monday if on a holiday), San Luis Obispo United Methodist Church, 1515 Fredericks St., San Luis Obispo. Info: Janice at 783-4418.

Santa Maria Valley Mothers of Twins: 10:30 a.m., first and third Monday each month at various parks. Info: 925-6605 or www.geocities.com/smvtwins.

Central Coast Veterans Support Group: 6:30 p.m., second Monday each month, San Luis Obispo United Methodist Church, 1515 Fredericks St., San Luis Obispo. Info: Janice at 783-4418.

Korean War Veterans: 6 p.m., second Monday each month, Veteran's Memorial Building, 509 N. Pine, Santa Maria. Info: 928-3631.

Altrusa International Inc. of the Central Coast: noon, second and fourth Monday each month, Santa Maria Inn, 801 S. Broadway, Santa Maria. Info: 925-7430.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers): 9 to 11 a.m., second and fourth Monday each month, First Christian Church, 1550 S. College Drive, Santa Maria. Info: 925-6605.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers): 6:30 p.m., second and fourth Monday each month, Pacific Christian Church, 3435 Santa Maria Way, Santa Maria. If you have a child from infancy to kindergarten, please join us for fun, food, crafts, speakers and more. Child care is provided. Info: 934-3491 or www.pacificchristian.net.

Central Coast Manufactured Home Owners Alliance: noon for lunch, meeting at 1 p.m., third Monday each month, International House of Pancakes (IHOP), 202 S. Nicholson Ave., Santa Maria. Info: Hank Hoysak at 934-0720.

Parent Advisory Council: noon to 2 p.m., third Monday each month, Community Action Commission Regional Office, 201 W. Chapel St., Santa Maria. Meetings are for parents and caregivers of children with behavioral, medical, mental, physical, emotional and learning differences. Info: 331-9734.

Santa Maria Bridge Club: 12:45 p.m. Monday and Friday, and 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Foxenwood Clubhouse, 1087 Clubhouse Drive, Santa Maria. Info: 929-0113 or www.santamariabridgeclub.com.

Business Network International (BNI): 8 a.m. Tuesday, IHOP Restaurant, 202 Nicholson Ave., Santa Maria, for Santa Maria area businesses to increase word-of-mouth marketing and exchange qualified business referrals. Interested professionals are invited to attend a breakfast meeting as the chapter's guest. Info: 937-6153.

Business Contacts Unlimited (BCU): 7:15 a.m. Tuesday, Bakers Square, 1841 S. Broadway, Santa Maria. Info: 925-0097.

Rotary Club of Santa Maria: 12:10 p.m. Tuesday, Santa Maria Inn, 801 S. Broadway, Santa Maria. Info: 922-6657.

Santa Maria Toastmasters Club 89: 7 p.m., Tuesday, Prudential California Realty, 204 E. Enos St., Santa Maria. Info: 934-5835.

The Word Wizards Writer's Group,: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Casa Grande Mobile Estates Clubhouse, 519 W. Taylor St., Santa Maria. Info: Ed at 925-0098 or e-mail taotutt@aol.com.

Red Hatters Ladies' Fun Tennis: Tuesdays and Thursdays, weather permitting. Info, time and location: Dot at 928-8266 or Nancy at 928-2760.

The Foresters: 7 p.m., first Tuesday each month, 1185 Camino Caballo, Nipomo. Info: Janice at 929-6599.

PFLAG (Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays): 6 to 8 p.m., first Tuesday each month, Pacific Pride Foundation, 819 W. Church St., Santa Maria. Info: 929-0273 or charlieuu@frontier.net.

Santa Maria Valley Singles Club for 50 Plus: 7 p.m., first Tuesday each month, Union Plaza Social Room, 120 N. Broadway, Santa Maria. Info: 925-4740.

American Legion Post 56: 7 p.m., second Tuesday each month, Veterans Memorial Building, 501 N. Pine St., Santa Maria. Info: 925-2257.

American Legion Post 136: 7 p.m., second Tuesday each month, 417 Orchard St., Arroyo Grande. Info: 489-6412 or 481-9444.

Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 499: 7 p.m., second Tuesday each month, Golden West Air Terminal, Santa Maria Airport, 3409 Corsair Circle. Info: 928-9431 or e-mail eaachapter499@yahoo.com.

Five Cities Women's Network: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., second Tuesday each month at Mission Inn of Pismo Beach, 601 James Way, Pismo Beach. Guests are welcome. Cost: $19. Info: 458-1910 or www.fivecitieswomensnetwork.com.

Kiwanis Club of Santa Maria Valley: 6 p.m., second and fourth Tuesday each month, Cool Hand Luke's Restaurant, 1321 S. Nicholson (just east of Highway 101 at Stowell Road), Santa Maria. Info: 928-4108 or 441-8525.

Orcutt Mineral Society Inc.: 7 p.m., second Tuesday each month, Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 E. Park Ave., Santa Maria. Info: 929-3788.

Quota International of Santa Maria: 6 p.m., second and fourth Tuesday each month, Carrows Restaurant, 1635 S. Broadway, Santa Maria. Info: Susan at 928-5222.

Santa Maria Men's Club: 8:30 a.m. for breakfast, second Tuesday each month, Atria Maria Del Sol, 1405 E. Main St., Santa Maria. Info: 349-1179 or 937-1499.

Santa Maria Valley Sportsman's Association: 7:30 p.m., second Tuesday each month, Atkinson Community Building, 1000 N. Railroad Ave., Santa Maria. Info: 934-2340.

SCORE: 1 to 2 p.m., second Tuesday each month, CET building, 509 W. Morrison Ave., Santa Maria. Info: 925-0097.

Tailwinds Bicycle Club: 7:30 p.m., second Tuesday each month, at Edwards Community Center, 809 Panther Drive, Santa Maria. Info: XXXXXXX????

VFW POST 10243 Orcutt: 7 to 8 p.m., second Tuesday each month, 1600 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt. Info: 937-7775.

MOMS Club of Santa Maria: 9:30 a.m., fourth Tuesday each month, Maramonte Park. The club is a support group for stay-at-home mothers with a variety of activities such as play groups, activity groups, Mom's night out and park days. Info: Lindsay at 929-2306 or Shelly at 928-8806.

Retired Active Men (RAMS) of Santa Maria: 8:30 a.m., fourth Tuesday each month for fun and fellowship, Maria Del Sol, 1405 E. Main St., Santa Maria. All men age 54 and older, and retired from active employment, are welcome. Info: 934-4394 or 934-2627.

Santa Maria 4-Wheelers: 7:30 p.m., fourth Tuesday each month at various locations in Santa Maria. Info: 928-7532.

Chamber Network Breakfast Club: 7 to 9 a.m., last Tuesday each month, Black Lake Golf Resort banquet room, 1490 Golf Course Lane, Nipomo. Info: 929-1583.

Five Cities Cribbage Club: 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, International House of Pancakes, 202 S. Nicholson Ave., Santa Maria. Info: 739-0875.

Kiwanis Club of Orcutt: 7 to 8 a.m. for breakfast Wednesday, HomeTown Buffet, 1431 S. Bradley Road, Santa Maria. Info: 937-5924 or 934-3885.

Le Cercle Francais: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Pacific Crepes, 705 Anacapa St., Santa Barbara. For information about this free French conversation group, visit www.frenchfestival.com/convr.html.

The Rotorama Rotary Club of Lompoc: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Embassy Suites, 1117 North “H” St., Lompoc.

Santa Maria Noontimers Lions Club: 12:10 p.m. for lunch Wednesday, Baker's Square Restaurant, 1841 S. Broadway, Santa Maria. Info: 937-6103.

The All-America City Quilter Guild: 7 p.m., first Wednesday each month, Atria Maria Del Sol, 1405 E. Main St., Santa Maria. Info: 928-2154.

Business Enriched Network: 8 a.m., first and third Wednesday each month, First American Building at Miller and Betteravia, Santa Maria. Info: Gene Perez at 352-1100.

Disabled American Veterans: noon for lunch, first Wednesday each month, Veterans Memorial Building, 313 W. Tunnell St., Santa Maria. Info: 345-0402.

The International Order of Job's Daughters invites girls ages 10 to 20 to join them. Members meet at the Masonic Lodge for activities, friendship and to learn leadership skills at 7 p.m., first Wednesday each month; and 10 a.m., third Saturday each month, 700 E. Lakeview Road, Santa Maria. Info and membership: 937-0838.

Orcutt Lions Club: 7 p.m., first and third Wednesday each month, Orcutt Lions Den, 126 S. Broadway, Orcutt. Info: 937-6195.

Rancho de Guadalupe Historical Society: 6 p.m., first Wednesday each month, Historical Society Museum, 1005 Guadalupe, Guadalupe. Info: 343-2527.

Rancho Maria Men's Golf Club: 6 p.m., first Wednesday each month, Golf Shop, Rancho Maria Golf Course, 1950 State Hwy. 1, Santa Maria. Info: 937-2019.

Santa Maria Camera Club: 7:30 p.m., first and third Wednesday each month, Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria, 1220 N. Suey Road, Santa Maria. Info: 459-4364.

Santa Maria Orchid Society: 7 p.m., first Wednesday each month, Veteran's Memorial Building, 509 N. Pine St., Santa Maria. Info: Lisa at 739-1934.

Santa Maria Sunrise Lions Club: 7:15 a.m., first and third Wednesday each month, Bakers Square Restaurant, 1841 S. Broadway, Santa Maria: Info: Jim at 934-3881.

Santa Maria Valley Lions Club: 6:30 p.m., first and third Wednesday for dinner, International House of Pancakes, 202 S. Nicholson, Santa Maria. Info: 937-4363.

Santa Maria Women's Network: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for lunch, first Wednesday each month, Santa Maria Inn, 801 S. Broadway, Santa Maria. The network of men and women from the business and private sector promotes the professional and personal development of its members and provides information, mutual support and assistance in the overall advancement of women. Lunch: $20, members $18. Info and to RSVP: 929-7489 or e-mail reservation@womens-network.com.

Tri Valley Radio Control Modelers Club: 7 p.m., first Wednesday each month, Veteran's Memorial Building, Santa Maria. The public is welcome. Info: Ken Van Corbach at 268-4975.

Altrusa International Inc. of Santa Maria: 7 p.m., second Wednesday each month, United Way conference room, 1660 S. Broadway, Santa Maria. Info: 352-0026 or 937-4071.

American Legion Post 534: 6 p.m. second Wednesday each month, 145 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt. Info: 937-0651.

Central Coast Branch of the International Geranium Society: 7 p.m., second Wednesday each month, Central Coast Senior Center, 1580 Railroad St., Oceano. Info: 937-3122.

Destroyer Sailors: 10 a.m., second Wednesday each month, Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall, 200 E. Battles Road, Santa Maria. Info: 922-5634 or e-mail hdolcini@aol.com.

Newcomer's Club of Santa Maria Valley: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for lunch at various locations, second Wednesday each month; 10 to 11:30 a.m. for coffee, fourth Wednesday each month, Knollwood Village Clubhouse, 4012 S. Bradley Road, Orcutt. Info: 937-3303.

Sunshine Seniors: 11:30 a.m. second Wednesday each month, St. Mary's Parish Hall, 302 S. Miller St., Santa Maria, for ages 50 plus to perform community service projects, hold fundraising, and enjoy group travel and monthly get-togethers, food, fun and fellowship. Info: Nellie at 934-3896.

Questers, Chapter 1351: 10:30 a.m., third Wednesday each month at various locations, to support restoration and preservation of historical landmarks. New members are welcome. Info: 489-1230 or www.Questers1944.org.

San Luis Obispo Women's Network: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., third Wednesday each month, Madonna Inn, 100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo. Info and RSVP: 546-3727 or e-mail reserve@womensslo.org.

Santa Maria Coin Club: 7 p.m., third Wednesday each month, Oak Knolls Haven, 4845 S. Bradley Road, Orcutt. Info: 937-3158.

The Santa Maria Chapter California Women for Agriculture: noon for lunch, fourth Wednesday each month, the Radisson Hotel 3455 Skyway Drive, Santa Maria. Info: 929-7470.

Santa Maria Human Resources Association: 11:30 a.m. for lunch, fourth Wednesday each month, Santa Maria Inn, 801 S. Broadway, Santa Maria. Info and RSVP: 614-9535, Ext. 205, or e-mail kgile@www.sojournservicesinc.org.

ACBL Sanctioned Duplicate Bridge: 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Women's Community Club, 211 Vernon Ave., Arroyo Grande. Info: 929-3613.

Chess Club: 6:30 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Nazarene Church, 3396 Johnson Ave., San Luis Obispo. Info: 544-0717.

First American Title Pinta Toastmasters AM Club: 7 to 8:30 a.m. Thursday, First American Title Community Room, 421 E. Betteravia Road, Santa Maria. Learn to speak publicly with confidence and support with Toastmasters. Info: Deanna Wheeler at 922-5861.

Noontime Toastmasters Club: Noon to 1:15 p.m. Thursday, Bakers Square, 1841 S. Broadway, Santa Maria. Info: 886-6343.

Retired Men's Coffee Cabinet: 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Madonna Inn, 100 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo. Info: 773-1672 or e-mail dmmorris@calpoly.edu.

Salvation Army Women's Home League Fellowship: 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Salvation Army, 402 S. Miller, Santa Maria. Info: 349-2421.

Santa Maria Elks Lodge No. 1538: 8 p.m. Thursday, Elks Lodge, 1309 N. Bradley Road, Santa Maria. Info: 937-2304.

Santa Maria Noontime Kiwanis: noon Thursday, Minerva Club, corner of Lincoln and Boone, Santa Maria. Info: 928-7300.

The Santa Maria Valley Woodcarvers: Thursday and alternate Tuesdays and Wednesdays at various locations. Instruction is available. To join, call Pat at 928-3864.

Central Coast Corvette Club: 7 p.m. first Thursday each month, Bakers Square Restaurant and Pie Shop, 1841 S. Broadway, Santa Maria. Meetings are open to owners and enthusiasts. Info: Mike at 934-3948 or www.centralcoastcorvettes.com.

National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE): 12:30 p.m., first Thursday each month, Atria Maria Del Sol, 1405 E. Main St., Santa Maria. Membership is open to all retired and active civil service employees. Come enjoy lunch with friends and interesting speakers on current civic issues. Info: Chuck at 928-2955 or Bob at 925-5410.

Optimist Club of Santa Maria: 6:30 p.m., first Thursday each month, Edwards Community Center, 809 Fremont St., and 7 a.m., third Thursday each month, Coffee And Company, 245 Town Center West, Santa Maria. Info: Joann at 354-3755 or Joe at 922-8502.

Senior Computerrooters: 10 to 11:30 a.m. first Thursday of each month at Ramona Garden Park, 993 Ramona Ave., Grover Beach. Info: 489-6230 or e-mail elisehenderson@charter.net.

Vapor Trail Vettes: 7 p.m., first Thursday each month, Home Motors Chevrolet, 1207 E. Main St., Santa Maria; and 5 p.m., third Saturday each month, Roadhouse Grill, 1423 S. Bradley Road, Santa Maria. Info: 925-7711 or visit www.vaportrailvettes.com.

Catholic Daughters of the Americas No. 1079: 7 p.m., second Thursday each month, St. Mary's Catholic Church, Parish Hall, 302 S. Miller, Santa Maria. Info: 922-2404.

Central Coast Weavers: 9:30 a.m., second Thursday each month, Willow Creek Community Room, 3500 Bullock Lane, San Luis Obispo. Info: 481-3357.

50-Plus Club: 11:30 a.m., second Thursday each month, St. Louis de Montfort Church, Parish Hall, 5095 Harp Road, Orcutt. RSVP: 937-3119.

Friends of the Orcutt Library: 4:30 p.m., second Thursday each month, Sunny Hills Mobile Home Estate Clubhouse, 1650 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt. Info: 934-5061.

Santa Maria Model A Ford Club: 7 p.m., second Thursday each month, Edwards Community Center at 809 Panther Drive, Santa Maria. Info: 922-3151 or e-mail ronbo55@aol.com.

Santa Maria Valley Women's Club welcomes men and women to play “Hand and Foot,” a variation of the card game Canasta, noon to 4 p.m., second and fourth Thursday each month, Unity Chapel of Light, 1165 Stubblefield Road, Orcutt. Info: 937-5673.

Democratic Club of Santa Maria Valley: 7 p.m., third Thursday each month, IHOP Restaurant, 202 Nicholson Ave. (off Highway 101 and East Main), Santa Maria. Reservations required for optional dinner at 6 p.m. Info and to RSVP: 349-2708.

Friends of the Guadalupe Library: 1 p.m., third Thursday each month, at the library, 4719 W. Main St., Suite D. The public is welcome. Info: 714-5798.

The Royal Scottish Society of San Luis Obispo: 7 p.m., third Thursday each month, Dairy Creek Golf Course, 2990 Dairy Creek Road, San Luis Obispo (opposite Cuesta College). Info: 239-9569.

Santa Maria Valley Republicans: 6 p.m., third Thursday each month, Atria Maria Del Sol, 1405 E. Main St., Santa Maria. The public is also welcome to hear speakers and to discuss national and local issues of concern to all voters. Info: Chuck Mertz at 928-2955 or e-mail mertzcw@comcast.net.

Special Needs Network Parent Support Group: 9 a.m., third Thursday each month, Coffee Diem, 505 S. McClelland, Santa Maria, for parents of people with special needs such as mental retardation, autism, cerebral palsy and epilepsy, to share ideas, ask questions and find solutions. Info: 937-8756.

Gerontology Study Group: noon Thursday, Merrill Gardens, 1350 Suey Road, Santa Maria. Info and RSVP: 925-8000.

Reformers Unanimous: 7 p.m. Fridays, First Baptist Church, 2970 Santa Maria Way, Santa Maria. This is a faith-based addiction program that provides help for all strongholds, stubborn habits and addictions. Info: the assistant pastor at 937-8405.

California Congress of Republicans: 11:30 a.m. first Friday each month, Atria Maria Del Sol, 1405 E. Main St., Santa Maria, for lunch and guest speakers. Cost: $12, includes beverage. Info and to RSVP: 937-2381.

FoMoCo Performance Owners Association and Mustang SVO Owners Association: 7 p.m., first Friday each month, Museum of Flight, 3015 Airpark Drive, Santa Maria. Info: 934-9970.

Central Coast Nonprofit Networking: 9 to 10 a.m., third Friday each month, 120 E. Jones, Santa Maria. Info: 928-2503 or e-mail MFabula@nscsb.org.

City of Lompoc/County Homeless Coalition: noon for brown bag lunch, third Friday each month, Board of Supervisors conference room, 401 E. Cypress Ave., Lompoc. Info: 737-7700.

Business Men's Fellowship: 8:30 a.m., first Saturday each month, Bakers Square, 1841 S. Broadway, Santa Maria. Info: 937-6837.

California Poppy Decorative Artists: 9:30 a.m., first Saturday each month, Exploration Station, 867 Ramona Ave., Grover Beach. Info: 925-7632 or 534-1316.

Satellite Amateur Radio Club: 1 p.m., first Saturday each month, Building 23100, Vandenberg AFB. No gate pass needed. Info: 937-7804 or 733-4416.

The San Luis Obispo Chapter of USSVI, submarine veterans: 1:30 p.m., second Saturday each month, Five Cities Elks Lodge, 410 Air Park Drive, Oceano. All interested in submarine veterans affairs are welcome. Lunch and beverages are available at the lodge. Info: Dan Mann at 929-5828 or e-mail dandjmann@charter.net.

TAKE A CLASS

A free small business workshop series is offered 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, May 14, 509 W. Morrison Ave., Santa Maria. Workshops are presented by SCORE, Santa Barbara Enterprise Center, Inventors Workshop International, Entrepreneurs Workshop, Center for Employment Training, Chambers of Commerce and other partners. Info: 925-2403, Ext. 812.

The Hancock College Summer Class Schedule is available online at www.hancockcollege.edu. Print copies are available at all Hancock College locations in Santa Maria, Lompoc and Vandenberg Air Force Base and includes Spectrum, the free schedule of Community Education classes. WebReg for credit classes through May 16 for summer three-week Jump Start classes, and through June 4 for regular summer classes. Info: Admissions and Records at 922-6966, Ext. 3248.

Financial aid is now available for students to attend summer classes at Hancock College but need help with college costs. The application process is quick and easy, and students who qualify may receive funding for enrollment fees, books and living expenses. Info: 922-6966, Ext. 3216.

Register online by May 16 for Summer Jump Start classes at Hancock College. Classes begin May 27. Info: 922-6966, Ext. 3248 or www.hancockcollege.edu.

If you are interested in learning Non Violent Communication (NVC) and/or practicing it with a group in Lompoc or Santa Maria, contact John Mudie at 685-1754 or e-mail support@dreamsharing.net.

Braille Institute classes: Independent Living Skills classes cover cooking, sensory awareness and home management, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Atria Maria Del Sol, 1405 E. Main St., Santa Maria. Info: 682-6222 or 462-1225.

California Cash for College Workshops are being offered at various Central Coast locations. High school seniors, current college students and adults age 18 or older may be awarded up to $9,700 a year for college by applying for a Cal Grant. This is money for college and does not have to be repaid. Students can attend any workshop to receive assistance. Free. Info: Hancock College Central Coast Cal-SOAP Office at (866) DIAL AHC, Ext. 3710.

The California Scholastic Opportunity and Access Program, sponsored by the California Student Aid Commission, provides tutoring for students grades 7 to 12, from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, and 4 to 8 p.m. Monday to Thursday, Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center, 600 S. McClelland, Santa Maria. Info: 925-0951, Ext. 354.

The Santa Maria Lawn Bowling Club offers free lessons at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, or by appointment, 420 S. McClelland, near the library. All ages and ability levels are welcome and equipment is provided. Wear flat-soled shoes. Info: 349-9838 or 922-9688.

FIND SUPPORT

Good Grief is a bereavement support group that meets 1:30 to 3 p.m. Thursdays at Luis OASIS Senior Center, 420 Soares Ave. Free. Info: 937-9750.

HOSPICE OF SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY:

The following support group meetings are open free of charge to the community at 1304 Pacific St., San Luis Obispo, unless otherwise noted. Please arrive 15 minutes early if it's your first meeting. Info: 544-2266 or www.hospiceslo.org.

Family and Friends Support Group: offers information and support for anyone coping with a friend's or family member's serious illness. Call for times and to preregistration.

Grief Support Drop-In Group: for anyone grieving the death of someone important to them, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Room 107, County Offices, 1086 Grand Ave., Arroyo Grande.

Parkinson's Caregiver Drop-In Support Group: for anyone providing care to a family member or friend with Parkinson's, 1 to 2:30 p.m., the third Wednesday each month.

Pet Loss Drop-In Support Group: for anyone anticipating the death or grieving the loss of an animal companion, 5:30 to 7 p.m. the first Tuesday each month.

Suicide Bereavement Support Group: for anyone coping with a suicide. Call for times and to preregistration.

Wellness Support Group: for anyone whose quality of life is being impacted by their serious illness. Call for times and to preregistration.

Widow/Widower Drop-In Support Groups: for anyone grieving the death of a spouse or life partner, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays.

GIVE SOME BLOOD

Blood donations are needed in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. To donate blood, make an appointment at one of the blood centers near you or visit www.UnitedBloodServices.org/CentralCoast.

San Luis Obispo Blood Center, 4119 Broad St. in the Creekside Center, 543-4290.

Santa Barbara Blood Center, 902 Laguna, 965-7037 or www.bloodhero.com.

Santa Maria Blood Center, 1770 S. Broadway, 928-2546.

HELP RAISE FUNDS

The Alzheimer's Association First Annual “Round to Remember” fundraiser is a golf tournament (noon tee-off), wine tasting, dinner and auction at 5 p.m. with live entertainment on Monday, May 12, at Cypress Ridge Golf Course, 780 Cypress Ridge Parkway, Arroyo Grande. Tickets: $175 per person, $600 per foursome; dinner only $50 per person, proceeds benefit the Alzheimer's Association. Info and to RSVP: 547-3830, Ext. 2 or http://aaccc.slo.golfreg.com/.

The annual Rancho Nipomo, Dana Adobe Campfire Concert and Chicken Barbecue is at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at the Historic Dana Adobe, 671 Oakglen Ave., Nipomo. Singer Dave Stamey and poet-musician Ken Grayson will entertain. Cost: $35, couples $65, proceeds benefit Adobe restoration projects. Info and to reserve: 929-5679.

The North County Mayors' Ball, “A Plain and Fancy Affair,” is a fundraiser for United Way of the Central Coast, and will honor mayors from the five North County communities, on Saturday, May 17, at the Santa Ynez Marriott Hotel in Buellton. A VIP Reception is at 5:30 p.m. and dinner and dancing last until 10 p.m. Attire is plain or fancy, or a combination. Have fun and use your imagination. Tickets: $100. Info: Raynette Cornejo at 922-0329 or e-mail raynette@uwcentralcoast.org.

The Good Samaritan Services 2nd Annual Celebrity Softball Game is at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 18, at the Hagerman Sports Complex, 3300 Skyway Drive, Santa Maria. Join Santa Maria Mayor Larry Lavagnino and his team of local luminaries as they defend their title against Lompoc Mayor Dick DeWees and his celebrity team. Tickets (include a tri-tip sandwich, chips and soda): $10, proceeds benefit Good Samaritan Services Recovery Art Program. Info: 346-8185.

The annual Geranium Show and Sale is hosted by the Central Coast Geranium Society from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 18, at the Women's Club and Community Center, 211 Vernon Ave., Arroyo Grande. An excellent selection of a variety of geraniums, grown by members and area growers, will make fine additions to any garden, and proceeds help fund the San Luis Obispo Botanic Garden. Info: 937-9983 or e-mail ccgeraniums@verizon.net.

A fund has been set up to assist Sandra Williamson, of Santa Maria, who is disabled, and her child, who lost their home and possessions in a fire. Friends have set up the fund to help them afford a home and essentials. Donations may be made at any Rabobank to account no. 0557974021. Info: Patsy at 934-8132.

Get a doggie or kitty portrait and help VIVA. Lompoc artist Carol Patton's watercolors are on view at Inter-Valley Animals (VIVA), 133 North “D” St., Lompoc through May 31. She is donating 30 percent of the sales to VIVA. Patton will also paint commissioned animal portraits to help raise funds for the no-kill cat shelter and foster-until-adopted dog program. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays or by appointment. Info: 735-6741 or e-mail www.carolepattonwatercolors.com.

The Nature Center at Lake Cachuma needs donations for their annual yard sale on July 5. Volunteers are also needed to work the sale. The center is open noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays. Free admission; park entry fee: $8. Info: 693-0691.