TIMES TO MEET

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

The Central Coast Cactus and Succulent Society: 2 p.m., second Sunday of the month at the San Luis Obispo City Library, 995 Palm St. There will be a speaker, refreshments and a plant raffle. Bring a plant for the exchange. Info: Joan at 773-6644.

American Legion Post 56 Bingo: 6:15 p.m. Mondays, Veterans Memorial Building, 313 W. Tunnell St., Santa Maria. Info: 925-2257.

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

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

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

Advertisement

The Five Cities Christian Women Food Ministry will hold their free monthly luncheon at noon Aug. 11, Seventh Day Adventist Church, 240 Vernon Ave., Arroyo Grande. Carolyn Shively will speak on elder abuse. The public is invited; please bring a dish to share and your own tableware. Info: 481-5280.

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.

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 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. Mondays and Fridays and 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Foxenwood Clubhouse, 1087 Clubhouse Drive, Santa Maria. Info: 929-0113 or santamariabridgeclub.com.

Business Network International: 8 a.m. Tuesdays, 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: 7:15 a.m. Tuesdays, Bakers Square, 1841 S. Broadway, Santa Maria. Info: 925-0097.

The Santa Maria Lawn Bowling Club offers free lessons at 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays 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.

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

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

The Word Wizards Writer’s Group: 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Grande Mobile Estates Clubhouse, 519 W. Taylor St., Santa Maria. Info: Ed at 925-0098 or 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.

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.

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

Santa Maria Valley Singles Group: 7 p.m. first Tuesday each month for people over 50, Union Plaza, northeast corner of Main and Broadway, Santa Maria. Info: 925-4740.

PFLAG (Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays): 7 to 9 p.m., first Tuesday each month, Unity Chapel of Light, 1165 Stubblefield Road, Orcutt. Info: 937-6710.

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 eaachapter499@yahoo.com.

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

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.

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

Kiwanis Club of Santa Maria Valley: 6 p.m., second and fourth Tuesday each month, Garibaldis Restaurant, 229 Town Center West, Santa Maria. Info: 928-4108 or 260-5180.

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.

Central Coast Computer Club: 5:45 p.m., third Tuesday each month, Knollwood Village Clubhouse, 4012 S. Bradley, Orcutt. Visitors welcome. Info: Ray at 937-6938.

The Retired Public Employee’s Association No. 59: 11:30 a.m., third Tuesday of the month, Atria Maria del Sol, 1450 E. Main St., Santa Maria. Info: Mike at 937-1814.

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 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 Wednesdays, HomeTown Buffet, 1431 S. Bradley Road, Santa Maria. Info: 937-5924 or 934-3885.

Santa Maria Noontimers Lions Club: 12:10 p.m. for lunch Wednesdays, 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 at 352-1100.

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

The Civil Air Patrol Vandenberg Composite Squadron 101: 6:30 p.m., first and third Wednesdays of the month, Building 9360, Vandenberg Air Force Base. Info: Lt. Col. Lisa Tuggle, Squadron Commander, at 478-2438.

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 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 and over to perform community service projects, hold fund raising events, 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 Questers1944.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, 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@sojournservicesinc.org.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Santa Maria Noontime Kiwanis: noon Thursdays, 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. Info: 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 corvette owners and enthusiasts. Info: Mike at 934-3948 or centralcoastcorvettes.com

National Active and Retired Federal Employees: 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. Enjoy lunch with friends and interesting speakers on current civic issues. Info: Chuck at 928-2955 or Bob at 925-5410.

Senior Computerrooters: 10 to 11:30 a.m., first Thursday of each month, 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 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. Info: 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, 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: 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 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.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, Kin Raising Kin: noon to 1:30 p.m. fourth Thursday of every month, Luis OASIS Senior Center, 420 Soares St., Orcutt, for education, resources and support. Info: 452-2896 or 922-6966, Ext. 2291.

Gerontology Study Group: noon, fourth Thursday of the month, 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: 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.

Scrabble Players are invited to play 1 to 4 p.m. Fridays, Oak Knolls Haven, 4845 S. Bradley Road, Santa Maria. All skill levels are welcome. Info: 934-0885.

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.

Nonprofit Support Center: 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.

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 submarine veterans are welcome. Lunch and beverages are available at the lodge. Info: Dan at 929-5828 or e-mail dandjmann@charter.net.

The Central Coast Armenian Association has a mailing list. To receive information on the annual dinner, church services, social events and more, call 542-0318 or 773-1327.

Democratic Headquarters, 327 E. Plaza Drive, Suite 2, Santa Maria, is open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays, except holidays. Info: 349-2708.

MOMS Club of South San Luis Obispo County offers friendship, support, weekly play groups and activities for moms and children. Info: momsclubinfo@sbcglobal.net or visit southslomomsclub.org.

The Newcomer’s Club of Santa Maria Valley has special interest groups that meet at various times throughout the month for book chats, get-abouts, bowling, theater, Bunco, Bridge, Hand and Foot and more. If you’d like to join them, call the membership chairperson at 937-3303.

The Senior Ballroom Dance Club meets weekly at 7 p.m., Madonna Inn, San Luis Obispo and welcomes singles and couples, age 55 and older, who enjoy ballroom dancing, or would like learn. Free. Info: Dorothy at 489-5481 or e-mail dg17@juno.com.

The Single Seniors Club meets monthly for social luncheons and dinners, with an equal number of men and women, and for cards, travel and singing. Info: 544-4347 or 481-1793.

Join Travel Connections and Social Club, the largest singles club on the Central Coast. Low-cost group and adventure tours are always professionally escorted and monthly “Get Out of The House” events are designed for baby-boomers who need to meet new friends. Free. Info: Dianne at 781-2630.

The USC Alumni Association is seeking alumni in the San Luis Obispo area to get involved in the USC Alumni Club of San Luis Obispo. Info: Helen at 596-2227 or e-mail helen_sipsas@ml.com.

The U.S. Naval Fleet Reserve Association has open membership for all members and former members of the United States Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Corps. Info: 937-5134, 773-6451 or 543-1768.

The Santa Maria Valley Humane Society needs volunteers to work at their thrift shop at the Nipomo Swap Meet, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. one Saturday or Sunday each month. The Humane Society also needs help with office duties, fund raising, and socializing and playing with the cats and dogs. Flexible hours are available. Info: Beverly, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Saturday, at 349-3435 or Sandy at 937-4024.

TAKE A CLASS

Online registration for eight-week classes at Hancock College during the fall semester continues through Aug. 13. In-person registration will be held Aug. 18 and 19 at all locations. Classes begin Aug. 25. State residents pay $20 per unit. Info: 922-6966, Ext. 3248, or hancockcollege.edu.

Braille Institute classes: independent living skills classes cover cooking, sensory awareness and home management, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays, 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. Sundays, 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 San Luis Obispo School of Law will host an introductory night at 6 p.m. Aug. 21, Pacheco Elementary School, 165 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo, for people interested in the school or in obtaining a law degree. Judge Charles Porter, school founder and head instructor, will answer questions. Info: 544-6767 or email cherylslolaw@hotmail.com.

Free one-hour self-employment training orientations are being offered by Women’s Economic Ventures. Attendance at an orientation session is required before enrolling in the class beginning in September. The 14-week class will address how women can start or expand their business. Orientation sessions will be held: Aug. 13, 19 and 27. Info: 965-6073, Ext. 100, or wevonline.org.

FIND SUPPORT

Compassionate Friends, Central Coast Chapter: 7 p.m., third Tuesday each month, Church of Christ, 795 E. Foster Road, Santa Maria. This group provides friendship and support to those who have experienced the death of a child, grandchild or sibling. Info: 922-5222.

Good Grief is a bereavement support group that meets 1:30 p.m. Thursdays, Luis OASIS Senior Center, 420 Soares Ave., Old Orcutt. Through sharing stories and laughter, the group tries to help put members’ lives back together after the loss of a spouse. 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 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 preregister.

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.

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., 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.

The Community Resources Helpline can help get you in touch with trained professional counselors when you are facing a crisis and want to talk or need help. They are available 24 hours a day. The service is free, anonymous and confidential. For Santa Maria, call 928-5818; for Lompoc, call 734-2711.

Compassionate Choices are ready to answer your questions and welcomes new members. Info: Cindy at 938-7853 or Dorothy 489-5481, or e-mail dg17@juno.com.

Disabled American veterans in need who qualify may apply for financial assistance to The Vance Memorial Fund, Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 218, P.O. Box 2241, Santa Barbara, CA 93120. Info: John at 688-5337.

Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic has audio books and other taped resources available to member borrowers and their families to help cope with grief, stress, death and dying. Info: 745-1178.

HELP OUT

The Northern Santa Barbara Special Olympics needs volunteers to help with sports training and competitions. Info: 928-0767 in Santa Maria; 735-4418 in Lompoc.

Apple of Gold Ministries is for those interested in blessing others through anonymous giving. Info: 937-1294.

The Habitat for Humanity “ReStore”: 2053 Preisker Lane, Suite B, Santa Maria. Buy new and used building materials to help raise funds. Hours are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays, the second and fourth Saturdays each month, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays. Info: 928-5399.

The Santa Maria Valley Humane Society, 751 Black Road, seeks thrift shop donations. All proceeds are used to help animals. Info and for pick-up: 349-3435.

Donate your unwanted vehicles to the local Boys and Girls Club to help support their programs. Donations may be tax deductible. Vehicles are picked up and donors may indicate which local club they wish their gift to go towards. Some restrictions apply. Info and to donate: (800) 246-0493.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Tri-Counties helps realize wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions. To refer a child to Make-A-Wish Foundation, call (888) 899-9474. Tax-deductible donations may be sent to Make-A-Wish, 4141 State St., Suite C3, Santa Barbara, CA 93110. To donate vehicles or airline miles, call 681-1644 or visit tri-counties.wish.org.

Funds are needed by The Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s St. John Neumann Conference to help families who need emergency assistance on a daily basis. Monetary donations help families with rent, utilities, medicine and more. Checks made out to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul St. John Neumann Conference, earmarked “Emergency Help” may be mailed to the society’s emergency donation center at 139 W. Battle Road, Santa Maria, CA 93458. All donations are tax-deductible. Info: Luis at 346-8719.

Santa Maria Elks Lodge No. 1538 Bingo: 6:15 p.m. Tuesdays in a smoke-free environment,1309 N. Bradley Road, Santa Maria. All proceeds go to charity. Info: 922-1538.

Fil-Am Bingo: 6 p.m. Wednesdays and 6:30 p.m. Thursdays, The Fraternal Order of Eagles Hall, 668 S. College, Santa Maria. Doors open at 4 p.m. Wednesday is a Walk-in Format and Thursday is Packet Night. Cost: two 6-Ons $15, early birds $13. All proceeds go to charity. Info: 714-4121.

The Boys & Girls Club of Santa Maria Valley, holds Bingo, drop-in format, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Fridays, 901 N. Railroad Ave., Santa Maria. All games pay 75 percent and specials pay 100 percent. Info: 922-7163.

The Cell Phones For Soldiers Program is sponsored by Larry Hogue of ERA Homes and Land. Cell phones may be dropped off at 255 Union Ave., Orcutt. Any make or model cell phone accepted, with the attached battery. The cell phones are recycled for cash to purchase calling cards for soldiers. Info: (781) 826-5801, Ext. 102, or cellphonesforsoldiers.com.

Captive Hearts Ministries is collecting used cell phones to help women in need. Phones are recycled to raise money for their programs and to help the environment by keeping phones out of landfills. All proceeds help provide funds for rent, food, clothing, medical bills and other necessities for women in crisis. Take or mail cell phones to 815 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach, CA 93483. Info: Chaplain Judy at 481-4500.

Growing Grounds Farm Santa Maria: 812 W. Foster Road, Santa Maria. Proceeds benefit Transitions Mental Health Association. Info: 928-4509.

If you have can pull-tabs to donate to the Loma Linda Ronald McDonald House, where family members may stay while their seriously ill children are treated, call 937-0890.

Vineyard 4-H Club is collecting new and used coats and jackets for children and adults of all sizes to be distributed to the homeless and the Women’s Shelter. To make a donation, call LuAnn at 938-0466.

The Joe White Memorial Dinner Auction, to benefit the Hancock College Athletic Department, will be held at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 23 at the Plaza Pavillion, Santa Maria Fairpark. Info: 345-5858.

A hobby horse racing event will be held Sept. 6, North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center, La Purisima Hall, Santa Maria. For $25, participants will get dinner, a drink ticket, dessert and $16,000 play money to bet on the horses. All proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward supporting services provided by the rape crisis center. Info: Arleen at 736-8535.

Camp Fire USA Central Coast Council, seeks volunteer club leaders (parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and family friends). It only takes a few hours a week to help children learn useful skills, have great adventures and share fun with friends. Info: Dana at 489-7345.