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.

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 www.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. the first Monday each month for a board meeting, Community Room at Rabobank, corner of Broadway and Battles. Info: Jo Beck at 937-2292.

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.

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

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

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 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.

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

Central Coast Computer Club: 5:45 p.m. the third Tuesday of the 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. the 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.

Central Coast Chapter of The Society of Military Widows: 1 p.m., second Wednesday of the month, 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.

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.

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

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 Perez at 352-1100.

The International Order of Job's Daughters: 7 p.m., first Wednesday each month; and 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 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. 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 Wheeler 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. 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: 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 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.

Democratic Club of Santa Maria Valley: 7 p.m., the third Thursday of the month, IHOP Restaurant, 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.

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, 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: 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.

The Five Cities Christian Women Emergency Food Bank will meet for their monthly luncheon on July 14 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 501 Fair Oaks Avenue, Arroyo Grande at noon. Emmy award winner Tony Cipolla from KSBYTV will be the speaker. Bring a dish to share and your own tableware. There is no charge. Info: 481-5280

The Central Coast Cactus and Succulent Society: 3 p.m. Sunday, July 13, San Luis Obispo Public Library, 995 Palm St. The speaker will discuss potting succulents as a form of art. Bring a plant to exchange. Info: Joan Field at 773-6644.

TAKE A CLASS

The Hancock College Fall Schedule of Credit Classes is available at www.hancockcollege.edu, where students can register online. Fall classes begin Aug. 25. Info: 922-6966, Ext. 3248.

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. 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. 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. The San Luis Obispo School of Law will be hosting an introductory night for individuals interested in the school or in obtaining a law degree on July 24 at 6 p.m., Pacheco Elementary School, 165 Grand Avenue. Judge Charles Porter, school founder and head instructor, will answer questions. Info: 544-6767 or email cherylslolaw@hotmail.com.

FIND SUPPORT

Compassionate Friends, Central Coast Chapter: 7 p.m. the 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 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 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.

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.

HELP RAISE FUNDS

Rancho de los Animales for the Disabled will host its 16th annual barbecue for people who are blind and visually impaired, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m Tuesday, July 29, at 2756 Green Place in Arroyo Grande, off Highway 1 on the Nipomo Mesa. There will be horseback riding, a farm animal petting zoo, tractor rides, a chicken barbecue with drink for $4 per person, and door prizes for all attendees. Volunteers are needed to help with the animals, barbecue, music and entertainment, and donation of door prizes. Volunteers will receive a free barbecue lunch. For information and to RSVP, call Beth Currier at 459-9083.

Raffle tickets for a 2008 Toyota Prius Hybrid are being sold to help raise funds for the family of Mike McCracken, who is facing months of rehabilitation after suffering a life-threatening illness. Only 900 tickets will be sold, and the drawing is at noon Saturday, Aug. 2, at Victory Auto Sales, corner of Santa Maria Way and Miller, in Santa Maria. Ticket holders need not be present to win. Tickets cost $50 each (tax deductible) and are available at Victory Auto Sales; Dr. Rod Childress, D.D.S.; Dr. Richard Ontell, M.D.; Pierce Chiropractic, and DreamMakers Bath and Kitchen, or call Calvary Chapel at 922-1822.

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

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 help. 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. Info: www.tri-counties.wish.org.

Funds are needed by The Society of St. Vincent de Paul's St. John Neumann Conference to help with 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 Trenado at 346-8719.

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

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

Fil-Am Bingo is at 6 p.m. Wednesday and 6:30 p.m. Thursday at 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.

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

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 www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com.

Captive Hearts Ministries is collecting cell phones to help women in need. Used cell phones are recycled to raise money for their programs and to help the environment by keeping cell 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 Boen at 481-4500.

Growing Grounds Farm Santa Maria is at 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.

The People of Greatness Community Center will hold a barbecue and Summer Boutique Fundraiser at1503 N. McClelland in Santa Maria on July 26 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be a $300 Gas Give-away. Info: 922-0400

The fourth annual ALS Central Coast Centruy Bike Ride, to benefit the ALS Association, Greater Bay Area Chapter, will be held on July 19. The ride will begin at the Avila Beach Promenade. Riders may ride individually or join a team. Registration is $85, $25 for children under 12 years of age. Info: 550-5218 or www.centralcoastcentury.com.

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

KIDS' SPACE

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

Fun summer children's classes are offered by the Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department. Participants must register no later than three days before the first class meeting. Register by mail or in person at the Recreation and Parks Department, 615 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria, CA 93454, or by fax with a credit card number at 925-4508. Info: 925-0951, Ext. 260, or www.ci.santa-maria.ca.us.

Saddle Up! Horseback Riding Lessons: Introduction and Orientation for ages 8 and older meets 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 10, at the Edwards Community Center, 809 Panther Drive, Santa Maria. A lesson is given 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 12, at Triple D Ranch, 2550 Tienda Place, Arroyo Grande. Fee: $28 residents; $35 non-residents.

Saddle Up! Horseback Riding Lessons: The Beginner Class for ages 8 and older meets 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 10, at the Edwards Community Center, 809 Panther Drive, Santa Maria. Riding lessons are given 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 26, at Triple D Ranch, 2550 Tienda Place, Arroyo Grande. Introduction and Orientation class required. Fee: $45 residents; $55.75 non-residents.

Girl Scouts of the Central Coast Summer Programs for girls ages 5 to 17 are offered through August from Santa Cruz to Ventura Counties, from single day events to week long day camps and resident camps. Activities include Beach Days to Lazer Tag All Night Lock-Ins to Horse Resident Camps to Zoo Snoozes, and more. Info or to sign up: (800) 822-2427 or www.girlscoutsccc.org.

Boy Scouts of America offers fun, while reinforcing family values and developing leadership. For help in selecting a Cub Scout Pack or Boy Scout Troop, call 925-1955.

Free activities for youths grades 7 to 12, including indoor sports, arcade-type games, a computer lab, fitness equipment and more, are offered by the Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department at the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center, 600 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria. Hours are 2:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 2:30 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 3:30 to 7 p.m. Sunday. Info: 925-0951, Ext. 252.

Kunst Jr. High School open gym is adult supervised, 8 to 10 a.m. and 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday; and 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Hours are subject to change. Free. Info: The Santa Maria Recreation and Parks, 925-0951, Ext. 260.

A recreation program for children ages 6 to 12 is offered by the Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department. The free, supervised drop-in program provides participation in organized sports, games, arts and crafts. Register at Grogan Park Community Center, 1155 W. Rancho Verde, Santa Maria, or call 925-0951, Ext. 349.

SLO Skate Park, 1341 Nipomo St., offers a fun and safe atmosphere for skaters. Hours are 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, and noon to 7 p.m. Saturday. Helmets are required. Cost: $2 per person per day. Info: 781-7300 or www.slocity.org/parksandrecreation.

GET INVOLVED

Grants for Santa Barbara County charities serving financially-at-risk seniors or dogs are available through The Hildegard Balin Charitable Trust. Applications will be accepted until July 31, and may be downloaded at www.hbalincharitablefoundation.org. Info: Dr. Catherine Horton at 730-1905.