Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History Hosts One of Largest Wildflower Shows in Northern and Western Hemispheres April 19-21, at the Museum

The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History hosts one of the largest and longest-running wildflower shows in the Northern and Western Hemispheres featuring more than 600 species and varieties of wildflowers, April 19-21, 2019, at the museum.

Pacific Grove, CA, February 19, 2019 — The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History hosts one of the largest and longest-running wildflower shows in the Northern and Western Hemispheres featuring more than 600 species and varieties of wildflowers, April 19-21, 2019, at the museum.

In addition, the Museum will host an evening to learn more about the tallest plants in the world as part of its Hardcore Natural History Series, “The State of Redwoods: From the Big Sur Coast to Southern Oregon,” with Dr. Emily Burns, 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, April 18, 2019.

The Museum also reports that the Western monarch butterfly population is at an all-time low and offers suggestions for how the public can help their plight.

The 58th Annual Wildflower Show will be held from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. April 19, 20 and 21. The Museum partners with the Monterey Bay Chapter of the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) to hold this cherished annual event. More than 30 members of the Native Plant Society spend over a week scouring Monterey County and beyond collecting the finest specimens of wildflowers blooming in spring.

Botanists, garden enthusiasts, and people looking for flowers they would like to plant in their gardens will all appreciate this comprehensive and spectacular array of wildflowers.

Admission to the Wildflower Show and Museum (tickets can be purchased at the Museum on the days of the show):

·$8.95 for adults who live outside of Monterey County

·$5.95 for youths ages 4-18, students with ID, military who live outside of Monterey County

·Free for 3 years old and under

·Free for Museum Members and CNPS Members w/membership cards

·$5 admission for Monterey County residents

Dr. Burns, lead scientist of the Save the Redwoods League, will be presenting an overview of the current status of the Coastal Redwood population. She will discuss the whole population, then focus on the population of redwoods in the Santa Lucia range. Using recent research, she will show how the current tree populations are responding to climate change along the central coast.

Tickets for the redwoods event will be available in March.

For more information on all events at the museum, call (831) 648-5716, email admin@pgmuseum.org or go to the website at www.pgmuseum.org.

In related news, the Monarch population is at an all-time low, according to the 2018 Xerces Society Western Monarch Thanksgiving Count, in which Pacific Grove is included.

The PG Museum has offered guidelines about what the public can do to help the plight of the Western Monarch:

>Do not plant milkweed if you live within 5-10 miles of an overwintering site. This “no-milkweed zone” includes all of Pacific Grove. These areas are not part of milkweed's historic range, and the introduction of the non-native plant can disrupt natural migratory patterns and introduce increased levels of monarch parasites.

>Instead, Pacific Grove residents who are interested in supporting monarchs should plant nectar-bearing (flowering) plants, specifically ones that will bloom in the fall, winter, and/or spring when monarchs are on the peninsula. These flowers will provide food for adult monarch butterflies, which is the only life cycle stage that would naturally occur here.

>Refrain from using pesticides around your home (herbicides and insecticides), as these can harm monarch butterflies when they visit your garden.

>Support legislation that protects habitat for monarch butterflies and other pollinators. Habitat loss is one of the leading causes of population decline of the western monarch butterfly.

>Volunteer. Educating the public about the importance of protecting these important overwintering sites is a great way to spread awareness for the plight of the monarch and its amazing migration. Inquire about volunteer opportunities at the pgmuseum.org/volunteer/ No experience necessary.

For more information on the Western Monarch, visit https://xerxes.org/save-wester-monarchs.

Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
165 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove, CA, 93950
(831) 648-5716
Fax: (831) 648-5755
admin@pgmuseum.org
www.pgmuseum.org

About the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
In 1883, our museum opened its doors among the first wave of natural history museums in America. Naturalists of this era, such as John Muir And Louis Aggasiz, began a national tradition of hands-on science education and nature preservation. The museum has continued this tradition for 130 years. The museum’s mission is to inspire discovery, wonder, and stewardship of our natural world. It envisions a community of curious minds, engaged in discovering the natural heritage and cultural legacy that exist today on the Central California Coast. The Museum is a catalyst for conservation and a valued learning resource in this region, facilitating active inquiry for all ages.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.pgmuseum.org

Friday, February 8, 2019

SAVE THE DATE: Key for a Cure continues its fight against pediatric cancer by holding circus-themed fundraising gala Sept. 14 event at Corral de Tierra Country Club

Sept. 14 event at Corral de Tierra Country Club earmarks $10,000 for Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services

Salinas, CA, February 09, 2019 - Every child holds dreams and aspirations, but not every child has the chance to fulfill them due to the devastation of pediatric cancer.

Join Key for a Cure Foundation’s efforts by attending A Million Dreams Gala on Saturday, Sept. 14, 5:30-10 p.m. at Corral de Tierra Country Club in Salinas.

Since its inception in 2015, Key for a Cure has given more than $500,000 toward St. Jude Children's Research Hospital’s T cell-based immunotherapy research. The 2019 Gala has earmarked $10,000 toward this year’s recipient, Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services, a nonprofit that provides family-centered care around emotional, practical and financial struggles.

This year’s gala features a circus theme, and will include some breathtaking performances with fire and acrobatics. Emceed by Dan Green, anchor KSBW Action News 8, the gala promises to be a memorable evening of amazing live performances, gourmet food, fine wine and warm hearts.

The black tie optional affair commences with a hosted cocktail reception from 5:30-6:30 p.m., with music from David Conley from the famous Sardine Factory, followed by an elegant dinner, spectacular live auction and award-winning entertainment.

Celebrity auctioneer Carla Gianolini Harrison will auction off the following items: luxurious Punta Mita, Mexico, Villa Beach House; Louis Vuitton travel tote bag and suitcase; Cartier watch; two VIP floor seats for the 2020 Golden State Warriors in the team’s new Chase Center in San Francisco; Memphis getaway/Peabody Hotel package; and more.

Premier sponsorships are available. Individual gala tickets are priced at $225 and can be purchased through Eventbrite (Key for a Cure Gala).

For more ticket and/or donation information, please call Anne Chisum (831-206-1357) or Liz Grijalva (831-241-3990), or visit the website at keyforacure.org.

About Key for a Cure Foundation: Formed in 2015, the nonprofit Key For A Cure raises funds to directly support research that will lead to more effective treatments for children with cancer. Managed by all volunteers, Key for a Cure is committed to effective philanthropy that produces tangible results. Not one penny is spent on excessive marketing costs, salaries, flights, meals, hotels, or other costs often associated with “mega-charities.”

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.keyforacure.org

Thursday, February 7, 2019

“VNA & Hospice Hires Dwight Wilson as CEO/President”

The Board of Directors of the Central Coast Visiting Nurses Association and Hospice is proud to announce the hiring of Dwight Wilson, RN, MSN, as the Chief Executive Officer/President. Dwight will assume his duties on February 4, 2019.

Monterey, CA, February 08, 2019 - “Dwight has a long history of experience in home care, hospice, and eldercare and while at Mission Hospice and Home Care in San Mateo, CA, as Chief Executive Officer, he accomplished many things as his passion is for building programs and services” said Mary Claypool, Board President. For example, he built a licensed and accredited home care agency and led the way to implementing other services such as palliative care, all while at the same time growing revenue.


Dwight was with the Veterans Administration for 30 years prior to Mission where he was Deputy Associate Chief of Staff. During his time with the VA, he developed standards of practice and quality outcomes for Extended Care programs as well as serving as Chief Nurse for that program. He opened a 150-bed nursing home program and oversaw other multi-site facilities. He oversaw quality improvement programs as well as respite, hospice, dementia, and long-term care programs.

Overall Dwight has several Joint Commission accreditation survey initiatives. He is an advocate of engaging with the community to promote the mission of home care and hospice. In addition, at his Mission office they received the "Top Work Places" award in 2018 from the Bay Area News Group.

VNA & Hospice has been providing the highest quality care to residents of the Central Coast since 1951 and we will continue to be the premier community service provider in service and quality patient care. “The Board looks forward to working with Dwight as he takes the organization to the next level in home and hospice care,” said Claypool. Additional information on VNA & Hospice services can be found at ccvna.com.

Please join us in welcoming Dwight and his wife, Julia, to the area from the North Moss Beach, CA area.

From: Central Coast Community Health Care, Inc. www.ccvna.com
Media Contact: Mary Claypool, Board Chair

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.ccvna.com

Sunday, February 3, 2019

Castroville Celebrates the 60th Annual Artichoke Food & Wine Festival in June 2019

In 1959, the Central Coast community gathered to celebrate the harvest of the iconic vegetable and the region that became known as the “Artichoke Center of the World.”

Castroville, CA, Feb 04, 2019 — In 1959, the Central Coast community gathered to celebrate the harvest of the iconic vegetable and the region that became known as the “Artichoke Center of the World.”

In June of this year, festival goers will gather again, this time to celebrate the 60th anniversary of what is now known as the Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival, set for June 1-2, 2019, at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center in Monterey.

California’s artichoke history begins in 1922 when the first artichoke shoots were planted in Castroville. Today, more than nine decades later, nearly 100 percent of America’s fresh artichoke supply is grown in California and nearly two-thirds is grown near the small town of Castroville.

The first Artichoke Festival was held in 1959 under the sponsorship of the Marinovich Marching Units, with the assistance of the Castroville Rod and Gun Club. In 1961 it was a joint venture of the Marinovich Marching Units and the Castroville Chamber of Commerce to produce a larger festival, and Sally DeSante was chosen as the first Artichoke Queen. In 1963 , 1964, and 1965 it was solely sponsored by the Castroville Chamber of Commerce under the direction of the Artichoke Festival Board with Bill Price, one of the originators of the festival idea.

Advance tickets and discounted ticket packages are available online for the 60th annual festival at http://artichokefestival.org/.

General admission is $15 for those 13 and older; seniors 62 and older and military personnel with ID are $10; children ages 6-12 are $5; general admission for one adult, with wine tasting pass, is $40 (must be 21 years or older); wine tasting alone is $30; and field tours are $10 (daily tour schedules to be announced at the Festival), good for adult or child 5-12. Online purchases are available through 9 a.m. June 2, 2019. No refunds.

Two discounted packages are also available, the Arti-Family Pack and the It’s A Date package. The former is $30, a $10 saving over the regular price. It includes two adult tickets and two children’s tickets, good for Saturday or Sunday. This early bird discount ends May 18, 2019, at 12 a.m. No refunds.

The It’s A Date package for 21 and older, $60, a savings of $20, includes two adult tickets and two wine and beer tasting tickets, good for Saturday or Sunday. This early bird discount also ends May 18, 2019, at 12 a.m. No refunds.

The festival’s live entertainment lineup, free with festival admission and held on the Main Stage.

The Wine & Beer Garden is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Must be 21 to enter.

Over the years, the Castoville Artichoke Festival has been dedicated to informing attendees about the unique properties of artichokes, showcasing dozens of delicious artichoke dishes, cooking demonstrations, and field tours. A wine and beer garden, live entertainment, arts and crafts booths, and artichoke eating contests add to the festive atmosphere. As a 501c3 organization, the festival has become a primary source of funding for many local non-profit organizations that depend upon a successful event for their viability, such as:

Ag Against Hunger
Sun Street Center
North County Baseball
North County High School Golf
North Salinas Athletic Booster Club
Hope Horses & Kids
Marina Lions
Bikers for Bikes
Ashleigh Nicole Swain Memorial Scholarship
Ag History Project
Ord Terrace Elementary School
North County Wrestling Team
Monterey County Middle School
Golden State Elite
North County Recreation & Park
North County Bulldogs Cheer
North County Bulldogs
Monterey County Girls Basketball

Members of the current board of directors are:

Glenn Alameda
Stefani Cortopassi
David Delfino
Lynn Clark
Lionel Handel
Wes McClellan
Angie Micheli (Honorary Member)
Kathy Parish
Terry Bei Rohrs
Linda Scherer
Debbie Stadig
Ruben Torres
Kevin Tottino

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.artichokefestival.org/

Castroville Celebrates the 60th Annual Artichoke Food & Wine Festival in June 2019

In 1959, the Central Coast community gathered to celebrate the harvest of the iconic vegetable and the region that became known as the “Artichoke Center of the World.”

Castroville, CA, Feb 04, 2019 — In 1959, the Central Coast community gathered to celebrate the harvest of the iconic vegetable and the region that became known as the “Artichoke Center of the World.”

In June of this year, festival goers will gather again, this time to celebrate the 60th anniversary of what is now known as the Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival, set for June 1-2, 2019, at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center in Monterey.

California’s artichoke history begins in 1922 when the first artichoke shoots were planted in Castroville. Today, more than nine decades later, nearly 100 percent of America’s fresh artichoke supply is grown in California and nearly two-thirds is grown near the small town of Castroville.

The first Artichoke Festival was held in 1959 under the sponsorship of the Marinovich Marching Units, with the assistance of the Castroville Rod and Gun Club. In 1961 it was a joint venture of the Marinovich Marching Units and the Castroville Chamber of Commerce to produce a larger festival, and Sally DeSante was chosen as the first Artichoke Queen. In 1963 , 1964, and 1965 it was solely sponsored by the Castroville Chamber of Commerce under the direction of the Artichoke Festival Board with Bill Price, one of the originators of the festival idea.

Advance tickets and discounted ticket packages are available online for the 60th annual festival at http://artichokefestival.org/.

General admission is $15 for those 13 and older; seniors 62 and older and military personnel with ID are $10; children ages 6-12 are $5; general admission for one adult, with wine tasting pass, is $40 (must be 21 years or older); wine tasting alone is $30; and field tours are $10 (daily tour schedules to be announced at the Festival), good for adult or child 5-12. Online purchases are available through 9 a.m. June 2, 2019. No refunds.

Two discounted packages are also available, the Arti-Family Pack and the It’s A Date package. The former is $30, a $10 saving over the regular price. It includes two adult tickets and two children’s tickets, good for Saturday or Sunday. This early bird discount ends May 18, 2019, at 12 a.m. No refunds.

The It’s A Date package for 21 and older, $60, a savings of $20, includes two adult tickets and two wine and beer tasting tickets, good for Saturday or Sunday. This early bird discount also ends May 18, 2019, at 12 a.m. No refunds.

The festival’s live entertainment lineup, free with festival admission and held on the Main Stage.

The Wine & Beer Garden is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Must be 21 to enter.

Over the years, the Castoville Artichoke Festival has been dedicated to informing attendees about the unique properties of artichokes, showcasing dozens of delicious artichoke dishes, cooking demonstrations, and field tours. A wine and beer garden, live entertainment, arts and crafts booths, and artichoke eating contests add to the festive atmosphere. As a 501c3 organization, the festival has become a primary source of funding for many local non-profit organizations that depend upon a successful event for their viability, such as:

Ag Against Hunger
Sun Street Center
North County Baseball
North County High School Golf
North Salinas Athletic Booster Club
Hope Horses & Kids
Marina Lions
Bikers for Bikes
Ashleigh Nicole Swain Memorial Scholarship
Ag History Project
Ord Terrace Elementary School
North County Wrestling Team
Monterey County Middle School
Golden State Elite
North County Recreation & Park
North County Bulldogs Cheer
North County Bulldogs
Monterey County Girls Basketball

Members of the current board of directors are:

Glenn Alameda
Stefani Cortopassi
David Delfino
Lynn Clark
Lionel Handel
Wes McClellan
Angie Micheli (Honorary Member)
Kathy Parish
Terry Bei Rohrs
Linda Scherer
Debbie Stadig
Ruben Torres
Kevin Tottino

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.artichokefestival.org/

Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Hyatt Carmel Highlands Announces Forks. Corks. Action! 2019 Winemaker Dinners

Next Dinner February 28 — Ian Brand Wines

Carmel, CA, January 29, 2019 - Hyatt Carmel Highlands announces the first quarter schedule for its popular Forks.Corks.Action! Winemaker Series for 2019 in the legendary Wine Room.

Learn, swirl, sip and enjoy! Meet the winemakers and enjoy a four-course dinner with wine paired with each course. During the series, winemakers will discuss the history, culture and qualities of the featured wines from Monterey and Santa Cruz County that will accompany Executive Chef Chris Vacca’s seasonal, locally sourced menus.

The Winemakers Series brings guests closer to the producers and personalities that craft the wines we love.

Dates for Winemakers Dinners in the first four months of 2019 are:

February 28 — Ian Brand Wines

March 21 — Coquerel Wines

April 18 — Saxon Brown Wines

The Details:

The California Market at Pacific’s Edge legendary Wine Room located at 120 Highlands Drive, Carmel Highlands

Start time 6 p.m.

Sip featured wines

Meet the winemakers

$130 per person inclusive

Reservations required

To purchase tickets go to:

February 28 — Ian Brand Wines
https://forkscorksactionfebruaryianbrandwines.eventbrite.com

March 21 — Coquerel Wines
https://forkscorksactionmarchcoquerelwines.eventbrite.com

April 18 — Saxon Brown Wines
https://forkscorksactionsaxonbrownwines.eventbrite.com

About Hyatt Carmel Highlands
Perched on the hillside of the Carmel Highlands with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, Hyatt Carmel Highlands combines true Carmel luxury with an approachable and sophisticated spirit. A haven for artists and discerning travelers since its opening in 1917, Hyatt Carmel Highlands features 48 luxuriously renovated guestrooms, including 11 suites, 32 ocean view rooms and five garden view rooms.

Situated only 4 miles from downtown Carmel, Hyatt Carmel Highlands’ idyllic setting and personalized service has attracted families, bridal couples, honeymooners, and privileged travelers for a century. Hyatt Carmel Highlands has been recognized among the world’s finest hotels as part of Condé Nast Traveler's Gold List and Travel + Leisure’s “T+L 500” World’s Best Hotels.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
https://www.hyatt.com/

Sunday, January 20, 2019

Calling All Student Artists!

The Salinas Union High School District is Holding a Contest Open to All Students for a new Visual Identity (logo) for its Career Technical Education (CTE) Program

Salinas, CA, January 21, 2019 — The Salinas Union High School District needs a new visual identity (logo) and needs your help for its Career Technical Education (CTE) program.

The logo should be recognizable and help promote our organization’s mission, Mission Trails ROP/CTE prepares students to be career-ready by providing them with relevant skills.


The rest is up to you!

* Help create the vision for our future.
* Are you creative?
* Do you have an eye for design?
* WE WANT YOU!

THE RULES:
We want an eye-catching, legible and professional-looking logo. Don’t worry if you don’t have the latest software — rough sketches and illustrations will also be accepted. We’ll work with you to prepare a digital file if your logo is selected. You may submit the logo in any color options you wish but should be limited to no more than two singular colors. Be careful with the use of screens and gradients. The logo must also be legible as a single-color logo (preferably black). Submitted logos cannot contain copyrighted material —they must be completely original designs. This contest is limited only to students within the Salinas Union High School District.

Contest entry forms are available https://www.salinasuhsd.org/domain/91. Email entries to: mission.trails.rop.cte@gmail.com

Or mail entries to: Salinas Unified School District Mission Trails CTE Logo Design Contest 867 E. Laurel Dr.
Salinas, CA 93905

The winning artist will win bragging rights to all of their friends, family and fellow students as well as a $100 gift certificate to dinner at Portobello’s in Salinas and an Amazon Kindle e-reader.

For more information, call (831) 753-4209.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
https://www.salinasuhsd.org