Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Noted Monterey Plastic Surgeon Offers Patients a Comforting Carmel Cottage to Recover, Recuperate and Rejuvenate After a Surgical Procedure

Prominent plastic surgeon Dr. David Morwood has had a thriving practice on the Monterey Peninsula for more than 20 years.

Monterey, CA, February 27, 2019 — Prominent plastic surgeon Dr. David Morwood has had a thriving practice on the Monterey Peninsula for more than 20 years. Now he can offer his patients the added inducement of recovering and recuperating in the world-famous vacation destination of Carmel with the Bonne Chance After-Care Cottage, just steps away from the city’s famous beaches, views and restaurants and shopping.

With five bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms, 3,600 square feet of space, plus a full chef's kitchen, two-car garage, two fireplaces, a baby grand piano, scenic ocean views of Pebble Beach and Carmel Bay, a theater that is a mini-replica of the famed Graumman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood, a lovely garden, and a two-minute walk to Carmel's famed beaches, Bonne Chance ("Good Luck" in French) is a comfortable and comforting place to escape the hustle and bustle, recover in peace and quiet, and breathe the pristine ocean air where the redwoods meet the sea.

“From start to finish, we provide Old World customer service combined with cutting-edge surgical technology. So, after any plastic surgery procedure, your recovery and after-care is important to me and my staff,” said Morwood. “That's why I built Bonne Chance After-Care Cottage in Carmel. It's the ideal location to recover, recuperate and rejuvenate after a surgical procedure.”

Built in the 1920s with a Cape Cod/New England feel, recently fully remodeled and rebuilt by international designer J. H. Drum, complete with white picket fence, Bonne Chance is available for the individual and their families as well as a vacation getaway when not being used by patients. Nurses, attendants, and caretakers are available upon request.

For inquiries about price and availability and for any other questions about this unique property located in one of the Monterey Peninsula's most charming neighborhoods, call 831-646-8661 or go to www.drmorwood.com.

About Dr. David Morwood
David T. Morwood has been in private practice on the Central Coast since 1991. Dr. Morwood is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, as well as a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the California Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Dr. Morwood earned his medical degree at the University of Vermont, and has trained at such prestigious institutions as the University of Southern California and Beth Israel Medical Center. In addition to completing chief residency in plastic surgery, Dr. Morwood has completed formal fellowships in aesthetic and cosmetic surgery as well as microsurgery and hand surgery. He has served for years as the chairman or vice chairman of the Plastic Surgery division at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula.

Dr Morwood produced an educational DVD for women diagnosed with Breast Cancer that is hosted by Dina Eastwood, "Breast Reconstruction, Know Your Options, a Guide for the Woman with Breast Cancer." He is known for using both a scientific and an artistic approach to custom design his patient's procedures such as "The Natural Neck Lift."

For over 20 years, Dr. Morwood has been participating in humanitarian missions to developing countries such as Columbia, El Salvador, Bangladesh, Vietnam, West Africa, and China to operate on children with cleft lips and palates.

Dr. Morwood is also an accomplished musician and an active jazz drummer. He has performed at the White House and during a nationally televised NFL football game.

• Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery

• Fellow, American College of Surgeons

• Chief of the Plastic Surgery Division of the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula

Member of:

• American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

• American Society of Plastic Surgery

• California Society of Plastic Surgeons

• American Society for Surgery of the Hand

• American Association for Hand Surgery

• Medical Board of California Expert Examiner

• Breast Care Committee and Cancer Care Committee of the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula

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

Thursday, February 21, 2019

Goodwill Central Coast completes renovation of Seaside store, announces grand reopening March 22

As part of its strategic plan toward modernizing retail stores and other facilities, Goodwill Central Coast has announced a March 22 grand reopening of its Seaside store.

Seaside, CA, February 22, 2019 — As part of its strategic plan toward modernizing retail stores and other facilities, Goodwill Central Coast has announced a March 22 grand reopening of its Seaside store.

Festivities begin with a ribbon-cutting celebration featuring the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, Seaside/Sand City Chamber of Commerce and city officials.

Seaside Mayor Ian Oglesby will be the first to shop in the renovated Goodwill store and donation center at 729 Broadway Ave. At 11 a.m., following all the festivities, shoppers will an assortment of interesting items, and huge discounts on merchandise some merchandise . Those entered into a drawing have a chance to win a $200 Goodwill certificate.

On Day 2 (March 23) of the grand opening, Goodwill partners with Everyone’s Harvest Farmers Market. The first 200 shoppers will receive a Goodwill tote bag and specials throughout the day, both at the nearby farmers market and the Seaside Goodwill store.

“We’re really happy with the renovation of our store in Seaside,” said Ed Durkee, president/CEO of Goodwill Central Coast. “The investment has created a much better environment for both our shopper and our employees. And we’re delighted to match the investment that community has made in the Broadway (Avenue) corridor. The whole street looks just great. Goodwill is proud to be part of a community with a vision of progress.”

As outlined in a strategic direction approved in 2016 by Goodwill Central Coast’s board of directors, the organization invested roughly $25 million toward enhancing efficiency and worker safety, renovating retail stores and relocating the organization’s headquarters and central donation processing facility to Salinas.

The plan is designed to sustain the organization’s social enterprise while building the capacity for growth. A key objective is to ensure all facilities are clean, modern, free of barriers and characterized by efficiency and respect for human dignity.

Seaside Goodwill
Donation Center and Store
729 Broadway Ave., Seaside CA
(831) 394-1212
https://www.ccgoodwill.org

Store hours:
9 a.m.–8 p.m. Monday–Saturday
10 a.m.–6 p.m. Sunday

About Goodwill Central Coast
Goodwill Central Coast, a private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, began in 1928 in the city of Santa Cruz and today has expanded into three counties: Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo. Goodwill Central Coast now employs more than 600 people, including employment training professionals, sales personnel, donation center attendants, warehouse and distribution workers, and administrators. Its programs strengthen communities by improving job growth, the lives of individuals and families, and the health of our environment. Each year Goodwill assists more than 9,000 job seekers get back to work and reclaim financial and personal independence. Goodwill provides a positive learning environment that creates brighter futures through connecting people to meaningful work.

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

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

MPA Watch, A Statewide Program That Collects Data on Human Uses of Marine Resources, Launches New Website, Social Media Sites

MPA Watch, a network of programs that collect human-use data in marine protected areas in order to keep our oceans clean and healthy, has launched a new, revamped website http://mpawatch.org and social media pages.

San Diego, CA, February 20, 2019 — MPA Watch, a network of programs that collect human-use data in marine protected areas in order to keep our oceans clean and healthy, has launched a new, revamped website http://mpawatch.org and social media pages.

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are marine or estuarine waters set aside primarily to protect or conserve marine life and its associated habitat. Just as parks on land protect special lands and wildlife from overdevelopment and poaching, these ocean parks preserve California's stunning marine ecosystems for future generations to observe and enjoy.

MPA Watch is a community science program that trains volunteers to observe and collect data on human uses of coastal and marine resources both inside and outside of marine protected areas (MPAs). Volunteers use standardized methods to collect data.

The data collected are used to help the management, enforcement, and science of California's marine protected areas, and allows MPA Watch’s network of programs and organizations to track how the public uses coastal areas.

By involving local communities in this collection of data, MPA Watch programs inspire and empower stewardship, and educate the public about California’s ocean ecosystems.

People interested in learning more are encouraged to follow MPA Watch on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mpawatch/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MPAWatch

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpawatchorg/

MPA Watch volunteers observe California's beaches and bluffs inside and outside MPAs, recording all offshore and onshore coastal activities from recreational activities such as swimming and surfing to commercial activities such as fishing. Volunteers are trained to recognize different types of activities, using binoculars to view activities offshore, and to record their observations on data sheets.

Volunteers record consumptive activities such as commercial fishing, shore fishing, and clamming, and non-consumptive activities such as swimming, SCUBA diving, and tide pooling.

All data collected by volunteers undergo rigorous quality assurance and quality control protocols by coordinating organizations before being accepted and shared with users such as state coastal managers and environmental researchers.

Data from community science projects like MPA Watch complements data collected by other monitoring groups, resource managers, scientists and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Ecological, economic, and social factors are just a few types of data that will be collected to provide a comprehensive picture on how the MPAs are functioning. This data will also help us to understand where there may be a need for enhanced education and outreach, signage, and law enforcement. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is the agency charged with management and enforcement of MPA regulations.

You can help support MPAs by joining a MPA Watch program as a volunteer. Local volunteers have submitted more than 22,000 surveys to date. The groups of volunteer organizations below monitors the use of coastal and ocean MPAs, providing a valuable look at how people are using these conservation areas.

Heal the Bay - Los Angeles County

Grace Young, gyoung@healthebay.org

Los Angeles Waterkeeper - Los Angeles County
Michael Quill, mquill@lawaterkeeper.org

Orange County Coastkeeper - Orange County
Ray Hiemstra, ray@coastkeeper.org

West Marin Environmental Action Committee - Marin County
Morgan Patton, morgan@eacmarin.org

California Academy of Sciences

Rebecca Johnson, rjohnson@calacademy.org

Santa Barbara Channelkeeper - Santa Barbara County
Penny Owens, penny@sbck.org

WILDCOAST - San Diego County
Angela Kemsley, angela@wildcoast.org

Greater Farallones Association - San Francisco County
Kirsten Lindquist, klindquist@farallones.org

Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History - Monterey County

Erika Delemarre, delemarre@pgmuseum.org

Eagle Eyes of False Klamath Cove - Del Norte County

Ruthie Maloney, ruthiemaloney@gmail.com

John Corbett, williammlpa@gmail.com

Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation, Del Norte County

Rosa Laucci, rosa.laucci@tolowa.com

Outdoor Schools

Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (AEOE)

Kat Montgomery, kat@aeoe.org

For more information on volunteering for MPA Watch, go to mpawatch.org or email angela@wildcoast.org. To access various resources, go the MPA Watch Resources page at http://www.mpawatch.org/site/startyourown.

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

Aromatherapist Cheryl Beller and Pet Therapist Adrienne Herman Join Forces to Open Joint Office in Downtown Carmel

Even though they run two distinct and separate businesses, aromatherapist Cheryl Beller and pet therapist Adrienne Herman have collaborated often when treating animals with physical, emotional and behavioral issues.

Carmel, CA, February 20, 2019 – Even though they run two distinct and separate businesses, aromatherapist Cheryl Beller and pet therapist Adrienne Herman have collaborated often when treating animals with physical, emotional and behavioral issues.

And, nine years after they first met, they’ve taken their collaboration to the next level by sharing an office space in Carmel, which will not only allow them to work closer together, but also allow Beller to hold educational sessions on the proper uses and dilutions of quality essential oils, as well as blending classes, personal consultations, and a weekly Aroma Bar, where one can go home with one’s own custom-blended therapeutic blend or create one for a special friend or fur baby-- blends for people, horses, dogs and cats!


“We’re both practitioners and both specialize in pets, “ says Beller, who describes herself as a holistic phyto-therapist and who runs Well Scents, which provides all-natural, toxin-free essential oil and hydrosol-based products. “So it made sense to join forces in a shared space and put our energy and synergy into a physical space together.”

“We both put out our shingles (as businesswomen) nine years ago and we’ve collaborated ever since,” adds Herman, who has been doing this and related work for most of her life. “It just made sense to join forces. I love sharing the space with Cheryl! Our joined energies make even more healing and balancing possible!”

Herman’s goals are two-fold:

--To see animals (dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, goats, domestic rats… just about all mammals except humans, though humans benefit as a side effect) achieve as balanced a state of being as possible, whether emotional, spiritual, or physical well-being, and

--To optimize communication and understanding between species

She does this using a variety of modalities, including animal communications. She has been working with aromatherapy as a treatment since she started working with Beller, nine years ago, and, as a result, they have come up with a number of custom blends to suit the needs of her clients. These blends have generalized in usage to many animals with similar issues!

“More than 80% of Cheryl’s blends have been developed because of the needs of my clients, but the creating of the blends is 100% Cheryl’s doing,” says Herman. “Cheryl is an alchemist. I call her a miraculous alchemist! I tell her a pet’s issues and she comes up with a blend which addresses those issues exactly! Further, I know that what she creates is 200% safe for my clients to use, unlike many other blends on the market.”

Much of Herman’s work is done at a client’s home or by remote phone sessions, which frees up the office space for Beller to offer classes for people wishing to learn more about essential oils, and allowing them to create their own blends. Because she now has use of the very homey office space, Beller has added a weekly Aroma Bar to the menu of services, where, from noon to 4 p.m. on selected Saturdays, participants can have a simple custom blend created just for them on the spot, or they can consult with Beller to create a complex blend for physical, mental, or emotional challenges that they would like addressed, either for themselves, for another, or for the well-being of their special dog, cat, or horse.

The monthly Aroma Bar schedule and the class schedule can be found at cherylbeller.com. Classes and consultations are also available by appointment, so drop in by yourself or collect a few friends and try a brand new experience together.

As a pet therapist, Herman wants to be clear that she’s not a dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist. “I am a listener, communicator, and therapist. This means I can help you to understand your four-legged better,” she says on her website. “I listen to other species, who share all sorts of information with me. I use what they say, and what I sense/feel in their bodies, to give you more information, and to help devise a plan if there are issues in need of addressing. I will always leave you with more information than before we met, and with a clear plan of action going forward.” Herman works with many local trainers and veterinarians as well.

The plan of action she devises could, and often does, include aromatherapy treatments, many specially formulated to treat the client’s individual pet. Sharing an office space now makes the collaboration between therapist and aromatherapist that much more efficient and convenient.

“Every client’s needs are different, but probably, when it comes to behavioral issues, I almost always use Cheryl’s blends, “ says Herman. She has been using aromatherapy in her practice since she opened her office in downtown Carmel 9 years ago. The two met at about the same time through a mutual friend. “A light bulb went off and we said, “We have to do this together,” says Beller.

About Adrienne Herman
Adrienne has lived in Carmel for about 20 years, 10 of those as a dog therapist (she worked for a year out of her home before opening her office in Carmel, though she did this work for about 30-plus years before making it official). A third-generation Californian, she grew up in the East Bay area in Northern California.

She got her first dog at age 5 and spent about half of her life at her grandparents’ chicken ranch in Petaluma, where she not only interacted with chickens, but also goats, rabbits, cats, dogs and cattle.

She always had an interest in going into the “helping professions,” graduating with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UCLA and a master’s degree in educational psychology from California State University East Bay (formerly California State University Hayward).

Her career path began by teaching children with developmental disabilities and other special needs to swim when she was in high school and college, then, post grad work, being Director of Community Services at a psychiatric hospital in Oakland, and taking health kinesiology courses. That’s where she met a veterinarian who applied the knowledge from those classes to the dogs she was treating. For Herman, that’s when her interest in treating animals began in earnest.

After moving to Carmel, Adrienne served as special needs coordinator for Temple Beth Israel, working with children pre-K through 10th grade. She took a year off and worked with her mentor, energy healer Hilary Nicholls, before opening her office space in downtown Carmel.

Adrienne spends her time divided between Carmel and the San Francisco Bay Area where she also sees clients, and visits with her adult children and grandchildren.

About Cheryl Beller
After spending more than two decades in the medical care and medical management group fields, Cheryl began exploring alternative healing modalities in the 1990’s. She was especially impressed with the many levels of positive effects that people and their pets experienced when exposed to essential oils and hydrosols in various delivery systems.

Cheryl’s other career experience include management and administrative positions in accounting and payroll firms, and in school district budget and business services.

Cheryl has had a lifelong interest in health and wellness and a lifelong love of animals, particularly dogs, horses and cats.

As her interest developed into a passion, Cheryl enlisted the expertise and insights of various animal practitioners, eventually developing properly diluted, targeted essential oil or hydrosol-based products that address most of the emotional, psychological, and behavioral needs of dogs, horses, and cats, specifically.

She also discovered that additional issues could be addressed with custom blends that are specifically formulated so that they can safely be used on a daily basis. These blends offer natural solutions to everyday concerns and challenges.

In 2010, she founded Well Scents, Aromatherapy for Pets and Their People (wellscents.com), all-natural, toxin-free essential oils and hydrosols, products to help both people and animals maintain and create wellness.

In January 2019, Cheryl began offering hands-on blending classes at the office that she shares with pet therapist Adrienne Herman. The classes assist people in creating blends that are safe and correctly diluted for themselves, their families, friends, and pets.

Also, in January 2019, Cheryl opened an Aroma Bar in the Carmel office, where simple custom blends can be created right on the spot or where one can consult with Cheryl to create a more complex custom blend for specific physical, mental, and emotional challenges that need to be addressed.

Cheryl and her husband Craig live on the Monterey Peninsula of California with their dogs, Henry and Mikki.

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

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/