Gil Basketball Academy’s launches podcast series ‘Ganas — Leading from the Heart’ on Sept. 14 Podcast Available on Apple

Turning a family garage into a state-of-the-art recording studio, Gil Basketball Academy has officially launched its podcast series called “Ganas — Leading from the Heart.”

Salinas, CA, September 08, 2020 - Turning a family garage into a state-of-the-art recording studio, Gil Basketball Academy has officially launched its podcast series called “Ganas — Leading from the Heart.”

Designed to inspire today’s youth through unique views and perspectives on life, “Ganas” (which translates to “desire”), will feature guests ranging from CEOs to spiritual leaders and pro athletes. It officially begins on Sept. 14 with the academy’s matriarch and co-founder Eva Silva as the first guest.

Silva and her husband Jose Gil formed the academy in 2009 to promote the sport of basketball in East Salinas through camps, clinics, individual sessions and elite travel teams. But more than that, GBA was designed to build confidence and character in a membership that exceeds 450 local kids ages 4 to 17.

The idea for a podcast grew from Gil’s growing frustration in not being able to completely connect with his kids during the pandemic.

“You have to think outside the box,” said the longtime coach and athletic director at Alisal High School. “I was used to having hundreds of kids together at one time, and now I have to figure out new ways to have an impact.”

While the couple have little experience in media (and none in podcasting), they invested in the technology needed to turn the family garage into a functioning studio.

“Ganas” podcasts (including video with guests appearing via Zoom) span 30 to 45 minutes, and include topics such as sports, health, fitness, leadership, community and more.

Silva will kick off the “Ganas” series by talking about her own inspirational life. Episode 1 is titled ‘Complete the circle’ by empowering young people.

Born in Mexico as the sixth of seven children to migrant worker parents, Silva moved to Salinas at age 7. She graduated from Alisal High School in 1990, later earning a degree in education from Stanford University as a first-generation college graduate. Silva married Gil in 1999, and the couple have three grown children. Silva also works as a college coordinator and mentor for migrant students at CSU-Monterey Bay.

September Podcast Schedule

Ganas: Leading from the Heart

Listen here https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ganas-leading-from-the-heart/id1529748465

Episode 1 (Sept. 14, 2020): ‘Completing the circle’ by empowering young people

Guest: Eva Silva, college coordinator/Gil Basketball Academy co-founder

Born in Mexico as the sixth of seven children to migrant worker parents, Eva Silva moved to Salinas, Calif., at age 7. She graduated from Alisal High School in 1990, later earning a degree in Human Biology and a a Master’s in Education from Stanford University as a first-generation college graduate. Silva married Jose Gil in 1999, and the couple have three grown children. In 2010 the couple co-founded Gil Basketball Academy to help empower youth by developing their athletic skills, leadership, work ethic, world view, and enhancing their commitment to the community. Silva also works as a college coordinator and mentor for undergraduate students at CSU-Monterey Bay.

Episode 2 (Sept. 14, 2020): Giving today’s youth opportunities to thrive

Guest: Jerome Williams, former NBA player

Drafted in the first round of the NBA draft in 1996 by the Detroit Pistons, Jerome Williams had a nine-year career with four teams, retiring in 2005 as a member of the Toronto Raptors. Nicknamed The Junkyard Dog by teammates impressed with his work ethic, Williams earned a scholarship to Georgetown University his junior year after not being drafted out of high school. Today, Williams turns that positiveness and energy into helping inspire today’s youth through the game of basketball. He is a global ambassador through the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders program, and is president of The Young3, which holds 3-on-3 tournaments for young people ages 9–14.

Episode 3 (Sept. 28, 2020): Resistance and faith: Leading in a time of turmoil

Guest: Pastor Artis L. Smith, New Hope Baptist Church

The Rev. Artis Smith joined New Hope Baptist Church in 1999 as Associate Minister, installed as pastor in 2005. He has spent 15 years in that role at the East Salinas church dedicated to servanthood and discipleship. Rev. Smith has helped lead a regional effort toward social justice. During the pandemic, he worked hard to keep the doors open for in-person services, honoring the church’s “always open” designation. He acknowledges that much has been done, but there is a greater work still to do, and by the grace of God, the church will continue to grow and prosper.

Listen here : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ganas-leading-from-the-heart/id1529748465

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

YMCA of the Central Coast Outside-of-School Program, Excel Beyond the Bell, Now at 46 Sites Across Central Coast

YMCA of the Central Coast’s curriculum-based outside-of-school Excel Beyond the Bell program now has 46 sites offering the program throughout the Central Coast.

Salinas, CA, September 03, 2020 — YMCA of the Central Coast’s curriculum-based outside-of-school Excel Beyond the Bell program now has 46 sites offering the program throughout the Central Coast. In the Excel Beyond the Bell program outside-of-school program, youth will do distance learning as part of this four-part curriculum that includes Character Development Learning Institute, Youth Fit 4 Life, Enrichment Activities, and Homework Time.

In addition to all five branches of Central Coast YMCA (Salinas, Watsonville, San Benito, South County and Monterey), YMCA is working with the following schools and school districts: Salinas Elementary School District, Spreckles Unified School District, Salinas Union High School, Santa Rita School District, Carmel Unified School District, Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, Monterey Bay Charter Schools, Hollister School District, Hollister Pre Navigator School, North County Joint Union School District, Watsonville prep school, and Aromas schools. Excel Beyond the Bell has added a new location, Monterey Bay Charter School in Pacific Grove, which will start on Sept. 14. More sites may be added as needed.

The Central Coast Y is offering Live Group Exercise classes and home workouts with demo on-line. Youth programming (Arts & Crafts, Story Time and STEAM projects) will be added to the schedule starting Monday, Aug. 17. YMCA also has access to Y360 library of workout videos, all of which are accessible through its website at www.centralcoastymca.org.

In addition, the Salinas YMCA pool is open for lap swim, swim lessons and water aerobics and exercise classes.

For more information call (831) 758-3811 or visit www.centralcoastymca.org.

About the Central Coast YMCA
Formed in 1989, the Central Coast YMCA began with the merger of two independent YMCAs; the Salinas Community YMCA (founded in 1921) and the Watsonville Family YMCA (founded in 1898). Originally a USO built in 1941, with the purpose of supporting American troops during World War II, the YMCA of the Monterey Peninsula joined the association in 1990. In 1998 the South County YMCA became the fourth branch in the association, extending its service area to the residents of south Monterey County. The YMCA of San Benito County became the fifth and most recent addition to the association in 1999.

CCYMCA is an independent, private, nonprofit corporation, a part of the YMCA of the USA, but responsible for its own policies, programs, and budgets. It employs 27 full-time employees, about 225 part-time employees, and 120 volunteers who impact approximately 40,000 people in Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey counties.

CCYMCA is located at 500 Lincoln Ave. in Salinas.

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

Meet Gidget, a Cherished Emotional support animal who earned a Gift of Mobility from Max’s Helping Paws

When the healing power of animals meets the kindness of the human spirit, magic can happen.

Carmel, CA, September 01, 2020 - Just ask Melinda Moxley, a CSU-Monterey Bay student and tutor who discovered the perfect therapy for her debilitating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder — a rescue dog named Gidget.

https://www.maxshelpingpaws.org/success-stories/2020/gidget-genetic-condition-repaired

Melinda found the 8-year old Chihuahua mix wandering the streets of South Central Los Angeles and gave her a safe home in Monterey.

This past May, Gidget grew ill, unable to stand or walk on all four legs. Melinda brought her into Pet Specialists of Monterey and they said she suffered from bilateral patellar luxation, a structural issue she most likely had since birth.

Dr. Michael Dearmin recommended a procedure called Bilateral Lateral Fabellar, which could give Gidget the ability to stand, walk and function normally.

A full-time student who suffers from a disability herself, Melinda was unable to afford such a surgery. So she turned to Max’s Helping Paws Foundation, a local nonprofit that helps families fund treatment for pets in crisis.

Melinda’s initial letter brought tears to the eyes of Max’s co-founder Dyanna Klein. It read, in part: “Gidget is the one I talk to, I laugh with, study next to on the floor, and my ‘co-pilot’ in life. Please help us.”

Klein, who founded the nonprofit in 2016 following the death of her 14-year-old Miniature Pinscher named Max, agreed to help fund the surgery.

“Melinda is a phenomenal pet mom, and we were thrilled to be able to help make the surgery happen for Gidget,” she said.

The procedure went off without a hitch and, according to Melinda, “Gidget is smiling again!”

“She is doing awesome,” said Melinda, who calls Gidget her emotional support animal. “We take daily walks to smell the flowers and she can actually push off of both back legs now to go up and down the curb. This was not possible before her surgery nor was she able to put weight on all four paws.”

Melinda found the time to express her gratitude to Klein and her foundation.

“We are truly grateful,” she said. “Every single day that we go out for our walks, we know it is possible because of you and your help.”

About Max's Helping Paws Foundation
Max's Helping Paws Foundation (MHPF) was co-founded in 2016 by Dyana Klein and her husband and veterinary internist, Dr. Jonathan Fradkin, in memory of their pet, Maximillian.

The foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports all Monterey County veterinary practices to provide financial assistance to clients with pets in need of both critical short-term or longer-term care for chronic illness. Since it first started providing financial assistance in mid-2017, MHPF has approved $275,000 in financial assistance, and has helped hundreds of pet families give their pets a second chance. MHFP is based in Monterey County and serves only Monterey County.

Max’s Helping Paws Foundation
(831) 704-6473
info@maxshelpingpaws.org
26388 Carmel Rancho Lane, Suite D
Carmel CA 93923

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

PG Museum’s Hardcore Natural History Series takes a Closer Look at the Endangered Monarch Butterfly

In the 1980s, more than 4 million monarch butterflies wintered in forested groves along the California coast.

Pacific Grove, CA, August 31, 2020 — In the 1980s, more than 4 million monarch butterflies wintered in forested groves along the California coast. Today that figure stands at less than 30,000, according to recent scientific tallies.

Monarchs in California have been in decline due to loss of habitat, including destruction of their overwintering sites and loss of both milkweed for caterpillars and flowering resources to fuel migration.

The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History takes great interest in these famous orange-and-black insects. As part of its Hardcore Natural History series, it will host three upcoming programs devoted to better understanding monarchs, now under government consideration for listing under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.

Led by renowned experts in the field, these virtual programs take place on Sept. 17, Oct. 15 and Nov. 12. Cost is $5 for museum members and $10 for non-members. Those interested may register and purchase tickets here, although to participate they must be registered by 5 p.m. on the day of each event.

Following is an outline of the series:

Planting for Monarchs with Emma Pelton

Sept. 17, 6:30 p.m.

Join us as we speak to Emma Pelton, a senior conservation biologist at the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. Peloton leads western monarch conservation efforts — including developing best management practices for monarch habitat. She will teach participants what to keep in mind when planting for monarchs, especially around overwintering sites. She is particularly interested in overwintering site protection and restoration in California, and partners with many land managers and community scientists to improve management in these critical habitats. Pelton also serves on the Monarch Joint Venture advisory committee and the AZA SAFE Monarch steering committee.

The Price of Pesticides with Sarah Hoyle

Oct. 15, 6:30 p.m.

Join us for a discussion of recent research on pesticide contamination of milkweed in California's Central Valley. This program will be led by Sarah Hoyle, a researcher for the Xerces Society, who joined scientists from University of Nevada, Reno, in sampling milkweed plants from various landscapes in the Central Valley, analyzing them for pesticide residues. They found widespread contamination of milkweed at levels that could harm monarch caterpillars. Hoyle will review the research and its implications for monarch conservation.

Small But Mighty: Monarch Butterfly Migration and Overwintering with Jessica Griffiths

Nov. 12, 6:30 p.m.

Every fall, thousands of monarch butterflies migrate to Monterey County from all across the western United States to spend the winter clustering together at special overwintering sites. But how do they get here? And why do they spend the winter in certain groves of trees, but not others? How do researchers know where the monarchs come from, or how many there are? Join Jessica Griffiths as she shares what we know and don't know about monarch migration and overwintering, and how we can help protect this magnificent butterfly and its habitat in Monterey County. Griffiths has worked with monarchs on the Central Coast for almost 20 years, in both Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties. Over the years, she has trained hundreds of volunteers — including those from PGMNH — on how to count monarch butterflies, and she is currently the SLO County coordinator for the annual Western Monarch Thanksgiving Count.

For more information visit www.pgmuseum.org.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93905
(831) 747-7455
http://www.pgmuseum.org

Balance Physical Therapy Founder Urges us to make Regular deposits into ‘Healthcare Bank Account’

Dr. John Farahmand founded Balance Physical Therapy to help patients improve movement and manage pain.

Salinas, CA, August 31, 2020 - Dr. John Farahmand founded Balance Physical Therapy to help patients improve movement and manage pain. Yet through the years he’s found that his practice plays an important role in preventive care.

Part of the treatment at BPT includes education — helping people heal, grow and feel empowered to build a stronger, more resilient body.

Patient education, especially focused on injury prevention, is a huge element of the practice, effectively helping to reduce return visits.

Farahmand puts the topic into relatable terms.

“I always like to ask people whether they do anything to save for retirement,” he said. “When they answer ‘yes,’ and I ask them why, they say, ‘Well, because I know I'll slow down some day and I'd like to have something put away to draw from.’ ”

Making regular deposits into a “healthcare bank account” can increase long-term wellness and longevity.

“Remember, regardless of how well you take care of yourself, time will force you to make some withdrawals along the way,” said the 46-year-old founder and CEO. “We must invest in the things we want to grow. If you want to have a healthy healthcare balance, start learning to make deposits. It’s really hard to draw from an account with a zero balance.”

Part of the answer involves taking personal responsibility for ourselves.

“Stay mobile and stay fit,” he said. “Everything in your life starts with a healthy body.”

Farahmand loves the philosophy of Hollywood actor Dick Van Dyke, who’s still spry at age 94. His secret? Wake up each day and keep moving.

“I think that is right in line with our slogan at Balance Physical Therapy — Movement is Medicine,” he said. “I believe in that, heart and soul.”

To help relieve stress and stay active, Farahmand offers the following tips:

• You don't need fancy equipment to work out: Walk, run, bike, garden … just get moving.
• Disconnect from the outside world periodically by putting down your electronic devices.
• Find a quiet place and focus on breathing and meditation, even for 10 minutes.
• Get at least 7 hours sleep; it’s an important way to regain motivation to stay active — and for the body and mind to stay healthy.
• Hug and touch and snuggle loved ones; it helps release “feel-good” hormones.
• Drink at least 32 ounces of water each day.
• Watch the sunset and sunrise, and enjoy nature’s healing powers.
• Cook your own meals at home.
• Play games (with grownups and kids) instead of sitting on the couch watching others play on TV.
• Farahmand likes to say that the most important step you can take toward fitness is the first one out your front door.

“Learn to adapt. We are humans, which means that our superhuman strength is that we are adaptable, we're malleable, we can learn new things,” he said. “We can adapt to new environments and new circumstances. These are certainly new and uncertain times but if you look inside yourself, you'd realize you have a tremendous capacity within you to adapt to anything. And it all starts with the way that you think.”

There are plenty of ways to stay physically active. Walking, gardening or biking all provide great opportunities to burn calories and create wellness.

Just 150 to 300 minutes per week of moderate-intensity or at least 75 minutes of high-intensity aerobic exercise shows substantial health benefits.

If you take care of your body, and keep making regular deposits into your healthcare “bank account,” you may never have to see Farahmand. And that’s just fine by him.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93905
(831) 747-7455
https://www.balancept.com/

Goodwill Central Coast Stores in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties to Help Wildfire Victims By Raising Funds Through Its ‘Round-Up’ Program

Goodwill Central Coast stores in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties will help out wildfire victims by donating all funds from its Round-Up Program in September and October to those who lost their homes and were forced to evacuate.

Salinas, CA, August 28, 2020 — Goodwill Central Coast stores in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties will help out wildfire victims by donating all funds from its Round-Up Program in September and October to those who lost their homes and were forced to evacuate.

Goodwill will match donated round-up funds up to $2,000 per month through this program, which is a way for shoppers to either “round up” their purchase to the nearest dollar or donate a set amount ($1, $3 or $5). All of these options are displayed on the credit card terminal machines.

The round-up funds raised in September and October in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties will go to the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz and Community Foundation for Monterey County’s Fire Relief Fund to aid those affected by the River, Carmel, Lightning Complex, and Dolan fires.

Funds will go to nonprofits and organizations assisting individuals and families with emergency assistance, health and human services, short-term housing/rental assistance, reimbursement of equipment and supplies and other support for affected residents. The fund is a trusted repository for philanthropic assets to be directed specifically for this purpose.

While shopping at Goodwill, don’t forget that your support helps Goodwill organizations change lives by training unemployed or underemployed people for careers in fields such as automotive services, construction, health care, information technology, manufacturing, hospitality and retail as well as in other high-demand industries.

About Goodwill Central Coast
Goodwill Central Coast, a private 501(c)3 non-profit 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 over 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 13,000 job seekers get back to work and reclaim financial and personal independence. Information: www.ccgoodwill.org.

Note: . Funds from October 21st and November 11th are excluded from the promotion. October 21st is designated to Cookies for Cancer and November 11th is designated to the ALS Foundation.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93905
(831) 747-7455
http://www.ccgoodwill.org

Gils Basketball Academy Coach Profile Coach Profile Humberto

Two years ago, Humberto Arista retired after 26 years as a firefighter and battalion chief with North Monterey County Fire.

Salinas, CA, August 27, 2020 - Two years ago, Humberto Arista retired after 26 years as a firefighter and battalion chief with North Monterey County Fire.

To send him off, a 9-1-1 dispatcher read the following over the radio: “Chief Arista always demonstrated a sense of deep respect for his community, his department and his family.”

The Salinas resident and 1984 graduate of Alisal High School may have retired at age 52, but his hard work continued. A father of three and husband to wife Martha, Humberto (better known as “Beto”), put his entire focus on family — both at home and on the basketball court as a coach for Gil Basketball Academy.

“Having both played and coached, you realize that sports are a strong base for life,” said Beto, who coaches the GBA varsity girls select team with his wife Martha. “Everything from communication, responsibility, goals, working together and, most important for today’s youth, confidence.”

Beto is a proud father of three children, Adrianna, Mikaela and Noah). Adrianna is currently a Cease Fire Detective, while Mikaela and Noah attend Alisal High School as a senior and sophomore, respectively.

Just as he’s watched his own children grow and mature, he works just as hard to give his players the same guidance.

“You can see as a coach, the growth in all these areas as you work through each season,” he said. “An athlete has a better perspective on the standards and expectations as they carry themselves both on and off the court. “

To Beto, the most rewarding part of coaching is seeing positive growth in the values and direction that you know the young athletes will carry with them for the rest of their lives,” he said. “This has been my mission and reason for coaching and giving back to the community that gave so much to me.”

Coach Beto loves how GBA provides a recreational format that would not otherwise be available to many of the kids that the academy serves.

“There are a number of services that give even the least confident person or the least skilled person a chance to belong to a program that has opportunities for growth,” he said. “The program is set up so there is a sector for beginners to learn the basic fundamentals in a supportive environment. On the flip side, there are players a bit more skilled and there are travel basketball opportunities for them if they are seeking more of a challenge. Either way, there is acceptance at all levels, and that is not available in many places.”

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93905
(831) 747-7455
https://www.gilbasketballacademy.com/

San Lorenzo Valley Water District Update on the CZU August Lightning Complex Fires Update from The Board of Directors 8.25.2020

As the CZU August Lightning Complex Fires burn within the San Lorenzo Valley Water District, the Board of Directors held a special meeting to evaluate wildfire impacts to the water system and the community.

Boulder Creek, CA, August 26, 2020 - As the CZU August Lightning Complex Fires burn within the San Lorenzo Valley Water District, the Board of Directors held a special meeting to evaluate wildfire impacts to the water system and the community.

At the August 24th ,2020 meeting the Board heard an update from District staff, who have been working tirelessly in support of the emergency response from within the San Lorenzo Valley. The District is working closely with CAL FIRE and other key agencies such as the California State Water Resources Control Board to protect water supply.

The Board President, Steve Swan, expressed gratitude to all first responders. He emphasized, “that our hearts go out to those forced to evacuate their homes and the firefighters, District staff and other essential workers keeping our Valley safe”.

The Board passed a Resolution to declare a water shortage emergency and stop any non-essential water use in order to help firefighting efforts. It directs staff to:

Continue communicating with the public about the importance of conserving water; and
Temporarily shut off water connections to structures where staff observes fire damage, water leaks or water running off the property, and notify customers.

It is also important to continue to conserve water when evacuation orders are lifted and residents return to the Valley.

District Manager Rick Rogers asks the public to conserve water to the maximum extent possible. Follow all “Do Not Drink / Do Not Boil” to be issued for Brookdale north, and other safety notices. Mr. Rogers also asks everyone who hears this message to take it seriously and please talk to others.

The District will continue to update its website & social media platforms with news. To see the most updated information please check our website alert page here or our Facebook page here.

For more information, call (831) 338-2153, or go to www.slvwd.com.

About the District
The San Lorenzo Valley Water District was established in 1941 as an independent special district. The District is governed by a five-member Board of Directors, elected at-large from within the District’s service area. A special district is a local government agency formed by voters to perform a needed service, such as water or sewer. The District’s boundaries comprise approximately 60 square miles and 190 miles of pipeline. The District currently provides service to approximately 7,900 residential, commercial, and institutional connections. The District relies on both surface water and groundwater resources, including nine currently active stream diversions, one groundwater spring, and eight active groundwater wells. The District owns, operates, and maintains two water systems from separate water sources. These sources are derived solely from rainfall within the San Lorenzo River watershed.

The District owns, operates, and maintains a wastewater system in Boulder Creek’s Bear Creek Estates, which serves approximately 56 homes.

Website: slvwd.com
Phone: (831) 338-2153
Fax: (831) 338-7986

Emergency Numbers:
After-hour emergencies: (831) 338-2153

Address:
San Lorenzo Valley Water District
13060 Hwy 9
Boulder Creek, CA 95006

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93905
(831) 747-7455
http://www.slvwd.com

Monterey County Fair Will Go Virtual This Year With ‘Virtual Celebration’ Sept. 3-6, 2020, in Lieu of Cancelled Fair

The Monterey County Fair may have been cancelled this year, but the Fair will go on virtually, with the first Monterey County Fair 2020 Virtual Celebration, set for Sept. 3-6, 2020.

Monterey, CA, August 24, 2020 — The Monterey County Fair may have been cancelled this year, but the Fair will go on virtually, with the first Monterey County Fair 2020 Virtual Celebration, set for Sept. 3-6, 2020.

The virtual Fair kicks off at 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3 with a Drive-In Movie screening of the animated comedy “Despicable Me,” followed at 7:30 p.m. by the classic 1945 film “State Fair,” starring Jeanne Crain and Dana Andrews. Cost is $30 per car per screening.

The virtual Fair continues at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4 with a Drive-In Movie & Concert featuring the 2012 musical comedy “Rock of Ages,” and Journey Revisited, a Journey tribute band. Cost is $75 per car.

Saturday, Sept. 5 features the Kentucky Derby, Drive-In-style, presented by Tachi Palace, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Each vehicle receives a free Kentucky Derby daily program and daily racing form. Machines to place wagers will be available in the arena. Cost is $75 per car. On Saturday night, enjoy the action of Ultimate Bull Fighters streaming from Arcadia, Florida, followed at 6:30 p.m. by the 1994 rodeo movie “8 Seconds.” Cost is $75 per car for this performance.

The final day of the Virtual Fair, Sunday, Sept. 6, features the 2003 Jack Black-starring comedy “School of Rock,” at 7:30 p.m., celebrating Samz School of Rock, with 25% of the proceeds to benefit the school. Cost is $40 per car.

Admission to drive-in events begin one hour before posted time.

To buy tickets, go to the Fair’s website at www.montereycountyfair.com.

Sponsors of the virtual fair include Tachi Palace, Firestone 805, Aspire Health Plan, Anheuser-Busch, Chevrolet of Watsonville, Monterey County Agricultural Commissioner, Boot Barn, Braga Fresh, California Giant Berry Farms, Central Coast Senior Services, Inc., Coastal Tractor, fresh From D’Vine, Pebble Beach Resorts, Misionero, Nutrien, Culligan Water, Mechanics Bank, and Tanimura & Antle.

The El Jefe Tequila bar is conveniently located in the back of the arena for all performances.

For information, contact Monterey County Fair & Event Center at (831) 372-5863 or events@montereycountyfair.com

About the Monterey County Fair & Event Center
The Monterey County Fair & Event Center is a premier event center set on 22 oak-studded acres with ample parking. It is a state-owned multi-use facility that features four large banquet rooms, two outdoor concert venues, and a variety of outdoor and indoor cost-effective sites ideal for all types of events. It is home of the annual award-winning Monterey County Fair, host to many major and private events on the Central Coast, and the site of the Monterey Bay Race Place, a Satellite Wagering Facility.

For more information, contact the Fair Administration Office, at 2004 Fairground Road in Monterey, by calling (831) 372-5863 or go to www.montereycountyfair.com for more information.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93905
(831) 747-7455
http://www.montereycountyfair.com

Coach Stories Gary and Rosemarie Musones

Gary and Rosemarie Musones have coached through generations. Even with their own kids now grown and independent, the couple (each in their mid-50s) show no signs of slowing down.

Salinas, CA, August 25, 2020 - When it comes to youth sports, coaches are often chosen from among the most qualified parents. When the kids grow up, those coaches usually hang up their clipboards.

Gary and Rosemarie Musones have coached through generations. Even with their own kids now grown and independent, the couple (each in their mid-50s) show no signs of slowing down.

The son of a Navy veteran, Gary grew up in Seaside playing street flag football and basketball on sloping driveways. Rosemarie graduated from North Salinas High School in 1985.

The couple saw their son and daughter through many teams and seasons, and Gary went on to coach AAU and PAL travel teams before coaching boys freshman and JV basketball at Alvarez High School. He served as assistant coach for Alisal High’s freshman boys basketball team in 2010, where he bonded with AHS varsity coach Jose Gil.

Gary currently coaches the JV girls at Alisal High. In his first year in 2016, the girls won 25 games in a row. Last year the team finished 18-5, earning first place in league.

Gil invited both Gary and Rosemarie to give their time and talent to Gil Basketball Academy, and they have been coaching at GBA for eight years. When not coaching, Rosemarie has worked for the Social Security Administration for 34 years.

“Being part of GBA is rewarding because it gives my wife Rose and I the opportunity to give back to the community,” said Gary, who has worked for the last 32 years in information technology for the County of Monterey. “We help less fortunate kids that grow up on the east side of Salinas.”

Both Gary and Rosemarie love to see their kids improve their basketball skills, but the true joy is seeing them grow up into productive members of society.

“My wife and I have a goal to show and teach these kids with hard work and dedication they can be successful in sports and in life,” he said.

They also get the chance to help Salinas kids see the world beyond their own backyards. “GBA takes some of them halfway around the world,” said Gary.

He remembers taking a 14-under girls team to Reno. “One of the girls asked us if she needed to bring her passport,” he said. “I told her we are just going to Reno, not out of the country! She later earned girls varsity captain last year.”

The biggest reward has been forging bonds with kids and their families.

“Coaching girls basketball, Rose and I have been to a lot of quinceañeras, or sweet 16 birthday parties, making new friends,” he said. “Coaching today's youth also keeps us young and it is rewarding when we see our old players and they thank us for all we’ve done for them and become our good friends.”

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93905
(831) 747-7455
https://gilbasketballacademy.com/

Dr. Farahmand of Balance Physical Therapy believes ‘Movement is medicine’ for Physical, Mental health

Dr. John Farahmand believes in his slogan at Balance Physical Therapy in Monterey and Salinas — Movement is Medicine.

Monterey, CA, August 24, 2020 - Throughout a long, distinguished career, Farahmand has shown countless patients how exercise benefits our bodies. But how does physical activity affect our psyche?

“Stay mobile and stay fit,” he said. “Everything in your life starts with a healthy body.”

According to Farahmand, physical activity can improve cognition, quality of life, reduced depression, reduced anxiety and improved sleep. Just 150 to 300 minutes per week of moderate-intensity or at least 75 minutes of high-intensity aerobic exercise shows substantial health benefits.

Farahmand describes the body as a system, with all parts dependent on each other. “Our mind and body are powerful allies,” he said. “How we think can affect how we feel. And how we feel can affect our thinking.”

An example of this mind-body connection is how your body responds to stress. Constant worry can cause tense muscles, pain, headaches and stomach problems.

When you're stressed, your body reacts as if it is under attack. “It doesn’t differentiate between types of stress,” he said. “Physiologically, a lion in your room or struggling to pay your bills are both perceived by the body the same. We can get an overwhelming feeling of fatigue. Just crushing.”

Staying fit through exercise can help enormously. People who exercise regularly report that it gives them an enormous sense of well-being. They feel more energetic throughout the day, sleep better at night, have sharper memories, and feel more relaxed and positive about themselves and their lives. And it’s also powerful medicine for many common mental health challenges, having a profoundly positive impact on depression, anxiety, ADHD, and more. It also helps reduce stress, something sorely needed during these unprecedented times.

Among his many fields of study, Farahmand earned a degree from UCLA in psychobiology, studying the physiological, genetic and developmental mechanisms of behavior in humans.

Farahmand says that stress starts to make our minds a jumbled mess. “All your focus is on the now, and you can’t see the forest through the trees.”

It’s all about setting priorities.

“This is an unknown time for us,” he said. “We all have COVID-19 in common. Remember, all we can control is ourselves. We can’t control the virus and others, so why be stressed?”

Stress can directly affect our physical and emotional health. Too much stress can cause unhealthy lifestyle choices, depression and anxiety. Some stress management tips from Dr. Farahmand include:

Exercise: Any type of exercise (walk, run, bike, body weight exercises) will, and you don't need fancy equipment to get in a great workout!
Relaxation: Try disconnecting from the outside world periodically throughout the day by putting down your electronic devices for a bit.
Mediation or deep breathing exercises: Find a quiet place and take at least 10 minutes to focus on your breathing (4-second inhale, hold breath for 4 seconds, and 4-second exhale).

Eating a balanced diet: Think about what you're eating and why you're eating it! Now is a great time to try some new recipes or ingredients you've never cooked.

Taking a break: Don't forget to take time in your day for yourself

Time management: With many of us working from home, our kids not in the classroom, and not seeing our friends as much, take time to have a balance between all three.

Balance Physical Therapy & Human Performance Center, 143 John St. Salinas and 2260 N. Fremont St, Monterey. www.balancept.com.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 747-7455
http://www.balancept.com

Restaurateur Gabe Georis and his partner, longtime local Chef Brandon Miller Launch The Chef’s Stash

Locals can now get their Stash of the best locally sourced foods through TheChefsStash.com and pickup box of ingredients for a weeks worth of varied, healthy, and delicious meals.

Carmel, CA, August 21, 2020 - Say your best friend is a chef and a restaurant owner. Now imagine that friend putting together all the best foods that your area has to offer from fruits and veggies, to the freshest fish and tastiest meats, to the best farm eggs and milk, to homemade jams and pickles and handing you a box out the back door of the restaurant.

Well, imagine no more. Locals can now get their Stash of the best locally sourced foods through TheChefsStash.com and pickup box of ingredients for a weeks worth of varied, healthy, and delicious meals. Depending on your choice of Vegetarian, Pescatarian, or Original All Things Stash, you’ll get an assortment of vegetables, fruits, fish, meats, eggs, milk, fresh pasta, legumes, and gourmet goodies such as olive oil, honey, jam, pickles, cheese, or specialty sauces.

The Chef’s Stash is the brainchild of chef and restaurateur Gabe Georis and his partner, longtime local chef Brandon Miller, who previously worked together to make Carmel Spanish tapas eatery Mundaka one of the top restaurants in the village. And the idea of getting the box curated by the two food mavens out of the back door of a restaurant is precisely what they envisioned

“That’s the feeling we wanted to convey — getting the hook-up from us out the back door,” said Georis, who literally grew up in the restaurant business. “We know who has the best stuff locally, the best produce, the best fruit, the best chickens, and our Stashers get to take advantage of that inside scoop. It’s fun.”

The concept grew out of necessity stemming from sheltering in place. His restaurants shuttered, Georis found himself cooking at home more than usual, and being a well-connected chef and restaurateur, had access to the best produce and meats available from vendors who, in normal times, supplied his restaurant. However, as a wholesale buyer, he found himself with far more food than his family could use. So he recruited about a dozen of his friends who also like to cook at home and would divvy up the boxes of produce, meat and other items Georis was able to source.

“People who signed on were excited about it, because they were getting higher quality ingredients at a good price, and avoiding the exposure of going to the store” he said. “They were surprised each week to see what they got, and we started sharing recipe ideas on a text thread and later Instagram. People would take photos of what they were cooking with the boxes to share and inspire each other to cook tasty dishes.

And what started as a casual thing between friends grew into a full fledged business after word spread and more people wanted in. The new website Chef’s Stash (TheChefsStash.com) launches at the end of August and allows customers to sign up for a weekly stash of their choice or sign up for a subscription to get a stash weekly and save some money on the weekly box. The website also is host to useful and inspiring content such as recipe ideas, tips and tricks on cooking, and videos of the Chefs preparing fun and easy dishes like mackeral salad with arugula pesto or melon and mint gazpacho.

Here’s how it works: Go to the website and sign up for which stash you want and if you want it for 2 or 4 people (by Tuesday at 5pm). Select any addons like local wine, a bouquet of flowers etc... and pick up your Stash on Friday between 3-7pm. Voila! Just like that you’re a foodie insider and set up with inspiring ingredients to cook great meals at home!

The pickup location is on Mission St. Between Fifth and Sixth Avenues (across from Katies Place Restaurant)

All of the products the chefs source are organic, natural, grass-fed, sustainably caught, hormone-free, antibiotic-free, pasture-raised, local, fresh, and top quality. All seriously happy food with a conscience that will make you the dinner hero in your home.

The ingredients in a box changes week to week, depending on availability and what’s fresh or in season that week. So, patrons often don’t know exactly what they’re getting until Friday, which appeals to them.

One customer commented “The Chef's boxes have saved us and inspired us during the crazy time of COVID. It's the highlight of our week to go pick it up on Fridays!” Another happy Stasher says “We’re so excited on Friday to see what we get, it feels like Christmas!”

„We reach out to cool local small businesses, such as getting cheese from The Cheese Shop or sausage from the Pig Wizard, jams from Happy Girl Kitchen, even green soap from Eco Carmel,” said Georis. “So, you’re not just supporting us, you’re supporting a lot of small local businesses. We’re all trying to make it through this craziness!”

“This is more than a box of delicious, locally sourced food, it’s an experience curated by a professional chef! You can’t buy produce like this in a store! Five stars for freshness and variety. … tomatillos, fresh English peas, kumquats, squash blossoms, fava beans…”

Sara M.

Some of the locally owned businesses they source from include (but is not limited to):

Farms

• Coke Farms

• Mariquita Farms

• Borba Family Farms

• Pinnacle Farms

• Prevedelli Farms

• Lonely Mountain

• Everlasting Garden

• Yerena Farms

• Blue Heron Farms

• Alberto’s Farm

• P+K Farms

Ranchers/Fishermen/Food Producers/Purveyors

• Savor the Local – farm and dairy deliveries

• Coral de Tierra Cattle Co. – beef and lamb

• Pig Wizard – sausages and bacon

• Real Good Fish – fish and shellfish

• Sea Harvest - Fish

• Happy Girl Kitchen – jams and preserves

• Pasta Palatte – fresh pasta

• Living Circle Farm – honey

• Schoch Family Farmstead – milk and cheese

• Cheese Shop Carmel – international and local cheeses

• Cousin’s Dozens – eggs

• Ad Astra – bread

• Far West Fungi – mushrooms

• Sightglass – coffee

A typical box might include these ingredients (this one from July 17, 2020):

• Monterey Bay Mackerel – whole

• Fogline Chicken

• Pig Wizard Spicy Sicilian Sausage

• Mike Jone’s house ground half steer

• Chef’s Stash Apricot-Plum-Corn Chutney

• Chef’s Stash Salsa Verde

• Gabriela’s Pierogi Soup

• Bell Peppers

• Italian Heirloom Brocollini

• Beefsteak Tomatoes

• Cherry Tomatoes

• Yellow Onions

• Persian Cucumbers

• Rainbow Carrots

• Rainbow Chard

• Chanterelle Mushrooms

• French Green Lentils

• Baby Gem Lettuce

• Mini Squash

• Watermelon

• Nectarinas

• Blackberries

• Dill

• Fennel

• Mint

• Parsley

• Verve Coffee

• Flowers

Photo #1 (both vertical and horizontal):

Chefs and restaurateurs Gabe Georis (left) and Brandon Miller toast to the success of their new venture, Chef’s Stash, a box of meats, seafood, fruits, vegetables and more curated by the two chefs for weekly pickup.

#2

Chef’s Stash boxes are packed every week with organic, locally grown fruits and vegetables.

#2A.

Chef’s Stash boxes not only include organic, locally grown fruits and vegetables, but locally sourced milk and cheeses.

#3A

Chef Brandon Miller prepares containers of homemade panna cotta to be included in Chef’s Stash boxes.

#3B

Chef’s Stash curated boxes are packed with seasonal fruits and vegetables, poultry, meats, and seafood as well as rustic breads, eggs and cheeses, and varies week from to week.

#4

Chef’s Stash boxes (and bags!) can be picked up from 3-7 p.m. every Friday at Mission Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues, across the street from Katy’s Place, in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

#5

Homemade panna cotta with fresh organic strawberries, blackberries and figs, prepared from ingredients in a typical Chef’s Stash box.

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

Hofsas House Launches Extended-stay Offers to help Create a change of Scenery for Homebound workers

Let’s face it, “working from home” can easily mean “working from the beach” — thanks to technology.

Carmel, CA, August 22, 2020 — Let’s face it, “working from home” can easily mean “working from the beach” — thanks to technology. Say goodbye to your home office and hello to Carmel-by-the Sea, as Hofsas House launches special extended-stay promotions.

The charming, family-run hotel is ready to help guests create a blissful work-place balance above the famous white-sand beach in Carmel-by-the-Sea, routinely named one of the most romantic destinations in the world.

Offering a legendary location and the warmth of family hospitality, Hofsas House offers two-bedroom suites complete with kitchenette, fireplace, balcony, high-speed internet and free use of the hotel’s meeting room. And during those mandatory work breaks, take a dip in the pool, heat up in the sauna or wriggle your toes in the sand on the iconic beach.

Hofsas currently offers 15 percent off when booking five nights or more.All offers are subject to availability, cannot be combined with any other promotions, and are not applicable to existing reservations.

Taxes and gratuities are not included, and the offer is not applicable to groups, or negotiated or third-party rates. To book, call (831) 624-2745.

A pet-friendly hotel, Hofsas House is located three blocks north of Ocean Avenue, eight blocks from the picturesque Carmel Beach and one block from a child-friendly city park. For more information, visit www.hofsashouse.com.

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

Goodwill Central Coast Brings Back ‘Where Is Koko?’ Contest Launching August 26th on National Dog Day Spot Koko at a Store, Win a Prize

In Honor of National Dog Day, Goodwill Central Coast’s 16 locations will donate the daily round up to Max’s Helping Paws Foundation

Salinas, CA. (August 21, 2020) — To help add fun and suspense to your summer, Goodwill Central Coast has resurrected its wildly popular “Where is Koko?” campaign launching August 26th – September 30th.

Salinas rescue dog Koko is Goodwill’s pet ambassador, and she will pop up from time to time at any one of the 16 locations including 14 Stores and 2 Outlet locations throughout Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Luis Obispo. Spot Koko (or at least a lifesize cutout of her), notify the manager and earn $5 in Koko Bucks to use at Goodwill. Koko will also go viral on

Goodwill Central Coastt; social media. The first person to name the location of the Goodwill store she visits receives $5 in Koko Bucks.

Be sure to follow Goodwill Central Coast on Facebook (@goodwillcentralcoast) and Instagram (@coastgoodwill).

The campaign will kick off on August 26th National Dog Day. Goodwill Central Coast believes your change can change lives. On August 26th all of Goodwill locations on the Central Coast will donate the daily round up to Max’s Helping Paw’s Foundation, a local nonprofit that believes Financial circumstance should never decide a companion pet’s fate. Because of that, Max’s Helping Paws Foundation reduces economic euthanasia, surrender and suffering of severely ill or injured pets by providing pet owners assistance with the costs of urgent medical care.

The Round Up Program is a way for shoppers to either “round up” your purchase to the nearest dollar OR donate a set amount ($1, $3 or $5). All of these options are displayed on the credit card terminal machine. All of the round up fund raised on August 26th will go to Max’s Helping Paws Foundation.

While you shop at Goodwill (with or without Koko Bucks), don’t forget that your support helps Goodwill organizations change lives by training unemployed or underemployed people for careers in fields such as automotive services, construction, health care, information technology, manufacturing, hospitality and retail as well as in other high-demand industries.

About Goodwill Central Coast

Goodwill Central Coast, a private 501(c)3 non-profit 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 over 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 13,000 job seekers get back to work and reclaim financial and personal independence. Information: www.ccgoodwill.org.

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

Shop Goodwill Central Coast Stores On National Dog Day, August 26th, And Support Max’s Helping Paws Foundation

On August 26th all of Goodwill locations on the Central Coast will donate the daily round up to Max’s Helping Paw’s Foundation, a local nonprofit that believes financial circumstance should never decide a companion pet’s fate.

Salinas, CA, August 21, 2020 - Goodwill Central Coast believes your change can change lives. On August 26th all of Goodwill locations on the Central Coast will donate the daily round up to Max’s Helping Paw’s Foundation, a local nonprofit that believes financial circumstance should never decide a companion pet’s fate. Because of that, Max’s Helping Paw’s Foundation reduces economic euthanasia, surrender and suffering of severely ill or injured pets by providing pet owners assistance with the costs of urgent medical care.

The Round Up Program is a way for shoppers to either “round up” your purchase to the nearest dollar OR donate a set amount ($1, $3 or $5). All of these options are displayed on the credit card terminal machine. All of the round up fund raised on August 26th will go to Max’s Helping Paw’s Foundation.

While you shop at Goodwill Central Coast, don’t forget that your support helps Goodwill change lives by training unemployed or underemployed people for careers.

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

Sanctuary Vacation Rentals Entices Remote workers to create Work-play balance with Month-long getaways

Sanctuary Vacation Rentals would like to help empower remote workers and students to begin thinking outside the home.

Monterey, CA, August 20, 2020 - During these unprecedented times, many Americans find themselves working from home — yet not embracing the fundamental freedom that comes with that term.

Sanctuary Vacation Rentals would like to help empower remote workers and students to begin thinking outside the home.

Why does “remote work” have to mean sequestering ourselves in our own homes? With kids underfoot, the dog barking during video conferences, and the overused Internet constantly buffering, families are finding themselves long past the point of cranky.

How about creating some work-play balance by securing a month-long vacation rental on the idyllic Monterey Peninsula? If you’re going to work or study remotely, why not do so in an area with expansive ocean views, fresh air and beautiful natural land and seascapes? Embrace the word “remote.”

Sanctuary Vacation Rentals provide safe, clean, gorgeous getaways that can brighten any mood — and increase productivity at the same time.

Eight great reasons to book a home on the Monterey Peninsula:

• Create a beautiful home base to create a balance of work and play.

• Pack and unpack just once.

• Enjoy extra room and the time to enjoy it.

• Choose the type of property, amenities and comforts you desire.

• Save money by shopping and cooking your own meals.

• Experience flexibility in your daily schedule.

• Enjoy high-speed wifi on multiple devices

• Create lifelong memories in the location of your dreams.

Find the perfect getaway home that will nurture your body, mind and spirit while you discover and savor all the delights of the scenic Monterey Peninsula. Sanctuary’s unique vacation homes, many with stunning ocean views, invoke a sense of peace and harmony, often awe, and in some inexplicable way allow people to relax and have fun, as well as to revitalize and reconnect with one another.

Find out more at www.sanctuaryvacationrentals.com.

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

Monterey Symphony Kicks Off Balcony Sessions on Friday, August 28th

The Monterey Symphony (MSO), after postponing its entire 2020-2021 season due to COVID-19, has scheduled a series of solo performances highlighting the talents of the orchestra.

Carmel, CA, August 19, 2020 – The Monterey Symphony (MSO), after postponing its entire 2020-2021 season due to COVID-19, has scheduled a series of solo performances highlighting the talents of the orchestra. These 30-minute performances will be live streamed and available to watch on the Symphony’s website and social media. E-news subscribers to the Symphony’s mailings will also have direct access.

The direct link can be found here: https://vimeo.com/448146767

The series kicks off Friday, August 28th at 4 PM with Principal Bass Trombone Will Baker and is sponsored by Monterey Private Wealth.

The first session will take place at Hampton Court (the Symphony’s new offices) at the corner of 7th and San Carlos in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Mr. Baker will perform from a balcony, following all social distancing protocol. Three other solo performances will occur at Hampton, along with three at different venues in Carmel, including Golden Bough Theatre and the Winfield Gallery on Dolores and one in Monterey at MyMuseum. A total of seven solo performances will take place before the end of the year.

“The idea of the solo performer is a pretty spot-on image of the time we’re living in,” said Executive Director Nicola Reilly. “And, we so seldom have an opportunity to showcase our individual players, since we focus on the big orchestra. We really had to adapt and try and bring some music to our community. It’s great to use our office space, and we’re so grateful to the city of Carmel for getting involved and excited about this project. We also wanted to showcase our partner organization venues.”

The Symphony has also partnered with Manzoni Vineyards, also in Hampton Court, so sponsors can attend these sessions. Although no tickets will be sold, sponsorship opportunities are available.

“We wanted to find a way to support our artists, as well as the creative people behind the cameras – videographers, graphic designers, backstage crew,” says Reilly.

About the Artist:

Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Will Baker is one of the most sought after young Bass Trombonists working today. He is the Principal Bass Trombonist of the Monterey Symphony and his musicianship has taken him all over the world, including stints with the San Francisco Symphony, Detroit Symphony, San Diego Symphony, Malaysian Philharmonic, and Burning Man 2018 with the ArtHaus Collective. Before moving to Northern California, Will was the premier bass trombonist in the state of Iowa, performing as the tenured member of Orchestra Iowa from 2013-17 and the Des Moines Symphony since 2014-18. In 2016, while artist in residence with the Southeast Iowa Symphony (SEISO), Will commissioned and premiered a new bass trombone concerto by composer Robert Tindle titled At Sixty Miles An Hour. In 2018, Will premiered the Wind Ensemble arrangement with Travis Cross and the UCLA Wind Ensemble. He is a faculty member of Las Positas College and the Fredericksburg Brass Institute, and is a founding member of the Des Moines Low Brass Triumvirate (DMLBT).

Will earned a Masters Degree in Bass Trombone performance at Northwestern University where he studied with Michael Mulcahy, Randall Hawes, Peter Ellefson, and Tim Higgins. He graduated Cum Laude from UCLA with a BA in music performance, studying Euphonium and Bass Trombone with Patrick Sheridan. It was Mr. Sheridan that inspired Will to forge a career in music, and for this Pat will always be one of his favorite people in the world.

The full schedule can be found below and on the Monterey Symphony website. People interested in learning more about sponsoring can contact Nicola Reilly directly, nreilly@montereysymphony.org

2020 Line Up:

August 28th - Will Baker, bass trombone @ Hampton Court

Sponsored by: Monterey Private Wealth


September 18th – Genie Wie, violin and Adele Kearns, cello @ Hampton Court

September 25th - Valerie Bengal and Vlad K., violas @ Golden Bough Theatre
Sponsored by: Gary and Carolyn Bjorklund

October 16th – Sarah Lee, violin @ Hampton Court

October 23rd - Saul Richmond-Rakerd, cello @ Hampton Court

November 20th - Isaac Pastor-Chernak, cello @ Winfield Gallery
Sponsored by: Beverly and Lyman Hamilton

December 18th - Alicia Mastromonaco, horn + singers + poetry @ MyMuseum

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

YMCA of the Central Coast Outside-of-School Program, Excel Beyond the Bell, Now at 45 Sites Across Central Coast

YMCA of the Central Coast’s curriculum-based outside-of-school Excel Beyond the Bell program now has 45 sites offering the program throughout the Central Coast.

Salinas, CA, August 18, 2020 — YMCA of the Central Coast’s curriculum-based outside-of-school Excel Beyond the Bell program now has 45 sites offering the program throughout the Central Coast. In the Excel Beyond the Bell program outside-of-school program, youth will do distance learning as part of this four-part curriculum that includes Character Development Learning Institute, Youth Fit 4 Life, Enrichment Activities, and Homework Time.

In addition to all five branches of Central Coast YMCA (Salinas, Watsonville, San Benito, South County and Monterey), YMCA is working with the following schools and school districts: Salinas Elementary School District, Spreckles Unified School District, Salinas Union High School, Santa Rita School District, Carmel Unified School District, Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, Monterey Bay Charter Schools, Hollister School District, Hollister Pre Navigator School, North County Joint Union School District, Watsonville prep school, and Aromas schools. More sites may be added as needed.

The Central Coast Y is offering Live Group Exercise classes and home workouts with demo on-line. Youth programming (Arts & Crafts, Story Time and STEAM projects) will be added to the schedule starting Monday, Aug. 17. YMCA also has access to Y360 library of workout videos, all of which are accessible through its website at www.centralcoastymca.org.

In addition, the Salinas YMCA pool is open for lap swim, swim lessons and water aerobics and exercise classes.

For more information call (831) 758-3811 or visit www.centralcoastymca.org.

About the Central Coast YMCA
Formed in 1989, the Central Coast YMCA began with the merger of two independent YMCAs; the Salinas Community YMCA (founded in 1921) and the Watsonville Family YMCA (founded in 1898). Originally a USO built in 1941, with the purpose of supporting American troops during World War II, the YMCA of the Monterey Peninsula joined the association in 1990. In 1998 the South County YMCA became the fourth branch in the association, extending its service area to the residents of south Monterey County. The YMCA of San Benito County became the fifth and most recent addition to the association in 1999.

CCYMCA is an independent, private, nonprofit corporation, a part of the YMCA of the USA, but responsible for its own policies, programs, and budgets. It employs 27 full-time employees, about 225 part-time employees, and 120 volunteers who impact approximately 40,000 people in Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey counties.

CCYMCA is located at 500 Lincoln Ave. in Salinas.

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

ARCpoint Labs of Monterey Bay Offers Employers Drug Testing, Background Screening and Physical Exams for Employees

ARCpoint Labs’ network of experts can help ensure employers that they are staying compliant with federal and state drug testing regulations.

Monterey, CA, August 14, 2020 — While ARCpoint Labs of Monterey Bay is the foremost local lab offering COVID-19, it also offers accurate, reliable and confidential testing for employers requiring drug & alcohol testing, background screening, health & wellness testing, and Department of Transportation compliance services.

ARCpoint Labs’ network of experts can help ensure employers that they are staying compliant with federal and state drug testing regulations. ARCpoint Labs can provide employers with secure, online technology that gives them quick access to their company's drug testing background check documentation. They can get the information they need, when they need it, with real-time updates on ARCpoint’s easy-to-use platform.

ARCpoint has a national network of industry experts can help employers, whether they have questions about marijuana or CBD and how they affect their company’s drug-testing policy or needing to manage the entire program.

As local industry experts, ARCpoint takes pride in providing the information employers need to feel comfortable with how they are leveraging ARCpoint Labs services to effectively serve their employees’ and candidates’ needs.

No matter the industry, background screening is a necessary part of pre-employment on-boarding process to ensure the safety and security of the workplace. Background screening is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Employers need to select the right type of background screen for the job, and then they need to know what you can do with that information. ARCpoint Labs partners with employers to help navigate the various types of background screens available, so they can determine the right screens for their company.

ARCpoint’s background screening services include the following types of employment considerations:

County vs. National Criminal Record
Credit Report (Including Bankruptcies)
Driving Record
Employment Verification
Education, Certifications, and Licenses
Sex Offender Registry List
Government Watch List

ARCpoint can also help employers develop a health and wellness program that fits their needs to keep their workplace and their employees healthy. corporate wellness program can be as simple or as complex as you would like.

Here are just some of the ways a strategically designed wellness program can benefit a company:

Decreases of up to 80% in lost work days
Decreases of up to 64% in modified duty days
Decreases of up to 50% in workers’ compensation premiums
Increases in on-the-job satisfaction and employee retention

ARCpoint also gives employers access to ARCpoint MD Telehealth, a trusted and timely medical service that saves employers money and time while improving employees’ health and common illnesses. Telehealth services provide employers with:

Convenience: 24/7/365: Why leave home to drive to your doctor’s office and waste time in a waiting room? Doctors are available by phone and online, whenever employees need them with an average call-back time of only 15 minutes!
Access: Whether you are at home, working, or traveling, ARCpoint’s U.S.-based and board certified physicians are only a click or call away.
Affordability: With only one low monthly cost and $0 copay/consultation fees, you and your entire household will have access to ARCpoint services. ARCpoint MD is the smart alternative to costly Urgent Care visits, while also helping to redirect non-emergency ER visits.

Companies that fall under the Department of Transportation’s rule 49 CFR Part 40 are subject to strict and often confusing regulations. Most companies need a partner who can help them navigate the complex regulations, ensure they are always compliant with federal regulations and allow them to focus on their business.

ARCpoint Labs has been an expert in DOT and federally mandated testing for more than 20 years. ARCpoint helps navigate the regulations that apply to employers so they don’t have to worry about DOT compliance.

ARCpoint’s DOT compliance team has the knowledge and experience to help break down what DOT changes mean for a company and help them develop an actionable plan so they remain compliant without worrying about penalties.

For more information, call (831) 324-0772. You always speak directly to a local testing expert at ARCpoint Labs.

ABOUT ARCPOINT LABS
ARCpoint Labs is a full-service national third-party provider and administrator of accurate, reliable, and confidential diagnostic testing for individuals, companies, and legal and healthcare professionals. ARCpoint Labs has been in the drug and alcohol testing business for over 18 years, and our staff has over 60 years of combined industry experience. ARCpoint Labs has over 100 locations across the country with an additional 18 locations slated to open within the next 12 months. For more information on ARCpoint Labs, visit www.arcpointlabs.com.

ARCpoint Labs of Monterey Bay is an independently owned ARCpoint Labs business, part of a Greenville, South Carolina-based franchise. The Smith family of Monterey, brothers Spenser and Bryant and their parents Belle and Randy, established the company in 2018.

ARCpoint Labs of Monterey Bay
24560 Silver Cloud Court, #103 Monterey, CA 93940
Phone: (831) 324-0772
Email: monterey@arcpointlabs.com

Website: www.arcpointlabs.com

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

ARCpoint Labs of Monterey Bay Expands Its COVID-19 Rapid Testing Capabilities

ARCpoint Labs has added 10 testing machines to its lab, with the long-term goal of offering businesses and schools on-site testing so they can get quicker results.

Monterey, CA, August 14, 2020 — ARCpoint Labs of Monterey Bay has expanded its rapid testing capabilities, adding new testing equipment, allowing 24-hour turnaround for test results, perfect for businesses, schools and individuals who need quick results.

ARCpoint Labs has added 10 testing machines to its lab, with the long-term goal of offering businesses and schools on-site testing so they can get quicker results.

ARCpoint has also expanded its staff to handle the increased workload, now with 10 people working in the lab alone. ARCpoint is also hiring now to meet demand.

ARCpoint will also be opening a branch in Salinas in the fall.

The 24-hour turnaround test is a live virus test, Antigen Rapid Test, which requires a nasal or other swab, a 94% true positive rate, 100% true negative rate, no doctor’s order is required, $130. A viral test identifies whether you have the current SARS-CoV-2 infection in your body.

If you have questions about ARCpoint Labs COVID-19 testing, go to www.labtestmonterey.com or call (831) 324-0772. You always speak directly to a local testing expert at ARCpoint Labs.

ABOUT ARCPOINT LABS
ARCpoint Labs is a full-service national third-party provider and administrator of accurate, reliable, and confidential diagnostic testing for individuals, companies, and legal and healthcare professionals. ARCpoint Labs has been in the drug and alcohol testing business for over 18 years, and our staff has over 60 years of combined industry experience. ARCpoint Labs has over 100 locations across the country with an additional 18 locations slated to open within the next 12 months. For more information on ARCpoint Labs, visit www.arcpointlabs.com.

ARCpoint Labs of Monterey Bay is an independently owned ARCpoint Labs business, part of a Greenville, South Carolina-based franchise. The Smith family of Monterey, brothers Spenser and Bryant and their parents Belle and Randy, established the company in 2018.

ARCpoint Labs of Monterey Bay
24560 Silver Cloud Court, #103 Monterey, CA 93940
Phone: (831) 324-0772
Email: monterey@arcpointlabs.com

Website: www.arcpointlabs.com
COVID-19 Appointments: labtestmonterey.com

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