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/