El Pájaro Regional Women’s Business Center Virtual Grand Opening "Lunch"_ Speakers: Sen. Anna Caballero & Rep. Jimmy Panetta

  El Pájaro Community Development Corporation (El Pájaro CDC) is proud to announce the grand opening of El Pájaro Regional Women’s Business Center (RWBC) and invites the public to join the celebration on Friday, June 18th from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m via Zoom. 

Watsonville, CA, June 04, 2021 — El Pájaro Community Development Corporation (El Pájaro CDC) is proud to announce the grand opening of El Pájaro Regional Women’s Business Center (RWBC) and invites the public to join the celebration on Friday, June 18th from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m via Zoom. 

The keynote speakers for the event include State Senator Anna Caballero of the 12th State Senate District, which encompasses the Salinas Valley and part of the Central Valley, and Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley), who was instrumental in getting the center launched. 

Last year, Congressman Panetta sent a letter to the Small Business Administration urging the establishment of a RWBC on the Central Coast to provide greater resources to local female-identifying business owners. 

“The El Pájaro Regional Women’s Business Center will provide greater opportunities to female entrepreneurs in our communities,” said Panetta. “El Pájaro RWBC will ensure women-owned small businesses have the tools they need to thrive during this bruising pandemic and long after. I was proud to advocate for a WBC on the Central Coast and I look forward to the future success of all who will benefit from the guidance of the El Pájaro RWBC team.” 

Panetta has been an advocate for small businesses and Women’s Business Centers, securing $23 million in Congress’ FY2021 omnibus package. In the 116th Congress, Panetta introduced the Community Economic Development Center Support Act to provide funding to nonprofits such as El Pájaro offering technical assistance to minority and immigrant-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs. 

Women’s Business Centers have been crucial in providing assistance to women entrepreneurs during the pandemic last year. Upon its inauguration, El Pájaro RWBC will join a national network of 136 centers that offer one-on-one counseling, training, networking, workshops, technical assistance, and mentoring to women entrepreneurs on business development. 

In conjunction with Sen. Caballero and Rep. Panetta’s participation at the event, El Pajaro CDC will introduce the Women’s Business Center team, share the powerful success stories of women-owned businesses that have participated in its programs, and unveil its new microloan program. 

During the past few months, El Pajaro CDC received over $1.5 million dollars from government and private funders to develop this new financing program. This represents El Pajaro CDC’s debut as a licensed State of California lender. 

Reservations to attend the virtual event can be made through Eventbrite. The registration cost is a donation of your choice. Additionally, event participants have the option of ordering a delicious vegan lunch from Chef Maria Gonzalez, owner of Cali Dawg, one of our women-owned food businesses. The lunch price is $25 and the menu includes: 

Roasted Corn & Garbanzo Salad- Fresh spring mix, roasted corn, seasoned garbanzo, tomatoes, bacon bits, red onion, shredded carrots, creamy cashew ranch dressing, or strawberry agave dressing. Both dressings are included.

Banana Chocolate Muffin: Chocolate-infused banana muffin with chocolate chips.

Orders will be available for pick-up only on the day of the event at the following sites: 

Salinas: at Park row cafe, 962 Park Row,

Watsonville: at Plaza Vigil, 25 E. Beach St.

If you are not able to place an order due to your location but would like to show your support, we encourage you to donate a lunch ticket to someone who may not be able to afford one via the Eventbrite registration, or to treat yourself to lunch from a women-owned business in your neighborhood! 

About El Pájaro CDC

El Pájaro CDC is a non-profit organization that offers culturally relevant services to underserved and underrepresented entrepreneurs throughout the Central Coast. They support clients in launching their businesses and developing their brands by providing no-cost information, workshops and consultation, training, resources, and business loans. 

Now, with the launch of El Pájaro RWBC, the team hopes to further empower the community of local leaders and entrepreneurs to pursue and reach their full potential. “Our team is excited to expand services and contribute as a key partner of the regional entrepreneurial support ecosystem. By providing accessible and affordable financing, we are helping overcome one of the biggest challenges that small and micro businesses encounter when starting and or expanding their services. We are proud to be one of a very few Latino-founded and led financial institutions in California and we want to celebrate this too” said Carmen Hererra-Mansir, executive director of El Pájaro CDC. 

For more information on the virtual event, please contact El Pájaro CDC at (831) 722-1224 or visit their website at elpajarocdc.org. 

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
The Buzz PR, LLC.
Salinas, CA
(831) 747-7455
http://www.elpajarocdc.org

Balance Physical Therapy’s Monterey office adds Certified Hand Therapist Margret Kelly to its team

  The human hand represents a triumph of complex engineering, exquisitely evolved to perform a wide range of tasks. 

Monterey, CA, June 02, 2021 — The human hand represents a triumph of complex engineering, exquisitely evolved to perform a wide range of tasks. Because it consists of 27 bones, 27 joints, 34 muscles, more than 100 ligaments and tendons, numerous blood vessels, nerves and soft tissue, it often requires the expertise of a certified hand therapist. 

Based on its reputation as a result-oriented rehabilitation facility committed to helping patients return to an active lifestyle, Balance Physical Therapy and Human Performance Center has expanded its team to include hand therapy services. 

Margret Kelly MS, OTR/L, CHT has joined BPT’s office in Monterey as a certified hand therapist and occupational therapist. Kelly graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a bachelor of science in biobehavioral health before pursuing her Masters in Occupational Therapy at the University of New Hampshire. She chose a career in rehabilitation with the intent of specializing in hand therapy based on an admiration for how the intricacies of the hand and upper extremity lend itself to an individual’s ability to express, experience, connect, and engage throughout life. 

A certified hand therapist (CHT) is a nationally registered occupational therapist or physical therapist who, through advanced continuing education, clinical experience, and integration of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology, and has become skilled in the evaluation and treatment of upper-quadrant conditions resulting from trauma, disease, or congenital or acquired deformity. A CHT has a minimum of three years and 4,000 hours of clinical experience in hand therapy, successfully passed an examination of advanced clinical skills and theory in upper extremity rehabilitation, and meets mandated criteria to maintain this specialized credential. 

A hand therapist provides care for patients with a diversity of upper extremity disorders and injuries, from simple fingertip injuries to replanted extremities. Therapy is recommended for patients with a variety of diagnoses, including but not limited to: crush injuries; tendon and/or ligament lacerations/repairs; tendinopathies; peripheral nerve disorders; fractures/dislocations; infections; sports-related syndromes. Hand therapists also treat patients who suffer from chronic problems that affect upper extremity function, such as autoimmune disorders, neurological conditions, pain, diabetes, focal dystonia, congenital anomalies, and psychogenic disorders involving the upper quarter. 

Through BPT, Kelly will provide postoperative rehabilitation, non-operative or conservative intervention, preventive care and industrial ergonomic consultation. She enjoys the opportunities for lifelong learning in the specialty of hand therapy and is dedicated to applying the latest evidence-based practices. 

For more information, visit www.balancept.com.

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain
The Buzz PR, LLC.
Salinas, CA
(831) 747-7455
http://www.balancept.com

Simon Bull’s epic painting pays tribute to Le Mans; to be sold at Pasadera Concours

  Since 1923, an epic, day-long automobile endurance race near the tiny French hamlet of Le Mans has captured the imagination of fans around the world. 

Monterey, CA, June 01, 2021 — Since 1923, an epic, day-long automobile endurance race near the tiny French hamlet of Le Mans has captured the imagination of fans around the world. 

Le Mans has seen photo-finishes, horrific crashes, speed records and the height of automobile innovation. However, throughout the nearly 100-year-long history, the 1960s stand out among all the decades — and automotive artist Simon Bull has captured the spirit of it all in his painting titled “The Decade of Champions." 

 

Bull pays tribute to three classic marques (Ferrari, Ford and Porsche) through the annual poster for Concours at Pasadera, taking place Friday, Aug. 6 at the private country club. 

Bull’s painting will be unveiled at the Meuse Gallery on Ocean Avenue in Carmel, and sold during the Club 100 Dinner following the Concours. It could fetch as much as $40,000. 

Born in England, Bull now lives in Carmel, where he runs Simon Bull Studios. Commissioned to paint the official Concours poster, Bull focused on the decade of the 1960s, which ushered in the golden age of racing. 

Ferrari dominated Le Mans (1960-1965), with the late Phil Hill (who once lived in Monterey County) winning in1961. Then came Ford's four successive wins starting in 1966 (depicted in the “Ford vs. Ferrari” movie), ending the Ferrari domination. Following that streak, the ominous 917 Porsche won back-to-back years in 1970 and 1971 at Daytona and Le Mans (depicted in the 1971 Steve McQueen movie “Le Mans”). 

Bull also produced the 2020 Concours poster “Ford vs. Ferrari” (18x24), which is available online at www.pasaderaconcours.com/2020poster. It is a limited edition with 500 pieces. 

The third annual Concours at Pasadera features prized automobiles in six classes, motorcycles of outstanding vintage and contemporary design, a juried selection of alumni vehicles, rare and unique collections of Hot Wheels, awards designed by Tiffany and Co., and exceptional food, refreshments and hospitality. Premiere sponsors include: RPM, Monterey Touring Vehicles, Laguna Seca Foundation, and JRG Attorneys at Law. 

Set against the backdrop of a luxurious private country club and the Jack Nicklaus-designed Signature golf course, Pasadera provides an unequaled atmosphere of casual elegance. 

Event snapshot

●      Location: The Club at Pasadera, 100 Pasadera Dr, Monterey, CA

●      Time: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

Monterey Motorsports owner Rick Barnett will serve as master of ceremonies. Guests will vote for the People’s Choice Award from the Modern Classic category and returning exhibitors will exhibit a juried selection of Alumni vehicles from the 2019 Concours. 

VIP tickets: Invited guests may obtain admission to the event by visiting pasaderaconcours.com/tickets. 

Children 9 and under are complimentary with a ticket bearing adult. 

Schedule of events

Thursday, Aug. 5, 6-8 p.m. 

Press Party (limited to sponsors, exhibitors and media), Tribute to LeMans, The Decade of Champions. Scenes from movie “Ford vs. Ferrari” and “Le Mans.” Note: Exhibitors are encouraged to arrive at 5 p.m. with their Concours vehicle (parking in the main courtyard). 

Friday, Aug. 6, Concours Day

●       2 p.m. — Ticket Holder entrance/parking through Pasadera Gate, Hwy 68

●       2 p.m. — Event opens to Club Members

●       3 p.m. — Event opens to Ticket Holders

●       6 p.m. — Event concludes

●       6 p.m. — Club 100 dinner party (exhibitors, sponsors and guests), by invitation only 

Additional information 

For information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Rick Barnett atrick@montereymotorsports.com. 

The Club at Pasadera is at 100 Pasadera Drive in Monterey, between Monterey and Salinas off Highway 68. 

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
The Buzz PR, LLC.
Salinas, CA
(831) 747-7455
http://www.montereymotorsports.com

Monterey Symphony Announces Final Virtual Back-to-Back Balcony Session Performances (May 28 and June 4)

  The Monterey Symphony is broadcasting the final virtual performances of the 20/21 season from their Carmel-by-the-Sea balcony on Friday, May 28, 2021 at 4 PM (PT) and June 4, 2021 at 4PM (PT).

 

Carmel, CA, May 27, 2021 - The Monterey Symphony is broadcasting the final virtual performances of the 20/21 season from their Carmel-by-the-Sea balcony on Friday, May 28, 2021 at 4 PM (PT) and June 4, 2021 at 4PM (PT).

The May Balcony Session features MSO’s principal clarinetist Sarah Bonomo. Julia Sarah Bonomo (purposefully initialed after J.S. Bach) was destined for a musical life from the beginning. Sarah has always been driven toward musician-hood, transferring from taking naps under her mother's piano as a child to taking up the clarinet as an adolescent. Currently Ms. Bonomo is an active freelance clarinetist in the San Francisco Bay Area and the founder of an unconducted chamber orchestra named One Found Sound.

The final session will be held exactly one week later and is an encore performance of the violin and cello duo who performed back in September of 2020 for one of the very first Balcony Sessions. Adelle-Akiko Kearns, MSO’s Principal cellist and MSO violinist Eugenia Wie will perform on June 4.

The duo had such a great time at their first Balcony Session performance that they immediately requested a second session from MSO Executive Director Nicola Reilly who said, “We can’t think of a better way to close out the series.”

Full program details and artist’s bios can be found at the Symphony’s website: www.montereysymphony.org

 

The Monterey Symphony was founded in 1946 and incorporated in 1947. The Symphony’s mission is to engage, educate and excite our community through the performance and continual discovery of symphonic music.

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

The Buzz PR, LLC.

Salinas, CA

(831) 747-7455

http://www.montereysymphony.org

Protect Your Home from Devastating Wildfire by Attending Free Defensible Space ‘Boot Camp’ on June 12, 2021 in Carmel Valley

 Carmel Valley, CA, May 26, 2021 — On the heels of the first-ever evacuation of Carmel Valley due to wildfire, the state is entering one of the driest seasons in recorded history, threatening to be the worst fire season to date. 

With that in mind, the Robles Firewise Group is hosting a free defensible space “boot camp” on June 12, featuring presentations by Robles Firewise, Ember Defense, and Vulcan Vents; information from vendors, community businesses and organizations; and prize drawing during each of three sessions (or platoons) scheduled that day. The event is a fundraiser for three local non-profits: Cachagua Volunteer Fire Department, Monterey County Regional Fire District’s Benevolence Fund and Robles Firewise Group. 

The event will be held on Saturday, June 12, 2021 at the Carmel Valley Village Fire House, 26 Via Contenta. There will be three platoon times: 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.; 12:30-2:00 p.m. and 2:30-4:00 p.m. Tickets are free with a suggested $15 donation to cover the costs of the event; no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Due to COVID restrictions, attendees must pre-register at www.roblesfirewise.com . However, if tickets are still available attendees may register on-site as well. Free parking will be available on Via Contenta and at Tularcitos Elementary School. 

The event will help to educate residents on how to harden and protect their homes to increase their chances of their homes surviving a wildfire. It’s important for our community to be proactive and work in conjunction with state and county agencies to ensure the safety of our neighborhoods. 

The event will highlight a new defensible zone — the Immediate Zone, otherwise known as the Ember-Resistant Zone or the Zero Zone — which is from 0-5 feet from a house or structure. Two companies that specialize in home hardening will present tips and strategies that homeowners can immediately utilize to harden their homes, and a burn trailer will demonstrate the vulnerability of common attic/soffit/foundation vents. Other agencies and organizations will be on site with educational information as well. 

Presentations will be given by:

>Robles Firewise Group will explain the Firewise mission, how communities become certified as Firewise, and the benefits to homeowners of certification.

>Ember Defense will discuss the defensible fire zones and provide helpful and inexpensive tips to protect/harden homes and structures.

>Vulcan Vents will discuss air vent safety and will have a burn trailer on site to demo the vulnerability of most vents to ember infiltration, which can lead to catastrophic home loss. 

Vendors, community business and organizations on hand include:

>Monterey County Regional Fire District (MCRFD)

>Monterey County Office of Emergency Services (MCOES)

>Fire Safe Council of Monterey County (FSCMC)

>Cachagua Volunteer Fire Department (CVFD)

>Carmel Valley Garden Club

>Ember Defense

>Vulcan Vents

>Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

>Robles Firewise Group 

Sponsors include:

>Stonepine Estate

>Valley Hills Nursery

>Doug & Lisa Steiny: Sotheby’s International

>Hawk Ridge

>The Camp at Carmel Valley

>M.J. Murphy Lumber and Hardware

>Del Monte Fine Art

>Aabha Indian Cuisine

>UPS Mid-Valley 

Opportunity drawing grand prize: Ember Defense & Vulcan Vents will provide a complete retrofit of ALL air vents (attic, soffit and foundational) to the current WUI (Wildland-Urban Interface) code of 1/16th mesh for up to 3000 square-foot house. Labor and materials included. Retail value of $5,000. (Cost of footage overages can be negotiated with the company). 

Opportunity drawing platoon prize: One emergency go-bag will be given away for each of the 3 platoons. 

There will also be an online auction of products and services donated by local businesses. Examples include: 

>”The Ultimate Go-Bag” by VLES designs—Stocked with supplies that exceed FEMA/Red Cross standards. Good for 2 people for 72 hours. Retail value $350

>”Hollywood Celebrity Mixed Mystery Swag Bag” (geared toward a female celebrity). Approximate retail value of all items $700.

>“In-Home Disaster Preparedness Consultation”’ by Peace of Mind Preparedness: Retail value $225

>Valley Hills Nursery gift certificate: $250

>Big Sur Vineyards: Private tasting for 6 with owner. Retail value $150. 

U.S. Congressman Jimmy Panetta will make an appearance. 

For more information on the event, contact Marci Bracco at  marci@thebuzzpr.net  or by calling (831) 747-7455; or Stacey Wood at roblesfirewise@gmail.com or by calling (650) 440-9704; or Damon Wood at damonwoodphd@gmail.com  or by calling (650) 248-4785.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
The Buzz PR, LLC.
Salinas, CA
(831) 747-7455
http://www.roblesfirewise.com

ARIEL Theatrical is Honored to Announce a Generous Two-year Grant Award from the Harden Foundation

  The Harden Foundation is dedicated to supporting organizations and encouraging partnerships that benefit the residents of Monterey County. 

Salinas, CA, May 26, 2021 - ARIEL Theatrical is honored to announce a generous two-year grant award from the Harden Foundation. In addition to the financial support, the Harden Foundation Executive Director, Joe Grainger, offered these encouraging words: "We know that nonprofit organizations in our community will be faced with unforeseen challenges in the coming year(s) as they struggle to maintain services while dealing with a deadly pandemic and a reduction in funding sources. We are dedicated to doing everything we can to support and promote the nonprofit sector in our communities."  

The Harden Foundation is dedicated to supporting organizations and encouraging partnerships that benefit the residents of Monterey County. ARIEL Theatrical has been providing programs for youth for more than 35 years and is committed to helping young people learn to lead principle-centered lives by practicing Accountability, Respect, Integrity, Excellence and Leadership, in life and on stage. As ARIEL rebounds from more than a year of pandemic restrictions, the Harden Foundation has stepped up to champion their efforts and support their return to theatre education, performance and outreach.  

Located at 320 Main Street in the beautifully renovated Oldtown neighborhood of Salinas, ARIEL is a resource for the entire community. ARIEL is a safe and nurturing gathering place for young people where engaging programs and family-friendly entertainment take center stage. Visit the ARIEL Theatrical website to learn more about ARIEL's mission, programs, dedicated staff and board of trustees. www.arieltheatrical.org  

Heather Kirk
Executive Director
831.775.0976 | www.arieltheatrical.org
320 Main Street, Salina


Mail all correspondence to:
P.O. Box 1268 Salinas, CA 93902

 

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
The Buzz PR, LLC.
Salinas, CA
(831) 747-7455
http://www.arieltheatrical.org

VNA celebrates 70 years by Honoring its Employees, Volunteers and Holding Unique Movie-night Fundraiser

  Following a year with little to smile about, VNA prepares to celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2021 by honoring its selfless volunteers and employees, followed by a unique summer fundraising event. 

Monterey, CA, May 25, 2021 - Since 1951, the not-for-profit has provided a wide range of home health care, serving Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz, and South Santa Clara counties. VNA places an emphasis on individual patient needs and goals, providing care in an ethical, effective, compassionate, and fiscally responsible manner. 

“VNA has existed in various forms over the years,” said VNA’s Chief Executive Officer, Jane Russo. “What hasn’t changed is our core mission, and the amazing people wanting to give back and provide care, creating that trusted compassion.” 

This week is National Volunteer Week (April 19-25), and Russo believes it is vital to honor VNA’s compassionate crew of volunteers who donate their time and boundless energy to the cause. Many of those volunteers assist hospice patients by visiting, reading, standing vigil, holding a hand, and providing families with respite. 

“There is respectfulness of being together, and sharing the emotional element of making someone’s life better,” Russo said. 

 VNA has expanded greatly over the years, and the local program has several arms of quality care. VNA Community Services provides wellness, and aids in immunizations through experienced, professional registered nurses. As the only travel health clinic, VNA provides comprehensive consultation and immunizations for international travelers. Health screenings and education are offered to corporate businesses, in the field or in the boardroom. Nurses provide services to local schools to meet state-mandated screenings, vaccines, and staff education. 

The home health division offers key specialty programs, including: Cardiac, Connections, Diabetic, Orthopedic, and Palliative Care. And, of course, VNA Hospice provides a specialized type of care for those facing a life-limiting illness, a peace of mind for their families and their caregiver. The care involves a team-oriented approach to expert medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support tailored to the patient’s needs and wishes. 

On June 26, the VNA family and supporters will gather at the Monterey County Fairgrounds (5-7 p.m.) for a drive-in style movie night. We will feature a video release of looking back at VNA’s 70-year history. VNA will bring in a food truck and provide a full bar. Individual tickets and sponsorships will be available beginning April 19.

“We hope the community can join us in looking back at 70 amazing years while embracing a brighter future,” Russo said. 

For more information on VNA, visit www.ccvna.com.

 

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