Sunday, 2 August 2020

Governor Closes most Schools for Fall, But Goodwill has you Covered for All Back-to-Homeschool items

Goodwill Central Coast believes every child deserves an education in a safe and secure environment.

Salinas, CA, August 03, 2020 - Goodwill Central Coast believes every child deserves an education in a safe and secure environment. No one can predict what a “new normal” looks like, but Goodwill stands by to help its neighbors ease into it.

Now that 33 out of California’s 58 counties — about 90 percent of school children — do not comply with the state’s coronavirus infection benchmarks, most of our children will attend classes at home.


Goodwill’s 16 retail locations and two outlet stores throughout Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties are stocked and ready. One visit will reveal Goodwill to be the perfect “back to home-schooling” headquarters for kids and young adults alike.

Whether you’re supplementing a school’s distance-learning curriculum, or taking on full home-schooling responsibilities, Goodwill has you covered.

From books and media, to paper, notebooks, art supplies and clothing, we can outfit your home school — for less. And every purchase helps Goodwill in its mission to strengthen lives, families and communities by removing barriers to employment through education, training and employment services. And each purchase keeps items out of landfills, helping to protect the environment. Lesson No. 1 on the first day of homeschool!

The time is now to begin stockpiling supplies. You’ll have your most-used homeschool items on hand when you need them, and by purchasing them at a bargain, your homeschool budget won’t take a hit several months into the year due to restocking.

So what can back-to-school shoppers find at Goodwill? In a word — everything. And for every niche, too. Here are some popular items you will find during a socially distanced stroll your local Goodwill store.

● Notebooks and loose-leaf paper: Sure, it’s a digital age, but you can never have enough old-school paper. Writing by hand will never go out of style.
● Art supplies: With numerous departments brimming with possibilities, a creative student can find everything (from paints to crayons to fiber arts) that they need for school projects and hobbies.
● Pencils: Nothing can grow legs and walk off faster than a pencil. Give yourself a fighting chance by stocking up on several packs of your favorite pencils (and pens) at Goodwill.
● Sharpies: Homeschool families use Sharpies for many things during the course of a school year, so stockpile them now.
● Athletic attire and equipment: You need to keep your students moving, and these are always available at great prices at Goodwill.
Storage containers: Teach children of all ages the art of organizing by having storage for everything.
Toddler box items: It’s important to occupy younger kids while the older ones do their school work. Pick up some inexpensive puzzles, play dough, or other appropriate activities and put them in his/her own special box, only available to him at school time.
Books, games and puzzles: Goodwill is great for finding these treasures. You just have to dig around a bit, which is all part of the treasure hunt.
Finally, don’t forget clothing. Remember, fashion is important to kids of any age. Even though they will attend school at home, they still must get dressed in the morning! At Goodwill, students can find just what they need to update their wardrobe without spending a fortune.

Younger kids can grow quickly, so second-hand goods are the perfect way to save money, be prepared, and minimize your family’s environmental impact. Older kids are more aware of trends and brands, and Goodwill has you covered here as well. Dressing for success — for less. What a concept!

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

Goodwill Remains Practical Option for Family Needs as Back-to-School Guidelines Continue to Change

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s declaration that more than 5.5 million California students won’t be allowed to attend in-person classes this fall came as a relief to some parents, but a burden to others.

Salinas, CA, August 03, 2020- Gov. Gavin Newsom’s declaration that more than 5.5 million California students won’t be allowed to attend in-person classes this fall came as a relief to some parents, but a burden to others.


The governor came to the decision in light of rising coronavirus infections and hospitalizations throughout the state. It will have a major impact on working parents and children, who must remain at home.

Goodwill Central Coast believes every child deserves an education in a safe and secure environment. No one can predict what a “new normal” looks like in light of this pandemic, but Goodwill stands by to help its neighbors ease into it.

Goodwill’s 16 locations including 14 Stores and 2 Outlet locations throughout Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Luis Obispo counties are stocked and ready. One visit will reveal Goodwill to be the perfect “back to home-schooling” headquarters for kids and young adults alike.

Parents can supplement a school’s distance-learning curriculum, or take on full home-schooling responsibilities. Either way, Goodwill has you covered.

From books and media, to paper, notebooks, art supplies and clothing, Goodwill can outfit your home school — for less. And every purchase helps Goodwill in its mission to strengthen lives, families and communities by removing barriers to employment through education, training and employment services. And each purchase keeps items out of landfills, helping to protect the environment. That could be Lesson No. 1 on the first day of homeschool.

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

Thursday, 30 July 2020

VNA Hospice’s Innovative Latino Mobile Resource Center Van to Visit Two Locations in South County in August, Plus Four Via Zoom Conferencing Sessions and Five at CHISPA Communities

The nonprofit VNA Hospice’s innovative Latino Mobile Resource Center van will be at two South County locations in August 2020 — once in Gonzales and twice in King City — as well as four times via Zoom conferencing and five at CHISPA housing communities.

King City, CA, July 30, 2020 - The nonprofit VNA Hospice’s innovative Latino Mobile Resource Center van will be at two South County locations in August 2020 — once in Gonzales and twice in King City — as well as four times via Zoom conferencing and five at CHISPA housing communities.

The van, which was launched in November 2019, continues its mission to deliver information and resources about end-of-life decisions and care to the local Spanish-speaking communities of Monterey County.

The van, funded in part by Hospice Giving Foundation, will be at the following physical locations:

>8-11 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 2: Identifying needed resources for the community, King City Flea Market, 625 Division St., King City.

>10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 4: Identifying needed resources for the community, Vosti Recreation Center, 107 Centennial Dr., Gonzales.

>8-11 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 9: Educating the Community on End of Life Planning, King City Flea Market, 625 Division St. King City.

The outreach with the CHISPA (Community Housing Improvement Systems and Planning Association, Inc.) communities, all on the topic of identifying needed resources for the community, are as follows:

>3-5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, at Los Abuelitos Senior Housing, 528 East Market St., Salinas.

>12-3 p.m. Monday, Aug. 31, Canyon Creek Townhomes, 1834 Chablis Way, Gonzales.

>3- 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, Tyler Park Townhomes, 1120 Heidi Dr., Greenfield.

>4-6 p.m. Wednesday Aug. 26, Villa San Miguel, 1201 Amherst Dr. King City.

>12-2 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10, Market Street Townhomes, 110 Market St., Soledad.

The four online Zoom conferencing sessions include:

>6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3: Virtual “Go Wish” Game with Mujeres en Acción (Greenfield group).

>12 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6: Virtual “Go Wish” Game with Mujeres en Acción (Soledad group)

>7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6: Virtual “Go Wish” Game with Mujeres en Acción (Castroville group)

>4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7: Virtual “Go Wish” Game with Mujeres en Acción (Salinas group)

For more information visit www.ccvna.com, or call (831) 372-6668.

About VNA & Hospice
Since 1951, the not-for-profit VNA 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 Community Services brings wellness to our community. Well known as the community immunizers; experienced, professional registered nurses provide on- site flu and vaccine services.

As the only travel health clinic, VNA provides comprehensive consultation and immunizations for international travelers. Health screenings and education are offered to corporate business, in the field or in the board room. Nurses provide services to local schools to meet state-mandated screenings, vaccines and staff education.

VNA provides intermittent care, covered primarily by insurance, through the expert skills of our trained and certified clinicians, to assist patients, families, and caregivers in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. The home health division offers key specialty program, including cardiac, connections, diabetic, orthopedic, and palliative care. These individual programs have advanced practice clinicians and program expertise.

VNA Hospice is specialized type of care for those facing a life-limiting illness, their families and their caregiver. The care involves a team-oriented approach to expert medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support expressly tailored to the patient’s needs and wishes. A key component to the team is VNA Volunteers who give their time to improve the lives of others. For the community, grief and loss support are offered to individuals or groups.

VNA & Hospice, Inc.
PO Box 2480
Monterey, CA 93942-2480

Phone:831-226-7666
Fax: 831-648-7726
Email: vnainfo@ccvna.com
https://ccvna.com/

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

Month-Long Vacation Rentals Offer Many Advantages to Working Remotely During Pandemic Closures and Work and Study From Home

Many people are working remotely from home and children are learning their lessons online or being homeschooled by their parents, but there’s no reason to feel confined to where you are.

Monterey, CA, July 31, 2020 — Many people are working remotely from home and children are learning their lessons online or being homeschooled by their parents, but there’s no reason to feel confined to where you are.

There’s no better time than now to book a month-long vacation on the beautiful Monterey Peninsula on scenic Monterey Bay. If you’re going to work and study from home, why not come to an area with expansive ocean views, fresh air and beautiful natural land and seascapes?

A safe and responsible change of scenery may be just the antidote for you and your family. Anyone who has stayed in a vacation rental is well aware of the advantages of staying in a private home rather than traditional traveler lodging — better price, more flexibility, more space, more choices, and so forth.

The vacation rental professionals at Monterey-based Sanctuary Vacation Rentals, which was founded more than 11 years ago and represents more than 100 homes across the Monterey Peninsula, specializes in nightly, monthly and long-term rentals and have surveyed both renters and owners about the advantages of renting on a monthly basis.

Here are eight reasons to rent a one-month vacation rental:

1. You have a home base. It’s your home away from home. You can sleep in, go on an outing, shopping, sightseeing or whatever you want to do. There’s no check-out times. There’s no getting awakened by housekeeping knocking on the door. If you don’t feel like going out, you can stay in for a day and not feel you’re missing out.

2. You only need to unpack and pack once. You can unpack everything you brought with you without having to worry about packing up in a day or two, giving you more leisure time. And you’re not living out of your suitcase.

3. You have more room and more time to use it. Vacation rentals have much more space than the average hotel room. There’s more room to stretch out, relax and use areas of the home you may not use if you’re only there a day or two. Plus, there’s usually more bathrooms and areas where you can get away from everyone else and have some quiet alone time.

4. You can choose the type of property with the amenities and comforts you want. Pick a home that has a hot tub, Jacuzzi or even a pool or one that comes furnished with outdoor swings, fire pits, and gas barbecue grills. Many homes have garages, so you can bring your own beach toys, bicycles, surfboards and other recreational equipment. You can also or rent equipment nearby at Adventures by the Sea.

5. You can save money. By grocery shopping and cooking your own meals “at home,” you can save money and use it on excursions and sightseeing instead of eating out every night. And if you want to eat out, you still have that option too. You can also split the costs with your friends and family and use it on weekends and still be ahead.

6. You have more flexibility. You can plan longer excursions or short trips or do them in stages, knowing you have more than a day or two to experience them all. And if you live a few hours away, you can also go back and forth, if needed.

7. All Sanctuary Vacation Rentals’ homes are equipped with WiFi, so everyone in the family can work and study at the same time on multiple devices.

8. Finally, you can do all of the above in the location of your dreams. Vacation rentals give you more options, whether it’s a quaint Carmel cottage or a multi-room Pebble Beach® home with an expansive view, you’ll be able to find something that fits your dream perfectly.

For more information on one-month vacation rentals and all the options available to you, go to www.sanctuaryvacationrentals.com
or call Sanctuary toll-free at 1-(800) 614-6706.

About Sanctuary Vacation Rentals
Founded in 2008 by Annee Martin, Sanctuary Vacation Rentals boasts a team of 20 professionals and represents more than 100 homes across the Monterey Peninsula, including Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel proper, Carmel Highlands, Big Sur, Pebble Beach, Pacific Grove, Monterey, Marina, Seaside, Carmel Valley and the Highway 68 corridor near the airport and Laguna Seca.

Sanctuary’s roster of homes includes everything from cozy two-bedroom cottages in Carmel and Pacific Grove to larger four- to six-bedroom homes that can accommodate up to 12 people and luxurious Pebble Beach® homes with ocean views. Many of the homes are within walking distance to the area’s beaches, restaurants, shopping and tourist attractions.

Sanctuary homes all invoke a sense of peace and harmony, allowing guests to relax, revitalize their lives, reconnect with one another, and above all, have fun. Sanctuary’s goal is to provide guests with a sanctuary from all the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its vision is to inspire and nurture the hearts and souls of guests with the beauty and magic of the Monterey Peninsula while staying in one of its vacation homes.

Sanctuary Vacation Rentals
888 Munras Ave., Suite 100
Monterey, CA 93940
Phone: (831) 233-6340
Toll-Free: (800) 614-6706
www.sanctuaryvacationrentals.com

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

YMCA of the Central Coast 2020 Outside of School program

YMCA of the Central Coast is filling a need with schools going to distance learning by offering four curriculum-based outside-of-school programs through its Excel Beyond the Bell program.

Salinas, CA, July 30, 2020 — YMCA of the Central Coast is filling a need with schools going to distance learning by offering four curriculum-based outside-of-school programs through its Excel Beyond the Bell program.

Youth will do distance learning as part of this four-part curriculum, which will be branch-specific, and includes Character Development Learning Institute, Youth Fit 4 Life, Enrichment Activities, and Homework Time.

Here are some brief details of each program:

Character Development Learning Institute

CDLI Is a licensed, evidence-based program through Y-USA that reflect the Y’s holistic approach to youth development and Y’s core values of honesty, caring, respect, and responsibility.

CDLI integrates social and emotional learning to cultivate values, skills, attitudes, and behaviors including grit, motivation, and a growth mindset necessary for youth to reach their full potential in learning, work and in life.

Youth Fit 4 Life

This program is available at participating YMCA program locations and works to improve the health of young children by promoting an appreciation for a healthy, physically active lifestyle into adulthood.

Children participate in the program four times per week for 45 minutes in each session. Each session includes physical fitness activities and a short educational component where children learn about healthy eating and setting goals.

Enrichment Activities

The Y’s program utilizes developmentally appropriate activities that stimulate a child’s intellectual, social, emotional and physical growth. The Y provides a warm, caring and fun environment that stimulates their natural curiosity and encourages personal expression.

Children develop communication, reasoning and problem-solving skills through play, interaction with other children, and exploration of their environment.

Homework Time

It is the Y’s goal to provide students with an academically rewarding program that promotes social development in a safe environment.

The Y’s programs will include homework and distance learning assistance, reading/language arts, mathematics, history, social studies, and science. A broad range of activities may be implemented based on local student needs and interests.

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

Monday, 27 July 2020

Monterey Symphony Announces Appointment of John Wineglass as Composer-In-Residence

The Monterey Symphony announced the appointment of John Wineglass as Composer in Residence. Wineglass collaborated with the Symphony in 2016 for Big Sur

Carmel/Monterey, CA, July 28, 2020 – The Monterey Symphony announced the appointment of John Wineglass as Composer in Residence. Wineglass collaborated with the Symphony in 2016 for Big Sur: The Night Sun, a massive symphonic work featuring a drum made from a redwood tree (the premiere can be viewed on the Symphony’s YouTube channel). He spent time at Glen Deven Ranch in Big Sur, thanks to the Big Sur Land Trust.

This appointment, a new title for the organization, brings with it a new set of responsibilities: creating more music. “We wanted John to continue in the Big Sur theme. The idea of creating new art and new music during this complicated time of shelter-in-place seemed really important,” said Symphony Executive Director Nicola Reilly.

Wineglass will work on a Concerto for Violin and Orchestra which the Symphony will premiere in 2022 with Edwin Huizinga as soloist. The creative process will be documented with local filmmaker Doug Mueller capturing the artists at work. Wineglass will again have the opportunity for a residency at Glen Deven Ranch.

“This next Concerto is another part of a series,” said Reilly. “We want John to document this moment in time musically, and we want to be essential in supporting that. There are two other projects in the works, which will be announced soon.”

“After the premiere of Big Sur: The Night Sun with the Monterey Symphony back in 2016 to commemorate the centennial of the city of Carmel, I am once again thrilled to partner with and continue to tell and expose compelling stories through the symphonic medium,” said Wineglass.

Wineglass received his Bachelor of Music degree in Music Composition with a minor in Viola Performance at The American University and later received his master’s degree in Music Composition with an emphasis in Film Scoring for Motion Pictures, Television and Multi-Media at New York University, studying primarily with Justin Dello-Joio of the Juilliard School.

His latest symphonic 2019 premiere of three movements, Unburied, Unmourned, Unmarked: Requiem for Rice was dedicated to the lives of millions and numerous contributions of African and African-American forced laborers who cultivated the immense, expansive, and particularly wealthy rice economy in the Lowcountry. With a libretto and extensive research by historian Dr. Edda Fields-Black of Carnegie-Mellon University, this work has taken them with a team of researchers and film documentarians from the shores of South Carolina to the inner villages of Senegal, Guinea-Bissau and The Gambia. A 2020-2021 (pre-COVID) world premiere of six movements with full chorus in Washington, DC in conjunction with the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) where Dr.

Fields-Black has an installation is planned accompanied by the moving images by LA-based filmmaker and director Julie Dash.

More information 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
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.montereysymphony.org

Neal's Restaurant & Bar in Proctorsville Announces Weekly Food and Drink Specials, Live Music in August

Neal's Restaurant & Bar in Proctorsville, Vt., has announced weekly food and drink specials from Wednesday through Sunday, as well as live music through the month of August.

Proctorsville, VT, July 28, 2020 — Neal's Restaurant & Bar in Proctorsville, Vt., has announced weekly food and drink specials from Wednesday through Sunday, as well as live music through the month of August.

Here are the specials, by day of the week: (All to-go specials serve 4-6 people)

> Wednesday Night is Sandwich Night. Features Meatball Sandwich or Neal’s famous Chicken Sandwich, salad, with a choice of two desserts from the menu, all for only $21.95. This feeds a family of six and is to-go only.

> Thursday is Thirsty Thursday, all night, dine-in only and features $6 blended drinks all night (including daiquiris and pina coladas), $5 draft beer, and ½-price wings.

>Every Friday is “Take Me Out The Ballgame” promotion, dine-in on 55-inch hi-def flatscreens. By-reservation only, last minute, if space is available. Also, Friday night to-go only, family feast that feeds 2-4 people and includes six pieces of boneless skin-on thighs, mashed potatoes, cole slaw, housemade biscuits, for $29.95. Must order in advance, order by 4 p.m. pick up at 5 p.m.

> Saturday is BBQ Platters Day, featuring a full rack of ribs, 1-lb. Dr Pepper-smoked brisket, a slice of prime rib, mashed potatoes, cole slaw, and seasonal vegetables, to-go only, feeds 4-6 people, for $59.95. Add a growler of beer for $10.

>Sunday is Family Night, with a different pasta each week, choice of two sauces each week, salad, choice of two desserts, feeds 4-6 people, to-go only, for $29.95.

Also new:

>Neal’s Lucky Number is 13 and now yours is too! Purchase 12 menu items and get the 13th item free (card value up to $20 to be used on the 13th item).

>Live music through August: House musician Sammy Blanchette will play rock, blues and reggae covers and originals starting at 5 p.m. on Aug. 3, 6, 9, 10, 13, 17, 20, 23, and 24. Singer/songwriter and guitarist Bill Brink will perform at 5 p.m. on Aug. 1, 15, and 30.

Neal’s is now open at noon on weekends serving its full menu and is now open Wednesday nights. Neal’s will be open every day except Tuesday. Neal’s is located at 2588 Route 103, Proctorsville, Vermont.

For more information or updates, follow along on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/nealsrestaurant/), or give owner Neal Baron a call at the restaurant at (802) 226-7251.

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