Friday, 28 June 2019

Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa Contest Pinterest Contest

Are you dreaming of a beautiful summer vacation? With days at the beach, fabulous coastal dining and visiting world class destinations like Cannery Row

Monterey, CA, June 28, 2019 - Are you dreaming of a beautiful summer vacation? With days at the beach, fabulous coastal dining and visiting world class destinations like Cannery Row, The Monterey Bay Aquarium and more? Share your Monterey area dream getaway with us for your chance to win a 2 night stay at Hyatt Regency Monterey!


Follow us on Pinterest: pinterest.com/montereyhyatt

Create a board titled: Hyatt Regency Monterey Vacay Add a minimum of 10 pins of the things you want to do in Monterey from kayaking to sightseeing!

Use the hashtag #HyattMontereyVacay on all the pins

Email a link your board to: marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com

One lucky winner will receive a two-night stay at Hyatt Regency Monterey!

Winner will be announced August 25th!

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

Thursday, 27 June 2019

Salinas YMCA Hosts Meet and Greet for New Executive Director on July 1-2

The Salinas YMCA will hold meet-and-greets for its new Executive Director of Operations, Bill Proulx, on July 1 and 2, at the Salinas YMCA Family Center.

Salinas, CA, June 28, 2019 — The Salinas YMCA will hold meet-and-greets for its new Executive Director of Operations, Bill Proulx, on July 1 and 2, at the Salinas YMCA Family Center.

The first meet-and-greet will be held from noon to 2 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. Monday, July 1, the second from 6-11 a.m. Tuesday, July 2, at the center, 117 Clay St., in Salinas. The July 1 event will feature season watermelon for all attendees, and the July 2, homemade oatmeal.

For more information on the two events, call (831) 758-3811.

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.

For more information on Central Coast YMCA, call (831) 757-4633 or go to centralcoastymca.org. CCYMCA is located at 500 Lincoln Ave. in Salinas.

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

Salinas YMCA Men’s Locker Room Getting an Upgrade, But Will Remain Open as Much as Possible. Locker Room Spa Closed

The men’s locker at the Salinas YMCA is getting an upgrade.

Salinas, CA, June 27, 2019 — The men’s locker at the Salinas YMCA is getting an upgrade. The locker room will remain open as much as possible, but the locker room spa has been permanently closed due to dangerous structural and foundation issues.

The upgrade includes new sinks and counter tops, faucets and mirrors and lighting replaced with new LED fixtures. The YMCA is exploring appropriate areas to relocate the spa.

For more information, call 831-758-3811.

Salinas Community YMCA
117 Clay St.
Salinas, CA 93901
831-758-3811
831-758-1241 FAX

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.

For more information on Central Coast YMCA, call (831) 757-4633 or go to centralcoastymca.org. 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

Tuesday, 25 June 2019

For the Love of Monterey Peninsula


Monterey, CA, June 26, 2019 - The Thomas Kinkade galleries has joined in supporting Dance Kids of Monterey County and brings Master Highlighter Carol Van Tol in gallery to embellish newly acquired art.

Saturday July 27th
Thomas Kinkade Carmel Studio in the Garden
Ocean Avenue
Between Delores and Lincoln  | 831-624-3363

Sunday July 28th
Thomas Kinkade Studio Monterey 381 Cannery Row, Suite Q
Monterey Plaza | 831-747-2834

Event Starts: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Reception 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Music | Refreshments | Fun

The Thomas Kinkade galleries has joined in supporting Dance Kids of Monterey County and brings Master Highlighter Carol Van Tol in gallery to embellish newly acquired art. Carol who was trained by Thom in the late 90’s and has been a frequented artist to the Thomas Kinkade galleries for many years.

Your purchase of a Thomas Kinkade, numbered painting will directly support the Dance Kids Nutcracker 2019 Performance featuring the  Monterey Pops! orchestra.

The Dance Kids Nutcracker benefits the youth of Monterey County.  Performed at Sunset Cultural Center, Carmel in December, the magical holiday celebration, Nutcracker; A Monterey Peninsula Tradition, creates family memories lasting a lifetime.

Your generous support, either directly or through your purchase of a Thomas Kinkade, Painter of Light painting, will create scholarship opportunities for those children most in need.

Auditioning is a requirement and your generous support either directly or through your purchase of a Thomas Kinkade, Painter of Light painting will help a child earn a scholarship to be the next sugar plum fairy. 

Dance Kids, Shaping Strong Minds, Strong Bodies and Strong Leaders through the Discipline and Creativity of Dance.

Dance Kids of Monterey County, a 501c(3), founded in 1993, is a non-profit organization that gives children a better understanding of their community and the world through the arts with dance, music and theatre opportunities. Our performing arts programs allow our participants to discover their own voice, to grow in confidence, and to develop empathy and ethical insight-to aspire, accept disappointments, to sometimes fail, and to always keep trying.

Featured Limited Edition
Carmel Sunset On Ocean Avenue
Location: On Ocean Avenue at San Carlos
Publish Date: February 1999


In Gallery ~ Master Highlighter, Carol Van Tol

Click here to R.S.V.P

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455

Why join the Y? South County YMCA offers a Variety of Programs that Help Enrich our Communities

Since its inception in 1844, the YMCA has strengthened communities all over the world through programs that develop our youth and enrich the lives of families.

Soledad, CA, June 26, 2019 — Since its inception in 1844, the YMCA has strengthened communities all over the world through programs that develop our youth and enrich the lives of families.

The South County YMCA is a charitable organization that follows that path, offering membership and programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body.

Your local Y can help you live healthier through exercise, but also by connecting you with your neighbors and creating opportunities to volunteer in your community. Membership builds a better you, but also a better us!

Why join the Y in South County? Here are more great reasons:

• A wide variety of programs for all ages at sites in Soledad, Gonzales, King City and Greenfield.

• Summer youth camp 2019 with 11 hours of fun each day for up to 11 weeks.

• Wide variety of group exercise classes, youth sports, youth programs, teen programs, child care and camps.

• No contracts, no hidden costs, no yearly maintenance fees and no enrollment fees.

• Financial assistance available so everyone has the opportunity to take advantage of the Y's programs and services.

• Keeping kids and teens safe through after-school programs and YMCA-run sports leagues.

• Personalized support through a Y-trained wellness coach.

• Sports and group exercise classes for adults.

• Adult wellness programs in diabetes prevention, blood pressure self-monitoring and more.

South County YMCA’s office is at 560 Walker Drive, Soledad. For more information, call 831-678-1239, visit our Facebook page or online at www.centralcoastymca.org.

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

Association of California Symphony Orchestras Celebrates its 50th Anniversary and Convenes its 2019 Professional Development Conference in Monterey

The Association of California Symphony Orchestra’s (ACSO) 2019 Annual Conference kicks off its 50th anniversary year by bringing its members back to where it was originally founded in 1969 — Monterey!

Los Angeles, CA, June 25, 2019 – The Association of California Symphony Orchestra’s (ACSO) 2019 Annual Conference kicks off its 50th anniversary year by bringing its members back to where it was originally founded in 1969 — Monterey! Hosted by the Monterey Symphony, the conference is the premier professional development and networking event for the staff and boards of California’s orchestras and classical music presenters. It will take place August 8--‐10, 2019 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Monterey Bay Seaside, and it consists of three full days of plenaries, sessions, peer forums, workshops, and networking events. ACSO will also be hosting a 50th anniversary party at the beautiful Monterey Bay Aquarium that will feature a performance of composer John Wineglass’ orchestral composition Big Sur: The Night Sun.

While ACSO serves classical music organizations, the conference is open to all nonprofit professionals, as the world--‐renowned plenary speakers and breakout sessions will explore nonprofit management fundamentals, such as fundraising, marketing, programming, operations, and governance.

The incredible lineup of plenary speakers includes Nina Simon, Executive Director of the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History and the founder/CEO of the OF/BY/FOR ALL movement; Vu Le, creator of NonprofitAF.com and Executive Director of Rainier Valley Corps, a Seattle nonprofit that promotes social justice by developing leaders of color; and Patty McCord, Principal of Patty McCord Consulting and author of Powerful: Building a Culture of Freedom and Responsibility, and former Chief Talent Officer of Netflix for 14 years.

ACSO is a member service nonprofit with nearly 150 organizations and their 2,000 board and staff in its network. ACSO’s members are comprised of professional, academic, youth, and community--‐based orchestras, choruses, and festivals in California and the Western United States. Over 300 ACSO members are expected to attend this year’s conference.

According to ACSO’s Executive Director Sarah Weber, “As our birthplace, Monterey is the perfect place for ACSO to turn fifty. The theme of our conference is ‘Making Waves: Began in Monterey, Beyond California’ because in our fifty years, orchestras and classical music presenters across the state have become more vibrant, healthy, and diverse, and more ensembles exist now than ever before. ACSO has expanded beyond the borders of California, and the issues our orchestras face go far beyond the state. As our field continues to evolve, we are ready to lead out for the rest of the country.”

For further information or to find out how you can attend, please visit ACSO’s website at www.acso.org/conference or contact ACSO at (800) 495--‐2276 or at office@acso.org.

Contact: Maria Romano de León
Tel: (800) 495--‐2276
E--‐mail: mromanodeleon@acso.org

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

Entertainment Lineup at 2019 Monterey County Fair Features Rising Country Star Mitchell Tenpenny, Tickets On Sale Online Now

Rising country music star Mitchell Tenpenny tops the entertainment lineup at the 2019 Monterey County Fair, Aug. 29-Sept. 2, 2019, with advance tickets on sale online now.

Monterey, CA, June 25, 2019 — Rising country music star Mitchell Tenpenny tops the entertainment lineup at the 2019 Monterey County Fair, Aug. 29-Sept. 2, 2019, with advance tickets on sale online now.

Country star Tenpenny, whose 2018 hit “Drunk Me” hit #2 on the U.S. country charts, will perform Thursday, Aug. 29 on the Garden Stage, and tops the list of country artists performing at the fair. Acts include a Carrie Underwood Tribute (Saturday, Aug. 31) and Garth Guy (Saturday, Aug. 31), a tribute to Garth Brooks. Journey Revisited (Friday, Aug. 30), a tribute to the great Bay Area band Journey, will also perform during the fair.

Tenpenny’s follow-up single, “Alcohol You Later,” released on Riser House/Columbia Nashville, also quickly climbed the country charts. Nashville resident Tenpenny released his debut album, “Black Crow,” in 2015, and his second album and full-length major label debut album “Telling All My Secrets” in 2018.

Established in 2011, Journey Revisited is an ensemble of top-tier professionals with the drive to deliver a faithful musical experience. Journey Revisited is dedicated to bringing the studio recordings of Journey to life on stage.

Two lead vocalists, Frank House and Kevin Jachetta, bring the classic Steve Perry- Gregg Rolie sound with their authentic re-creation of Journey’s distinctive vocals. Journey Revisited is on point in recreating that classic Journey sound, you won’t find a tighter sounding band around.

Dean Simmonds began his career as a Garth Brooks tribute artist in 1994. In 1996, producer John Stuart discovered and hired him to perform in the world famous “Legends in Concert” in Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach, Atlantic City, and several tours and one-night performances throughout the USA and Canada. Simmonds is still the only “Garth” on the Legends’ roster and still performs in many of the Legends shows.

Simmonds has also produced his own full-length show based on Garth’s live concerts. In 2014, Dean’s “Garth Guy” show was featured on the national television show, “World’s Greatest Tribute Bands” on Mark Cuban’s network, AXS TV.

The Carrie Underwood Tribute features country singer Kaylee Starr performing country superstar Underwood’s many hit songs.

All live music is free with fair admission. A full schedule of entertainment will be released this summer.

Advance tickets are available online at: https://tickets.montereycountyfair.com/tickets.

Ticket packages available online include:

>2019 Advanced Carnival Fun Pack, good Aug. 29 – Sept. 2, 2019. This ticket is valid for one ride-all-day carnival wristband and is redeemable at Carnival Customer Service. Does not include fair admission. Wristband, $25

>2019 Advanced Fair Admission, good Aug. 29 – Sept. 2, 2019. Valid for one entry into the Fair. Adult, $9; Child, $5; Senior, $9.

>2019 Advanced Rodeo Performance, Aug. 30 – Sept. 1, 2019.

Valid for one rodeo performance on either Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Fair admission is not included. General admission, $5.

>2019 Advanced Sunday Rodeo Family Fun Pack, good for Sept. 1, 2019. Valid for two adult fair admissions, two child fair admissions and four entries into one Sunday Rodeo performance (3:30 p.m. or 6:00 p.m.). General admission, $35.

The Monterey County Fair will run from Thursday, Aug. 29-Monday, Sept. 2, 2019, at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center, 2004 Fairground Road, in Monterey. The theme of the 2019 fair is “High Tides and Carnival Rides.”

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 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.montereycountyfair.com

Dance Student From Carmel Academy of Performing Arts Accepts Apprenticeship at Prestigious Spanish Ballet Company

A student of the Carmel Academy of Performing Arts, Alexandra Huffman (Wen Wen), has been accepted for a ballet apprenticeship with the prestigious Ballet de Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain.

Carmel, CA, June 25, 2019 — A student of the Carmel Academy of Performing Arts, Alexandra Huffman (Wen Wen), has been accepted for a ballet apprenticeship with the prestigious Ballet de Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain.


With two full scholarships awarded, Wen Wen leaves the Monterey Peninsula in late June for La Scala, Milan and IB Stage, Barcelona, continuing her passion and study before entering the trainee position in Barcelona and company rehearsals in August.

“I am looking forward to my apprenticeship with Ballet de Catalunya as it gives me the opportunity to dance in what I consider the center of dance, Europe, yet I know CAPA will always be here and my special dance home,” Huffman told Carol Richmond, her first teacher, when she was home in Monterey this week and back at CAPA for the ballet intensive with her teacher Philip Pegler and Twyla Tharp dancer Matthew Dibble.

Huffman, who was adopted in China by Andra Aeslyn and Al Huffman of Carmel, began dance lessons at CAPA when she was age 3. Her summers have been filled with intensive ballet programs; four years with Paris Opera Ballet, Princess Grace Academy, San Francisco Ballet School and Prague Masterclasses. She recently graduated after two years at the year-round program in Washington D.C., Kirov Academy of Ballet.

The Huffmans made valiant attempts to adopt a daughter for six long years. Those years were spent applying for adoptions in Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and various other countries, only to be turned away with governmental twists and turns, a failed match and many promises heartbreakingly crushed.

Andra Huffman’s sister had adopted a child from China, so with a final monumental push to realize their dream, they went to meet their new daughter. The second morning the 17-month-old toddler awakened in the United States, Andra was called Momma, and the new family never looked back.

“We will watch in awe of Wen Wen’s dedication to the performing arts, welcome her home at every opportunity and follow her progress and performances,” said Richmond, founder and director of CAPA.

About BNC — The Catalunya Ballet
The Catalunya Ballet was created with the objective of filling a void that has existed for decades in Catalunya. The company will be able to represent and identify Catalunya as a production center of dance with its own personality and capability to present the greatest dance classics of all time while also bringing new and avant-guard works to the stage.

With the constitution of this new company, based on classical dance as its axis and precursor of any other type of modality, especially neoclassical and contemporary dance, young talented dancers from our country finally have the opportunity to be part of a national ballet company rather than join the continuous flight of Catalan and Spanish dancers to international companies.

The BNC will have the presence of internationally renowned dancers, teachers and choreographers with an original artistic program of classical, neoclassical and contemporary repertoire. The company will present works by internationally recognized choreographers as well as some of the greatest Catalan choreographers in the history of dance.

The BNC is the resident company at the Cultural Center of Terrassa (CCT, which is recognized as the theater with the most extensive dance program in Catalunya. Opening in 1980, the CCT is a center that offers a diverse program of activities directed at all types of audiences.

http://catalunyaballet.com/

Carmel Academy of Performing Arts
Mission Street & Eighth Avenue
Carmel, CA 93923
(831) 624-3729
www.carmelacademyofperformingarts.com

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

Friday, 21 June 2019

Do You Have Talent? Local Performers Sought for 83rd Annual Monterey County Fair, Aug. 29-Sept. 2, 2019

Attention Monterey County! Show off your talents! Local performers and those who wish to showcase their talents for free are being sought to appear on the Community Stage at the 83rd Annual Monterey County Fair, which will be held Aug. 29-Sept. 2, 2019.

Monterey, CA, June 21, 2019 — Attention Monterey County! Show off your talents! Local performers and those who wish to showcase their talents for free are being sought to appear on the Community Stage at the 83rd Annual Monterey County Fair, which will be held Aug. 29-Sept. 2, 2019.


Are you a dancer, musician, singer, kickboxer, gymnast or other type of performer? Come on out and dazzle Monterey County at the upcoming Monterey County Fair! This year's theme is “High Tides and Carnival Rides.”

Interested individuals and organizations are invited to apply online no later than Friday, June 28, 2019, at www.montereycountyfair.com. There you will find a “Community Act Performance Request Form” to fill out with your pertinent data, type of group, equipment needed, when you would like to perform, etc.

The schedule of performances is determined on a first-come, first-served basis with the deadline for receiving request forms by either fax, email or postal mail no later than June 28. The fair cannot guarantee the times requested, but will make every effort to fill your request.

The Monterey County Fair & Event Center is a premier event center set on 22 oak-studded acres. It is home of the annual Monterey County Fair, host to many major public and private events on the Central Coast, and the site of the Monterey Bay Race Place, a satellite wagering facility.

The Monterey County Fair is the 7th District Agricultural Association of the State of California. For more information, call (831) 372-5863 or check out the website, www.montereycountyfair.com.

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

Wednesday, 19 June 2019

For upcoming “Negroni Week” Yeast of Eden will Host a Negroni Competition Featuring Local Bartenders

On June 27th, Yeast of Eden will host a Negroni Competition for Imbibe Magazine’s Negroni Week, June 24th to June 30th.

Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA, June 19, 2019 - On June 27th, Yeast of Eden will host a Negroni Competition for Imbibe Magazine’s Negroni Week, June 24th to June 30th. A portion of the ticket sales will be donated to the Surfrider Foundation as part of the Negroni Week charitable initiative.

The friendly competition will be sponsored by Campari, and feature 5 local bartenders each mixing two cocktails, one of which will be their variation on the classic. The ticketed event will take place on the Yeast of Eden patio from 6 - 9 pm, and $20 gets you entry, tastings of all competitors’ negroni cocktails and passed appetizers.


Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite. Here is the link to imbed:

Negroni Week competition at Yeast Of Eden (Here is the browser link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/negroni-week-competition-at-yeast-of-eden-tickets-6340740726
)

For the competitors/judges:
Negroni Competition Sponsored by Campari and Imbibe Magazine’s Negroni Week

When: Thursday, June 27th

Where: Yeast Of Eden, Carmel Plaza, Carmel-By-The-Sea Time: 6PM – 9PM
Prizes: Industry Swag, Refuge Passes, Alvarado Street Beer, Fernet Branca Bike, more to be announced the day of competition

Emcee: Aaron Shields

Judges: Kelly Waters (Campari USA), Chef Chris Vacca (Pacific’s Edge at Highlands Inn), Jane Hurley (83 Proof, San Francisco)

Competitors: Joshua Perry (Cultura, Nick & Nora), Alice South (Hula’s Island Grill), Bijan Emadi (Jennini Kitchen + Wine Bar), Kelly Kuhn (Alvarado Street Brewery), Cesar Osuna (Montrio Bistro)

Tickets: $20 which includes light appetizers on the patio plus tastes of all the cocktails involved.

Competition:

1st Round: Original cocktail using Campari or Aperol. No restrictions on style or presentation. Judgement weighted on the following criteria: Originality (weighted 25%), Balance/Overall Flavor (25%), Presentation (25%), Technique (20%), Best/Funniest/Most Clever Cocktail Name (5%). Only one cocktail per competitor needs to be produced for the judges. Approximately sixty 1oz samples will need to be provided for the spectators.

2nd Round: Best Negroni or Negroni Variant based on the following criteria: Originality (weighted 25%), Balance/Overall Flavor (25%), Technique (20%), Presentation (15%), Use of Campari brands (10%), Use of traditional Negroni ingredients (5%). Only one cocktail per competitor needs to be produced for the judges. Approximately sixty 1oz samples will need to be provided for the spectators.

In case of a 1st place tie in either round, a speed round of two cocktails will be declared. All competitors involved in the tie breaker will be given two classic cocktails and judged based on time and quality of the cocktails. These cocktails will only need to be made for the judges and only one of each will need to be produced by each competitor. Any additional glassware or ingredients for the tie-breaker will be provided by Yeast Of Eden.

A winner for each round will be awarded as well as an Overall Champion for the combination of the scores from each round. Prizes will be awarded to each of the individual round winners with the grand prize going to the Overall Champion.

General Rules:

• Campari will provide any ingredients that are part of the Campari portfolio. See below for a full list of approximately 50 applicable brands. It is highly encouraged to use Campari products as this will help keep your costs down and a small portion of the judges weighting is based on the use of Campari brands. www.campariamerica.com

• Additional alcoholic ingredients will be provided by Yeast Of Eden, up to $50 (wholesale) per competitor as long as drink recipes are submitted by the submission deadline.

• Individually infused spirits, individually made bitters, tinctures, syrups and any other modifiers not available to be purchased as-is from a vendor or distributor must be provided by the competitor.

• Common fruit, herbs and vegetables for garnishes and juices will be provided by Yeast Of Eden. This includes but is not limited to oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, mint, black cherries, olives, etc. If other fruit, herbs and vegetable components are needed and readily available, the restaurant will review the competitors needs and will let the competitor know if it is possible to procure these items for the individual. If it is not within reason to provide said products, it will be the responsibility of the competitor to supply them themselves.

• Basic glassware will be provided for the judges cocktails. This includes: 7oz rocks buckets, 12oz rocks buckets, collins glasses, coupes, Nick & Noras, pint glasses and white and red wine glasses. Any other glassware will need to be provided by the competitor for the judges cocktails. Small taster glasses for the spectators will be provided by Yeast Of Eden.

• Basic ice for shaking and chilling will be provided by Yeast Of Eden. Shaved, crushed or any specialized ice will need to be provided by the competitor. A small manual ice crusher can be provided by the restaurant for the competitors.

• Competitors should bring their own shakers, beakers, spoons, strainers, etc. Ice scoops, mats and towels will be provided by Yeast Of Eden.

• The competitors will have 30 minutes before the competition begins to prep their station and ingredients/garnishes, if needed.

• Cocktail recipes with exact proportions stated in oz and/or ml should be submitted to Adam Ono at adam@yoebeer.com by 6/21 so that any additional products may be obtained in time for the competition.

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

Monday, 17 June 2019

Natividad Farmers’ Market on July 10 Features Plant-Based Chef Sherrie Ransom

The Everyone’s Harvest Market held Wednesdays from 11:00 am to 3:30.p.m. Cooking Demonstration Starts at Noon.

Salinas, CA, June 18, 2019 — Chef Sherrie Ransom of Green Being Cuisine is the featured chef at Natividad’s weekly Farmers’ Market on Wednesday, July 10.

Ransom’s cooking demonstration at noon features a no-sugar-added Fruit and Chia Pudding Parfait (see recipe below).

The California Certified Farmers' Market, run by Everyone’s Harvest, is held every Wednesday from May 15 through October. The market is open from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. outside of Building 200, Outpatient Services, located at 1441 Constitution Blvd.


“We are excited to have Chef Sherrie join us again on July 10 to help us continue to promote wellness and healthy eating,” said Natividad Assistant Administrator Andrea Rosenberg. “Sherrie is one of the top chefs in Monterey County when it comes to plant-based dishes and healthy eating, so it’s a great opportunity for the community to learn from her.”

Natividad’s Farmers’ Market features fresh, high-quality fruits and vegetables, many of which are certified organic. The market also features a wide selection of food, coffee, flowers, live plants, and unique gifts and services from small-scale family farmers and local independent businesses. Shoppers support local California growers and entrepreneurs in the Salinas community, Rosenberg said.

Vendors participating this year include Stackhouse Brothers, Rodriguez Ranch, Golden Flowers, Gallardo’s Organics, Mai Thai Cuisine, Mix of Flavors, Chava’s Corn, Fruitas Fresca Barajas, Perfect Crumb, The Bearded Bean, Castellano Organic Farm, Hummus Heaven, and Luke’s Mobile Massage.

The Farmers’ Market 2019 lineup also features regular cooking demos and tastings from local chefs, Everyone's Harvest team members and hospital staff members. Attendees of these demos enjoy a sample of the featured recipe and take home a recipe card. The cooking demonstration dates and chefs are posted at Everyone's Harvest's webpage at everyonesharvest.org.

Ransom is a plant-based chef in Monterey County, providing personal chef services, classes, recipe development and consultation.

“I’m very particular about what I eat and know it can be a challenge to find the time and resources to prepare nutritious meals, especially when traveling,” she said. “I’m delighted to be able to provide fresh options for locals and visitors to the Monterey area.”

Ransom earned her degree in biology and went on to complete certification as a Gourmet Raw Food Chef, Culinary Instructor and Nutrition Educator. She was an Instructor for Living Light Culinary Institute before founding Green Being Cuisine. Her dishes and classes highlight fresh, whole foods with a playful appreciation of flavor and texture.

“I’m grateful to live on the central coast. Every week my local farmers offer a wide variety of fresh, organic produce,” she said. “I strive to feature these beautiful ingredients in all their glory as well as share how simple and delicious healthy foods can be.”

No-Sugar-Added Fruit and Chia Pudding Parfait

By Chef Sherrie Ransom, Owner and Executive Chef of Green Being Cuisine

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped

1 cup fresh blueberries

6 tablespoons chia seeds

2 cups coconut milk (or other liquid)

1 teaspoon vanilla (optional)

Seeds or nuts (optional)

Whipped Topping:

½ cup coconut cream

2 tablespoons cashew cream

1 tablespoon honey (optional)

1 tablespoon vanilla

2 teaspoons psyllium powder

Directions:

For whipped topping, blend all ingredients until smooth, adding psyllium last. Chill 30 minutes or more.
In a small bowl, blend 1/2 cup strawberries with 1/2 cup coconut milk until smooth. Stir in 2 tablespoons chia seeds.
In a small bowl, blend 1/2 cup blueberries with 1/2 cup coconut milk until smooth. Stir in 2 tablespoons chia seeds.
In a small bowl, combine 1 cup coconut milk with vanilla. Stir in 4 tablespoons chia seeds. Set aside.
Allow all three mixtures to thicken for 30 minutes or more, or in the fridge overnight.
In individual parfait glasses or mason jars, begin to build your parfait in layers, starting with the strawberry chia, then coconut chia, then blueberry chia, and finally another layer of coconut chia. Top with remaining fruit and a dollop of the whipped cream topping. Optional: sprinkle with nuts or seeds.

Variations:

Use any seasonal fruit.
Layer fresh fruit between the chia layers.
Create a chocolate layer by blending until smooth: 1 cup coconut milk, 1/2 blended avocado, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 2 tablespoons cacao powder, 1 to 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup. Stir in 2 tablespoons chia seeds. Chill 30 minutes or more.

Tips:

If adding blended fruit (including avocado) to the chia, use less chia or more liquid. Fruit has natural pectin and will act as a thickener.
Prepare in serving size dishes or jars the night before. The next day: grab and go.
The chia pudding can be prepared with any liquid. Try it with juices, teas, nut or seed milks, water.
Chia seeds absorb 10 -12x their volume of liquid. If you garnish a dish with dry seeds, drink lots of water to avoid dehydration. Soaked seeds can offer extra hydration because of the liquid they hold.
Soaked chia seeds can be used replace eggs in a recipe; 1/2 tablespoon soaked seeds per egg.
Ground chia seeds can be used as a flour and binder in a recipe.

Media Contact:
Marci Bracco, Chatterbox PR
marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com, 831-747-7455

About Natividad
Natividad is an acute care hospital and Trauma Center providing high-quality health care to everyone in Monterey County, regardless of ability to pay. Located in Salinas, Calif., Natividad is a public health care system offering a wide range of inpatient, outpatient, emergency, diagnostic and specialty medical care. Founded in 1886, the 172-bed medical center has more than 10,000 admissions and 52,000 emergency visits annually. Home to the area’s only Level II Trauma Center, the hospital’s specialized personnel, equipment and services provide a vital local community service that saves lives and keeps patients close to home. Natividad’s Baby-Friendly® facility delivered more than 2,200 babies last year and is affiliated with UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals. It also operates an accredited Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, giving the tiniest and most fragile babies — some as small as one pound — the best chance for a healthy start. Through its UCSF-accredited Family Medicine Residency Training Program, Natividad is the only teaching hospital on the Central Coast. For more information, please call (831) 755-4111 or visit www.natividad.com.  

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

Sunday, 16 June 2019

Monterey County Fair & Event Center May Be the Perfect Location for Quinceañeras New Event Options Include Bringing Your Own Food or Caterer and Hosted Keg Prices Have Been Lowered

Don’t Forget to Refer a Friend to for an Event Rental and Receive a $50 Visa Gift Card and 10% Off Your Referral!

Monterey, CA, June 17, 2019 — Finding and booking a venue for a Quinceañera, the celebration of a girl's 15th birthday, has never been easier thanks to the Monterey County Fair & Event Center, which can make this special day as fun and easy as possible.

Whether it is a small private affair or a large grand event, the event center offers magnificent landscapes, both indoor and outdoor venues, lowered prices and flexible terms, and a variety of amenities, making it the perfect location for your event.

For example, hosted keg prices have been lowered to $325 domestic and $375 imported, which is almost $100 lower than previously. Also, clients do not have to use a preferred caterer and can bring their own food and/or utilize their own caterer.

Packages can include tables and chairs, power pedestal, insurance, event staffing, janitorial services, and security services for events up to 400 guests. For various room rental packages, go to https://montereycountyfair.com/pdf/events/room_packages_2019.pdf.

Partnering with the Butterfly Boutique (http://www.butterflyboutique11.com/index.html) the team at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center is committed to helping you create the most special day of your life by bringing to reality your vision and dreams.

And now, when you refer a friend to an event, you will receive a $50 Visa Gift Card once the contract is signed and your referral will receive 10% off as well.

The event center’s Quinceañera expert, Nicolette Aldrete, can help you coordinate the details. Call her at 831-372-5863, ext. 304.

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 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.montereycountyfair.com

Thursday, 13 June 2019

World’s Top Sand-Sculpting Company to Create Giant Sand Sculpture for 2019 Monterey County Fair, Aug. 29-Sept. 2

The world’s foremost sand-sculpting company, Sandscapes, will create a giant sand sculpture reflecting the theme of this year’s Monterey County Fair, Aug. 29-Sept. 2, 2019.

Monterey, CA, June 14, 2019 — The world’s foremost sand-sculpting company, Sandcapes, will create a giant sand sculpture reflecting the theme of this year’s Monterey County Fair, Aug. 29-Sept. 2, 2019.

The sand sculpture will feature sea otters on a roller coaster, reflecting the fair’s theme, “High Tides and Carnival Rides.”

Sandcapes emerged in the mid-’80s from the competitive sand sculpture scene on the beaches of Southern California. Originally performing at corporate events and summer beach festivals, demand soon exploded as Sandscapes' sculptors formed the leading edge as the world's first full-time professional sand sculptors.

In addition to numerous national, international, and regional sand sculpture titles, Sandcapes holds 12 separate World Sand Sculpting Championships titles. Averaging 40 sculptures annually, their sculptors have created over 1,000 sculptures at major venues around the world.

For more information on Sandscapes, go to http://www.sandscapes.com/.

The Monterey County Fair will run from Thursday, Aug. 29-Monday, Sept. 2, 2019, at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center, 2004 Fairground Road, in Monterey.

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 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.sandscapes.com/

Wednesday, 12 June 2019

Entries Open Online for Home Goods, Art, Crafts, Livestock Entries at 2019 Monterey County Fair, Aug. 29-Sept. 2

Are you a creative amateur photographer, love to bake, make your own beer, sew your own clothes, adept at arts and crafts or raise livestock?

Monterey, CA, June 13, 2019 — Are you a creative amateur photographer, love to bake, make your own beer, sew your own clothes, adept at arts and crafts or raise livestock? You can now enter your products or projects for judging and display online for this year’s Fair, Aug. 29-Sept. 2, 2019.

The Fair’s exhibit program is an excellent way for you to show off your talents, earn bragging rights and, above all, have fun. A 2019 Entry Guide Book, which has all the information you need to enter, such as due dates, deadlines, rules and regulations, and local rules is available at www.montereycountyfair.com.

All entries must be entered online only, with the exception of the wool department. To enter online, go to https://montereycountyfair.com/exhibits-junior-livestock-auction/.

Printed entry guidebooks will be available in the Fair Administration Office at 2004 Fairground Road in Monterey, at all Monterey County libraries, and at Beverly’s Fabric & Crafts (Monterey), Joann Fabrics & Crafts (Salinas) and Michaels Arts & Crafts (Marina and Salinas). If you have questions, you can call the Entry Office at (831) 372-1000.

All of the divisions and classes will be judged under the American system and/or the Danish system. The American judging process ranks exhibits against one another and awards one first place, one second, etc. The Danish judging process compares each exhibit on its own merits against the scorecard or recognized standard and awards as many first places, etc. as merited.

New this year, 4-H and FFA non-livestock entries will win cash prizes.

The Monterey County Fair will run from Thursday, Aug. 29-Monday, Sept. 2, 2019, at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center, 2004 Fairground Road, in Monterey. The theme of the 2019 fair is “High Tides and Carnival Rides.”

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 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.montereycountyfair.com

CHICAGO THE MUSICAL Broadway Master Class with Leigh Zimmerman

Broadway star and Olivier Award-Winning actress Leigh Zimmerman teaches choreography, scenes and songs from the original revival of Chicago The Musical.

Carmel, CA, June 12, 2019 - Broadway star and Olivier Award-Winning actress Leigh Zimmerman teaches choreography, scenes and songs from the original revival of Chicago The Musical. Leigh brings this unique Broadway Master Class to the Monterey Peninsula at Carmel Academy of Performing Arts.


Leigh Zimmerman is an award winning multi-talented actress, singer and dancer whose career successfully spans stage, screen, and television in both the US and the UK. She has starred in numerous Broadway and West End musicals and plays, including the original cast of the Broadway revival of Chicago The Musical, A Chorus Line, and The Producers. She has appeared in over 25 films and television shows including Home Alone 2, United 93, Person of Interest, and NUMB3RS.

Since 2003, Leigh has been teaching Master Classes in musical theater all around the world. She has received international praise and acclaim for sharing her knowledge and expertise with established and aspiring entertainment industry professionals.

Join Leigh in two special sessions:

Saturday, August 3, 2019 10am-5pm
*Adults*

Sunday, August 11, 2019 10am-5pm
*12-18 years old*

One day $125.00 per person
Bring your own lunch and water bottle

BOOK NOW:
www.LeighZimmerman.com/Masterclass

Carmel Academy of Performing Arts
Mission Street & 8th
Carmel, CA
(831) 624-3729

LEIGH ZIMMERMAN BIOGRAPHY
Leigh Zimmerman is an Olivier Award-Winning, multi-talented actress, singer, and dancer whose career successfully spans stage, screen, and television in both the US and the UK. She is a leading entertainment professional, business owner, teacher, mother, wife, and activist.

Leigh is also proud to hold both American and British citizenship, which allows her to live and work all over the world. Leigh has starred in numerous Broadway and West End musicals and plays including the original cast of the Broadway revival of Chicago The Musical, A Chorus Line, The Producers, Relative Values, The Seven Year Itch, Contact, Crazy For You, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, and The Will Rogers Follies. She has appeared in over 25 films and television shows including Home Alone 2, Proof, United 93, W.E., Person Of Interest, NUMB3RS, Feel The Force, Doctors and One Life To Live.

Leigh has dedicated her professional career to the art of truthful storytelling through words, music and movement. In addition to her work as a performer, Leigh has been teaching master classes since 2003 in musical theater, acting and audition techniques all over the world. She has received international praise and acclaim for sharing her knowledge and expertise with established and aspiring entertainment industry professionals.

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

Tuesday, 11 June 2019

Renowned Florist and Floral Designer Teresa Sabankaya of Bonny Doon Garden Company In California Releases First Book, Launches Book-Signing Tour

When Teresa Sabankaya started her flower business in 1999 by growing her own assortment of boutique cut flowers, and later opened her own flower shop in Santa Cruz, precious few women were involved in growing and selling their own flowers and floral arrangements.

Bonny Doon, CA, June 11, 2019 — When Teresa Sabankaya started her flower business in 1999 by growing her own assortment of boutique cut flowers, and later opened her own flower shop in Santa Cruz, precious few women were involved in growing and selling their own flowers and floral arrangements. She is at the front of the farmer-florist movement, recognizing the importance of American Grown flowers and how to source them.


Now, 20 years later, Sabankaya is not only a renowned florist and innovative and in-demand floral designer, she is a pioneer of the Slow Flowers ™ movement, is an Advanced Certified Green Gardener, and now an author of a book on flowers.

Sabankaya’s “The Posy Book,” which was recently released on the Countryman Press imprint, explores one of her favorite topics, posies, a garden-inspired flower arrangement that conveys a message in the language of flowers.

In “The Posy Book,” Sabankaya, founder and creative director of Bonny Doon Garden Company, a full service floral design studio, Santa Cruz florist and botanical gift shop, shares what has become her signature — posies. Inspired by the Victorian-era language of flowers, Teresa’s modern-day posy is a gathering of flowers, herbs, and plants meant to convey messages such as Happy Birthday, Sympathy, Housewarming, and so much more! The Posy Book is the ultimate inspiration book, resource directory, instruction and historical reference book, and provides how-to and step by step directions on how the everyday person can use garden flowers and commercially grown cut flowers to create a modern-day floral design that uses the language of flowers to create a wide array of greetings and messages to it’s recipient.

Sabankaya and her posies have been a core part of her retail business from the beginning and have been featured in such media as CBS Sunday Morning, Romantic Homes magazine, San Francisco Chronicle, Santa Cruz Sentinel and The New York Times.

Sabankaya holds an influential position as one of the most innovative florists in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her floral designs are highly desirable due to their unique style of arranging and elegant garden appeal. Her wedding florals have been featured in numerous wedding blogs and magazines including Smitten, Sweet Violet Bride, Style Me Pretty and Green Wedding Shoes.

She has been featured in Amy Stewart’s “Flower Confidential” book as well as her blog, and was featured “like a florist from 100 years ago” in the PBS documentary “Botany of Desire,” based on Michael Pollen’s bestseller “Botany of Desire.”

Sabankaya is an instructor of floral design and can be frequently seen leading workshops and presentations about flowers in many levels. Her “Posy in your Pocket” presentations have been highly attended at the San Francisco Flower and Garden Show, the Monterey Home and Garden Expo, Filoli Estate, and many garden clubs and nurseries.

She is an Advanced Certified Green Gardener, a member of Slow Flowers ™, Great Garden Speakers, and the California State Floral Association.

She kicked off her book-signing and floral demonstration tour on May 8 at Bookshop Santa Cruz, in Santa Cruz, California.

The Bonny Doon Garden Company
1101 Fair Ave.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
www.bonnydoongardenco.com
http://www.teresasabankaya.com/
teresa@teresasabankaya.com
(831) 566-9925

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

Saturday, 8 June 2019

2019 Monterey County Fair Advance Ticketholders Can Get Free Rides on Monterey Salinas Transit during Fair, Aug. 29-Sept. 2 & Free Shuttle Rides from MPC, Friday Through Monday

Patrons of the 2019 The Monterey County Fair can get free bus rides on Monterey Salinas Transit from anywhere in Monterey County during the run of the fair, Aug. 29-Sept. 2, 2019, at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center.

Monterey, CA, June 08, 2019 — Patrons of the 2019 The Monterey County Fair can get free bus rides on Monterey Salinas Transit from anywhere in Monterey County during the run of the fair, Aug. 29-Sept. 2, 2019, at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center.

Patrons need only show a ticket purchased online or at Costco to get a free ride and will be dropped off adjacent to the Monterey County Fair at a convenient MST Bus Stop.

MST is also offering free shuttle service Friday through Monday between the Monterey County Fair and Monterey Peninsula College’s Parking Lot A at Via Lavandera on campus. Patrons will be dropped off at Gate 3, at the fair.

The shuttle departs every 10 minutes during these hours:

Friday 3:00 – 11:20 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday 10:10 a.m. – 11:20 p.m.

Monday 10:10 a.m. – 9:40 p.m.

Paid parking for the fair is available Thursday through Saturday at Monterey Pines Golf Course for $12, and starting at 3 p.m. Friday through Monday, at MPC for $8.

For information on MST, call 888-MST-BUS1 or go to the website at www.mst.org.

The Fair will be held Aug. 29-Sept. 2, 2019, at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center, 2004 Fairground Road in Monterey. The Fair’s theme this year is “High Tides and Carnival Rides.”

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 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.montereycountyfair.com

Friday, 7 June 2019

Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History Hosts Exciting, Informative Events for Both Children and Adults From June Through July 2019

The Museum is Now Open 7 Days A Week.

Pacific Grove, CA, June 07, 2019 — The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History has a number of fun and informative events for both children and adults on tap for June through July 2019.

Here are the events scheduled so far for June -July 2019. Events are held at the Museum, except where noted, at 165 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove.

Friday, June 7 - Sunday, June 9, 2019 2nd Annual Monterey Bay Jade Festival

The Monterey Bay Jade Festival is an annual gathering of jade vendors, enthusiasts, artisans and collectors with a common interest for the world of jade. This year’s event will take place at Monterey Bay Custom House Plaza, Monterey, CA 93940

Friday, June 7 from 1:00pm-7:00pm

Saturday, June 8 from 10:00am-6:00pm

Sunday, June 9 from 10:00am-4:00pm

Thursday, June 13, 2019 Hardcore Natural History Series

6:30pm - 8:00pm

Join us for a conversation about one teenager’s personal project to clean the oceans in our area. Alex Weber and her father Mike have been free diving off the coast for some time. A few years ago, Alex was struck by the number of golf balls that littered the ocean floor around Pebble Beach. Alarmed by what that addition of plastic might do to the ecosystem, she took on a personal crusade to clean the ocean floor around Pebble Beach. At HNH, we’ll be hearing more about her journey, the scientific paper she has published, and how this one project is reshaping policy and the ocean ecosystems along our coast.

$5 Members Online • $10 Non-members Online • $15 At The Door

Thursday, June 20, 2019

5:30pm-7:30pm

Volunteer Appreciation Dinner

As we wrap up Volunteer Month, we want to celebrate our volunteers who help keep the museum running! We could not do it without you, and to show our appreciation, we invite our volunteers to the museum for Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. We will have a raffle for prizes and will be giving out awards for an evening our volunteers will not want to miss!

Friday, June 28, 2019 False Food Exhibition Opening Reception

False Food seeks to bring awareness to plastic pollution and the imperiled ecosystem through a presentation of plastic artifacts, fatally ingested by albatross, in aesthetically constructed images. With False Food, Jerry Takigawa creates paradoxical beauty that sustains the dialogue about a tragedy of our own making. This exhibit will run from Friday, June 28 through Sunday, September 15, 2019 in the museum’s Special Exhibit Gallery.

Saturday, June 29, 2019 Junior Naturalist Excursion

Moss Landing Marine Labs

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

The Junior Naturalist Club will head to Moss Landing for its June excursion to pay a visit to the famous Moss Landing Marine Labs. The club will be treated to guided tours of the MLML museum and laboratory spaces while learning about the cutting edge science and rich history of this Monterey Bay icon. The tours will start at 10:00 am. Junior Naturalist Club Membership required.

Thursday, July 18, 2019 Hardcore Natural History

The Plastic Link in the Agriculture Supply Chain

6:30pm - 8pm

Daniella Russo and Greg Baxter are the co-founders of Think Beyond Plastic, the leader of a global multidisciplinary effort to identify and commercialize upstream innovations that eliminate plastic pollution, with focus on innovative product delivery systems. At Hardcore Natural History, they'll be discussing their work in agricultural supply chains in our area.

$5 Members Online • $10 Non-members Online • $15 At The Door

Saturday, July 20, 2019 Junior Naturalist Excursion

10am - 12pm

Garland Ranch

The Junior Naturalist Club will head back to the Carmel Valley for its July excursion, where we'll be joined by the Museum's Watershed Guardians Coordinator, Matt McConnell, for an exploration of the Carmel River and its many inhabitants. We'll 'fish' for macroinvertebrates and hike a gentle loop trail while learning about watersheds and the importance of clean, cool rivers. Junior Naturalist Club Membership required.

Thursday, July 25, 2019 Member Event

6pm-7:30pm

With Pacific Grove’s notorious summer fog rolling in, we welcome museum members to join us inside our Bird Gallery for a special presentation of the documentary “Big Sur Fog: The Science and the History”. This will be followed by a Q&A discussion with Director and Writer Steven and Mary Albert.

For more information on Museum events, call (831) 648-5716, email admin@pgmuseum.org or go to the website at www.pgmuseum.org.

About the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
In 1883, our museum opened its doors among the first wave of natural history museums in America. Naturalists of this era, such as John Muir And Louis Aggasiz, began a national tradition of hands-on science education and nature preservation. The museum has continued this tradition for 130 years. The museum’s mission is to inspire discovery, wonder, and stewardship of our natural world. It envisions a community of curious minds, engaged in discovering the natural heritage and cultural legacy that exist today on the Central California Coast. The Museum is a catalyst for conservation and a valued learning resource in this region, facilitating active inquiry for all ages.

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

Thursday, 6 June 2019

Longtime CAPA & Dance Kids Production Designer Working on Highly Anticipated Star Wars-Themed Park at Disneyland in California

It’s one of the most ambitious and eagerly awaited theme park attractions Disney has ever attempted and longtime Dance Kids and Carmel Academy of the Performing Arts production designer Nicole Bryant Stephens has been intimately involved in its completion.

Carmel, CA, June 06, 2019 — It’s one of the most ambitious and eagerly awaited theme park attractions Disney has ever attempted and longtime Dance Kids and Carmel Academy of the Performing Arts production designer Nicole Bryant Stephens has been intimately involved in its completion.

Bryant Stephens, an independent design contractor, has been hired as a field art director for Mural Makers since November 2018, working on the massive 14-acre Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge theme park being built at Disneyland Park in California (another one is being built at Disney World in Florida). According to Disney, the attraction will be the largest single-themed land expansion ever, and will have restaurants — including the park’s first-ever cantina — rides and other experiences to offer customers a fully-immersive experience.

“It’s phenomenal to be involved in a project of this magnitude,” says Bryant-Stephens, who has worked with Dance Kids and CAPA for over 25 years. “Just walking around and seeing it come alive is incredible.”

This is not the first time she’s worked with Disney. She has worked on teams that designed and built Disneyland Hong Kong, Disney’s California Adventure, Tarzan Tree House, and Disneyland. And she’s now working with her mentors from those projects, including Walt Disney Imagineers Ron Monk, Dino Fauci and 81-year-old Stefan Borowitz, who came out of retirement to work on Galaxy's Edge.

Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland Park in Anaheim is scheduled to open on May 31, while Disney World in Florida will open at the end of summer on Aug. 29. The goal for Disney is that fans will believe they have been transported into the world of Star Wars — at the Black Spire Outpost on the planet Batuu.

“The 14-acre, themed destination at Disneyland Park in Anaheim will be unlike any attraction experienced before,” said the Hollywood Reporter, which was given a sneak preview last month. “With two state-of-the-art rides (Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run), a plethora of shops and restaurants (all in the theme of Star Wars so as not to feel like they are part of a Disney stop), jaw-dropping spectacles and full-scale droids milling about, the land delivers on the ambitious project (Disney chairman and CEO Bob ) Iger foretold when he announced the park at the D23 Expo in August 2015.”

Needless to say, the Star Wars park is the biggest project Bryant Stephens has ever worked on.

Born in New York, Bryant Stephens moved to Carmel in 1977. She was educated at Frohman Academy for Musical Theatre Education in Carmel and received her bachelor’s degree in fine art in Scenic Design from Theatre School formerly the Goodman School of Drama at DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois. In addition to Dance Kids and CAPA, she has designed sets for Santa Catalina School, York School, the Wharf Theatre, the Forest Theatre Guild and up in Aptos for Naatak the largest Indian Theatre group in the country. But her most extensive experience locally has been with Dance Kids and CAPA, including the annual “Nutcracker” and the Spanish-language version, “Cascanueces: A Folklorico Nutcracker.”

“My family has been extensively involved with CAPA and four generations of my family has been involved with Dance Kids’ ‘Nutcracker,’ even my grandmother, brother Joe and parents,” she says. “There couldn’t be a better creative outlet for my family than ‘Nutcracker’ and CAPA.”

Bryant Stephens has been involved in theater and dance since age 4, and by 12 began being paid for her work in technical theater. Her three children, two boys and a girl ages 7, 13 and 14, are all involved with ‘Nutcracker’, and her husband is the technical director he also helps out at home while she’s working on the Disney project in Anaheim. She has her own set and production design firm, Bottega Designs for over 27 years.

Working on a Star Wars project was one thing, but she was just as excited to be working again for Disney.

“I am a fan of Star Wars, but I’m an extreme fan of Disney,” she says, especially since being herself a Walt Disney Imagineer, for the first time in 2005 working on Hong Kong Disneyland.

Construction on the Star Wars park began in December 2017, Walt Disney Imagineering designed the project in collaboration with the Lucasfilm Story Group, with Imagineer Scott Trowbridge supervising the project, Asa Kalama and Chris Beatty serving as executive creative directors, and Lucasfilm's Pablo Hidalgo and designer Doug Chiang of Industrial Light & Magic involved as consultants.

The team decided to create a new planet of Baatu instead of using an existing planet from the Star Wars films such as Tatooine or Hoth in order to give guests a new experience.

"We wanted to build new Star Wars stories, new Star Wars destinations, but this time you could be in that story that required us to go to a new place," said Trowbridge to the Orlando Sentinel. “This used to be a vibrant trading port back in the old sub-lightspeed days, but now with advent of hyperspace, its prominence has kind of fallen and faded a little bit which has made it a great spot for those who didn't want to be on that kind of mainstream path. The smugglers, the bounty hunters, the rogue adventurers looking to crew up, the people who don't want to be found — basically all the interesting people.”

“The outpost looks lived-in and the intentional imperfections make the area feel like it's been around for hundreds of years,” said the Hollywood Reporter. “There will be three entrances into Galaxy's Edge, which is located north of Frontierland, where Big Thunder Ranch used to be, that also required the reconfiguration of the Disneyland Railroad and Rivers of America. Scents and music will be piped into the land, including original customized themes created by Star Wars composer John Williams.”

Bryant Stephens expects to work on the Star Wars project through April then it’s back to the Peninsula to work on local projects until Disney needs her again.

About Nicole Anne Bryant Stephens
Bryant Stephens has been a professional set designer and artist since high school. She received her BFA in Scenic Design from The Theater School formerly the Goodman School of Drama, DePaul University, Chicago, Ilinois. She has designed and worked on hundreds of productions including sets for the outdoor Forest Theater in Carmel, a variety of television specials, live musical events, theme parks and casinos.

After college, Nicole moved to Las Vegas and began work for PRG (Production Resource Group) where she expanded her skills working in casinos designing stages for a variety of shows. She was lead scenic artist for Penn and Teller’s "Sin City Spectacular" for their three-year run. After her tenure at PRG, Nicole struck out on her own, quickly building a stellar international reputation. During this time she also partnered with her family to launch Bottega Designs, where she applied her talents as a production designer and scenic artist to her father and brother’s architectural work.

Nicole has a talent and passion for teaching others new skills and techniques, directing live performances, and managing local crews as a field art director on various large casino and theme park projects.

Bottega Designs
https://nicoleannebryant.com

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

Wednesday, 5 June 2019

Carmel’s Yeast of Eden Brewpub Introduces New Oyster Hour and Hosts Two Acclaimed East Coast Brewmasters and Their Beers at Special Event on June 3

Carmel’s most exciting new restaurant and bar, Yeast of Eden, will launch a new Oyster Hour as well as host two acclaimed East Coast brewmasters for a major beer event at the Carmel Plaza brewpub on June 3.

Carmel, CA, June 05, 2019 — Carmel’s most exciting new restaurant and bar, Yeast of Eden, will launch a new Oyster Hour as well as host two acclaimed East Coast brewmasters for a major beer event at the Carmel Plaza brewpub on June 3.


The event will feature three draft beers from each brewery, Burial Beer out of Asheville, North California and Other Half Brewing out of Brooklyn, New York, plus an Oyster Hour with fresh oysters for $1 each, as well as food and drink specials all night.

The Oyster Hour event with the two brewmasters will be from 5-6 p.m. Monday, June 3, with happy hour from 3-5 p.m., where Yeast of Eden and Alvarado Street Brewery beers will be $4 and there will some great food specials. The new Oyster Hour will be held from 5-6 p.m. every week, Monday through Thursday.

“Both brewmasters and owners of Burial and Other Half, Douglas Reiser and Sam Richardson, will be in attendance,” said Yeast of Eden co-owner J.C. Hill. “We've never had the privilege of serving beers from these two breweries on the central coast, so this will be a real treat to our locals who are into craft beer.”

Hill said that the two brewmasters are attended the Firestone Walker Invitational beer festival in Paso Robles this weekend. It's one of the most prestigious beer festivals in the country, drawing thousands of people and a highly selective list of brewers from all over the U.S. and worldwide. Alvarado Street Brewery will be participating in this festival along with their peers.

Yeast of Eden is located on the lower level of Carmel Plaza, Suite 112, at Mission Street and Seventh Avenue in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

About Yeast of Eden
Yeast of Eden started as a lighthearted pun turned passion project for co-owner J.C. Hill and now Head Brewer Andrew Rose in 2014. Born out of an obsession with oak in the early days of Alvarado Street Brewery, Hill and Rose were allured by the seemingly limitless potential of mixed fermentation beer (a catch-all term of a genre of beers that have been fermented with various microflora that includes wild yeast and lactic acid bacteria) and it’s interaction with oak wine barrels in the aging process. So much so that Yeast of Eden became it’s own brand once Alvarado Street expanded their brewery operation in 2016 with the opening of a larger production facility in Salinas.

Fast forward to December 2018, and Yeast of Eden opened its first brick-and-mortar location with a restaurant and bar in the south wing of the Carmel Plaza in downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea. The brewpub features 120 seats inside and 40 seats in an outdoor courtyard patio, all in a hip, contemporary design aesthetic. The menu features global, street-food inspired cuisine to pair with the crisp, effervescent open-fermented beers made on-site.

Yeast of Eden
Carmel Plaza, Suite 112
Mission Street & Seventh Avenue
Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923
Opens 11:30 a.m.
Phone: (831) 293-8621

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

Monday, 3 June 2019

Goodwill Central Coast Launches Donation Drives Across Three Counties on the Central Coast

Residents of the Central Coast can make a difference in their communities, empower people to work and preserve the landscape by diverting millions of pounds from landfills by donating to Goodwill Central Coast today.

Salinas, CA, June 03, 2019 — Residents of the Central Coast can make a difference in their communities, empower people to work and preserve the landscape by diverting millions of pounds from landfills by donating to Goodwill Central Coast today.

Goodwill Central Coast is encouraging residents in Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo counties to donate to their local Goodwill store or donation station. From home pick-ups to tax write- offs, Goodwill makes giving to Goodwill as easy as possible.

It’s easy to declutter when you know Goodwill will be there to accept your donations and repurpose those items that don’t “spark joy” in you, but may do so for someone else.

Retail sales from donated items allows Goodwill to continue empowering thousands of people through employment every year. Goodwill gratefully accepts everything from clothing and accessories to small household appliances and furniture, electronics, books, fine china, art and other collectibles in good or new condition.

For more information, contact Goodwill at 1-800-894-8440 or donorservicessc@ccgoodwill.org, ccgoodwill.com or facebook.com/goodwillcentralcoast.

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. Goodwill provides a positive learning environment that creates brighter futures through connecting people to meaningful work.

Goodwill Central Coast
1566 Moffet Street
Salinas, CA 93905
(831) 423-8611
https://www.ccgoodwill.org

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

2019 Monterey County Fair Entertainment Goes Country with a Little Classic Rock Too, Aug. 29-Sept. 2

The 2019 Monterey County Fair will be going country this year, with a little classic rock thrown in for its free music entertainment on the Garden Stage during the run of the fair, Aug. 29-Sept. 2, 2019.

Monterey, CA, June 03, 2019 — The 2019 Monterey County Fair will be going country this year, with a little classic rock thrown in for its free music entertainment on the Garden Stage during the run of the fair, Aug. 29-Sept. 2, 2019.

Country star Mitchell TenPenny, whose 2018 hit “Drunk Me” hit #6 on the U.S. country charts, tops the list of country artists to headline, which includes Carrie Underwood Tribute and Garth Guy, a tribute to Garth Brooks. Journey Revisited, a tribute to the great Bay Area band, will also perform during the fair.

Nashville resident Tenpenny released his debut album, “Black Crow,” in 2015, and his second album and full-length major label debut album “Telling All My Secrets” in 2018.

All live music is free with fair admission. A full schedule of entertainment will be released this summer.

The Monterey County Fair will run from Thursday, Aug. 29-Monday, Sept. 2, 2019, at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center, 2004 Fairground Road, in Monterey. The theme of the 2019 fair is “High Tides and Carnival Rides.”

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 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.montereycountyfair.com