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/

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

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/

Carmel Artist Donating Nearly 100 Dog Paintings to Fundraise for Animal Welfare Nonprofit Max’s Helping Paws Foundation

After seven years and more than 100 dog paintings, Folster is happily accepting the moniker “Carmel dog artist,” even though her walks on the beach have been reduced because of arthritis and a knee replacement.

Carmel, CA, July 27, 2020 — Carmel artist Bonnie Folster never considered herself a “dog artist” per se, but seven years ago she started painting images of the dogs she met on her daily walks on Carmel Beach with her beloved Scottish deer hound Buck.

So she was, in fact becoming one.

After seven years and more than 100 dog paintings, Folster is happily accepting the moniker “Carmel dog artist,” even though her walks on the beach have been reduced because of arthritis and a knee replacement. And, she not only has a new Scottish deer hound, Jack (sadly, Buck passed away two years ago), but she’s moved out of the area. This has prompted her to put nearly all works into the public eye, hopefully to be "claimed by" and given to as many of the families of the dogs she painted as possible.

“I’m very happy they’re finally getting out to people,” says Folster. “It’s very gratifying to have the paintings find a home with the people who love their dogs. And I had fun doing them.”

Max’s has an online gallery page (https://www.maxshelpingpaws.org/carmel-dogs) with images of nearly 100 paintings/drawings (some are acrylic on canvas, others are colored pencil on archival paper). Several of the pieces are on display for a limited time at The Barnyard upstairs in the windows of Building G near the Fire Pit. Similar commissioned paintings by Folster, of varying sizes would normally “fetch” between $100 for the small paintings and pencil sketches, and more than $350 for the larger 8x12 paintings. Recipients can both claim and donate through the webpage. (www.maxshelpingpaws.org/carmel-dogs)

No payment is being requested, however Folster asks that recipients of her artwork consider making a donation in whatever amount they feel is appropriate to Max’s Helping Paws Foundation.

“I didn’t do it to sell, I did it for fun,” she says. “And it just kind of kept going. No one asked me to paint their dog, but lots of people might be surprised and, I hope, pleased, that I did. I hope they will make a generous donation to Max’s for all they are doing in this community.”

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

The foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports all Monterey County veterinary practices to provide financial assistance to clients with pets in need of both critical short-term or longer-term care for chronic illness. Since it first started providing financial assistance in mid-2017, MHPF has approved $250,000 in financial assistance, and has helped hundreds of pet families give their pets a second chance. MHFP is based in Monterey County and serves only Monterey County.

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

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

Max’s Helping Paws Foundation Releases Complimentary ‘Ultimate Dog & Cat Resource Guide for Monterey County’

Since 2016, Max’s Helping Paws Foundation has helped Monterey County dogs and cats stay healthy, happy and home.

Carmel, CA, July 23, 2020 - Since 2016, Max’s Helping Paws Foundation has helped Monterey County dogs and cats stay healthy, happy and home. Now the nonprofit has found a way to help navigate all the wonderful pet-friendly places and services in our beautiful backyard. Whether you live here, plan to live here, or you’re just visiting with your pet, the “Ultimate Dog & Cat Resource Guide for Monterey County” is the only resource guide a pet-lover will ever need. The handy guide features pet-friendly spaces and places, such as daycare options, parks, veterinarians, trainers, groomers, restaurants and more. The guide will be updated quarterly to ensure the most accurate information, and is currently only available online.

And the best part? It’s free.

“We’ve scoured all available channels looking for all the businesses located within Monterey County that serve or support dogs and cats, and put it all together in a single place,” said Dyana Klein, who started Max’s four years ago, following the death of her Miniature Pinscher Max. “We would love for this to become the local go-to resource for pet-people. If readers don’t see a service they'd expect to see, or see one that isn’t current, please let us know."

To download a digital copy of the “Ultimate Dog & Cat Resource Guide for Monterey County” please go to this link. (https://www.maxshelpingpaws.org/ultimate-dog-cat-resource-guide-monterey)

Believing financial circumstances should never decide a companion pet’s fate, Max’s relies on the generosity of the community to fund its mission. General donations are accepted through the nonprofit’s website www.maxshelpingpaws.org.

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