On March 25, Goodwill Central Coast will team up with The ALS Association Golden West Chapter to raise Money, Awareness

On Wednesday, March 25, every Goodwill Central Coast store location will donate and match (up to $1,000 total) all round-up dollar proceeds.

Agoura Hills, CA, March 10, 2020 - Although the past few years have seen exciting research advancements, there is still no cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), more commonly known as Lou Gerhig’s Disease, a progressive neurodegenerative illness that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.

To help further this important cause, Goodwill Central Coast will team up with The ALS Association Golden West Chapter to raise both funds and awareness.

On Wednesday, March 25, every Goodwill Central Coast store location will donate and match (up to $1,000 total) all round-up dollar proceeds. Money raised will benefit the Golden West Chapter's Walk to Defeat ALS, with upcoming local events on Saturday, April 4 in San Luis Obispo and Saturday, October 3 in Monterey. These annual community outreach events are critical awareness and fundraising components that fuel the Chapter’s efforts in research, care services, and public policy initiatives to benefit the ALS community of the Central Coast.

On Wednesday, March 25, The ALS Association Golden West Chapter will have representatives at the Capitola, Salinas and San Luis Obispo Higuera locations from 5-7 p.m. For more information about ALS or how you can get involved, visit www.alsagoldenwest.org, or email info@alsagoldenwest.org. You can also sign up or donate to the Walk to Defeat ALS at walks.alsagoldenwest.org.

About Goodwill Central Coast
Goodwill Central Coast, a private 501(c)3 nonprofit 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 more than 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 9,000 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.

About The ALS Association Golden West Chapter
The mission of The ALS Association is to discover treatments and cures for ALS, and to serve, advocate for, and empower people affected by ALS to live their lives to the fullest. Our vision is to create a world without ALS. The Golden West Chapter serves people with ALS and their families in 31 counties throughout California and in the state of Hawaii. Everything we do advances the search for effective treatments and cures for ALS. For more information about ALS and The ALS Association Golden West Chapter, please visit our website at www.alsagoldenwest.org or email us at info@alsagoldenwest.org. You can also find us across social media channels at @alsagoldenwest.

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

VNA Accredited for its Home Care, Hospice Services and Certified for Palliative Care by National Standards-Setting Organization

VNA has received The Gold Seal of Approval® accreditation for home care and hospice services

Monterey, CA, March 09, 2020 — VNA has received The Gold Seal of Approval® accreditation for home care and hospice services as well as certification for palliative care by the independent, nonprofit Joint Commission by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards..

CCVNA President and CEO Dwight Wilson made the announcement after receiving the Gold Seal of Approval accreditation and certification letters from Joint Commission Chief Operating Officer Mark G. Pelletier.

The Joint Commission, the oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care, accredits and certifies more than 22,000 organizations and programs in the United States.

“The Joint Commission accreditation and certification means our organization complies with the highest national standards for safety and quality of care and is committed to continually improving patient care,” said Wilson. “The success of the VNA programs are a result of the outstanding care everyone within the agency makes happen every day.”

For more information, please visit https://ccvna.com/ or The Joint Commission website.

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

VNA Names Salinas Resident Mary Ann Franscioni to New Position of Associate Director of Wellness Services

The Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) & Hospice has announced the appointment of Mary Ann Franscioni as Associate Director of Wellness Services.

Monterey, CA, March 05, 2020 — The Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) & Hospice has announced the appointment of Mary Ann Franscioni as Associate Director of Wellness Services.

Franscioni has worked for VNA as a part-time Workplace Wellness Specialist since 2017. She was recruited for the new position by Andrea Zoodsma, Director of VNA Community Services. Franscioni describes her job in terms of community awareness: “I will be getting the word out about VNA programs and why they matter. Her intent is “to expand the program with existing clients and bring wellness to new corporate clients.”

Franscioni said she’s excited about the challenges ahead, and the opportunity to focus on outreach to the community with existing programs and introduction of new programs such as Kitchen Talks, in which she visits organizations to teach healthy cooking and nutrition. CPR certification classes are also a new addition to the list of wellness services VNA brings to the community. Supporting the work of The Blue Zone Project is an exciting prospect for the coming year.

“I’m motivated differently now,” she said, reflecting on her 25-year career as a teacher in the Washington Union School District. She said her interest in health and nutrition began with elementary school students and now has “grown and evolved” to include adults, especially the agricultural workforce, and their families. “It’s a different challenge now.”

Franscioni holds a BA from The Catholic University of America, an MA in Curriculum Development from Chapman University and, most recently, an MS in Nutrition from Maryland University of Integrative Health. Originally from New York City, she has been a Monterey County resident since she moved to California in 1987.

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
PO Box 2480
Monterey, CA 93942-2480
Phone:831-372-6668
Fax: 831-648-7726
Email: vnainfo@ccvna.com
https://ccvna.com/

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

Gil Basketball Academy Celebrates the Women of Basketball Meet Gabby Godinez

Gabriela “Gabby” Godinez, 18, has been playing basketball since she was 10 years old, and would do so after graduating high school this summer if they were more opportunities afforded her.

Salinas, CA, March 04, 2020 - A senior at Alisal High School, she has been playing organized basketball since the eighth grade and currently plays both basketball and tennis at Alisal, as well as after-school basketball at the Gil Basketball Academy run by Jose Gil, who is also Alisal’s athletic director.

Gabby hopes to attend Sacramento State in the fall, but doesn’t expect to play basketball for the college. At 5-foot-71/2 inches, Gabby plays either strong forward or center and has a strong defensive game.

She says playing basketball has taught her discipline, teamwork, communication, leadership, and, now that she’s older, becoming a role model and helping the younger girls.

“I like helping out with kids, help them become better,” she says. “I even asked my coach how I could become an assistant coach.”

She says she cried when Alisal’s regular season ended because she knew that would most likely be one of the last times she would play with her teammates.

“I really liked interacting with my teammates, it’s like a family. We’ve been together for three years.”

In the future, while she may not play as much basketball as she has during her school years, she hopes she may still be involved in the sport as a coach, to teach and encourage younger girl players.

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

Gil Basketball Academy Celebrates the Women of Basketball Meet Mikaela Arista

In addition to her school work, basketball is everything for 17-year-old Mikaela Arista.

Salinas, CA, March 03, 2020 - It’s everything to me, it’s my passion in my life,” says the Alisal High School junior. “It’s been a huge support system for me and has helped me in all aspects of my life.”

Mikael started playing basketball when she was only 5 years old, encouraged by her basketball-loving parents. She’s been playing with the Gil Basketball Academy since the second grade and made the Alisal varsity team as a freshman.

She says GBA taught her all the fundamentals of the game, but also helped her develop her basketball IQ — the game play, strategy and other aspects beyond passing and dribbling.

Playing basketball also helped her develop life skills, confidence, communication, the importance of discipline and teamwork.

“It really helped me succeed in school and do well socially,” says Mikaela, who won the Alisal team MVP award as both a freshman and sophomore.

She hopes to continue playing basketball after high school and hopes her high level of play her senior year will draw the attention of some college coaches.

“That’s the goal right now, to expose myself to schools and open up opportunities after high school,” she says, adding, to keep honing her skills, “I try to get on court as much as I can.”

At 5-foot-8-inches tall, she plays small forward on her teams and considers herself an offensive force as well as a good defender. She also plays tennis and swims competitively at Alisal.

“I consider myself a versatile player, I do a little bit of everything,” she says. She likes the excitement of being on the basketball court, working as a team and the intensity of the game.

In college she hopes to study biology and other sciences with the goal of becoming a physician’s assistant and perhaps one day, after her playing days are over, to come back to the community as a coach.

“I’ve spent so many years playing basketball, I don’t know where I’d be without it.”

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

Everyone’s Harvest to Kick Off National Nutrition Month on March 8, 2020 with Healthy Cooking Demonstration By Green Chef Sherrie Ransom

Everyone’s Harvest will kick off National Nutrition Month on March 8, 2020, with a healthy cooking demonstration by plant-based chef Sherrie Ransom of Green Being Cuisine at the Marina Certified Farmers’ Market.

Marina, CA, March 02, 2020 — Everyone’s Harvest will kick off National Nutrition Month on March 8, 2020, with a healthy cooking demonstration by plant-based chef Sherrie Ransom of Green Being Cuisine at the Marina Certified Farmers’ Market.

Ransom will prepare Garlic Turmeric Indian Curry from 12 to 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, 2020, at the market, 215 Reservation Road, in Marina.

National Nutrition Month is a nutrition education and information campaign sponsored annually by the American Dietetic Association (ADA). The March campaign, now in its fifth year, is designed to focus attention on making informed food choices and developing sound eating and exercise habits.

Food has always been an important element of hospitality in Ransom’s family, a delicious welcome for friends and strangers. She continues this tradition by providing personal chef services, culinary classes, events and nutrition education to locals and visitors to Monterey County. As a plant-based chef, she is better able to prepare delicious meals using nutritious ingredients.

Ransom earned her degree in biology and went on to complete certification as a gourmet raw food, vegan chef, culinary instructor and nutrition educator. As a lead Instructor for the prestigious Living Light Culinary Institute, she found her passion and honed her skills. Returning to the central coast, she was eager to share the local bounty and founded Green Being Cuisine. Her dishes and classes highlight fresh, whole foods with a playful appreciation of flavor and texture.

This is Ransom’s fourth year working with Everyone’s Harvest.

“Everyone deserves healthy, delicious food,” she said. “I’m proud to be a part of programs that bring our community and harvest together. I’m grateful to live on the central coast. Every week our local farmers offer a wide variety of fresh, organic produce. I strive to feature these beautiful ingredients in all their glory as well as share how simple and delicious healthy foods can be.”

Here’s the recipe Ransom will be demonstrating on March 8:

Garlic Turmeric Indian Curry

“This dish is inspired by my 2019 culinary adventures in India. Many of the spices included are found in Ayurvedic dishes for cleansing and warming. Curries vary greatly around the world, region to region and family to family. Each chef adds their personal touch. This version warms my heart and my belly.”

Ingredients

1 cup rolled oats
1 tbs. amaranth flour
2 cups hot water
2 tsp. dry mango powder

2-4 green chilis, remove seeds, small chop

5 cloves garlic, small chop or mince

1 tbs. minced ginger

2 tbs. minced turmeric root

2 tbs. Oil: mustard or peanut (optional)

1/2 cup shallot, fine chop

2 tsp. coriander seed, ground

1 tsp. mustard seed, ground

1/4 tsp. black peppercorns, ground

1 pinch red chili flakes, ground

1/2 tsp. salt

To taste: chili powder

1 cup tomato puree (no seeds)

2 cups vegetable broth

1 avocado (optional)

Seasonal vegetables of choice: potato, eggplant, radish, green beans, celery root, squash, carrots, butternut squash, cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli.

Instructions:

1. To make oat milk, soak oats 4-plus hours. Drain and blend with 2 cups hot water. Strain through fine mesh strainer or nut milk bag.

2. Stir mango powder and amaranth into hot oat milk and set aside.

3. Using a mortar and pestle, make paste with chilis, garlic, ginger and turmeric

4. Heat oil (if using) in pan. Add shallots and cook until tender.

5. Add chili flakes, coriander, mustard, pepper. Stir and heat 1 minute. Add tomato puree and stir.

6. Add broth and salt. Heat on med heat until liquid just starts to boil.

7. Turn heat to low and slowly add oat milk mixture while stirring.

8. Add vegetables of choice, cover and simmer until vegetables are tender.

9. Add salt and chili powder to taste.

10. Add fresh cilantro and avocado when serving.

Notes:

>If you do not have mango powder, try fresh mango, sweet potato or pumpkin to add a little sweetness.

>If cooking all the vegetables at once, vary the cuts so they all finish cooking at about the same time or add the vegetables with a longer cook time first.

About Everyone’s Harvest
Everyone’s Harvest was founded in 2002 by Iris Peppard building on her capstone project as a student at California State University Monterey Bay. Since then, the small nonprofit has grown into a robust, values-driven 501(c)3 organization. It operates five certified farmers’ markets and is a catalyst for health-related programs across Monterey County.

The mission is to provide access to healthy, affordable fruits and vegetables through certified farmers’ markets and community food programs. The vision is for every community to have a fair and sustainable food system.

In 2008, Pacific Grove chose Everyone’s Harvest as the organization to run their community farmers’ market. This opportunity was a turning point for Everyone’s Harvest, leading to increased collaborations and partnerships.

More than 2,000 families are served weekly by Everyone’s Harvest markets in Salinas, Marina, and Pacific Grove – with more than 25 small and mid-scale farmers serving them. Everyone’s Harvest takes pride in the growing community of people who value organic food and rely on Everyone’s Harvest for access to local fresh fruits and vegetables.

The farmers’ market locations serve diverse communities and low-income people. Local hospitals host Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets at Natividad Medical Center and Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System. Everyone’s Harvest pioneered access to several public nutrition benefits at its farmers’ markets for everyone to access fresh, local, and organic foods.

In 2012, Everyone’s Harvest was presented with Edible Monterey Bay magazine’s nonprofit “Local Hero” award and in 2013 the Monterey County Weekly newspaper named Iris as one of the “25 for the Next 25” movers and shakers in Monterey County. Iris is always quick to point out, “My success is not just my own. It’s because of everyone involved. It’s about a movement. It’s about food justice.”

Today at Everyone’s Harvest:

• Over 50 percent of Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets farmers are certified organic and come from within a 100-mile radius of Monterey County.
• All five of our Certified Farmers’ Markets serve low-income communities and accept Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT), the modern day food stamp.
• Two of our Certified Farmers’ Markets are partnerships with medical institutions – Natividad Medical Center and Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System – who both partner in the Fresh Rx program.
• The organization offers free space to other nonprofits, community groups, and government entities at its markets for public outreach.

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

Central Coast VNA and Legal Services for Seniors Will Host Free Advance Care Planning Session on March 13, 2020, in Gonzales

Legal Services for Seniors and Central Coast VNA is hosting a free advance care planning “Go Wish” session March 13, 2020, in Gonzales.

Monterey, CA, March 02, 2020 — Legal Services for Seniors and Central Coast VNA is hosting a free advance care planning “Go Wish” session March 13, 2020, in Gonzales.

This interactive workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, March 13, 2020, at Taylor Farms Family Health & Wellness Center 850 5th Street, in Gonzales.

This workshop will help community members start the dialogue about their options for care through end of life "Go Wish," a card game that has made it easier and often fun to start the conversation about end-of-life wishes. Come see the Mobile Unit and its valuable resources, such as informational documents for advance care planning, end-of-life planning and health care.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Birruete at (831) 241-3834, go to www.ccvna.com; or email workshops@senior.legal.

CCVNA and Legal Services for Seniors are members of Juntos con Esperanza/Together With Hope, an initiative of the Hospice Giving Foundation. This partnership was formed to promote acceptance, understanding, and care through end-of-life for people in South County. The partnership has begun talking with people in the community to understand their hopes, as well as what makes it hard for people, especially in the Latino culture, to talk about and plan for end of life. With better understanding, the goals are to expand services, with respect for culture, faith and family, so families get the best care possible, when they need it, in the way they need it. The partnership will host activities so people can talk openly, meet local professionals, and begin to trust and learn about available resources and services.

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://www.ccvna.com/