Central Coast YMCA Providing Childcare for Children of Essential Workers to Address Pressing Needs

When California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a statewide shelter-in-place order, Central Coast YMCA immediately pivoted to emergency programming aimed at supporting its communities, including providing childcare for children of essential workers.

Salinas, CA, April 06, 2020 - When California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a statewide shelter-in-place order, Central Coast YMCA immediately pivoted to emergency programming aimed at supporting its communities, including providing childcare for children of essential workers.

With area schools closed, workers with children need reliable, affordable childcare. YMCA is devoting its facilities and resources to providing childcare, particularly to first responders, health-care staff and agricultural workers, but also to grocery store employees, delivery drivers and anyone else required to work during the pandemic.

At all CCYMCA locations, childcare from qualified staff costs just $35 per day (per child), weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. An extended-hours pop-up camp — designed for the children of healthcare workers — takes place from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., at a rate of $50 per day (per child). YMCA childcare staff has received training on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19, as per CDC guidelines, kids in emergency childcare are being kept in groups no larger than 10, instructed on correct prevention techniques such as handwashing and sanitation and practice social distancing.

Youth in the Essential Childcare Camps participate in curriculum-based programs; including enrichment activities such as arts & crafts, STEM projects and daily fitness exercises. Homework time is an important part of these planned activities, allowing students to work on distance learning and school assignments. In addition, the Y is providing weekly education packets, ensuring all youth keep their academic skills current and do not fall behind in school. Children also participate daily in our Youth Fit 4 Life, the YMCA’s youth fitness program.

During these unprecedented times, the Central Coast YMCA is committed to serving our communities and those with the most pressing needs.

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

Journey Tribute Band One of Headline Acts to Perform at 2020 Monterey County Fair, Sept. 3-7

Journey Revisited, a band celebrating the music of San Francisco’s iconic Journey, will be one of the headliners at the 84th annual Monterey County Fair.

Monterey, CA, April 05, 2020 — Journey Revisited, a band celebrating the music of San Francisco’s iconic Journey, will be one of the headliners at the 84th annual Monterey County Fair, which will be held Sept. 3-7, 2020, at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center.

Journey Revisited will 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, 2020, on the Payton Stage at the Fair. All live music is free with fair admission. A full schedule of entertainment will be released early this summer.

Journey Revisited is a professional group of musicians who are inspired by the music of Journey and bring "national act" experience to every stage. The band will play all the top hits, with no rare B-sides or fillers. Each song is recreated note for note and performed in the original keys without pre-recorded backing tracks. What Journey fans remember hearing on the radio or albums is what they will get from Journey Revisited.

Fans should expect to hear chart-topping hits such as Lights, Don't Stop Believing, Lovin' Touchin' Squeezin', Anyway You Want It, Feeling That Way, Who's Crying Now, Only the Young, and Oh Sherrie.

The band has booked 30-plus shows a year consistently since 2011 throughout the west coast, playing fairs, casinos, festivals, corporate events, and private parties. Journey Revisited is a concert experience, not your typical bar cover band.

The Monterey County Fair will run from Thursday, Sept. 3-Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center, 2004 Fairground Road, in Monterey. The theme of the 2019 fair is “Fiesta.”

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

Kata Cabrera’s Determination Helps her Overcome Obstacles

No matter the obstacle, Katarina Cabrera is hard-wired to persevere — always refusing to give up.

Salinas, CA, April 05, 2020 - The Alisal High School senior can certainly thank her parents for that trait, but the game of basketball also helped her develop her signature spunk and stamina.

“I have been playing basketball my whole life, and fell in love with it,” said Katarina, whose friends call her Kata for short.

When Gil Basketball Academy began 11 years ago, Kata couldn’t wait to sign up.

“It was so exciting because it was a big group of kids, and we did drills, we scrimmaged, it was great,” she said. A coach told her about GBA’s select travel teams and she joined — “no questions asked.”

“My dad took me to the next practice, and to my surprise it was all boys, no girls in sight,” she said. “At first I was a little overwhelmed and nervous, but once we got into practice all the nerves sorta just went away.”

Kata competed against boys for two years, “and today those boys on my team are some of my closest friends,” she said. “I was like one of the guys with them. I feel like it pushed me to feel more comfortable on the court, and just play the way I knew how.”

The 5-foot, 3-inch shooting guard played all four years at Alisal. Her senior season the girls team won the league championship and advanced to the Central Coast Section playoffs. She was awarded the most improved player on the team.

Born and raised in Salinas, Kata grew up in a family of six. All three of her siblings were girls.

A scholar athlete, the top student plans to choose among the UC San Diego, University of California, Davis, or University of California, Santa Barbara. Her goal is to obtain a degree in biology, and ultimately become a pediatrician.

“Education is a big thing for me,” she said. “I have big future plans for myself, which is why I push myself to work hard in school.”

Through GBA, Kata was able to travel (she played basketball and experienced different cultures in Mexico, Italy, Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica). She also toured college campuses through GBA’s visitation program.

“Not only did GBA help to develop me as a player and create a deeper love for basketball, but they helped to create the work ethic for school I have today, and I thank them for that.”

Kata has also volunteered to coach young GBA players.

“It feels so good because you are someone they look up to and you get to see them develop as a player first hand,” she said. “It’s amazing.”

Coaching also gives her an opportunity to help kids find in themselves the work ethic and ability to overcome obstacles that Kata found in herself.

The future pediatrician simply never took “no” for an answer.

Kata vividly remembers a doctor’s appointment she had as a child. Her pediatrician walked into the exam room to give her a clean bill of health. Looking at Kata’s height on a chart, the doctor told the young girl that basketball certainly wasn’t in her future.

“That broke my heart for some reason,” she said. “After we left I cried. I have had many encounters where someone told me I was too short. But really that was just talk because I showed height didn’t really matter. I learned to block out the negativity and just play my game, the one I enjoy doing and pushed to better myself.”

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

Artichoke Festival’s wild and wacky 5K Beach Run postponed until Sept. 12 along Del Monte Beach

Scheduled for May 2, the Artichoke Festival’s 5K Beach Run promised hundreds of wacky enthusiasts the chance to run along the beach dressed as their favorite vegetable.

Monterey, CA, April 04, 2020 — Scheduled for May 2, the Artichoke Festival’s 5K Beach Run promised hundreds of wacky enthusiasts the chance to run along the beach dressed as their favorite vegetable.

The current COVID-19 Shelter-in-Place requirements make that event impossible — but don’t put away those artichoke and broccoli costumes just yet. The festival has postponed the fun run, rescheduling it for Saturday, Sept. 12.

Those who registered for the May 2 event will be able to participate on Sept. 12 with no changes to fees. Those who can’t make the new date should contact the festival via email at ArtichokeFest5k@gmail.com. The festival is still taking registration through www.active.com.

The 5K Beach Run takes place along the sandy, windswept Del Monte Beach, beginning at the Monterey Tides Hotel. It was originally planned as a prelude to the two-day Artichoke Festival, but that event has now been moved to Aug. 8-9 at the Monterey County Fairgrounds & Event Center in Monterey.

For more information, visit www.artichokefestival.org.

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

VNA & Hospice celebrates National Volunteer Week with thanks to selfless folks who help others in need

Volunteers do not earn a paycheck, but their rewards cannot be measured.

Salinas, CA, April 04, 2020 - Volunteers do not earn a paycheck, but their rewards cannot be measured. At VNA, volunteers make it possible to help the nonprofit achieve its ultimate goal — to provide care in an ethical, effective, compassionate and fiscally responsible manner.

With National Volunteer Week (April 19-25) approaching, VNA honors its compassionate crew of hardworking folks who give their time and boundless energy to the cause.

VNA volunteers spend every minute building the foundation of someone else’s life, which offers them deep rewards.

Hospice volunteer Jake Ragsdale believes helping people directly is the most fulfilling thing he can do, and he is deeply committed to serving others.

“Often, the patients we visit are lonely and don't have family in the area, or any immediate family at all,” said Ragsdale. “Spending time with them makes them feel valued and brings them joy and purpose. Spending an hour or two with a hospice patient once per week can make their day, if not their entire week.”

Ragsdale’s payback? “It's always rewarding to show up to visit a patient and be greeted with a big smile and excitement,” he said.

Ragsdale was drawn to hospice by his mother Gail, a nurse for 44 years.

“No one should have to be alone or feel lonely during the final stage of their life,” he said. “I love hearing about the past experiences of the patients I visit, especially the veterans. Through providing emotional support, compassion, and friendship we are able to improve the quality of life for others. This is a special gift and it is deeply fulfilling.”

Fellow VNA volunteer Susan Eastman will turn 70 next month, yet the former nurse and U.S. Navy veteran never thought of retirement as an opportunity to slow down.

“Volunteering fulfills my need to be needed,” she said. “After I retired, I had spare time and wanted to fill that void. I feel my clients appreciate the effort hospice extends to them. I am glad to be a part of that.”

The most rewarding part of Eastman’s VNA experience as a patient volunteer is having made a new friend in one of the patients she visits.

“Both she and her daughter have been extremely kind and inclusive, to the point I feel like a part of their family,” Eastman said. “I never would have met them had it not been for my VNA Hospice experience.”

Another patient, a woman in a nursing home, usually doesn't remember Eastman week to week. “But I bring her a coffee from Burger King, and then she is glad to see me,” she said.

Volunteer opportunities

From the initial phone call and in person interview, VNA works with prospective volunteers to find the right fit. VNA provides an orientation and team training, where volunteers can learn more about hospice, the interdisciplinary team, and how to work with patients.

Those seeking rewarding volunteer opportunities with VNA should reach out to Volunteer Coordinator Quinn Junghans at (831) 751-5500, or email volunteer@ccvna.com.

VNA offers prospective volunteers varied options: Visiting Volunteer (direct, nonmedical support services to palliative and hospice patients and their families); Office Volunteer (skills and abilities that can be utilized in an office setting); Veteran Volunteer (connecting veteran volunteers within the community with veterans who are currently on hospice); Pet Therapy Volunteer (providing companionship and enhancing quality of life for hospice patients through visits with certified pets); and Therapy Volunteer (services and support from licensed beauticians, massage therapists and/or music therapists).

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

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

VNA Receives Grant for $2,010 From Yellow Brick Road Benefit Shop in Carmel

VNA is proud to announce it has received a grant award in the amount of $2,010 from the Yellow Brick Road Benefit Shop of the Carmel Presbyterian Church. 

Monterey, CA, April 02, 2020 - VNA is proud to announce it has received a grant award in the amount of $2,010 from the Yellow Brick Road Benefit Shop of the Carmel Presbyterian Church.

The mission of the grantor is "To give witness to faith in Christ and evidence of goodwill and caring by donation all store proceeds, less operating expenses, to organizations that provide for the physical, emotional, educational and social needs of the community."

The grant award is for VNA Community Services’ CPR classes provided on-site by the VNA nurses using the American Heart Association class model. These funds provide the basic equipment to accomplish this task, including:

Adult and infant mannequins

AED trainers

BLS training DVD

Heartsaver Training DVD

Adult and infant lung bags

Adult and infant trainer masks

One-way valves

Adult and infant BVM trainer

Yellow Brick Road is an outreach ministry of Carmel Presbyterian Church. For more than 30 years, Yellow Brick Road has offered new hope to Monterey County's neediest citizens. The net proceeds of all sales in its three benefit shops is given through grants to carefully selected charities who provide critical services to men, women and children in Monterey County. To date, Yellow Brick Road has given more than $6.5 million.

An additional outreach is a scholarship program that assists dedicated young people in need of help to continue their education.

The main shop is located at 26388A Carmel Rancho Lane, adjacent to the

Barnyard Shopping Village in Carmel. For more information, call (831) 626-8480 or go to www.yellowbrickroadbenefitshop.org.

About VNA
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.

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

JD Solís takes Full Advantage of Every Opportunity

Wedged into the southeast corner of California, between the Mexico border and the Colorado River, the city of Calexico offers limited opportunities beyond seasonal farming and government work.

Salinas, CA, April 02, 2020 - As a fifth-grader, José David (JD) Solis didn’t understand the reasons behind his parents’ decision to pick up and move the family 525 miles north to Salinas.

Today, JD is 16 and a sophomore at Alisal High School, and fully recognizes the relocation as a turning point in his young life.

“Now I look back and realize that it was actually a blessing to move here,” he said. “The number of opportunities I receive here is higher than if we had stayed in Calexico.”

One of those opportunities came through Gil Basketball Academy. At first JD found it difficult to find friends, and to assimilate into his new environment.

“It was very different from Calexico, so just adapting to the city and everything was challenging,” he said.

Gil Basketball Academy helped JD both socially and academically.

“It opened so many doors for me,” he said. “I’ve met so many new people and created so many new friendships. I think my favorite thing in GBA is, of course, being able to play with all my friends, but it’s the bond we all built at the academy. It’s all one big family on and off the court.”

Through Gil Basketball Academy’s select travel team, JD has ventured to far-flung places — including Mexico and Italy. What’s more, GBA’s emphasis on education reveals an often-obscured path to college.

“My goal is to attend a nice college and play ball,” he said. “With a good education you can do anything as long as you put your mind to it. GBA prioritizes that. What happens in the classroom always comes first.”

When it comes to his own education, JD gives full credit to his parents. His mother works for Opportunity Fund (providing loans to low- and moderate-income immigrants, women and underserved small business owners). JD’s father is a freshman AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) teacher at Alisal High, helping prepare students for success beyond high school.

JD has a sister in fifth grade and a brother who is a senior at Alisal — and both play for GBA.

“Playing basketball has helped make me into the person I am today,” JD said. “It has taught me a lot, on and off the court.”

The 5-foot, 9-inch shooting guard was part of the 2019 junior varsity team that went 20-4, and was called up late in the season to help the varsity squad in the playoffs.

“One of the most important things I learned from the game was that failure is a way of life, and you shouldn’t hang your head or feel sorry for yourself,” he said. “Being a part of a team made me realize that you can’t do everything on your own.”

Without his immediate family and his GBA family, JD said he would be completely lost.

“I have no clue where I’d be right now,” he said. “I don’t think I would be on the streets or anything because of my amazing parents. They’re always there for me when I need them, they always believe in me and they wouldn’t let me throw away my future.”

JD said GBA taught him how to love his community and be more appreciative of the things he has in life.

“It really is one of the best things to happen to me and this city,” he said. “It helps the whole community, but especially kids who don’t have that much support at home. It keeps kids active, here playing ball and not on the streets.”

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