VNA Hospice to Participate in Second Bloom Project, Repurposing Flower arrangements for Hospice patients

Due to busy schedules and time constraints, florists often rush from one project to the next, giving new meaning to the term “left on the cutting room floor.”

Salinas, CA, April 29, 2020 - However, while bits of edited film never make it to the big screen, unused flowers don’t need to be discarded. They can be beautifully and tenderly repurposed to brighten the day of someone in hospice care.

That’s the idea behind Second Bloom Project, a local nonprofit that brings together people — nurses, patients, design volunteers and community florists — through repurposed bedside arrangements.

Central Coast VNA & Hospice has announced its participation in the uplifting program, started by former professional florist Anne Bell.

“To be able to recycle this joy and beauty at no cost to our partners in hospice is an incredible feeling,” said Bell.

Bell worked previously in the event and floral design department at Pebble Beach Co., and couldn’t help noticing all the excess flowers thrown in the green bin.

“I felt that it was wasteful to throw away those flowers that could bring so much joy,” she said.

Bell once ran her own floral design business in Danville, but closed the business when she had triplets (who are now in college). Years later she stumbled upon a Roseville nonprofit called Petal Connection, and volunteered her services a few times a week to arrange flowers for hospice patients.

Four years ago, Bell and her husband moved from Roseville to La Selva Beach to build an empty nest after raising five children. She took the job at Pebble Beach Co., and loved the work, but always remembered the joy of volunteering at Petal Connection. So she quit and convinced Pebble Beach management to participate in her new nonprofit.

“From my past experience with the Petal Connection, I realized that this scenario presented an opportunity to bring an institution like Pebble Beach together with the community to spread joy,” she said.

VNA Hospice is proud to accept these floral gifts that they eventually deliver to patients all over the Central Coast. Because hospice care addresses the patient’s physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs, Second Bloom fits perfectly within VNA’s mission.

“I’ve witnessed firsthand the great appreciation of hospice patients and their families by this unexpected gift of flowers,” said Bell. “I love having the opportunity to work with flowers and give back to my community.”

For more information about the Second Bloom Project, visit www.secondbloomproject.com. For more about VNA Hospice, visit www.ccvna.com.

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

VNA expands New Beginnings grief support groups to include virtual and telephonic access

Despite unprecedented circumstances surrounding a global pandemic, VNA remains committed to the needs of its community — including grief support through individual work or groups.

Salinas, CA, April 26, 2020 - During these trying weeks, VNA’s goal has been to maintain accessibility to every individual, which necessitated the addition of virtual and telephonic support meetings.

Facilitated by VNA hospice chaplain and grief counselor Mick Erickson, “New Beginnings” grief and loss support groups, along with individual work, are offered free as a community service.

Before the pandemic, Erickson provided emotional and spiritual support to patients and families of those at the end of life, facilitating six groups each week in Monterey, San Benito and Santa Clara counties.

“Now we are in the process of transforming how we provide those services,” Erickson said.

While following CDC and county health guidelines, VNA is still able to offer weekly face-to-face meetings. Now, through a service called Teams, Erickson can provide live, online counseling, utilizing audio and video.

It has proven to be a valuable tool for Erickson.

“I see people with an added layer of stress in their lives,” he said. “In addition to their personal life stress and their grief, there are added concerns about health and safety. This is resulting in high anxiety, fear, depression, discouragement and despair.”

Because shelter-in-place mandates have isolated so many, “the need to feel supported and loved is more important than ever before,” Erickson said. “People need to feel there is someone out there who acknowledges and values how they feel and what they are going through.”

For onsite meetings, VNA adheres to approved safety policies, with no more than eight attendees permitted, and everyone practicing social distancing guidelines. VNA asks the public to refrain from attending if:

You or a family member has a sore throat, cough and/or fever
You have had contact in the last 14 days with someone who is suspected (or confirmed) as having coronavirus.
You have had contact with someone who has travelled internationally in the last 14 days.
Those interested in virtual meetings should contact VNA with the group of their choice and provide an email address. They will receive an invitation to join the group at the appropriate time.

Weekly Meeting Schedule
Mondays, 4:30-6 p.m. — San Martin Presbyterian Church, 13200 Lincoln Ave., San Martin
Tuesdays, 12:30-2 p.m. — Mars Hill, 610 San Benito St., Hollister
Tuesdays, 3:30-5 p.m. — Microsoft Teams Virtual Meeting (via phone or video)
Wednesdays, 6:30-8 p.m. — Church of the Wayfarer, 7th and Lincoln, Carmel
Thursdays, 4:30-6 p.m. — Microsoft Teams Virtual Meeting (via phone or video)
Get connected and make a request at ccvna.com/supportgroups. Join virtually by emailing Ed Horsley at ehorsley@ccvna.com.

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

Chasing Dreams, Finding Cures barrel-race fundraiser (Nov. 7-8) in King City sets goal of $30K for St. Jude’s

Each year, the parents of more than 13,000 kids hear the heartbreaking words: “Your child has cancer.”

King City, CA, April 24, 2020 — Each year, the parents of more than 13,000 kids hear the heartbreaking words: “Your child has cancer.” That’s 43 children every day, with an average age of 6. Across all ages, ethnic groups and socio-economics, cancer remains the number one cause of death by disease in children.

St. Jude Children’s Hospital stands on the front line of this battle. The pediatric treatment and research facility — focused on children's catastrophic diseases, particularly leukemia and other cancers — costs about $2.8 million a day to run, but patients are never charged for their care.

Fundraising becomes crucial for St. Jude’s, with 75 percent of costs covered by public contributors. Over the last three years, Chasing Dreams, Finding Cures has raised $53,000 for the hospital through its annual barrel race in King City.

The fourth annual fundraiser (working through A Key for a Cure) is scheduled for Nov. 7-8 at Salinas Valley Fairgrounds in King City, and organizers invite the public to be a part of making magic happen again.

All proceeds donated will fund innovative pediatric cancer research, which is a less-toxic immunotherapy treatment that utilizes advanced medical technology to reprogram cancer cells.

The fundraiser has set a goal to bring in another $30,000 this year. Sponsorships are available at different levels, from Silver ($150) to Saddle ($1,600). Silent auction item donations are also needed.

The two-day event begins with a dinner, dance and live auction on Nov. 7, 5:30-10 p.m., at Salinas Valley Fairgrounds, 625 Division St., in King City. Music will be provided by the Steve Bernal Band, with auctioneer John Flook leading the auction. Spectators are welcome to the barrel race on Nov. 8.

For more information call 831-524-0324.

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

Second annual Concours at Pasadera launches Car Week 2020 with collector cars, motorcycles, and Hot Wheels Featured theme: “Ford vs. Ferrari”

In recognition of exhibitors who have presented outstanding vehicles in prior years, both the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and The Concours at Pasadera will encore previous award-winning automobiles, along with awarding new Class Winners, during their August 2020 events.

Monterey, California, April 21, 2020 - In recognition of exhibitors who have presented outstanding vehicles in prior years, both the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and The Concours at Pasadera will encore previous award-winning automobiles, along with awarding new Class Winners, during their August 2020 events.

Last year’s Concours at Pasadera offered a Car Week experience like no other: Champagne and delectable hors d’oeuvres, along with cars competing in class awards from Tiffany & Co., and the backdrop of a luxurious private country club and Jack Nicklaus-designed Signature golf course. As one guest said about last year’s event: “Fine cars, excellent cuisine in an atmosphere of casual elegance.” While that may sound difficult to eclipse, members of The Club at Pasadera have every intention of doing just that at the second annual event on Friday, August 7, from 2-6 p.m.

The concours will showcase a juried collection of modern, classic, competition, commercial and vintage automobiles, along with motorcycles gathered from club members and enthusiasts. Also featured will be an Alumni Arena, presenting 25 chosen exhibitors from five classes. Guests will experience a tribute to the famed “Ford vs. Ferrari” competitions held at Le Mans between 1966-69. Competition vehicles from both marques will be on display. In all, the exhibition encompasses more than 80 cars and motorcycles from North America, Europe and Asia.

The first ever Hot Wheels Concours will be part of the Pasadera event, inviting both younger and older exhibitors to present their collections for awards. Guests also will enjoy an exceptional culinary experience, with the event benefiting countywide charitable causes.

Ford vs Ferrari
While the focus will be centered on Friday’s festivities, Pasadera will host a pre-Concours party for exhibitors and sponsors on Thursday, August 6, from 5-8 pm, highlighted by a private screening of scenes from the film Ford vs. Ferrari starring Christian Bale and Matt Damon.

The film follows a determined team of American engineers and designers, led by automotive visionary, Carroll Shelby (Damon), and his British driver, Ken Miles (Bale), who build a new racing car intended to defeat the perennially dominant Ferrari racing team at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans in France.

Bring your Hot Wheels
The famous toy from Mattel has become hugely collectible, with fans unearthing pieces that could belong in an investment portfolio. For the 2020 event, the Hot Wheels Concours will present scale-model cars (1967-2020) owned by exhibitors from around the world. Famed collector Bruce Pascal will exhibit a selection of his prized models, one of which will be the famous 1969 Beach Bomb valued at $175,000.

Life-sized Hot Wheels cars also will be a part of this incredible event. The Concours at Pasadera will feature five exciting categories for entrants: Vintage Hot Wheels (manufactured between 1968-1977 with red lines on the tires); Classics (1978-1994); Modern Classics (1995-2020, including the 1995 “Treasure Hunt” launch); Customized (manufacturing dates open); and Special Exhibition (rare examples accepted by the jury). A Best of Show will be awarded, chosen by attending guests by popular vote, given to the piece that best represents the spirit of the show and its exhibitor.

Each Hot Wheels exhibitor will receive a selected Hot Wheels vehicle as a gift from the Concours committee. Those interested in exhibiting should register here.

Pasadera’s Philanthropy
Proceeds from the 2020 Concours at Pasadera will benefit The Bridge Restoration Ministry and CASA of Monterey County (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children).

The Bridge exists to provide a residential setting for those struggling with addictions, providing safety, structure, discipleship and supervision for the purpose of restoring them back to God, family, work and community. Referrals come from Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital and the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, families, local businesses and local and state correctional programs. Its current goal is to acquire a new facility, working with Pepperdine University to obtain a location in Pacific Grove.

CASA trains and supports community volunteers who advocate for abused or neglected children placed in foster care, upholding the children’s rights while pursuing a safe and permanent home.

2020 Poster from Famed Artist
World-renowned artist Simon Bull has captured the spirit of the 2020 Concours at Pasadera through his love of color — and cars. Poster prints will be available for $35 with proceeds donated to charity. The creation of this English-born artist can be viewed thru a network of fine galleries around the world including Meuse Gallery on Ocean Avenue in Carmel. Guests to Concours at Pasadera will be able to view Bull’s one-of-a-kind, colorfully painted Aston Martin on display.

Tickets and More Information
Monterey Motorsports owner Rick Barnett is leading the organization for the event and will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Tiffany & Co. created the Class and Exhibitor Awards. Event information at pasaderaconcours.com.

A 2020 Concours ticket includes:
Admission into the Concours at Pasadera
Hosted Champagne
Heavy hors d’oeuvres

Early-Bird Pricing (RSVP before July 10)
General admission adult (18+): $110, $195 per couple
General admission (under 18): $40
Children 5 and under are free

Standard Pricing (RSVP after July 10)
General admission adult (18+): $125, $225 per couple
General admission (under 18): $50
Children 5 and under are free

Club at Pasadera Member Early-Bird Pricing (RSVP before July 10)
Member general admission adult (18+): $95, $165 per couple
Member general admission (under 18): $30
Children 5 and under are free

Members of The Club at Pasadera interested in purchasing tickets should email admin@thelcubatpasadera.com. General admission tickets may be purchased at https://pasaderaconcours.com/tickets/

Exhibitors and Sponsors
The exhibition fee is $250 and includes two event tickets, a Tiffany Exhibitor award, car bio and photo shoot. To guarantee a review of entry by jury, each exhibitor must apply by July 6.

Alumni exhibitors will be charged $250 and includes two event tickets, sterling silver Tiffany 2019 Alumni pin, car bio and photo shoot. To guarantee a review of entry by jury, Alumni exhibitors must apply by May 15.

The Elite exhibitor fee is $350 and includes Alumni and Exhibitor entries, two event tickets and both Exhibitor and Alumni awards. To guarantee a review of entry by jury, Alumni exhibitors must apply by May 15.

Applications may be found at https://pasaderaconcours.com/application. For information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Rick Barnett at rick@montereymotorsports.com.

The Club at Pasadera is at 100 Pasadera Drive in Monterey, between Monterey and Salinas off Highway 68.

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

VNA & Hospice Receives Grant Award from Monterey Peninsula Foundation

VNA & Hospice is proud to announce it has received a grant award from the Monterey Peninsula Foundation for $60,000 to support general operating funds for the VNA & Hospice.

Monterey, CA, April 20, 2020 - VNA & Hospice is proud to announce it has received a grant award from the Monterey Peninsula Foundation for $60,000 to support general operating funds for the VNA & Hospice. The Monterey Peninsula Foundation is the nonprofit organization that stages the annual AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and distributes the proceeds to charity. The Foundation powers positive community change in the Monterey, California area through its world class golf charity events. VNA is honored to be one of this year’s recipients of this prestigious event.

VNA is dedicated to providing the highest quality health care to residents of the Central Coast by meeting their individual needs in a caring, effective, honorable, and accessible manner. VNA transforms the care and culture to meet the changing needs of patients, families, and caregivers. We achieve positive results every day through quality standards, empowerment, teamwork, and accountability.

Media Contact: Jane Russo, 831-372-6668

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

ARCpoint Labs of Monterey Bay Introduces Lab-Based COVID-19 Antibody Test

The test marks a step forward in COVID-19 research; reveals whether asymptomatic patients have already been infected, suggesting potential immunity

Monterey, CA, April 20, 2020 — ARCpoint Labs of Monterey Bay, one of more than 100 diagnostic testing lab franchises across the U.S., has announced a new lab-based COVID-19 antibody test that could change the way people and businesses are reacting to the pandemic, providing a path toward normalcy for Americans.

ARCpoint Labs of Monterey Bay is offering up to 90 appointments per day to members of the public starting April 20th, available via the website labtestmonterey.com.

“We won't be able to do the finger-stick version of the antibody test any longer, but we switched to a version of the test that uses a whole tube of blood from the arm, is more accurate and sophisticated, has earlier detection, and is considered by doctors and health professionals to be a big step forward in medical usefulness,” said ARCpoint of Monterey Bay co-owner and lab director Spenser Smith. “This test is a new and improved version that we are rolling out to continue our embrace of the newest testing technologies for COVID-19.”

Smith said the downside of the new tests is that it takes longer to perform, can’t be done in a drive-through setting and is more expensive, at $150 as opposed to the $68.31 cost of the finger-prick test cost. But the arm-draw test is more reliable and sophisticated and has shown to be more accurate than the finger-prick tests, which was rushed into service nationally and has shown to have a high rate of inaccuracy compared to the arm-draw tests.

In mid-March, the FDA issued a policy that allowed for manufacturers and laboratories to create, distribute and use rapid serological (antibody) tests without requiring an Emergency Use Authorization to allow more people to have access to tests amid the pandemic. ARCpoint began using point-of-care tests that gave results within 10 minutes, to great success in its franchised locations across the U.S., including the Monterey lab.

On or around April 8, however, the FDA added additional clarification to the policy, requiring tests to be performed in high-complexity labs. This new wrinkle led ARCpoint to partner with Access Medical, a high-complexity laboratory, to offer a lab-based serological test as part of its ongoing effort to expand access to the most innovative COVID-19 testing available.

The test, which detects SAR-CoV-2 antibodies — specialized immune proteins the body produces in reaction to the COVID-19 virus — may reveal whether or not an asymptomatic individual has already been infected with the virus.

For the vast majority of viruses, antibodies signal immunity, meaning asymptomatic individuals who test positive are likely resistant to or functionally immune to the novel coronavirus. As research continues and access to testing improves, public health authorities expect reliable antibody testing to be a key part of recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.

By confirming the presence of antibodies in some individuals, the test can restore confidence and provide relief for Americans whose lives have been upended by social-distancing measures. Crucially, it will also provide a tool for businesses — particularly those businesses deemed “essential,” whose employees regularly interact with potential carriers like healthcare workers and grocery store employees — to minimize risk for employees at work.

“This could be a major development in terms of understanding how widespread this disease has actually been,” said Dr. Chris Cherubino, Medical Director for ARCpoint Franchise Group. “Because we currently have no idea how many people may have recovered from and be immune to the virus, everyone is forced to take the strictest precautions; as a result, much of the country has been shut down. By providing antibody tests, we can begin to build a body of evidence and hopefully restore some measure of normalcy for people and businesses as the fight to contain the coronavirus continues.”

These high-complexity immunoassay antibody tests require a simple blood draw; samples are submitted to a lab for analysis and returned in two to five days. Beyond the result for the consumer, these lab-based tests make a greater impact in the fight against COVID-19 because blood samples and results are reviewed by scientists, who can use the data to guide future research.

In an effort to bring the test to a diverse group of people in the local communities it serves, ARCpoint labs of Monterey Bay is beginning to offer appointments for this test to members of the public via an online appointment-making website, located at labtestmonterey.com. The lab is also able to make arrangements with critical businesses, first responding agencies, and other organizations to test staff directly during onsite or exclusive testing events.

“Because this is a new virus, regulations are constantly changing, and ARCpoint is adapting to those changes to provide the best testing solutions in real time. If and when the FDA begins issuing EUAs for the rapid point-of-care serological tests, we will offer them again, but are currently focusing our efforts on the lab-based tests so as to not leave our franchisees and their communities without a solution,” said John Constantine, President and CEO of ARCpoint Franchise Group. “As a country, we don’t have access to good statistical information about how widespread the virus is. The more tests that can be conducted, the better that data will be. The better the data, the better decision-making can happen at a local and federal level. Our antibody test will provide a glimpse into the full scope of this virus. We are working with partners who are developing a quantitative test that will indicate how much of the antibody is present in a large sample of individuals, which will help guide future research of how we treat and prevent this virus.”

Dr. Cherubino adds, “It is very important to understand that this test will not tell you if you have the virus currently. This test is only to determine if you may have had the virus in the past and have recovered.”

With 100 locations across the U.S., each with the capacity to administer several dozen tests per day, ARCpoint Labs will be able to reach a wide swath of patients quickly.

“In a crisis of this magnitude, there is not going to be a single solution that suddenly brings everything back to normal. Still, it’s hard to overstate the impact this test may have in terms of allowing people to get back into the world and providing crucial insights into the nature of the virus,” Constantine said. “We are proud to be one of the first to introduce this kind of test widely in the U.S., but mostly we are just excited to play a small role in providing the first step in getting some relief in this difficult chapter.”

MEDIA CONTACT: Marci Bracco Cain, (831) 747-7455

Media note: ARCpoint Co-Owner and Labs Lab Director Spenser Smith is available for media interviews. Please contact Marci Bracco Cain at (831) 747-7455 to set up an interview.

ABOUT ARCPOINT LABS
ARCpoint Labs is a full-service national third-party provider/administrator of accurate, reliable, and confidential diagnostic testing for individuals, companies, and legal and healthcare professionals. ARCpoint Labs has been in the drug and alcohol testing business for over 18 years, and our staff has over 60 years of combined industry experience. ARCpoint Labs has over 100 locations across the country with an additional 18 locations slated to open within the next 12 months. For more information on ARCpoint Labs, visit www.arcpointlabs.com.

ARCpoint Labs of Monterey Bay
24560 Silver Cloud Court, #103 Monterey, CA 93940
Phone: (831) 324-0772
Email:
Website: www.arcpointlabs.com
COVID-19 Appointments: labtestmonterey.com

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

VNA & Hospice Receives $5,000 Grant Award from Barnet Segal Charitable Trust

VNA & Hospice has announced a $5,000 grant award from the Barnet Segal Charitable Trust to support general operating funds.

Pacific Grove, CA, April 18, 2020 — Founded in 1986, the Barnet Segal Charitable Trust is a private foundation based in Carmel. It has been providing support to VNA is dedicated to providing the highest quality health care to residents of the Central Coast by meeting their individual needs in a caring, effective, honorable and accessible manner

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

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