Monterey Symphony Announces 2019-2020 Season No. 74 of Concerts, Ovation, Youth Concerts, Plus Special Events, Luncheons and Dinners

Monterey Symphony has announced its 2019-20 Season 74, Ovation, with six concerts, youth concerts, special events, luncheons and supper clubs through May 2020.

Monterey, CA, April 01, 2019 — Monterey Symphony has announced its 2019-20 Season 74, Ovation, with six concerts, youth concerts, special events, luncheons and supper clubs through May 2020.

The Symphony opens Ovation Oct. 19-20, 2019, with Antonín Dvořák’s Romance for violin and orchestra, featuring concertmaster Christina Mok. The season continues Nov. 16-17, with pianist Kun Woo Paik returning to the Symphony to perform two piano concerti. Concert No. 3 is Feb. 15-16, 2020, featuring two massive symphonic works, both weaving elegant stories for the listener. The fourth concert of the season is set for March 14-15, 2020, and features guest conductor Oleg Caetani making his debut with the Symphony. Concert No. 5, April 18-19, 2020, features Symphony favorite, violinist Judith Ingolfsson performing Brahms’ violin concerto. The sixth and final concert will highlight works by Richard Strauss and Gustav Mahler and be conducted by Symphony Music Director Max Bragado-Darman.

The roster of special events, luncheons and dinners kicks off Oct. 16, 2019 with the Symphony’s Paella Cook-Off pitting Maestro Bragado-Darman’s legendary paella in a friendly competition with a local celebrity chef and culminates May 17, 2020, with the Finale Celebration to give the Maestro a send-off worthy of his 15 years at the helm of the Symphony. Six preview luncheons will be hosted on the Thursdays prior to each concert and five supper clubs will be held on Sundays after the matinee concerts (October-April).

Eight Youth Concerts will be presented during the 2019-2020 season. Half the concerts will be held at Sherwood Hall in Salinas and the other half at the Sunset Center in Carmel. For more information, visit www.montereysymphony.org/youth-concerts.

Concert 1: October 19-20, 2019
The Monterey Symphony opens its 74th season Ovation with Antonín Dvořák’s Romance for violin and orchestra, featuring concertmaster Christina Mok. This delightful, single-movement work was commissioned to serve as an annual musical tradition for the Provisional Theatre Orchestra in Prague. Based on a theme from the second movement of his fifth string quartet, Romance is a lovely interplay between the violinist and the orchestra. Other iterations of the melody were presented in his later works — it was an obvious favorite of Dvořák’s!

Hector Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique takes the mercurial, and often tragic, life of an artist and sets it to music. The title underlines not only the fantastic musical fireworks that take place on stage, but also a fantasy Berlioz was demonstrating. Written as an homage to unrequited love—the result of too many unanswered love letters — Berlioz uses the voices of the instruments to explain his emotions. The work travels through the artist’s life, culminating in his own funeral in the wildly intense final movement.

Violinist Christina Mok has captivated audiences with her solo performances, chamber recitals, and orchestral leadership. She has appeared as a soloist with the Russian Federal Symphony Orchestra, the Janacek Philharmonic, and the Seoul Symphony Orchestra, among others. The San Jose Mercury declared of one of her concerto performances, “She was a spellbinder as she dug in and let it fly — there was no need to long for Itzhak Perlman or Gil Shaham.”

As a chamber musician she has performed in Korea, Japan, England, Norway, Hong Kong, and the United States. Her recitals have been broadcast on the BBC and RTHK. She is the Concertmaster of the Stockton Symphony and the Monterey Symphony and the Associate Concertmaster of Symphony Silicon Valley.

Max Bragado-Darman, conductor
Antonín Dvořák / Romance, Op. 11
Christina Mok, violin
Hector Berlioz / Symphonie Fantastique, Op. 14

Concert 2: November 16-17, 2019
Pianist Kun Woo Paik returns to the Monterey Symphony to perform two piano concerti. Paik, winner of the Naumburg award and gold medallist at the Busoni International Piano Competitions, is considered one of the finest pianists of his generation.

Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 27, KV 595 is his last piano concerto ever written. Myths surrounding both its composition and premiere give the work an air of mystery.

Elegant in nature, the Mozart is complemented by Johannes Brahms’ 1st Piano Concerto, the first work Brahms ever premiered from the piano! Although Brahms was only 25 when he composed the work, the melodies are mature and sophisticated. The piece was composed two years after Schumann’s death and explores a complex set of emotions. Schumann played an important role in Brahms’ life and it is hard to not see the connection between them in some of his works.

Kun Woo Paik came to prominence at the age of ten performing Grieg’s Piano Concerto with the Korean National Orchestra. His international career took off soon after with his first New York recital at the Lincoln Center and his orchestral debut at Carnegie Hall.

Paik has collaborated all over the world with the most renowned conductors such as Zubin Mehta, Lorin Maazel, Mariss Jansons, Neville Marriner, Jiří Bělohlávek, Vladimir Jurowski, Dmitri Kitaenko, Paavo Järvi, and Ivan Fischer, with orchestras including the New York Philharmonic, London Symphony, BBC Symphony, St. Petersburg Philharmonic, Oslo Philharmonic, Rotterdam Philharmonic, Berlin Symphony, and the Deutsche Bremen Kammerphilharmonie. He has recently performed with the New York Philharmonic, Lucerne and Berlin Symphony orchestras and given recitals at Carnegie Hall, La Scala, the Mariinsky Theatre and all over Asia and Europe. His numerous recordings appear on BMG, Decca and Deutsche Grammophon. Kun Woo Paik studied at the Juilliard School in New York with Rosina Lhevinne and worked with Ilona Kabos, Guido Agosti and Wilhelm Kempff.

Max Bragado-Darman, conductor
W.A. Mozart / Piano Concerto No. 27, KV 595
Kun Woo Paik, piano
Johannes Brahms / Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 15
Kun Woo Paik, piano

Concert 3: February 15-16, 2020
February’s program features two massive symphonic works, both weaving elegant stories for the listener. Edward Elgar’s “Enigma Variations” are comprised of 14 separate movements sketching a different friend or close acquaintance. Rather than depicting the person as a whole, a single element of their personality or relationship with Elgar is illustrated musically. The movement titles contain cryptograms or keys to the identity of the subject! Elgar started the work casually at the piano as an exercise to capture someone musically, and evolved it into a large and beloved symphonic work.

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade is based on the Arabian Nights. Replete with Russian folk melodies, many excerpts of this piece are used for Olympic figure skating – making it a well-known and recognized work. Rimsky-Korsakov worked tirelessly on this composition, along with his ornate Russian Easter Overture and the completion of Alexander Borodin’s opera Prince Igor. The work features stunning and virtuosic violin solos — not to be missed!

Max Bragado-Darman, conductor
Edward Elgar / “Enigma Variations,” Op. 36
Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov / Scheherazade, Op. 35

Concert 4: March 14-15, 2020
Guest conductor Oleg Caetani hails from Italy and is making his debut with the Monterey Symphony. The son of famed conductor and composer, Igor Markevitch, Caetani completed his formal training at the Moscow Conservatory and graduated from the Saint Petersburg Conservatory. He won the RAI Competition and third prize at the Karajan Competition in Berlin.

Tchaikovsky’s 3rd Symphony, “Polish,” opens the program. This symphony is unique in that it is his only Symphony both in a major key, and containing five movements. The piece, sans first movement, was used by choreographer George Balanchine for Diamonds, the third and final part of his ballet Jewels. Various instruments are showcased in this iconic work, including a lovely flute solo in the third movement.

The second half of the program contains Shostakovich’s 15th Symphony, written in 1971 and premiered in Moscow, which is full of references to other composer’s works. Shostakovich tips his hat to Rossini and Glinka, as well as featuring the “Fate” motif from Richard Wagner’s Ring Cycle.

Oleg Caetani, one of the greatest conductors of his generation, moves freely between symphonic and opera repertoire. Caetani has conducted all over the world including: La Scala in Milan, the Mariinsky in Saint Petersburg, the Royal Opera House in London, the Opera House in San Francisco, the Musikverein in Vienna, Lincoln Center in New York and Suntory Hall in Japan, working with the greatest soloists of our days.

Oleg was chief designate at the ENO in 2005, chief designate 2002-2005 for the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Music Conductor and Artistic Director for the same orchestra from 2005 to 2009. Before that, Caetani was the Principal Conductor for the Staatskapelle Weimar, First Kapellmeister of the Frankfurt Opera and GMD in Wiesbaden and in Chemnitz.

Oleg Caetani, guest conductor
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky / Symphony No. 3, Op. 29
Dmitri Shostakovich / Symphony No. 15, Op. 141

Concert 5: April 18-19, 2020
A Monterey Symphony favorite, violinist Judith Ingolfsson returns in April to perform Brahms’ violin concerto. Judith is currently Professor at the State University of Music and Performing Arts Stuttgart and co-artistic director and founder of the Festival “Aigues-Vives en Musiques” in France.

Brahms’ violin concerto was written for Joseph Joachim and is the only violin concerto he wrote. Marked by soaring melodies for the violin, it contains some of the most challenging passages for the instrument.

Jean Sibelius’ 2nd Symphony was started in Italy and completed in Helsinki. Sibelius himself declared the work “a confession of my soul.” The piece was premiered with the composer conducting and received three back-to-back sold out performances! A beloved work, after his wildly popular tone poem Finlandia, the 2nd Symphony is Sibelius at his finest with whimsical touches throughout!

Violinist Judith Ingolfsson is recognized for her intense, commanding performances, uncompromising musical maturity, and charismatic performance style. Based in Berlin and enjoying a global career, she performs as soloist, chamber musician and in recital as the Duo Ingolfsson-Stoupel. The New York Times has characterized her playing as producing “both fireworks and a singing tone” and Strings Magazine described her tone as “gorgeous, intense, and variable, flawlessly pure and beautiful in every register.”

Ingolfsson studied at the Curtis Institute of Music and at the Cleveland Institute of Music. She has also been appointed to the violin faculty at the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University.

Max Bragado-Darman, conductor
Johannes Brahms / Violin Concerto, Op. 77
Judith Ingolfsson, violin
Jean Sibelius / Symphony No. 2, Op. 43

Concert 6: May 16-17, 2020
The season concludes with Richard Strauss and Gustav Mahler. Both of these works require intense playing from the orchestra and give our fabulous Monterey Symphony the chance to boldly shine! Strauss’ Don Juan is a powerful tone poem for large orchestra featuring many passages used for Symphony auditions. The piece is based on the unfinished poem Don Juans Ende which tells the story of a man searching for love, which he never finds.

Symphony No. 1 by Gustav Mahler, or “The Titan,” was composed in 1887–1888 in Leipzig and premiered in 1889. There are as many as six versions of the work, as Mahler was impassioned about perfecting it. He borrowed from some of his own works, and highlighted certain lied, or songs, in the movements. At one point there was an additional movement, which Mahler rejected after the first few performances. This Symphony is massive, lush, and gorgeous — a fitting end to a season deserving of many ovations!

Max Bragado-Darman has served as Music Director of the Monterey Symphony since 2004. He was Music Director/Conductor of the Symphony Orchestra of Castile and León in Valladolid, Spain, for nine years. With this ensemble he recorded works of Turina and Rodrigo and the cello concerti of Alberto Ginastera on the Naxos Label. He also recorded the flute and clarinet concerti by Joan Tower on the Opus One label.

In 1995, Max Bragado-Darman was appointed Music Director and Conductor of the Louisville Orchestra. He has worked with artists Alicia de Larrocha, Teresa Berganza, Horacio Gutiérrez, Elmar Oliveira, Dubravka Tomsic, André Watts, Angel Romero, Gary Graffman, and Aaron Rosand.

In 2003, he made his debut at the Wexford Opera Festival with the Granados opera “María del Carmen.” His conducting has been guided by teachers Robert Fountain, Robert Baustian, George Szell, Igor Markevich and Franco Ferrara. He has been the conductor for the “Iturbi Piano Competition” in Valencia, Spain in several editions.

Max Bragado-Darman, conductor
Richard Strauss / Don Juan, Op. 20
Gustav Mahler / Symphony No. 1

Performances on Saturdays are at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. One hour prior to every performance there will be a pre-concert lecture in the Hall of Sunset Center.

Subscriptions renewals begin April 1, 2019. New subscriptions become available on July 1, 2019. Please contact the box office for availability at (831) 646-8511. For more information and pricing visit: http://www.montereysymphony.org/concerts-events/subscriptions

Single tickets go on sale Aug. 15, 2019, at www.montereysymphony.org.

About the Monterey Symphony
The mission of the Monterey Symphony is to engage, educate and excite our community through the performance and continual discovery of symphonic music.

The Monterey Symphony, under the artistic leadership of Music Director & Conductor Max Bragado-Darman, is the only fully professional, full-season orchestra serving the communities of the Monterey Bay, Salinas, Salinas Valley, Big Sur, and San Benito County. It provides double performances of a six-concert subscription series at Carmel’s Sunset Theater, as well as youth education programs that include in-class visits and culminate in full-orchestra concerts for school children.

The Monterey Symphony is a nonprofit, public benefit corporation, supported through various generous individuals and through grants and corporate gifts from The Arts Council of Monterey County, The Berkshire Foundation, The Barnet Segal Charitable Trust, California Arts Council, The Community Foundation for Monterey County, The Harden Foundation, Monterey Peninsula Foundation, Music Performance Trust Fund, Nancy Buck Ransom Foundation, The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, The Pebble Beach Company Foundation, S.T.A.R. Foundation, The Robert and Virginia Stanton Endowment, Taylor Farms, Union Bank, The Yellow Brick Road Foundation and many others.

For additional information, please call 831-646-8511 or visit the website: www.montereysymphony.org

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

Hyatt Carmel Highlands Takes Company Meetings to New Heights with Spectacular Views, Incredible Food and Impeccable Service and State-of-the-Art Amenities

‘All-Day Meeting’ Package Includes Breakfast, Lunch and Two Breaks for $90 Per Person.

Salinas, CA, March 28, 2019 - Take your next company meeting or conference from ordinary and conventional to extraordinary and spectacular by booking your event at the picturesque Hyatt Carmel Highlands, which is offering an “All-Day Meeting” Package for $90 per person that includes breakfast and lunch at its award-winning restaurant.

Hyatt Carmel Highlands boasts 4,945 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting spaces, including state-of-the art conference rooms with a complete array of audiovisual equipment, complimentary Wi-Fi, and enhanced lighting and a redwood deck with spectacular views of the rugged coastline and Pacific Ocean.

The Hyatt’s accomplished and experienced staff can help tailor your meetings to your specific needs and meeting requirements.

You won’t find a more beautiful and welcoming atmosphere than at Hyatt Carmel Highlands, which is celebrating its 102nd year as a unique vacation destination and event venue, from meetings and conferences to weddings and family celebrations.

The Hyatt Carmel Highlands offers everything you need to plan and create a memorable meeting that will inspire and motivate attendees.

The “All-Day Meeting” Package includes breakfast and lunch at California Market at Pacific’s Edge and two 30-minute breaks. All-day beverage service can be added for $10 per person. Breakfast and breaks are served with freshly brewed coffee, decaffeinated coffee, assorted hot tea and assorted soft drinks and bottled water.

The California Market at Pacific’s Edge is an exciting fusion of the Hyatt Carmel Highlands' two popular and award-winning restaurants, the casual bistro California Market and the fine dining Pacific's Edge.

California Market at Pacific’s Edge welcomes diners to its expansive new 1,200-square-foot deck, featuring louvered roof and glass-panel walls with dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Big Sur coast.

Combining the best of both worlds, California Market is committed to fresh, organic, locally grown and raised ingredients to create food that not only fulfills our appetites but pleases our sensibilities.

The restaurant’s menus are curated by the hotel’s Executive Chef team and features local producers, including Bellwether Farms Creamery in Sonoma, Swank Farms in Hollister and Monterey Abalone Company in Monterey. Menus also follow the guidelines of the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch and serve only fresh cage- and GMO-free eggs in its dishes.

California Market at Pacific’s Edge is where California casual meets refined dining in a one-of-a-kind location that will take your breath away.

The “All-Day Meeting” Package includes the following breakfast, lunch and break choices:

BREAKFAST:

Selection of assorted fresh chilled juices, fresh sliced fruit display, chef’s selection of freshly baked morning pastries, homemade butters and seasonal jams

AM BREAK (30 MINUTES) Select two
Fresh fruit skewers, whole fresh fruit, granola bars, individual Greek yogurts and homemade granola

PM BREAK (30 MINUTES) Select two
Assorted cookies and brownies, assorted crumble fruit bars, individual bagged pretzels and chips, gourmet ice cream and frozen fruit bars

LUNCH:

CHOICE 1
Daily soup
Mesclun green salad with Champagne vinaigrette
Free-range chicken or vegan mushroom
Roasted fingerling potatoes, asparagus, mustard thyme jus
Hand-made raviolis, roasted tomato cream sauce, parmigiano-reggiano
Assorted rolls and butter, house-made strawberry biscuits

CHOICE 2
Daily soup
Mixed green salad with raspberry vinaigrette
Yellow and red beet salad with goat cheese crumble, walnut vinaigrette
Assorted signature wraps: Southwestern veggie, chicken Caesar, roast beef and cheddar
Homemade potato chips
Chocolate opera cake

To book an “All-Day Meeting” Package, call (831) 620-1234 or fill out a request form at highlandsinn.hyatt.com.

Adjacent to the property is the Hyatt Residence Club Carmel, Highlands Inn, which includes 94 one- and two-bedroom units each with wood-burning fireplace, private balcony, and ocean or garden view. For more information, visit www.hyattresidenceclub.com.

About Hyatt Carmel Highlands
Perched on the hillside of the Carmel Highlands with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, Hyatt Carmel Highlands combines true Carmel luxury with an approachable and sophisticated spirit. A haven for artists and discerning travelers since its opening in 1917 as the Highland Inn, Hyatt Carmel Highlands features 48 luxuriously renovated guestrooms, including 11 suites, 32 Ocean View rooms and 5 Garden View rooms. Situated only four miles from downtown Carmel, Hyatt Carmel Highlands’ idyllic setting and personalized service has attracted families, weddings, honeymooners and privileged travelers for a century. Hyatt Carmel Highlands has been recognized among the world’s finest hotels as part of Condé Nast Traveler's Gold List and Travel + Leisure’s “T+L 500” World’s Best Hotels.

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

Gil Basketball Academy Announces World Tour, Celebrates 10th Anniversary

East Salinas-based Gil Basketball Academy, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2019, has announced its annual World Tour in the summer of 2020.

Salinas, CA, March 26, 2019 — East Salinas-based Gil Basketball Academy, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2019, has announced its annual World Tour in the summer of 2020. Tours of Cuba and Columbia Set for Summer 2020.

The Gil Basketball Academy enrollment averages more than 400 youths ages 4 to 17, and academy groups have gone on trips to New Zealand, Italy, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Mexico and Hawaii.

About Gil Basketball Academy
Gil Basketball Academy was founded by Jose Gil and Eva Silva in 2009, with the goal of providing local boys and girls ages 4-17 of all skill levels the opportunity to learn and play basketball. The Academy, which averages 400 attendees annually, offers regular basketball camps, clinics, field trips, world tours and individual one-on-one sessions that teach youths the skills and techniques of shooting, passing, dribbling, rebounding, and defense. They are coached by Jose Gil and other qualified and experienced volunteer coaches. The Academy’s “home court” is the gym at Alisal High School, where Gil is the Athletic Director.

Although one of the primary goals of the Academy is to teach youth about every facet of the game of basketball, the larger goal is to teach local youth how to become healthy, productive, and contributing citizens of their community by exposing them to life beyond Salinas by offering tours to other countries. So far the academy has taken trips to New Zealand, Italy, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Mexico and Hawaii, and plans are underway to visit Cuba and Colombia in 2020.

Gil Basketball Academy
1522 Constitution Blvd., Suite 213,
Salinas, California 93905
(831) 905-1155
https://gilbasketballacademy.com

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

Journalist and Author Esmeralda Montenegro Owen Will Hold Book Signings for Her First Book in April and May in Salinas

Author and journalist Esmeralda Montenegro Owen will hold book signings in Salinas in April and May for her book.

Salinas, CA, March 24, 2019 - Author and journalist Esmeralda Montenegro Owen will hold book signings in Salinas in April and May for her book, “Beautiful - 7 Steps to the Best Version of You,” the first of four books in her “Beautiful” series.

At 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, 2019, she will hold a book signing at Sherwood Hall, 940 N. Main St., Salinas. At 7 p.m. she will emcee the Noche Bohemia event and sign books at 9 p.m. after the event.

The Noche Bohemia is a unique event of poetry, music and visual art. The concept of The Noche Bohemia in Salinas was initially brought forward by Adela Castillo and Jose Alejandro Moran to offer the community a unique event where poetry, music, painting, photography and art coalesced into a romantic experience.

Montenegro Owen will also give a presentation and hold a book signing 4:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, May 10, 2019, at Northridge Mall, 796 Northridge Dr., Salinas.

Montenegro Owen is Executive Director for Youth Orchestra Salinas (YOSAL). A native of El Salvador, Esmeralda came to the U.S. when she was in sixth-grade to escape ongoing civil war. She graduated from the University of Southern California with a dual degree in Broadcast Journalism and Spanish and from Notre Dame de Namur University with a Master in Public Administration.

She worked as a broadcast journalist for 10 years with Telemundo and Univision, earning a nomination for an Emmy Award for investigating reporting, while working as a news anchor and producer for Univision 67 in Monterey, CA. Esmeralda once taught journalism at Gavilan College; was the Director of Communications, Marketing, and Public Relations for Hartnell College in Salinas; and Curator of Marketing and Community Engagement at the National Steinbeck Center.

She is involved in a number of committees and boards that promote education, health, the arts, and self-esteem. Some of her involvement includes: emcee for the annual Noche Bohemia; board member and VP for Informed Choices in Gilroy; is a past Board Member for the Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce; is on the Marketing Committee for Girls Inc. of the Central Coast; is co-chair of Juntos Podemos (Together We Can), and others.

"Each chapter includes personal quotes, an affirmation, takeaways, questions to self-reflect, and an area for sketching or take notes," said Owen. She is thankful to have this book finally published after 2 1/2 years of writing and re-writing. Her goal is to increase the love for self and unlock the potential within each reader who comes across her work.

For more about Esmeralda, go to www.esmeraldamontenegro.com.

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

Monterey Symphony’s 2018-2019 Season, ‘Sound Waves,’ Continues in 2019 with Concerts in April-May, Plus Special Event Luncheons and Dinners

Monterey Symphony’s 2018-19 Season, “Sound Waves,” continues in 2019 with concerts in April and May and special event luncheons and supper clubs through May.

Monterey, CA, March 24, 2019 — Monterey Symphony’s 2018-19 Season, “Sound Waves,” continues in 2019 with concerts in April and May and special event luncheons and supper clubs through May.

Three Romantic German composers are featured on the fifth concert of the season, April 13-14, 2019, opening with Mendelssohn's concert overture “Calm Seas and Prosperous Voyage, Op. 27,” inspired by Beethoven's work of the same name; along with fellow Jewish composer Max Bruch's popular Violin Concerto No. 1, Op. 26, featuring solo artist Elmar Oliveira returning to play with the Monterey Symphony.

Robert Schumann's Symphony No. 4, Op. 120, originally his unpublished second symphony, underwent massive revisions in 1851 — five years before his death — proving his mastery over orchestration and increased expression in the final edition of this emotional Romantic symphony.

The sixth and final concert of the season, “Sound Waves,” May 18-19, 2019, will conclude in grand fashion with music by Wagner, Chopin, and Beethoven! Richard Wagner composed many brilliant overtures throughout his many German operas, including the overture from “The Flying Dutchman,” featured as the opening work in the season finale. Chopin's stunning Piano Concerto No. 2, Op. 21, follows, with magnificent Cuban pianist Marcos Madrigal performing the popular work, composed before Chopin completed his formal education at age 20.

The season ends with one of the greatest compositions for the concert hall of all time: Beethoven's Symphony No. 5, Op. 67. A favorite among experienced and new audiences, musicians and conductors, the fifth endeavor in the symphony genre struck a chord for Beethoven, as he discovered his true forte — it is the "Stairway to Heaven" of classical music.

All remaining concerts during Monterey Symphony’s 2018-19 season will be held at the Sunset Center in Carmel and conducted by Symphony Music Director Max Bragado-Darman. All concerts in the season will be held at 8 p.m. Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays at Sunset Center.

The lineup of special events includes luncheons and supper clubs, which culminates with the Gala By The Bay on May 3, at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and a final luncheon on May 16.

April Luncheon

April 11, 2019, 11:30 a.m.

MPCC Ballroom
Join the Friends of the Monterey Symphony for a preview luncheon. Support classical music, enjoy great food and company, and engage with guest artists from the upcoming concert. Cost: $50 per person

11:30 a.m. – No Host Cocktails

12:15 p.m. – Luncheon

1:15 p.m. – Guest Speaker Presentation

April Supper Club

April 14, 2019, 5:30 p.m.

PortaBella, Carmel-by-the-Sea

Join the Monterey Symphony for a spring party in the dining room of PortaBella, "The Quintessential Carmel Restaurant," at this Sunday Supper Club, ending each Symphony weekend with a sizzling and sumptuous supper for the senses.

The Supper Clubs are on sale now for $70 per person. Supper Clubs include appetizers and wine upon arrival followed by a gourmet three-course dinner with several entrees to chose from. The Supper Club price will be $75 after October 7, 2018.

Gala By The Bay

May 3, 2019, 6:00-10 p.m.

Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, Monterey
Join the Monterey Symphony in a celebration of the Open Ocean at the Monterey Aquarium Friday, May 3, 2019. Enjoy a strolling dinner, delicious wines and private access to the Aquarium's Open Ocean exhibit. Silent and live auctions, musical moments and ocean-themed surprises await. All proceeds benefit the Monterey Symphony. Tickets: $250.

May Luncheon

May 16, 2019, 11:30 a.m.

MPCC Beach House, 3000 Club Road, Pebble Beach

Join the Friends of the Monterey Symphony for a preview luncheon. Support classical music, enjoy great food and company, and engage with guest artists from the upcoming concert. Cost: $50 per person.

11:30 a.m. – No Host Cocktails

12:15 p.m. – Luncheon

1:15 p.m. – Guest Speaker Presentation

For a complete list of special events, go to https://www.montereysymphony.org/special-events.htm.

To purchase concert tickets, go to www.montereysymphony.org

About the Monterey Symphony
The mission of the Monterey Symphony is to engage, educate and excite our community through the performance and continual discovery of symphonic music.

The Monterey Symphony, under the artistic leadership of Music Director & Conductor Max Bragado-Darman, is the only fully professional, full-season orchestra serving the communities of the Monterey Bay, Salinas, Salinas Valley, Big Sur, and San Benito County. It provides double performances of a six-concert subscription series at Carmel’s Sunset Theater, as well as youth education programs that include in-class visits and culminate in full-orchestra concerts for school children.

The Monterey Symphony is a nonprofit, public benefit corporation, supported through various generous individuals and through grants and corporate gifts from The Arts Council of Monterey County, The Berkshire Foundation, The Barnet Segal Charitable Trust, California Arts Council, The Community Foundation for Monterey County, The Harden Foundation, Monterey Peninsula Foundation, Music Performance Trust Fund, Nancy Buck Ransom Foundation, The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, The Pebble Beach Company Foundation, S.T.A.R. Foundation, The Robert and Virginia Stanton Endowment, Taylor Farms, Union Bank, The Yellow Brick Road Foundation and many others.

For additional information, please call 831-646-8511 or visit the website: www.montereysymphony.org

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

Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa Contest

*Contest will run March 25th – April 22nd. Winner will be announced April 22nd! Does not include airfare.

Salinas, CA, March 21, 2019 - The trademark HYATT and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Corporation. ©2019 Hyatt Corporation. All rights reserved.

Did you know this year Earth Day is celebrating its 49th anniversary? In 2020 it will be 50 years! Each year we learn more about sustainability and Pinterest is an excellent place to share tips from green construction to composting and quotes! Share your favorite pins that represent what Earth Day means to you in our new Pin-It-To-Win-It contest!

Follow us on Pinterest: pinterest.com/montereyhyatt

Create a board titled: Earth Day 2019

Add a minimum of 5 pins of your favorite Earth Day images, from trends

to beautiful photos

Use the hashtag #EarthDayHyattRegencyMonterey on all the pins

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

One lucky winner will receive a two-night stay at Hyatt Regency Monterey! Winner will be announced April 22nd in honor of Earth Day!

hyattregencymonterey.com
Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel
and Spa on Del Monte Golf Course
1 Old Golf Course Road
Monterey, California, 93940
T 831 657 6540

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

Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa Celebrates Earth Day and is Committed to Helping the Environment All Year Long

Want to travel while also doing something good for the planet?

Monterey, CA, March, 2019 - Want to travel while also doing something good for the planet? On Monday, April 22, hundreds of thousands of people across the globe will celebrate the 49th annual Earth Day, pitching in to clean up local roads and waterways, abandoned parking lots and city parks in what has become an annual rite of spring.

Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa shows their commitment to the environment and their local communities with programs that ranged from a naturalist-led beach clean to shutting the lights in all unoccupied rooms, and employees turned out to volunteer at dozens of local green efforts. These activities take place throughout the year.

In honor of Earth Day, Monday, April 22nd, the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa in Monterey is offering the following promotions:

• The hotel will give out “Plant Your Pencil” to the first 100 guests who check in on April 22nd. #TravelGreen #InAHyattWorld. The pencils come in five different herb varieties including Basil, Cilantro, Parsley, Cherry tomatoes and mint.

• Join us in Fireplace Loungeon Monday, April 22nd
o At 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 pm. the Lounge will go dim to save electricity.

o A special acoustic guitar player will entertain guests.

o The Lounge will feature menu specials appealing to locavores, vegetarians, and vegans using both locally grown and organic ingredients.

o The hotel will offer wine by the glass with Twisted Roots green, sustainable wine.

In addition, the hotel has an ongoing commitment to green meetings. The Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa team have the same commitment to caring for the earth as they do to caring for their guests. Follow these steps to reduce the environmental impact of your event.

1. Plan Ahead. Surprises are lots of fun, but not for meetings. Provide us with your meeting info and event orders 10 days in advance to reduce the use of last-minute resources.

2. Please Recycle. Commit to using the recycling bins provided by the hotel at all functions, meetings, offices and guest rooms – making it easy to be green. Recycling services vary by property.

3. Print local. It's better to print it there than bring it there. It's even better to print on recycled paper – we're here to help you coordinate all your printing needs and will provide you with a list of recommended environmental printing services.

4. Ship Less. Shipping meeting materials wastes fuel, paper, plastic, energy and water. So, no more than one pallet of materials can be shipped to the hotel for each 100 rooms occupied and no more than ½ pallet going home.

5. Take what you need. Rather than handing out pens and note pads, place all meeting materials in a central location so meeting attendees can take only what they need.

6. Ban the bottle. Drinking lots of water is good. But not from a plastic bottle. Instead, use reusable bottles and refill at conveniently located filtered water stations.

7. Waste not. While we're at it, let's eliminate the use of other disposable products at meetings. Exceptions can be made for Boxed meals and poolside service.

8. Keep it comfy by setting reasonable meeting temperatures. Set the meeting room temperature at an agreed-upon number and keep it there. Not too hot, not too cool is just right.

9. Eat Local. Don't think of it as just a meeting, think of it as chance to sample the local flavor. Our seasonal banquet menus feature locally grown and sourced products.

10. Use Recycled Products. Your ideas will look just as smart on 100% recycled paper. Other items, such as menus and pens should have at least some recycled material too.

11. Provide linen less tables.

About Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel& Spa on Del Monte Golf Course
Nestled in 22 acres of soaring Monterey Pines, the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa on Del Monte Golf Course is a destination resort providing the discerning traveler the quintessential Monterey experience. Its location offers guests close proximity to downtown Monterey and Monterey Airport and easy access to some of the Peninsula’s most well-known attractions. With its warm, contemporary ambiance, elegant furnishings and convenient amenities, the hotel offers both leisure and business travelers a Northern California respite of unmatched serenity and comfort. Features include 550 guestrooms including 32 suites, and the President’s house, TusCA Restaurant, Knuckles Sports Bar, Fireplace Lounge, a 2,000 square foot fitness facility, tennis courts, pools and whirlpools. The hotel is located at 1 Old Golf Course Road in Monterey, California. For information call (831) 372-1234 or visit http://www.hyattregencymonterey.com/.

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

SALINAS YMCA Community Fund Raiser Exercise Event April 13, 2019

The SALINAS YMCA FAMILY CENTER will host an Exercise Extravaganza event on Saturday, April 13, 2019.

Salinas, CA, March 18, 2019 - The SALINAS YMCA FAMILY CENTER will host an Exercise Extravaganza event on Saturday, April 13, 2019.

Want to try a HIIT, CYCLE, YOGA or Zumba Class? A minimum donation of $25 allows you entrance to our Exercise Extravaganza. You can participate in any of our High Intensity, Interval Training (HIIT), cycle, yoga, and Zumba classes during this 5 hour event. FREE CHILD CARE is available from 9:00AM - 12:00pm

All donations go directly to our 2019 Annual Campaign. The fundraising case this year is simple and basic. Children need healthy, productive activities and safe places to go and families who are struggling through difficult times need support. Without the Y after school programs, many children in the central coast would have nowhere to go for homework help, mentoring, physical activity and other children to interact with to build strong character. We are committed to these children and with donors, volunteers & members support and fundraising, community events like these, we can continue to be there for them after school and throughout the summer with camps, sports programs and aquatic programs.

More details are available at the front desk and on-line at www.centralcoastymca.org. Contact Tyler Smith or Brittany Loisel at 831-758-3811 for more information.

About the Y
The Central Coast YMCA was formed in 1989 with the merger of two independent YMCAs: the Salinas Community YMCA (founded in 1921) and the Watsonville Family YMCA (founded in 1898). The YMCA of the Monterey Peninsula, which began as a USO in 1941, merged with the Central Coast YMCA in 1990. The South County YMCA became the fourth branch of the Central Coast YMCA in 1998 and the YMCA of San Benito County followed as the fifth branch in 1999. Today, the Central Coast YMCA employs 30 full-time and about 375 part-time employees whose goal is to serve approximately 30,000 people within Santa Cruz, San Benito and Monterey counties.

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

Explore the Central Coast’s Natural Wonders this Summer with Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History Summer Camps

The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History has announced that it is offering eight summer camp programs in 2019 for youths from kindergarten through fifth grade.

Pacific Grove, CA, March 18, 2019 — The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History has announced that it is offering eight summer camp programs in 2019 for youths from kindergarten through fifth grade.

Participants will have fun exploring the natural world while engaging in enjoyable and educational activities. Programs fill up fast, so early registration is encouraged. This year, the Museum is offering eight excellent summer camp programs, including camps for TK-2nd grade and 3rd-5th grade. Cost for all camps: non-member, $335; family member and above, $285.

Here are the summer camps for 2019:

CAMP FOR TK-2ND

For kids who will be going into TK-2nd grade in the fall (no younger than 4 years old at start of camp, must be potty trained).

OCEAN EXPLORERS CAMP — (6/3-6/7)

Exciting and hands-on exploration of life under the sea. Through themed activities, games, crafts, and walking field trips, campers will discover the endless wonders of life in the ocean. Explore tide pools, view plankton through a microscope, and more during Ocean Explorers Camp.

BUGGIN’ OUT CAMP — (6/10-6/14)

A week of creeping, crawling bugs at the Museum. Through hands-on activities, crafts, games, and more, we’ll uncover the world of bees, butterflies, spiders, and other many-legged creatures. Explore the Museum’s gardens and local parks as part of this adventure into understanding the amazing world of bugs!

DINOSAUR CAMP — (6/24-6/28)

A week of prehistoric wonder as campers explore the age of the dinosaurs. T. rex teeth, a mosasaurus skull, and an allosaurus claw are just a few of items campers will explore during this hands-on week of dino discovery. Campers will also dig for fossils, explore the museum’s exhibits, and create arts and crafts.

OUTER SPACE CAMP — (7/8-7/12)

Campers join in on a week of extraterrestrial exploration during the Museum’s first Outer Space Camp. Through games, activities, crafts, and exhibits, we’ll learn about the planets, stars, and galaxies that make up the Universe. Campers will create their own planets, design and launch jet-powered rockets, build a lunar lander, and more during an out-of-this-world week!

WILDLIFE SAFARI CAMP — (7/15-7/19)

A week of camp that will be all about animals. Meet the predators and prey (both the feathered and the furry) that call the Museum home. We’ll explore skulls, bones, nests, and more during this hands on week of animal adventures!

MYSTERIES OF NATURE — (7/22-7/26)

Everyone likes a good mystery. Campers join in on a week of sleuthing as they explore the mysterious, spooky, unusual, and fascinating parts of the natural world. Bubbling science experiments, homemade slime, and fantastical creatures will headline this week of unexpected science fun.

CAMP FOR 3RD-5TH GRADE

For kids who will be going into 3rd-5th grade in the fall:

EXPEDITION CAMP — (6/17-6/21)

Only explorers need apply. Join this camp for a week outdoors as the Museum takes summer camp on the road. Each day of camp will feature a new location, where campers embark on an adventure of discovery and learning within the unique settings of the area’s local parks and open spaces. Drop-off and pick-up locations will vary, and will be within a 10-mile radius of the Museum.

WOMEN OF SCIENCE — (7/29-8/2)

Join this girls-only week of summer camp as campers explore the lives of some of the world’s most famous and accomplished scientists. The spotlight turns toward famous botanists, biologists, astronomers, and more, as campers learn about the lives and accomplishments of some of the many amazing Women of Science.

Note: Campers are required to be within the specified grade and age range at the start of camp. Drop off for campers begins at 8:45 a.m. Pick up campers no later than 15 minutes after camp ends.

Please contact Nick Stong at stong@pgmuseum.org, call (831) 648.5716 ext. 20, or go to the website page at https://www.pgmuseum.org/summer-camp

for more information. For discounted registration, sign up to become a Museum member.

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

Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
165 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove, CA, 93950
(831) 648-5716
Fax: (831) 648-5755
admin@pgmuseum.org
www.pgmuseum.org

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

CENTRAL COAST YMCA Youth and Government Delegation of Distinction 2019 for the State of California

The CENTRAL COAST YMCA announces our Youth and Government delegation earned Delegation of Distinction for the state of California and advisor Lori Caldeira voted Outstanding Advisor.

Monterey, San Benito & Santa Cruz Counties, CA, March 17, 2019 - The CENTRAL COAST YMCA announces our Youth and Government delegation earned Delegation of Distinction for the state of California and advisor Lori Caldeira voted Outstanding Advisor.

For the second year in a row, the Central Coast Salinas Valley delegation earned the prestigious title of Delegation of Distinction. This title is awarded to those delegations who show excellent commitment to the Y core values and who complete their program year with high levels of delegate engagement and success.

The 2019 Central Coast YMCA Youth and Government Delegation consists of 28 delegation members and 4 Adult advisors. This year our Delegation had 6 students who achieved statewide level leadership positions in which there were over 3,500 program participants. Rising to statewide leadership implies exceptional demonstration of leadership skills within the program.

Bill Topic for Central Coast Salinas Valley (CCSV) - An act to amend California Education Code regarding the body composition requirement of the Fitness Gram Physical Fitness test as it pertains to California Public School students. Our own local delegate: Xitlaali C. was asked to speak at the opening Joint Session event (attended by almost 4,000 people) to explain her role and our local delegation’s role in a Youth Voter Pre-Registration Drive. Our local delegation helped to register over 600 high school students to be able to vote when they turn 18.

Program Year Highlights: Students attended two training conferences in Fresno before the culminating event in Sacramento. Students participated in social initiative programs to aid Veteran’s organizations and local homeless shelters.

Students also participated in local community services efforts by:

● Helping at the Salinas Family YMCA Spooktacular Event
● Participating in a hygiene/diaper drive to support local shelters
● Participating in two separate beach clean-ups on the peninsula
● Cleaning/organizing projects at Buena Vista Middle School

While our program year has ended for the season, we will start up again in August.

Anyone interested in receiving more information about Youth & Government should send a request to be added to our email at centralcoastymcayouthandgovt@gmail.com. Or contact Amy Grames, Executive Vice President at 831-757-4633 or agrames@ymcacentralcoast.org.

About the Y
The Central Coast YMCA was formed in 1989 with the merger of two independent YMCAs: the Salinas Community YMCA (founded in 1921) and the Watsonville Family YMCA (founded in 1898). The YMCA of the Monterey Peninsula, which began as a USO in 1941, merged with the Central Coast YMCA in 1990. The South County YMCA became the fourth branch of the Central Coast YMCA in 1998 and the YMCA of San Benito County followed as the fifth branch in 1999. Today, the Central Coast YMCA employs 30 full-time and about 375 part-time employees whose goal is to serve approximately 30,000 people within Santa Cruz, San Benito and Monterey counties.

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

Central Coast YMCA Diabetes Alert Day March 26, 2019

The CENTRAL COAST YMCA announces Diabetes Alert Day 2019. Together we can Build a better us.

Monterey, San Benito & Santa Cruz Counties, CA, March 17, 2019 - Tuesday, March 26, is American Diabetes Association Alert Day®. According to current CDC statistics, 1 out of 3 U.S. adults has prediabetes and only 10% know they have it. The CENTRAL COAST YMCA is encouraging people in our community to learn the risks of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes and steps they can take to prevent the disease.

Starting March 25 through March 28, each of our branch locations will host an informational booth on Diabetes and Prediabetes. Learn about our Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) which helps participants reduce their risk for type 2 diabetes through lifestyle changes that include healthy eating and physical activity. Anyone age 18 and over with a diagnosis of pre-diabetes is eligible for this year-long program with approval from their physician. DPP is a nationally recognized program, originated by the CDC. Research by the National Institute of Health has shown that programs like the YMCA’s DPP can reduce the number of new cases of type 2 diabetes by 58 percent, and 71 percent in adults over the age of 60.

South County YMCA  Monday,          March 25th   10:30am – 11:30am
Salinas YMCA Tuesday          March 26th   9:00am – 11:00am
                                  Tuesday          March 26th   6:00pm – 7:30pm
Watsonville YMCA  Wednesday,  March 27th   9:00am – 11:30am
San Benito YMCA  Wednesday,  March 27th   10:30am – 11:30am
Monterey YMCA  Thursday,  March 28th   10:30am – 11:30am

More details are available at each of our branch locations and on-line at www.centralcoastymca.org. Or contact Bill Proulx at 831-757-4633 or bproulx@centralcoastymca.org.

About the Y
The CENTRAL COAST YMCA was formed in 1989 with the merger of two independent YMCAs: the Salinas Community YMCA (founded in 1921) and the Watsonville Family YMCA (founded in 1898). The YMCA of the Monterey Peninsula, which began as a USO in 1941, merged with the Central Coast YMCA in 1990. The South County YMCA became the fourth branch of the Central Coast YMCA in 1998 and the YMCA of San Benito County followed as the fifth branch in 1999. Today, the Central Coast YMCA employs 30 full-time and about 375 part-time employees whose goal is to serve approximately 30,000 people within Santa Cruz, San Benito and Monterey counties.

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

Natividad Celebrates 59 Years of Volunteerism

National Volunteer Week is April 7-13

Salinas, CA, March 15, 2019 — Natividad is celebrating National Volunteer Week from April 7-13 and honoring all of its volunteers with a Volunteer Recognition Luncheon April 10.

“For 59 years, Natividad’s Auxiliary volunteers have been the familiar and friendly faces for all of our patients and visitors,” said Natividad’s CEO Dr. Gary Gray. “Whether they’re helping hospital staff, selling get-well cards in the Gift Shop or assisting patients and visitors at the information desks, volunteers are essential to our hospital.”

In 2018, the 375-member Auxiliary provided 40,917 hours of service to Natividad. These volunteers include young adults seeking work experience in a professional environment, college and high school students who have medical careers in mind, and retired seniors who wish to remain active and be of service to the community.

“More than half of our volunteers are fluent in both English and Spanish, which is a plus in our multilingual community,” said Natividad’s Human Resources Administrator Janine Bouyea. “They perform a wide range of essential, non-medical activities that help visitors and patients access the hospital and our services.”

In addition to welcoming guests at the front desk, volunteers oversee and coordinate other important activities and services. Volunteers provide concierge service to families in waiting rooms, Pet Therapy Service, assistance with patient portal sign up, spiritual care, Infant Cuddler Program, patient and specimen transport, staffing for the Gift Shop, clerical support for administrative offices, meal delivery to patients, guide hospital tours and support courier service within the facility.

“Volunteers can be a friendly face to patients and family members,” Bouyea said. “Sometimes just a smile or warm greeting can help our guests who are anxious or worried. Our Pet Therapy dogs, Bobo and Beah, also help distract patients and can be very calming for animal lovers. ”

Natividad is hosting a recognition luncheon for volunteers and auxiliary staff on April 10. Natividad Foundation President and CEO Jennifer Williams is scheduled as keynote speaker.

“Volunteering is vital in helping to create a healthy community and providing valuable services to Natividad,” Dr. Gray said. “Our dedicated volunteers provide thousands of hours of essential services to our hospital. We are extremely grateful and proud to honor our team of volunteers in tribute to National Volunteer Week and the Volunteer Auxiliary’s service to Natividad.”

For more information or to join Natividad’s Volunteer Auxiliary, please call (831) 755-4215 or email Sylvia Guzman at guzmans@natividad.com

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

Contact:
Marci Bracco
Chatterbox PR
831-747-7455
Salinas, CA
marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com
http://www.natividad.com

Carmel Student Nelly Kohlgrüber Felt a Sense of Urgency When it Comes to the Environment, so she Did Something About it

Carmel High School senior Nelly Kohlgrüber felt the need to take action and bring the issue of climate change and environmental damage to young people as well as the community at large.

Carmel, CA, March 11, 2019 — Carmel High School senior Nelly Kohlgrüber felt the need to take action and bring the issue of climate change and environmental damage to young people as well as the community at large.

Kohlgrüber was feeling an increasing sense of anxiety in her science courses, combined with the current state of ambivalence in our nation towards science and fact, not to mention the drought, fires and flooding California has experienced over the past few years, and she wanted to do something, but she wasn’t sure what.

“Many of us can’t vote and we don’t have millions of dollars to pour into issues. We’ve barely made it through calculus, and yet I had to do something,” says Kohlgrüber. “I decided to enlist the help of young people and to teach them about how to incorporate change in their lives in the only way I knew how: art. This was my chance to bring my passion for art and the environment together and raise awareness.”

That idea became The Great Wave of Change, a 12-by-8 foot outdoor mural made entirely from plastic waste. Working sometimes weekly, afterschool and through holiday breaks, students began collecting, cleaning and sorting single-use plastics for materials.

Kohlgrüber had pitched local elementary schools and found enthusiasm with Seaside’s Highland School principal Hecate Rosewood. Rosewood was instrumental in encouraging the project and applauded Nelly’s courage to take on such an endeavor. She then recruited the help of after-care leader, Alejandrina Poole, and those with enthusiasm (and who had finished their homework), to work on the project.

“Students are becoming aware of the amount of plastic in our lives and how much they throw away every day through constructing our mural and exchanging stories,” she says. “We talk about alternatives to dumping plastic in landfills and how to shop smarter. All the while they show me firsthand the positive effects of learning through doing. As my preschool teacher taught us, if it’s not in the hand, it’s not in the head.”

Kohlgrüber says this is an issue where the young can and should take the lead.

“Climate change epitomizes an issue where the young can teach the old. Those in power now will be long gone by the time the worst consequences of climate change occur, and young people will be left to bear the brunt of the chaos,” says Kohlgrüber. “My hope is that through this brief exposure to environmental issues at such a young age, the students might become ocean advocates and use their newfound knowledge to educate others. Hopefully, this project also shows how individuals and grassroots efforts, combined with education, can have a positive impact. In other words, it’s not hopeless.”

Even now, she says, young people are making a difference when it comes to fighting the effects of climate change:

* December 2018, 25-year-old Dutch inventor Boyan Slat’s tests his ocean boom intended to clean the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, an estimated 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic debris twice the size of Texas.

* 16-year-old Greta Thunberg took the train from Sweden to Davos, Switzerland to deliver a fiery speech to world leaders at last month's U.N. climate talks in Poland.

* In February, environmental activists, aged 10 to 16, stormed California Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s office warning about the looming threats of climate change.

The project has taken approximately 9 months from inception to completion. Installation of the wall is planned for March 31, 2019.

Nelly Kohlgrüber
Senior, Carmel High School
Carmel, CA
831-620-2710
nellykohlgruber@gmail.com
https://nelllery.wixsite.com/mysite

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

Registration for Carmel Academy of Performing Arts Summer Camps Now Open

Registration is now open for Carmel Academy of Performing Arts (CAPA) summer camps, which feature ballet intensive, super hero camp, circus and aerial silks, jazz, contemporary and hip hop lab camps and Royal Princess Academy.

Carmel, CA, March 13, 2019 - Registration is now open for Carmel Academy of Performing Arts (CAPA) summer camps, which feature ballet intensive, super hero camp, circus and aerial silks, jazz, contemporary and hip hop lab camps and Royal Princess Academy.

The eight-week summer season runs from June 10-Aug. 3. Philip Pegler and Matthew Dibble will be teaching. To register, call (831) 624-3729, or go online at www.carmelacademyofperformingarts.com. Here are the camps available this summer:

Week 1. Ballet Intensive for Intermediate & Advanced Dancers, June 10-14, 9:30-3:00 p.m., cost: $435

Week 2. Royal Princess Academy, June 17-21, ages 3-6, 9:30-11:30 a.m., cost: $300.

Week 3. Super Hero Camp June 24-28, ages 3-7, 9:30-11:30 a.m., cost: $300.

Week 4. July 4th week, no camp.

Week 5. Ballerina Camp, July 8-12, ages 3-6, 9:30-11:30 a.m., cost: $250.

Week 6. Circus, Circus Camp, July 15-19, ages 3-6, 9:30-11:30 a.m., cost: $250.

Week 6. Circus & Silks, July 15-19, ages 7-16, 11:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m., cost: $300.

Week 7. Mini Jazz & Contemporary Camp, July 22-26, ages 4-8 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m., cost: $300.

Week 8. Contemporary And Hip Hop Lab, July 29-8/3, ages 9-18, 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., cost: $400.

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

Young Dancer Chooses to Pay it Forward on her Birthday, In Lieu of Gifts, Making A Donation to Dance Kids of Monterey County

Dancer Alexa Julian could have chosen personal birthday gifts, which for a dancer usually means new leotards or tights, a dance bag or a new pair of pointe shoes.

Carmel, CA, March 12, 2019 — Dancer Alexa Julian could have chosen personal birthday gifts, which for a dancer usually means new leotards or tights, a dance bag or a new pair of pointe shoes. Instead, she chose to honor her birthday by honoring her first passion, dance.

Through personal notes and social media posts to friends and family, for her birthday, Julian requested donations to Dance Kids of Monterey County, a nonprofit youth theatrical organization that the 15-year-old has been dancing with for six years.

She was able to donate a check for $231 to Dance Kids. She has danced in Dance Kids’ renowned “Nutcracker” ballet since she was 9 years old. Her instructors/coaches have included Philip Pegler, Sandra Burnham, Ashley Rutherford and Amanda Casas.

Julian excels in jazz and contemporary styles of movement, yet her emphasis on classical ballet finds this otherwise typical teenager in the Carmel Academy of Performing Arts dance studios, seven days a week and often more than five hours a day.

One week before her birthday, Alexa placed second overall in her performance of classical ballet variation from the ballet, “Giselle” and the variation called the “third shade” from “La Bayadere,” a ballet first performed in 1877 in St. Petersburg, Russia with choreography by Marius Petipa. She placed in the top 12 for her contemporary dance “McQueen,” an homage to Alexander McQueen, the late British fashion designer and couturier in the House of Givenchy, at the prestigious Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) Competition.

She has been invited to participate in the final competition of YAGP in New York City. As many gifted young people must learn, life is a series of choices. Alexa also garnered a coveted space in the summer intensive at the Paris Opera Ballet as well as the International Ballet Master Classes, held at the Czech National Ballet in Prague. Paris and Prague have taken precedence over New York. She leaves midsummer for the dance intensives many only can dream of attending.

Although only 15 and a pre-professional dancer on her first steps to a career, she chose to honor an organization promoting the arts to young people and to help others, even on her special day!

About Dance Kids
With over 24 years of production history, Dance Kids of Monterey County, a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization founded by Richmond, is proud of its wide range of theatrical experience that support the youth of the Monterey Peninsula. In the early days, productions at the Carmel Ballet Academy included “Nutcracker” and original spring musicals written by Walt de Faria and a full-length spring ballet, produced at Sunset Center.

Dance Kids was known for fun-loving nostalgia surrounding the musical and drew from the community a range of young people and their families committed to theater. As it grew, its little venue could not handle the “Nutcracker” any longer, but continued at the venue for the spring musicals, until those too, outgrew the dance studio. “Nutcracker” moved to Sunset Center in 1995 and has remained there as its home venue except for the years the center was being remodeled.

Dance Kids “Nutcracker” has grown into a premier production eagerly awaited by cast and community. The original vision of Dance Kids of Monterey County has been honored as well as surpassed in the ensuing years. This year is one of pivotal change and growth.

Street Address:
Sunset Center, Cottage #17
San Carlos Street at 10th Ave.,
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 6225
Carmel, CA 93921
Phone: (831) 622-9008
Fax: (831) 218-1293
Email: info@dancekids.org
Website: dancekids.org

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

Mission Days Event to be Held at Mission San Antonio on April 6, 2019

Come to the pristine Valley of the Oaks and enjoy a step backward in time to the mission era.

Jolon, CA, March 12, 2019 - Come to the pristine Valley of the Oaks and enjoy a step backward in time to the mission era. Attend Mission San Antonio’s annual Mission Days event on Saturday April 6, 2019, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Parking and Admission is $10/car. Authentic mission era food will be offered for $10/plate with water and soft drinks also available.

There will be historical re-enactors in costume portraying soldiers, artisans, vaqueros, musicians and dancers. Mission crafts and activities will be demonstrated, including weaving, blacksmithing, candle making, tortilla making, and much more. Members of Los Arribeños de San Francisco will be performing historical Californio music and dance from the Mission period. Artists will be present to display and offer for sale their original artwork.

Mission San Antonio de Padua, the third oldest Spanish mission in California, was founded by Junipero Serra in 1771. The Mission is a state historical landmark and is on the national register of historic places. The Mission remains an active Catholic parish and retreat center. Mission San Antonio is surrounded by Fort Hunter Liggett, and is conveniently reached by publically accessible roads. The Mission is located off Jolon Road, at 1 Mission Road, Jolon, CA 93928. For more information visit our website at www.missionsanantonio.net or call 831-385-4478 ext.17.

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

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

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

Pacific Grove, CA, March 11, 2019 — The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History has a number of fun and informative events for both children and adults on tap for April through June 2019.

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

Steelhead Trout Monterey Public Library Program

3:30 - 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 9, 2019

Learn about the story of local steelhead trout, a threatened fish that has had to struggle to survive in a changing environment. Discover the amazing journey of the steelhead from stream to sea and back again and explore some ways to help protect steelhead and the water resources they depend on for survival in a river near you. FREE

Junior Naturalist Excursion

11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 13, 2019

The Junior Naturalist Club will explore the world of seaweeds. The club will welcome Dr. Jeffrey Hughey (Biology Professor at Hartnell College) as members embark on a seaweed excursion. Learn about seaweeds in the Museum's classroom, search for specimens at nearby Lover's Point Beach, experiment with seaweed pressing, and finish by tasting one of the delicious products of these fascinating algae. Interested in becoming a Junior Naturalist? Visit https://www.pgmuseum.org/junior-naturalist/

Northridge Science Saturday: Day of the Dino

11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday, April 13, 2019

Location: Northridge Mall

Join museum educators at Northridge Mall as they share the wonders of our local natural history. This month return to the days when dinosaurs roamed the earth. There will be fun hands-on activities for learners of all ages. FREE

Hardcore Natural History Series — The State of Redwoods

6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, April 18, 2019

This event features “From The Big Sur Coast To Southern Oregon” with Dr. Emily Burns, lead scientist of the Save the Redwoods League, will be presenting an overview of the current status of the Coastal Redwood population. She will explore not only the whole population, but focus on our population of redwoods in the Santa Lucia range. Using recent research, she will show how the current tree populations are responding to climate change along our central coast.

58th Annual Wildflower Show

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, April 19-Sunday, April 21, 2019

For over half a century this Wildflower Show has been one of the largest on the Northern and Western Hemispheres with over 600 species and varieties of wildflowers. This is truly an event that generations of families can remember.

The Museum partners with the Monterey Bay Chapter of the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) to hold this cherished annual event. Over 30 members of the Native Plant Society spend over a week scouring Monterey County and beyond collecting the finest specimens of wildflowers blooming that spring. Botanists, garden enthusiasts, and people just looking for flowers they would like to plant in their gardens will all appreciate this comprehensive and spectacular array of wildflowers.

Day of the Dinosaur — Science Saturday

10 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Saturday, April 27, 2019

Prepare for time-travel during this prehistoric Science Saturday, and set your sights on the age of the dinosaurs. Explore fossils, footprints, and more as participants learn what made the dinosaurs so successful, and also what led to their extinction. Admission to Science Saturday is free.

Walk of Remembrance

1-4 p.m. Saturday, May 4, 2019

The 2019 Walk of Remembrance will begin with introductions at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History and include light refreshments. Museum Executive Director Jeanette Kihs, and 5th generation Chinese Fishing Village descendant Gerry Low-Sabado will be among those greeting visitors to the event. Low-Sabado will speak about her quest to tell her ancestor’s Chinese American story. There will be a facilitated discussion to discover connections about how our own experiences impacts and influences history. The Monterey Bay Lion Dance Team will lead the walk to Lover’s Point, then along the bike trail, to the site where the village once stood. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the half-mile trek.

With the shared goal of honoring the lives of early Chinese-American settlers, the Walk of Remembrance is made possible by a partnership between The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, The City of Pacific Grove, The Heritage Society of Pacific Grove, and The Monterey Bay Lion Dance Team.

Be sure to visit the Chinese Fishing Village exhibit when you visit the Museum. The exhibit tells the story of the residents of the Pt. Almejas / Pt. Alones Chinese Fishing Village.

Rocks and Minerals Monterey Public Library Program

3:30 - 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, 2019

Join this program for a hands-on geology lesson as participants explore the three main rock types and learn about how each is formed. Students will learn the difference between a rock and a mineral, and will also have a chance to view museum specimens under a microscope. FREE

Member Event — Hummingbird Day at UC Santa Cruz Arboretum

10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 11, 2019

Hummingbirds just can’t resist the temptation of the plentiful supply of nectar at the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum. During the event, nature lovers will see and learn about these amazing birds and the gardens that host and support them. On this VIP tour for PG Museum members only, explore the arboretum with an expert-led tour through the garden to learn more about nature’s vibrant aerial acrobats, the hummingbird.

Northridge Science Saturday: Water Wild

Location: Northridge Mall

11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday, May 11, 2019

Join museum educators at Northridge Mall as they share the wonders of our local natural history. This month we will be getting wild with water — rivers, lakes, oceans, oh my! There will be fun hands-on activities for learners of all ages. FREE

Member Appreciation Night!

6-8 p.m. Friday, May 17, 2019

As a thank-you to museum members and their continued support, the museum welcomes members to join the museum for a night of hospitality to show their appreciation! The museum opens its doors to museum members of all ages for beverages, refreshments, and crafts to celebrate the wonderful people who help make the museum’s mission possible.

Water Wild — Science Saturday

10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, May 25, 2019

The museum is making a splash during the last Science Saturday of the school year, taking a deep dive into the wonderful world of water. What is a watershed? Where can you find a steelhead? Find out while participants explore all-things aquatic while completing a craft, activities, and more. Admission to Science Saturday is free.

2nd Annual Monterey Bay Jade Festival

Friday, June 7 - Sunday, June 9, 2019

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

Friday, June 7 from 1:00-7:00 p.m.

Saturday, June 8 from 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Sunday, June 9 from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

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

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

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

Sweets of Eden — Homemade Caramels Still Being Made the Old-Fashioned Way — Slow Cooked Small Batch, Hand-Wrapped, and Made in Spreckles, California

Susanne McBride admits she’s not much of a cook, but when it comes to caramels, she’s a regular Mary See. A micro-confectioner, if you will, one batch at a time.

Spreckels, CA, March 11, 2019 — Susanne McBride admits she’s not much of a cook, but when it comes to caramels, she’s a regular Mary See. A micro-confectioner, if you will, one batch at a time.

While not an expert in the kitchen, making caramels is what she could do and her friends and family agreed. McBride, along with her daughter Kate Brown and their combined families, are owners of Sweets of Eden, Homemade Caramels and More, a business they began in 2016.

McBride began making the creamy treats 30 years ago after remembering her mother’s caramels, a family recipe that was lost a decade before. She found a new recipe, and while not exactly the same as her mother’s, it was a hit and brought back fond memories.

The caramels are all made by hand, slow cooked, small batch and individually wrapped. Currently they are being sold at pop-up locations at festivals and fairs in Monterey County as well as Downtown Gift Shop in Oldtown Salinas. Making up to 20 pounds per week and recently permitted to sell wholesale, they are in the process of creating packages for local stores throughout Monterey County, with a different flavor featured monthly.

Starting with vanilla caramels, they soon expanded and now produce up to more than 15 flavors seasonally, including sea salt, apple pie, coffee, pumpkin, peppermint, raspberry, root beer, green apple, orange creamsicle, passionfruit, lemon, cinnamon and licorice. All are gluten and dye-free. The family is testing out several new flavors, such as bacon caramel, a hot spicy caramel and sugar-free and never lack for volunteers for the taste testing. The maker’s favorite? McBride says, “The last batch made is always the favorite until the next batch is made.”

McBride is a third-generation Monterey County resident — her family has been in the area since the 1870s. Both McBride and Brown have full-time jobs, but love to step into the kitchen and stir the pot. As for how the name of the company was created, well, it just made sense. “We are surrounded by Steinbeck and it clicked. There is a sweet history here and we are going to include it.”

So far the only way to get the caramels is at one of the pop-ups, at select stores and by contacting the family direct.

Sweets of Eden
(831) 783-5566
sweetsofeden831@gmail.com
https://sweetsofeden.net
https://www.facebook.com/pg/sweetsofeden/

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

Two Celebrated Local Authors of Flower Books to Hold Joint Event May 8 at Bookshop Santa Cruz

Two celebrated local authors known for their knowledge and celebration of flowers will join forces for a dual event celebrating the release of their new books, May 8 at the Bookshop Santa Cruz.

Santa Cruz, CA, March 10, 2019 — Two celebrated local authors known for their knowledge and celebration of flowers will join forces for a dual event celebrating the release of their new books, May 8 at the Bookshop Santa Cruz.

The event, “Cassie Winslow and Teresa Sabankaya — The Power of Flowers: A Floral Adventure” will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, 2019, at the bookshop, 1520 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz.

In “Floral Libations,” Winslow, founder and curator of Deco Tartelette, a celebration of color, taste, and resplendence, has curated a collection of 41 delightful recipes that combine the playful creativity of fashion, the deliciousness of food, and the beauty of flowers in one gorgeous glass. Whether you’re throwing a baby shower, hosting a Mother’s Day brunch, celebrating a wedding, or simply entertaining guests, there’s something for everyone in “Floral Llibations.”

In “The Posy Book,” Sabankaya, founder and creative director of Bonny Doon Garden Company, a full service floral design studio, Santa Cruz florist and botanical gift shop, shares what has become her signature — posies. Inspired by the Victorian-era language of flowers, a posy is a small, round bouquet of flowers, herbs, and plants meant to convey a message, such as dahlias for gratitude, sunflowers for adoration, or thyme for bravery; she shares her favorites for every occasion.

Sabankaya holds a greatly influential position as one of the most innovative florists in the San Francisco Bay Area. She has exhibited her floral art at the “Bouquets to Art” exhibition at De Young Museum in Golden Gate Park, the National Trust Filoli’s Estate in Woodside, and various floral design and garden shows. Her floral designs have become highly desirable due to their unique style of arranging and elegant garden appeal. Her designs carry a chic and nostalgic feel, like a just gathered from the garden bouquet of exquisite high-end blooms.

Both authors will share their expertise, hold a demonstration, and display samples. For more information, call (831) 423-0900 or go to www.bookshopsantacruz.com.

Bookshop Santa Cruz
1520 Pacific Ave.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Store: (831) 423-0900
Office: (831) 460-3232
bookshopevents@gmail.com
www.bookshopsantacruz.com

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

National Volunteer Week is April 7th – 13th . How Will You Give Back?

Help Interim Inc. Celebrate National Volunteer Week By Offering Your Time and Talents

Monterey, CA, March 07, 2019 — National Volunteer Week is April 7th – 13th , and Interim Inc. is seeking volunteers from the community to pitch in to help support their valuable services.

Interim is a Monterey-based private nonprofit organization that provides support services, housing and treatment for adults with mental illness in Monterey County.

Volunteering has long been a popular activity in the U.S. Each year millions of people give their time and talents without any compensation. While people volunteer to help others, they also get something in return.

A growing body of research has established a strong relationship between volunteering and health: those who volunteer have lower mortality rates, greater functional ability, and lower rates of depression later in life than those who do not volunteer.”

Interim has a number of volunteer opportunities available to members of the community, for example, group cooking projects. Many of our clients benefit from having prepared frozen meals accessible, so it’s nice to have a group of volunteers to prepare and package individual entrees. You can schedule a weekend cooking project with your club, congregation or co-workers.

If you are a gardener and would like to donate your time, the garden and greenhouse at Shelter Cove need tending during the spring and summer months. Volunteers who can help Interim clients with planting, weeding and harvesting are greatly appreciated!

Our Voices and OMNI Resource Center would love to offer a wider range of classes. If you can teach a four-to eight-week class in yoga, art, Spanish, or cooking, we’d love to hear from you.

To inquire about volunteer opportunities with Interim Inc., contact the Development Office at (831) 649-4522, ext. 205.

About Interim Inc.
Interim, Inc. is a private nonprofit organization that provides a unique combination of support services, housing and treatment for adults with mental illness in Monterey County. Services provided include affordable supportive housing, residential treatment, mental health and dual-recovery services, case coordination, therapeutic services, outreach and intensive support for homeless adults, supported education and employment, day treatment and peer support.

Interim Inc.
P.O. Box 3222
Monterey, CA 93942
(831) 649-4522
www.interiminc.org

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

Balance Physical Therapy Adds Two Highly Advanced Anti-Gravity Treadmills to its Monterey and Salinas Locations

Balance Physical Therapy and Human Performance Center further cemented its reputation as being the most patient-focused and results-oriented rehabilitation facility in Monterey County by adding two highly advanced anti-gravity treadmills to its Monterey and Salinas locations.

Salinas, CA, March 04, 2019 - Balance Physical Therapy and Human Performance Center further cemented its reputation as being the most patient-focused and results-oriented rehabilitation facility in Monterey County by adding two highly advanced anti-gravity treadmills to its Monterey and Salinas locations.

The AlterG® Anti-Gravity Treadmill™ is a space-age treadmill that uses a pressurized air chamber to reduce the gravitational load on the body, so those recovering from post-operative injuries can exercise unrestricted and pain-free.

According to the company’s website, the AlterG® “integrates patented, NASA Differential Air Pressure (DAP) technology, a precise air calibration system, and real-time information to change what’s possible in rehab and training. Using a pressurized air chamber to uniformly reduce gravitational load and body weight in precise 1% increments, AlterG enables patients and athletes to move unrestricted and pain-free — restoring and building muscle strength, range of motion, balance, function, and fitness. No other unweighting technology offers as much freedom, control, and versatility.”

Adding the two high-tech machines is in line with Balance Physical Therapy’s goals when it was established in June 2002 by Dr. John Farahmand, a board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist, when he opened his first facility in Salinas. His goal was to be dedicated to being the most patient-focused, results-oriented rehabilitation facility in Monterey County.

“With ten physical therapists and three athletic trainers on our team, we're one of the largest private physical therapy clinics in Monterey County and the only one with clinics in both Monterey and Salinas,” said Farahmand, a native of Salinas who attended local schools. “And we’re one of the only clinics here that successfully bridges the gap between rehabilitation and wellness by offering programs like post-discharge gym memberships, fitness classes, personal training, Pilates for bone health, and massage therapy to our patients. We build relationships with our patients that stand the test of time.”

Balance currently has six physical therapists in Salinas and four in Monterey, all with doctorates and many who have also pursued even more education in the form of Board Certification in Orthopedics, Manual Therapy Certification, Certification as Strength and Conditioning Specialists, Lymphedema Specialists, and experts to help with Dizziness, Imbalance, and Vertigo. They'll also be adding Pelvic Health Specialists shortly!

All of Balance’s physical therapists frequently attend continuing education courses, serve as mentors and clinical instructors for graduate students, and speak on a variety of topics in the local community. In fact, the therapists hold a “journal club” every two weeks to go over medical journals to hone their skills and techniques and research new developments in physical therapy.

In addition to physical therapy, Balance also offers 18 group classes per week to patients, including Pilates for Bone Health, balance and fall prevention, high-intensity circuit training and massage therapy. Classes range from 10 to 30 people each.

Expansion is definitely in the future, with new clinics and strategic partnerships planned. "Growth is important," says Farahmand, "It not only gives us the opportunity to serve more patients, it gives our therapists opportunities for growth as professionals."

Even with all the physical therapists, high-tech equipment and administrative duties running involved with operating Balance Physical Therapy, Farahmand enjoys getting in the trenches, as it were.

“It’s what I love the most, to get in and work with patients, and to see them make progress” said Farahmand. “The heart and soul of our practice is hands-on patient care and the relationships that we develop along the way.”

ABOUT BALANCE PHYSICAL THERAPY®
Founded in June 2002, by Dr. John Farahmand, who grew up in Monterey and attended local schools, Balance Physical Therapy® and Human Performance Center is dedicated to being the most patient-focused, results-oriented rehabilitation facility in Monterey County.

Balance Physical Therapy® achieves that goal by the application of highly skilled manual therapy, prescribed therapeutic exercise, and patient education, forming a team with its patients that is committed to returning them to an active lifestyle.

Dr. Farahmand graduated from the University of California at Los Angeles with degrees in Psychobiology and Business Administration before pursuing his Doctorate in physical Therapy at the University of Southern California.

In addition to Dr. Farahmend, there are 10 physical therapists at Balance Physical Therapy®, all tops in their field. Dr. Joseph Melo and Dr. Miguel Vargas, both local, are the Directors of the Monterey and Salinas clinics, respectively. All of the physical therapists are committed to constant improvement in the areas of their clinical expertise, exercise interventions, advanced rehabilitation techniques, and the latest in research and science.

In order to maintain the highest standards of professional excellence, all of the physical therapists frequently attend continuing education courses, serve as mentors and clinical instructors for graduate students, and speak on a variety of topics in the local community.

Balance Physical Therapy now has two locations, in Monterey and in Salinas, to better serve the community’s needs.

Balance Physical Therapy Monterey
2260 N. Fremont St., Monterey, CA 93940
831-372-4782
monica@balancept.com
https://www.balancept.com

Balance Physical Therapy Salinas
143 John St., Salinas, CA 93901
831-422-4782
jessica@balancept.com
https://www.balancept.com

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