VNA Immunization Clinic still serving patients during pandemic through convenient curbside service

While the spread of COVID-19 has the public sheltering in place, immunization rates have fallen in the United States.

Monterey, CA, May 08, 2020 - While the spread of COVID-19 has the public sheltering in place, immunization rates have fallen in the United States.

During the current pandemic, VNA Community Services continues to provide convenient curbside vaccinations with minimal contact.

This service is especially important to the following individuals:

Pregnant women who need a Tdap vaccine to protect the baby against whooping cough.
Employees who need Hepatitis A or B vaccine in order to work in a high-risk environment.
College-bound teens who need Meningococcal or HPV vaccines for the fall.
Older community members who need protection against Shingles and Pneumonia.
Curbside car service is available by appointment at the VNA’s Monterey office in Ryan Ranch.

Call (831) 648-3777 for more information.

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

Gil Basketball Academy MVP Spotlight Isaiah Regalado

Isaiah Regalado has developed astounding basketball skills as a member of Gil Basketball Academy, but the MVP is just as proud of the life skills he’s learned along the way.

Salinas, CA, May 07, 2020 - Isaiah Regalado has developed astounding basketball skills as a member of Gil Basketball Academy, but the MVP is just as proud of the life skills he’s learned along the way.

The Alisal High School freshman earned the MVP award this past season as a 6-foot shooting guard. He also earned a scholar athlete honor for maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

“Playing basketball has helped me a lot in life with being able to manage my time with school and homework,” Regalado said. “It has also helped me by becoming more responsible in making sure that I am at practice on time or have all my right gear for the games.”

Born in San Jose, Regalado moved to Salinas in the third grade, attending Spreckels Elementary and later Buena Vista Middle School.

One obstacle he’s overcome is the stress of choosing a high school. While all of his classmates and friends ended up at Salinas High School, Regalado decided to attend Alisal High instead. “This was a hard choice because I only knew a couple of people who would be going there, but wasn’t close to any of them,” he said. “However, I felt Alisal was the best fit for me.”

Regalado, 14, recognizes a built-in support system around him, including his uncles, aunt, grandparents and especially his mom.

His family, and also GBA, has helped Regalado learn the value of an education. “An education will help you grow in life and I prioritize it before anything else,” he said. “Having an education can increase the number of job opportunities you have once done.”

After high school, Regalado wants to attend a 4-year university and study law.

Beyond stressing education, Regalado said GBA has taught him how to become a better person in life and to be more responsible.

“They have taught me the importance of giving back to the community, by helping out at their academy, teaching kids how to play the game of basketball, which I’m so passionate about,” he said.

Regalado has been playing basketball since age 8 (competitively since the age of 11), and he also enjoys playing baseball and golf. But he’s learned there is life outside of sports.

“This academy has helped me meet a lot of new people and strive to be a better person. All of their coaches/mentors are so encouraging and sincerely want the best for each one of their athletes.”

His favorite GBA memory is attending a world tour to Mexico. “That was an awesome experience,” he said. “We learned a lot about the history of places we visited, and to play basketball there was an experience I will never forget.”

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

Cinnamon Shore Reopens, Welcomes Families Eager to Return to the Texas Coast

New protocols and procedures promote social distancing and create a haven for family fun after weeks of isolation.

Port Aransas, Texas, May 04, 2020 - Cinnamon Shore is now open to the public and for short-term vacation rentals, in line with the decision of the Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Board to open the city for fun on May 1, 2020. As families eager to escape isolation head for wide open spaces like the broad beaches of Mustang Island, they will find a safe haven at Cinnamon Shore.

“We’re thrilled to welcome guests back to Cinnamon Shore, with the right changes in place to ensure everyone has a great time and remains socially distant in our little beachside town,” says Jeff Lamkin, CEO of Sea Oats Group, developer of Cinnamon Shore.

The community is following the Texas governor’s executive order for reopening Texas. Under current guidelines, the development’s Dune Pool, Kiera’s Pool and Stillwater Pool remain closed, but when the governor’s order allows public pool usage in a later phase, Cinnamon Shore will have stringent sanitizing procedures and social distancing measures in place. On-site restaurants Lisabella’s Bistro and Dylan’s Coal Oven Pizzeria are now open for to-go orders, and they’re offering special Mother’s Day menus on Sun., May 10.

Other new measures to ensure the safety of homeowners, guests, and employees include:
• In-car check-in/check-out procedures, with concierge service so guests never have to enter the vacation rental office.
• More frequent sanitizing of public areas, including elevators and stairwell railings, outdoor seating, and play areas.
• Signage around the property to remind guests of social distancing.
• Guest room cleaning with industry-leading sanitizing protocols, including attention to high-touch items such as remote controls, light switches, and the like.
• Discontinuation of indoor social activities, as well as select outdoor activities.

For a complete look at the procedures and processes that Cinnamon Shore is establishing during this phase, see “We’re Reopening! Welcome Back.”

Meeting pent-up demand
Many Cinnamon Shore homeowners weathered the stay-at-home orders inside the village, enjoying spacious living quarters, walking the wide-open beach, and enjoying life beside the scenic lakes, dunes, and parks. Now, Lamkin says, pent-up demand for easy-to-drive-to vacation destinations will cause families to reserve vacation rental spots quickly for the rest of May and the peak summer season. “People are looking for alternatives to air travel for vacation time with family, and they’re looking closer to home,” he says.

With a full roster of family-friendly activities for Mother’s Day Weekend, Memorial Day, and into the summer, Cinnamon Shore is readyfor more families to discover its charms. “We’ll see first-time guests and lots of longtime fans,” says Lamkin.“We can’t wait to welcome everyone heres.”

Cinnamon Shore is a New Urbanist community established in 2007. The master-planned community is known for its pedestrian-friendly streets, front porch living, and resort-like amenities. Its expansion, Cinnamon Shore South, is in the early phase of development nearby on the Gulf side of Mustang Island.

For more about the community, visitcinnamonshore.com.

About Cinnamon Shore
Cinnamon Shore is a pedestrian-friendly planned community nestled behind the protective dunes on Mustang Island along the Texas Gulf Coast. It is the first new urbanism development for Sea Oats Group, which is fulfilling its vision of a traditional seaside village with a wide array of amenities and recreational facilities intertwined with beach cottages, luxury villas and vibrant town centers. Now comprised of two communities –the original, Cinnamon Shore North, and its new, 150-acre, Gulf-side expansion, Cinnamon Shore South–every detail of the master plan for both is designed to embrace the natural ambience of Mustang Island and the slow-paced charm of a walkable neighborhood. For more information, visit http://www.CinnamonShore.com, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (@CinnamonShore).

About Sea Oats Group
Port Aransas-based Sea Oats Group is one of the most successful developers of coastal properties in any market nationwide, including the Texas Gulf Coast, where the value of its beachfront portfolio is unequalled. The firm is dedicated to creating traditional neighborhood developments that provide residents with the highest possible quality of life, while preserving the integrity of the resort landscapes they occupy. By combining living spaces with retail areas in a walkable, connected plan, Sea Oats Group weaves together beautiful places to live, work and play. For more information, visit www.SeaOatsGroup.com.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR89u
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.CinnamonShore.com

Max’s Helping Paws Finds New Meaning in "There’s No Place Like Home” As They Switch From Sparkling Gala to Online Fundraiser

Max's Helping Paws’ theme for their now-cancelled May 9th fundraising gala, “An Evening in the Emerald City,” was based on Dorothy’s famous last line from the beloved ‘Wizard of Oz” movie.

Salinas, CA, May 01, 2020 - Max's Helping Paws’ theme for their now-cancelled May 9th fundraising gala, “An Evening in the Emerald City,” was based on Dorothy’s famous last line from the beloved ‘Wizard of Oz” movie. Today, this phrase, "there’s no place like home" has taken on new meaning.

The non-profit has incorporated the people, stories and information that would have been shared during “An Evening in the Emerald City” into a “Fundraiser-In-Place” website MAXSPAWS.ORG.

The fundraiser will run May 1-31, 2020.

The site, including a welcome video by well-known local pet-lover Dina Ruiz Eastwood, features messages from founders Dyana Klein and Dr. Jonathan Fradkin, program details, as well as interviews with donors, partners and pet owners. “In this crazy time when there is so much uncertainty, Max’s Helping Paws gives hope and peace of mind to people who simply can’t afford to care for their furry family members. I’m so proud to be part of it!” said Ruiz Eastwood.

“We’re so grateful to our generous gala sponsors who have continued to support the event during the transition to Fundraiser-in-Place. It’s important they know their participation is an essential component of our success,” said Dyana Klein.

Event Sponsors Include:

Pet Specialists of Monterey
Weathertech
Fremont Bank
Dawg Gone It Dog Daycare
Victor Medical
Carmel Valley Vet
IDEXX
Chidlaw Marketing

Mag One Media

Max's Helping Paws’ donors have offered a dollar-for-dollar match for the first $35,000 raised through the MAXSPAWS.ORG website.

The Foundation has helped nearly 250 local families fund treatment for pets in crisis, providing more than $200,000 in financial assistance.

“In this crazy time when there is so much uncertainty, Max’s Helping Paws gives hope and peace of mind to people who simply can’t afford to care for their furry family members,” said Ruiz Eastwood. “I’m so proud to be part of it and hope you consider making a donation.”

For more information, please visit www.maxshelpingpaws.org.

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

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