Bay Area Folk Singer and Her Group to Perform Interactive Children’s Concert on June 22, in Palo Alto

Folk musician Kathy Sherman and her band Hey Mom! will perform a free, family-friendly interactive concert Friday, June 22, at Mitchell Park in Palo Alto.

Los Altos, CA, April 30, 2018 - Folk musician Kathy Sherman and her band Hey Mom! will perform a free, family-friendly interactive concert Friday, June 22, at Mitchell Park in Palo Alto.

Part of the Friday night summer concert series at the Magical Bridge Playground, located at Mitchell Park, 3700 Middlefield Road in Palo Alto, Sherman and Hey Mom! will perform from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Sherman has been a professional folk musician for 44 years and a music teacher for nine. She performs in three different folk bands and has released six recordings.

Her latest release is an 18-song children’s singalong album, “Let’s Sing!” which features such all-time favorite sing-alongs such as “The Hokey Pokey,” “She’ll Be Comin’ ’Round the Mountain,” “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad,” “How Much is That Doggie in the Window,” and “Teddy Bear’s Picnic.”

The album also has an accompanying “Let’s Sing!” songbook, which includes all of the songs on “Let’s Sing!,” as well as selected songs from Hey Mom!’s “Listen to Your Mama” and “Singing on a Star.”

Sherman recently won a Parents' Choice Recommended award for “Let’s Sing,” as well as a glowing review:

“Singer and multi-instrumentalist Kathy Sherman welcomes little ears with her renditions of folk and children's songs, inviting listeners to play and sing along. These 18 tracks include fresh offerings of such traditional fare as ‘I Had a Rooster,’ ‘I've Been Working on the Railroad,’ and ‘She'll Be Comin' 'Round the Mountain,’ as well as Dale Marxon's ‘Waltzing with Bears,’ Peter Alsop's ‘I Am a Pizza,’ Tom Paxton's ‘The Marvelous Toy,’ Tom Chapin and John Forster's ‘Bedtime Round,’ and more. Sherman's happy mix of tunes is made even happier with the voices of her Good Folk Kids singers.”

In addition to Hey Mom!, Sherman is also member of the Good Folk Collective, the Greek folk duo The Plaka Band. She has recorded and released six albums with the three groups.

About Kathy Sherman
Kathy Sherman started her professional music career at age 15, playing Greek music in clubs, restaurants, festivals , and concerts. She put down her bouzouki, the mandolin-like instrument central to modern Greek music, long enough to earn a BMus in classical guitar performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. She was a member of the Electric Guitar Quartet, a classical / comedy group that opened for such guitar luminaries as Leo Kottke, Jorma Kaukonen, John Hartford, The Great Guitars (Barney Kessel, Charlie Byrd, and Herb Ellis) and Free Flight.

Kathy’s current music experiences include Greek folk music with long-time friend and fellow musician, Notis Contoplianos in their group, The Plaka Band. Notis and Kathy have two extraordinary CDs, New Songs of Old Athens (selected for Grammy consideration for best World Music Album), and A Time to Sing, A Time to Dance, a rollicking collection of favorite Greek dance music. For more information about The Plaka Band, please check out their website, ThePlakaBand.com. Kathy also plays classical mandolin for orchestras who have the occasional need for one.

http://www.goodfolksongs.com
https://www.instagram.com/goodfolksongs/
https://store.cdbaby.com/m/cd/kathyshermanandthegoodfo
https://www.facebook.com/kathy.sherman.folk.singer.123829?hc_ref=ARSxYil_PqqCjfBQih1NEnvBFJnE2ogdDAYvxKRTFspGrq8hCv1gsf9bPo36UpZdfUU&fref=nf
http://www.goodfolksongs.com

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

Bay Area Folk Singer and Her Group to Perform Interactive Children’s Concert on June 22, in Palo Alto

Folk musician Kathy Sherman and her band Hey Mom! will perform a free, family-friendly interactive concert Friday, June 22, at Mitchell Park in Palo Alto.

Los Altos, CA, April 30, 2018 - Folk musician Kathy Sherman and her band Hey Mom! will perform a free, family-friendly interactive concert Friday, June 22, at Mitchell Park in Palo Alto.

Part of the Friday night summer concert series at the Magical Bridge Playground, located at Mitchell Park, 3700 Middlefield Road in Palo Alto, Sherman and Hey Mom! will perform from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Sherman has been a professional folk musician for 44 years and a music teacher for nine. She performs in three different folk bands and has released six recordings.

Her latest release is an 18-song children’s singalong album, “Let’s Sing!” which features such all-time favorite sing-alongs such as “The Hokey Pokey,” “She’ll Be Comin’ ’Round the Mountain,” “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad,” “How Much is That Doggie in the Window,” and “Teddy Bear’s Picnic.”

The album also has an accompanying “Let’s Sing!” songbook, which includes all of the songs on “Let’s Sing!,” as well as selected songs from Hey Mom!’s “Listen to Your Mama” and “Singing on a Star.”

Sherman recently won a Parents' Choice Recommended award for “Let’s Sing,” as well as a glowing review:

“Singer and multi-instrumentalist Kathy Sherman welcomes little ears with her renditions of folk and children's songs, inviting listeners to play and sing along. These 18 tracks include fresh offerings of such traditional fare as ‘I Had a Rooster,’ ‘I've Been Working on the Railroad,’ and ‘She'll Be Comin' 'Round the Mountain,’ as well as Dale Marxon's ‘Waltzing with Bears,’ Peter Alsop's ‘I Am a Pizza,’ Tom Paxton's ‘The Marvelous Toy,’ Tom Chapin and John Forster's ‘Bedtime Round,’ and more. Sherman's happy mix of tunes is made even happier with the voices of her Good Folk Kids singers.”

In addition to Hey Mom!, Sherman is also member of the Good Folk Collective, the Greek folk duo The Plaka Band. She has recorded and released six albums with the three groups.

About Kathy Sherman
Kathy Sherman started her professional music career at age 15, playing Greek music in clubs, restaurants, festivals , and concerts. She put down her bouzouki, the mandolin-like instrument central to modern Greek music, long enough to earn a BMus in classical guitar performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. She was a member of the Electric Guitar Quartet, a classical / comedy group that opened for such guitar luminaries as Leo Kottke, Jorma Kaukonen, John Hartford, The Great Guitars (Barney Kessel, Charlie Byrd, and Herb Ellis) and Free Flight.

Kathy’s current music experiences include Greek folk music with long-time friend and fellow musician, Notis Contoplianos in their group, The Plaka Band. Notis and Kathy have two extraordinary CDs, New Songs of Old Athens (selected for Grammy consideration for best World Music Album), and A Time to Sing, A Time to Dance, a rollicking collection of favorite Greek dance music. For more information about The Plaka Band, please check out their website, ThePlakaBand.com. Kathy also plays classical mandolin for orchestras who have the occasional need for one.

http://www.goodfolksongs.com
https://www.instagram.com/goodfolksongs/
https://store.cdbaby.com/m/cd/kathyshermanandthegoodfo
https://www.facebook.com/kathy.sherman.folk.singer.123829?hc_ref=ARSxYil_PqqCjfBQih1NEnvBFJnE2ogdDAYvxKRTFspGrq8hCv1gsf9bPo36UpZdfUU&fref=nf
http://www.goodfolksongs.com

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

Monterey Museum of Art presents The 2018 Weston Scholarship Exhibition

The Monterey Museum of Art (MMA) is pleased to present The 2018 Weston Scholarship Exhibition, May 10 – July 8, 2018 at MMA Pacific Street, 559 Pacific Street, Monterey.

Monterey, CA, April 29, 2018 - The Monterey Museum of Art (MMA) is pleased to present The 2018 Weston Scholarship Exhibition, May 10 – July 8, 2018 at MMA Pacific Street, 559 Pacific Street, Monterey. The Opening Reception and Awards Ceremony will be held Friday, May 11, 5:30 - 7:30 pm. General admission for the reception is $10, and the event is free for Museum Members.

The Weston Scholarship keeps the traditional process of black and white fine art photography alive in the tradition of Edward Weston and Ansel Adams. The Museum connects our community to this legacy by showcasing the next generation of Monterey County photographers. The Weston Scholarship was established in 2004 by Gina and Kim Weston to support high school and college students studying fine art photography in Monterey County, and is specifically focused on students practicing analogue black and white photography. Both Gina and Kim wish to foster photographic education as a way of nurturing a medium they love. They offer students, artists, educators and the community the opportunity to experience the richness of photography through scholarships, mentorships, exhibitions, workshops, publications, lectures, video and artists in residence.

The Monterey Museum of Art (MMA) maintains a distinguished collection of California Central Coast photography. MMA connects our community to this photographic legacy by showcasing the next generation of Monterey County photographers.

Media Inquiries: pr@montereyart.org or 831.372.5477 x101.

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

Monterey Museum of Art Hosts First Friday Event May 4 to Celebrate Year of the Woman

Monterey Museum of Art will host a series of First Friday events launching on May 4 featuring fine art, fresh music and crafted cocktails, at its 599 Pacific Street location.

Monterey, CA, April 24, 2018 — Monterey Museum of Art will host a series of First Friday events launching on May 4 featuring fine art, fresh music and crafted cocktails, at its 599 Pacific Street location.

The event will be held from 5-7 p.m. Friday, May 4, and feature artwork from Currents exhibit artist Robin Sawyer of Carmel Valley, FLUX artist Babs DuPont Hanneman, fresh music and special cocktails crafted from Frísco brand, an unoaked grape brandy. Admission is a pay-what-you-like donation and is for those 21 and older.

The event is part of the Museum’s focus on 2018 as the “Year of the Woman,” a full slate of exhibitions and events with a focus on notable women artists of California and the Central Coast.

“Currents” is one of two new spaces the Museum opened this year (along with “Flux”), both dedicated to California living artists, showing work from the last two years. Sawyer’s and Hanneman’s work is on display through May 13.

About the Monterey Museum of Art
The Monterey Museum of Art expands a passion for the visual arts and inspires appreciation of California Art — past, present, and future. The Monterey Museum of Art connects art and community, with an emphasis on participatory experiences built around the Museum’s strong collection of California and regional art. Exhibitions and programs of the highest quality are designed to engage and inspire visitors.

The Museum was established in 1959, to uphold the artistic legacy of the region by collecting, preserving and presenting the art of California and the Central Coast. Originally a chapter of the American Federation of the Arts, MMA remains the only nationally accredited art museum between San Jose and Santa Barbara. For additional information on the Museum's exhibitions, programming and events.

Monterey Museum of Art – Pacific Street
559 Pacific St., Monterey, CA 93940
Phone: (831) 372-5477
Fax: (831) 372-5680
Email: info@montereyart.org
http://www.montereyart.org

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

Dance Kids of Monterey County Names Experienced Professional Dancer and Teacher as New Artistic Director

Dance Kids of Monterey County has named veteran professional dancer and teacher Philip Pegler as its new Artistic Director.

Carmel, CA, April 19, 2018 — Dance Kids of Monterey County has named veteran professional dancer and teacher Philip Pegler as its new Artistic Director.

Pegler has more than 30 years of experience in Classical Ballet as a professional dancer and teacher. He is the Ballet Director at Carmel Academy of Performing Arts and has been a Rehearsal Director for Dance Kids for the past four years.

Born in England in 1974, Pegler began his study of Classical Ballet at the age of 5. In 1986, he embarked on his professional training, firstly at the Bush Davies School, followed by The Vaganova Academy, The Legat School and The Harid Conservatory in Florida, where he graduated in 1992. Later that year, Philip was accepted into The Royal Ballet School where he completed his training both as a dancer and teacher.

Upon graduation, Philip became Ballet Master and Soloist Dancer with Columbia City Ballet in South Carolina and was subsequently appointed to the position of Artistic Director of the South Carolina Dance Theatre the following year.

In 1998 he became Director of the Calvert-Brodie School of Dance where he taught such notable students as Cameron Adams, Dusty Button, Brooklyn Mack, Sara Mearns, Joseph Phillips and Christian Tworzyanski.

In 2002 Philip was appointed Professor at the University of Florida where he created a new curriculum for the University's Ballet program as well as serving as a pre-performance lecturer at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

From 2009-14 Philip taught at Elmhurst Ballet School in Birmingham before returning to the United States. In April 2010, he was elected to the Board of Trustees of the Royal Academy of Dance. Philip is an acclaimed international master-teacher and is a guest faculty member of several respected schools throughout the world.

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

Wedding Celebrations and Special Honeymoon Package Offer

Hotel is the Premiere Asian Wedding Facility on the Central Coast

Monterey, CA, April 18, 2018 - The Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa wedding planning offers something for everyone, from traditional wedding ceremonies to Indian and Southwest Asian wedding celebrations.

Whether you envision a simple gathering with a few family and friends or an elaborate formal affair, you’ll discover just what you are wishing for at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa. Our team of expert on-site event planners will assist you from beginning to end, from selecting your wedding site and caterer to ensuring that no detail is overlooked.

Our event planners are well-versed in the unique requirements for Indian and Southwest Asian wedding celebrations.

“Our mission is a simple one...we aspire to exceed all of your expectations, creating imaginative and memorable experiences that will delight all of your senses,” said Jenny Lopez, Director of Events, Hyatt Regency Monterey. “Our dedicated professional staff brings experience and desire to every event and thrives on making sure our clients are extremely delighted with our service.”

From an outdoor baraat reception, Choice of your own Indian catering, and the Hyatt’s world-renowned service, the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa will bring your Indian Wedding dreams to life!

Indian Wedding Package Includes:

>Largest ballroom in Monterey and surrounding area

>Perfect path for the baraat

>Ample space for Mendhi & Brunch the day after the wedding

>Spacious, resort-like feel

>550 rooms, including 32 suites, for the three-day long celebrations

>Ability to bring in outside caterers

>Large garden terrace for your ceremony or cocktail reception

Now when you celebrate your special day at Hyatt®, you can earn free honeymoon nights on us. Whichever honeymoon destination you choose, you’ll make memories that will last a lifetime. Simply book and hold your wedding or commitment ceremony at a participating Hyatt hotel by Dec. 31, 2018, and you will earn World of Hyatt® bonus points. Points are redeemable for free nights with no blackout dates at any Hyatt hotel or resort worldwide.

Here are two recent Indian and Southwest Asian Weddings at Hyatt Monterey.

http://weddingdocumentary.com/weddingphotos/indian-wedding-at-hyatt-regency-monterey/
https://www.linandjirsablog.com/hyatt-regency-monterey-wedding-vikram-sheetal/
Backgrounds on Weddings at Hyatt Monterey:

Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa Weddings are treated as a one-of-a-kind event, and include:

· A professional wedding specialist

· A tempting array of food and beverages to fit whichever type of reception you select, including hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, plated dinners and wine service

· Choice of wedding sites throughout our Monterey hotel, for ceremony and reception

· Complimentary honeymoon suite for the bride and groom

· Variety of dining options featuring TusCA Ristorante and Fireplace Lounge

· Extensive activities for you and your guests, including golf, tennis, pools and more

· Beautiful backdrops for photographs, including our gazebo with fireplace and gardens

· Special rates in our spacious guestrooms for family and friends from out-of-town

· Complimentary parking

· Great location, adjacent to Pebble Beach Company’s 18-hole Del Monte Golf Course, with direct access to Cannery Row and Monterey Bay Aquarium

Wedding Locations

Choose the perfect spot for your wedding from our extensive array of locations, ranging from outdoor gardens to elegant ballrooms. From the Regency Grand Ballroom to our spacious Garden Terrace Courtyard you’re sure to find just the right wedding location to suit your style and needs.

· Regency Grand Ballroom — Our largest wedding location, this expansive yet welcoming ballroom can accommodate the longest of guest lists. Enjoy a formal banquet, complete with dance floor and stage for entertainment, with seating for 800. The room easily divides into several separate salons, with capacity to seat from 70 to 400 guests.

· Bordered on two sides by outdoor heated terraces, with natural lighting and vaulted ceilings (the highest ceiling of all hotels in the area), this ballroom provides a wonderful Monterey Bay location for both wedding reception and ceremony.

· The adjacent pre-function foyer includes an outdoor heated patio and retractable awning — perfect for your cocktail hour.

· Monterey Ballroom — Prominent indoor and outdoor function space conveniently located adjacent to the hotel lobby and Main Building. Designed for that more intimate feel, select the entire room for a seated banquet with 300 guests or 600 for a classic reception. For smaller groups, the ballroom can be configured into various combinations to fit your needs. The ballroom is complete with an outdoor terrace and is located adjacent to the main building.

· President's House — This very unique residence offers a secluded hideaway, perfect for a newlywed couple. This historic and luxurious residence offers over 2,500 square feet of living space, including four master suites, living room with stone fireplace, and library with fireplace and gourmet kitchen. A large covered lanai, extensive stonework and landscaping surround a private swimming pool. Select this one-of-a-kind locale for a special rehearsal dinner, cocktails for the wedding party or other exclusive events surrounding your wedding.

· Garden Terrace Courtyard — The perfect location for an outdoor ceremony or open air reception, conveniently located, adjacent to Hotel Hospitality Suites and Regency Grand Ballroom.

For more information contact our wedding specialist at 831-657-6540, or email hyattmontereycatering@hyatt.com

Click here to view our Wedding Brochure for additional information.

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, Knuckles Sports Bar, Fireplace Lounge, a 2,000 square foot fitness facility, tennis courts, pools and whirlpools, and 12,000 square foot full service spa. 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/.

About Davidson Hotels & Resorts
Davidson Hotels & Resorts is an award-winning, full-service hotel management company providing management, development/renovation, acquisition, consulting and accounting expertise for the hospitality industry. Amassing one of the purest full-service hotel portfolios in the industry, Davidson, along with its lifestyle and luxury operating division, Pivot Hotels & Resorts, specializes in independent and branded assets in the upper-upscale to near-luxury segments including 45 hotels, over 13,000 rooms and over 1.5 million square feet of meeting space across the United States. A trusted partner and preferred operator of Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt, Davidson delivers hospitality and creates value for owners with every single hotel. More information can be found at www.davidsonhotels.com.

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

Principals in Leading Florida-based Vacation Rental Consulting Firm Featured Speakers at Four Industry Conferences in 2018

Ben Edwards, founder and CEO, and Greg Herr, VP, of Weatherby Consulting LLC, a leading vacation rental consulting firm based in Florida

Miramar Beach, FL, April 18, 2018 — Ben Edwards, founder and CEO, and Greg Herr, VP, of Weatherby Consulting LLC, a leading vacation rental consulting firm based in Florida, were featured speakers at three industry events in March and April as well as one coming up in September.

Herr spoke at the 2018 Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)

Western Regional Conference at Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront in Portland, Oregon, on March 27. Edwards spoke at the 2018 VRMA European Conference March 4 in Paris, and at the 2018 VRMA Eastern Regional Conference on April 16-17, at Hyatt Regency Miami, in Miami, Florida.

And, both principals will speak at Rezfest 2018, the world’s leading vacation rental technology conference, on Sept. 25-27, 2018, at JW Marriott Beach Resort in Marco Island, Florida.

At the Western Regional event March 27, Herr’s talk, “Financially Managing Your Business like a Pro,” articulated tangible techniques to financially manage vacation rental operations like a professional. Participants learned how to increase efficiency and generate a meaningful profit in their business.

At the European Conference on March 4, Edwards spoke on “Strategic Financial Management for Your Vacation Rental Company.” Edwards discussed how, no matter how big or small your company, financial management is key to success. The session taught participants how to set their company up for optimal financial management with best practices for taxes, proactive financial reporting, and tips on how to find outside investments.

At the Eastern Regional Conference event April 16, Edwards participated in a Property Management Executive Roundtable with Steve Milo, CEO of VRTrips. In this session, property managers get to speak freely among themselves on important topics, including software systems, technology platforms, marketing channels, regulations and much more. Edwards, Milo and Eric Bordier will moderate this roundtable in a manner that facilitates an exchange of multiple topics.

Edwards also gave a talk on “Financially Managing Your Business like a Pro,” on April 17, at the Miami event.

Edwards and Herr will also speak at RezFest 2018, which is set for Sept. 25-27, 2018, at the JW Marriott Beach Resort, Marco Island, Florida. At this year’s Rezfest, participants will dive deep into industry trends and technology solutions, inviting all professional property managers to join in. The event will feature exciting general sessions and keynote speeches, plus many opportunities to collaborate and network with hundreds of industry leaders and property managers from around the globe.

About Ben Edwards
As a respected and innovative industry leader, Ben Edwards has been positively affecting the vacation rental industry for over 18 years. From managing small resorts, to financial and operational auditing, to opening large-scale resort developments, Edwards’ unique background provides a multi-level approach to vacation rental consulting, transaction advisory services and accounting services. Involved in more than 100 purchase and sale transactions in the vacation rental industry, Edwards's experience offers significant advantages, typically providing material gains or savings of the gross purchase price for clients at a cost that is generally a small fraction of the value delivered.

About Weatherby Consulting
Weatherby Consulting provides strategic transaction advisory services, vacation rental consulting an expert accounting services to create opportunities and solutions in the highly competitive vacation rental and resort management industries.

Founded in 2013 by vacation rental industry veteran Ben Edwards, Weatherby Consulting is the preeminent provider of consulting services in the vacation rental industry with more than 100 buy-and-sell transactions and more than $200 million in sales of vacation rental companies throughout his career.

Based in Miramar Beach, Florida, Weatherby Consulting delivers high-impact results, provides partner-level attention and implements solutions tailored to address every client’s unique goals and objectives.

Weatherby Consulting has worked with industry leading clients in more than 200 resort markets across North America and beyond. With more than 18 years of industry and accounting knowledge, Weatherby Consulting provides rapid, strategic advice to assist our clients with purchase-and-sale transactions, profitability consulting and vacation rental specific financial reporting.

With an unwavering dedication to both the short- and long-term interests of your company, our services are designed to identify underlying issues, provide straightforward answers, and create solutions that will achieve the maximum financial benefit and a competitive advantage for your organization.

Their services include:

1. Transaction Advisory Services — This service line includes the purchase and sale of Vacation Rental Companies, our primary service line.

2. Vacation Rental Consulting — We provide consulting services focused on creating sustainability, efficiencies and increased profits.

3. Accounting Services — We provide expert-level accounting services and financial reporting to more than 30 companies across the U.S.

4. Partnership Opportunities — Weatherby Consulting is willing to partner with Vacation Rental Companies to more effectively manage certain business operations and substantially increase the value of the business.

Weatherby Consulting, LLC
755 Grand Boulevard
Suite 105-275
Miramar Beach, Florida 32550

Toll-Free: (888) 304-1405
Fax: (888) 304-1405
Email: info@weatherbyconsulting.com

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

Monterey Entrepreneur with Passion for Olive Oil Launches Ruccello Olive Oil, specializing in Extra Virgin Olive Oils, Olive Wood Items and Olive Oil Parties

RoseAnne Ruccello-Fischer has a passion for premium olive oil and she’s turned that passion into a vocation, recently launching Ruccello Olive Oil, which specializes in Extra Virgin Olive Oils from Italy and California, hand-crafted olive wood items and handmade aprons.

Monterey, CA, April 16, 2018 — RoseAnne Ruccello-Fischer has a passion for premium olive oil and she’s turned that passion into a vocation, recently launching Ruccello Olive Oil, which specializes in Extra Virgin Olive Oils from Italy and California, hand-crafted olive wood items and handmade aprons.

“I want to offer consumers the highest quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil from the best producers from around the world,” says Ruccello-Fischer, a native of Monterey, California. “I’m also committed to educating the consumer on the many health benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and how to be a discerning consumer through olive oil tastings, olive oil and food pairing events and house parties showcasing this incredible oil.”

Starting April 15, Ruccello Olive Oil will offer on its website, ruccellooliveoil.com, Extra Virgin Olive Oil from the Tuscany region in Italy and California, handmade olive wood bowls and cutting boards, and aprons crafted by hand.

In the future, she hopes to offer more varieties of Extra Virgin Olive Oil from around the world. She also currently imports European antiques with her husband in partnership with a company in Carmel Valley.

And starting April 4th, olive oil lovers will be able to book a Grove Gathering, a fun way to spend an evening with friends learning about olive oil and tasting and savoring the way olive oil enhances the flavor of food.

Participants in the Grove Gathering will learn about olive oil facts and tips, health benefits of olive oil, olive oil tasting and food pairings. Hosts of these parties will receive discounts and/or a gift based on party sales.

To have a Grove Gathering or to get more details, contact RoseAnne at roseanne@ruccellooliveoil.com, by calling 831-275-8306, or through this website at ruccellooliveoil.com.

Ruccello Olive Oil also offers monthly subscriptions and have your olive oil delivered automatically every one or two months.

Ruccello-Fischer may be passionate about olive oil, but she’s equally passionate about eating and living well.

She’s been in the health care field for more than 30 years and is a Clinical Laboratory Scientist, so she’s well acquainted with the many health benefits of olive oil.

But it wasn’t until 2015, when she and her husband bought a small house in Tuscany nestled in the Chianti hills, with vineyards and olive groves everywhere you could see, that the idea of running her own olive oil business took seed.

A local business owner in their small Italian town suggested importing extra virgin olive oil to the U.S., an idea that appealed to her. She wanted to learn everything she could about olive oil, so signed up for an Olive Oil Sommelier class.

The original business idea didn’t pan out, but she did learn quite a bit about olive oil, especially the fact that many olive oils for sale in the U.S. are mislabeled and adulterated and that customers were being duped into buying Extra Virgin Olive Oil that was either virgin olive oil or lampante oil, which is not fit for human consumption.

So she decided she wanted to educate American consumers and offer them the best Extra Virgin Olive Oil that the world has to offer.

“Consumers know that olive oil is good for you, but there are a lot of myths about it out there,” she says. “I want to share what I’ve learned and I want to provide a product that people can trust and feel safe in the knowledge that the products are of the highest quality.”

Ruccello Olive Oil was founded, the name taken from her maiden name. She’s already working with three olive oil producers in Italy and one in Callifornia, with another from Italy in the works.

With Ruccello Olive Oil, Ruccello-Fischer is fulfilling one of her passions.

“I have a passion for good food and a desire for a healthy life, and Extra Virgin Olive Oil enhances both.”

Ruccello Olive Oil
P.O. Box 257, Monterey, CA 93940
Telephone: 831-275-8306
WhatsApp: 1-831-275-8306
roseanne@RuccelloOliveOil.com
http://ruccellooliveoil.com

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

Monterey Entrepreneur with Passion for Olive Oil Launches Ruccello Olive Oil, specializing in Extra Virgin Olive Oils, Olive Wood Items and Olive Oil Parties

RoseAnne Ruccello-Fischer has a passion for premium olive oil and she’s turned that passion into a vocation, recently launching Ruccello Olive Oil, which specializes in Extra Virgin Olive Oils from Italy and California, hand-crafted olive wood items and handmade aprons.

Monterey, CA, April 16, 2018 — RoseAnne Ruccello-Fischer has a passion for premium olive oil and she’s turned that passion into a vocation, recently launching Ruccello Olive Oil, which specializes in Extra Virgin Olive Oils from Italy and California, hand-crafted olive wood items and handmade aprons.

“I want to offer consumers the highest quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil from the best producers from around the world,” says Ruccello-Fischer, a native of Monterey, California. “I’m also committed to educating the consumer on the many health benefits of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and how to be a discerning consumer through olive oil tastings, olive oil and food pairing events and house parties showcasing this incredible oil.”

Starting April 15, Ruccello Olive Oil will offer on its website, ruccellooliveoil.com, Extra Virgin Olive Oil from the Tuscany region in Italy and California, handmade olive wood bowls and cutting boards, and aprons crafted by hand.

In the future, she hopes to offer more varieties of Extra Virgin Olive Oil from around the world. She also currently imports European antiques with her husband in partnership with a company in Carmel Valley.

And starting April 4th, olive oil lovers will be able to book a Grove Gathering, a fun way to spend an evening with friends learning about olive oil and tasting and savoring the way olive oil enhances the flavor of food.

Participants in the Grove Gathering will learn about olive oil facts and tips, health benefits of olive oil, olive oil tasting and food pairings. Hosts of these parties will receive discounts and/or a gift based on party sales.

To have a Grove Gathering or to get more details, contact RoseAnne at roseanne@ruccellooliveoil.com, by calling 831-275-8306, or through this website at ruccellooliveoil.com.

Ruccello Olive Oil also offers monthly subscriptions and have your olive oil delivered automatically every one or two months.

Ruccello-Fischer may be passionate about olive oil, but she’s equally passionate about eating and living well.

She’s been in the health care field for more than 30 years and is a Clinical Laboratory Scientist, so she’s well acquainted with the many health benefits of olive oil.

But it wasn’t until 2015, when she and her husband bought a small house in Tuscany nestled in the Chianti hills, with vineyards and olive groves everywhere you could see, that the idea of running her own olive oil business took seed.

A local business owner in their small Italian town suggested importing extra virgin olive oil to the U.S., an idea that appealed to her. She wanted to learn everything she could about olive oil, so signed up for an Olive Oil Sommelier class.

The original business idea didn’t pan out, but she did learn quite a bit about olive oil, especially the fact that many olive oils for sale in the U.S. are mislabeled and adulterated and that customers were being duped into buying Extra Virgin Olive Oil that was either virgin olive oil or lampante oil, which is not fit for human consumption.

So she decided she wanted to educate American consumers and offer them the best Extra Virgin Olive Oil that the world has to offer.

“Consumers know that olive oil is good for you, but there are a lot of myths about it out there,” she says. “I want to share what I’ve learned and I want to provide a product that people can trust and feel safe in the knowledge that the products are of the highest quality.”

Ruccello Olive Oil was founded, the name taken from her maiden name. She’s already working with three olive oil producers in Italy and one in Callifornia, with another from Italy in the works.

With Ruccello Olive Oil, Ruccello-Fischer is fulfilling one of her passions.

“I have a passion for good food and a desire for a healthy life, and Extra Virgin Olive Oil enhances both.”

Ruccello Olive Oil
P.O. Box 257, Monterey, CA 93940
Telephone: 831-275-8306
WhatsApp: 1-831-275-8306
roseanne@RuccelloOliveOil.com
http://ruccellooliveoil.com

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

The 59th Annual Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival Gives Back to the Community through its 12 Charity Partners

The Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival not only provides the community with a wealth of fun and learning every year, it gives back to the community through its dozen charity partners.

Castroville, CA, April 13, 2018 — The Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival not only provides the community with a wealth of fun and learning every year, it gives back to the community through its dozen charity partners.

The 59th annual festival takes place June 2-3, 2018 at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center in Monterey and continues the legacy of celebrating the iconic artichoke and region known as the “Artichoke Center of the World.”

For almost six decades, the Artichoke Festival has been dedicated to informing and exciting festival attendees about the unique qualities of artichokes including farming, harvest, and preparation to demonstrate how the artichoke industry has influenced the history of Monterey County. And now, as a 501c3 organization, the purpose remains the same with an emphasis on giving back to the local community.

“We look forward to the Artichoke Festival each year because the event paints a clear picture of how this community comes together to support one another,” said Diana McClean, senior director of marketing at Ocean Mist Farms and board member for the Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival. “The purpose of this organization aligns directly with Ocean Mist Farms’ values, which is part of the reason we enjoy sponsoring this annual event.”

Proceeds from the festival are used to support 501c3 community organizations and activities that align with the festival’s mission. The following are the 2018 Artichoke Food & Wine Festival Donation Recipient Organizations:

>Ashleigh Nicole Swain Memorial Scholarship Fund
This scholarship fund was set up in the memory of Castroville’s Ashleigh Nicole Swain, 16, a junior at North Monterey County High School, who died in a tragic car accident on Nov. 4, 2011. She was born January 18, 1995 in Salinas, to Jeremiah and Tobi Swain. She was a member of PAL at NMC, was talented in stained glass and jewelry making, and hoped to pursue a career in nursing. A page on Facebook was set up for her, In Loving Memory of Ashleigh Swain. https://www.facebook.com/In-Loving-Memory-of-Ashleigh-Swain-218362504897879/

>Bikers for Bikes
Founded in 2008 by motorcyclist Rick Jenkins and members of the West Coast/Monterey Bay Harley Davidson Owner’s Group, Bikers for Bikes provides 20-30 new bicycles a year to underprivileged youth. The group is also involved in a Turkey Trot to raise funds and buy turkeys for holiday meals, donates toys to kids during Christmas and participates in other charitable events. This is their third year with the festival. To donate to Bikers for Bikes, contact Rick Jenkins at 831-320-2956.

>North Monterey County High School Baseball
North County High School Baseball is heading in the right direction of its old traditions. NMC Baseball teaches young teens the core values of life through the game of baseball while pursuing greatness, sportsmanship and respect. North County has a rich tradition of athletes, who can play at the highest levels of baseball if given the opportunity and financial help they deserve. nmcusd.org

>North Monterey County High School Golf
Head Coach Tim Bearden heads the 2018 Condor Golf Team in Monterey Bay League action. nmcusd.org

>Marina Lions Club
The Marina Lions Club, established in 1984, is a small, but active club, part of Lions Clubs International, the world's largest service club organization with more than 1.4 million members in approximately 46,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas around the world. One hundred percent of funds raised by the club goes back to the community. http://e-clubhouse.org/sites/marina_lionsca/

>Ord Terrace Elementary School
Ord Terrace Elementary School in Seaside provides a positive learning environment, establishes high expectations, and worsk collaboratively with each other, families, and the community to ensure all students achieve academic success and demonstrate social responsibility. https://ote-mpusd-ca.schoolloop.com/

>Agricultural History Project
The Agricultural History Project (AHP) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization founded in 1986, and opened its doors to the public in May 2004. Its mission is to honor and promote knowledge about agriculture on the Central California Coast, both past and present. It does this through exhibits and interactive activities that help visitors experience daily life on farms and ranches on the Central Coast during the 1800’s and early 1900’s.
http://aghistoryproject.org

>Peacock Acres
Peacock Acres in Salinas provides supportive housing, intense case management, and life coaching for foster children and young adults who have been separated from their families. With high character and resolve, Peacock Acres youth are steered towards opportunities for healing and growth as they continue their journey toward a fulfilling, productive life.
peacockacres.org.

>North County Bulldogs
The North County Bulldogs play in the 12-team Monterey Bay Youth Football League in Midgets, Pee Wee and Jr. Pee Wee divisions. The league’s mission is to provide a positive outlet for the youth around the Monterey Bay and tri-county areas. The league strives to teach kids the sport of football and cheer and how to be productive citizens who are proud of their teams and the MBYFL.
http://montereybayyouthfootball.com/football/teams/north-county-bulldogs/

>North County Recreation & Park District
NCRPD is a Local Government Agency (Special District) providing recreation and parks services to the North Monterey County area, including the communities of Castroville, Moss Landing, Oak Hills and parts of Elkhorn and Prunedale, along with the surrounding rural community. NCRPD operates the North County Recreation Center, Cato-Phillips Park, Crane Street Park, Japanese School Park, Rancho Moro Cojo Park and the Moro Cojo Nature Trails. ncrpd.org

>Hope Horses & Kids
Hope, Horses & Kids serves as a resource for families, organizations and schools that utilizes authentic learning experiences to foster positive character and leadership development. HHK, a non-profit organization, is committed to positively impact the emotional, mental, behavioral and social challenges of individuals that are underserved or have special needs. www.hopehorseskids.org

For more information contact:
Diana McClean
dmcclean@oceanmist.com
(831) 770-6435

>North Monterey County Middle School Library
The library has been partnering with the festival for the past 25 years. Funds are used to buy books, computers, and whatever is needed for the library. And from time to time, funds have been used to gift students who are unable to afford graduation. nmcusd.org

About the Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival
The Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival began in 1959 and has since developed to become a harvest festival to celebrate the iconic artichoke and region known as the “Artichoke Center of the World.” The festival features family-fun events for all ages and has been a primary source of funding for local non-profit groups for many years.

Festival attendees enjoy several fresh artichoke food delicacies, a beer, wine and spirits garden, chef demos, live entertainment, field tours and more during the two-day festival. To support these events, the Artichoke Festival is encouraging individuals and organizations to volunteer their time to ensure another successful year.

For more information about giving back to the community through volunteering, please visit http://artichokefestival.org/general-info/volunteers/. For general information, visit http://artichokefestival.org/.

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

Joseph Eid Drops “Watch It Fall” Music Video Available April 13!

“Watch It Fall” is the title and focus track from Eid’s recent EP

Los Angeles, CA, April 11, 2018 - On “Watch It Fall,” pop-folk artist Joseph Eidtells the story of a life lived as a spectator, an existence filled with perception, insight, empathy, and, of course, sadness. The song is told from the perspective of someone who’s lived in the same building for years, something they never intended to let happen. And yet, mingled with the regret of a static existence is the beauty of knowing a place so well, and feeling a profound connection with that shared history. Hardships become strengths.

Set to lovely and light guitar strings and a melody which marries quiet joy with melancholy, this is Eid at his most honest. The music video, filmed and directed by Patrick McPherson, brings the vision behind the music to life. On half the screen, we see Eid – on the other, we see what he witnesses: lives unfolding amongst his building’s shared hallways, gardens, and laundry rooms, turning corners and stepping through doorways. From these lives, in this place, he draws inspiration. Even if he isn’t in his ideal place or circumstance, his art blossoms.

On April 13, 2018, you can watch Joseph Eid’s “Watch It Fall,” a touching new video release from one of indie folk’s most thoughtful artists.

About Joseph Eid:
Since the release of his Human LP, Folk-Pop artist Joseph Eid has been garnering considerable buzz. American Songwriter Magazine featured him in its “Best New Music” column, and he was named as one of the 100 Hottest Live Unsigned Artists by Music Connection Magazine. The magazine also reviewed his latest EP release “Watch It Fall” and described him as “an engaging storyteller (a la Jason Mraz) with a keen eye for character.” His song “It’s Only Love” is in the new Universal Studios film All I Wish, starring Sharon Stone.

Eid was raised in a strict, traditional home. The arts were only supported as a hobby -- never a career.But destiny prevailed. After his first semester in medical school, his dreams got too big to contain.Eid dropped out. Hemoved to New York City to pursue music.

He picked up a guitar. He joined a band. He moved, again, this time to Los Angeles. Shortly after, he began working with world-renowned guitarist/songwriter, David Lamar, honing his songwriting at weekly showcases at the Stone Bar. This led him to write dozens of new songs as well as record a debut EP, Cardiac Output, followed by a full-length LP, Human. He has a residency in Downtown LA at Bar Mattachine, where he performs when he’s not touring nationally.

For More about Joseph Eid visit:
https://www.josepheidmusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/JosephEidMusic/
https://twitter.com/JosephEidMusic
https://www.instagram.com/josepheidmusic/

Contact:
Chip Schutzman
Miles High Productions
PO Box 93157
Hollywood CA 90093
323-871-4821
chip@mileshighproductions.com
http://www.mileshighproductions.com

Array of Informative Free Seminars Announced for the 2018 Spring Inspired Home & Garden Expo of Monterey to be held on April 21st and 22nd at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center

Don’t miss the informative home, garden and cooking seminars and workshops coming up at the free 2018 Spring Inspired Home & Garden Expo of Monterey on April 21st and 22nd at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center.

Monterey, CA, April 10, 2018 - Don’t miss the informative home, garden and cooking seminars and workshops coming up at the free 2018 Spring Inspired Home & Garden Expo of Monterey on April 21st and 22nd at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center.

Are you prepared for great home entertaining this Spring and Summer! Why not create a fabulous outdoor kitchen or back yard sanctuary, upgrade your dining room area or add a kitchen island for all of your cooking projects?

You will be able to ask an array of diverse experts on site all of your home improvement questions! This year’s event will feature useful Home and Garden Exhibits, Daily Seminars, Live Chef Demos, Shopping, and Charity Partners as well as Expo Sponsors.

Stop by for a few hours and discover the very best in home-improvement products, advice and inspiration. Home expo exhibitors include general contractors, flooring, landscapers, kitchen and bath, cabinets, closet organizers, landscape designers, painters, countertops, tile, granite, appliances, solar energy, fireplaces, and much more all from around Monterey County!

Spring is a great time to evaluate your home and initiate home renovation projects so you’ll be ready to enjoy visits from family and friends in your updated home.

It’s also a wonderful time to Get Inspired! Start by visiting the Inspired Home Expo to plan your home improvement and landscaping vision and meet trusted experts who can make it a great reality. Unleash your creativity and create a true sanctuary where you can relax and rejuvenate in your beautiful home.

At a Glance:

· Saturday, April 21, 2018 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

· Sunday, April 22, 2018 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

· Free to all attendees!

· The Spring 2018 Inspired Home Expo of Monterey will feature a full weekend of activities for homeowners plus the latest remodeling, landscaping and home accessory trends and tips.

· Educational home improvement seminars by local professionals, cooking demos, local charity partners and more.

· Additional informative and fun free seminars will be available both days during the Spring 2018 Inspired Home & Garden Expo of Monterey (full schedule coming soon on inspiredexpos.com)

· The Grand Prize for attendees of the event: $100 Home Depot Gift Certificate!

· Free parking!

· Location: Monterey County Fair & Event Center, 2004 Fairground Rd. Monterey, California. (Please enter at Gate 3)

· For more information, go to InspiredExpos.com or call (831) 222-0772.

During the Spring 2018 Inspired Home Expo of Monterey weekend, there will be an outstanding line-up of seminars in the home, food and garden areas that include many experts in their field. Attendees can plan their visit to the Spring 2018 Inspired Home & Garden Expo of Monterey around many valuable remodeling workshops and home improvement seminar presentations by local experts and live chef demos and some seminars are now listed below.

2018 Spring Home Expo Seminar Schedule

Saturday, April 21, 2018

12:00 pm

Easy Updates When Selling Your Home or Just to Enjoy It More

Presented by Amber Russell of Over the Moon Realty, Inc.

Join us as local real estate broker Amber Russell goes over quick fixes and changes for your home to make it a more attractive and impressive space. These updates can help with making your home more desirable when the potential buyers come through, or to just create a more enjoyable space for you and your family.

12:45 pm

Learn More About High Quality Olive Oil & Olive Oil Demo

Presented by RoseAnne Ruccello-Fischer of Ruccello Olive Oil

We know that olive oil is good for you, but there are a lot of myths about it out there. Many olive oils are for sale in the U.S. and are mislabeled or adulterated. As a new provider of high quality extra virgin olive oil from Italy and California, RoseAnne Ruccello will share olive oil facts and tips, health benefits of olive oil, and will discuss how to do olive oil tastings and food pairings.

1:30 pm

Cooking Demonstration

Spring Vegetable Farrotto Cooking Demonstration

Presented by Chef Scott “Paul” Blackerby of the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel Spa TusCA Ristorante

Join Chef Paul as he makes a delectable dish of Spring Vegetable Farrotto, a dish much like risotto but with farro grains. We will make the quick and easy dish using ancient wheat grain farro, sauteed asparagus, peas, squash, baby tomatoes, herbs, vegetable broth, and finished with lemon olive oil!

2:15 pm
Homes for Heroes: Cash Back for Heroes who Buy or Sell a Home

Presented by Allison Chance of Homes for Heroes

Learn about the Homes for Heroes program where qualifying professions (Firefighters, Law Enforcement, Military (Active, Reserve & Veterans), Healthcare Professionals, EMS, Teachers) receive cash back when buying or selling a home. As a military spouse herself, Allison is pleased to offer this amazing program. Allison will also be doing a giveaway for a $50 Target gift card for those who attend the seminar!

3:00 pm

The ABC’s of Artichokes

Presented by Denice Amerison of Castroville Artichoke Festival Food & Wine

Join us to learn the ABC’s of Artichokes! We will cover basic preparation of artichokes, including how to microwave them, pressure cook them and other secrets of artichokes! Pat Hopper will also unveil the mystery and flavor of California’s official state vegetable!

Sunday, April 22, 2018

12:00 pm

Why Choose Metal Roofing

Presented by Mike Ruiz of Noble Pride Roofing

Watch a live demonstration showing how metal roofing panels are formed through a metal panel machine. Learn the advantages of metal roofing and see why today metal roofing is a popular alternative to traditional roofing products.

12:45 pm

Spring & Summer Painting Tips for Your Home

Presented by Jon Stuefloten of Jon Stuefloten Restoration Painting

Join us as Jon Stuefloten of Jon Stuefloten Restoration Painting discusses spring and summer painting tips for the exterior and interior of your home. He will be offering advice on the best colors for your home, techniques and much more.

1:30 pm

Hardscape Design & Opportunity

Presented by Steve McShane of McShane’s Landscape Supply

Too many landscapes go underutilized due to maintenance challenges. Join Steve McShane to dream up cost effective landscape solutions using stone, pavers, rocks and bark. Steve will highlight materials that last and require little or no upkeep. Steve will also walk through the design process so you can begin thinking about outside spaces you can enjoy.
And more seminars to be announced!

Corporate Sponsors:

· Noble Pride Roofing

Media Corporate Sponsors:

· Monterey County Herald

· KRML Radio 102.1 FM and 1410 AM

· Times Publishing Group

Exhibitor booth and Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, go to www.InspiredExpos.com/Expos/Monterey.

Publicity Contacts:
Wendy Brickman (831) 633-4444 or brickman@brickmanmarketing.com
Marci Bracco (831) 747-7455 or marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com

About Presenter RoseAnn Ruccello-Fischer
RoseAnne Ruccello-Fischer has a passion for premium olive oil and she’s turned that passion into a vocation, recently launching Ruccello Olive Oil, which specializes in Extra Virgin Olive Oils from Italy and California, hand-crafted olive wood items and handmade aprons.

Starting April 1st, Ruccello Olive Oil will offer on its website, ruccellooliveoil.com, Extra Virgin Olive Oil from the Tuscany region in Italy and California, handmade olive wood bowls and cutting boards, and aprons crafted by hand. In the future, she hopes to offer more varieties of Extra Virgin Olive Oil from around the world. She also currently imports European antiques with her husband in partnership with a company in Carmel Valley.

Ruccello-Fischer may be passionate about olive oil, but she’s equally passionate about eating and living well. She’s been in the health care field for more than 30 years and is a Clinical Laboratory Scientist, so she’s well acquainted with the many health benefits of olive oil. But it wasn’t until 2015, when she and her husband bought a small house in Tuscany nestled in the Chianti hills, with vineyards and olive groves everywhere you could see, that the idea of running her own olive oil business took seed.

A local business owner in their small Italian town suggested importing extra virgin olive oil to the U.S., an idea that appealed to her. She wanted to learn everything she could about olive oil, so signed up for an Olive Oil Sommelier class. The original business idea didn’t pan out, but she did learn quite a bit about olive oil, especially the fact that many olive oils for sale in the U.S. are mislabeled and adulterated and that customers were being duped into buying Extra Virgin Olive Oil that was either virgin olive oil or lampante oil, which is not fit for human consumption.

So she decided she wanted to educate American consumers and offer them the best Extra Virgin Olive Oil that the world has to offer. Ruccello Olive Oil was founded, the name taken from her maiden name. She’s already working with three olive oil producers in Italy and one in California, with another from Italy in the works.

More about the Expo:
Learn from and become “inspired” by top professionals in the field. Come meet the experts from the community who can help you create a more beautiful living environment, make a space more comfortable or fix an issue in your home. The event gives you the opportunity to build relationships with the people who can help you make your dreams become reality. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for ideas for Spring projects, inspiration or just browsing home improvements large too small. Talk with expert local home contractors that can create all your “inspired”, images from your clippings and Pinterest boards, meet your Google search list face to face, and make your home improvement dreams a reality.

The free, fun and informative Spring 2018 Inspired Home & Garden Expo of Monterey will be held on Saturday and Sunday, April 21st and 22nd at the Monterey Fair & Expo Center, 2004 Fairground Road, Monterey, CA. This not-to-be-missed event will feature about a hundred LOCAL home and garden professionals on site, many based in Monterey County, with all of your home project solutions. They will be available to answer all of your questions and provide expert advice for enhancing your indoor and outdoor living space.

The Spring 2018 Inspired Home & Garden Expo will feature displays and exhibits of the latest ideas in home improvement, remodeling, interior design, decorating and landscaping. In addition, it will provide educational and informative seminars and demonstrations designed to help you enhance the beauty and the value of your home. Quality contractors, expert craftsmen, premier designers and home improvement professionals are there both days to focus on all of your needs to make your home meet your vision.

About Simply Clear Marketing & Media:
Simply Clear Marketing & Media (SCMM) is a professional event management and marketing company based on the Central Coast. SCMI currently produces 7 successful INSPIRED trade show events per year and is expanding its events and services. The Inspired Home Expos are designed to create an environment for consumers to find the products and services they need to create the home of their dreams. The vision behind the home expos is to create a location for local residents to meet face to face with local companies who can help them to create a beautiful living environment and increase the value of their homes. The health expos provide a location for residents to meet face to face with a variety of health, wellness, and fitness providers in the area.

Simply Clear Marketing & Media’s mission is to help small businesses grow by connecting them with potential clients through events and marketing. For more information, go to www.InspiredExpos.com or call (805) 222-0772.

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

Carmel Honey Company Gives Back to the Community with the Product that Gives Back — Honey

At the heart of the corporate philosophy of Jake Reisdorf and his Carmel Honey Company is giving back to the community — both human and honey bees.

Carmel, CA, April 10, 2018 — At the heart of the corporate philosophy of Jake Reisdorf and his Carmel Honey Company is giving back to the community — both human and honey bees.

Reisdorf, who founded Carmel Honey Company when he was only 11years old (he’s now 15), is so passionate about honey and especially the need to save honey bees and endangered bee habitat, that he also founded the “Jake Gives Back” program.

The “Jake Gives Back” program not only makes financial donations to honey bee research and education organizations, it involves Reisdorf sharing his honey bee knowledge by speaking to students, service groups, civic organizations, businesses and corporations.

In addition to his speaking engagements, Reisdorf also does pop-up events where he can offer honey tastings, a presentation about bees and honey, as well as Q&A sessions.

Honey bees are a critical to the production of many of the fruits and vegetables we love to eat. In fact, about 90% of US crops depend on honey bees. These social insects also pollinate clover and alfalfa, which are fed to cattle, so they actually support the dairy and meat industry too. In addition, honey bees are also important to cotton and flax crops.

And yet the bees are dying. Pollination beekeepers lost an alarming 44% of their colonies last year due to Colony Collapse Disorder.

With his “Jake Gives Back” program, Reisdorf hopes to raise awareness about this crucial problem and identify solutions to how to reverse the trend.

And now, with the opening of Carmel Honey Company’s first brick-and-mortar store last August at the lower level of the Carmel Plaza in Carmel, Reisdorf is further able to support honey and bee research. When someone purchases a jar of honey or any honey-related product from Carmel Honey Company, either online or at the store, they just contributed to future honey and bee research and education.

In that sense, it’s one of the few products that consumers buy that actually gives back to the community and to the world at large in tangible ways. It can’t be understated how important honey bees are to sustain our global food system.

The Carmel Honey Company store is stocked not just with honey, but hive-related merchandise, including apparel, unique gifts, bath and body items and specialty edibles. Carmel Honey Company products also make for great gift items, including custom-made gift boxes that can be shipped directly to the recipient.

And of course, there is also an educational component to the store. Since most people haven’t tasted real, raw, premium honey, guests will be able to sample honeys from all over the country, discover beekeeping practices from around the world, and learn about the importance of pollinators to the ecosystem and the human race.

For more information on how you can buy “the gift that gives back,” please contact Carmel Honey Company at: (831) 687-8511 or at www.CarmelHoneyCompany.com.

More information is also available at:
www.Facebook.com/CarmelHoneyCompany
www.Instagram.com/CarmelHoneyCompany
www.Twitter.com/CarmelHoneyCo

Carmel Honey Company store
Carmel Plaza, Suite 118,
Ocean Avenue & Mission Street
Carmel, CA 93921
Phone: 831.687.8511
Hours: Mon-Sat 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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

Quilters Sought for First Annual Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival Quilt Challenge at 59th Annual Festival June 2-3

Are you handy with needle and thread or sewing machine? Then you’re invited to join the Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival

Castroville, CA, April 09, 2018 — Are you handy with needle and thread or sewing machine? Then you’re invited to join the Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival Quilt Challenge, which will be awarding first, second and third-place People’s Choice prizes at the June 2-3 festival at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center.

The theme is anything you want it to be, but your quilt must depict at least one artichoke on the front. Contestants must also use “some” of the fabric provided by the festival and can add as much other fabric as well as any embellishments.

Each quilt must be 20 inches by 20 inches have three layers and a 4-inch sleeve. Quilts should be labeled on the back with your name, the quilt’s name, and “2018 Quilt Challenge.”

Quilts must be received by May 25, at The Artichoke Festival Office, 11402 Merritt St., Castroville, CA 95012.

If interested in this contest, mail $5 to Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival Quilt Challenge, 11402 Merritt St., Castroville, CA 95012, and you will receive the rules and fabric.

Quilts can be viewed both Saturday, June 2 and Sunday, June 3, in the Salinas Room at the south end of the Monterey County Fair & Event Center, 2004 Fairground Road in Monterey.

About the Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival
The Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival began in 1959 and has since developed to become a harvest festival to celebrate the iconic artichoke and region known as the “Artichoke Center of the World.” The festival features family-fun events for all ages and has been a primary source of funding for local non-profit groups for many years. For more information, visit http://artichokefestival.org/.

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

Support Your Community by Becoming a Sponsor or Volunteer for The 59th Annual Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival, June 2-3, 2018

Community festivals stay vibrant because of the people who attend every year, but they stay alive through the support of their sponsors and volunteers.

Castroville, Calif, April 08, 2018 - Community festivals stay vibrant because of the people who attend every year, but they stay alive through the support of their sponsors and volunteers.

It’s no different for the 59th Annual Castroville Artichoke Food and Wine Festival, which relies on its many sponsors and hundreds of volunteers to continue its legacy of not only entertaining and educating the community, but directly benefiting charitable and educational nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Monterey County.

The 59th Annual Artichoke Food and Wine Festival will be held at the Monterey County Fair and Event Center in Monterey on June 2 and 3, 2018. Festival attendees will enjoy many fresh artichoke food delicacies, a beer, wine and spirits garden, chef demos, live entertainment, field tours and more during the two-day festival.

For many years, the Artichoke Festival has been dedicated to informing and exciting festival attendees about the unique qualities of artichokes, including farming, harvesting, and preparation to demonstrating how the artichoke industry has influenced the history of Monterey County. Now, as a 501c3 organization, the purpose remains the same, with an emphasis on giving back to the local community.

“We look forward to the Artichoke Festival each year because the event paints a clear picture of how this community comes together to support one another,” said Diana McClean, senior director of marketing at Ocean Mist Farms and board member for the Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival. “The purpose of this organization aligns directly with Ocean Mist Farms’ values, which is part of the reason we enjoy sponsoring this annual event.”

Proceeds from the festival are used to support 501c3 community organizations and activities that align with the festival’s mission.

Organizations supported by the festival include:
• Local School Sports and Education Programs
• Animal Rehabilitation and Community Education Programs
• Cancer Support Services
• Community Programs that serve Seniors and At-Risk Youth
• Food Insecurity in our Local Community
• Health and Nutrition Education Programs

Sponsorship levels include Heart of Gold, Purple Bloom, Elegant Thistle, Green Thistle, Green Bud, and Friends of the Thistle, ranging from $500 to $20,000. To become a sponsor, please contact Kathryn Parish at Kathryn.parish@gmail.com or download the sponsorship packet online at http://artichokefestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/2018_CAF-SponsorshipPackage.pdf.

June 2 & 3, 2018. Please join us in celebrating

artichokefestival.org

Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival Sponsor Form CATEGORY SPONSOR LEVEL Heart of Gold $50,000 Crowning $20,000 Event $10,000 Purple Bloom $7,500

By volunteering, individuals and community organizations and clubs can also support the 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations throughout the California Central Coast that benefit from festival proceeds.

Consider sharing your, or your organization’s, time and talents and join the generations of families and groups who have been a part of the Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival’s history. Those wishing to volunteer must complete a Volunteer Application and will be contacted by the Castroville Artichoke Festival, Inc. office about next steps and placement for working on committees.

For more information about becoming a volunteer, contact the festival at:

Castroville Artichoke Festival, Inc.
P.O. Box 1041, Castroville, California 95012
(831) 633-2465
artifest@att.net

Or download a volunteer application and release or fill out a release at:

http://artichokefestival.org/general-info/volunteers/

Volunteers | Castroville Artichoke Festival
artichokefestival.org

Be a Volunteer. Please consider sharing your, or your clubs’, time and talents at The Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival. Your volunteer time supports the ...

This is a tremendous opportunity to participate in this one-of-a kind event that combines a long-standing community tradition at a legendary venue, and a world-renowned travel destination.

About the Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival
The Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival began in 1959 and has since developed to become a harvest festival to celebrate the iconic artichoke and region known as the “Artichoke Center of the World.” The festival features family-fun events for all ages and has been a primary source of funding for local non-profit groups for many years. For more information, visit http://artichokefestival.org/.

Castroville Artichoke Food and Wine Festival June 2 - 3, 2018

artichokefestival.org

Join us for a weekend of fun at Monterey County Fair Grounds. Don't miss Chef Demos, Wine & Beer, Live Music, Farmers Market. Tickets available now!

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

Monterey Symphony 73rd Season

A spectacular lineup of guest performers are poised to make the 73rd season of the Monterey Symphony a special one for local music aficionados who, from October to May, will be treated to a series of six concerts, featuring some of the most-iconic compositions of all time.

Salinas, CA, April 07, 2018 - A spectacular lineup of guest performers are poised to make the 73rd season of the Monterey Symphony a special one for local music aficionados who, from October to May, will be treated to a series of six concerts, featuring some of the most-iconic compositions of all time.

Tickets (priced from $10-$84, with student and military discounts available) and additional information can be obtained online by visiting the website at www.montereysymphony.org, or by calling 831-646-8511. Tickets also will be sold at the box office on performance days.

Here's a preview of a season entitled Sound Waves, which promises to be a memorable series of shows, which will include Saturday-evening performances at 8 p.m., and Sunday matinees at 3 p.m., at the fabulous Sunset Center (Ninth Avenue and San Carlos Street, Carmel).

Program 1 -- Oct. 20-21

The 2018-19 season debuts with a program showcasing conductor Max Bragado-Darman and the Monterey Symphony performing a new work from compose Alex Berko commissioned with the Big Sur Land Trust, plus Franz Shubert's Symphony No. 9, "The Great."

Berko, an exceptional student at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, drew his inspiration for his new orchestral work, Among Waves, from the deep beauty of the landscape during a week in residence at Glen Deven Ranch in Big Sur.

Glen Deven Ranch also played a role in the first commission with the Big Sur Land Trust, resulting in Big Sur, the Night Sun, by esteemed composer John Wineglass, performed by the Monterey Symphony on the opening weekend of last year's concert series.

Program 2 -- Nov. 17-18

Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4, Op. 36 (often referred to as the "Fate" symphony because of its dark undertones) headlines the second concert of the series.

Written in the shadow of Beethoven's masterful Symphony No. 5, Tchaikovsky echoes the great master's melancholy in this hallmark orchestral work.

Celebrated American flautist Carol Wincenc, a professor at The Julliard School, will be spotlighted during this same program, joining the orchestra for Carl Nielsen's Flute Concerto, composed in 1926 for legendary flautist M. Holger-Gilbert Jespersen. This concert also will feature members of the Youth Music Monterey County Honors Orchestra, playing side-by-side on Hector Berlioz's Overture, Le corsair, Op. 21, which, like the Tchaikovsky symphony, was also composed during a period of great despair.

Program 3 -- Feb. 16-17

The third weekend of the "Sound Waves" season comes alive with four works, each of which is dedicated to the sea.

Claude Debussy, the father of Impressionism in music, composed La Mer in the mold of a symphony, but eschewed the traditional title for one more authentic to the sound of the music.

French composer Jacques Ibert, director of French opera in Rome, wrote Escales -- a suite for orchestra that perfectly resembles postcards from three Mediterranean ports -- after finding his obsession with the sea.

This concert also features "Four Sea Interludes" from Peter Grimes, Op. 33a, by Benjamin Britten, England's finest modern opera composer. Composed in 1945, the piece launched the career of Grimes in the new postwar era. The gorgeous tone-poem Oceanides, Op. 73, by Jean Sibelius, was inspired by the haunting and tempting sea nymphs referenced in Greek mythology.

Program 4 -- March 16-17

Jung-Ho Pak will be guest conductor for the fourth concert of the season, featuring the works of Tan Dun, Shostakovich, and Alan Hovhaness.

The revolutionary experimental composer Tan Dun transposes the sounds of water -- at play and at work -- into the textures of his music, most literally in Water Concerto for water percussion and orchestra.

Hovhaness' symphonic poem, And God Created Great Whales (commissioned in 1976 by the New York Philharmonic), featuring prerecorded humpback whale vocalizations, was credited with early efforts to save whales from extinction.

And Dmitri Shostakovich was commissioned to write Symphony No. 9 -- described by Leonard Bernstein as a series of musical jokes (including purposeful mistakes) -- to celebrate the Soviet victory over Germany.

Program 5 -- April 13-14

Three Romantic German composers are featured in the fifth concert of the season, a program that opens with Mendelssohn's concert overture, Calm Sea, and Prosperous Voyage, Op. 27, inspired by Beethoven's work of the same name.

Solo artist Elmar Oliveira returns with the Monterey Symphony to perform Violin Concerto No. 1, Op. 26, by Jewish composer Max Bruch.

And Robert Schumann's Symphony No. 4, Op. 120, originally from 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.

Program 6 -- May 18-19

The sixth and final concert of the season will conclude in grand fashion with music by Wagner, Chopin, and Beethoven.

Richard Wagner composed brilliant overtures throughout his many German operas, including the overture from The Flying Dutchman, which will be showcased as the opening work in the season finale.

Chopin's stunning Piano Concerto No. 2, Op. 21 -- composed before he completed his formal education at age 20 -- follows, will be performed by magnificent Cuban pianist Marcos Madrigal.

And the season ends with one of the all-time greatest compositions for the concert hall, 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!

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

Bay Area Folk Singer and Her Group to Perform Interactive Children’s Concert on June 22, in Palo Alto

Bay Area Folk Singer and Her Group to Perform Interactive Children’s Concert on June 22, in Palo Alto

Los Altos, CA, April 06, 2018 — Folk musician Kathy Sherman and her band Hey Mom! will perform a free, family-friendly interactive concert Friday, June 22, at Mitchell Park in Palo Alto.

Part of the Friday night summer concert series at the Magical Bridge Playground, located at Mitchell Park, 3700 Middlefield Road in Palo Alto, Sherman and Hey Mom! will perform from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Sherman has been a professional folk musician for 44 years and a music teacher for nine. She performs in three different folk bands and has released six recordings.

Her latest release is an 18-song children’s singalong album, “Let’s Sing!” which features such all-time favorite sing-alongs such as “The Hokey Pokey,” “She’ll Be Comin’ ’Round the Mountain,” “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad,” “How Much is That Doggie in the Window,” and “Teddy Bear’s Picnic.”

The album also has an accompanying “Let’s Sing!” songbook, which includes all of the songs on “Let’s Sing!,” as well as selected songs from Hey Mom!’s “Listen to Your Mama” and “Singing on a Star.”

In addition to Hey Mom!, Sherman is also member of the Good Folk Collective, the Greek folk duo The Plaka Band. She has recorded and released six albums with the three groups.

Media Interviews Available
Additional Photography Available
To request a CD for media review, please email Marci@ChatterboxPublicRelations.com.

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About Kathy Sherman
Kathy Sherman started her professional music career at age 15, playing Greek music in clubs, restaurants, festivals , and concerts. She put down her bouzouki, the mandolin-like instrument central to modern Greek music, long enough to earn a BMus in classical guitar performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. She was a member of the Electric Guitar Quartet, a classical / comedy group that opened for such guitar luminaries as Leo Kottke, Jorma Kaukonen, John Hartford, The Great Guitars (Barney Kessel, Charlie Byrd, and Herb Ellis) and Free Flight.

Kathy’s current music experiences include Greek folk music with long-time friend and fellow musician, Notis Contoplianos in their group, The Plaka Band. Notis and Kathy have two extraordinary CDs, New Songs of Old Athens (selected for Grammy consideration for best World Music Album), and A Time to Sing, A Time to Dance, a rollicking collection of favorite Greek dance music. For more information about The Plaka Band, please check out their website, ThePlakaBand.com. Kathy also plays classical mandolin for orchestras who have the occasional need for one.

http://www.goodfolksongs.com
https://www.instagram.com/goodfolksongs/
https://store.cdbaby.com/m/cd/kathyshermanandthegoodfo
https://www.facebook.com/kathy.sherman.folk.singer.123829?hc_ref=ARSxYil_PqqCjfBQih1NEnvBFJnE2ogdDAYvxKRTFspGrq8hCv1gsf9bPo36UpZdfUU&fref=nf
http://www.goodfolksongs.com

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

Interim Inc. and its Grateful Residents Believe in the Healing Power of Canine Therapy

Interim Inc. and its Grateful Residents Believe in the Healing Power of Canine Therapy

There are four special unpaid employees at Interim Inc. that are known for their calm, gentle manner and ability to provide emotional therapeutic support that aids in the healing process for Interim’s residents.

Monterey, CA, April 05, 2018 — There are four special unpaid employees at Interim Inc. that are known for their calm, gentle manner and ability to provide emotional therapeutic support that aids in the healing process for Interim’s residents.

They are four therapy dogs that work directly in programs at Interim, a Monterey-based private nonprofit organization that provides support services, housing and treatment for adults with mental illness in Monterey County.

All four are trained to provide emotional therapeutic support and assisting in the healing process. These four-legged companions help decrease feelings of anxiety, increase feelings of comfort and safety, and reduce loneliness in residents.

Here’s the story of three of the canines, Angel, Rufus and Juno:

Angel

About twice a month, and sometimes more, Manzanita House has a visiting “Angel.” Manzanita House is Interim’s crisis residential program, where residents are recovering from a mental health crisis. The emotional support that a therapy dog can provide to clients at this juncture is much needed.

Sometimes you will find Angel hanging out in the Living Room, sometimes in the Dining Room or Day Room. She has been known to calmly sit next to residents on the couch or enthusiastically greet them with a big kiss. She is always accompanied by her chauffer, friend and personal human, Grace Rider.

Angel is a registered therapy dog. Her black and tan sausage shape wiggles with happiness as she greets you.

“I was told Dachshunds could be hard to train, but Angel wasn’t that way,” says Rider. “The International Therapy Dog trainer in Salinas says Angel’s got the perfect therapy dog personality. She’s very vocal for a dachshund and will greet with you with a gurgle.  She loves everyone she meets.”

Angel has been visiting Manzanita House regularly for about four years. Rider says Angel seems to understand the residents — whether they need a quiet canine friend to sit next to them for a while, or if someone needs full-on doggy kisses. As the residents interact with Angel, sometimes they share their journey with Rider. They both listen without judgment.

When she is not at Manzanita House, Angel visits the Hospice at CHOMP and other rehabilitation centers in the area, spreading doggy joy with every visit.

Rufus

Manzanita House has another regular visitor who comes to play with residents. Rufus is a Black Lab and his owner Carla stopped in at the Interim offices recently to meet the administrative staff.

“Rufus came from the Monterey County SPCA. He was part of a program called ‘Take the Lead’ where young people who are part of the juvenile probation program work with dogs in the shelter to train them,” says Carla, Rufus’ human. Rufus was taught basic commands, how to walk on a leash and basic obedience. (Unfortunately, this program has been discontinued.)

“We got Rufus when he was 4 months old — he’s 9 years old now — and had him evaluated and trained at the Zoom Room (now California Canine Training) in Pacific Grove, with the idea that he could be a therapy dog,” said Carla. “Part of the training was for me, on how to handle him. Rufus passed with flying colors and went on to receive specialized therapy training from Therapy Dogs International.”

Rufus especially likes to play ball with the residents in the back yard at Manzanita House.  Sometimes he can be found rolling on the floor in the living room, nuzzling a resident. He loves to play and loves meeting new people.

“When we stop in to visit, the staff at Manzanita makes an announcement over the intercom that Rufus is here, and the residents, and sometimes staff, come out to see him,” Carla said.

When not “working,” Rufus lives at home with his humans, Carla and Tony and “sister” Cammie, a white lab who is a hospital therapy dog.

Juno

The homelike setting of Interim’s Bridge House program in Monterey provides a structured, non-institutional therapeutic community where residents with co-occurring substance use disorders and psychiatric disabilities learn to rebuild their lives.

At Bridge House, Juno, a St. Bernard, works the night shift as a therapy dog. Juno’s human is Leah Mahar, who incidentally also works the night shift at Bridge House. Leah has been on staff for eight years, six of which she has been accompanied by Juno.

“I had been working here a couple of years, and knew about therapy dogs and how they could help people with stress,” said Mahar. “I started looking for a dog that would make a good therapy dog, and saw Juno advertised on Craigslist. I called her owner who had Juno and her mother — they had originally thought to breed Juno. I told the owner that I was looking for a dog to be a therapy dog, and she said she thought Juno’s temperament was perfect for that kind of job.”

Juno’s training began with regular canine obedience classes. But to become a therapy dog, she had to be able to pass additional tests, such as not jumping on people, not reacting to other dogs, and not eating food dropped on the ground.  She had to remain calm in situations where other people and animals around her might be agitated. Juno passed with flying colors!

For residents of Bridge House who are learning to cope with mental illness while also dealing with substance use disorders, Juno’s gentle acceptance can be as healing as medication.

A typical shift for Juno and Leah begins about 10:45 p.m., and some residents will wait up to visit with Juno before they go to bed.

“Sometimes it’s hard for our residents to settle into their new routine,” said Mahar. “They are away from home and may be missing their families and pets. Juno is just there for them, unconditionally.”

Often, a few minutes petting and talking to Juno helps residents relax before bed. Since Juno and Leah’s shift continues until 8 a.m., residents often visit with Juno when they first get up in the morning.  She provides a comforting presence that settles them at the start of their day.

Interim believes in the healing power of our four-legged friends, and the results are evident by the many smiles at Manzanita House and Bridge House.

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

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.

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