Monterey Symphony's 2017-18 Annual Report

After a few challenging years, The Monterey Symphony has been able to right the ship and is looking to 2018/19 as a season of financial stability and growth.

Monterey, CA, August 07, 2018 — After a few challenging years, The Monterey Symphony has been able to right the ship and is looking to 2018/19 as a season of financial stability and growth. The most recent annual report just released reveals one of the Symphony’s most successful seasons.

The Symphony’s concerts were within two dozen tickets of selling out each; its Music for the Schools programs was so successful a fourth county will be added to the roster; and it met and exceeded its foundation granting goals in December 2017, halfway through the last season, which ended June 30.

“We’re doing well, everything’s up, and 2018/19 is going to be a spectacular year for the Symphony,” says Nicola Samra, Symphony executive director. When Samra was named the new executive director in July 2017, she was able to hit the ground running. She was already a member of the Symphony staff as director of Institutional Advancement with several months under her belt, she had experience as director of development for the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at CSU Monterey Bay, and for almost four years as director of development and marketing for the Carmel Bach Festival.

As the Symphony’s director of Institutional Advancement she had already developed a three-year plan for the Symphony and her experience in development gave her the confidence to approach the various foundations and rebuild their relationships with the Symphony.

“I met with every program director from every foundation, if I couldn’t meet with them in person, we spoke on the phone. I also read proposals and reports from the last five years,” says Samra. “I took it as a vote of confidence from the community that what we do here is important, that what we do is important and impactful.”

Concert ticket sales only account for 18% of the Symphony’s annual budget, with grants from foundations and donations from individuals and other sources accounting for 80%. The 2018/19 budget is $1.74 million, smaller than the 2017 budget, but one that allows the Symphony to “live within its means,” says Samra.

The Symphony was able to save $250,000 by consolidating its concert venues and focusing on the two concerts Saturdays and Sundays at the Sunset Center in Carmel (along with a free concert on Monday for student groups).

In fact, with new funding, the Symphony will add two youth concerts in Salinas in May of 2019 and hopes to add additional transportation for some of the school districts that don’t have funding for buses to the concerts.

“We are now on the path to financial sustainability, we’re grateful to the community for its support, we’re excited by the increased attendance at our concerts and we’re looking to the future to see how we can continue to serve our patrons,” says Samra.

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

Spill the Milk Vintage in Valparaiso, Indiana joins The Shop Local Network as a Shop Local Mission Partner

Spill the Milk Vintage, located at 3152 W. Morthland Drive Valparaiso, Indiana, aims to inspire people to explore their individual style.

LaPorte, Indiana, August 07, 2018 - Spill the Milk Vintage, located at 3152 W. Morthland Drive Valparaiso, Indiana, aims to inspire people to explore their individual style. Nick Bello, President of The Shop Local Network stated, “Spill the Milk is really a one-of-a-kind store. It is a different store every day and it is like a walk back in time! A must stop if you are in the area!”

At Spill the Milk Vintage, they believe that every item can be repurposed. They give a heart to every item in the store. They think that every item is sure to be unique or an item that makes you think nostalgically. With Spill the Milk Vintage, it is easy to find that one piece that can transform an entire room.

This vintage store prides itself on having an extensive variety of items that include, furniture, mirrors, armories, benches, cabinets, and chairs. They also have collectable signage, original and preowned artwork, and urban salvage and decor. They also have a variety of purses, and small gifts along with many other items.

The name, “Spill the Milk Vintage,” comes from one of the two concessions that Al Steele ran. This later turned into a carnival game. Al Sr. was the current owners grandfather. They were one of the 17 Steele’s that traveled with the carnival.

So, are you ready to make something old new to your home? Go and visit Spill the Milk Vintage today!

Call or visit their website today for hours or other information.

219-286-3955
Spillthemilkvintage.com

Contact:
Nick Bello
The Shop Local Network
LaPorte, Indiana
1-800-501-2632
support@TheShopLocalNetwork.com
http://www.TheShopLocalNetwork.com

The Shop Local Network is excited to announce Martin Landscape Center as a new Shop Local Mission Partner

Martin Landscape Center located at 9961 West 109th Street in Cedar Lake, Indiana is your one stop shop for all your landscape needs.

LaPorte, Indiana, August 07, 2018 - Martin Landscape Center located at 9961 West 109th Street in Cedar Lake, Indiana is your one stop shop for all your landscape needs. Nick Bello, President of The Shop Local Network stated, “Martin Landscape Center has a huge selection of plants, trees, flowers and all your landscaping needs. Not only do they have a huge selection, but the quality is second to none!”

Stop by and check out their wide selection of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, and herbs that include old favorites as well as new and exciting varieties. Martin Landscape Center carries everything you need to keep your new plants healthy and looking their best for years to come. Step inside and shop for birdhouses and birdfeeders, decorative pots and other garden accessories to add interest to your landscape. Martin Landscape Center is there to meet all your landscape and gardening needs.

Martin Landscaping is a landscape design and build firm which caters to the differing needs and budgets of each customer. They tailor their services to homeowners, contractors and builders to make sure that they receive the best experience possible in a timely and cost sensitive manner.

Martin Landscaping offers a full service garden center which stocks fresh and unique plant material each season. This allows customers to come in and choose the items they would like to see in their designs and ultimately their homes.

Want to see what they have to offer? Stop by, give them a call or check out their website.

(219) 365-2424
www.martinlandscaping.com

Contact:
Nick Bello
The Shop Local Network
LaPorte, Indiana
1-800-501-2632
support@TheShopLocalNetwork.com
http://www.TheShopLocalNetwork.com

New Fine Jewelry Line From Designer/Entrepreneur Vivian Storms Features One-of-a-Kind Sculptural Artwork From Acclaimed Cold Glass Artist Jack Storms

Pre-Sale Starts August 1st with 5% of All Sales Benefitting Los Angeles Based Children’s Charity!

Valencia, CA, August 05, 2018 - CEO, Fine art publisher and gallery owner, marketing visionary, fashion designer and loving mother, Vivian Storms has clearly accomplished a great deal at just 31 years of age. Vivian’s latest venture adds the title of fine jewelry designer to her already impressive resumé as the founder of Viv Storms Fine Jewelry.

Viv Storms Fine Jewelry will launch its new line of exceptional jewelry, fashioned from one-of-a-kind, original cold-glass artwork produced by her former husband and business associate, artist Jack Storms, on Aug. 1.

The pre-sale, which launches Aug. 1 on vivstorms.com, totals 500 pieces available for order and counts five different designs for rings, necklaces, earrings and cufflinks all affordably priced at $600 and up. Furthermore, the website will include 360-degree videos of each jewelry piece available to allow customers to behold their beauty before purchasing.

All pre-ordered pieces will be shipped for delivery on Dec. 3, 2018 and those participating will receive a 25% discount on orders placed between Aug. 1-31 (while supplies last). The ability to shop now and pay later will also be available on purchases over $199 as customers will have up to 6 months to pay for their items.

Viv Storms Fine Jewelry will donate 5% of all proceeds from the pre-sale to a Greater Los Angeles children’s charity. In addition, as a way of thanking clients for supporting the pre-sale, a $15,000 sculpture from Jack Storms’ personal collection will be given away. All participating in the pre-sale between Aug. 1-31 will be eligible to enter the giveaway for which details will be provided following checkout. The winner will be announced Sept. 15.

Over the last decade, Jack Storms has become a dominant force in the landscape of cold-glass art. One look at any of Jack’s fine art pieces and it becomes obvious that there is a special force at work.

Vivian’s intense love for art and fashion along with her willingness for the mesmerizing work of one of the world’s greatest cold-glass artists to reach an even wider audience than ever before were the key inspirations behind her new venture into fine jewelry. Vivian believed that someday, the heavily involved process to produce the kaleidoscope cores that ignited Jack’s sculptures could be harnessed into smaller stones to imbue with radiance, the stunning jewelry pieces she envisioned.

“We have an amazing team of collaborators helping me take this crazy idea of a jewelry line based on fine art from thought-form to reality,” said Vivian about the process of creating the line.

After approximately two years of trial and error, the final product was finally achieved thanks to her love and unequalled passion and enthusiasm for creating and designing. Viv Storms Fine Jewelry is set to officially launch in Dec. 2018 as a formerly inconceivable notion becomes manifested reality with the creation of her fine jewelry collection. Outshine diamonds with jewelry from Viv Storms Fine Jewelry.

Video of Viv Storms Fine Jewelry https://www.dropbox.com/sh/cl019xo8qq7a29y/AAD2Ti8eUh_Mo2cNflFxhHU1a/vs_1x1_20sec.mp4?dl=0

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

The Shop Local Network is excited to welcome Coyote Cantina as a new Shop Local Mission Partner

Nick Bello, president of The Shop Local Network stated, “The food at Coyote Cantina is amazing.

LaPorte, Indiana, August 04, 2018 - Coyote Cantina, located at 1090 US HWY 41, Schererville, Indianabrings Fine Mexican cuisine to Northwest Indiana. Nick Bello, president of The Shop Local Network stated, “The food at Coyote Cantina is amazing. It is like a flavor explosion with every bite!” When you go there, you will enjoy the energy and passion of Mexico in the innovative yet authentic flavors of their Latin-inspired dishes, crafted by Executive Chef Dudley Nieto and his culinary team. Dietary preferences are accommodated, with vegetarian options available.

Everything they create is fresh, made from scratch and with passion- including handmade tortillas! The menu includes street tacos! Each has its own amazing ingredients, whether it is steak, shrimp, chicken, pork or vegetarian. Using the freshest, locally bought ingredients, their unique menu offers many selections that they know their guests will enjoy and love.

In Coyote’s luxurious bar, choose from the finest tequilas and Mezcals, along with an extensive selection of fresh, seasonal cocktails crafted by the Tippling Bros. Signature margaritas are made with fresh lime and fruit juices and are infused with herbs, flowers and spices to create a refreshing, mouth-watering tequila cocktail.

So make plans to visit Coyote Cantina as soon as possible. You will not be disappointed, and you will make plans to return! Learn more about them by visiting their website, or give them a call today.

219-319-0902
http://www.coyotecantinanwi.com

Contact:
Nick Bello
The Shop Local Network
LaPorte, Indiana
1-800-501-2632
support@TheShopLocalNetwork.com
http://www.TheShopLocalNetwork.com

Sponsorships Opportunities Available, Program Advertisers Sought for Chamber Music Monterey Bay’s Exciting 2018-2019 Season of Five Concerts

Chamber Music Monterey Bay has announced another exemplary five-concert series for the 2018-2019 season and is offering sponsorship opportunities and seeking advertisers for its season program.

Carmel, CA, August 03, 2018 — Chamber Music Monterey Bay has announced another exemplary five-concert series for the 2018-2019 season and is offering sponsorship opportunities and seeking advertisers for its season program.

Chamber Music Monterey Bay enjoys a loyal and mainly local subscriber base of 220 individuals and the vast majority of CMMB’s subscribers (86%) reside on the Monterey Peninsula. Single ticket buyers are a mix of locals, visitors and part-time residents. Concert attendance varies and is approximately 300-450 per concert at Sunset Center in Carmel.

The program is 5.5 inches by 8.5 inches, features 32-36 pages and 1,500 copies are printed to be passed out at concerts. Prices start for as low as $275 for a quarter-page ad up to $1,200 for the back cover for the full five-concert season.

Camera-ready artwork and payment are due Aug. 31st?

CMMB’s 2018-2019 season of five concerts features some of the finest chamber ensembles around the world, opening with up-and-coming French ensemble Van Kuijk Quartet on Oct. 6, 2018.

The season continues Nov. 3, 2018 with keepers of the Aaron Copland flame, Music from Copland House; followed by the multiple award-winning Borromeo String Quartet with acclaimed clarinetist Richard Stoltzman on Jan. 19, 2019; with the Catalyst Quartet, comprised of top laureates and alumni of the internationally acclaimed Sphinx competition, on Feb. 23, 2019: and the Montrose Trio, a collaboration of pianist Jon Kimura Parker and the Tokyo String Quartet, concluding the season on April 6, 2019.

Andy Sudol, who became executive director of CMMB in December 2017, is looking forward to an exciting 2018-2019 season, and gaining new subscribers for the 52-year-old organization.

“There are a lot of classical music presenters in the area, Carmel Music Society, Bach Festival, the Symphony, Ensemble Monterey and so forth, but I think we occupy a unique niche,” he said. “We present a balance of contemporary composers and traditional composers. In fact, I think we present more living composers than any other local organization. When you attend one of our concerts you’ll definitely hear new things or things you haven’t heard before.”

Sudol also hopes to build on CMMB’s educational outreach program, which already offers musician visits to local schools, Kids Up Front & Free!, in which children grades 3-12 are invited to sit in the center-front three rows for an “up-close-and-personal” concert experience, master classes for student musicians and special ticket pricing for students ages 17-30.

CMMB’s concerts have been earning exceptional reviews for decades, including this one from a concert earlier this year.

“Chamber Music Monterey Bay (CMMB) has a long tradition of presenting the crème de la crème of chamber ensembles and also of commissioning significant new works by contemporary composers,” wrote music review Lyn Bronson in Peninsula Reviews, a website he edits, about a CMMB concert earlier this year. “CMMB once again hit it out of the ballpark. The Claremont Trio was at the top of its form, and the commissioned work, ‘Four Folk Songs for piano trio’ by Gabriela Lena Frank, was a hit with the audience.”

Each concert in the season will be preceded by a lecture by Kai Christiansen, noted San Francisco musicologist and founder of earsense.org, an online chamber music exploratorium. Learn about the concert’s composers and their works and gain deeper insights into the music you’re about to hear.

The lecture starts at 6:45 p.m. in the Sunset Center concert hall, and is free of charge.

Founded in 1966, Chamber Music Monterey Bay has its roots in an organization begun by Hazel Watrous and Dene Denny — two pioneers of early California history who brought music performances to the Monterey Peninsula in the mid-1920s who co-founded the Carmel Bach Festival and the Carmel Music Society, which often featured new works by local composers.

Today, Chamber Music Monterey Bay, which was an offshoot of the Carmel Music Society, exists to preserve the tradition of live classical chamber music performance and to explore creatively the evolution of the art form.

CMMB presents five concerts in a nine-month annual season that runs from October-May, featuring world-renowned artists performing at the Sunset Cultural Center — a world-class 718-seat destination venue in beautiful Carmel-by-the-Sea, California.

CMMB features exciting and innovative programming — from the best-loved masterworks, to lesser-known gems and brand new compositions. This is what distinguishes CMMB from other local presenters. The ensembles CMMB brings to the area love to present unusual, provocative programs to their listeners. And CMMB’s audiences — appreciated by the guest musicians for their uniquely engaged attentiveness — love to hear them.

For sponsorship opportunities or to advertise in the program, please call (831) 625-2212 or email: execdir@chambermusicmontereybay.org.

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

For Sale: Extraordinary Real Estate Opportunities in Carmel Valley that are Worlds Apart, But Share a Certain Aesthetic — Only the Best of the Best Will Do

These two show-stopping properties couldn’t be more different, however, what they do have in common is that they are two of the most spectacular properties in an area known worldwide for spectacular properties, and both are one-of-a-kind real estate!

Carmel, CA, July 31, 2018 — These two show-stopping properties couldn’t be more different, however, what they do have in common is that they are two of the most spectacular properties in an area known worldwide for spectacular properties, and both are one-of-a-kind real estate!

The other common denominators are they are both in the verdant Carmel Valley on the Central Coast of California and they’re represented by Monterey Peninsula real estate agent Doug Steiny, a fifth generation and longtime resident of Monterey Peninsula and a licensed Realtor for more than 30 years, working with Sotheby’s International Realty.

The first property is “The Crown Jewel Of Carmel Valley,” also known as the “River House,” and is a 4,762-square-foot, three-bedroom, three-and-a-half--bath French country chateau located a stone’s throw from the Carmel River, but well above the flood plain, on a secluded knoll. In fact, it is the only place on the Carmel River where there is water year-round.

Originally built by a Central Valley tomato grower and his wife, who discovered the property by walking along the river until she found the perfect location, the villa boasts massive French oak entry doors, 17th century roof tiles from a monastery in Burgundy, terra cotta kitchen floors, antique French chandeliers throughout, 17th century fireplaces, in-ground pool, spa/hot tub, herb/vegetable garden, library and a two-car garage.

One of its most striking features is its main staircase, which is French oak and features a bannister created by a San Francisco woodworking artisan, who had to steam, bend and twist 15-foot sections of French oak to create. “It’s not just something you can just go out and buy,” says Steiny.

“The entire property is like a piece of art, including the land on which it sits,” says Steiny, who, even with all his experience in the business, still marvels at the $6.5 million property. ”It’s just breath-taking. You walk in and are visually transported into a fantastic dream. I’m seeing something truly special.’”

The same could be said for the second property, which is as far from French country as you can get and is located on the opposite end of Carmel Valley, in horse and ranch country.

Fox Creek Ranch sits on 276 acres of unparalleled beauty, complete with nine-stall 4,600-square-foot horse stable, riding area with covered round pen and seven fully fenced and irrigated pastures, an equipment bar and hay barn, a 450-square-foot garage, six water wells with 100,000-gallon storage tank, solar panels throughout, and 5 acres of Pinot Noir grapevines and 1 acre of Chardonnay grapes.

And all that doesn’t include the main house! The 4,000-square-foot-plus ranch-style main house features exposed oak beams, hickory-planked floors, walls of double-stacked Montana fieldstone, three bedrooms, two full baths, one half-bath, a fitness room, office, heated in-ground pool, spa/hot tub, outdoor barbecue and fireplace, expansive deck/patio, and 875-square-foot garage.

There’s also a 3,100-square foot guest house with many of the same features, such as double-stacked Montana fieldstone, and amenities, including three bedrooms, den, full kitchen and laundry.

The horse stable is a sight to behold. The developers of the property, Tom and Judy Deregt, didn’t want to spare any expense in building the stables, barns, pastures and riding areas. Starting from scratch, they re-engineered the soil on about 50-60 acres (“It’s like building a golf course from scratch,” says Steiny) and spent $3.3 million on the stables alone.

The stables, built for cutting horses, consist of a 4,600-square-foot horse barn with nine stalls, tack room, hot/cold water wash bay, office, laundry room and full bath. It’s built with stacked Montana fieldstone, covered with slate shingle roofing, and decorated with iron-capped Australian hardwood, and was designed by a renowned barn designer. “It’s like a four-star hotel for horses,” quips Steiny.

“It’s just gorgeous, but it doesn’t feel at all ostentatious, it feels really nice” marvels Steiny about the $19 million (asking price, well below its actual value) property, which sits on a wide bench just a few miles east of Carmel Valley Village. “I would just leave it as is, just have fun with it. Most properties like this are a lot of work, this is not. It’s absolutely immaculate, every inch of it.”

These two prestige properties may be worlds apart in terms of style and size, but they share a certain aesthetic — only the best of the best will do.

Images:

22 Scarlett Road: https://realogy.app.box.com/s/eju6yesfidsj1uhrdo7lhch7lfz0f2yy

Fox Creek Ranch: https://realogy.app.box.com/s/4295ydya3ld2q14pdxng9v81tgih9hcx

Additional Images Available Upon Request

About Doug and Lisa Steiny
As a fifth generation Californian and life long resident of Monterey Peninsula, Doug has been fortunate to live and work in an area which offers the highest quality of living in the world. As a licensed Realtor for over 30 years, Doug has experienced and has been involved in the growth of the Monterey Peninsula. His single mindedness in providing exemplary customer service has helped grow his business to more than $500 million in sales. Over 90% of Doug’s business is generated from direct referrals from previous clients, friends and family who recognize the benefit in utilizing his expertise in Real Estate and knowledge of the area. Doug has consistently been a Top Producer since 1990 with notable clients, including several presidents of Fortune 500 companies.

After 30 years as a top producer in the title and escrow business, Lisa joined her husband, Doug Steiny. Lisa relocated to Carmel with her parents when her father retired from the Air Force. Being from Southern California, the draw to the smaller community of Carmel was an enticing place to raise their family. Lisa prides herself in her service-oriented approach to helping clients. She is extremely detailed and brings to the team the ability to provide the best service possible. With 15 years of management experience, Lisa offers incomparable knowledge and skills to Doug’s team.

Doug and Lisa Steiny
www.dougsteiny.com
Tel: (831) 277-2070
Email: doug@dougsteiny.com

Sotheby’s International Realty
Carmel Rancho Brokerage
3775 Via Nona Marie Ste 100
Carmel, CA 93923

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