Deadline Approaching for 2019 Monterey County Fair Coloring Contest

Three Grand-Prize Winners Will Receive a $25 Fair Gift Card Valid for Fair Tickets

Monterey, CA, April 23, 2019 — Win tickets to the 2019 Monterey County Fair by entering the Fair’s Coloring Contest. But don’t wait too long, the deadline for entry is Thursday, Aug. 1, 2019.

Grand-Prize winners in each age group will receive a $25 Fair Gift Card valid for fair admission tickets. Redeem card at the fair office. Ten runners-up winners in each category will be given participation ribbons.

The three age categories are:

1. Up to 6 years old
2. 7 to 9 years old
3. 10 to 12 years old

Send your entry along with a self-addressed envelope — just in case you are one of the lucky grand prize winners or one of the 30 runner-up winners!

Deadline for entries is Thursday, Aug. 1, 2019. Runner-up winners will be sent ribbons in the mail. Grand-prize winners will be contacted by phone. Entries cannot be returned.

All entries will be displayed in the Junior Art building during the Fair, Aug. 29-Sept. 2, 2019. No purchase necessary. Employees and the immediate families of Monterey County Fair are not eligible to enter. Prize is non-transferable and not redeemable for cash, goods or services.

Entry to this contest constitutes the winner’s agreement for use of their name for publicity by any of the co-promotional partners. Winner is responsible for any applicable taxes.

Mail your drawing with your name, age, phone number and address to: Monterey County Fair ”High Tides and Carnival Rides” Coloring Contest, 2004 Fairground Road, Monterey, CA 93940.

Entry form and blank drawing to color can be found at:

https://montereycountyfair.com/pdf/2019/2019_coloring_contest.pdf

The Fair will be held Aug. 29-Sept. 2, 2019, at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center, 2004 Fairground Road in Monterey. The Fair’s theme this year is “High Tides and Carnival Rides.”

About the Monterey County Fair & Event Center
The Monterey County Fair & Event Center is a premier event center set on 22 oak-studded acres with ample parking. It is a state-owned multi-use facility that features four large banquet rooms, two outdoor concert venues, and a variety of outdoor and indoor cost-effective sites ideal for all types of events. It is home of the annual award-winning Monterey County Fair, host to many major and private events on the Central Coast, and the site of the Monterey Bay Race Place, a Satellite Wagering Facility.

For more information, contact the Fair Administration Office, at 2004 Fairground Road in Monterey, by calling (831) 372-5863 or go to www.montereycountyfair.com for more information.

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

Central Coast YMCA Will Celebrate Healthy Kids Day on April 27 at Four of its Five Branches on the Central Coast

All branches of the Central Coast YMCA will celebrate Healthy Kids’ Day, the Y’s national initiative to improve the health and well-being of kids and families, on Saturday, April 27, 2019.

Salinas, CA, April 21, 2019 — All branches of the Central Coast YMCA will celebrate Healthy Kids’ Day, the Y’s national initiative to improve the health and well-being of kids and families, on Saturday, April 27, 2019.

For over 25 years, YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day has celebrated kids’ health and continues to teach healthy habits for kids and families, encourage active play and inspire a lifetime love of physical activity.

YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day will include fun active play and educational activities to keep kids moving and learning, in order to maintain healthy habits and academic skills to achieve goals and reach their full potential.

Events on April 27, will be held from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. in Watsonville, San Benito and South County; from 10 a.m. to noon in Salinas; and 2-4 p.m. at the Salinas Aquatic Center. Monterey’s was combined with Pacific Grove’s Good Old Days celebration on April 6th.

In addition, Central Coast YMCA will waive the joining fee (a $50 value) for anyone becoming a member on April 27.

Vendors participating so far in each of the events include:

Salinas YMCA
Ariel Theater, Kinship Center, Pediatric Dentist, KDON Echo Housing, Castroville Chiropractic Clinic, Fireman (?), Foster Care & Adoption, Hampton Inn & Suites

Police & K9 Units, Monterey County Rape Crisis Center, Sun Street Centers, CASA of Monterey County, as well as a bounce house and photo booth.

YMCA of San Benito County
Greenheart International, Gavilan College, California Highway Patrol, Monterey Bay Air Resources District, San Benito County Sheriff, Safe Kids Coalition of San Benito County, New York Life, SNAP-ED, San Benito County HHSA-RFA, San Benito County Free Library, with 22 more scheduled to participate.

South County YMCA
Monterey County Health Department- Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, CASA of Monterey, YWCA of Monterey County, Central California Alliance for Health, Sun Street Centers, Community Health Partnership, Department of Social Services- MC Choice Outreach, Essential Oil Wellness, Monterey County Food Bank and Monterey County Free library- Soledad.

Watsonville YMCA
Healthy Kids’ Day conflicts with the City of Watsonville’s Earth Day event, so there will be no vendors, but will highlight the Y at the branch with fun, games and activities. Family Zumba, Kids Fit, etc.

A child’s development is never on vacation, so Healthy Kids Day encourages youth and families to “Awaken Summer Imagination,” serving as summer kick-off event that helps kids stay healthy and achieving all summer long.

About the Central Coast YMCA
Formed in 1989, the Central Coast YMCA began with the merger of two independent YMCAs; the Salinas Community YMCA (founded in 1921) and the Watsonville Family YMCA (founded in 1898). Originally a USO built in 1941, with the purpose of supporting American troops during World War II, the YMCA of the Monterey Peninsula joined the association in 1990. In 1998 the South County YMCA became the fourth branch in the association, extending its service area to the residents of south Monterey County. The YMCA of San Benito County became the fifth and most recent addition to the association in 1999.

CCYMCA is an independent, private, nonprofit corporation, a part of the YMCA of the USA, but responsible for its own policies, programs, and budgets. It employs 27 full-time employees, about 225 part-time employees, and 120 volunteers who impact approximately 40,000 people in Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey counties.

For more information on Central Coast YMCA, call (831) 757-4633 or go to centralcoastymca.org. CCYMCA is located at 500 Lincoln Ave. in Salinas.

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

San Juan Bautista Design Firm Celebrates 15th Anniversary, Naming of New Partner

Founder and Creative Director Kathy Schipper and her San Juan Bautista-based graphic, web design and marketing agency, Schipper Design, have two big reasons to celebrate in 2019.

San Juan Bautista, CA, April 17, 2019 — Founder and Creative Director Kathy Schipper and her San Juan Bautista-based graphic, web design and marketing agency, Schipper Design, have two big reasons to celebrate in 2019.

Schipper Design celebrates its 15th anniversary and its Executive Vice President has been named a partner in the agency. Beth Welch, who has been with Schipper Design for almost six years, is now the Managing Director.

When Kathy founded Schipper Design 15 years ago in San Benito County, a hop-skip from California’s Silicon Valley, she immediately applied her signature style to her work. Not content to simply design, Kathy quickly set to work attracting and hiring fresh and innovative designers, digital creatives and marketing experts to the firm, building a well-rounded team equipped for collaboration.

“We are bringing Beth on as a partner so we can continue to deliver high-quality design and branding and continue our path for growth in marketing and design,” said Schipper, who now leads 15 full-time employees in a 4,000 sq. ft. studio in the heart of historic San Juan Bautista. “Beth has been instrumental in the company growth over the past five years. She brought a high level of agency experience and organizational leadership to Schipper Design.”

“Although our growth has primarily been referrals,” she said. “We always welcome new clients, and we are strengthened by new projects with our current clients. We have a commitment to be on the cutting edge of design and technical trends so our clients can benefit from our expertise. This makes our investment in continuous training and education for the staff vitally important.”

Adding Welch as a partner gives Schipper more flexibility to concentrate on the ever present demand for creative design and innovative marketing at Schipper Design.

Schipper started her career as a publishing rep for a book company and also worked in journalism, publication design, and leadership before moving to the Central Coast and starting her own design firm.

Welch had 15 years of marketing agency experience before joining Schipper in 2013. A native of Santa Maria, California, Welch graduated from San Jose State University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in marketing.

“It’s very exciting, it’s something Kathy and I have been working on for the last couple of years,” said Welch about her new position. “We took the time to consider how it would impact the staff and our clients. We wanted it to be a smooth transition and have a positive outcome.”

Welch said her focus will be on business operations, human resources, business development, and managing client services. Her goal is to keep the firm progressing without losing sight of its vision.

“The goal is to continue to grow and manage the business; keeping it strong and instilling a culture and dedication much in alignment with our values and the high expectations we have for the creative work we design,” she said. “Our goal is to continue to provide our clients with clear marketing strategies and smart design. Working with our clients is exciting and important to me.”

Welch lives in San Juan Bautista with her husband and their three children.

Schipper Design has executed brand and identity work for countless MedTech innovators, launching new brands for multi-national cutting-edge tech such as Cordella by Endotronix and EBR System’s Wise CRT. Yet the firm has also stayed close to its roots: crafting an inspirational, community-centered brand launch for Natividad, Monterey County’s leading health center; garnering national “Best in Show” recognition—a rare call out from the distinguished Service Industry Awards—for their work with the San Francisco 49ers Museum; and delivering identity, messaging, and digital presence for vital service leaders such as Stevenson School, Hayashi Wayland financial consultancy, and multiple local city and county organizations.

Schipper Design
831.623.2341
info@schipperdesign.com
www.schipperdesign.com

Mailing address:
P.O. Box 1090
San Juan Bautista, CA 95045

Office Location:
53 Muckelemi Street, Suite G
San Juan Bautista, CA 95045

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

Support and celebrate Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History at its annual gala on Oct. 5

With roots dating back to 1883, the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History inspires discovery, wonder and stewardship of our natural world.

Pacific Grove, CA, April 15, 2019 - With roots dating back to 1883, the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History inspires discovery, wonder and stewardship of our natural world. This science-based learning resource inspires others to explore and conserve the natural and cultural wonders of the Central California Coast.

But it can’t accomplish all that without help from the community it serves.

Support and celebrate the Pacific Grove Natural History Museum and discover the “Wonder of the Museum,” at its annual fundraising event on Oct. 5.

This lively celebration will feature different aspects of local history over the past 136 years, six local wineries pouring wines, six local chefs providing food tastings, live music, a silent auction and an opportunity drawing.

“This event is our main fundraiser of the year, and as a nonprofit, we depend on our wonderful community support to help us accomplish our work,” said Executive Director Jeanette Kihs.

The museum encourages community members to join the growing list of confirmed participating sponsors and support the gala through a sponsorship. Those range from a $10,000 presenting sponsor to a $1,000 patron. Those interested should email Kihs at kihs@pgmuseum.org. Individual event tickets may be purchased for $100 each.

CONFIRMED PARTICIPATING SPONSORS

McIntyre Vineyards • Flywheel Wines • Morgan Winery • Blair Wines • Carmel Craft Brewing Company • Beach House at Pacific Grove • la Balena and il Grillo • Chef Dan Elinan at Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and

Spa • Chef Chris Vacca at Hyatt Carmel Highlands • Unlimited Events • Richard Green Professional Portraits • Shutterbooth Fun Photo Booth • DJ Hanif Wondir

Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
165 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove, CA, 93950
Phone: 831.648.5716
Website: www.pgmuseum.org.

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

Wonderwall design and furnishings shop in Sand City hosts two fun-filled events in support of the arts

For home builder, designer and collector Mark Cristofalo, authenticity speaks for itself.

Sand City, CA, April 10, 2019 - For home builder, designer and collector Mark Cristofalo, authenticity speaks for itself.

“That’s what people respond to, the authentic, the intuitive, the creative,” said Cristofalo, co-owner with his wife Carina of Wonderwall design and furnishings showroom in Sand City.

Toward that end, the couple will hold two upcoming events at Wonderwall honoring creativity and the arts within a community where they’ve raised four children.

On Friday, May 10, Wonderwall will hold an appreciation reception for Pacific Repertory Theater from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sip wine, savor small bites and shop for a cause as the Cristofalos given back 20 percent of all sales to the Carmel-based theater company.

On Thursday, May 23, Wonderwall will host an art opening for acclaimed Carmel Valley contemporary artist Patricia Qualls, Ph.D, who will debut several of her large-scale, high-impact paintings (on display through Sept. 15).

The reception (from 5:30-8 p.m.) includes wine tasting, small bites, and a meet-and-greet with the artist, who will give a presentation titled “Why We Need Art in the Home.” Guests will have a chance to view and purchase her artwork.

Qualls’ art is represented by an international collection in Switzerland, and national collections in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Boston, Phoenix, Dallas and other cities across the country. Her work is also part of the George Blair permanent collection at the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento.

Qualls believes strongly in the freedom of expression, and believes that, by unblocking our internal restraints, we can begin to relinquish the creative comparisons and competition that limit our own expressions.

Qualls can often be found painting in her studio/gallery Patricia Qualls Contemporary Art in Carmel Valley, a beautiful 1,200-square-foot gallery with 15-foot ceilings and a half dozen skylights that bring sunshine to each of her high-impact, large-scale paintings.

There is great synergy between the artist and Wonderwall, blessed with a 3,000-square-foot space filled with antiques, art, furniture, furnishings, home décor and architectural elements. Every piece in the showroom has been unearthed by the Cristofalos, with an eye toward their uniqueness, originality and appeal.

“Wonderwall is a word I’ve always loved,” said Mark. “That’s what Wonderwall means to me, it’s a wall between the ordinary world and the extraordinary world. We try to build the extraordinary here that transcends the normal into a beautiful space.”

Carina believes our homes should be filled with things we love.

“We love to create beautiful sanctuaries,” she said. “And it may only be one piece that completes a look, a reflection of yourself. We’ve tried to find the one piece that defines that room, that defines that space.”

To attend the free events at Wonderwall, RSVP to Marci Bracco, marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com or 831-747-7455.

Contact Wonderwall
1714 Contra Costa St., Sand City, CA 93955
Phone: (831) 241-4214
Email: studio@www.wonderwall.life
Website: www.wonderwall.life or www.wonderwallhome.com

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

Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History Opens Illustrating Nature Exhibit with Opening Reception May 3, 2019

The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History opens the 2019 Illustrating Nature exhibit with a free opening reception on May 3, 2019.

Pacific Grove, CA, April 9, 2019 — The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History opens the 2019 Illustrating Nature exhibit with a free opening reception on May 3, 2019.

The reception will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 3, 2019, at the Museum, 165 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove.

Each year the Museum partners with the prestigious Science Illustration Program at CSUMB Extended Education to present art in the service of science. One of the most prestigious programs of its kind in the nation, the Science Illustration Certificate at CSUMB prepares students who are sought after by renowned institutions and publications around the world.

Graduates’ work can be found at museums and science centers such as the Smithsonian Institution, New York’s American Museum of Natural History, California Science Center and the Los Angeles Museum of Natural History; in top science magazines such as National Geographic, Scientific American, American Scientist, Nature, Natural History and Audubon; at zoos, aquaria, and botanical gardens such as the National Zoo, Washington, D.C., the Monterey Bay Aquarium; Kew Botanical Gardens, U.K.; as well as U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and hundreds of equally respected organizations.

The six-week exhibition opens Friday, May 3, and runs until June 16, 2019.

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

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

News media: If images are used, please credit the artist.

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

Los Angeles-based professional dancer Haley Jonae will hold a Contemporary Dance Master Class for the Carmel Academy of Performing Arts on May 17 at CAPA in Carmel.

Carmel, CA, April 08, 2019 — Los Angeles-based professional dancer Haley Jonae will hold a Contemporary Dance Master Class for the Carmel Academy of Performing Arts on May 17 at CAPA in Carmel.

The class will be held from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Friday, May 17, at CAPA, Mission Street and Eighth Avenue in Carmel. The class is for ages 10 and older and class fee is $20. There is no fee for CAPA company members.

Jonae grew up in Santa Cruz, and has competed from age 3 to 18. She has worked with many artists, including on Jennifer Lopez’s live performance on New Year’s Eve on NBC-TV and on music videos "Limitless" and the soon-to-be released “ Medicine.”

She did a U.S. tour with Lindsey Sterling, tours internationally with Sophia Carson (from Disney’s “Descendants”), and has been in several music videos, including hip-hop Artist Gashi, singer Luis Fonsi (“Despacito”), and YouTube influencer Montana Tucker, to name a few.

Jonae works regularly with L.A.’s top choreographers, including Tessandra Chavez, NappyTabs, Kyle Hanagami, Travis Wall and Phillip Chbeeb.

She has assisted at conventions such as 24/7 CoDance and Hollywood Dance Jams. She recently traveled to France to work with young dancers and also choreographs for several studios in California.

When she isn’t on the dance floor, she enjoys spending her time journaling, hiking, walking on the beach and keeping her creative flow at great heights. Jonae is currently working in L.A., auditioning and reaching for her dreams of dancing with the world’s best artists.

Carmel Academy of Performing Arts
Mission Street & 8th Avenue
Carmel, CA 93923
(831) 624-3729
www.carmelacademyofperformingarts.com

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