Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History to Host 2020 Walk of Remembrance to Honor Lives of Early Chinese-American Settlers

The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History will host the 2020 Walk of Remembrance honoring the lives of early Chinese-American settlers, on May 3, starting at the museum.

Pacific Grove, CA, February 25, 2020 — The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History will host the 2020 Walk of Remembrance honoring the lives of early Chinese-American settlers, on May 3, starting at the museum.

The 2020 Walk of Remembrance, which will be held from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, May 3, 2020, will begin with introductions at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History at 165 Forest Ave., and will include light refreshments.

Museum Executive Director Jeanette Kihs and fifth-generation Chinese Fishing Village descendant Gerry Low-Sabado will be among those greeting visitors to the event. Low-Sabado will speak about her quest to tell her ancestor’s Chinese-American story.

There will be a facilitated discussion to discover connections about how our own experiences impacts and influences history. The Monterey Bay Lion Dance Team will lead the short walk to Lovers Point, then along the bike trail, to the site where the village once stood. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the half-mile trek.

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 135 years. The museum’s mission is to inspire discovery, wonder, and stewardship of our natural world. It envisions a community of curious minds, engaged in discovering the natural heritage and cultural legacy that exist today on the Central California Coast. The Museum is a catalyst for conservation and a valued learning resource in this region, facilitating active inquiry for all ages.

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

Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History Hosts Exciting, Informative Events for Both Children and Adults in March, April and May 2020

The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History has a number of fun and informative events for both children and adults on tap for March, April and May 2020.

Pacific Grove, CA, February 24, 2020 — The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History has a number of fun and informative events for both children and adults on tap for March, April and May 2020.

Here are the events scheduled so far for March, April, and May 2020. Events are held at the Museum, except where noted, at 165 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove.

Member Event: Birding by the Bay

8-10 a.m. Saturday, March 7, 2020

Canyon Del Rey Blvd, Del Rey Oaks, CA 93940

Members are invited to join us at Frog Pond Wetland Preserve as we wake up with the birds for some spotting and identifying! Amanda Preece, Board Member of the Monterey Audubon Society and with California State Parks at Asilomar, will be leading the walk as we peer through our binoculars to get a better look at those flighty friends that live all around us. Preece is no stranger to birds - making her living restoring native habitats and leading bird walks at Asilomar, pursuing a graduate degree in environmental science with her thesis related to songbird use of nest boxes, and spending her free time as a Black Oystercatcher monitor among other volunteering pursuits.

RSVP to brooker@pgmuseum.org

For members who do not have binoculars, we will have some on hand to share.

Not a member yet? Join at: pgmuseum.org/membership

Night Owl: Prehistoric Party

7-10 p.m. Saturday, March 14, 2020

Are You Ready To Party Like It's 19 Million Years Ago?
Join Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History as we put on a Night Owl fundraiser of epoch proportions! This will be your opportunity to get up-close to fossils from our collection, while enjoying games, craft drinks, delicious bites, and tromp-stomping music. Rediscover your sense of wonder while supporting the museum during this ancient after-hours event — extinction not guaranteed! Prehistoric costumes encouraged, and special prizes will be awarded for best costume.

$29 for members online, $39 for non-members online, and $49 at the door, which includes two food tickets and one drink ticket. Proceeds support museum education programs. Must be 21 and older. Visit www.pgmuseum.org/night-owl for tickets and further information.

Hardcore Natural History: When Plants Rules the Earth — The Legacy of the Carboniferous

6:30-8 p.m., Thursday, March 26, 2020

The Carboniferous Period of geologic time stands as a critical period in the history of the earth. Dr. Edward Clifton will describe how a combination of plate tectonics, global climate change and the evolution of land plants converged to create the coal resources that fueled the Industrial Revolution. We will visit the vast swamps that covered much of North America, Europe and Asia, noting the unique flora and fauna of the time. Wear everyday clothes — the Carboniferous climate was more like that of today than nearly any other period of geologic time. But you might want to bring repellent — Carboniferous insects were huge!

$5 for members online, $10 non-members online or $15 at the door.

Science Saturday — Bees, Wasps, Honey, & Hives
10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, March 28, 2020

Explore the sweet side of science as Science Saturday turns its attention to bees, wasps, honey, and hives. Do all bees make honey? How do you tell a wasp from a bee? Do all bees sting? Find the answers to all of your buzzing questions as you complete a craft, and learn about some of our most important local pollinators. As always, admission to Science Saturday is free.

California Naturalist
11 weeks, every Wednesday starting Wednesday, March 25 thru June 3 (plus five Saturday field trips), from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Do you enjoy learning about the natural world? Would you like to learn about the amazing and unique ecology of California? If so, become a Certified California Naturalist! The Museum is partnering with University of California Cooperative Extension to offer this 12-week certification program. The California Naturalist class covers the natural and cultural history of California, with an in-depth look at our local ecology. Through field trips, classroom instruction and hands-on exercises, participants will observe and learn about the variety of plant and animal communities of our region.

For further information and to enroll, visit https://www.pgmuseum.org/california-naturalist

Smart Gardening Fair

10 am.-5 p.m. Saturday, April 4, 2020

The Monterey Bay Chapter of the UC Master Gardeners will be partnering with the Museum to host the Smart Garden Fair. This event will feature speakers, demonstrations, marketplace, and plant sale in the Museum’s Native Plant Garden.

Botanical Sketching Workshop

1-4 p.m. Saturday, April 11, 2020

Wildflower Month continues! Learn to draw our native wildflowers with local science illustrator Erin E. Hunter. The workshop will cover some basic plant anatomy and botanical drawing techniques. All skill levels welcome! $35 members, $45 non-members, 25 spots available.

To purchase tickets, go to: https://www.pgmuseum.org/museum-events/2020/04/11-botanical-sketching

59th Annual Wildflower Show

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, April 17-Sunday, April 19, 2020

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

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

Science Saturday — Day of the Dinosaur

10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 25, 2020

Prepare for time travel during this prehistoric Science Saturday, when we'll set our sights on the age of the dinosaurs. Presented in partnership with the Carmel Valley Gem and Mineral Society, this event will feature fossils, footprints, and more as we learn what made the dinosaurs so successful, and also what led to their extinction. As always, admission to Science Saturday is free.

Illustrating Nature Exhibition Opening

5:30-7 p.m. Friday, May 1, 2020

The Museum invites you to attend the free opening reception for the 2020 Illustrating Nature Exhibit. Each year the Museum partners with the prestigious Science Illustration Program at CSUMB Extended Education to present art in the service of science. View artwork by the program's graduating students, who are sought after by scientific institutions and publications around the world.

This six-week exhibition begins Friday, May 1st, and runs until June 14, 2020.

Walk of Remembrance

1-4 p.m. Sunday, May 3, 2020

The 2020 Walk of Remembrance, honoring the lives of early Chinese-American settlers, will begin with introductions at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History and include light refreshments. Museum Executive Director Jeanette Kihs and fifth generation Chinese Fishing Village descendant Gerry Low-Sabado will be among those greeting visitors to the event. Low-Sabado will speak about her quest to tell her ancestor’s Chinese-American story. There will be a facilitated discussion to discover connections about how our own experiences impacts and influences history. The Monterey Bay Lion Dance Team will lead the walk to Lovers Point, then along the rec trail, to the site where the village once stood. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the half-mile trek.

Member Appreciation Night

5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 5, 2020

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

RSVP to brooker@pgmuseum.org. Not a member yet? Join at pgmuseum.org/membership

Children’s Exhibit Opening

10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Saturday, May 16, 2020

Bring the family and come explore our newest addition to the museum: Children’s Exhibit-BUGS! This newest exhibit is dedicated to our youngest visitors, and to celebrate the grand opening, we will have delightful crafts and fun activities!

Nature Journaling in Monterey Bay with John Muir Laws

5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, May 28, 2020

The Monterey region is a wonderful place to keep your own nature journal. Learn fundamental strategies and techniques to get your observations to paper! We will begin with a workshop, and end with a lecture and book signing from none other than John Muir Laws. Laws’ books will be available for sale in Museum Store. $35 for members, $45 for non-members, 35 spots available.

To purchase tickets, go to: https://www.pgmuseum.org/museum-events/20/05/28nature-journaling-johnmuirlaws

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 Agassiz, began a national tradition of hands-on science education and nature preservation. The museum has continued this tradition for over 135 years. The museum’s mission is to inspire discovery, wonder, and stewardship of our natural world. It envisions a community of curious minds, engaged in discovering the natural heritage and cultural legacy that exist today on the Central California Coast. The Museum is a catalyst for conservation and a valued learning resource in this region, facilitating active inquiry for all ages.

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

Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History Launches Six-week run of Illustrating Nature exhibit on May 1

The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History presents art in the service of science through an upcoming six-week exhibition titled Illustrating Nature.

Pacific Grove, CA, February 24, 2020 - The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History presents art in the service of science through an upcoming six-week exhibition titled Illustrating Nature.

To kick off the exhibit that runs through June 14, the museum (165 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove) invites the public to attend a free opening reception on Friday, May 1 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Each year PGMNH partners with the Science Illustration Program at CSU-Monterey Bay Extended Education. 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.

The work of these graduates 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.

For more information, 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 over 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

The Artichoke Festival Board Celebrates the 61st Annual Artichoke Festival this May 30 & 31, 2020

The Artichoke Festival introduces an expanded non-profit partnership program, and new theme for 2020, “Field to Festival,” featuring an increased focus on farming and agricultural education.

Castroville, California, February 19, 2020 - The Artichoke Festival, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, celebrates its 61st year honoring the California State vegetable on May 30 and 31, 2020, at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center in Monterey. This year’s festival introduces an expanded non-profit partnership program, which includes Hartnell College Foundation and Salinas Valley Arts and Innovation Hub, Salinas Steinbeck Rotary, Partnership for Children, the Marina Lion’s Club, and Monterey Surf Soccer Club. The Festival’s theme, “Field to Festival,” features an increased focus on farming and agricultural education. Artichoke lovers of all ages will enjoy masterful artichoke cooking demos and tasting opportunities, beautiful artichoke-themed art, and plenty of entertainment for a fun-filled weekend. Doors open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 30, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 31. Festival admission tickets and more info are available at www.ArtichokeFestival.org.

COMMUNITY GROWTH AND EMPOWERMENT

Through expanded partnerships with non-profit organizations on the Central Coast, festival attendees will enjoy more of what the community has to offer while helping the festival provide vital funding support for local charities and non-profit organizations.

Festival proceeds will be shared with non-profit organizations and programs that serve the greater Castroville and Central Coast communities. This year’s lineup of non-profit partners includes Hartnell College Foundation and Salinas Valley Arts and Innovation Hub, Salinas Steinbeck Rotary, Partnership for Children, the Marina Lion’s Club, and Monterey Surf Soccer Club. In addition, proceeds will directly benefit sports and parks and recreation activities in North Monterey County schools, to name a few.

ENTERTAINMENT, ACTIVITIES, AND EVENTS

ARTICHOKES GALORE

Want to get a little more creative with your artichoke recipes? Monterey County’s finest chefs will showcase the versatility of the artichoke and share their own preparation techniques at our Chef Demos. Our current chefs include Daniel Elinan the Executive Chef at The Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa; Pat Hopper, former Manager of the Artichoke Advisory Board, who shares the ABC’s of Artichokes; and Pitmaster Hondo Hernandez with Stonies Taphouse & Bistro. All chef demos will be held on the Chef Demo Stage at the festival and are free with admission to the festival. Visit our website for chef demo updates.

Attendees can get hands-on experience by participating in Field Tours, hosted by Ocean Mist Farms. Artichoke experts will take you on a guided tour of Castroville’s Artichoke fields for a personalized educational experience about what it takes to grow this unique vegetable.

The Canasta Race — the festival’s artichoke-harvesting competition, using the same authentic “canasta” baskets used in the artichoke harvesting process, is a race against fellow festival-goers. It’s not as easy as it looks! Contestants get to go home with their harvested Artichokes!

Who can choke down the most chokes? The Artichoke Eating contest is a great way to test your eating skills, or just cheer on your favorite contestant. Winner gets a certificate and a place in the halls of Artichoke Infamy.

WINE, BEER, AND SPIRITS GARDEN

Hosted by the Salinas Steinbeck Rotary, Guests over 21 can visit the Wine and Beer Tasting Garden to enjoy wine tasting, micro brews and spirits from some of the best vintners and brewers in the state. Sunday will be a special day set aside for brewers and enthusiasts of home brewed beer. The Wine & Beer Garden is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

ART

The Ocean Mist Farms AGRO Art Competition on Saturday, May 30, will challenge local artists, culinary whizzes, and kids of all ages to sculpt colorful and 3-dimensional artwork using only fresh produce. Each piece is created that day at the festival to the enjoyment and amazement of festival attendees. Over $6,500 in cash prizes will be awarded in the Ocean Mist Farms AGRO Art competition. Entries are free and judging begins at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 30 with the announcement of winners at 2 p.m. in the Farmer’s Market.

The Quilt Challenge will feature one-of-a-kind handmade quilts made especially for the Artichoke Festival, and will be on display on Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31. Festival attendees can vote for their favorite artichoke-themed designs, to be announced on Sunday, May 31.

Attendees can experience the many talents of local and budding photographers and artists at the first annual Artichoke Festival Photography and Art Exhibition. Hosted by the Hartnell College Foundation and Salinas Valley Arts and Innovation Hub, the event is free to all festival attendees, and will be located in the Monterey Room. Artist are encouraged to submit their art in support of this local cause. Visit our website’s new arts page to learn more.

CHILDREN AND FAMILY ACTIVITIES

Younger children along with family members of all ages will have fun in the designated Kids Zone, which includes a variety of educational STEM-based activities and hands-on presentations presented by Imagination Gallery.

Arti the Artichoke from Ocean Mist Farms, voted the Salinas-area fan favorite mascot, will be visiting the Kids Zone, farmer’s market, and throughout the festival for high-fives, hugs, and photo opportunities.

Farm and agricultural education is the focus of this year’s festival theme, “Field to Festival.” Festival guests can learn about the food they eat from farm to table, with local growers and producers in our Meet the Farmer interactive exhibition.

PHILANTHROPY

Something very special happening this year is the extension of the festival by one hour on Saturday, May 30th. This gives festival goers more time to enjoy an expanded musical entertainment schedule on the Main Stage, and a brand-new event — The Artichoke Cup Soccer Tournament. Monterey Surf Soccer Club will hold its first inaugural Artichoke Festival invitational soccer tournament in the Pattee Arena on both days of the Festival. 12 corporate teams of 10 adults each will compete in a two-day, 7-on-7 tournament to win the first ever “Artichoke Cup.” A portion of proceeds will benefit this local non-profit youth soccer organization. Admission is free to all festival admission ticket holders. The winning team will be announced on Sunday afternoon, May 31.

Guests are invited to a wonderful afternoon of auctions and artichokes at the festival’s Silent Auction. Featured items include exquisite, limited edition artwork, signed sports and entertainment collectibles, unique home décor, exotic getaways, and much more. Proceeds from the silent auction will benefit the non-profit 501(c)(3) community organizations and activities supported by the Artichoke Festival.

FESTIVAL 5K BEACH RUN

The 2nd Annual Artichoke Festival 5K Beach Run, returns to the Monterey Tides Hotel waterfront in Monterey on May 2, 2020. Runners and walkers alike can run on the beach with the festival’s favorite mascot, Arti the Artichoke, of Ocean Mist Farms. Our 5k beach run is exactly how it sounds, a fun run 100 percent on the sand with the sea breeze blowing in your face. Our first year was a hit and this year should be just as incredible. Come out and join us!

A complete schedule of entertainment events can be found at: https://artichokefestival.org/entertainment-events/

Festival admission tickets are available at www.ArtichokeFestival.org and at the door, ranging from $15 for adults; $5 for youth under 6-12; $10 for active military and seniors (62+). Children 5 and under are free. Field Tours can be reserved for $10 each for adults and youth. Special limited discount ticket packages will include an Arti-Family Pack for two adults and two children for $30 (save $10), and the It’s a Date package for two adults with wine and beer garden tasting tickets for $60 (save $20).

About the Annual Artichoke Festival
The Artichoke 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 is produced by a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and features family-fun events for all ages. It 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://www.artichokefestival.org/

CAB of Santa Cruz County, Inc., Hosts Anniversary Event on Oct. 30 to honor 55 years fighting poverty

To mark 55 years working against poverty, the Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County, Inc., (CAB) will host a celebratory evening on Friday, Oct. 30 called “Honoring Our Past, Igniting The Future!”

Santa Cruz, CA, February 18, 2020 - To mark 55 years working against poverty, the Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County, Inc., (CAB) will host a celebratory evening on Friday, Oct. 30 called “Honoring Our Past, Igniting The Future!”

“For us, celebrating 55 years is a milestone,” said CAB Executive Director Maria Elena De La Garza. “It’s about honoring decades of work, but knowing that our job is not done, and igniting our passion for the future because there’s so much more to do.”

According to De La Garza, Santa Cruz County has the second highest poverty rate in California (to Los Angeles County) when you factor in cost of living. More than three quarters of CAB’s clients have family incomes less than 100 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.

Proceeds from the evening will help CAB operate six programs assisting close to 10,000 low-income people annually with impactful services.

The anniversary event promises “an evening of food, fun and inspiration,” taking place from 6-9 p.m. at the ISTW Portuguese Community Center, 124 Atkinson Lane in Watsonville. Early-bird tickets purchased before April 1 are priced at $75, and $95 from April through June ($110 after July 1). Find tickets at www.cabturns55.eventbrite.com.

Event sponsorships are available, from Gold ($10,000) to Partner ($1,000), with multiple benefits to the sponsor, including publicity, admission tickets and reserved table seating.

For more information, visit www.cabinc.org or call (831) 763-2147, ext. 294.

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

For 55 years, CAB of Santa Cruz County, Inc., has Worked to Eliminate Poverty and create Social change through Advocacy and Essential services

In January of 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson announced his famous “war on poverty,” vowing in his State of the Union address “not only to relieve the symptom of poverty, but to cure it and, above all, to prevent it.”

Santa Cruz, CA, February 18, 2020 - In January of 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson announced his famous “war on poverty,” vowing in his State of the Union address “not only to relieve the symptom of poverty, but to cure it and, above all, to prevent it.”

More than half a century later, the Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County, Inc., (CAB) continues that battle, operating six programs that assist close to 10,000 low-income people with emergency, sustaining/self-sufficiency services.

For 55 years — through ever-changing political and social landscapes — CAB has fought for a thriving, equitable and diverse community, free from poverty and injustice.

“We have the second highest poverty rate in California (to Los Angeles County) when you factor in cost of living,” said CAB Executive Director Maria Elena De La Garza, who notes that more than three quarters of CAB’s clients have family incomes less than 100 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.

To mark its 55 years working on the front lines fighting poverty, CAB will hold an event on Friday, Oct. 30 at the ISTW Portuguese Community Center in Watsonville. The theme of the evening is “Honoring Our Past, Igniting The Future!”

“For us, celebrating 55 years is a milestone,” said De La Garza. “It’s about honoring decades of work, but knowing that our job is not done, and igniting our passion for the future because there’s so much more to do.”

De La Garza said she would “love to work ourselves out of a job,” but that there still remains “a gap or disconnect or lack of knowledge about how people are impacted by poverty, what their assets are and what their needs are.”

There are multiple reasons for this “gap,” according to De La Garza, including political rhetoric, misinformation, miscommunication, and mistrust of systems in place.

This makes CAB’s mission even more significant, with more than 40 employees and nearly 600 volunteers working with the community on solutions to eliminate poverty and create social change through advocacy and essential services.

CAB’s board of directors come from diverse segments of the community, with low-income advocates, public sector representatives and individuals from the private sector as well.

“We stand at an interesting place, between grassroots activists and systems, and that’s a great place to be,” she said. “We get to engage with the community and hear from them and create a pathway to support change and strengthen systems to support low-income people.”

To stay abreast of the poverty situation in the county, every two years CAB conducts a needs assessment to guide its multi-year Community Action Plan. This helps capture a truer and deeper understanding of poverty in the community, leading to targeted action on many fronts.

“Over 55 years, the community has trusted us, the clients have trusted us, the families have trusted us, and our partners, too,” said De La Garza. “We can’t do this work alone, in a vacuum. There has to be trust in the work we do, and the value of the relationships we hold.”

For more information, visit www.cabinc.org or call (831) 763-2147, ext. 294.

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

Two weeks after passing a VNA CPR course, Pacific Grove Woman Saves Life of Motorcyclist

Just two weeks after completing her CPR course with VNA Community Services, a nurse in Pacific Grove was called to action.

Pacific Grove, CA, February 17, 2020 - Just two weeks after completing her CPR course with VNA Community Services, a nurse in Pacific Grove was called to action. This community health nurse was educated, confident, and capable of responding to save a life. Driving down Pine Avenue with her daughters, the Pacific Grove nurse came upon a rider less motorcycle in the street. Without hesitation, she pulled over — first on the scene.

The motorcyclist had experienced cardiac arrest and the recent CPR training saved a life. Feeling no pulse, the nurse initiated CPR as 911 already had been called. After two rounds of CPR, the victim regained consciousness and was transported to the hospital.

Two weeks after taking the Basic Life Support course, taught by April Brazinksy, RN, BSN and Mary Ann Franscioni, illustrated VNA’s CPR motto —

“Hindsight is 2020: This Year Prepare to Save a Life.”

As part of its ongoing mission to provide community health care services, VNA Community Services has launched an initiative to train local residents with skills necessary to save the life of a friend, family member of stranger in need of CPR.

If performed immediately, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) can double or triple a person’s chance of survival by keeping blood and oxygen flowing to the brain and other vital organs. Sadly, this happens less than 10 percent of the time outside of the hospital.

VNA will offer Basic Life Support (BLS) for healthcare providers, and Heartsaver for community members.

BLS is offered the second Thursday each month at VNA, 5 Lower Ragsdale, Monterey, while Heartsaver is available on location or at VNA by arrangement.

While the BLS course ensures ongoing certification for healthcare workers, Heartsaver is appropriate for anyone — parents, grandparents, babysitters, teachers, coaches, office workers and more.

BLS Blended Instruction costs $80, while Heartsaver Blended Instruction is $95. Each course keeps class sizes between 4-12 members.

VNA instructors follow training provided by the American Heart Association. Certifications are valid for two years.

For more information, call 831-372-6668, or visit www.ccvna.com.

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