Warm Up with Winter Weekends at Cinnamon Shore

  New Holiday Activities, a Romance Package, and Three-Day Weekend Fun This Winter 

Port Aransas, TX, December 22, 2021 - Mild winter weather and holiday fun from Christmas to Valentine’s weekends are attracting more vacationers than ever to Cinnamon Shore, a New Urban, beachside village on the outskirts of Port Aransas, Texas. For vacationers looking for a winter coastal escape, there’s still availability at condos, townhomes and beach homes, where they can enjoy special events, quiet season rates and a Romance Package in February.  

“It’s the season to give the gift of vacation, and we’re making the most of our quiet season this year,” says Celeste Edwards, general manager at Cinnamon Shore Vacation Rentals. “We’re offering new activities between Christmas and New Year and adding things like a Super Bowl watch party using our new, outdoor A/V set-up and an extended Valentine’s romance package in February.” 

Holiday Week

The new holiday activity schedule runs from Christmas Eve on Fri., Dec. 2, through New Year’s Weekend on Sun., Jan. 2. It includes: 

A Holiday Paint & Sip crafting class on Christmas Eve afternoon

Community bonfires over Christmas Weekend and New Year’s Weekend

Yoga classes and a Beach Body Burn class for a cardio workout

A free yoga class on the Great Lawn

See the full week’s schedule. 

Romance Package, With Complimentary Third Night and More!

Guests can plan a romantic getaway anytime between Feb. 10-21, 2022, to enjoy a complimentary third night, plus other romantic extras. The Romance Package includes: 

Complimentary third night when guests book two

Late checkout at noon

A complimentary bottle of wine

Private, complimentary beach bonfire set-up for two

Complimentary beach chairs the day of the bonfire

The Romance Package requires the reservation to be made before Mon., Feb. 14, 2022. Book online with coupon code VALENTINE22 or call 361-749-0422. On-site bistro Lisabella’s will offer a Valentine’s menu, too; reservations, 361-749-4222. See more about the Romance Package. 

Three-Day Winter Weekend Best Bets

Our usual quiet season rental rates are in effect during winter’s three-day weekends, which typically include: 

Martin Luther King. Jr. Day Weekend: Jan. 14-17, 2022

President’s Day Weekend: Feb. 18-21, 2022

Valentine’s Weekend: Feb. 11-14, 2022

Super Bowl Watch Party 

On Sun., Feb. 13, guests can gather in the Town Center to watch the Super Bowl on the new outdoor screen and sound equipment set-up. It’s the same equipment that will be used during Spring Break and all summer long for outdoor movie nights and other special events. “Our new equipment is a big upgrade that will make all of our Town Center viewing experiences even more fun,” Edwards says. “We’re excited to introduce it for the big game.” 

To book a vacation rental for a winter getaway or to check availability for spring break and beyond, visit www.cinnamonshore.com/rentals. 

About Cinnamon Shore

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

About Sea Oats Group

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

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
The Buzz PR LLC
Salinas, CA
(831) 747-7455
http://www.cinnamonshore.com

Go On A Whimsical Adventure With the Irresistible Mattie the Giraffe in First Book from Award-Winning Artist-Author Andi Scurto

  32-Page Illustrated Book Available to Pre-Order at Artist’s Website at www.mattiethegiraffe.com and Available at Three Florida Book Signings. 

Destin, FL, December 16, 2021 — This is the time of year we get together with our families and friends to share something special, and there is no better gift to share with your loved ones than a great book, especially one for children. 

“The Accidental Adventure of Mattie the Giraffe” is a colorfully illustrated tale of the day that Mattie learns to ride her bicycle. This new release, by Destin, Florida author and artist Andi Scurto, is a captivating story about Mattie’s unexpected adventure that makes the perfect winter-break read for your children. 

Written and illustrated by Scurto, Mattie the Giraffe is a beloved character that has developed a whimsical following over the last six years. Scurto’s illustrations not only inspire wonder and curiosity, but leave fans asking, “where will Mattie be next?” 

Bring Mattie the Giraffe into your home by ordering “The Accidental Adventure of Mattie the Giraffe” straight from Scurto’s website at https://andiart.com/mattiethegiraffebook , signed by the author. There is limited stock, and once it runs out you can find copies on amazon.com at https://www.amazon.com/Accidental-Adventure-Mattie-Giraffe/dp/1667811819/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3HENF8KFUJOB2&keywords=the+accidental+adventure+of+mattie+the+giraffe&qid=1637705048&sprefix=The+Accidental+Adventure+of+%2Caps%2C218&sr=8-1  or Barnes & Noble at https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-accidental-adventure-of-mattie-the-giraffe-andi-scurto/1140406551.   

The book, which is scheduled to be released Dec. 14, 2021, is also available to pre-order from Target at: https://www.target.com/p/the-accidental-adventure-of-mattie-the-giraffe-by-andi-scurto-hardcover/-/A-85279239.   

Local Author Meet-and-Greet Locations Announced: 

In addition, there will be three book signings where attendees can meet the author and get an autographed book: 

1. Dec. 22  Sundog Books, Seaside FL 12-4 p.m. 

a. 89 Central Square, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 

2. Jan. 8 Bodacious Books, Pensacola FL 11-3 p.m. 

a. 110 E Intendencia St., Pensacola, FL 32502 

3. Jan. 11 Destin Library, Destin, FL 2:30 p.m. 

a. 150 Sibert Ave., Destin, FL 32541 

Hailing from Destin, Florida by way of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Scurto is of Colombian descent and finds the warm Florida weather much to her liking. 

Six years in the making, Mattie the Giraffe began as a shy illustration that went on to be the subject of the 20th anniversary poster for Destin Festival of the Arts and then continued to win multiple awards, culminating in the book. Scurto’s favorite pastimes include bird-watching, attempting to complete the NY Times daily crossword and of course, riding her bike. This is her first book. 

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
The Buzz PR LLC
Salinas, CA
(831) 747-7455
http://www.mattiethegiraffe.com

Monterey Symphony Single Concert Tickets on Sale 12/15/21

  Single Concert Tickets are on sale starting December 15th for the Monterey Symphony’s 75th Anniversary Season. 

Carmel, CA, December 15, 2021 – Single Concert Tickets are on sale starting December 15th for the Monterey Symphony’s 75th Anniversary Season. MSO is looking both back and forward by celebrating 75 years of music while finalizing the search for the new Music Director. The search and season will resume beginning February of 2022. The four finalists listed below will conduct a weekend of concerts with the Symphony at Sunset Center in Carmel. Full bios and programs can be found on MSO’s website (www.montereysymphony.org/current-season). 

The finalists will each be joined by a soloist. 

DONATO CABRERA (February 19 and 20, 2022) featuring Julian Schwarz, cello 

PETER BAY (March 19 and 20, 2022) featuring Simone Porter, violin 

JUNG-HO PAK (April 16 and 17, 2022) featuring Rachel Barton Pine, violin 

JAYCE OGREN (May 14 and 15, 2022) featuring Philippe Bianconi, piano 

MSO’s 75th Anniversary Season includes four concert sets that are held on both Saturdays with a new start time of 7:30 PM and Sundays at 3:00 PM. Prices are per person and range from $85 for Tier 1 seats, $65 for Tier 2 seats, and $44 for Tier 3 seats. Tickets are $10 for students and active military. More details can be found on MSO’s website (https://www.montereysymphony.org/hall-information). 

Tickets are available online at www.montereysymphony.org and by calling the MSO Box Office Monday – Friday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at (831) 646-8511. 

The Monterey Symphony was founded in 1946 and incorporated in 1947. The Symphony’s mission is to engage, educate and excite our community through the performance and continual discovery of symphonic music.

 For press inquires, contact: Nicola Reilly, Executive Director, nreilly@montereysymphony.org or 831-645-1131 (Direct). 

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

VNA hires Development Fund Manager to Fundraise and develop New Strategic Vision

  Olivia Colombo spent the last five years supporting a local treasure — the Carmel Bach Festival. 

Monterey, CA, November 06, 2021 - Olivia Colombo spent the last five years supporting a local treasure — the Carmel Bach Festival. As Development Manager she had record-breaking fundraising years during her tenure. She specialized in cultivating donor and community relations to support presenting artistically innovative programming that added joy to the Monterey Peninsula.  

Now she hopes to add “joy” to another beloved community non-profit. VNA has hired Colombo as the new Development Fund Manager, reporting directly to Chief Executive Officer, Jane Russo. 

Colombo is responsible for directing all functions of the Development Department including strategic planning, donor and community relationships, communications (internal and external), and overall support to VNA’s fundraising goals and commitments. 

Colombo replaces Tina Del Piero, who served 16 years in the position. Del Piero says, “She is a dynamic, enthusiastic and professional fundraiser that will do great things with the VNA & Hospice.” Colombo brings a drive for fundraising and a passion for health services from her background as a Kinesiology major at Sonoma State University. “VNA is a great organization and very respected in the community,” she said. “Yet we also need to grow and evolve to ensure we continue to provide the best services to the community.” 

Colombo said she will begin connecting with the community to build support and awareness for  VNA. “Everyone should know who we are, the services we offer, and why VNA deserves your support,” she said. “I want to share the more personal side of VNA, to help tell the stories about our amazing staff, volunteers, and patients we serve.” 

Colombo gravitated toward the VNA position because of its dedicated approach to health care and community relationships. “VNA has been around a long time, yet we need to stay modern, fresh, and relevant. It’s always a challenge, but very exciting, and amazing things are to come at VNA.” 

For more information on VNA, visit www.ccvna.com. 

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
The Buzz PR LLC
Salinas, CA
831-747-7455
marci@thebuzzpr.net
https://www.ccvna.com

VNA offers free monthly grief support group to help South County residents create ‘New Beginnings’

  Grieving is a natural part of life, and impacts each individual journey physically, emotionally and spiritually. 

Gonzales, CA, October 21, 2021 — Grieving is a natural part of life, and impacts each individual journey physically, emotionally and spiritually. 

While every loss is unique, VNA & Hospice Grief and Loss Program offers a free monthly support group in South County called New Beginnings that is designed to help participants share, bond and commiserate.  

The program — funded in part by Hospice Giving Foundation, and in partnership with Taylor Farms Family Health & Wellness Center — offers a non-judgmental, fully confidential and supportive environment to share feelings of pain and loss. Individual support is also available, and great efforts are made to reach out to the South County bilingual community. 

The no-cost support group is offered to older adults who have experienced a significant loss of someone in their life. The purpose is to learn about the grieving process and share experiences that help with the emotion of isolation. 

The group meets every third Thursday of the month from 4-5 p.m. at the Taylor Farms Family Health & Wellness Center (850 5th St.,Gonzales), a part of Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System. 

For more information, contact VNA’s Latino Community Outreach Coordinator Elsa M. Malispina, or Spiritual Care Coordinator Osa Massen at (831) 241-3834. 

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
The Buzz PR LLC
Salinas, CA
831-747-7455
marci@thebuzzpr.net
https://ccvna.com/

GBA’s November ‘Ganas’ guests include Stanford star Haley Jones, who led Cardinal to NCAA championship

  Podcast Episodes Available on Apple. 

Salinas, CA, October 20, 2021 — A rising superstar in our midst, Haley Jones has enjoyed quite a career on the basketball court. And she’s only beginning. The Santa Cruz native who led Stanford to the NCAA championship earlier this year will be the featured guest on “Ganas — Leading from the Heart” podcasts for November. 

Designed to inspire today’s youth through unique views and perspectives on life, “Ganas” (which translates to “desire”) is recorded live from the family garage of Jose Gil and Eva Silva, co-founders of Gil Basketball Academy that promotes the sport of basketball in East Salinas through camps, clinics, individual sessions and elite travel teams. But more than that, GBA builds confidence and character in a membership that exceeds 450 local kids ages 4 to 17. 

The “Ganas” podcast officially launched on Sept. 14, 2020, with past episodes available on Apple, or through the GBA website at www.gilbasketballacademy.com. 

On Nov. 1, the podcast welcomes Jones, a highly recruited talent who starred for Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose. The Santa Cruz native was rated the No. 1 player in the country according to both ESPN HoopGurlz and Prospects Nation, and ended up leading the Cardinal to glory as the Final Four MVP. 

On Nov. 15 the guest is former NBA player Tony Farmer, who played professionally in the U.S., France, Italy, Russia and Puerto Rico, and is now a noted entrepreneur and inspirational speaker. 

Finally, the month rounds out on Nov. 29 with guest Jesse Pruitt, the Stanford men’s basketball team assistant coach who this year begins his sixth season on The Farm. 

The idea for a podcast grew from Gil’s growing frustration in not being able to completely connect with and inspire his GBA kids during the pandemic. 

“You have to think outside the box,” said the longtime coach and athletic director at Alisal High School. “I was used to having hundreds of kids together at one time, and now I have to figure out new ways to have an impact.” 

While the couple have little experience in media (and none in podcasting), they invested in the technology needed to turn the family garage into a functioning studio. 

“Ganas” podcasts (including video with guests appearing via Zoom) span 30 to 45 minutes, and include topics such as sports, health, fitness, leadership, community and more.

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain
The Buzz PR LLC
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.gilbasketballacademy.com/

Gil Basketball Academy to Celebrate ‘Court Heroes’ at Awards Banquet Set for March 19, 2022

  Sponsorships Now Available to Support Gala Event and Its Cause. 

Salinas, CA, October 18, 2021 — Gil Basketball Academy (GBA) will present its Court Heroes 12th Anniversary Awards Banquet on March 19, 2022, in Salinas. Sponsorships are now available to support this gala event and its cause. 

The Court Heroes Award is given to someone who is heroic, exceptional, respectful and outstanding and in the community. This event includes a live band and DJ, no-host bar, dinner, dancing and silent auction, with prizes ranging from a paint night with Coach Jose Gil to getaway trips, tickets to Disneyland, and much more. 

The awards banquet will be held from 5:30 - 11 p.m. Saturday, March 19, 2022, at Salinas PAL Center, 100 Howard St., Salinas. Tickets, $65 general and $55 for GBA parents, are available at https://gbacelebratingourheros2022.eventbrite.com . For further information, please contact Coach Gil at 831-710-1499. 

Sponsorship packages are available at a variety of levels, starting with the Presenting Sponsor at $10,000;  $5,000 Gold Sponsor, $2,500 Silver Sponsor, $2,000 Bronze Sponsor;  $1,000 Donor and $500 Sponsor. 

All sponsorship levels includes seating for you and your guests, ad in the event program and other amenities, depending on the level of sponsorship. For example, the Presenting Sponsor will receive three tables of 10/VIP seating, special recognition at event and sign on table with company name, full-page (8.5-inch-by-11-inch) ad in event program, signage throughout the event
and recognition in all printed materials and advertising. The basic level, $500, receives a table for four
and a half-page ad in the event program. 

Ads are also available separately in the event program, starting at $500 for a half-page ad (8.5-inch-by-5-inch). For more information on advertising, contact Marci Bracco Cain at marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com  by Jan. 4, 2022, so that your company can be included in the materials as soon as possible. 

About Gil Basketball Academy

The Gil Basketball Academy was formed to promote the sport of basketball in East Salinas, as well as the overall development of local student-athletes desiring to compete at the highest athletic levels of competition. GBA offers camps, clinics, and individual sessions teaching athletes the skills and techniques of shooting, passing, dribbling, rebounding, and defense. The athletes will be coached by Jose Gil and other qualified and experienced coaches. GBA is about teaching not only basketball, but this academy will build confidence and character in all GBA members while having fun. 

The vision of the Gil Basketball Academy was born out of the belief that one of the most effective ways to strengthen a community is for its youth to be surrounded by positive adult role models, positive peer influences, and immersed in meaningful and constructive activities. As such, GBA’s mission is to support the youth of Salinas “Shoot for and Reach” their positive goals by participating in organized basketball camps, clinics, college tours, motivational speaker forums, field trips and trips beyond Salinas. 

GBA’s objective is to target boys and girls as young as 4 all the way to 17 years of age. GBA aims to “hook” kids beginning at a young age and sustain them throughout their schooling years. We also hope to combat obesity and diabetes by providing organized physical activities and promoting healthy eating habits.  At the present time, there are over 450 kids in our academy! 

Using Project Cornerstone’s research-based developmental assets approach as a guiding framework, we also hope to help our youth build the developmental internal and external assets they need in order to grow up to be caring, competent, responsible, and resilient.  The educational component of GBA is what our youth needs at this present time of turmoil.  We truly believe that this year’s homicides in Salinas could have been prevented if a program like ours was in their lives and someone showed them that the community cares about them. 

One of the primary goals is indeed to teach youth about every facet of the game of basketball. The larger goal of GBA is to teach our youth how to become healthy, productive, and contributing citizens of their community by exposing them to life beyond Salinas by offering our World Tours. 

Gil Basketball Academy1522

 Constitution Blvd., Suite 213,

Salinas, CA

(831) 710-1499

www.gilbasketballacademy.com

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
The Buzz PR LLC
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.gilbasketballacademy.com