GIVING BACK South County Newspapers’
Salute
to Non Profits
ON THE COVER| Soledad Ro tar y dict ionar y program Full story on page 3
A publication of South County Newspapers | March, 2016
March, 2016 | South County Newspapers’ Salute to Non-Profits | Page 1
Mee salutes Foundation and Service League Submitted Article
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ee Memorial Hospital is proud to salute its non-profit Foundation and Service League. Members of both organizations have given much of their time and enthusiasm to the advancement of Mee Memorial Hospital and the community of King City. Mee Memorial is extremely grateful for both of these organizations and its diligent members. Over the past 50 years, Mee Memorial Hospital Foundation has raised millions of dollars for the betterment of the hospital. The Foundation’s mission is to adequately “equip, modernize, update and to make an aesthetically pleasant hospital facility.” The Foundation helps with fundraising through events such as the annual golf tournament and bocce ball tournament in October; the upcoming Color Mee, a 5-K fun run and walk that promotes health and fitness, memorials and solicited donations, including employee donations. In addition to annual events, the Foundation has contributed to the hospital by having a rededication of its Rose Garden with new plaques, hosting an ice cream social each year during Hospi-
tal Week for all employees to thank them for all they do for the hospital and the community, maintains both the Donor and Veterans Boards and works collaboratively with the Service League. In this past year alone, the Mee Memorial Hospital Foundation has purchased state of the art laparoscopic surgery equipment, surgical lights, and much more. Foundation Officers include: John Buttgereit, President; Barbara O’Connor, Vice President; Roger Borzini, Treasurer. Mee Memorial Hospital’s Service League’s mission is to aid with community healthcare and support all of Mee Memorial’s medical facilities. This group of women and men take that mission statement seriously. These dedicated volunteers manage the gift shop which provides thousands of dollars every year to Mee Memorial for much needed equipment and programs. They also welcome visitors at the information desk in the hospital lobby, support the employees, and comfort patients and their families. Over the course of a year, the Service League donates in excess of 5,000 volunteer hours. As of this year the Service League
has helped raise over $28,000 with its Do Gooder event and is helping fund the hospitals new “Baby Friendly” initiative. Many of the other items the Service League has help fund includes three wheelchairs, large photos printed on stainless steel and frames for the Baby Friendly certificates in the OB department, children’s books also to the OB Department, and desserts for 400 employees at the Christmas Luncheon that is held annually in December, and most recently, the
Sheila Snider Staff Appreciation Breakfast. The Service League also holds an annual bake sale, scrubs sale, leather goods sale and an upcoming jewelry sale The officers for Mee Memorial Hospital Service League are officers on the executive board: President, Donna Oliveira; Vice-President, Anita McKean; Secretary, Janice Grim; Treasurer, Elgin Parsons.
Mee Memorial Hospital would like to thank its volunteers of the Mee Memorial Foundation and and Service League for their hard work and dedication to the hospital and community.
We are appreciative of all that you do! 300 Canal Street, King City • (831) 385.6000
meememorial.com Page 2 | South County Newspapers’ Salute to Non-Profits | March, 2016
Second Annual Ashley’s Journey Barrel Bash a success
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By Samantha Bengtson
he second annual “Ashley’s Journey Barrel Bash” was a success with racers coming from throughout California to the Rava Equestrian Arena from Oct. 3 through Oct. 4, 2015. The Barrel Bash was in honor of Ashley Escobar, who loved running barrels on her horse, Buddy. Escobar participated in the rodeo circuit with her friends throughout high school and in the Amateur circuits. “This is what she loved to do,” said Amanda Gianolini. “She had a lot of true passions in her life and I think rodeo and barrel racing were one of them. She met so many people through the sport of barrel racing.” The average awards were given in five categories up to ninth place due to a donation made on the morning of Oct. 4. On Oct. 3, Stacey Freitas on Mohican placed first in the 1D while Ruth Hatslip got second and Sami Morisoli placed third. In the 2D, Charleen Ornellas got first place, Karlee Wesney got second, and Charleen Ornellas on Johnnie Lightening got third. In the 3D, Mia Prichard on Lenas Lil Prize placed first, Katie Vanderburgh on Chance
placed second and third went to Sofie Hofman on Doc. In the 4D, Sheanna Deforest on Cat N Candy came in first at 18.467, Dustie Christensen on Sheza Camiseta at 18.473 came in second and third went to Pat Roertson on Arruba at 18.482. On Oct. 4, in the 1D, Ruth Hatslip on Famous Scarlett won first place with a time of 16.378, Cheri Graves on Shine won second place and Lea Obsburn on Dance N’ Spin. In the 3D, Sheby Stansbury on Cammander of Light placed first, David Lawson on Rosebuds Jet placed second, and Syd Wheeler on Fipen Pass placed third. In the 2D, Tona Andrade on Mega Famer placed first, Samantha Hopeneger placed second, and Kylie Mullen placed third. In the 4D category, first place went to Cloe Gray on Chex, second went to Auline Harris on Tweek, and third went to Gail Foster on J R Haypatch Beauty. The prizes for the different average awards includes saddles, blankets, leather handbags, or pales with horse products and Ashley’s Journey Barrel Bash hats. The 2016 event will be held from Oct. 29 through Oct. 30.
ATTENTION SOUTH COUNTY ANIMAL LOVERS! Brand new local animal rescue group looking for donations, dog kennels, cat & dog carriers, beds, leashes, kibble, litter & more!
FOSTER HOMES NEEDED! Be an animal champion & help save lives! Call Lucy Jensen at (831) 229-0663/ Andria Brinson (831) 595-5962
SOUTH COUNTY ANIMAL RESCUE Like us on Facebook and become an Animal Champion today!
Submitted photos The Average Award racers pose for a picture with the Earl, Brycen and Addie Escobar with the 1 D Average Award Winners. Pictured from left to right:Addie Escobar, Paty Raine(fifth place), Earl and Brycen Escobar, Stephanie Dehner (fourth place), Ruth Haislip-first place and saddle winner, Sami Jo Morsoli second place, and Kelsey Hayden third place.
Rotary gives the gift of knowledge Soledad Rotary continues its dictionary program
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By Kellie Hicks
or the eighth consecutive year, members of the Soledad Rotary visited all the local grammar schools in the Soledad Union School District as well as the Mission School to hand out dictionaries to every third grade student. To date, the Soledad Rotary has given out roughly 4,000 dictionaries free of charge to all students in the district. Dictionaries are very useful to all students and more specifically to English language learners and students living below the poverty level. In addition, having dictionaries on-hand means that parents and guardians will be in a better position to assist with their child’s homework. Having a dictionary on hand is a way for students to learn proper ways of spell-
ing and grammar versus being reliant on electronic Internet services which oftentimes students do not have access to. The dictionary project started when Jim and Beverly Willitts attended a district conference in Visalia on behalf of the Soledad Rotary. They came back and shared the news about the program, the members decided to pass a can around during each lunchtime meeting to collect money for this project. In the last eight years, the Rotary has not had to divert funds from their many other projects to fund the Dictionary Project; it is funded by the members and visitors to the meetings. “We feel so good after, seeing the kids’ enthusiasm,” said Soledad Rotarian Beverly Willits. “For some this is the only book that is theirs.”
March, 2016 | South County Newspapers’ Salute to Non-Profits | Page 3
READY TO SPRING AHEAD? The Arts are the Answer!
Page 4 | South County Newspapers’ Salute to Non-Profits | March, 2016
Submitted Article
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o much good news these days for the arts in our schools, the arts and healing and the arts for lifelong learning. We know it’s still a struggle to balance funding, programs and outreach, but we hope you are keeping tabs on the progress we are all making, too. We especially hope you are following the changes in K-12 education! The arts are the answer to implementing new standards that emphasize the 4Cs – communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity – essential for our students to gain the advantage in the years ahead. The new approach, new funding and new Local Control Accountability Plans mean more opportunities to increase the arts in our schools – more classes, more arts-integration and more after school programs. But of course, we have to advocate each year to make sure! To learn more about what is happening and how you and your organization, allies and partners can join us to increase access for everyone, please visit us at www.arts4mc.org
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Unclaimed Tax Credits Have Potential to Infuse Millions into Local Economy
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Submitted Article
olunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) provides free tax prep – both Federal and state – for anyone who made less than $54,000 in 2015. A service of United Way Monterey County, the goal of VITA is to put more money in the pockets of working people. Last year, VITA completed 2,562 returns, totaling $3.4M in refunds and resulting in a local economic stimulus of $4.7M. VITA keeps money in our communities, while providing local volunteers valuable job experience that will benefit their careers. In addition to tax preparation, volunteers are trained to help eligible taxpayers claim their Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and other credits to maximize their refunds. Last year, EITC boosted refunds for eligible taxpayers an average of $2,400. For many low- and moderate-wage earners, this is their biggest paycheck of the year. One happy client is Juan, an employee at a local cooler. After claiming his EITC, Juan received a refund of nearly $5,000– roughly 20% of his annual income. Juan broke down in tears telling his tax preparer that he can now afford to move his family into their own home. Juan had been laid off for part of the previous year and his family was living in his cousin’s garage to make ends meet. Now, with a steady job, they were ready to move into their own apartment but didn’t have enough money to cover move-in costs. Thanks to VITA, Juan could now move his family into safe, decent housing.
By helping people like Juan and his family, we’re building a better community for all. Help spread the word about EITC and encourage everyone to file their taxes. Even if someone is not eligible for a refund, they may qualify for a tax credit. In 2012, 12,220 county residents failed to claim their EITC, resulting in more than $21 million being left on the table – missing out on an average of $1,773 per return. EITC is an economic buoy for a community. In 2013, $86,667,000 in EITC payments were claimed in Monterey County – 80% of that was spent locally resulting in an economic stimulus of $121,333.800. On the other hand, when money goes unclaimed, that money will never be spent at local businesses, limiting job creation and leaving less tax revenue to state and local communities. Monterey County is an expensive place to live. High real estate expenses eat into family savings, costing nearly half of all County households more than 30% of their income. Families with children face an even larger barrier to achieving economic security; 57% of households with children under six learn less than the Real Cost Measure, a metric that indicates the income required to meet basic needs for a given family in a specific community. By getting the word out about VITA, we can provide the services to those who need it most, and ultimately benefit residents and local businesses alike.
Free Tax Prep! You Earned It! We Help You Keep It!
Earn less than $62,000 in 2015? Use our FREE Software to do you taxes. www.MyFreeTaxes.com
In-person sites now open
Learn more at: unitedwaymcca.org/free-tax-prep
Spread the Word • Include a paycheck stuffer with payroll checks • Share the flyers through email • Post a flyer in the break room
Looking for a New Pet? Lost Your Pet? Need Help with Low-Cost Pet Services? Visit Your SPCA for Monterey County!
www.SPCAmc.org 831-373-2631
March, 2016 | South County Newspapers’ Salute to Non-Profits | Page 5
Southern Monterey County Foundation Awards over $10,000 in grants to benefit local progams Submitted photo Southern Monterey County Food Pantry volunteer Aidan Butler unloads donated bread from the local Safeway
Submitted Article
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outhern Monterey County Foundation (SMCF), an affiliate fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey County, has awarded its second year of grants. The SMCF raises funds to provide grants to strengthen communities from King City to points south. It is guided by an advisory board of local residents who have a deep understanding of community needs in the region. Grants totaling $10,100 were made to the following seven nonprofit organizations serving Southern Monterey County residents: Campaign for the Preservation of Mission San Antonio de Padua: $2,000 for Phase II of the restoration and preservation of the historic Mission Community Food Pantry of King City: $2,000 to serve hungry members of the community. CSU Monterey Bay: $1,900 to support Otter Linguist, a program to provide second language skills and multicultural education to middle schoolers Girls Inc. of the Central Coast: $2,000 to expand into three King City schools the Growing Together program, which increases positive communication between mothers and daughters. Legal Services for Seniors: $1,000 to provide no-cost legal services for Southern Monterey County Seniors Sol Treasures: $500 for Art-Scape, an educational art and garden experience for
Community Foundation for Monterey County
Page 6 | South County Newspapers’ Salute to Non-Profits | March, 2016 Publication: South County Nonprofit tab, 1/2 page
the community Youth Music Monterey: $700 to purchase a bass instrument for the South County Strings Program, which provides free, in-school music instruction Paulette Bumbalough, chair of the SMCF advisory board says: “In two years, the SMCF has already provided over $37,000 in grants. This is thanks to our generous and supportive donors. We’re excited to build this resource for our local communities.” “The goal of Community Food Pantry of King City is to continue an ongoing food distribution program providing nutritious food and support to any community members that present a need. We are very grateful to the Southern Monterey County Foundation for their continued support and guidance which helps us fulfill our mission,” said Peggy Keirn. Founded in 2014 by local residents, the SMCF is a permanent endowed resource for Southern Monterey County that provides grants to nonprofits serving the area. The advisory board reviews all applications and makes decisions on where funding will have the greatest positive impact. The SMCF is supported by the Founding Family, 19 individuals and businesses who have pledged to both build the endowment and allow the SMCF to award grants in its first five years. For more information, to become a member of the Founding Family, or to contribute to the SMCF, call (831) 375-9712 or visit www.cfmco.org/smcf.
Locals come to the rescue of abandoned pets South County Animal Rescue ‘FUR-Ever Friends’ educates owners
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By Kellie Hicks
outh County Animal Rescue, or FUR-Ever Friends, is new to South County. The founders started the group to fill a huge hole locally and to combat what is becoming almost an epidemic, the dumping of pets along county roads. Picking up animals and taking them in or finding a foster home is something that Lucy Jensen and Andria Brinson have been doing for a long time but they have found that the need has grown and they need help. That is how South County Animal Rescue was born. “This dumping and abuse of animals is a real problem in our local area,” said Jensen. “We need a safe house, where animals can be safely delivered if the owners can no longer care for them. Too many people just drop them off on roads where they can be further injured or killed.” “A few kind souls in town foster the unwanted while the search for forever homes goes on.” Fosters take the animal in while the animal heals from any kind of injury it might have and while they search for a home. Most fosters work with the animal teaching it manners and giving it the love it may have never experienced in its lifetime. They intend to get their nonprofit status set, and as funding becomes available, establish a building to house some pets and to work in.
There are things that the new Animal Rescue needs, the first and foremost are fosters: Someone to take the animal in while South County Animal Rescue tries to find it a home. They need more local partners such as vets and stores to help with vaccinations, spay and neuter services and microchipping. How locals can help: • Like South County Animal Rescue “FUR-Ever Friends” on Facebook, they post pictures of pets that need a home and pets that need a foster home. • Go to “Go Fund Me” online, look for South County Animal Rescue by name, or by the zip code 93960 (www.gofundme. com/2cryz4zw), to donate to help in the purchase of supplies and feed. • They’re in great need of food for both cats and dogs, kennels of all sizes, leashes, food dishes, collars and bedding. Jensen also points out that there is a need for education, how to take care of dogs, cats and even bunnies. “It is not OK to dump an animal, when you take a dog or cat it is for the life of that animal, if you can’t do that, don’t have one,” she said. Residents of South County can contact the SPCA or Los Coches Animal Hospital or the King City Veterinary Hospital for spay and neuter services to prevent unwanted litters.
Gonzales youth group receives grant from CFMC Neighborhood Grant Program will help at-risk youth
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By Kellie Hicks
n July, the Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC) held its 18th annual awards ceremony in Salinas where they awarded grants to 16 groups throughout Monterey County. The $52,000 the CFMC gave out was split up in to grants ranging from $1,500 to $4,000 and of the 16 groups that benefited, five were from South County including the Gonzales Youth Guardians (GYC). The GYC is the brainchild of Jean Salcido and is very near and dear to her heart. It is the mission of the GYG to reach out to at-risk youths through sports and mentoring. “There is so much need, kids falling through the cracks, those are the ones I’m after,” said Salcido. The purpose of her group is to get children off the streets and involved in positive activities. Many local children are prevented from participating in local programs because of the costs, so the GYG is free of cost to child and their parents and that is where the generosity of locals and the
grant from the CFMC come in. “This will allow us to buy more sports equipment and jerseys,” Salcido said. Salcido is driven to help make her community a better place and by mentoring these children along with teaching them respect, discipline and good morals, she said she knows they will grow up to be good citizens and hopefully future leaders. “I see the potential in these kids,” said Salcido, “In the last year, I have seen the many changes in these kids (in the group). This is one of my callings, helping these kids and giving back to my community.” The other South County Neighborhood Grants Program recipients are the Ballet Folklorico Tapatío (King City) for Ballet Folklorico dance instruction and community performances, Chuparrosa (Greenfield) for a support group for parents with special needs children, the King City Dance Team (King City) for youth and young adult dance instruction and community performances, and Tu Puedes King City (King City) for community leadership development and health promotion.
Making a Difference in Our Communities
Non Profits
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Soledad Bee
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March, 2016 | South County Newspapers’ Salute to Non-Profits | Page 7
KCHS Mustang Bench 3rd Annual Golf Tournament We would like to thank the following individuals and businesses for making this year’s golf tournament a tremendous success:
King City Golf Course / Yolanda Frudden • A&G Pumping • Bassetti Farms Britt Davis • Jim Hearne • All of the Participants Gold Sponsors:
Bassetti Farms Gonzales Irrigation Holaday Seed Company Santa Maria Seed
Silver Sponsors:
Wes & Trena Beebe Bejo Seed King City Lions Club Rio Farms, LLc
Blue Sponsors:
A & G Pumping Anthony Costa & Sons Barbree’s King City Pinks David & Gina Bassetti California Orchard Co. /Salinas Land Co. Fallen Oak Packing LLC Greens Accounting Green Valley Farm Supply Harbin Construction IHG Army Hotel King City Valley Bears Lynn’s Too Mission Ranches Mitchell Technoligies Pacific Ag Rentals Rava Ranches Rijk Zwaan Usa Inc Sakata Seed America, Inc. State Farm Insurance TNT Insurance Tozer Seed Vanguard Seed Inc Western Harvesting LLC
White Sponsors:
A.F. Silveira and Sons, LLC Stacey Azcona Bengard Agency Troy & Shay Bennett Benson Plumbing Big Valley Labor Blair Estate Wines Christensen & Giannini LLC Clarks Storeroom Creekside Farms Britt & Amanda Davis Gill Ranch Company Rick & Maureen Harris ICMC Janet Matos & Linda Benway JV Automobiles King City Nursery, LLC King City Young Farmers L.A. Hearne Company Neil Bassetti Farms, LLC Orradre Farming Pacific Coast Battery Service Pacific Valley Bank Frank & Tammy Padilla Plates N Dates Private Eyes Salcido Construction Seco Packing Seteco Tom & Melody Shepherd Tavernetti, Layous & Clark Thorne & Thorne The Garden House Toro Petroleum 3 Star Lettuce
Raffle Prize Donations:
KCHS Girls Basketball KCHS Volleyball KCHS Softball KCHS Boys Soccer KCHS Wrestling KCHS Football KCHS Cheer KCHS Swim KCHS Track KCHS Cross Country KCHS Baseball KCHS Boys Basketball Blair Estate Wine Creekside Farms Drake Frudden Hahn Estate Wines Mustang Bench
HANDICAP FLIGHT 1st Place Carlos Perez Britt Davis Michael Hearne Jack Harbin
CALLAWAY FLIGHT 1st Place Karse Giudici Jeremy Sarina Cesar Soto Mike Silva
2nd Place Brian Entrekin Brian Kirkpatrick Bryan Lopez Brandon Webb
2nd Place Chito Soto Chad Caraccioli Willie Pantoja Joseph Ramirez
3rd Place Mark Phillips Carl Shaug Nathan Silva Wesley Herne
3rd Place Caleb Houghton Seth Word Marc Pura Mark Silveira
Drawing for 1 week stay at their vacation home in Puerto Rico donated by Dr. & Mrs. Bruce Greenberg, the winner was James Orradre.
A special thanks to all of those not mentioned and to everyone that came out to play. Without all of your help and support this event would not be possible. To all the Mustang Bench members, Coaches and Athletes who volunteered to set up, register golfers, serve lunch, sell raffle tickets and clean up
THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH!
King City High School Mustang Bench
Page 8 | South County Newspapers’ Salute to Non-Profits | March, 2016