2012 Pacific Orchid Exposition: A Salute to the Golden Gate

It isn’t every year that the largest orchid exhibition in the US shares an important anniversary with one of the most famous works of architecture; but, 2012 is one such year.

On February 23-26, 2012, the San Francisco Orchid Society’s 60th annual Pacific Orchid Exposition (POE) will coincide with the 75th anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge. The festivities will combine the worlds of horticulture and architecture to form a celebration that will not be forgotten.

Can you imagine a San Francisco without a Golden Gate Bridge? It’s hard to do, but believe it or not, before the year 1937 the only way to cross the strait known as the “Golden Gate” was by ferry. The enormous and controversial project for the Bridge was taken on by the brave soul and architect Joseph B. Strauss in 1933. He sought help from architect Irving Morrow, who was responsible for the famous suspension design of the bridge, and designer Leon Moisseiff, who we all have to thank for that unmistakable orange color that stretches across the bay.

The orange color of the Bridge was chosen for multiple reasons. Initially it was selected to help the bridge stand out from its dense bed of fog. Bay Area residents also urged Moisseiff to do something that would set the Bridge apart from other works of architecture around the world. Moisseiff chose “International Orange” which has become synonymous with San Francisco.

The bridge was finally finished in 1937, measuring an astounding 230 meters in height and 1,970 meters in length. The week-long bridge opening celebrations began on May 27, with 200,000 people crossing the bridge by foot before vehicles were even allowed to cross. Mayor Angelo Rossi was the first to cross the bridge by vehicle, and the following day, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signaled the opening of the bridge to public traffic by pushing a button from his office in Washington, D.C.

Today, the bridge has become a worldwide symbol for the great state of California. It is now instantly recognizable and is featured in everything from literature, to cinema, to music and works of art. The San Francisco Orchid Society is happy to help celebrate the 75th anniversary of this architectural masterpiece, and the event is sure to be a colorful one, as both the Bridge and the orchids have become known for their vibrant colors and beauty. The San Francisco Orchid Society salutes the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy and encourages everyone to come out and take part in this celebration of two great San Francisco traditions.


For event details visit: http://www.orchidsanfrancisco.org/poe.html

Northern California Renaissance Faire Brings a Celtic Spirit to Merry Old England

Take a moment to “Find Your Fantasy” this year at the Northern California Renaissance Faire. Enter the village gates and allow yourself to be immersed in a bustling country village in Merry Old England celebrating the arrival of Queen Elizabeth I. Colorful rustic booths line the village streets displaying one of a kind wares hand crafted by talented artisans. Hundreds of costumed performers fill the streets and stages with music and laughter.

Originating in Black Point in Novato, California, the Northern California Renaissance Faire can now be found nestled in the woodsy glen of Casa de Fruta in Hollister. Each day, the faire showcases a variety of traditional renaissance music and entertainment and at 6:00pm each Saturday the faire comes alive with the infusion of modern Celtic rock showcasing genre favorites like Tempest and the Wicked Tinkers. The arena that hosts the championship jousting by day is transformed into an open field for dancing and reveling to the live bands at twilight. It's a perfect way to end a day at faire for both children and adults.

Get the best of both worlds by imagining yourself in history as you laugh along with the bawdy characters of the time, shop for unique handcrafted wares, feast on decadent fare and then stay late for the modern sounds of today's Celtic musicians. The faire offers nonstop Entertainment and a variety of games and activities for children and adults. The Celtic Rock Concerts are an extra bonus on top of this value packed day!

SATURDAYS ONLY! CONCERTS FREE WITH TICKET PURCHASE

September 24
Theme: Baccanal-Masquerade
Band: Molly's Revenge

October 1
Theme: Pirates Invasion
Band: Culann's Hounds

October 8
Theme: Find Your Fantasy
Band: Brother

October 15
Last opporunity to FIND YOUR FANTASY!
Band: Wicked Tinkers

WHAT: Northern California Renaissance Faire Celtic Rock Series
WHEN: Saturdays Only! September 17th and ends October 15th
TIME: Faire opens at 10 am / Celtic Rock Series begins at 6pm
WHERE: Casa de Fruta, 10031 Pacheco Pass Highway, Hollister
COST: Free with Faire ticket
INFO: For more information and tickets, visit http://www.norcalrenfaire.com/ or call 408.847.FAIR

Orchids in the Park

Come join us for two days of orchids and fun! Spend the day meandering through hundreds of fanciful blooms at Orchids in the Park, this Saturday and Sunday, September 17-18, at the County Fair Building in San Francisco.

Orchids in the Park serves as a fundraising event for the San Francisco Orchid Society, a non-profit organization that fosters the culture and cultivation of orchids and promotes education about orchids to its members and to the public.

Don't forget to purchase a Razzle Dazzle Orchid Raffle ticket! Prizes include highly desirable orchids, orchid accessories, ceramic pots, gift certificates, orchid books, and more. The prize drawing will take place at noon on Sunday.


For more information please please visit: http://www.orchidsanfrancisco.org/orchidsinthepark.html

Senior Care 101 Workshop Demystifies Elder Care Challenges

For individuals and families facing new challenges associated with aging, finding the right resources can be daunting.

The city of Mountain View and Engage as You Age, LLC are sponsoring a free Senior Care 101 workshop on Saturday, September 10th at 1:00pm. The workshop will explore the physical, financial and psychological issues associated with elder care, as well as provide tips and resources on how to navigate the difficulties of the aging process.

Speaker Greg Hartwell, Certified Senior Advisor and Managing Director of Homecare California, will focus on "7 Key Things to Know Before Hiring Homecare in California" and said the event is essential to educating the community about their options in senior care.

"These types of forums provide a safe and non-pressured enviornment where people can collect vital information on assisting loved ones maintain their independance and standard of living," said Hartwell.

The workshop will feature a panel of the following experts:

• Ben Lewis, Facilitator and founder of Engage as You Age, LLC


• Greg Hartwell, Certified Senior Advisor and Managing Director of Homecare California


• Nancy Norris, Financial planner, care manager and fiduciary


• Megan Perdue, Senior Services Director and Community Services Agency


• Tessa ten Tuscher, PHD, Geriatric psychologist and CEO of Living Well - Assisted Living at Home

The workshop will take place on Saturday, September 10th at 1pm at the Mountain View Public Library, located at 585 Franklin St in Mountain View, CA. For additional information, please call 650.903.6337 or contact Liz Rosinski at 650.548.6700.

Burlingame ArtzFest Entertainment Steals the Show

The Burlingame ArtzFest, happening August 13-14th on Burlingame Avenue, has announced a thrilling music line up for its 2011 event, mixing in everything from local up-and-comers to well seasoned professionals.

On Saturday, August 13th, electricity will fill the air as Livewire, a high-energy 6 piece dance cover band, light up the stage. Based out of the San Francisco Bay Area, Livewire is known as an in-demand party band that has played at top clubs, including Bimbo's 365 Clib, Cache Creek Casino Resort, the Red Devil Lounge, and Harry Denton's Starlight Room.
Livewire covers everything from Journey to the Jackson 5, showcasing an eclectic mix of the best songs from the 70's and 80's.

Hitting the stage next are the Hitmen, a unique 7-piece band that mixes thier abilities and experience to push musical boundries. The group plays a variety of hits from the 70's to modern day favorites for over 14 years. The Hittmen have performed their high energy dance music at benefits, festivals, concenrts, nightclubs and private functions, and they've performed with notable musicians such as Santana, the Ohio Players, Tower of Power and Cameo.

On Sunday, August 14th, get ready to turn up the head as Lava adds a little spice to the ArtzFest stage. Lava is a 9-piece band covering a wide range of genres, including Latin Jazz, Cha-Cha-Cha, Latin Rock, Latin Funk and Salsa. The group features the extraordinary percussionist, Mio "Timbalero" Flores, who has worked and/or collaborated with artists such as Santana, Palo, Sanchez and War.

Because of its popularity last year, the ArtzFest is bringing back its community stage which will feature a myriad of local performers and talent. The Burlingame Bollywood Dancers and the Millbrae Dance Academy will showcase uniqe dance routines, and local band "Group Therapy" is slated to play sets of their adult soft rock songs. Many of the "Burlingame Idol" finalists and winners will also grace the stage throughout the weekend, and the Burlingame Community Theater Troupe will have everyone in stitches with "The Punny Show" - a theatrical experience based on puns.

On Saturday, from 1:30-2:00 pm there will be a very special performance by Sara Oromchi, the 2009 Burlingame Idol winner. Oromchi was recently a contestant on NBC's new hit reality show, "The Voice".

In addition to the live entertainment and stage performances, the ArtzFest boasts over 150 artists and vendors showcasing and selling original crafts, works of art, specialty foods, and more. The sustainable home dweller will appreciate the Home, Garden and Green section which features eco-friendly and innovative living ideas.

The whole family is sure to enjoy the special kid's that is a special area set up on a sidestreet featuring games, carnival themed rides, children's entertainment, train rides and more.

The Burlingame ArtzFest serves as the largest fundraiser for the Burlingame Chamber of Commerce, and the event is free to the public. The ArtzFest runs August 13-14 from 10am-6pm; for more information, please visit http://www.burlingamechamber.org/ or call Georgette Naylor at 650-344-1735.

Local Young Artists Raise Money For Tsunami Relief

Two award winning Bay Area teenage artists have raised over $800 for victims of the Japan tsunami and earthquake through the sales of their artwork.

Philip Liao, Jr. and Alberta Liao (pictured with Bay Area Red Cross CEO Harold Brooks) gained national praise after their pieces were showcased at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. They will be holding an art show at the Foster City Art Gallery through the end of March and wanted to help the relief efforts in Japan and decided to donate 100% of their sales to the Bay Area Red Cross.

WHO: Philip Liao, Jr. and Alberta Liao

WHAT: "Fantasy Vs. Reality" Art Exhibition

WHERE: Foster City Art Gallery, 650 Shell Blvd, Foster City CA, 94404

WHEN: Art on display from March 3 - March 31, 2011 from 11am-6pm

COST: Free

INFO: Contact the Larose Group at 650-548-6700 or email flarose@prmagic.com

Think Outside the Heart Shaped Box

This Valentine's Day, shoppers will now thave the choice to go beyond the cliche heart-shaped box and instead choose the colorful heart-shaped chew.

Cherry Lovers fruit chews are high in antioxidant Vitamin C and are made with real Cherry juice. In fact, each serving of Cherry Lovers delivers 25% of your daily Vitamin C needs. Available in 13oz bags or 38oz jars, Cherry Lovers offers a new and fun way for people to enjoy an all time favorite flavor. The candy features nine scrumptious flavors, including Cherry Vanilla, Cherry Cola, Chocolate Cherry, Bing Cherry, Cherry Daiquiri and more.

"Cherry is one of the most popular candy flavors in the market," said Karin Vollrath, sales and marketing director for Gimbal's Fine Candies. "We are excited that we can truly focus on this favorite flavor and give customers nine new delectable ways to fall in love with Cherry all over again."

Cherry Lovers candies are also a perfect addition to Valentine's Day, even baking or arts and crafts related projects. Each shiny heart shaped chew follows a color pallet of red, pink and white, complelmenting the Valentine's Day color scheme. The sweet treats can festively stand alone in a candy dish or enhance seasonal desserts such as cupcakes, cookies, brownies or goodie bags.

Cherry Lovers candies are just one of the delicious products from Gimbal's Fine Candies, and they offer the same unbeaten quality and value that all their other lines bring to consumers. Gimbal's also produces Honey Lovers candies, All-Natural Licorice Scotties and chewy cinnamon LavaBalls. The Gimbal's production and packaging facilities are free of the "Major Eight" food ingredients that make up 90% of food allergies. All of the products are also certified kosher pareve by the Orthodox Union.

For more information, visit http://www.gimbalscandy.com/