San Jose Harvest Festival Delights Shoppers Over Black Friday Weekend

The San Jose Harvest Festival, which took place November 27-29 this year at the San Jose Convention Center, brought in large crowds eager to shop with their families after Thanksgiving. The festival took place on Black Friday weekend, encouraging Christmas shoppers to buy from small businesses and local artisans instead of flocking to major malls.

The Harvest Festival, one of the top rated craft shows in the United States, featured over 24,000 handmade items. Attendees were able to meet the makers face to face while browsing unique art, jewelry, clothing, toys, home decor, and more. On Saturday, November 28, the San Jose Harvest Festival was specially featured by KTVU Fox 2 News. For three and a half hours, KTVU toured the area, interviewing vendors and granting viewers an inside look at the Harvest Festival's diverse handmade crafts, art, and specialty foods.

KTVU highlighted a number of vendors, including Bruce Lanham Scrimshaw, which specializes in beautiful engravings in swordfish bone. Another shop, Cherry Country from Oregon, showed off delicious dried fruit, jams, and chocolate covered cherries. KTVU also spoke to Frank Vigneri of Candle Opera, who displayed his beautifully designed candle holders created from thin wood veneer. Personalized home decor and ornaments were available from Mosaics by Sharice, a new vendor to the Harvest Festival, and Mississippi Miracle Clay even gave the KTVU reporter an on-air facial using their unique southern face mask.

The Harvest Festival wasn't only about the products for sale, though. Le Jazz Hot Trio supplied lively music for the Festival, delighting attendees and continuing a tradition of fine French Gypsy Jazz. James Garner's Tribute to Johnny Cash also charmed audiences, faithfully recreating Cash's biggest hits. Sausages, salads, sandwiches, coffees, and more were available for attendees to enjoy a delicious lunch while enjoying the entertainment.

For more information about the Harvest Festival, visit http://harvestfestival.com/

Pleasanton Harvest Festival to Open at the Alameda County Fairgrounds

The Pleasanton Harvest Festival, happening September 18-20 at the Alameda County Fairgrounds, is ringing in the fall shopping season by offering attendees thousands of unique, handcrafted gifts in a fun and festive setting. 

The Harvest Festival is a one-of-a-kind event that offers shoppers the chance to browse thousands of American handmade arts and crafts, including original art, clothing, blown glass, ceramics, photography, specialty foods and more. Guests can visit hundreds of booths, getting their purchases personalized and meeting the artists who individually made each product.

For the first time ever, the Harvest Festival will offer a free admission to the first 100 people in line each day, so be sure to get there early!

Throughout the weekend there is fabulous, continual live entertainment at the outdoor stage. John Park will be performing his popular "Funny Waiter" show where he spins plates and has the audience participating in his hilarious tricks, and the Hot Rods Band will get the crowd on their feet and dancing with their tribute to early rock and roll hits of the 50's and 60's. Plus, strolling entertainers wander the grounds, entertaining and  interacting with festival attendees. 

This year, the Pleasanton Harvest Festival is proud to welcome its new official charity, the Crown Monarchs Youth Cheer and Dance Team. The Crown Monarchs are a non-profit competitive cheer team from Brentwood whose purpose is to promote athletic participation in cheerleading and dance, as well as foster the physical, mental and moral development of young girls. The organization will receive half of the proceeds from all shopping bags sold at the event and will also be hosting the interactive KidZone this year.

The Pleasanton Harvest Festival® is once again supporting the Alameda County Community Food Bank by offering $2 off admission to anyone who brings a monetary donation or non-perishable food items to the show. The Alameda County Community Food Bank serves 1 in 5 residents living throughout Alameda County and distributes enough food for 380,000 meals each week.

The Harvest Festivals were recognized as one of the top craft shows in the United States by Sunshine Artist Magazine and are the largest indoor arts and crafts show on the West Coast.

What:    The Pleasanton Harvest Festival®

When:   September 18-20, 2015

Where:  Alameda County Fairgrounds (4501 Pleasanton Ave, Pleasanton, CA 94566)

Hours:   Friday and Saturday: 10 am – 6pm, Sunday: 10 am – 5pm

Tickets:  Adults: $9, Seniors (62+): $7, Kids 12 & Under: Free (Tickets valid for re-entry)

Info:       Call or visit www.harvestfestival.com or 800-346-1212

Press:    Contact the Larose Group at 650-548-6700  

KCSM Presents Jazz on the Hill --FREE concert

KCSM Presents Jazz on the Hill

Local Radio Station Thanks Community for Support with Free Jazz Festival

On June 6th, KCSM will host Jazz on the Hill at the newly renovated College of San Mateo campus from 12pm-6pm. Jazz on the Hill is a​ non-profit  jazz music event​ which benefits the college and the community supported radio station, KCSM FM. It​ is free to all who attend and this year it ​will feature ​two stages designed for nonstop entertainment and a great lineup of professional Jazz artists, including Grammy award-winning artist Poncho Sanchez. 

Dedicated to enriching the community, there will be a special "community stage" where talented local middle and high school students who showcase their talent by covering many genres of jazz from straight-ahead, blues, Latin, and more.

Jazz on the Hill returned in 2013 after a nine year hiatus due to the CSM building renovation project.  Now, the school is ready for visitors and eager to show off the campus, architecture and amazing views. 

KCSM’s television and radio stations, licensed to the San Mateo County Community College District, made their broadcast debuts in 1964. KCSM FM and TV were originally established by the College of San Mateo as training facilities for radio and TV broadcasters.

Many well-known media personalities were educated at the College of San Mateo, including tabloid TV reporter Steve Wilson, ESPN sportscaster, San Francisco Giants announcer, Jon Miller and K101 On-Air Personality, Jeff Serr. Today, the stations have professional staffs operating full service public television and radio and continue to serve as learning laboratories for students enrolled in the College of San Mateo Broadcasting Arts Department.

“This event is our way of thanking the community for the incredible support they provide year round,” said Dante Betteo, KCSM’s Station Manager.  “We wouldn’t be the unique radio station we are today if it weren’t for our listeners and supporting members.”

Jazz on the Hill will feature many of the favorite components from the previous year, including an area featuring vendor booths, food trucks, a BMW car raffle, and wine provided by Domenico Winery, located in San Carlos.

The BMW raffle is being conducted by San Francisco Jazz with the grand prize being a BMW i3 from BMW of San Francisco.

Tickets for the raffle will be on sale at Jazz on the Hill and the car will be on-site.  For more info about the raffle, go to www.sfjazzraffle.com.

WHO:             KCSM's Jazz on the Hill

WHAT:           A free day-long jazz concert celebration to thank the community for their support of KCSM 91.1 FM.       

WHERE:        College of San Mateo, 1700 W. Hillsdale Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94402 

The Main Stage will be located on the lower mezzanine in front of the library steps with breath taking views of the Bay. The Youth Stage will be located in CSM's Little Theatre building.

WHEN:          Saturday, June 6th, 2015 from 12pm-6pm.

INFO:             For more information and details about the lineup, visit  www.jazzonthehill.org

PRESS:         Contact Frances Larose at 650-548-6700 or via email at Flarose@prmagic.com

                                                

Celebrity Spice Goddess Teaches Senior Communities About Healthy Alternatives to Prescription Medication

 San Francisco Towers and St. Paul's Towers, Oakland, residents received a special cooking presentation and autographed cookbook compliments of Celebrity Chef Bal Arneson.  Her message to the seniors was the importance of natural spices and their ability  to substitute traditional medications.  These delicious spices provide them with important antioxidants, natural cures, and  healthy eating options.

Bal Arneson, the Spice Goddess, TV Cooking Host, and Award Winning Cookbook Author,  honored elders by teaching them the ways of her world in India through the magic of food and the ability to heal through spices. The Spice Goddess is one of the featured speakers at the Episcopal Senior Communities (ESC) yearlong 50th celebration.  ESC has been empowering seniors in the Bay Area for many years providing them with knowledge and helping them continue to live long, healthy and independent lives.

Bal Arneson, a native of Punjab, India, is a bestselling author, teacher and advocate of simple and healthy Indian-inspired cooking. In July of 2010, her cooking series Spice Goddess premiered on the Cooking Channel, and she has published two bestselling cookbooks, "Everyday Indian" and "Bal's Quick and Healthy Indian."

Since 1965, ESC's vision of community and commitment to serving the needs of seniors has been the driving force behind ESC's mission of cultivating and building healthy communities with a continuum of residential and innovative aging services that actively promote intellectual, physical, social, and spiritual well-being.

Episcopal Senior Communities is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to helping seniors maintain healthy, vibrant and independent lives. Through their many initiatives and non-profit efforts, including the ElderWISE program, Senior Resources @ Home, Senior Center Without Walls, and the Senior Produce Markets, ESC is providing valuable services that alleviate isolation and promote healthy lifestyles.

Interested in becoming a volunteer and helping seniors in your community, call 415-776-0500.  

Participating Chef in Wishes in Wine Country Event Has Personal Connection to Make-A-Wish®

(Burlingame, Calif., May 4, 2015) -- On May 16th, 2015 superstars in the culinary and wine industries will gather at Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards to support the Wishes in Wine Country Fundraiser, benefiting Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area.

One of the participating chefs, Pablo Estrada, Executive Chef of Fattoria e Mare, has a very personal connection to the foundation after his daughter was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2008.  

"When my daughter Samira fell ill, Make-A-Wish helped to fulfill one of her dreams by sending her to Disney World," said Chef Estrada. "They treated her like a VIP, rolling out a red carpet and helping her get all the signatures of her favorite Disney princesses."

So far, Samira has been cancer free since 2011, but the experience was something she has never forgotten.

"It helped her get through the roughest time in her life, so whenever I can do something to support this wonderful cause, I do," said Chef Estrada.

For the last 16 years, Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area and Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards have been teaming up on an event that not only helps children suffering from life-threatening illnesses, but that offers a wide sampling of the best food and wine being produced in Sonoma County and beyond.

Wishes in Wine Country will be held on Saturday, May 16th 2015 at Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards and will feature over 30 restaurants and wineries at the Grand Tasting on the Lawn. This year, Wishes in Wine County has expanded its array of talent to beyond just Wine Country and invited restaurants like Fattoria e Mare from areas like Burlingame which are 30 minutes south of San Francisco.

From 2:30 to 5:30pm, guests will sample wines on the lawns surrounding Sonoma-Cutrer’s world class croquet courts. The evening continues from 5:30-9:00pm with the Sunset Dinner, where guests enjoy a three-course dinner on the Sonoma-Cutrer Terrace, followed by a short live auction. All proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area. Tickets are still on sale; for more information go to wishesinwinecountry.com or call 415-982-9474.

About Fattoria e Mare:

Fattoria e Mare is a restaurant specializing in locally sourced, fresh Italian cuisine. Located on Rollins Road in Burlingame, CA, just minutes from the San Francisco Airport, Fattoria e Mare offers an ever changing menu featuring seasonal seafood, pasta, salads, desserts and much more. The large restaurant has an expansive space which is uses for private parties and events. For more information on Fattoria e Mare, please visit Fattoriaemare.com

About Make-A-Wish^® Greater Bay Area:

Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.  In 2015 Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area celebrates 31 years fulfilling magical wishes.  During its first year of operation, in 1984, the chapter granted 27 wishes.  Now one of the largest chapters nationwide, the Greater Bay Area grants over 300 wishes per year and has granted over 6,800 wishes to date.  The chapter covers 17 Northern California counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino, Napa, Marin, Monterey, San Benito, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, Siskiyou, Solano and Sonoma.  The goal of Make-A-Wish is to grant a wish to every eligible child in its territory.  Anyone can suggest a child for a wish. For more information or to refer a child for a wish, please call 415/982-9474 or visit www.SF.Wish.org

Fattoria e Mare Serves Up Mother's Day Brunch and Dinner for Guests

Mother’s Day is the time to show gratitude to moms of all ages—and what better way to make her day special than to treat her to a delicious brunch or dinner hosted by Fattoria e Mare on Sunday, May 10, 2015. Together with family and friends, Mom can celebrate her special day by feasting on a wide variety of culinary specialties—without having to lift a finger in preparation!

Fattoria e Mare, located right of the 101 freeway in Burlingame, will feature a superb menu in celebration of Mother’s Day. Guests will savor both a glorious atmosphere in addition to a wide variety of soups, salads, main dishes, pastas, seafood and desserts. A few of the many delectable brunch menu offerings include: Eggs Benedict with House Made Biscuits, Canadian Bacon and Truffled Holandaise Sauce; Soft Scrambled Organic Farm Eggs, Heirloom Tomatoes, Spring Onion and Bufala Mozzarella; Breakfast Pizza with Smoked Salmon, Confit Potato and Fontina and much more. Several dinner entree options including Grilled Whole Branzino, Ranch Chicken al Mattone, Dungeness Crab Meat Ravioli, and Fideua' Toasted Cappelini.

Fattoria e Mare serves genuine Italian cuisine from the farm and sea which holds sustainable ingredients sourced from organic and sustainable local vendors.

WHAT: Fattoria e Mare' Mother's Day Brunch & Dinner
WHEN: Sunday, May 10, 2015
WHERE:  1095 Rollins Road, Burlingame, CA 94010
TIME: Brunch: 11:30 am -3:30 pm
        Dinner:  4:00-10:00  pm
INFO: For reservations and additional information, visit                
                         www.fattoriaemare.com
MEDIA: Contact The Larose Group, 650-548-6700 or
                         flarose@prmagic.com
FACEBOOK: Like our Facebook page
                        www.facebook.com/fattoriaemarebayarea?ref=br_rs

Webster House Health Center's Volunteer Coordinator

Ramiro Caceres is interviewed by Ch. 2 about the announcement 

of the new Silicon Valley location of Random Acts of Flowers.  

Webster House Health Center resident Elizabeth Olshausen, 82, 

is one of 46 residents to receive a surprise

 bouquet from Random Acts of Flowers.

Webster House Health Center, a member of the Episcopal Senior Communities (ESC), has always been committed to working with an active volunteer network and other community non-profits which can enrich the lives of seniors.

Because of ESC’s dedication to provide these quality programs, Random Acts of Flowers selected Webster House Health Center to launch their fourth location, based in Silicon Valley.  Founded in 2008 in Knoxville, Tenn., Random Acts of Flowers recycles and repurposes flowers and deliver beautiful bouquets and moments of kindness to healthcare facilities across the country.  They have brought smiles and happiness to thousands, delivering over 70,000 bouquets to date. 

"We are always so pleased to provide our residents with the highest quality non-profit services on the Peninsula," said Linda Hibbs, RN, MPH and Executive Director of Webster House/Health Care Center.  "We really appreciate organizations such as Random Acts of Flowers and other volunteer groups in our community that reach out to our health care center and enhance our residents quality of life through so many thoughtful acts, such as giving them flowers, walking with them downtown, or just taking a few minutes to talk with them and share stories about their life.  We are very blessed!" 

Webster House and Webster House Health Center will be celebrating the Episcopal Senior Community's 50th anniversary on September 23, 2015 from 3-5 pm.  We invite all media to attend.  

Additional photos and interviews are available upon request.

http://wn.ktvu.com/clip/11447964/palo-alto-group-provides-heartwarming-service-with-recycled-flowers

Fattoria e Mare Welcomed into the San Mateo Chamber of Commerce

Fattoria e Mare, located on Rollins Road in Burlingame, celebrated a ribbon cutting with the San Mateo Chamber of Commerce on April 29, 2015. The ribbon cutting welcomed the restaurant into the Peninsula business community, and afterwards members of the chamber all gathered for a party where the restaurant highlighted their food and expansive entertainment space.

Fattoria e Mare is owned and operated by Executive Chef Pablo Estrada. The veteran chef opened the restaurant one year ago with the goal to offer Peninsula residents delicious, locally sourced Italian cuisine.

For more information on Fattoria e Mare, visit www.FattoriaeMare.com. For more information on the San Mateo Area Chamber of Commerce, visit www.SanMateoChamber.org. 

10 Facts to Help You Market to Millenials

Millenials are considered to be one of the largest target audience. They have a buying power of $500 billion that only grows as they get older. But what makes millenials so important in the world of consumers, is their influence. Millennials have the biggest influence to other buyers in the market today. 

Here are 10 things you should know about millenials to help you market them better: 

1. Millennials are people who are born after 1980 and range from ages 18-35

2. Millennials seek social media approval and research products online for pre-purchase validation.

3. There is no such thing as a passive consumer. Millennials expect and want to be partners in a brand.

4. Millennials live in an image-centric social media world. Photo sharing is the best and most preferred outreach.

5. Think experience over luxury. Millennials seek share able experience of a brand over the bragging rights.

6. 1/3 of those 18-35-year-olds are interested in growing produce because of environmental sustainability.

7. Millennials want to stand out from the crowd.

8. Be mobile friendly. 41% of millennials have already made purchases with their smartphones.

9. Millennials are creative and crafty.  They prefer DIY's over right out of the box.

10. Millennials are serious about the future. They think greener and cleaner. 

 

Source: How to Market Gardening to Millenials by www.GardenMediaGroup.com

KCSM presents Jazz on the Hill

Local Radio Station Thanks Community for Support with Free Jazz Festival

On June 6th, KCSM will host Jazz on the Hill at the newly renovated College of San Mateo campus from 12pm-6pm. Jazz on the Hill is a​ non-profit  jazz music event​ which benefits the college and the community supported radio station, KCSM FM. It​ is free to all who attend and this year it ​will feature ​two stages designed for nonstop entertainment and a great lineup of professional Jazz artists, including Grammy award-winning artist Poncho Sanchez.  

Dedicated to enriching the community, there will be a special "community stage" where talented local middle and high school students who showcase their talent by covering many genres of jazz from straight-ahead, blues, Latin, and more.

Due to popular demand, Jazz on the Hill was revised after a nine year hiatus during the CSM building renovation project.  Now, the school is ready for visitors and eager to show off the campus, architecture and amazing views. 

KCSM’s television and radio stations, licensed to the San Mateo County Community College District, made their broadcast debuts in 1964. KCSM FM and TV were originally established by the College of San Mateo as training facilities for radio and TV broadcasters.

Many well-known media personalities were educated at the College of San Mateo, including tabloid TV reporter Steve Wilson, ESPN sportscaster, San Francisco Giants announcer, Jon Miller and K101 On-Air Personality, Jeff Serr. Today, the stations have professional staffs operating full service public television and radio and continue to serve as learning laboratories for students enrolled in the College of San Mateo Broadcasting Arts Department.

“This event is our way of thanking the community for the incredible support they provide year round,” said Dante Betteo, KCSM’s Station Manager.  “We wouldn't be the unique radio station we are today if it weren't for our listeners and supporting members.”

Jazz on the Hill will feature many of the favorite components from the previous year, including an area featuring vendor booths, food trucks, a BMW electric car raffle, and wine provided by Domenico Winery, located in San Carlos.

WHO:             KCSM's Jazz on the Hill

WHAT:           A free day-long jazz concert celebration to thank the community for their support of KCSM 91.1 FM.       

WHERE:        College of San Mateo, 1700 W. Hillsdale Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94402  The Main Stage will be located on the lower mezzanine in front of the library steps with breath taking views of the Bay. The Youth Stage will be located in CSM's Little Theatre building.

WHEN:          Saturday, June 6th, 2015 from 12pm-6pm.

INFO:             For more information and details about the lineup, visit  www.jazzonthehill.org

PRESS:         Contact Frances Larose at 650-548-6700 or via email at Flarose@prmagic.com

Episcopal Senior Communities: Cultivating Community for All Seniors

            During each chapter in life, a purpose is redefined: college students to pass their courses, professionals to be successful in their careers, and parents to raise their children.

What happens when you reach your golden age?

            Nowadays, senior citizens are living longer, and  have the opportunity to be thoughtful about their lives in retirement, taking into account the financial, emotional and physical dimensions of a life well lived.

            For the past 50 years, Episcopal Senior Communities (ESC) has been devoted to helping to ensure that this golden age is one of opportunity, vibrancy and creativity.

            ESC is a leader in serving seniors, having cultivated six continuing care retirement communities and four affordable senior housing communities throughout the Bay Area, and having developed innovative and creative outreach service models that address the changing needs of seniors living in their own homes.

            Two outreach services provided by ESC to connect isolated seniors with community are Senior Center Without Walls and the ElderWISE program.

            Senior Center Without Walls is an award winning program that brings community to seniors through telephone activities, including friendly conversations and an assortment of engaging classes and support groups. Among the more than 60 sessions offered are Wandering the World, Rekindling Spanish and Socrates Café, along with a wide range of support groups and special health and wellness sessions.

            "Senior Center Without Walls gives me a hopeful reason to get up each day...thank you," says a participant. "What a thrill for a hard-of-hearing, visually impaired 90-year-old."

            ElderWISE is a program that pairs seniors with a trained volunteer who visits regularly. ESC volunteers and participants learn about each other’s lives, hobbies and interests and eventually develop a rapport. Many intergenerational friendships have resulted from the program.

            ESC also provides Senior Produce Markets throughout the Bay Area, as well as information and referral services, health and wellness programs, and safety net funds for seniors living in poverty.

            ESC’s Fourth Annual Celtic Cup Golf Tournament & Fashion Show Fundraiser, happening Monday, June 8th at the Moraga Country Club, raises funds to help support these important senior programs. For 50 years, community residents, business partners, neighbors and friends have helped raise funds for ESC’s Circle of Friends to help improve the lives of seniors in ESC communities as well as those aging in their own homes.

            Each year, ESC’s outreach programs reach more than 15,000 seniors. Through the integration of vital social, spiritual and wellness programs, ESC honors and serves seniors in helping them to maintain their happiness, health and independence as they pursue the opportunities that long life offers.

For more information on Episcopal Senior Communities, visit http://jtm-esc.org/

For more information on the Celtic Cup Golf Tournament and Fashion Show Fundraiser, visit http://jtm-esc.org/escf/celtic-cup/