St. Matthew's Episcopal Church and Day School Unveils New Early Childhood Center

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church and Day School unveiled the newly constructed Early Childhood Center on Tuesday, September 10 at 8:30 a.m.

St. Matthew’s Early Childhood Center at Charles House, located at the corner of El Camino and 2^nd Avenue, was designed to provide young children with a unique school experience to spark their growing imagination. Morning class schedules for preschool and prekindergarten are created to offer a hands-on play-based program to develop the minds of young children.

The Early Childhood Center at Charles House encourages children to celebrate nature with classroom gardens, outdoor playground with tricycle circle, and expansive windows that bring a beautiful natural setting into the classroom. This building will enable St. Matthew’s Episcopal Day School to continue to increase enrollment to meet the growing demand of education.

Students and faculty attended the ribbon cutting ceremony and the school choir will sang in honor of this momentous occasion. 

St. Matthew's history began in 1864 when the village of San Mateo had a population of 150 people, 25 houses, a railway depot, Roman Catholic Church, schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, and a grocery store. To the north was San Francisco and Grace Church, now Grace Cathedral. There were several Episcopal families in the area, and the Reverend Giles Alexander Easton arrived from San Francisco to conduct the first Episcopal services in the local schoolhouse on April 24, 1864. 

St. Matthew's will celebrate 150 years of service to the San Mateo community in 2015. For more information on St. Matthew's Episcopal Church and Day School, please visit http://www.stmatthewsday.org/

The Larose Group receives 2013 California Excellence Award

- September 4th 2013 - The Larose Group has been selected for the 2013 California Excellence Award amongst all its peers and competitors by the Small Business Institute for Excellence in Commerce (SBIEC). Each year the SBIEC conducts business surveys and industry research to identify companies that have achieved demonstrable success in their local business environment and industry category. They are recognized as having enhanced the commitment and contribution of small businesses through service to their customers and community. Small businesses of this caliber enhance the consumer driven stature that California is renowned for. The Larose Group has consistently demonstrated a high regard for upholding business ethics and company values which is a trait seldom found in its industry. This recognition by SBIEC marks a significant achievement as an emerging leader within various competitors and is setting benchmarks that the industry should follow. As part of the industry research and business surveys, various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the selected companies in each category. This research is part of an exhaustive process that encapsulates a year long immersion in the business climate of California. About SBIEC The SBIEC is a leading authority on researching, evaluating and recognizing companies across a wide spectrum of industries that meet its stringent standards of excellence. It has spearheaded the idea of independent enterprise and entrepreneurial growth allowing businesses of all sizes to be recognized locally and encouraged globally. Particular emphasis is given to meeting and exceeding industry benchmarks for customer service, product quality and ethical practices. Industry leading standards and practices have been developed and implementation of the same has been pioneered by the dedicated efforts of the business community and commerce leadership. More information on SBIEC can be found at www.sbiec.org

2013 Pleasanton Harvest Festival Returns with Thousands of Arts and Crafts

The Pleasanton Harvest Festival® Original Art and Craft Show will transform the Alameda County Fairgrounds into a shopper's paradise on September 20-22, 2013, offering over 24,000 unique arts and crafts, delicious foods and exciting entertainment acts.

The Harvest Festival boasts thousands of handmade arts and crafts, including jewelry, glassware and ceramics, woodturnings, art and photography, specialty foods, clothing, and more. Attendees will enjoy strolling hundreds of booths, getting purchases personalized and interacting with the artists that created each item.

Headlining the outdoor entertainment stage this year is Captain Jack Spareribs, a performer new to the Harvest Festival circuit.  A spoof of the notorious Pirates of the Caribbean character, Captain Jack Spareribs puts on a zany pirate show that features magic and illusions, dangerous juggling and ventriloquism with his talking monkey Maynard.

The Pleasanton Harvest Festival is proud to support 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 6 residents living throughout Alameda County, including the Tri-Valley.

The event is also partnering with the Oakley Raiders as the official show charity and will offer the non-profit youth sports organization half of the proceeds from every shopping bag sold. The Oakley Raiders will also host the interactive KidZone, which is an area for children to participate in hands-on arts and crafts.

The Harvest Festivals are the largest indoor arts and craft shows on the West Coast, and all products offered are handmade in the United States.

What:           The Pleasanton Harvest Festival®

When:          September 20-22, 2013

Where:         Alameda County Fairgrounds 

Hours:           Friday and Saturday: 10 am – 6pm

                     Sunday: 10 am – 5pm

Tickets:         Adults: $9, Seniors (62+): $7, Youth (13-17): $4, Kids 12 and Under: Free

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

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

Fantasy and History Come to Life at the 2013 Northern California Renaissance Faire

Go back in time and experience a land of peasants, pirates, maidens, and nobility at the Northern California Renaissance Faire, located at Casa de Fruta in Hollister. 

Held every Saturday and Sunday from September 14^th through October 13^th, one can experience a  journey through the village of Willingtown at a time when classical art, architecture, literature, and music flourished.

The Renaissance Faire is a place where entertainment starts from the moment one walks through the gate. The Marketplace is full of all types of performers from all around the globe who are ready to sing and dance to your delight.

 Over 140 master artisans present creations of blown glass, sculptures, amulets, romantic clothing and much, much more. However, make sure to walk with caution for you may have an encounter with a swashbuckling, sword fighting pirate.

The Renaissance Faire is fit for all ages and one is certain to find a show for their liking. Traveling with little ones? Be sure to venture into The Enchanted Garden where fairies and woodland creatures come to life. Or for those who are more mature, The Dockside Alley awaits where the ale flows like water and peddlers are ever-so present.

For a hands on experience come perfect your archery, fencing, and axe throwing skills with a variety of booths and games available throughout the grounds.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth I, requests your presence during the 2013 Celtic Rock Series. Saturday’s at 6pm, be sure to open your ears and let out a big “Huzzah!” for the musical performances of Tempest, Wicked Tinkers, The Galway Hooker Band, Hoist The Colors, and Brick Top Blaggers. 

Grab a turkey leg and head on over to the World Tournament of Champions. Donned with armor, professional jousters battle with lances, swords, and daggers for the pleasure of the audience and Her Majesty. Although it is uncertain who will claim victory it is certain that this performance will leave you on the edge of your seat.

Dust off your Renaissance garb and meet us at Casa de Fruta where a land of mystical fantasy comes to life!

WHAT:      Northern California Renaissance Faire- A Play Faire Production

WHEN:      Every Saturday and Sunday September 14^th- October 13^th 

Celtic Rock Concert Series every Saturday night, FREE with general admission

TIME:       10 am- 6pm (Celtic Rock Series starts at 6pm on Sat.)

WHERE:   Casa de Fruta, 10031 Pacheco Pass Highway, Hollister

COST:      $25 at the gate; children 12 and under will be admitted FREE the entire run of the Faire. A weekend pass, which covers the admission for one weekend, is $35 . A ‘Fairever’ pass, which allows unlimited access all 10 days, is $150. Save $5 off adult tickets for groups of 15 or more with the promo code “group”.

INFO:        For more information and tickets, visit www.norcalrenfaire.com or call 408.847.FAIR.

Fill Your Bag to the Brim at St. Matthew's End of Season Bag Sale

Since 2009, regular shoppers have looked forward to this annual event with great enthusiasm. For only $5.00+ tax, The Thrift Shop supplies a bag and customers are able fill it with treasures ranging from clothes and candles to books, table top accessories and more. 

Shoppers are invited to fill as many bags as they wish with the shop's intention that all items on the Sales floor must go! Antiques and bric-a-brac are showcased separately and are marked down 50 percent. 

The End of Season Bag Sale benefits local charities around the San Francisco Bay Area. The community charities include, but are not limited to: Mission Hospice, Samaritan House, Second Harvest Food Bank, Shelter Network, and CALL Primrose Center. 

Free parking is available. Visa, MasterCard, and debit cards are all accepted. 

WHAT:      The Thrift Shop's Annual End of Season Bag Sale
WHEN:      July 13-27, 2013
TIME:         Thursdays/Fridays 10:00-2:00 and Saturdays 10:00-3:00
WHERE:    St. Matthew's Episcopal Church. 1 South El Camino Real, San Mateo
COST:        $5.00+ tax
INFO:         For more info call the church office at 650.342.1481 or visit www.episcopalstmatthew.org

Hey PR Magic Fans! Check out this great blog post by our friends Butch and Deb. It chronicles their amazing adventures biking through Taiwan and has some must read tips for anyone thinking of visiting the area.

http://butchanddeb.wordpress.com/

Burlingame ArtzFest Temporarily Relocates to Howard Avenue

Thousands of attendees are expected to flock to Burlingame on August  10-11 for the 21st annual Burlingame ArtzFest, one of the Peninsula's most anticipated summer festivals.

The Burlingame ArtzFest features over 150 artisans showcasing original works of art, photography, sculptures, jewelry, clothing, decor and more.

In addition, award-winning musicians will cover an array of musical genres on the main stage, while local performers  will display their talents on the community stage.

There are a wide range of activities for everyone as well as delicious festival foods and beverages. Families with children can also enjoy the special Children's Playland area featuring rides, games, and entertainment for kids.

"Because of the current Burlingame Avenue Streetscape Project, the 2013 Artzfest will temporarily relocate one street south to Howard Avenue,  which encompasses our expanding downtown" said Georgette Naylor, CEO of the Burlingame Chamber of Commerce. "While the venue changes for this year, the elements  of this favorite community event do  not.  We are proud to offer the same high quality artists, exceptional musicians and traditional family fun that the Burlingame ArtzFest is known for. "

The Burlingame ArtzFest is hosted by the Burlingame Chamber of Commerce and is free to the public.

WHO:      The Burlingame Chamber of Commerce

WHAT:    Burlingame ArtzFest: A free weekend long event that offers a full day    of live music, art, festival foods, kids entertainment, shopping, home decor, and more.  

WHERE:   Howard Avenue in Burlingame, CA;  Located 15 minutes south of San Francisco, Howard  Avenue is easily accessible via the 101 Freeway, El Camino Real or Caltrain public transit.

WHEN:      Saturday, August 10 - Sunday, August 11, 2013 from 10am-6pm

INFO:        For more information, visit www.burlingamechamber.org or contact Georgette Naylor at 650-344-1735.

PRESS:       Contact Liz Rosinski at 650-548-6700 or via email at Lrosinski@prmagic.com