Press Releases for September 2009

09/28/09   Contact: Judy G-Scott, CNGA,t 530-661-2280 or 530-400-1029.

The California Native Grasslands Association (CNGA) is registering landowners, land managers, agency personnel, contractors, consultants, and others for two workshops that provide detailed instruction on restoring and re-vegetating land with native grasses and maintaining native grasslands through sustainable grazing.

Please click here for a pdf of this press release.

09/24/09     New Social Giving Website: Pacific Mission Exchange

Pacific Mission Exchange, a new website (www.pacificmissionexchange.org) that connects people who want to help make a difference with projects that are just down the street and on the other side of the world is now on-line and already matching donors with life-changing projects.

Contact Kathy Trott, PMX Leader, Tel: (530) 312-0100

Click here for a pdf of this press release.

09/22/09 PACIFIC MISSION EXCHANGE WEBINAR Reminder

PMX invites you to a webinar press conference at 10:00 a.m. PST on Thursday, September 24th. Login by clicking here  then enter your name and email address and click: "Join webinar in progress"

Contact Kathy Trott, PMX Leader, Tel: (530) 312-0100

Click here for a pdf of this press release.

9/21/09     A program that began with a single helicopter base serving the San Francisco Bay area now serves most of California and western Nevada with ten rotor wing bases and a fixed wing program. CALSTAR is headquartered at McClellan Business Park in Sacramento.

Click here for a pdf of this press release.

Contact: Mike Nichols (916) 921-4094  mnichols@calstar.org

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09/10/09  New social giving website- Pacific Mission Exchange enables busy people to quickly evaluate where they want to make a difference.  Click here for a pdf of this press release.

Contact Kathy Trott, PMX Leader, Tel: (530) 312-0100

9/2/09  Come celebrate the award year "Alta California 2009 Culture Capital of America" on California's Birthday (Admission Day) September 9, 2009 at 8 p.m. on the West steps of the California State Capitol in Sacramento.  Click here for a pdf of this press release.

Contact: Riccardo Gaudino Tel: 831-915-7837 www.CultureCapitalofAmerica.org

For immediate release

Contact: Judy G-Scott, CNGA 530-661-2280 or 530-400-1029.

October Workshops on Native California Grasses Develop Skills in Revegetation and Management

The California Native Grasslands Association (CNGA) is registering landowners, land managers, agency personnel, contractors, consultants, and others for two workshops that provide detailed instruction on restoring and re-vegetating land with native grasses and maintaining native grasslands through sustainable grazing.

On October 14-15, CNGA offers a 3-day workshop entitled "Developing a Sustainable Grazing Plan to Manage Native Grasslands" at the Hastings Reservation, Upper Carmel Valley. Attendees will develop a shared vision for social, economic, and ecological goals that lead to successful and sustainable native grasslands. Includes both classroom and field portions. Continuing education credits for SRM are approved. Enrollment is limited to 20.

Fees are $245 for CNGA members and $285 for non-members. Includes 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners prepared by renowned local caterer, The Moveable Feast. Onsite accommodations at the Reserve are available for $15/night. Bring your own sleeping bag.

Instructors are Richard King (USDA/NRCS), Kent Reeves (Yolo County Parks & Resources), with guest instructors Royce Larsen (UCCE), and California ranchers who successfully manage grasslands.

On October 22-23, CNGA offers a 2-day workshop entitled "Using Native Grasses and Graminoids in Restoration & Revegetaton." The Day 1 classroom portion will be held at the City of Davis Redwood Community Building, and the Day 2 experiential field portion will be at the UC Davis Putah Creek Reserve. Enrollment is limited to 40.

Fees are $175 for CNGA members, $215 for non-members, and $100 for students (ID required). Breakfasts and lunches are included plus a Restoration & Revegetation Binder with supporting materials for the course. Continuing education credits for DPR and SRM are pending.

Instructors are John Anderson (Hedgerow Farms), Vic Claassen (U.C. Davis, Soil and Biogeochemistry), Andrew Fulks (U.C. Davis Putah Creek Reserve), Erik Gantenbein (California Native Grasslands Association), J.P. Marié (U.C. Davis Putah Creek Reserve), Kent Reeves (Yolo County Parks & Resources), Chris Rose (Solano Resource Conservation District), Bryan Young (Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District)

To register and for additional information, go to www.cnga.org, and click on "Workshop & Events Schedule." Or, call Administrative Director Judy G-Scott at the CNGA office at 530-661-2280 or 530-400-1029.

contact Kathy Trott at (530) 312-0100
www.pacificmissionexchange.org

New Social Giving Website: Pacific Mission Exchange

Pacific Mission Exchange, a new website (www.pacificmissionexchange.org) that connects people who want to help make a difference with projects that are just down the street and on the other side of the world is now on-line and already matching donors with life-changing projects. The idea is simple. "People want to be part of making a positive change in this world," Kathy Trott PMX Development Team leader said, "but sometimes the day-to-day schedules of our lives get in the way of finding where we can be most effective. PMX is a place for someone who has just a few minutes and wants to find the right project that is effective and works where they want it to work."

Professionally designed and easy to use, PMX lists projects that are as life-saving as providing food for the hungry in Pendleton, OR to as important as providing health insurance for the children of farmworkers in Bakersfield, CA, to as simple as buying new chairs for a growing congregation in Meridian, ID.  Projects include helping the homeless to get off the streets in San Francisco, CA, sending volunteers from Sacramento, CA to work with a school in southeastern Ethiopia, and helping refugees settle in San Jose, CA. "The focus of the projects are diverse because the people who come to the PMX website are diverse," Trott said. "People will get involved with projects that make sense to them."

 PMX's inviting design not only facilitates individuals to review active projects but also support small groups or families to consider together where to plug in and support mission. "A parent might want to look at PMX with their child as a way to teach the value of giving to others," Trott pointed out. "Or a youth group might have raised some funds and want to share some of that work with others. The website allows everyone to see the same information at the same time."

Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow is a pastor and a prolific social media networker with blogs, Facebook pages, and frequent Twitter updates. Reyes-Chow is also the Moderator of the 218th Presbyterian Church (USA) General Assembly and is in his early 40's. A father as well as a pastor of a San Francisco urban congregation, Reyes-Chow keeps a close eye on how the internet is changing the ways people connect to not just congregations but also non-profit service organizations.

"So many people today are looking for that place where our yearnings to change the world converge with the connectivity that technology provides," Reyes-Chow said. "PMX is a great space for individuals and congregations to connect with one another in new ways to do new things all grounded in our historic understanding that we best do the work TOGETHER."

Because PMX does not deduct any transaction fees, unlike other charity-aggregation websites, those who donate through the PMX web site can be confident that their money will go directly to their chosen organization. PMX's integration with established internet credit card processor PayPal supports a safe and easy donation process.

Pacific Mission Exchange is sponsored by the Synod of the Pacific, a regional governing body of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the projects listed on the website are sponsored by member congregations. The Synod of the Pacific includes 464 Presbyterian congregations with a total of 114,210 members ranging from Vancouver, WA to Bakersfield, CA; from San Francisco, CA to Las Vegas, NV and Boise, ID.

contact Kathy Trott at (530) 312-0100
www.pacificmissionexchange.org


Reminder of Press Conference Webinar
Announcing new social giving website -
Pacific Mission Exchange
 
When: 10:00 a.m. PST, Thursday, September 24, 2009

How:     login online: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/897462970  enter your name and email address and click: "Join webinar in progress"

PMX invites you to a webinar press conference at 10:00 a.m. PST on Thursday, September 24th announcing a new, innovative website that uses the best of social media to connect individuals with life-changing mission projects that are just down the street and around the world.

Full press releases and background briefings will be available on Thursday, September 24, 2009 at www.pacificmissionexchange.org.  Kathy Trott, PMX Team Leader, will be leading the conference.  Trott, a Presbyterian, has extensive management experience in the financial services industry.  For more information, please contact Kathy Trott at (530) 312-0100 or via email at mission@pacificmissionexchange.org. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 21, 2009

CONTACT: Mike Nichols
(916) 921-4094
mnichols@calstar.org

CALSTAR Celebrates 25 Years of Life-Saving Flights

McClellan, CA - California Shock Trauma Air Rescue (CALSTAR) is proud to celebrate its 25th year of air ambulance operations this month.

While many helicopter EMS programs were in existence by the early 1980s, the concept of a nonprofit, community-based regional service was unique. Dr. Donald Trunkey, former director of trauma services at San Francisco General Hospital and one of CALSTAR's founders, envisioned a "helicopter rescue system for the patient, not for the hospitals or physicians." Despite many early struggles, CALSTAR's Board of Directors held firm to their belief that a stand-alone air ambulance program could not only survive, but actually thrive.

CALSTAR began operations in September 1984, conducting nine transports during its first month and a total of 235 patients in the first year. Since then, CALSTAR flight crews have treated and transported more than 40,000 patients. "What started out as 17 employees and one aircraft has grown to over 225 employees, 16 helicopters and 4 airplanes equally dedicated to the highest standards of safety and patient care," said President & CEO Joseph Cook. CALSTAR's pilots have flown more than 50,000 accident-free hours since the program's inception.

CALSTAR would not have reached this important company milestone without the unwavering support of the McKesson Corporation and other early financial contributors, our EMS partner agencies, member and affiliate hospitals and countless individual supporters throughout our service region. CALSTAR will commemorate its 25th anniversary with a private dinner for CALSTAR's employees, industry partners and community supporters. The dinner, sponsored by Bank of America and Rolls-Royce, will be held on Saturday, September 26 at the USS Hornet Museum in Alameda, CA.

CALSTAR's Mission: To save lives, reduce disability and speed recovery for victims of trauma and illness through rapid transport, quality medical care and education.

CALSTAR is a nonprofit regional air ambulance service that provides emergency transport for victims of trauma and severe illness. CALSTAR has helicopter bases located throughout Northern and Central California, including Auburn, South Lake Tahoe, Jackson, Ukiah, Concord, Vacaville, Gilroy, Salinas, and Santa Maria. CALSTAR's fixed wing program performs long-range interfacility flights throughout California and neighboring states. As a nonprofit community service, CALSTAR flies anyone in need regardless of insurance coverage. The CALSTAR Membership Program offers annual memberships for $40 per individual and $45 per family. If flown by CALSTAR or one of its reciprocal partners, members do not pay any portion of the billed charges. For more information, contact CALSTAR's Membership Office at 1-888-207-LIFE (5433) or visit www.calstar.org.

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PACIFIC MISSION EXCHANGE PRESS RELEASE

contact Kathy Trott at (530) 312-0100
www.pacificmissionexchange.org


Invitation to Press Conference Webinar
Announcing new social giving website - Pacific Mission Exchange
 
When: 10:00 a.m. PST, Thursday, September 24, 2009

How:     login online: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/897462970
    enter your name and email address and click: "Join webinar in progress"

PMX invites you to a webinar press conference at 10:00 a.m. PST on Thursday, September 24th announcing a new, innovative website that uses the best of social media to connect individuals with life-changing mission projects that are just down the street and around the world.

PMX, Pacific Mission Exchange, is a website designed to help people find successful, time-tested mission projects in their local area and beyond that need both financial and hands-on support.  Professionally designed and easy to use, PMX lists projects sponsored by Presbyterian congregations on the West Coast that range from projects as important as providing food for the hungry in Pendleton, OR to providing health insurance for the children of farmworkers in Bakersfield, CA, to as simple as buying new chairs for a growing congregation in Meridian, ID.  The issues addressed include helping the homeless to get off the streets in San Francisco, CA, sending volunteers from Portland, OR to central India, and helping refugees settle in San Jose, CA.

The web site organization allows busy people to quickly evaluate where they want to make a difference.  The inviting design encourages families or small groups to consider together how to make the world a better place.  People who use PMX's website can enjoy the confidence that their donation will go directly to their chosen organization because unlike other charity-giving aggregation sites which deduct up to 3% in transaction fees, PMX passes along the entire gift without charges.

Full press releases and background briefings will be available on Thursday, September 24, 2009 at www.pacificmissionexchange.org.  Kathy Trott, PMX Team Leader, will be leading the conference.  Trott, a Presbyterian, has extensive management experience in the financial services industry.  For more information, please contact Kathy Trott at (530) 312-0100 or via email at mission@pacificmissionexchange.org.

Pacific Mission Exchange is sponsored by the Synod of the Pacific, a regional governing body of the Presbyterian Church (USA).  The Synod of the Pacific includes 464 Presbyterian congregations with a total of 114,210 members ranging from Vancouver, WA to Bakersfield, CA; from San Francisco, CA to Las Vegas, NV and Boise, ID.

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ALTA CALIFORNIA 2009 CULTURE CAPITAL OF AMERICA PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release
Contact:  Riccardo Gaudino, Tel: 831-915-7837  
www.CultureCapitalofAmerica.org

Energize public participation to increase knowledge!   
 
Come celebrate the award year “Alta California 2009 Culture Capital Of America” on California's Birthday (Admission Day) September 9, 2009 at 8 p.m. on the west steps of the California State Capitol in Sacramento.

BRING YOUR FLASHLIGHT TO LIGHT THE CAPITOL  
Limited to 499 people on the steps!

Mark your calendar!
 
Celebrate the America500 Birthday 2009 Edition national learning in geography and science.

The award year ALTA CALIFORNIA 2009 CULTURE CAPITAL OF AMERICA celebrates the America500 Birthday Extravaganza Vision (2007-2012) to open local windows to worldwide learning. The national celebration is recognized by H.Res 287 America, 110th Congress www.WhonamedAmerica.com

In January 2009, the Organizing Committee gave the award to fifty Golden State cities counties to implement locally for the BRING HOME THE SPIRIT OF HISTORY national mission.   Do you know the answers to:  Who Named America?  What is Alta California?  How did your town get its name?  Across the country, the Who Named America movement is energizing the thirst for knowledge by addressing the national crisis of people knowing little about where they live, or stories of sacrifice for future generations.
 
In support, each town is forming its local Storyteller Task Force to increase knowledge and creativity in the economy.  Riccardo Gaudino, Golden State Transportation-Ag Education Fund historian, created the flashlight Capitol lighting from when Gene Pedrotti organized "EVEREADY TO PARTY" for the Carquinez Bridge 60th Anniversary with national acclaim!  
 
The 2009 Culture Capital of America celebration at the State Capitol champions the unique opportunity to engage residents in the making of history.  The month of September-October is the California Birthday Extravaganza.
 
What do you have to light with flashlights in your town to BRING HOME THE SPIRIT OF HISTORY for the award year statewide?

Share Your Passion!  Celebrate America For the WE!  Know Your Story!