Sip-n-Stroll, Gala Dinner April 26
The Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce is having a “Shop, Sip & Stroll” event on the Embarcadero, featuring food tastings from participating restaurants and shops.
The event is set for 5-7:30 p.m. Friday, April 26. Advance tickets are $20 and $25 the day of the event. “You will get a chance to discover all the amazing local businesses that make this city so special,” reads the event flyer (see: www.morrochamber.org/shop-sip-and-stroll). Check-in will be at the Giant Chessboard Park.
“We have an amazing assortment of food and both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverage tastings at some of the finest shops on Morro Bay’s Embarcadero.”
If you buy tickets, you’ll get a map showing all the participants in the event, which include gift shops, and restaurants; a wine glass and tote bag for purchases. You’ll also be eligible for a designated driver service with tickets.
The Chamber is also selling tickets to its Annual Awards Gala, where Citizen of the Year, Business of the Year, Living Treasure, and Non-profit of the Year will be announced. The Gala Dinner is from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, May 31 at the Community Center.
Tickets are $115 per person or $900 for a table for eight. Catering by Brick & Mortar Co. The Chamber also has sponsorship packages available, see: www.morrochamber.org/community-awards for more information.
Ribbon Cutting for Thrive
The Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony at The Rock for Thrive, Flourish & Grow.
“It was a perfect day to celebrate the expansion that I’ve experienced,” said Thrive Flourish & Grow owner Beth McGill. “I started out teaching the Law of Attraction and manifesting. Now, I produce a weekly show on my YouTube Channel, speak at events and provide online and in person workshops. Last year I published my #1 International Best-Selling book, Allow Life to Happen and receive everything you desire!
“I strongly believe that every human deserves to feel empowered, confident, and live a life they absolutely love and that’s exactly what I aim to achieve through my teaching.”
McGill said that in her one-on-one sessions via Zoom she uses techniques like hypnosis and energy work to help people to uncover and release any “negative emotions or limiting beliefs that are holding them back from living a joyful life.”
For more information about Thrive Flourish & Grow, go to www.thriveflourishgrow.com.
Pictured are Ryan Blevins, Judy Salamacha, Loren Ledinger, Dave Sozinho, Terri Mansker, Thrive owner Beth McGill (holding scissors), and Carocha.
SLO Vocal Arts Ensemble’s New Artistic Director
Melody Svennungsen is the new artistic director of the San Luis Obispo Vocal Arts Ensemble. She was the assistant director for the late Gary Lamprecht for many years and was highly regarded by him and members of the choir.
Melody is a San Luis Obispo native and has been a member of SLOVAE since 1986. During that time, she also served as soprano section leader. Music education and choral conducting are Melody’s “encore career,” as her first vocation was a 22-year period spent in human services as an instructor and advocate for special-needs adults. Her “official” conducting career began shortly before she earned her music degree in vocal performance at Cal Poly in 2007, where she served as assistant conductor for Dr. Davies and studied voice with both Katherine Arthur and Jackie Kreitzer.
In the fall of 2006, Melody accepted a position with the Central Coast Children’s Choir [CCCC] as choir conductor and educator. While with the CCCC, she helped concert choir become a highly developed treble chorus; she also established AVE, an ensemble performing collegiate-level repertoire of varied styles. These two choirs, comprised of auditioned singers, gained a reputation for excellence, collaborating with musical organizations, such as SLO Master Chorale, SLO Vocal Arts Ensemble, and Opera SLO, as well as participating in national and international choral festivals.
In 2017, CCCC rebranded, becoming the Central Coast Youth Chorus [CCYC]; Melody was appointed artistic director of CCYC at this time. Melody says she is grateful for the richness and meaning that music brings to life and is grateful for the opportunity to serve her students and her singing colleagues as their teacher and conductor.
Upcoming Performances
“Music for Generations — A Tribute to Gary Lamprecht”
• Thursday, May 2, at 7 p.m. Trilogy Monarch Dunes, Nipomo
• Saturday, May 4, at 3 p.m. Harold J. Miossi CPAC, Cuesta College
• Sunday, May 5, at 3 p.m. First Presbyterian Church of San Luis Obispo
Tickets are $30 reserve seating and $10 children ages 6-12. Order tickets online at vocalarts.org or call 805-541-6797.
Input on SLO Parking Opportunity
Many North Coast residents commute to SLO for work, shopping, and social activities. Let your voice be heard about the future of parking in downtown San Luis Obispo.
The City invites community members to two more public input opportunities for the 2024 Parking Rate Study in May.
There is a Parking Rate Study Public Meeting online via Zoom on May 2 to get community feedback on recommended parking rates and operations in the downtown area that will be brought to the City Council for consideration during a Special City Council Meeting on May 14. Input and comments can also be emailed to: slo@dixonresourcesunlimited.com.
Community Input Meeting
When: Thursday, May 2
Time: 5 – 6:30 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Special City Council Meeting
When: Tuesday, May 14
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Where: 990 City Hall Council Chambers
Final rate and operations changes based on Council feedback and community input will be incorporated into the final 2024 Parking Rate Study report scheduled for completion in June 2024.
At the May 14, 2024, Council meeting, staff will present findings from the community input efforts, occupancy survey results, financial modeling scenarios, and preliminary recommendations.
For more information about the 2024 Parking Rate Study, visit www.slocity.org/parking.
Spokes Executive Director/CEO Roundtable
Serving as Executive Director or CEO is hard work. At times, it can be lonely work. Spokes Resources for Non-Profits is holding a Zoom roundtable discussion on May 02 from 12 to 1 p.m. that is free to members and $10 for the public.
In this roundtable participants will gather with other executive directors and CEOs to share challenges, brainstorm solutions, gain facilitation skills and build connection with each other.
This event is for those who hold the top, paid staff position in their nonprofit organization and are working under the direction of an established board of directors.
“It is our aim to foster stronger connections with one another and feel ‘safe’ when sharing within the group,” said facilitator Michael Simkins, Ed.D. “As we meet in Zoom, we request that participants display their name and organization and have their video on.”
Folks who sign up will receive the Zoom link upon registration. Registration limited to the first 12 registrants; also, we need a minimum of six for a useful roundtable. Register at bit.ly/3JwVLrL.
Are you or a neighbor Taking Care of Business. Is your business, including non-profits, supporting our community? Maybe you’re launching a new business, or you’re making updates to your current business model, or re-opening. Perhaps you have a job opportunity, or have been doing some volunteer work, or are collaborating with another business or a non-profit. Or maybe you know someone who is. Submit your awesome local efforts for publication to Editor@EsteroBayNews.com.
