Central Coast Writers Conference celebrates 35 years
Save the date! The 35th Annual Central Coast Writers Conference, named the “Best Conference in the West” in 2019 by The Writer magazine, will take place September 26-28 on the campus of Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo.
Forty presenters will offer 112 classes in screenwriting, beginning writing, poetry, memoirs, novels, nonfiction, children’s stories, young adult, critiques, keynotes, and many other unique craft lectures. Experience insightful dialogue, networking, unrivaled access to an award-winning teaching staff, and expanded classes and workshops for writers of all ages and experience levels.
“We’ve decided to shoot even higher for 2019,” said Teri Bayus, CCWC Director. “We’re keeping what works while also offering exceptional new opportunities.”
Opportunities for Youth
Disney writer Ricky Roxburgh returns to teach the popular teen track, and there will also be a “find your voice” track for fifth, sixth, and seventh graders. This is the first time CCWC will include opportunities for those under 13 years of age to participate in the event including topics on journaling, public speaking, and more.
“[This] age range is precisely when we need to encourage children to find their voices and know that what they say is important,” Bayus said. “Teach them now, and they’ll know it forever.”
Master Classes & More
During last year’s conference, six Master Classes were offered at 20 students per class and all sold out. Due to increased demand, additional Master Classes have been added for 2019 including novel writing, memoir, poetry, young adult, e-book publishing, and making a living off of your book.
Also new this year are one-on-one “pitch sessions” with editor Chantelle Aimee Osman and screenwriter Doug Richardson offering feedback for attendees’ novel and screenwriting pitches.
“We want to make sure there is something for everyone,” said Bayus. “No matter where you are in your writing career, every single person who attends this conference will enter feeling welcomed and leave prepared to take their writing to the next level.”
Find info and registration forms at CentralCoastWritersConference.com or email Teri Bayus at centralcoastwritersconference@gmail.com.
Harvest, Hope, and Healing Benefit
Enjoy an “Enchanted Evening” of fine dining and fundraising on the grounds of the beautiful Rava Winery on Saturday, August 17 at the 4th Annual Harvest, Hope, and Healing Gala benefiting the Cancer Support Community-California Central Coast.
“We encourage community members to reserve their place at a table now and join us for our biggest event of the year,” said CSC Executive Director Shannon D’Acquisto.
The gala includes a silent and live auction, a delicious menu, local wine, spirits, music, and more. The event at Rava Winery, located at 6785 Creston Road in Paso Robles, will take place from 5 to 10 p.m. Cocktail attire is recommended.
In addition to fabulous offerings from Rava Winery, wines and spirits have been donated for the event by Pear Valley Winery, Austin Hope Wines, J Dusi, and many more. Major sponsors include Rava Wines, Circle 6 Ranch, Pear Valley Winery, Thom Schulz, Radiology Associates, and Coastal Radiation Oncology.
More than $200,000 was raised last year and the goal is to increase the funds being raised in 2019 to further support local cancer patients and their families being by expanding CSC programs free of charge.
Individual tickets are $175 and table sponsorships are $2,500 which includes 10 tickets and sponsorship recognition. Purchase tickets at cscslo.org/Support-Our-Work/Harvest-Hope-Healing or call 805-238-4411.
End of Summer Pool Party for Pups!
Parks4Pups and co-organizer Las Tablas Animal Hospital celebrates the 13th annual Dog Splash Days on Saturday, September 7 and Sunday, September 8 at the Templeton Community Pool. Last year, 265 dogs came to the pool party for a truly entertaining time for the owners, family and friends! Even if you don’t have a faithful, four-legged friend, bring chairs, a picnic lunch and watch the fun! The event is a major fundraiser for Vineyard Dog Park in Templeton.
The swim schedule is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days of the event. The Saturday 10 a.m. and Sunday 3 p.m. times are reserved for small dogs (under 30 pounds) or senior and disabled dogs. These dogs are also welcome at all other swim sessions.
Dogs must be at least 5 months old. Adult dogs must be neutered and have documentation for rabies vaccination. Aggressive behavior will not be tolerated.
Trainers volunteer as dog ‘lifeguards’ and assist dogs entering and splashing in the pool. The swim is scheduled on the hour and limited to 20 dogs at a time for safety and fun for all. Life vests will be available for new swimmers along with lots of floaty toys!
Admission is $20 per dog through August 10, then $25 at the door. Reservations are not required but recommended. Dogs with reservations will be admitted before walk-ins as space allows.
For reservations and information, contact Paula O’Farrell at 805-610-8291 or hello@parks4pups.org. You may also visit parks4pups.org for more information.
Honoring Kayla with Fun and Color!
No parent ever thinks it will be “their child”
Kayla Peach passed away in 2012. To honor her memory and help local youth, the Kayla Peach Foundation raises awareness about the epidemic of deaths among our youth related to substance abuse.
Many members of our community have been touched by a tragic loss due to addiction, overdoses and accidents.
The Kayla Peach Fun Color Run will be held on Saturday, August 24 at Kennedy Club Fitness in Paso Robles. The family fun day includes a block party, health fair, food, glow tent, music, shirt, swag bag, silent auction, a 5K run for adults, a 1-mile run for kids and dessert for all registered participants! Register at Eventbrite.com or online at website.
Sponsorships and booth spaces at the Health Fair are available.
Other programs that Donna has created to empower youth, parents and the community to make wise and life-saving decisions include FAACES (Family Addiction Awareness Coalition & Educational Services) of SLO and REALL Simulation; a program that walks youth through a life of poor choices then helping them experience good choices. Poor choices include dropping out of school, having children too young, getting in trouble with the law, employment challenges and having little money to live.
To volunteer and donate to help local families, contact Donna Kelley, at 805-712-2385, kpmf@kaylapeachmemorialfoundation.org.
Donations mailed to KPMF, PO Box 908, Paso Robles, 93447.
Let the Races Begin
Didn’t get enough fair-time fun? Not so fast. Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys presents Fast Times Moto Festival at Paso Robles Event Center on Saturday and Sunday, September 14-15.
The two-day event will begin with Pro-Am Flat Track races on Saturday night, and follows up on Sunday with a Moto TT.
The event will feature pros, amateurs, kids, and hooligans, as well as a vintage motorcycle show, swap meet and onsite camping with full hookups. Space is limited. Reserve online.
The event promises a fun-filled weekend for the whole family, beginning on Saturday with Professional Short Track racing, and limited amateur, vintage, and kids classes starting at 6 p.m. Practice begins at 4 p.m.
Gates open at noon with a Vendor Row featuring the latest in fashion, lifestyle, and outdoor equipment and a vintage bike show.
Post race festivities and live music begin at 9:30 p.m.
Sunday will be a full day of “Run-What-Brung” open traction knobby tire racing on a Moto TT, or rough scrambles course, with roller jumps for tight, fun racing, and a full range of age, size, and skill level classes.
Pit gates open at 7 a.m., practice begins at 10 a.m., and races start at noon.
For info or RV reservations, go to rideitoutmoto.com.
