Weekly Message ~ March 2021
THIS WEEK'S TOPICS
Business News
-Nominate Golden Acorn Recipients
-New Grant Rounds for CA Relief Grant
-PCE Providing Emission-Free Power
-Volunteer for Commission Vacancy
Around Menlo Park
-Telephone Town Hall Meeting
-Sponsor a Scholar Program
-Pots and Pandemic Fundraiser
Members at Work
-Live Jazz at Bistro Vida
-Amici's March Deal
Business News
REMINDER: Nominate 2021 Golden Acorn Award Recipients!!
Do you know of any local organizations or individuals that should be celebrated because of their volunteer efforts and contributions in support of COVID-19 relief?

The Golden Acorn Award nominating committee is searching for individuals, groups, or organizations that have, over the year, made significant contributions to, or a major impact in the community to support COVID-19 relief.

Recognition categories include: Excellence in Business Support (local business), Community First (individual or group), Leadership, and Unsung Hero (individual or group).

To nominate a recipient, fill out the online form here or submit this PDF nomination form. Nominations are due by March 15, 2021.
New Grant Rounds for California Small Biz & Nonprofits Grants (Rounds 3-6)
The California legislature authorized more than $2 billion in additional financial relief for nonprofits and small businesses – and this time there's a specific round for arts and cultural institutions. This is more than four times as much as the first two funding rounds – meaning there is much more reason to apply than ever before. Learn more

Whether you already applied, or will be starting an application to the California Relief Grant Program, CalNonprofits is offering 2 webinars: Friday, March 12, and Wednesday, March 24. Register for one or both to receive the recording and materials, even if you can’t attend.  

Overview of Rounds 3-6: Friday, March 12, 11:00 am to 12:15 pm
Who can apply? When? What happens next? This is a "lay of the land" session especially for those who got confused or had trouble completing an application before now.

How to Apply: Wednesday, March 24, 1:00 pm
On the day before applications for the last two rounds are accepted from all nonprofits, join us as we again host Janet Perez Shensky of Lendistry to answer your questions about the program and go through the application process with an emphasis on how nonprofits can fit into the application form.
Peninsula Clean Energy Now Providing 100% Emission-Free Power To All Customers
"Peninsula Clean Energy has begun providing 100 percent carbon-free electricity to all of its nearly 300,000 customers, which is well ahead of California’s 2045 zero-emission power generation mandate and a critical step in helping the agency achieve its ultimate goal of providing all customers 100 percent renewable power on a 24/7 basis.

The agency is continuing to provide all of its customers with at least 50 percent renewable power in 2021 generated by solar, wind, biomass, and small hydropower projects.

The remainder of the emission-free power will be provided from large hydropower and other carbon-free generation. None of that generation in 2021 will stem from nuclear power. The agency’s 2020 power mix was 95 percent carbon-free."
City of Menlo Park is Recruiting Volunteers for Commission Vacancies
Menlo Park welcomes and encourages residents' active participation through serving on a City-appointed Commission or Committee. Commissions examine issues of community interest and make recommendations to the City Council on policy matters. Each commission reviews specific subjects and carries out assignments as directed by the City Council or as prescribed by law. Each Commission establishes an annual work plan that is in line with the City Council's goals, which guides the commissions' activities and projects. 

Visit this page for a list of the current vacancies on Menlo Park advisory bodies. Please submit your application to the City Clerk no later than April 16, 2021.

Around Menlo Park
Telephone Town Hall Meeting
Congresswoman Anna Eshoo will be holding a Telephone Town Hall meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, March 10th at 6:45 pm, to discuss COVID-19 and what she's doing in Congress to address the public health and economic crises. She will be joined by Dr. Jeff Smith, Santa Clara County Executive Officer, and M.D., to answer COVID-19 and vaccine-related questions specific to Santa Clara County.

Sign up here to participate in this live event.
Rotary Club of Menlo Park
Sponsor a Scholar Program
"For over 20 years, the Rotary Club of Menlo Park has offered need-based scholarships. We have a rigorous review process and currently give to around 15 students annually a 4-year college scholarship. But that is limited due to our available financial resources. In addition, we dedicate some $50,000 to local charities. We normally receive applications from some 40+ high school graduates, all deserving students. Through this new Sponsor a Scholar program we expect to extend the reach of our program.

We currently have 60 active scholarships. We help alleviate the financial hardship of low-income families into meeting the high cost of a college education. We recognize that most of our applicants will have come from families who have not attended college. Our program provides a dedicated Rotary Club volunteer to mentor every student. Through our worldwide Rotary connections, we are able to assist the students in starting their careers."

Pots and Pandemic Relay For Life Fundraiser
Order culinary items online from Pampered Chef and 10-15% of your purchase will be donated to The American Cancer Society through the Relay For Life of Menlo Park & Palo Alto.

This fundraiser runs through this Saturday, March 13th and transactions must be initiated from this link.
 
Want to partner with the Relay For Life of Menlo Park & Palo Alto on a virtual fundraiser? Contact American Cancer Society staff member Blaine at blaine.mauldin@cancer.org for more information.

Members at Work
Live Jazz Music at Bistro Vida
There is now live jazz music at Bistro Vida 4 days a week!

Enjoy a meal on the patio while listening to live music. Call 650-462-1686 to make your reservation today.

Amici's March Deal
20% OFF Items of the Month at Amici's East Coast Pizzeria!

Enjoy 20% off Amici's items of the month:
Milano Pizza & Kale and Quinoa Salad

Offer valid on pick-up & delivery orders during the month of March via amicis.com or mobile app. Use  'MAR21'  at checkout.
Menlo Park Chamber of Commerce | (650) 325-2818 | menloparkchamber.com