POETRY CONTEST
MONTEREY COUNTY — High school students from across Monterey County will take the stage Saturday, Jan. 31, for the 2026 Poetry Out Loud county competition at the Black Box Theater, Monterey County Office of Education, 901 Blanco Circle, in Salinas. The event runs from 1-2:30pm. Students in grades 9-12 from schools, including Alisal, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Palma, Rancho San Juan and Trinity Christian, will recite poems in a contest that develops public speaking skills and celebrates literary heritage. Judges include Eric Mora, Susan Breen, Rachelle Escamilla and Ayaz Pirani, with appearances by 2026-27 Monterey County Poet Laureate Marie Boucher and 2025-26 Youth Poet Laureate Mya Pop. The winner will be named Monterey County Champion and advance to the California State Finals in Sacramento, with a chance to compete in the national finals in Washington, D.C. The program is hosted by the Arts Council for Monterey County in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation. To RSVP or for more information, visit arts4mc.org/poetry-out-loud.
TEMPLE FUNDRAISER
SALINAS — Temple Beth El will host its Drive-Thru Deli Pack Sale Thursday, Feb. 5, and Friday, Feb. 6, with pickup available in Salinas and Monterey. Pickup hours are 9am-5pm. Thursday and 9am-2pm Friday. The long-running community event, now in its 70th year, has been reimagined for the post-Covid era. Instead of pre-made sandwiches, the temple is offering complete meal kits to assemble at home or the office. Advance orders are recommended due to limited quantities. Orders can be placed online at templebethelsalinas.org or by calling the temple at 831-424-9151.
HEALTH AGREEMENT
MONTEREY COUNTY — Montage Health and Anthem Blue Cross announced that they have reached a new agreement, continuing a collaborative relationship that has spanned more than 20 years. The agreement provides Anthem health plan members with continued in-network access to care at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula and all Montage Health services in Monterey County. “The agreement strengthens local access to healthcare services, improves affordability and supports ongoing collaboration to deliver greater value for patients, employers and the community,” according to a news release Jan. 26. The agreement applies to Anthem members enrolled in HMO, EPO and PPO health plans and provides continued in-network access to all Montage Health services.
