Old Towne Orange Plaza Review | Issue 115 | May-Jun 2023

“ Big Catch ” by Charlie Dye , 1960s Oil on Board / 25.75” x 19.75"

The Hilbert Collection

ACCELERATING INNOVATION.

TRANSFORMING LIVES. DRIVING EXCELLENCE.

At Chapman, our commitment to provide an education of distinction merges with the robust opportunities of an enterprising research university that is ready to rise to the challenges of a changing world.

Be a partner in this energetic community of innovation, collaboration and support. Join Chapman in its ambitious goal of raising $500 million by 2028 so you can inspire achievement and fuel discovery.

Chapman.edu/inspire

Old Towne Orange PLAZAREVIEW

From the Publisher

As they say, it takes a village. I like to think the Old Towne Orange Plaza Review is a key part of the Orange village. Every month within these pages, we feature community members, business owners and professionals dedicated to making Orange a unique and special place to live.

In this issue, we feature several community members, each focused on doing their personal best for themselves and the City of Orange. These include “Farmer Doug” Turner, who devotes his time to Orange Home Grown’s Education Farm. Read how he came to be a self-taught soil and compost expert for the farm after retiring from a career in electrical sales engineering (pg. 26).

We also feature members of the Holiday Skate Center skate club. Read beginning on page 23 how these dedicated folks have shared their love of skating for decades. Now that the iconic skate center’s fate is in the balance as the facility approaches the end of a 50-year lease, the group’s mission is to ensure that roller skating endures as an activity for area youth and adults.

Some find change disconcerting and even frightening, but in my experience, with change comes renewed energy and increased vitality. This becomes readily apparent in our “New to the Neighborhood” column, where we share the stories of up-andcoming area merchants and professionals. Though those new to Orange each have different journeys, one thing always becomes clear. They are dedicated to making a positive difference. Read the stories of this issue’s participants and what they have to offer on pages 13-15.

I hope you have a wonderful spring and early summer full of joy and exploration.

Sincerely,

Mike Escobedo

What’s Happ e ning . . .

MAY 2023

Sat / May 6 / 10 am - Noon

Orange Chamber of Commerce 2023 Orange May Parade

“Peace, Love & Orange!” Join the thousands of spectators who will line the parade route, and cheer on the local community with civic pride. Historic Old Towne Orange 714-538-3581 / OrangeMayParade.com

Sun / May 7 / 3 - 7 pm

ALO Orange Blossoms

Taste of Orange

The premier food tasting event in Orange featuring food, beer & wine tastings from top local restaurants & breweries, a silent auction, opportunity drawings, music & more! 124 South Orange St. / 714-455-9399 www.TasteOfOrange.com

Tue / May 9 / 6 pm

City of Orange City Council Meeting

Find out what’s happening in our city & be involved with the future of Orange. Agendas released on the prior Thursday. Orange City Hall: 300 East Chapman Ave 714-744-2225 / www.CityOfOrange.org

Sat / May 13 / 9 am - 1 pm

Orange Home Grown Farmers Market

12 Year Anniversary Celebration

Show your farmer’s market pride by dressing in the color we love, Orange!! 303 W Palm Ave / OrangeHomeGrown.org

Sat / May 13 / 9 am - 4 pm

West Floral Park & Fisher Park

Open Garden Day

Enjoy a variety of gardens, unique planting ideas & inspiring yard designs. West Floral Park & Fisher Park OpenGardenDay.com

Sun / May 14 / 2 - 4 pm

SEEDS Full Circle Gallery Artist Reception: “The ZENDERS:With, In & Under” Free exhibit & open to public through June. Full Circle Meaningful Marketplace 140 South Glassell Street 909-929-1390 / SeedsFineArt.org

Tue / May 16 / 5:30 - 7 pm

Orange Community Historical Society General Meeting

Learn about the recently opened Orange High School Time Capsule. Main Library: 407 East Chapman Ave. www.historicalorange.org

Around the Plaza!

Fri - Sun / May 19 - 21

Chapman University

Commencement Weekend

The largest most festive event of the academic year. One University Dr / 714-997-6740 https://graduation.chapman.edu

Sat / May 20 / 9 - 11 am

Volunteer Opportunity Santiago Creek Clean-Up

Join in this community effort to keep the creek clean. Meet at the Cambridge St. Bridge 590 South Cambridge St.

Sat / May 20 / 3 - 5 pm

Orange Public Library Foundation

STEAM for Teens & Tweens

Animation Mania. Learn about animation, & create your own animation piece. Main Library: 407 East Chapman Ave. 714-288-2468 / OPLFoundation.org

Tue / May 23 / 8 - 9 am

Orange Chamber “Eggs & Issues”

Join this month’s special guest Orange Mayor Pro Tem Arianna Barrios Orange Cafe 1608 East Mayfair Ave 714-538-3581 / OrangeChamber.com

JUNE 2023

Thu / Jun 1 / 6 pm

Community Foundation of Orange

2023 Annual Foundation Gala

Support the Orange community while enjoying friends, dinner, drinks, auctions & more. Honoring Home Depot of Orange. Grand Gimeno: 146 North Grand St www.CommunityFoundationOfOrange.org 714-288-9909

Sat / Jun 3 / 10 am

Old Towne Preservation Association

Discovery Tour - Old California Lighting

Tour this fascinating craft studio where faithful reproductions of historic California Craftsman designs are handmade. 975 North Enterprise St 714-639-6840 / www.OPTA.org

Sat / Jun 3 / 6:30 pm

Orange Home Grown 2023 Chef Dinner Chef Leo Bongarra & Brosseau Wines

An intimate, family-style, multi-course meal featuring thoughtful dishes made from locally grown ingredients & paired with meaningful conversation & live music. The Potting Shed Loft OrangeHomeGrown.org

Sun / Jun 4 / 3 pm

Orange Public Library Foundation

Library Legacy Awards

Celebrate with us as we honor individual & organizations who have been “Crushing It’ in our community. Sandhu Conference Center 571 North Grand St / 714-288-2470 OPLFoundation.org

Sat / Jun 10 / 7 pm

Musco Center for the Arts

Gospel Voices of OC

A multi-generational artistic celebration of African Americans through the lens & influence of gospel music. Musco Center: 415 North Glassell St 714-997-6812 / www.chapman.edu

Tue / Jun 13 / 6 pm

City of Orange City Council Meeting

Find out what’s happening in our city & be involved with the future of Orange. Agendas released on the prior Thursday. Orange City Hall: 300 East Chapman Ave 714-744-2225 / www.CityOfOrange.org

Thu / Jun 22 / 3 pm

Chapman University

2023 Economic Update

Updates on economic trends for 2023 with critical insights for the year. Musco Center: 415 North Glassell St 714-997-6812 / www.chapman.edu

134 South Glassell St / Orange 92866

May / June 2023 Publishing Team

Publisher Mike Escobedo Mike@OrangeReview.com

Editor/Writer Julie Bawden-Davis julie@juliebawdendavis.com

Writer Karen Anderson 123karen@earthlink.net

Writer Yuki Klotz-Burwell klotz105@mail.chapman.edu

Writer Sheri Ledbetter sledbetter@socal.rr.com

Writer George A. Paul BritPopGeo@sbcglobal.net

Writer Melissa Pinion-Whitt AuthorMelissaWhitt@gmail.com

Writer Mary Platt platt@chapman.edu

Photographer Kristin Smetona info@smetonaphoto.com

Digital Artist Clyde San Juan crookedtrails@hotmail.com

Web Developer Chase Higgins chasehiggins@me.com

Printed by Reed Printing estella@reedprinting.com

Processed by Mailing Pros, Inc. MPI@MailingProsInc.com

Distributed by the US Postal Services www.usps.com

Something for Everyone!

Core Burger Grill

As the weather heats up, burger enthusiasts in Orange can now get their burger fix at Core Burger Grill, a new restaurant that opened in February.

Started by Executive Chef Jahmal Gillespie and business partners Daniel Nguyen and Sunny Hussain, Core Burger Grill is an upscale burger restaurant with high-quality ingredients. The trio originally started the concept in 2020, but the pandemic stalled their plans for a few years.

“All the pieces aligned to where we had a good team, a good staff, and then the greatest part was finding the location,” says Nguyen, who serves as the company’s Chief Operating Officer. “We were looking at leases before the pandemic started, but then we finally found the Old Towne spot and knew it was perfect.”

The neighborhood’s atmosphere blends well with Gillespie’s vision for the eatery of a small-town, family feeling.

“For my family, the kitchen is a central area for everything from hanging out to talking and drinking, listening to music, and more,” he says. “The kitchen is a place where people feel comfortable and happy, and I wanted to bring that feeling to my restaurant.”

The menu includes typical American comfort food cuisine, like truffle fries and wings, as starters, as well as burgers and chicken sandwiches for entrees. Core Burger Grill's most popular menu item is the $1000 Burger, a classic patty with American cheese and a housemade Thousand Island dressing.

“Our burgers are created to be a kind of cult following you can’t find anywhere else,” says Gillespie.

Gillespie found that part of the restaurant’s success has been the professional chemistry he and his partners have. “We worked together and collaborated on something amazing,” he says. “Creating something from the ground up like this was unimaginable. I have a lot of pride for what we made.”

Already, the team is working quickly. They have plans for two new restaurants they will operate through cloud kitchens, which will use online food delivery platforms to run orders and facilitate logistics. Those include an Italian American diner called Ameritino Cafe and a Texas barbecue named Ghost Town BBQ. As for

expanding Core Burger Grill itself, Gillespie and his team are holding off for now and working on perfecting their first location.

“When the restaurant grows, we don't feel the need to franchise it out,” says Gillespie. “We want to keep it within our team because we’re a strong group.”

For now, that means continuing to personalize the curated atmosphere in the Orange restaurant

that is friendly and hospitable. Gillespie even made customized songs under the production name “Chef J” that play exclusively in Core Burger Grill.

“We want everyone to know we’re here for the community, and we want to see this neighborhood grow,” says Nguyen. “Orange is a very community-based city, and we’re thankful to be here.”

Core Burger Grill 1610 East Chapman Ave. / 714-744-4100 / www.CoreBurgerGrill .com

PHOTO BY KRISTIN SMETONA / SmetonaPhoto.com

General Manager and Executive Chef Jahmal Gillespie samples some of Core Burger Grill’s menu offerings, which he describes as American comfort food with an upscale dining twist. Gillespie’s Southern roots inspired the eatery’s menu, but he was also influenced by his time living and cooking in Hawaii, Japan and Southern California.

As spring settles in Orange, so have some exciting new businesses. From the mouth-watering creations at Core Burger Grill, to the aromatic brews at Play Coffee and the efficient property management services offered by Lionheart Pride, there’s something for everyone in this trio of new arrivals. Read on for a closer look at what these businesses bring to the community.

Something for Everyone!

Lionheart Pride

Husband-and-wife duo Jeremy and Sabrina Wayland, owners of the newly opened Lionheart Pride, are returning to their roots and making a name for themselves in Old Towne. The property management company opened in early March on East Chapman Avenue.

“I’m a fifth-generation Orange resident,” says Jeremy. “I’m so happy to now contribute to the community and keep it local.”

Jeremy, who grew up just outside Old Towne, has more than 20 years of experience in the real estate and property management industry. He encouraged Sabrina to make a career shift from her work in hospitality to join him at Ricci Realty, where they both worked before starting their own business. She did so and has found she enjoys working with their clientele and forging long-lasting relationships.

Though the Waylands now specialize in real estate, their career paths started in different fields. Jeremy originally worked as a background artist at Marvel Comics. Meanwhile, Sabrina’s shift to property management revealed an entrepreneurial spirit that was instilled in her from a young age.

“My dad owned a mortgage company, so I grew up with a very entrepreneurial spirit, and that inspired me throughout my childhood,” she says. “As a little girl, I

saw my dad work hard and be able to give back to the community, both professionally and charitably.”

Lionheart Pride offers real estate, property management and investment services for residential and commercial clients. For Jeremy and Sabrina, the business is a passion that drives them to support their clients, who often seek guidance in navigating the industry's complexities.

“When we’re handing the keys to a first-time homebuyer or spending time with owners and helping them with the management of their homes, I find that most enjoyable,” says Jeremy.

For now, the Lionheart Pride team includes just Jeremy and Sabrina, and they chose a name that reflects their family-owned business. The couple aimed for a memorable business name, deciding on “Lionheart” as a nod to their similar personalities and faith as Christians.

We think the lion represents strength, honor and loyalty, and that embodies everything we

stand for and want to show to our clients,” says Sabrina.

In their first year of business, the Waylands want to showcase that strength to their clients and give back to the community beyond their typical services. “Lionheart Pride is about our clients, not ourselves,” says Sabrina. “We want to put all the focus on the financial well-being of our clientele.”

PHOTO BY KRISTIN SMETONA

SmetonaPhoto.com

Lionheart Pride Co-Owners Sabrina and Jeremy Wayland describe their residential and commercial realty approach as one that’s similar to their company’s namesake. “Just like a lion, we’re fierce and protective of our clients,” says Jeremy.

N EW T O T HE N EIGHBORHOOD

Play Coffee

Leon Wansikehian loves coffee. What started as a budding fascination for espresso at the age of 14 transformed into a business—Play Coffee. In March, he opened Play Coffee’s Old Towne location. The store sits in the building that previously hosted Wells Fargo on Chapman Avenue in the Plaza.

“I was incredibly lucky to find a passion I fell in love with and even more blessed to be able to turn it into a career,” says Wansikehian. “I love what I do.”

The Old Towne location is Play Coffee’s second, with its flagship store in Fullerton. While the menu remains similar, the design is entirely different. The Fullerton location is a primarily outdoor coffee shop constructed from bricks and repurposed shipping containers, whereas the Old Towne location is an open space concept with minor renovations of the bank’s original design.

“The goal was to design something new and appealing without clashing with the historical integrity of the building,” says Wansikehian. “We tried to be very gentle with the design.”

The Play Coffee team members pride themselves on offering an untraditional coffee shop experience. It heavily focuses on espressos, and the physical space and menu aim to evoke feelings of transparency.

“The atmosphere is very lively, and we built it off wanting to create a sense of transparency for our customer s,” says Wansikehian.

Play Coffee has a multi-roaster setup, meaning that the retail and menu offerings are constantly changing, allowing the shop to feature a diverse set of roasters worldwide.

“Our system gives people a chance to try coffee they’ve never tried before, even for our employee s,” says Director of Operations Ashley Papa. “It’s an accessible way to work with the best professional roasters from around the world and offer their coffee in a way that showcases their hard work.”

Town! 155

Customers can order regular black coffee or espresso and find familiar espresso-based offerings like a cappuccino, mocha or macchiato. Play Coffee also has a few original menu items, like the Volcano Latte with infused smoky sea salt.

Offering distinctive coffee experiences is a goal for Wansikehian, but he is also looking forward to further connecting

with the Orange community. “We’d love to embrace the neighborhood and meet everybody and hear the stories here,” he says.

“You build a relationship with the people you serve coffee to,” adds Papa. “Coffee is something that people look forward to— whether it’s at the beginning, middle or end of their day, and my favorite part of the work we do is getting to be a part of that.”

SmetonaPhoto.com

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Play Coffee / 101 East Chapman Ave. 714-878-7501 / www. DrinkPlayCoffee .com

TED’s GARAGE tiny house, Big Heart

WWhen it comes to historic homes in Old Towne, there’s no shortage of properties with fascinating histories and equally fascinating owners.

But you’d be hard-pressed to find anything that compares— size wise—to the tiny 16’ x 16’ cottage dubbed “Ted’s Garage” in honor of the late Ted Glasener of Old Towne.

As the name suggests, the tiny unit was previously a garage built in 1923 as part of what is now the four-unit Shaffer Cottages. Known for his impressive renovations of historic houses in Old Towne— including the Shaffer Cottages— investor and preservationist Hugh Siler brought his imagination to the forefront on the historic garage renovation.

“It was basically falling over

and unstable,” says Hugh. “I spent hour after hour in way too many meetings with the city’s planning department trying to get the project approved. Then in 2020, the state of California changed its laws to allow garages to be converted into accessory dwelling units. I finally got the project approved by the city and now it’s a beautiful rental unit occupied by a lovely tenant, Emily Schade, a third-grade school teacher.”

Completed in May 2021 in just five months, Ted’s Garage is Old Towne’s first accessory dwelling unit. The 256-square-foot cottage is also the city’s tiniest tiny home and features functional and stylish attributes such as beautifully refurbished 140-year-old, heart-

of-pine flooring trucked in from the Old Crow Whiskey Distillery in Kentucky. The front door is a 1910 Craftsman door salvaged from a local home and is adorned with the “Ted’s Garage” logo completed in 24-karat gold-leaf lettering. There’s even a 115year-old pop-up light on one of the walls that long ago illuminated the inside of a Pullman railroad car train.

And others have taken notice of Ted’s Garage. This past October, the Old Towne Preservation Association selected Ted’s Garage to be on its bi-annual home tour after bestowing the Award of Excellence on the garage in May 2022.

Because space is at a premium,

every square inch of the tiny home is the equivalent of at least a square foot in a normal-size home, according to Hugh.

“The entire space works like a Swiss Army Knife,” he says. “Everything either folds out, pops out or has a purpose. We put a ton of time into maximizing every inch. That’s why the space can accommodate a regular-size fridge, a stove, a sofa, a full-size Murphy bed, a shower, a washer and dryer, and a 1920s Murphy dinette (that seats four) that came out of a tiny home in Pennsylvania.”

Perhaps the most magical component of this small-butmighty abode is the secret, hidden

Written by Karen Anderson Photos by Kristin Smetona : www.smetonaphoto.com

Situated at the rear of the property sits Ted’s Garage, circa 1923. A working streetlight from 1910 greets you as you enter through sliding barn doors.

TED’s GARAGE

passageway that opens to reveal a bathroom tiled in cobalt blue and white. The passageway is activated by a magnetic mechanism concealed in a hollow book that sits on a nearby shelf. You just tilt the book like a lever, and the passageway opens automatically.

“It’s a fun whodunit-style flair

not unlike something from a vintage ‘Batman’ or ‘Get Smart’ episode,” says Hugh. “Ted was an electrical engineer, and I’m hopeful he would have been impressed by some of the gadgetry. Sadly, he didn’t get to see the finished project before he passed away.”

Hugh first met Ted back when

Hugh and his crew were restoring a block of historic homes on East Palmyra. The 88-year-old retired senior citizen would often stroll by the jobsite with his beloved dog Maddie, a West Highland Terrier. One day, Hugh saw Ted walking down Orange Street wearing a powder-blue “UCLA

School of Engineering” sweatshirt. Hugh questioned him about it.

“Ted humbly told me that he was actually quite an engineer in his time, and to Google him,” says Hugh, “So I did.”

A quick search revealed that Ted was indeed a brilliant electrical engineer whose credentials

An original 1920s-era, fold-up dinette set seats four and was made by Murphy. (Yes, the same Murphy who originally invented fold-up wall beds.)

Tenant Emily Schade and her mom, Mary, share a toast near one of Emily’s great-grandfather’s patents, hanging on the wall.

The tiny house’s custom tiny cabinets, all hand made locally, are flanked by cobalt-blue appliances.

included a variety of inventions and patents. He grew up on a farm on North Glassell Street, and was a 1950 graduate of Orange High, where he met his future wife Priscilla. They raised their three daughters in Villa Park. In his latter years, following the passing of his wife, Ted moved into The Palmyra, a senior apartment community.

“Ted embodied everything that’s good about Old Towne Orange,” says Hugh. “He was like a father to me, and when we were restoring the block of homes on East Palmyra, he and Maddie would stop by the jobsite three times a day to check on our progress.

“When he was diagnosed with terminal cancer, I wanted to do something to show Ted and his family how much he meant to me and to Old Towne. On the day before going on hospice, he came over with two of his daughters to see the garage prior to the renovation. After reviewing the plans, he looked around and said, ‘this is great. I am honored, Hugh.’ To this day, I always think, no Ted, Old Towne was honored to have you, and now we are lucky to have such a unique cottage to remember you by.”

Of course it takes a special tenant to live in a special tiny home. Such is the case with

Emily Schade, who answered Hugh’s for-rent ad two years ago and has never regretted it.

“I really enjoy living here,” she says. “There has been so much thought put into every detail of the home, like the hidden passageway. It’s a conversation piece for sure. I’m so impressed how much can fit inside such a small space. There’s a lot more storage than it looks. The closet is pretty deep, so it all fits.”

Emily’s profession as a schoolteacher is in keeping with the history of the adjacent Shaffer cottages. According to Hugh, the late historian Phil Brigandi told him the cottages were originally

built in 1923 as temporary housing for Chapman College professors. Another coincidence that brings Emily full circle with Ted’s Garage: Both her grandfather and great grandfather were engineers and inventors just like Ted. In fact, she displays her great-grandfather’s patent on the wall.

“I grew up in Brea and was always drawn to Old Towne Orange,” says Emily. “It feels like being in a storybook. My neighbors are great, and we all look out for each other. It’s an honor to be selected to live here at Ted’s Garage because I know how much Ted meant to Hugh. It makes it special.” •

Steve & Ruthe Shafer

A secret passageway is opened by tilting a mechanized book on the nearby shelf. The passageway leads to a beautiful bathroom tiled in cobalt blue and white.

Emily’s living room doubles as her bedroom. A Murphy bed pulls out from the wall and sits atop a custom-made Italian leather couch.

Ted’s Garage is named after the late Ted Glasener, a fixture in Orange for nearly 70 years. He is pictured here with his beloved terrier Maddie.

Welcome to the Market

As we celebrate the 12th anniversary of Orange Home Grown Farmers & Artisans Market, we take a look at a few of the newer vendors to join the community. Andrea’s Bakehouse brings its own special character to the world of baking, while Fungus Brothers has built a following among those who enjoy both growing and eating mushrooms. Sister owned and operated Saiga Eatery is one of few hot food vendors, wowing visitors with Vietnamese cuisine.

Bringing her unique brand of baked goods to the Orange Home Grown Farmers & Artisans Market, Andrea Pérez of Andrea’s Bakehouse has built a loyal following with her chocolate zucchini bread, sourdough banana bread, homemade vanilla extract and flavored brown sugar. Perez has been baking and cooking since she was a kid.

“I grew up watching Food Network, baking for family parties and experimenting in the kitchen,” says Pérez.

Before starting Andrea’s Bakehouse, Pérez had been making chocolate zucchini bread for friends and family. “The zucchini makes it really moist and tender and you don’t taste the zucchini at all,” says Pérez.

She did her first pop-up selling the chocolate zucchini bread, sourdough banana bread, and the popular chocolate chip cookies with some kosher salt on top, “which are my favorite,” says Pérez.

Shortly after, she met a vendor at another farmers market selling cookies with packaging that said, “made in a home kitchen.” She asked him how that works, and he walked her through the permitting process.

“Within a month I had gotten my permit,” says Pérez, who created Andrea’s Bakehouse in 2022. She bakes everything at home and began selling at the Orange Home Grown Farmers & Artisans Market in November of last year.

Her recipes are curated to make them uniquely hers. “For example, the banana bread recipe is my friend’s recipe. I changed the butter and added sourdough starter,” she says.

The most unique items are the sourdough starter and the brown

sugar. The sourdough starter is a combination of flour and water that’s been fermented. Once a customer buys the starter, they add more flour and water to it to rehydrate it for baking. The brown sugar product came as a result of experimentation with adding

Andrea’s Bakehouse signature baked goods are only available at the weekly Orange Home Grown Farmers & Artisans Market or via Instagram at @andreasbakehouse.

espresso powder or vanilla bean.

“I started grinding my own vanilla beans and mixing that in and it became a hit. Everyone loves the brown sugar,” says Pérez.

She also began making her own vanilla extract just for fun. “You can do it with vodka or bourbon. I make it with bourbon, and I include a vanilla pod in every bottle so it will keep getting stronger over time.”

Andrea’s Bakehouse is a oneperson operation. Pérez does her prep during the week and then does all her baking for the farmers market the night before.

Claire Aleman attends the farmers market each week with her family. “We found Andrea’s Bakehouse her first week and fell in love with her treat s,” says Aleman. “She is so sweet, and it is so nice to make a human connection, especially after the pandemic.”

“I love the Orange Farmers Market. There’s truly a sense of community here,” says Pérez, who sometimes brings gifts for her regulars, such as almond croissants. “The community aspect has been the cherry on top.”

Andrea’s Bakehouse 909-851-0570

Andrea’s Bakehouse

Fungus Brothers

As the primary mushroom vendor at the Orange Home Grown Farmers & Artisans Market, Fungus Brothers has been there every week since they formed four years ago. Real-life brothers Mark and Joseph Lunetto are the founders of the mushroom operation.

“It began as a hobby,” says Mark, who received a mushroom kit as a gift. “You typically get about three flushes of mushrooms off of one grow kit. It takes anywhere from one to two weeks for it to start producing mushrooms and will keep producing over the course of the next month.”

The brothers began growing mushrooms in Joseph’s garage. “It spiraled to a point where we had too many mushrooms to eat,” says Mark. “My wife suggested we see if we could sell them at the farmers market, and the rest is history.”

They primarily grow gourmet mushrooms for food, beginning with oyster mushrooms. They now grow a variety of oyster mushrooms (pink, blue and white), as well as shitake, king oyster, lion’s mane and gourmet chestnut mushrooms. They also grow medicinal mushrooms like Reishi, turkeytail and Cordyceps.

“These have been used for centuries in eastern medicine,” says Joe. “Reishi is a natural anti-

PHOTO BY KRISTIN SMETONA / SmetonaPhoto.com

inflammatory, turkey tail is high in antioxidants and is used for immune system boosting, and Cordyceps are used as a caffeine replacement.”

After a couple of years, they branched out and now also offer grow kits for people to grow their own mushrooms at home, as well as medicinal mushroom tinctures.

“There was a movie that came out called ‘Fantastic Fungi,’” says Mark. “It re-popularized mushrooms for health benefits, and that’s when we started growing the medicinal mushrooms for the tinctures.”

The most popular items they sell are the gourmet mushrooms for food. There is no storefront. Fungus Brothers only sells at the farmers market or online.

“The farmers market has been a great experience for us. The people there are literally some of the nicest people I’ve ever met in my life,” says Mark.

Fungus Brothers

Nikki Patino has been attending the farmers market for nine years. “The Fungus Brothers showed up one day, and we got to talking,” says Patino. “I had tried to grow mushrooms as a hobby, but it didn’t go well. They were happy to help. They bring a lot of character to the market, and their fresh mushrooms are great for vegetarian dinners.”

714-333-5725 / www.FungusBrothers .com

Brothers Mark (left) and Joseph Lunetto started their Fungus Brothers mushroom business as a hobby they say “ran amok.” Their mushroom delights are available at the Orange Home Grown Farmers & Artisans Market, or follow them on Instagram at @fungusbrothers.

Saiga Eatery

As one of the first and only hot food vendors at the Orange Home Grown Farmers & Artisans Market, sisters Tram Kastamo and Mimi Phan have been showcasing Vietnamese food from their startup, Saiga Eatery. They opened their takeout food business in March 2020.

“The day that we got our business permit was during the announcement of the country beginning the lockdowns,” says Mimi.

Saiga Eatery—a play on the word “Saigon” where they grew up before coming to America in their late teens—features recipes inspired by their mom, Thu.

“All the recipes come from her,” says Mimi.

Both sisters have always had that entrepreneurial spirit—something they say they got from their parents growing up in Vietnam.

“A few years ago, at a gettogether with friends, I cooked a lot of (Vietnamese) food,” says mom, Thu. “All of my friends complemented my cooking. One of them came up to me and said, ‘These good, traditional recipes need to be passed to the next generation if not to your kids, then to someone else.’ That would be your contribution to preserving Vietnamese culture.”

The beginning was tough because of COVID, and the ghost kitchen was in an industrial complex so most people couldn’t find them. They sold on DoorDash and other delivery services. Eventually, people found them on

Yelp and they began getting good reviews. Soon, business began to pick up.

“Our customers like our food and the fact that we can serve it quickly,” says Mimi.

At first, Thu did all the raw food prepping and the sisters did the cooking. Now they have eight employees who help with the cooking while the sisters run the operation. While the menu is traditional, over time they have adapted to Southern California flavors.

“We are more Americanized, so we know what people would like,” says Tram. “We make the

food “friendlier” for people who are not used to Vietnamese food. For example, a fish sauce that is traditionally very thick and strong, we make lighter.”

The Pork Belly Banh Mi sandwich is the most popular item at the farmers market, where the sisters have a spot once a month.

“The customers at the farmers market have been really great,” says Tram. “They also give us feedback

so we have evolved the menu items a little bit. They tell us they’d like to see more of our soup, for example.

“Even though our story began when we opened in 2020, it actually began long before that with our family, and it will continue to change and grow,” says Tram.

“We love food, and we like to share our culture,” adds Mimi. •

Sisters Mimi Phan (left) and Tram Kastamo learned entrepreneurship from their parents growing up in Vietnam. Now with their company, Saiga Eatery, they share their family’s traditional recipes with some added American flare.

Saiga Eatery 818-276-5442 / www. SaigaEatery .com

PHOTO BY KRISTIN SMETONA

SmetonaPhoto.com

No Skating Away

by George A. Paul

Roller skating is a part of the American fabric. The first public skating rink opened in Chicago in 1902, attracting 7,000 people on opening night. In their heyday, there were many roller skating rinks across the country, including Holiday Skate Center in Orange, which opened 50 years ago.

Today, Holiday Skate Center is one of a small number of traditional roller rinks still standing. According to Roller Skating Association International, there are 29 left in California. The Orange facility’s lease expires in September, and the future plans of the owners are currently unknown.

“I was part of the small group of competitive skaters first to roll around the Holiday Skate Center floor prior to the grand opening,” says Scott Sackin, who is on a mission to keep indoor roller skating alive in the Orange area. He competed at the rink when young, then returned to the sport as an adult five years ago when he rejoined the rink’s competitive club and became involved as a

volunteer and a board member for the club.

“When I was a kid, Holiday Skate Center felt like a safe, welcoming environment. Once you get inside the walls of the rink, everyone has one thing in common—a love for skating,” says Sackin, co-leader of the SackinStone Team at Seven Gables Real Estate, based in North Tustin and Huntington Beach. “The community needs more family fun centers like this.”

Ideally, Sackin wants to get “a friendly audience with the current owners” and would appreciate anyone who could help him “invest in the quest to keep this open.” Sackin’s goal is to find out whether the owners plan to develop the property. “Why not lease it monthto-month to my group until they finalize their future plans?” he suggests. “Let’s have communication on a finite end date.”

The real estate agent is seeking other options, if necessary, such as an alternate location in Orange or the county itself, where an

“existing building could be turned into a skating center, or we find land and build one.”

Sackin believes in roller skating as an entity. “In my heart, I can’t see another rink close down,” he says. “I want to keep Holiday Skate Center alive however I can. If people in commercial real estate, developers, or anyone else could help, that would be awesome.”

He also wants to make one thing clear: The impetus for this goal has nothing to do with his real estate business.

Sackin describes Holiday Skate Center as a “wonderful place” for schools and organizations to hold private parties or fundraisers. The Center has a “very good mechanism” for raising funds, and a

Skaters of all ages enjoy roller skating at Holiday Skate Center. Pictured here on the rink are (front row, from left) Everett, Asahi, Addison, Lucy, Estee, Scott Sackin and Barbara Collins. In the second row are Amelia (left) and Elena, and in the third row are (from left) Lisa, Rozalyn, Chloe, Jossy, Mason and Gianna.

PHOTO BY KRISTIN SMETONA

SmetonaPhoto.com

Julianne O’Brien Pedersen

by Julie Bawden-Davis

In high school, Julianne O’Brien Pedersen discovered her first love. Though she had participated in a wide variety of sports, it wasn’t until she met the artistic side of dance that she knew she’d found her calling.

“I became involved in a dance company and learned a great deal from the dancers, many of whom were older,” says Chapman University’s Chair and Professor, Department of Dance. “To this day, I haven’t found anything that makes me feel as alive, engaged and complete as dance.”

For more than three decades, O’Brien Pedersen has worked in the field of dance as a performer, choreographer, academic leader and dance educator. She has choreographed more than 70 dances and received numerous grants and awards for her choreography.

Destined to Dance

Though she began college as an English major, O’Brien Pedersen ended up graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance from Connecticut College and a Master of Fine Arts degree in Choreography from The Ohio State University. She is also a certified movement analyst through the Laban/Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies in New York.

Her professional dance journey began in New York City. “I did a stint as a young dancer, supporting myself by dancing,” she says. From there, she moved to Michigan, where she was mentored by Peter Sparling, a renowned artist who danced with the Martha Graham Dance Company and the Jose Limon Dance Company. Julianne became a founding member and soloist for 14 years with the award-winning company, as well as the director of the affiliated studio for a number of years.

During her time in Michigan, she also entered the academic world as Program Director and Professor at Eastern Michigan

A MERICAN S TORIES : Midcentury Magazine Illustrations

The period from the 1930s to the 1960s marked a significant time in American magazine and advertising illustrations. During this time, illustrations played a vital role in advertising and media campaigns, and many illustrators achieved fame and success through their work in magazines and advertisements.

The Hilbert Museum of California Art at Chapman University, which focuses on representational art of the 20th and 21st centuries, boasts an acclaimed collection of original paintings from this golden era of American illustration. Selections from that collection will be on view in the new exhibition, “American Stories: Midcentury Magazine Illustrations from The Hilbert Collection,” which opens at the Hilbert Temporary on May 13.

The Saturday Evening Post, for example—one of the most popular magazines of the era—featured illustrations from some of the most prominent artists of the time. The magazine's covers were beloved by readers for their wholesome depictions of American life. One of the most famous illustrators associated with the magazine, of course, was Norman Rockwell, whose work captured the imagination of the American public. He became one of the most well-known and beloved illustrators of the era.

The Hilbert Collection includes notable works by Rockwell, which the museum will exhibit during its Grand Opening round of exhibitions in its expanded permanent location in early 2024. But Rockwell was not the only illustrator who achieved success during this time. The exhibition at the Temporary features other notable illustrators of the period, including Stevan Dohanos, Dean Cornwell, Pruett Carter, Joe Demers, Andrew Loomis, Arthur Sarnoff and many others.

“The impact of these illustrators on American culture cannot be overstated,” says Mark Hilbert, founder of the Hilbert Museum. “Their work appeared in magazines that were read by millions of Americans, and their illustrations helped to shape the way that people thought about themselves and their country.” Hilbert, who assembled the collection of illustrations over the last 20 years or so, adds that the images these artists created were often idealized and aspirational, presenting a version of American life that was both beautiful and optimistic.

Magazine cover art, in particular, often told stories without words. The best cover artists were famed for their one-image comedic or dramatic storytelling paintings that a viewer could take in at one glance. The painting on

PHOTO BY KRISTIN SMETONA

SmetonaPhoto.com

the inside front cover of this issue, Charlie Dye’s “Big Catch,” is an undated work from the 1950s or 1960s that probably was a cover for one of the outdoor magazines of the day. Dye perfectly sums up the thrilling moment when Junior has hooked his first big fish, and Dad is rushing in with the net to help him out. (If you couldn’t guess they were father and son, the red hair fully gives it away.) You just know that these two are creating a family memory that will last forever. The painting is

action-packed and heartwarming at the same time.

Charlie Dye was born in 1906 in Los Angeles. He attended Otis Art Institute and later worked for several ad agencies in L.A., creating artwork for many notable clients, including Coca-Cola and G.E. He illustrated more than 30 children's books and was praised for his ability to capture the essence of the Western outdoors and the Wild West. His work was featured in many publications, including Collier’s, Liberty and

the Saturday Evening Post

The Hilbert Collection also owns a very popular Saturday Evening Post cover illustration by Stevan Dohanos. “Dohanos should be as well-known as Rockwell,” says Hilbert. “The illustration, ‘Mutually Beneficial Friendship,’ appeared on the cover of the October 11, 1958 Post. The image brings a smile at one glance, as the milkman and the pie man take a little break to sample each other’s wares.”

Dohanos was a good friend of Rockwell’s, and the two artists shared a similar aesthetic and talent for capturing the nuances of everyday life in their work. They often worked side-by-side in the same studio, bouncing ideas off each other and collaborating on projects.

Illustrations at that time also served as powerful marketing tools. Top companies peddling their wares in magazines during the post-war economic boom, from food to electronics to auto-

mobiles, recognized the ability of illustrations to capture people’s attention and create a sense of desire for their products. As a result, illustrators were in high demand to create advertising art, and many were able to make a comfortable living through this work. Color magazine photography was still in a developmental phase, and printing of color photos often resulted in less-than-appealing hues, so illustrators reigned supreme during this ad era.

American magazine and advertising illustrators of the mid-20th century played a significant role in shaping the nation’s culture and commerce. Their illustrations influenced the way that people thought about themselves and their country, and they also served as powerful marketing tools for companies. As a result, the work of these illustrators has had a lasting impact on American culture and commerce, and their legacy continues to be felt today. •

“ Cat Thief ” John Newton Howitt Oil on Canvas / 38.5” x 29”

“ Mutually Beneficial Friendship ” Stevan Dohanos Gouache on Board / 28.25” x 25.5”

“ American Stories: Midcentury Magazine Illustrations from The Hilber t Collection ” opens at The Hilbert Temporary on May 13 (end date to be announced later). The Hilbert Temporary is located at 216 East Chapman Ave. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 11am to 5pm. Admission is free, and due to limited space, online reservations are recommended (www.hilbertmuseum.com). Call 714-516-5880 for more information.

Old Jamboree Road / Oil on Canvas / 36” x 48”

How M r. Turne r Became Farmer Doug in 12 Satisfying Years

by Yuki Klotz-Burwell

Before Doug Turner was known as “Farmer Doug,” a leader of Orange Home Grown’s Education Farm, he was an electrical sales engineer with a dream of teaching. Despite the unlikely connection between the worlds of engineering sales and farming, Doug’s journey to becoming a farm manager is a testament to the power of following one’s passions and being open to new opportunities.

“There have been so many wonderful moments throughout this whole experience, and I feel like I’m constantly giving back to the community,” he says.

When Doug’s daughter Megan Penn founded the Orange Home Grown Farmers & Artisans Market (OHG) in 2011, Doug was still working full-time and wasn’t initially involved in the organization. But as the market grew, he found himself using his engineering background to serve as the go-to handyman.

“I started showing up at the market and took it upon myself to be the one to fix things,” says Doug. “Then I discovered I was good at being a greeter and loved chatting with new people.”

As the market continued to grow, attracting more than 1,500 visitors each week in its first few years of operation, Doug became more and more invested in OHG and its mission. When Megan proposed establishing an education farm to complement the market, Doug immediately knew he wanted to be a part of it.

“When Megan said we needed a farm at Orange Home Grown, I found myself drawn to it,” he says. “I wanted to work the land.”

Now, Doug spends his time maintaining the farm and sharing his passion for sustainable agriculture with the next generation. He took it upon himself to become an expert in soils and composting. His journey was entirely self-taught, although he always appreciated nature and ingrained that love for the outdoors in his family.

“He’s very good at diving into something on the internet or reading books and figuring it out,” says Doug’s wife, Martha Turner. “It’s been a trial-anderror situation, and that’s what’s so beautiful about the farm.

Everybody is just trying to learn and figure it out as they go.”

Along the way, Doug also discovered a new sense of fulfillment in educating young adults about the ins and outs of farming, from composting to soil maintenance.

“My job is to share with them how the soil works, how to make good compost and how we do everything here at the farm,” he says. “I get such a wonderful

response when they learn about compost, and it’s incredibly rewarding.”

It’s also clear to the rest of the OHG team that Doug finds his role enriching.

“When he’s educating kids on compost, he gets this big grin on his face,” says Megan. “People really appreciate him, and it’s been so fun to watch him share his knowledge and his love for what he’s doing at the farm with other people.”

For Doug, the entire experience has brought him and his family closer than he ever expected. They also have a newfound appreciation for each other’s skills as they work together to bring sustainable food to the Orange community.

“The first days of building the farm were so overwhelming because there was so much to do, but it’s been so special working with my dad,” says Megan. “It was

PHOTO BY KRISTIN SMETONA / SmetonaPhoto.com

by Brande Jackson

Summer Fun in the Garden

It’s officially “play outdoors” season, a gardener’s favorite time of year! As we move into those warmer months, we have a few tips to share.

Mulch up before it gets too hot! With temperatures climbing, late spring and early summer is a good time of year to add a light mulch to help your garden out. Doing so will conserve water and help to protect your plants. Get outside and plant summer-loving veggies! Beans, corn, pumpkins, eggplant, cucumbers, melons and even some late tomatoes make for great summer veggie gardens. Since the weather is usually fairly mild until about mid-July, you still have plenty of time to get a veggie garden up and going for this year.

While you can and should plant and prune in the summertime, it is important to pay attention to the weather when you do so. Never plant or transplant or prune when it’s exceptionally hot. Also avoid working at the peak of the day if you can. Too much heat and sun will stress out plants, and since they can’t afford therapy, the results usually aren’t good.

Throw a little shade…in a good way! Some of your normally “full-sun” plants might need a little extra shade on the hottest of days. This can be easily achieved by installing a temporary shade sail, or, even easier, bringing a few market umbrellas to the sunniest of spots in the garden. This is only needed if plants look like they are easily wilting or burning, so it’s important to keep an eye on things once the weather really heats up.

This IS the time of year when it seems like every bug on the planet makes itself known. Some bugs are good bugs and you want them in your garden—ladybugs, for example! But other bugs, not so much. We like to stay organic when it comes to pest control and do a bit of preventative spraying with natural oil-based products every few weeks to keep things in check.

Support your local wildlife! Birds, squirrels and all your other garden friends can benefit from some extra water in the summertime, so it’s a great time to add fountains or a birdbath. Just be sure any water feature gets changed regularly or is moving via a pump to keep our nightmare mosquitoes at bay.

When it comes to mosquitoes, as we are all painfully aware, there are limited options for controlling them. There are people and animal safe pellets you can use anywhere you might have standing water, which will help to stop larvae from growing.

There are also certain plants that DO seem to repel mosquitoes. Lavender, lemon balm, certain geraniums and rosemary seem to help to keep them at least somewhat away. It’s hard to cover every part of your yard this way, of course, but you could plant these aromatic and lovely specimens in pots near seating areas and other spots you frequent to try to minimize bites.

We are entering the season of “garden prime time,” so be sure you make time in your days to get outside and play this season! •

Julianne O’Brien Pedersen

University in the dance department where she helped the program double in size.

While in Michigan, O’Brien Pedersen married her college sweetheart, David Pedersen, an anthropologist. When he was offered a position in San Diego, they moved west. She stepped out of academia for a couple of years to focus on raising their daughter and working as a community dance activist and educator. When she was offered a job as Dean of the Palladino School of Dance at Dean College in Franklin, Massachusetts, she decided to take the position, becoming a bicoastal family.

During her tenure at Dean College, she updated the dance curriculum, which resulted in recognition in Dance Magazine She also facilitated new performance opportunities for students at prestigious venues such as the John F. Kennedy Center and created internships for students with the Boston Ballet.

Coming to Chapman

In 2016, O’Brien Pedersen took the Department of Dance Chair role at Chapman. In addition to chairing the department, she teaches modern dance technique, dance history, yoga, pedagogy and dance outreach and education.

“The university has been such a great fit for me. I’ve found the position to be fulfilling,” she says. “I have enjoyed working with colleagues to improve the department and make the student experience the best it can be. I also love teaching and being in the studio with students to mentor them on performance and technique. The position also allows me to choreograph, direct concerts and continue to perform.”

Since she joined Chapman, the dance department has scaled new heights. “The program is becoming increasingly elite and competitive,” she says. “We had nearly 400 dance major applicants this year from all over the world. They were so talented that it was difficult to winnow down to 75 students to accept.”

Dancers are drawn to Chapman’s dance department for several reasons. “We are very warm and welcoming and provide a holistic, unique training experience that includes unparalleled opportunities to perform and choreograph,” she says.

In January of this year, Chapman’s dance major experience got even better with the opening of the Sandi Simon Center for Dance. Built in the circa-1918 Villa Park Orchards Association Packing House in Old Towne, the state-of-the-art facility features an abundance of natural light, curved staircases and walls that echo the fluid movement of dance, as well as spacious studios, classroom and meeting spaces, a training room for treatment and rehabilitation and plenty of space for students to hang out.

“The new dance building is aesthetically stunning and has been a huge game changer,” says O’Brien Pedersen. “Our facility now matches the caliber of the dance department.”

Elevating Chapman’s Dance Department

Giulio Ongaro, Dean and Professor, Bertea Family Chair in Music in the College of Performing Arts at Chapman was part of the hiring committee that brought O’Brien Pedersen to Chapman. He has worked closely with her since she joined the faculty.

“Julianne has had an excellent career as a dancer and choreographer and has used her artistic vision to take the department, which had progressed under the previous Chair, Nancy Dickson Lewis, to new levels,” says Ongaro. “She has done this with her connections in the world of dance (which have resulted, for example, in prestigious guests coming to work with our students), her imaginative programming, the addition of several events that have done a lot to raise the profile of the department, and her dedication to students, faculty and staff. She cares deeply about them, and that translates into a tight-knit department, where students are very supportive of their fellow students.”

Robin Kish, Associate Professor in Dance, College of Performing Arts at Chapman, agrees. “Julianne has brought the dance program to a new level in terms of the depth of our program and offerings. She has developed innovative programs such as Master’s at Chapman, which brings a myriad of international artists to the University each year to explore topics with our dancers and

Brande Jackson is the owner of Johnnye Merle’s Gardens, located in the gardens of Country Roads in Old Towne Orange (www. PurtyPlants .com). She can be reached at brande @ johnnyemerles .com. Brande is also a teacher, and leads classes on art, creativity and gardening, as well as walking tours of downtown Los Angeles.

/ Old Towne Orange

Warmer Months = More Time Outside

by Brande Jackson

Vintage garden furniture is one of our most favorite of favorite things. Right now, we have a fun selection of vintage tables, chairs, plant stands and more in stock—everything you need to bring a little extra style to your outdoor space for spring and summer.

We also get new plants in our nursery that arrive almost weekly! We carry a great selection of unusual perennials and annuals (many grown by our friends at Annie’s Annuals) and succulents that are guaranteed to bring your garden a little extra dash of color and style!

Looking to add a little something to your porch or patio? We always have a fun selection of pottery, bird baths, and even cement animals looking for new homes!

Mark your calendars: Join us for a “Celebration of All Things Summer” on Saturday, June 24t h! We’ll have refreshments, plant giveaways, raffles and more. •

www. C OUNTRY R OADS A NTIQUE S .com

In the Heart of Old Towne Orange since 1993.

216 W EST C HAPMAN A VE. 714- 532-304 1

@ C ountryRoadsAntiques

Julianne O’Brien Pedersen

the Chapman community. She has a clear vision of the uniqueness of the dance program and how we serve the individual dancers, supporting them to find their own individual artistic voice.”

Kira Bartoli is one such student. She graduated with her BFA in Dance Performance and a minor in Business Administration in 2018 and is now a professional dancer, social media manager and event coordinator with Backhausdance company.

“Julianne shows care and dedication to her students,” says Bartoli. “She encourages them to show up and be their most authentic selves—to shed the layers of what they think they need to be. She challenges her students to learn movement quickly and specifically. She also guides students through working with partners to encourage interpersonal learning and listens to students regarding their concerns, taking their feedback seriously. Under her direction, Chapman’s dance department has become more prestigious and sought after by incredibly talented prospective students.”

In addition to college students, O’Brien Pedersen has been involved in dance education and outreach for nursing home residents and underserved youth, including children in foster care. She received multiple grants from the Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children to work with underserved K-3 students in science and history classes. She continued this work in San Diego, where she developed math in motion curriculum with the Malashock Dance School. She also taught dance to children in El Salvador.

“Dance is not just an elite artform; it’s for everyone,” she says. “I think movement is needed even more now with people on their computers and phones. A great deal of research shows how beneficial dance is for the whole person. When you move, there are benefits to the brain, spirit and body. Dance builds community, and I have been fortunate to participate in and build these vital communities wherever I have lived.” •

Super-Duper

When Keylee Baker’s sippy cup ran out of milk on a van ride back in 2011, she threw it so hard that it shattered a video screen in the front seat. Years later, her family sees that throw as a humorous omen. “We knew she had an arm,” says Phuong Baker, Keylee’s mother.

Keylee, 14, now tosses javelins for the Junior Olympics and dreams of one day competing in the Olympic Games. During her career, she has been named fivetime USA Track and Field/Amateur Athletic Union Junior Olympian and has been named all-American 27 times in events such as shot put, long jump, high jump, javelin, 100-meter hurdles and more.

But it’s a dream her family says may be in jeopardy because coaching, equipment and travel costs have become overwhelming. The Bakers hope that businesses in Orange will sponsor her.

“I hope they can help me so my parents don’t have to pay so much money,” Keylee says. “I try superduper hard in sports, but if I had a little more help getting everything that I need in terms of equipment, I could be a lot better.”

Keylee grew up in Orange, raised by an athletic family. Her father, Brian, coached track at Orange High School, and lettered in football, wrestling and track and field there as a student. Her mother played basketball for Villa Park High School. Her older sister, Kyra, runs hurdles and hopes to run track at UCLA.

Keylee has been a competitive athlete since the first grade, starting with the Foundation Games in Orange and the Cal State Games in San Diego. She took home a silver medal her first year competing in San Diego and a gold in shot put the next, all with no coaching support.

The eighth grader has since competed from the local to national level, gaining medals and other accolades along the way. In 2019, she placed first in javelin at the Junior Olympics in Florida. She was named national champion for 13-year-old girls in track and field at last year’s games.

“There were a lot of people in the stands and my whole team was watching me,” she says. “It was really loud but I tried to block it out so I could focus on my throwing.”

One of her proudest moments came in 2022 during a qualification event in Lancaster where she earned a division belt, beating out 18-year-old athletes.

Keylee’s regimen includes 4-6 hours per day of running, hurdles, javelin and more, at least four days per week. She maintains a 4.0 grade point average despite the demands of her training schedule. She plans to enter a four-year university with a top track and field program. After graduation, she hopes to become an athletic director or work in physical therapy or sports medicine.

Keylee credits her family and coaches with keeping her on track to meet her dreams of competing in the Olympics, as well as academic and career success. “I’m just happy that I have such a great support system because I know a lot of people who don’t have that,” she says. “I’m super happy I have my mom, my dad, my brother and sister and extended family.”

Her mother says that coaches often provide their services at no cost, and the family’s church, Zion Gospel, has sponsored Keylee. But expenses like athletic shoes and travel add up, she says. More sponsorships from the community will give Keylee the support she needs to continue.

Sharaud Moore, who has coached Keylee for more than four years, says she is the future of track and field, given her current pace. “She has progressed to one of the most sensational young talents that I’ve coached,” says Moore. •

For business interested in sponsoring Keylee, contact Phuong Baker at PdoBaker @gmail.com or 714-376-8748

What’s Happening

ONGOING

CONT. FROM PAGE 11

Every Fri / 9:30 - 11:30 am

Orange Home Grown Educational Farm

Volunteer Farm Friday

Plant, harvest, compost, mend soil & more, as new and seasoned volunteers work together on farm projects.

356 N Lemon / OrangeHomeGrown.org

Every Sat / 9 am - 1 pm

Orange Home Grown, Farmers Market

A great way to begin your day, with quality produce & fresh healthy foods.

1st Sat Knife Sharpening

2nd Sat Free Cooking Demo

3rd Sat Kids Club / Seed Lending 303 West Palm / OrangeHomeGrown.org

Every Sat & Sun / 10 am - 2 pm

1886 Brewing, Brunch at the Brewery 3-course brunch, brunch ala carte & our famous 1886 Brunchuterie. 114 North Glassell St / 714-922-8130

www.1886BrewingCo.com

Every Sun / 10 am - 3 pm

Citrus City Grille Buffet Brunch

Bottomless Mimosas & Bloody Marys.

A la carte brunch items also available. 122 North Glassell St / 714-639-9600 www.CitrusCityGrille.com

2nd Mon / 7 - 9 pm

Orange Art Association General Meeting

All are welcome to participate in these creative gatherings & demonstrations. 395 South Tustin St / 714-538-8069 www.OrangeArtAssociation.org

Rotary Club Weekly Meetings

Tue / 7-8:30 am Orange North Facebook.com/ OrangeNorthRotaryClub

Wed / 6 - 7 pm Orange Plaza OrangePlazaRotary.org

Thu / 12-1:30 pm Orange Rotary Orange-Rotary.org

Exploring Old Towne

Elizabeth Morell a has enjoyed many aspects of Orange over her lifetime. This month’s coupon winner grew up in Orange’s Presidential tract adjacent to orange groves, and her family lived in other northeast Orange neighborhoods. For the last 20 years, she and husband, Rick, have lived in Serrano Heights.

One of the couple’s goals is to experience living in Old Towne.

“We’d like to move to the area, because we have formed lifelong friends there,” says Morella. The couple also takes advantage of Old Towne amenities, including eating at 1886 Brewing Company, where Morella chose to use her coupon.

“They have a variety of dishes. I like to try a different one every time I go. One of my favorites is the Beet & Burrata salad,” says Morella, who worked as an accountant for a real estate appraisal firm for 25 years. She now dabbles in creative endeavors, including painting, and enjoys attending crafting workshops at

No Skating Away

CONT. FROM PAGE 23

another Old Towne attraction— Dragonfly Shops & Gardens. When not taking advantage of what Orange has to offer, she and Rick, now retired after working for the City of Anaheim for 30 years, travel. “We love exploring California in our RV.” •

WIN $ 50.00 OFF ANY PURCHASE

from any Plaza Review advertiser featured in this issue.

closure would leave a “big gap” for nonprofits. Private figure skating training camps and learn-to-skate classes in three ability levels are also offered at the facility.

Barbara Collins, who will be 89 this June, has coached roller skaters in Southern California for 60 years. “I like to keep busy, and I enjoy teaching roller skating,” she says. “I especially like instructing beginners and young skaters in the 5- to 7-year-old category. They are so eager to do their best and please, and their parents tend to be very cooperative.”

Collins has taught at various rinks in the Southern California area, most recently instructing in Orange for the last nine years. “I like the Orange rink,” she says. “Though members of the skate club compete against one another, they also support each other.”

To Collins, skating is a sport without barriers to entry. “Roller skating is something that everyone can do at any age,” she says. “We’ll have adults who are beginners hanging onto the rail, and before long they’re making their way around the rink. Roller skating builds camaraderie and is a great social outlet for the whole community. •

C OUPON W INNER by Marianne Lauren

O RANGE P LAZA R EVIEW A DVERTISER I NDE X

DINING & PUBS:

JEWELRY

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AUTOMOTIVE:

18 Titan Automotive I 939 West Chapman Ave (714) 997-2311

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DINING & PUBS:

4 1886 Brewing Company 3 114 North Glassell St (714) 922-8130

7 Citrus City Grille 4 122 North Glassell St (714) 639-9600

24 O’Hara’s Pub 7 150 North Glassell St (714) 532-9264

1 Rutabegorz Restaurant . . .

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4 Smoqued California BBQ 5 128 North Glassell St (714) 633-7427

13 Starbucks Coffee 29 44 Plaza Square (714) 288-97542

30 Zito’s New York Style Pizza 8 156 North Glassell St (714) 771-2222

EVENTS / ORGANIZATIONS:

9 Chapman University 13 One University Dr Events.Chapman.edu

30 Orange Farmers Market . . . . 1 303 West Palm Ave

www.OrangeHomegrown.org

HEALTH, FITNESS & BEAUTY:

22 Circle City Barbers 2 133 West Chapman Ave (714) 453-9765

1 Orange Circle Optometry 16 227 East Chapman Ave (714) 538-6424

19 Paramedic Program . . . . . . 21 (714) 532-6274

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26 TruCheck Health M 112 North McPherson Rd (714) 202-5909

22 Rambling Rose Jewelry

118 South Glassell St (714) 538-6305

24 Renée Jewelers 6 138 North Glassell St (714) 538-1956

REAL ESTATE: 12 Caliber Real Estate Group 25 134 South Glassell St (714) 988-6339

(714) 745-7318

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1 Orange Realty L 1537 East Chapman Ave (714) 997-0050

21 Real Estate Establishment 17 550 East Chapman Ave (714) 744-5711

8 Willits Real Estate Group 14 229 North Glassell St (714) 315-8120

SERVICES:

21 Bear Flag Construction (949) 795-6812 BearFlagOC.com

SERVICES:

11 Karl R Bonham Group 19 (714) 716-5028

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1 Galla-Rini Roofing (714) 244-6567

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20 H&H Income Tax Insurance 22 480 South Glassell St (714) 288-2088

1 Jadtec Security Services A

16 1520 West Yale Ave (714) 282-0828

23 Old Towne Plumbing . . . . . 19 (714) 532-6274

3 Kumon Learning Center 1601 East Lincoln Ave N (949) 346-5411 3310 East Chapman Ave D (714) 923-0100

19 Shafer Plumbing Contractors B 1307 West Trenton Ave (714) 974-9448

22 Shannon Family Mortuary . . J 1005 East Chapman Ave (714) 771-1000

20 State Farm - Adam Guss P 12711 Newport Ave #C, Tustin (714) 978-4200

SPECIALTY RETAIL:

18 Army Navy Store 20 131 South Glassell St (714) 639-7910

14 Big Y Yardage

320 South Tustin St (714) 744-9052 x 6

1 Dragonfly Shops & Gardens

260 North Glassell St (714) 289-4689

13 Full Circle Marketplace

140 South Glassell St (909) 929-1390

27 Johnnye Merle Gardens

216 West Chapman Ave (714) 532-3041

14 Matoska Trading Company 15 123 North Glassell St (714) 516-9940

13 Paris in a Cup (714) 538-9411 www.ParisInACup.com

TOURISM:

14 Orangeland RV Park H 1600 West Struck Ave (714) 633-0414

22 PUBLISHER: Mike Escobedo Design www.facebook.com/orangereview www.OrangeReview.com (714) 771-6919

How Mr . Turne r Became Farmer Dou g . . .

CONT FROM PAGE 26

Seven years later, the education farm has transformed into an urban community farm. Aside from the hands-on educational events, the farm hosts a Youth

Food Literacy program, a food distribution initiative and farmto-table chef dinners. Doug still stands at the heart of it all and welcomes anyone and everyone to play a role at the farm.

“People feel safe on this farm,”

says Doug. “There’s no judgment, and everyone can be their best selves.”

For information about the OHG Education Farm, visit https:// OrangeHomegrow n .org/ education-farm •

so rewarding, and now I see what we built together.”