HB Magazine December 2022 Issue

Branson Ferris Wheel

Favorite time of year

The Covington is designed for a life lived fully. Here, you’ll discover an invigorating array of choices, activities, freedoms, and flexibility – all so that you can make every day precisely what you want it to be. It’s casually sophisticated, resort-style living in the heart of Aliso Viejo. And it’s where you belong.

JASON SPATES

Doheny Bike • Advertising Partner since 2020

We can tell when the new issue arrives in mailboxes because our phones ring off the hook and we are slammed with new business. We have been extremely pleased with the response!

ENZO SCOGNAMIGLIO

Brio Tuscany Grille • Advertising Partner since 2012

We have been consistently participating in every issue and are very pleased with our experience. Jody and her team truly care about helping our business continue to succeed. If you are interested in reaching the South County community, I am absolutely thrilled to recommend Jody and her fabulous team!

JEFF MCCABE

One Way Painting • Advertising Partner since 2011

I really appreciate and value the service provided by Jody and her team at Community Publications. The close attention to detail that has gone into every article Jody has written is outstanding and has helped us get the word out on One Way Painting & California Gun Services. The articles you have written really show you understand what services we provide and what value we offer to our customers. Each time a magazine comes out, the calls increase, and we get to introduce the company to new people. Thank you for making everything so easy.

Because Home is Where the Heart is

For the majority of seniors living in California, quality of life equates to living at home. A recent AARP survey reports that 77 percent of se niors want to remain in their home for the long term.

The advantages of aging in place are numerous. As we age we want to maintain the highest degree of inde pendence possible. Our home is fa miliar and comforting to us, it’s where we feel safe.

Throughout the pandemic we have seen our homes become a safe-ha ven, a place where we can heal and stay healthy. Our home is lled with memories and it’s what we’ve created over the years with our loved-ones.

Often times in order to keep seniors living at home in comfort and safety, services and help are needed. Many seniors have opted for home care services when they need help and want to remain at home.

As the senior population increases, so has the home care industry. We spoke

to Kyle Warner, co-owner of Your Home Care Inc. about what they do and the bene ts of home care services.

Question: Tell us a little bit about Your Home Care and what it is that you do.

Answer: At Your Home Care, our mission is to enrich the quality of life for seniors by providing compassion ate caregiving services at home. The agency was created in 2003 and is family owned and operated.

Our agency is licensed, insured and bonded, all our amazing caregivers are vetted, trained and background checked. We service most areas of Orange County, CA with a concen tration in Laguna Woods and the surrounding cities. And we also work seamlessly with all Long-Term Care Insurance plans.

Q: What is the biggest gift or or blessing that you see while providing care for seniors?

A: The culture we have created here at Your Home Care is that of kindness and compassion. The most important

thing we can offer families is that we honor the people we are entrusted to care for. It is indeed a blessing to see our services make a positive impact in people’s lives. It is humbling to know that we get to provide a vital service that enriches and prolongs people’s lives.

Q: How many hours does a typical home care client start with?

A: The hours vary based on the needs of the client. Some clients like to start with a four-hour, or a six-hour shift. Others know they will need more care than that and schedule full days. We try to be as accommodat ing as possible to meet the scheduling needs of our clients.

We work with many clients coming home from the hospital, or skilled nurs ing facility and they require 24 hour care as they rehab and regain their strength.

Another important aspect of schedul ing is establishing consistency and de pendability for the families we serve. We work hard to have the same care givers work with our clients whenever possible in order to build rapport and strong relationships.

Q: Tell us about the staff at Your Home Care.

A: Employees and clients say they appreciate working with us because they get to deal directly with the owners. They like working with the decision makers because it tends to make things run more smoothly and the process is more streamlined. Owners Segal Ronen and Kyle Warner over see everything from client acquisition, employee opera tions to of ce administration.

But the real magic behind what we do is the talented, experienced team of caregivers we have the pleasure of working alongside. Our team is lled with special people and it’s apparent they genuinely love what they do and have “a calling” for this work. They are service-minded, kind people, who love to care for seniors as though they are family.

Q: What types of services does home care typically cover?

A: We offer a wide range of non-medical home care ser vices and customize a care plan for every client. These ser vices include personal care related services such as bath ing, dressing, bathroom assistance and other personal hygiene needs. We prepare meals, provide transportation and help with housekeeping duties. We help with mobility and fall prevention. We basically help with all the activities of normal daily living that seniors might need a hand with.

Companionship and social engagement is another key aspect of caregiving. Some of our seniors feel isolated and lonely, so a caregiver becomes a friend to talk to and their bond is lasting.

Seniors with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or Dementia can bene t greatly from a caregiver because they are experienced in working with people with cognitive impairments. They are trained on the techniques used to manage behavior, keeping them safe and well supervised.

Q: What makes Your home care stand out above the other home care agencies?

A: The senior home care industry is growing and chang ing. The trend we are seeing is an increase in rates, add-on fees and lengthy minimum hour requirements.

At Your Home Care we don’t have lengthy minimum hour requirements, nor do we up-charge. We make every effort to be as accommodating and exible as possible to meet the needs of our clients. We are responsive and available to our clients and caregivers when they need us. We act quickly to address and resolve any issue or concern.

Going back to our mission…to provide compassionate home care services that enrich families’ lives… with this in mind we are always looking for ways we can exceed our clients’ expectations.

Cefali & Cefali, APC

Trusted Accident Attorneys for the Most Serious Injuries

By Jody Robinson

It’s a remarkable feeling when you can fnd someone to take your side. In relationships, sports: you name it. That one person who believes in you, makes you better, fghts alongside you.

Michael Cefali matched with his person (his wife Courtney) long before law school - but their partnership extended through the long years studying for the bar and paid off in an even match that has stacked up in their favor many times over. Graduates of Chapman Law and California Western, respec tively, they started the San Juan Cap istrano-based Cefali & Cefali, APC in July of 2019 and have been fghting for the little guy ever since. From set ting clients up with top-tier doctors and specialists, to negotiating stel lar settlements, Cefali & Cefali, APC handles cases from start to fnish with client health as their top priority.

Focusing on all aspects of personal injury, the Cefalis are what you might expect in such a ring: passionate, ag gressive, and most importantly, hon est - all traits that have contributed to the couple having recovered millions of dollars per year on behalf of their clients since opening their frm.

“The insurance companies would like you to think that they get to deter mine the value of your injuries, your suffering,” says Michael. “We’ll fght for every last penny because we know that you deserve it.” Clients ap preciate the work that the Cefalis do. In fact, as of the date of this publica tion, you won’t fnd a single negative review of their frm anywhere on the internet.

Client Jamie shares, “I am so grate ful for everything that Mike Cefali and his team did for me! Not only was he able to help me get what I was owed in my settlement and then some, but he was so responsive and kind and

it was very apparent that he cared about me and my case! He and his team are so HONEST and FAIR and it was clear from start to fnish that he

had my best interest in mind! Not only is he a good lawyer but he is a good person which made a world of differ ence for me. I could not have asked

Michael and Courtney Cefali

for a better experience with a personal injury attorney! I have already recommended him to all of my friends and I will continue to recommended him to anyone looking for a good lawyer! Thank you so much Cefali and Cefali!”

Another client Carrie echoes Jamie’s sentiment, “My hus band and I were rear-ended on the freeway. We felt bad thinking of contacting a lawyer, but after several months of continuous pain and medical treatments, a friend rec ommended Michael Cefali. From the beginning, he lived up to his core values of integrity, loyalty, and vigorous ad vocacy. Michael is a dedicated, friendly, and competent attorney who seamlessly represented our interests and en sured the outcome was in our favor. He treated us not like a client, but like family; he was there any time we needed him. He was empathetic to our situation and worked tire lessly with all parties to represent us. We don’t trust many people, but we trust Michael and his team and would highly recommend him to anyone seeking a professional, effective, and focused attorney.”

With fve staff members to bac up the stellar wor Mi chael and Courtney produce, the couple remain incredibly hands on, based on a culture of empathy, integrity and advocacy.

“We craft each case personally, build each one for trial, and remain accessible to clients,” says Michael. “Personal injury attorneys get a bad rap when really we’re the good guys. li e to thin of our frm as a pirate ship. imble, clever, and tenacious in spite of being outspent by the ad versary, we pry money from greedy insurance companies and give it to our very deserving clients.”

iving bac is the spirit of the frm, and community wor creates a direct link between Michael, Courtney, and their circle in San Juan Capistrano. The couple and their team proudly supports a number of local charitable and com munity organizations including: The Boys and Girls Club of Capistrano Valley (Courtney is on the Board of Directors), The San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library (Courtney is also a board member , , the acifc Marine Mam mal Foundation, and Project Coyote. Michael is a member of the San Juan Capistrano Rotary Club and has been rec ognized as a Paul Harris Fellow.

The Cefali team’s ethics, constant communication (every client is given Michael’s personal cell phone for easy ac cessibility), commitment to their clients and involvement in the community keeps everyone growing stronger and healthier together. Remarkable isn’t it, that feeling when someone takes your side?

Cefali & Cefali, APC (877) 423-3254 CallCefali.com

Graceful Aging with San Clemente Village

By Jody Robinson

I think most folks grew up with the saying “it takes a village.”

Though no one is entirely certain where the adage originated, many posit that it was noted in reference to either African communities or Indigenous ones. Wherever the origin, (and whatever age the adage refers to) the idea lives on cross culturally today.

One of the most incredible examples emerged out of the Boston area in the early 2000’s, when an online retirement service organization let its residents, near and far, come together to age gracefully surrounded by friends.

Within the last two decades, the mod el has expanded westward, catching the attention of Jessica Reiter-Flax, now Executive Director of San Clem ente Village in South Orange County.

The Village concept which started in San Clemente in 2014 as a hope that “neighbors would help neigh bors” evolved to include full services two years later. The 100% volunteer driven membership organization

provides services for local seniors ranging from transportation to ap pointments, grocery shopping, so cial outings to happy hours and help around the house. The average vol unteer is 65 years young - looking for ways to give back.

“Sometimes they just have some extra time on their hands now that they’re retired themselves - most just want a really rewarding volunteer experience," says Jessica. "The ma jority of our volunteers forge lasting friendships with our members.”

Things like Sunday brunch or a movie matinee may not seem like they make a huge difference in the overall cog nitive, physical, or psychological suc

cess rates of older adults (aged 87, on average). But more than 70% of seniors want to remain in their homes as they age “and the Village helps them do just that. They can socialize easily, which reduces isolation, main taining a state of continuous physical and mental well-being."

“We hope to continue our geograph ic reach to include more South Coun ty cities in coming years,” says Jes sica. “Part of the Village Movement California, San Clemente Village is the only full service not for proft ser vice Village in Orange County. There are more than 40 such organizations throughout the state - helping older adults live their best lives, and our volunteers are always ready to wel come new members into the fold.”

After all, at this point with a full roster of wellness initiatives, grocery store, technology assistance and even fall risk reduction preparedness, it really does take a village.

Interested in becoming a volunteer or in need of service?

(949) 441-1348

What to Consider when Choosing a Caregiver!

By Pamela Mangen MSN, MBA, RN, PHN, PCCN-CMC

When considering a Care Giv er, it is important to know the speci c type of care you require; for example, Skilled Nursing or simple companionship or a person to assist with your Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as dressing, con tinence, eating, etc. Do you need a 24-hour live-in, full or part-time skilled nursing/assistance, or round-the-clock technology access such as tele-moni toring?

The next step is to choose the Agen cy who will be providing the services. Are they credentialed and licensed with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH)? When was the last time a survey, audit or on-site exam been completed at the facility? Do they have the necessary insurance requirements and bonding? What are the licenses and credentials of the management team, the governing body and their board of eld supervi sors? Are there any unfavorable out comes such as ‘letters of de ciency, practice violations or any other com plaints or grievances submitted to the CDPH or other regulatory body?

What are the credentials and licenses of the caregivers or the skilled nursing staff? Are their medical exams, testing and vaccinations (including Tuberculo sis, Hepatitis, COVID, etc.) current. Have

they been subjected to a thorough background check including Federal & State Health Care Sanctions, the Na tional & State Sex Offender Registry, the Adult Abuse Registry or the Nurse Aide Registry. Have their previous employers and patients, if known, been contacted by the Compliance Dept. and approved for hire? Do they have good credit histo ry reducing the temptations of theft and fraud? Do they have any DUIs or reckless driving violations, etc. which would indi cate irresponsibility, etc.? Do they have a history of workers comp claims, etc. It is prudent to be diligent when screening and selecting your caregivers.

What about Training? Are their med ical professional licenses or certi ca tions current? Do they have CPR and Advanced CPR current certi cation? If only caregivers, are they Certi ed as a Home Care Aide (CHCA) by the CDPH? If not, are they currently un dergoing eld training, passed com pliance checks, been ngerprinted and completed the education neces sary for licensing? If licensed, have they met their annual 12-hour manda tory in-house training?

What supervisory oversight and control measures are in effect? Is the Field Su pervisor, properly quali ed by reason of training, education and experience, able to provide an initial health evalu ation of the patient and a risk assess

ment of the patient’s environment as well as provide adequate supervision over the employee(s) so assigned? Transition Care holds our home-care employees to the same high standards as our home-health employees when it comes to quality patient care and acting in an ethical and professional manner. Regarding live-in caregivers or personal attendants, TCT’s Field Su pervisors (RN) bring the employee(s) to meet the patient and their family mem bers so they can interact and feel com fortable with the new individual(s) to be assigned.

Pamela Mangen is the CEO of Transition Care Telemetry, Inc. (dba TCT Health), a Home Care and Home Health agency and a Hospice agency. Prior to the formation of TCT, she held executive and clinical management positions with a few large hospitals here in Orange County and has also conducted various health re search projects. If you want more infor mation or to set up an initial interview, please call 888.757.2018 and speak with Brian Flammer at ext. 509 or Maylia Tsen at ext. 510.

Join Us in Changing the Future of Our Community – One Student at a Time!

By Robyne Wood, Director and Founder of ROBYNE’S NEST

As a young teen, I grew up in an extremely toxic and dysfunctional home with little to no parental or family support. To escape that unhealthy environment, I left home when I was and fnished high school on my own by working full-time and attending night classes.

After graduation, I attended the local community college while working full-time in op erational positions. My education, combined with working in the real world, changed my life and gave me a chance to grow into the adult I wanted to become: a successful busi nesswoman, wife and mother who is happily involved in her community.

Years ago as a parent of school-aged children, I became involved in PTSA where it became clear there was an issue with homeless high school stu dents living within our Huntington Beach community in unsupportive and unhealthy environments. This stirred my empathy for our local atrisk teens and ignited my passion for helping them.

Robyne’s Nest was created, out of love and empathy, to help and guide

these at-risk and homeless high school students (who are alcohol and drug-free) in that critical window of time between youth and adulthood. We created a program that I would have loved to have had when I was a teen. Our Standard (Student Care) Program Support Services include housing, mental health therapy, life skills education, career mentor ing and personal coaching with our trained volunteers. We provide cloth ing and food assistance, educational support, transportation and legal support. Combined with our one-onone wrap around services, we try to give our students all that is neces sary to help them become indepen dent, self suffcient, and aware young adults. We drive students to doctor’s appointments, help them apply for Medi-Cal, teach them how to drive, help them apply for birth certifcates

"My expertise comes from personal experience. Every step is a success. Each day new habits overtake old habits is a success.” - Robyne Wood

and Social Security Cards, advocate for them at school, help them fll out FAFSA forms for colleges, help them shop for prom dresses and suits, teach them how to do their taxes, nurse them back to health when they’ve suffered some kind of medi cal situation…and the list goes on.

igh school graduation is our frst goal because it gives our students a better chance to break those cycles of homelessness, abuse, addiction and more. A high school diploma is fundamental to long-term life oppor tunities, stability and self suffciency.

We are proud to say that during the 2021-2022 school year, we provided (21,989) meals to the Robyne’s Nest students and “food insecure” high school students in HBUHSD, (873) hours of mental health therapy and (2,136) nights of safe housing to the students enrolled in our program.

Since 2015, the inception of our pro gram, 159 Robyne’s Nest Students have graduated from high school.

Through individualized attention to each student, we have purposefully kept our focus on local high schools to ensure that we can give each stu dent the quality care they deserve. We meet our students at school gen erally during lunch or after school, so as not to interrupt their classes. We seek to understand and treat the un derlying issues that drive low self-es teem, lack of emotional intelligence, moodiness and other mental health factors that lead to homelessness and dropping out of school.

At Robyne’s Nest, we are very much in the business of helping our students create a new foundation to build the life they want to have.

Director and Founder Robyne Wood

When he visits HAMMER & NAILS | Men’s Grooming Shop in the Ocean Ranch Village in Laguna Niguel, his most diffcult decision centers around which premium beverage to enjoy and what cable program to watch on his own personal big-screen TV while receiving his services. Providing a fullrange of experiences from Premium Haircuts, Beard Grooming and OldSchool Straight-Razor shaves to their cornerstone experiences for Hand & Foot Grooming (Men’s MANicures & Pedicures), as well as services such as Facials and Facial Waxing (eyebrows, ears & nose), making it his premier one stop destination for confdence

to always look and feel his absolute best.

“We’ve built a ‘Man Cave’ and it has everything you’d expect,” says the owner, Beverly Shepherd. Adding, “Our guests can relax without all the astringent smells you typically fnd at normal nail salons. Instead detecting the subtle scents of cedar, leather, and steel. We have an incredibly cool custom ‘57-Chevy lighted door panel that welcomes guests before being warmly greeted by one of our Client Concierge’s.”

When you frst arrive, your eyes are immediately drawn to the larger-

than-life graphic of sparks exploding from the Hammer and is impacts the steel beneath it. As you are still tak ing in the rugged, weathered corru gated steel wall behind the reception counter, you are greeted with a warm friendly smile, offered your choice of a premium complimentary beverage including choices such as Ketel One® Vodka, Macallan®, Crown Royal®, selection of craft beers, wine, or soft drinks.

everly frst came to merica from the Philippines in 2009. Shortly after she met her husband, Michael while she was working at the Nordstrom cosmetics counter in Fashion Island.

Beverly & Michael married in 2017 in a romantic beach ceremony at the El Nido Resort in the Philippines. Mike sold his previous company, an elec tronics & materials test lab, in 2015 and they wanted to start a new busi ness together. After seeing the epi sode on SHARK TANK® featuring the original founder of Hammer & ails, they decided to open the frst HAMMER & NAILS Franchise in Or ange County in Laguna Niguel and

just celebrated their 4th anniversary for the shop.

Bev & Mike have assembled a team of the top talent in Orange County providing 5-Star services to local resi dents as well as many from out of the area and those vacationing at one of the many local luxury resorts in the area. “With couples getting mar ried at these amazing resorts, many will schedule groomsman parties to be sure they are all looking sharp and “on point” for their special day,” Beverly stated. While our incredible Barbers/Stylist can keep anyone look ing their best and have proven timeand time again their confdence and skill for clients seeking a new look and even a total transformational haircut style. Beverly also added, “it is not uncommon for gentlemen to visit our shop each month and spend several hours, starting with a Premium Hair cut and Shave or Facial then relaxing in our Hand & Foot Grooming Man Cave for one of our Signature Mani cure/Pedicures combos like the Big Daddy Aromatherapy.

“It was a good experience for me. I was there after a tough day and felt welcomed. I have received several compliments on the haircut and will be back for more soon. Thank you.”

- T. Alvarez

“Another great experience at Ham mer & Nails. I don’t live in the area

PREMIUM TREATMENTS

These Premium MANicure/Pedicure Combo are the Signature Services of HAMMER & Nails found nowhere else and are the service that places us a level above any other nail salon for Men. All our Premium Pedicure services include callus resurfac ing, infused signature scrub, hand & foot massage, nail care (clip, fle, and buff , fnishing with warm paraffn on your hands feet, and our steamed towel wrap.

• The Jack Hammer Experience - ich, li uid gold from fngers to toes.

• The Hops & Cedar Experience - Beer-lover’s bliss.

• The Big Daddy ExperienceRefresh & relax with our most popular Hand & Foot experi ence.

• The Milk & Honey Experience Saturate your skin in luxury.

• Sports Pedicure - Sore muscle relief for our most active guests.

• Essential Tea Tree PedicureFor feet needing extra TLC.

but often visit friends in Dana Point and Laguna Niguel who turned me on to Hammer & Nails so I always try to stop in for a haircut or manicure/ pedicure. I think this was my 4th visit. The stylists and nail techs are skilled and friendly, and you can enjoy a complimentary adult beverage dur ing your appointment errifc - E. Rodgers

“The place was “hopping”, but I never felt overlooked or unattended

to. When my turn came around, I certainly felt the personal touch your business has always provided me. ound a ne addiction too my frst facial experience has left me yearn ing for more.” - D. Brask

“You guys are doing great. I called Friday afternoon in search for a mani curist for an urgent need of a pedi cure due to a painful ingrown toe nail. My manicurist was unavailable. I was hesitant to drive from Irvine to Laguna Niguel but your reception ist talked me into. She was right. 20 minutes. Not bad. I was seated right away and offered a beverage. Jack o e in a crystal s ort ice e manicurist, I wish I knew her name, was amazing. She talked me through the service and help relieve my pain. The Jack & Coke helped. She did an a esome o - F. Mejia

“I’m a repeat customer and always treated well, have a good experi ence.” - T. Gallagher

“Service is always prompt, excellent and friendly. BEST IN CLASS” - G. Powell

“You took really good care of my el derly father who has many foot and toenail issues. The staff was all very kind.” - R. Misiow

HAMMER & NAILS is active in the community a Members of the Cham ber of Commerce for both Laguna Niguel and Dana Point. They also actively sponsor and contribute to many of the local schools and com

munity events. Bev & Mike and their entire staff take a great deal of pride in providing exceptional services to the community and have enjoyed getting to know their clients and oth er local business owners

Beverly Shepherd

LAGUNA

Kristy

Look especially for change of any kind. Do not ignore a suspicious spot simply because it does not hurt. Skin cancers may be painless, but dangerous all the same. f you notice one or more of the warning signs, see a board certifed dermatologist right away, preferably one who specializes in diseases of the skin.

WHAT PATIENTS NEED TO KNOW

1. Everyone needs to perform a self-skin exam once a month.

2. Melanoma can appear any where on the skin, including the palms/soles, under your nails, and places...for most, have never seen the light of day (genitalia). For this rea son, it is important to look ev erywhere. Lock the bathroom door, get out a hand mirror, and check, it could save your life.

ACTINIC KERATOSIS

An actinic keratosis (AK) is a crusty, scaly growth caused by damage from expo sure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. An AK is considered a precancer because if left alone, it could develop into a skin cancer. AKs are the product of a lifetime accumulation of UV damage and typi cally appear on areas most commonly exposed sun, such as the backs of the hands, forearms, face, neck, and scalp.

BASAL CELL CARCINOMA

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most frequently occurring form of all cancers, with more than 4 million cases of diagnosed in the U.S. each year. BCCs may look like open sores, red patches, pink growths, shiny bumps, or scars. Any skin lesion that doesn’t heal, or bleeds with even gentle trauma, such as drying with a towel, is concerning for a BCC.

3. What to look for: ABCDEs, and an ugly duckling

A - Asymmetry: If I draw a line down the middle, do the sides match?

B - Border: Is there a nice crisp border, or does the mole melt into the sur rounding skin?

C - Color: Moles should be one color, one shade of brown. Is there a variety of shades or additional colors, such as black, red, white, or blue?

D - Diameter: Any mole larg er than 6mm, ie the head of a pencil eraser, has a higher risk of becoming melanoma.

E - Evolution: Has it changed?

SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells arising in the epidermis, the skin’s out ermost layer. SCCs often look like scaly red patches, crusty bumps, warts, or elevated growths with a central depres sion. SCCs may appear suddenly and some forms are tender to touch. They can become disfguring and sometimes deadly if allowed to grow. More than 1 million cases of SCC are diagnosed each year in the U.S., which translates to about 115 cases diagnosed every hour. Incidence has increased by 200 percent in the past three decades in the U.S., and more than 15,000 Americans die each year from this type of skin cancer.

MELANOMA

Melanoma is a very dangerous form of skin cancer. Melanoma is caused mainly by intense, occasional UV exposure (frequently leading to sunburn), especially in those who are genetically predisposed to the disease. An estimated 178,560 cases of melanoma are diagnosed in the U.S. each year and is fatal for an estimated 9,320 of these patients. Fortunately, if melanoma is recognized and treated early, it is almost always curable.

F - The Ugly Duckling Sign: Most people have a “sig nature mole,” their own personal mole appearance and architecture. Is there a mole that seems different from all the others?

4. Everyone needs a full body skin exam by a board-cer tifed dermatologist once a year, more frequently if you have a family history of skin cancer, a personal history of skin cancer, or live in an area with substantial sunshine.

With over With over

there’s ...

atLEGOLAND®

After a nearly three-year hiatus from visiting one of our kids’ favorite nearby theme parks, our family planned a fun- lled Sunday at Legoland. We arrived right when the park opened at 10 am to take full advantage of a park hopper pass which allowed access into the main park, separate water park AND Sea Life Aquarium.

With over 60 rides, shows and attractions, there’s no shortage of fun to be had and especially so during the winter season when characters are out in force to spread the holiday spirit. For me, the heart of the 128-acre amusement is Miniland USA, which showcases miniature dioramas impressively crafted from colorful Lego bricks. The elaborate exhibits depict instantly recognizable national landmarks and sites. Hollywood’s Chinese Theatre resides alongside the iconic casinos of the Las Vegas Strip while the White House and Capitol building are juxtaposed against the New York skyline and Central Park.

The So Stadium is an architectural marvel that took a team of 25 dedicated Master Model Builders more than 6,000 hours and more than 500,000 bricks to build. Standing at more than 30 feet long, 15 feet wide and over 4-feet tall, it’s currently considered the largest LEGO stadium in the world.

While Legoland offers an array of ride options for the younger set, there are still plenty of thrills for older kids - ours clamored aboard the Coastersaurus several times - a rollercoaster that traverses a prehistoric jungle of Legoland dinosaurs and Dune Raiders - where they raced each other side-by-side down a six-lane slide.

BENEFITS OF FENCING

Fencing is a NCAA sport. Our fencers are constantly recruited by the Ivy League schools and the top colleges in the country. Fencers are at least 10 x more likely to play in college than all mainstream sports Fencing develops confidence, quick thinking and decision making while being physically challenging Cool factor. On a scale of cool, fencing tops most sports

The Power of Laughter and How Reading Lets the Joy of Laughter Ring Loud

By Jeanne Huybrechts, Chief Academic Of cer, Stratford School

I

s there any sound more wonderful that a child’s laugh? Often when we think about children, we have a vi sion of fun, play, and laughter.

Psychologists have reported that the laugh of an infant activates reward centers in a parent’s brain, reinforc ing continued playful interactions that produce more laughter. Laughter re ally IS contagious! Research has also shown that laughter reduces levels of stress hormones and even improves blood fow to the heart. I personally never tire of hearing children laugh and laughing along with them. I once heard a baby-laugh ringtone that made me laugh out loud and briefy contemplated installing it on my mo bile phone!

We all need a laugh right now, so we have compiled our favorite LOL list of books. There are read-aloud books for preschoolers and a variety of sto ries for readers at all levels – begin ning readers to preteens. Some are goofy-silly, others witty and clever, some include gorgeous illustrations, a couple offer relatable life-lessons learned through misadventures or embarrassing moments -- and ALL will make the reader laugh out loud. If you give any one of these books as a gift, and you’re not reading it your self, be sure to ask your young reader to share the funny parts. Then pre pare to giggle.

PRESCHOOL

This Moose Belongs To Me

Written and Illustrated by Oliver Jeffers

How can a book that is so beautiful also be so funny? This book has so many quirky moments you will abso lutely have to read it twice. We start out with Wilfred, a very organized young boy complete with suspend ers and a bow tie, and his pet moose Marcel, who isn’t always good at fol lowing the many constraining rules of being a pet. Through the book, they take a journey to stunningly painted mountain landscapes in which they meet other “owners” of the moose. Wilfred needs to learn not to stife his new pet’s outgoing personality in order to maintain his part owner ship. A great lesson in boundaries, expectations and the value of be ing open-minded and willingness to adapt in order to solve a problem.

KINDERGARTEN

Gilda the Giant Sheep,

Written by Emiio Urberuaga, and Translated by Ben Dawlatly Opening with a drawing of a housesized sheep named Gilda and a bunch of scheming shepherds, this gripping fable of Gilda’s escape from her farm is hilarious as well as poignant. The shepherds wake up one day too lazy to shear Gilda, deciding instead to “chop Gilda up and sell the meat at market.” Gilda’s extra large ears hear the evil shepherds, prompting her to

leave and look for a new home. On her way she squeezes through a city, where selfe-sticks and cars frighten her off, prompting a King Kong-style skyscraper climb, “She looked like a huge wooly cloud.” Next, she is re jected by a circus for not being able to swing on a trapeze. Gilda does fnd her way, and her misft status makes her fnal triumph more satisfying; there’s a home for everyone, Urberu aga argues--one just needs to fnd it.

GRADES ONE AND TWO

The Leaf Thief

Written by Alice Hemming and Illustrated by Nicola Slater

A fast paced, hilarious, and possibly even sneaky way of teaching kids about the changes of the season. Adorably hyper squirrel is upset be cause his leaves are going missing. Searching all over the forest, accus ing his fellow animals of thievery, Squirrel is followed by his best friend Bird. Bird keeps trying to explain why the leaves aren’t staying around. Cute drawings and a very frustrat ed squirrel keep the laughs coming. Everything is fnally making sense, and then, “Bird! Someone has stolen the grass!!!” Sigh, it is called snow. A valuable and concise two-page explanation at the end of the book will help young readers understand seasons. This book is also good for talking to young ones about how to accept change, and how transitions can be scary and frustrating.

GRADES THREE TO FIVE

The Bad Guys (series)

Written and Illustrated by Aaron Blabey

This relatively new format called a hybrid graphic novel, which combines text with lots of drawings, is fabulous for reluctant readers. The “Bad Guys” are all pretty scary: The Big Bad Wolf, Mr. Snake, Mr. Piranha, and Mr. Shark. The wolf gathers them all together for the frst meeting of “The Good Guys Club” in an attempt to change their rep utations by doing good deeds. As the motley crew break a bunch of dogs (wearing prison uniforms) out of the ani mal shelter, all the dogs run away, terrifed of their “scary” rescuers. I challenge anyone to read this series and keep a straight face.

“

A smile starts on the lips, a grin spreads to the eyes, a chuckle comes from the belly; and a good laugh bursts forth from the soul, overflows, and bubbles all around.

– Carolyn Birmingham, author

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Addison Cooke and the Tomb of Khan, (series)

Written by Jonathan W. Stokes

This book is one part Indiana Jones, one part Treasure Is land and two parts laugh out loud silly. A goofy teenager and his motley crew travel around the world to seek the secret tomb of Genghis Khan, causing and then solving problems, and teaching the readers history at the same time. Addison is a funny kid, seemingly able to talk his way out of any situation. His sister Molly trusts him and is willing to use her skills learned from eight weeks of mar tial arts training. Raj is a daredevil and constantly jumps in when others are in danger. Eddie manages to whine and fnd the worst in any situation. While Addison and his cohorts always get involved in huge messes, they escape using their vast knowledge of history and archeology, demonstrating that it is OK for kids to be both goofy and studious all at once.

Most of us have heard the phrase, “Laughter is good med icine!” When we laugh, physical changes take place that affect our internal organs. As we draw in oxygen-rich air our lungs, heart, and muscles are stimulated. Research shows that when we laugh, endorphins are released in the brain to produce a feel-good emotion. Laughter has been shown to boost our immune system and improve our cognition/un derstanding of a situation. Humor and laughter are import ant social skills and can assist children as a stress reliever when challenges present themselves. Laughter is a happy sound; easily understood in every language. It is one early childhood developmental skill that you can easily reinforce and enjoy while you are laughing out loud together!

Learn more about how Stratford School promotes learning and reading opportunities for children. Visit stratfordschools. com and schedule a personalized tour today.

DECEMBER 11

PROGJECT

The Ultimate Prog Rock Experience: Performing the classics and epics of Genesis, Yes, King Crimson, ELP, Pink Floyd, Rush and more...

DECEMBER 17 + 18

WALTER TROUT

Walter Trout is the beating heart of the modern blues rock scene. Re spected by the old guard. Revered by the young guns. Adored by the fans who shake his hand after the show each night. fter fve decades in the game, rout is a talismanic fgure and the glue that bonds the blues community together, at a time when the wider world has never been so divided.

DECEMBER 22

DAVID BENOIT CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS

For three decades, the GRAMMY®nominated pianist/composer/ arrang er David Benoit has reigned supreme as one the founding fathers of con temporary a . orn in a ersfeld, California, he grew up in Los Angeles and was bitten by the jazz bug after watching a Charlie Brown special on television and listening to the music of Vince Guaraldi in 1965.

DECEMBER 31 + JANUARY 1

THE ENGLISH BEAT

Dave Wakeling is a hell of a nice guy! Dave loves to tell you the stories be hind his songs, either from stage or af ter the show. Ask any one of the thousands of fans who have met him over the years and that’s what you’ll hear. Never mind that Dave is the singer/songwriter from two of the most popular bands of the end of the millennium, The English

Day Tripping in Style DesertatHills Premium Outlets

By Jody Robinson

Full disclosure: I’m a mom of teen agers and as such, am continually on the hunt for bonding opportunities that a) don’t involve electronics and b) do entail entertainment and activ ities that are enjoyable for both age brackets. So I was thrilled when my suggestion of a day trip to the Desert Hills Premium Outlets was literally met with squeals of excitement from my 14-year-old daughter.

Home to the largest collection of luxu ry outlets in the Golden State, and just twenty minutes west of Palm Springs, the center features a list of 180 de

signer stores that reads like a “who’s who” of the fashion industry - includ ing Burberry, Gucci, Dolce & Gab bana, Fendi, Jimmy Choo, Coach, Balenciaga, Alo Yoga, Polo Ralph Lau ren, Prada, Saint Laurent, Versace, the only Christian Louboutin outlet in the U.S. and more. These reside along side several of my daughter’s favorite retail staples (Forever 21, Claire’s and American Eagle Out tters) and an chors Neiman Marcus Last Call and Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH.

The newest stores to open here in recent months include Alo Yoga (the trendy and practical activewear line that easily transitions from studio to street), Buck Mason (in spired by the laid back California ethos of easy living, quality and sim plicity), IRO (a beautiful French line of ready-towear pieces) and just in time for winter adven tures everywhere - the West Coast’s rst Moose Knuckles outlet loca tion (the Canadian luxu ry outerwear collection showcases warm parkas

and down coats that can withstand sub-zero temperatures in style).

Surrounded by majestic mountains with temperatures hovering in the mid-70s, our mother/daughter day was de ned by leisurely strolling in and out of stores, sipping Boba tea and thoroughly enjoying the pictur esque outdoor shopping oasis. With savings up to 65 percent off regular retail prices, we happily crossed sev eral names off our holiday lists. Moth er/daughter bonding + retail therapy + productivity? That sounds like an equation for a fun- lled endeavor that bears repeating in the not-toodistant future.

VIEW restaurant at the Vea Hotel in Newport Beach

By Jody Robinson

Sweeping ocean and verdant golf course views aren’t the only thing you can come to expect from VIEW - the gorgeously appoint ed restaurant at Vea Newport Beach’s oating lanai. The chef-driven menu showcases innovative California coastal cuisine with a cosmopolitan perspective, VIEW capitalizes on its locale’s “chic social sanctuary where revelry and relaxation mingle.”

Other de ning characteristics include an extensive, eclectic and exempla ry wine list of domestic and interna tional varietals, unique craft cocktails (think pumpkin spice martinis), sea sonal margaritas and signature start ers like crispy con t chicken wings (enhanced with Marshall’s farm hon ey, mint and togarashi) and a deli

cately delish tuna crudo with summer vegetables and crispy nori.

Salads arrive as meals unto them selves - seafood a cionados will love the Dungeness crab salad while fans of kale will love the View’s version with candied pecans, Fuji apples, maple vinaigrette and feta.

Entrees range from a avorful roast chicken on farro and enhanced cit rus, sauteed kale and natural demi glaze and pan roasted halibut ac companied by curried cauli ower, carrots and pistachio to the Austra lian Wagyu sirloin with bone mar row butter, charred greens and truf e fries and the Klingemann Family Farm bone-in pork chop paired with polenta, mustard seeds and crispy pork rinds.

The spicy crab sushi roll is super a vorful with jalapeno yuzu, asparagus and spicy furikake while the Sunset

“View” Roll improves upon the tradi tional California roll with fresh salm on, Hiramasa yellowtail, trout roe and green curry aioli.

Relish in all-day dining, live music and a charismatic indoor/outdoor scene where light bites are paired with ta bleside martinis, savor signature sushi rolls or indulge in a decadent multicourse meal ... no matter what time of day you choose to linger ... you’re all but guaranteed a meal in idyll. VIEW

Festival Ballet Theatre Presents The Nutcracker

INTERNATIONAL BALLET STARS DANCE IN BELOVED HOLIDAY TRADITION TO ENCHANT AUDIENCES OF ALL AGES

Festival Ballet Theatre presents the return of its critically acclaimed pro duction of The Nutcracker to the Ir vine Barclay Theatre, one of Orange County’s premiere entertainment ven ues. The production has been delight ing audiences in Orange County for more than 30 years. The Nutcracker, set to Tchaikovsky’s renowned score, opens December 10 with 13 matinee and evening performances through December 24. This year Festival Ballet Theatre welcomes back international ballet stars as guest artists, and fam ilies can once again enjoy the preshow Nutcracker Tea Party.

“The Nutcracker is a time-honored treasure for so many people during the holiday season. We are honored to be part of their traditions and wel come new audience members every year,” said Artistic Director, Salwa Rizkalla. “There is something for ev eryone in this stunning production, which captures the joyful holiday spirit and showcases our Company through iconic music, sets, costumes and choreography.”

The beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier are a highlight of Clara’s adventure. These roles will be per formed by international ballet stars, Festival Ballet Theatre’s spectacular guest artists. The Sugar Plum Fairy will be danced by Maria Kochetkova (former San Francisco Ballet), Lauren Lovette (former New York City Ballet) and Jeraldine Mendoza (Joffrey Bal let). The handsome Cavalier will be danced by Constantine Allen (Dutch National Ballet), Dylan Gutierrez (Joffrey Ballet) and Connor Walsh (Houston Ballet).

Festival Ballet Theatre’s breathtak ing production of The Nutcracker makes this age-old holiday tradition sparkle like new. Audiences will be swept away as Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, dancing toys, mischievous mice, sparkling snow akes, waltzing owers and a cast of hundreds take them on a magical journey to mysti cal lands.

The full-length traditional production is choreographed and directed by Festival Ballet Theatre’s Artistic Di rector, Salwa Rizkalla. In addition to the world-renowned guest artists, it features professional Festival Ballet Theatre Company dancers and ex ceptional young talent from across the Southland.

IRVINE BARCLAY THEATRE 4242 Campus Drive Irvine FestivalBallet.org (714) 309-1280

Mission Viejo Wigs:

Where Customers are “Family”

by Jody robinson

Mission Viejo Wigs is truly a family business. Not in the traditional sense, where its owners and operators share the same genes. But rather in such a way that every person who has walked through Owner Betty Darroch’s doors in the 30+ years she has been in operation immediately felt like a member of Darroch’s extended family.

As a professional hair and wig stylist since 1962, Betty began her career at CBS where her résumé reads like a celebrity screenplay starring the coifs of a veritable “who’s who” of Hollywood: Ann Margaret, Carol Lawrence, the Midnight Specials and the Sonny & Cher Show. She went on to work for the Hallelujah Hollywood Show at the MGM Hotel in Las Vegas. But it wasn’t until she opened her own business in Mission Viejo that she felt as though she were “truly doing God’s work.”

Her clients today include people who are experiencing hair loss due to chemotherapy treatment, alopecia or other medical conditions. Betty specializes in wigs, hairpieces and toupees for women, men and children and carries only the highest quality brands. Each wig or hairpiece is custom fit to the client for the most natural look and feel – no one will know you’re wearing a wig unless you tell them.

“Hair loss, whether it is the result of illness, the aging process or heredity, can be a traumatic and emotionally draining experience,” says Betty. “We work with people on a daily basis who are facing the issue of hair loss for the first time. Our goal is to help you find the solution that works best for you and do so in a caring way that makes you realize that you are not alone.”

There are wonderful testimonials from longtime customers on her web site (missionviejowigs. com), but for me, the best testament to Betty’s genuine, caring nature came from a source closer to home.

When my mother was diagnosed with lung cancer six years ago, there were so many aspects of what she was facing - including the side e ects associated wit chemotherapy treatment – that were out of our control. But my mother’s appearance was something she felt she could dictate. We knew she would lose her hair, but she was determined not to “look like a sick person.”

From the moment my mother met Betty, she knew she had found the right place and more importantly, the right person to help her. Betty shared so many stories of survival – of longtime customers and friends who fought a similar battle and won. Her warm embrace and inspired hope and help steel her resolve to maintain a positive, fighting attitude when she was diagnosed with lung cancer.

The wig Betty selected was the perfect color and style for my mother’s face (and head) shape. The wig was so natural looking that my mother

received many compliments on her “new do” and no one was the wiser.

It’s been over nine years since my mother completed treatment and is now leading a cancer-free life. Although her own hair has long since grown back, she still o en prefers to wear Betty’s wigs on “bad hair days.”

Thank you Betty!

BY JODY ROBINSON

There are a few places on my winter vacation shortlist: San Diego for a surf and sand staycation, Big Apple for the holidays, Big Sur to see McWay Falls at its peak, and South Lake Tahoe for literally everything else. Boating, shopping, gaming, nightlife, hiking, biking. Dining out or cooking dinner with the family, staying slopeside or near the waterfront: there are endless combinations of fun to be had. Taking a break but staying close to the amenities that make you comfortable at home can be a tough lift, but on the shores of the lake waterfront homes often come with a dock for easy access to get you to whichever activity you’d like.

Split by the massive, magni cent alpine lake in the middle, both the north and south shores of Lake Tahoe are easy to navigate and offer an abundance of outdoor (and

indoor) attractions and activities year round.

Our family is rather partial to the south shore - many of our best vacation memories were made here over the years. It doesn’t matter which season you visit: whether a winter wonderland or a water enthusiast’s dream during the summer. When snow caps the Sierra Nevadas, there’s snowshoeing, cross-country and downhill skiing and snowboarding, while warmer weather is perfect for hiking, biking, kayaking or simply soaking in the picturesque environs from the shoreline. Pristine waters, deep gorges, craggy mountains and tall

green trees de ne the spectacularly scenic landscape.

A unique way to experience the lake is to embark on a family-friendly daytime scenic cruise aboard the Tahoe Queen for a tour of Emerald Bay – an absolutely must for amazing photo opportunities. Take in some of the most incredible views in the world, enjoy lunch, hot cocoa and a good dose of South Lake Tahoe history with the Captain’s live narration.

For a more comfortable, cozy and convenient option to staying in a traditional hotel room, The Tahoe Keys Resort and Lake

Tahoe Reservation Bureau (www. laketahoe.com or 800.698.2463) offers an extensive selection of luxury homes, condos and rustic cabins to suit your speci c needs –whether you’re a couple looking for a romantic retreat, a family with kids or a large group of friends.

For those of us who are working from the con nes of our kitchen table or a cramped home of ce looking for a break, Tahoe Keys Resort features abundant 30+ dayextended stay properties. Perfect for a work-vacation combination trip, or a multi-generational vacation, the opportunities for excitement and relaxation are unlimited.

Traveling with our teens, we have been booking accommodation through Tahoe Keys Resort since they were littles. The process couldn’t be easier and with so many options, we’re ensured plenty of space to stretch out, everyone has their own room to retreat to, we save time and money by being

able to cook our meals and dine in rather than eat out three times a day and are within minutes of area attractions, casinos and, of course, the lake. We could easily bike to the nearby beaches, hike Camp Richardson and still be a mere stone’s throw from all the action at stateline.

Unlike vacations where we schedule a series of speci c activities designed to keep everyone occupied and entertained away from the hotel room, this trip was all about taking full advantage in what the condo we rented had to offer – the kids were in and out all day long, playing frisbee, tossing a ball and enjoying a “picnic” lunch on the property’s expansive lawn between bike rides to explore the environs.

Lunches and dinners were either easy outdoor affairs – steaks, burgers, hot dogs and grilled corn cooked on the barbecue or on the last evening, a multi-course meal prepared in the chef’s gourmet

kitchen – and for the adults, “happy hour” on the upstairs deck was a nightly highlight sipping a glass of ne wine while watching the sun slip over the horizon – a perfect end to each fun- lled day in one of the prettiest places on the planet.

Tahoe

Keys Resort features spacious condos, rustic cabins or luxury homes for short and extended stay.

Adventure Awaits in the Ozarks

By Jody Robinson

A few years back my teenage daugh ter came home from school using the phrase “beyond.” I gathered after it was expressed a few times that it meant “extra,” or “really great.” And then I felt very old. After enough time passes though, those juvenile phrases you think you’re unlikely to ever utter become part of your everyday vocab ulary. I’m sure I used the phrase incor rectly more often than not, but she and I did come to an agreement that the town we vacationed in recently ft the idiom perfectly. Branson, Missouri.

Mind you, it sports attractions you might expect to see: zoo, aquarium, family fun parks. But each feature was just the slightest bit extra - 1880’s

themed park, or a massive four-story upside-down house at Wonder Works which you can spend hours exploring. A Titanic museum with a real iceberg. Excellent dining, gorgeous and ex pansive Ozarks views, live shows, win eries, bars, buffets and distilleries. All I can say is it’s beyond worth a trip to see for yourself.

WHERE TO STAY

The Hilton Promenade in Branson Landing (hilton.com) proved to the perfect, picturesque home base for our adventure in the Ozarks - ideally situated in the city’s historic down town district. Within easy driving dis tance to the theaters and attractions on the strip, the four-diamond prop erty (and its sister hotel, the Hilton Branson Convention Center, across

the street) is located right in the heart of the shopping and dining destina tion at the edge of Lake Taneycomo.

Our accommodation was superb - an amenity-rich king condo that provid ed plenty of space for our family of four to spread out. We loved having a kitchen equipped with all the neces sities to enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the beautiful balcony overlooking the promenade (bonus! a birds-eye view of the spectacular fountain shows on daily display).

or fne dining, you d be hard pressed to top Level 2 Steakhouse. Located in the Hilton Branson Convention Cen ter, this award-winning establishment serves up delicious dishes for every palate and an extensive wine list. A meat-and-potatoes man, my husband thoroughly enjoyed his cooked-to-per fection petite flet mignon enhanced with roasted garlic chive butter paired with an iceberg wedge and a fully load ed baked potato.

Other popular entrees include the lin guini and clams, pan roasted Atlantic salmon and the Show Me Wagyu Cat tle Company Burger with bacon onion marmalade and sharp cheddar cheese.

WHERE TO PLAY PRESLEYS’ COUNTRY JUBILEE

My husband, Tim, has been telling me about ranson and specifcally about Presleys’ Country Jubilee (presleys. com) for years. He had seen the per formance before we were married and it clearly left an impression because he insisted we see the show when we booked our trip to the Ozarks - and having returned, I have to say is a night with the Presleys’ is guaranteed to be a historically good time.

For the last 55 years, the family has been providing legendary perfor mances as the original country mu sic theater in Branson. First in the caves that dot the Missouri Hils, then above ground on a lonely stretch of two-lane asphalt out of town in the Ozarks. What grew up around them along Hwy. 76 decades later, no one could have foretold. And now, among the glittering mecca of country music stars still play the Presleys’. With their unique blend of downhome family

atmosphere, this oneof-a-kind mix of country, gospel, bluegrass and hilarious comedy show is a smash hit, and the crowds still come by the thousands to see. The artists are a lineage all to themselves, and the dream just keeps roll ing, night after night to the tune of ffteen hun dred tapping feet. Un derground no more, and dedicated to making memories just as special as the day they began.

TITANIC MUSEUM

It’s about 51 degrees outside here at home as I write this and I am inside, underneath a blanket, wearing a sweatshirt and leggings: reminiscing about the experience I had reaching my hand into 28-degree water, stand ing on the sloping deck of the histori cal juggernaut - RMS Titanic. Don’t get me wrong, only a handful of folks have ever visited the actual wreckage of the world’s most legendary shipwreck. But at the living history museum in Bran son, you can climb the Grand Stair case and peer into the parlors, cabins, and hallways that housed its ill-fated passengers on that icy journey across the Atlantic in 1912.

Each guest entering the ship receives a boarding pass of an actual Titanic pas senger or crew member, and journeys to see private artifacts on display - a collection valued at over $4.5 million. Like the award-winning audio tour on Alcatraz Island, this self-guided tour leads you to discover your fate in the Titanic Memorial Room, descending the famed and sweeping steps of the Grand Staircase, and perhaps feeling the spirit presence of your passenger or crew mate as you experience the splendor and tragedy for yourself.

BEYOND THE LENS/FLYRIDE

Its curved screen reaches up into the dark above you and boasts a full range digital audio system, but leaning into the experience is the only way to en joy the 4k laser projectors which give you an immersive image of America’s favorite landmarks at Branson’s Flyr ide (beyondthelens.com). More than fve years in the making, and craft ed and produced by the Academy Award-nominated I A flmmakers, the experience includes full motion seats that soar, dip, and dive. Accom panied by delicious scents, refreshing wind, misty breezes off of the giant

Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing

Level 2 Steakhouse

Titanic

Niagara Falls, and other amazing ef fects, you don’t want to miss out. If the big screen isn’t what excites you, look no further than the Beyond the Lens experience for endless Insta-wor thy photo ops, escape rooms, virtual reality games, classic arcade favorites like Skeeball and even a pop-culture timeline that stretches from the 1960’s to the present.

ANTHEMS OF ROCK, KING’S CASTLE THEATRE

ow that my teens have offcially out grown what we call “kid music,” my husband and I were thrilled to dis

number one tribute show an iconic must-hear (and see!).

AQUARIUM AT THE BOARDWALK

You tend to see a lot of aquariums when you have kiddos. Some activi ties tend to lose their color, but others stay fresh no matter how many times they’ve been on repeat. I think the Aquarium at the Boardwalk holds a particularly special place in my heart because of the moon jelly infnity room. There is something so incredi bly otherworldly about jellyfsh - and putting their amazing biolumines cent bodies on display in an endless space with changing colors that

you can control? Beyond, as the kids say these days. I’d be content just hanging out in the infnity room all day watching the jellyfsh swim, but don’t miss out on the coral reef, wa ters tunnel straight into the heart of the aquarium (and a sunken ancient city!), or mermaid palace. Hit the kelp forest for the kids, and fnish your day with some hands on experience at the touch pools.

SNOWFLEX AT WOLFE MOUNTAIN

Technology continues to advance in the most fascinating ways each and every day. Most people are talking about AI right now - in certain met ropolitan areas, you can get food de livered via robot. But one of the most incredible innovations in recent years are substitutions for grass and even snow. Like most other activities, Bran son s nowfe turned the fun up to ten on this technological wonder, and cre ated a snow park out of the high per formance polymer composite. Large enough that eight tubes can run the 400-foot slope simultaneously, Snow fe was designed to give “ma imum thrills to people of all ages,” and is fun for the entire family, toddler on up. All you need are closed toed shoes and casual athletic attire to enjoy this low maintenance activity. Somehow, it’s even softer than the real thing, just in case you take a tumble. No grooming required either: which begs the ques tion, what will they think up next?

cover that they both have a taste for the classics: The Eagles, The Who, Queen, Elton John. So it was a partic ular treat to experience the high-ener gy Anthems of Rock at King’s Castle Theatre. A state-of-the-art sound and lighting system makes the country’s

Presleys’ Country Jubilee

Aquarium at the Boardwalk

Snowflex at Wolfe Mountain

Kansas MissouriCity,

Where to Eat, Stay and Play in the "City of Fountains"

By Jody Robinson

A friend of mine joked with me recently that Kansas City is the loudest city in the midwest. He assured me that it was strictly due to the volume of sports fans: Royals baseball and Chiefs football, Sporting KC soccer, NASCAR at the Speedway. Someone is always cheering.

Ican’t say we’re the biggest sport ing family, but I’ll wager Kansas City can compete with the best when it comes to family-friendly activities during the fall. The free KC Streetcar, located within walking distance of all the major hotels downtown, gets

you to Union Station’s Science City, dubbed a “play-and-learn paradise.” Also home to the Planetarium and the Extreme Screen Theater, there’s more entertainment that you might be able to squeeze into one afternoon.

ACCOMMODATIONS OF DISTINCTION

Kansas City is known as the Cross roads of the US, and there’s one prop erty located at its heart that channels the unique history of the city while celebrating its contemporary culture. The award-winning 131-room Cross roads Hotel (www.crossroadshotel. com) - with its trio of bustling bars and restaurants - is where people from all over the world and around the corner come together.

Like the energy, creativity and passion of the city it calls home, this vibrant property is all about community and connection. At every turn, local art ists, designers and purveyors share their talent in its public and private spaces.

Accommodations here are styl ish with a Midwestern point of view - spacious and welcoming spaces characterized by hints of the structure’s historic roots (think hardwood, exposed brick, original industrial details). En compassing two buildings origi nally built by Pabst Blue Ribbon and used as a bottling and distri bution center, Crossroads Hotel’s design pays homage to the city’s

20th Century heritage as “The Paris of the Plains” - a reputation earned by defying Prohibition.

Lazia, the hotel's signature dinneronly establishment showcases a fresh take on nostalgic Italian cuisine. Start with the fragrant warm housemade focaccia with your choice of small bites as accompaniment. These range from a creamy whipped ricotta )enhanced with local honey and pis tachio butter) and baked littleneck clams to a roasted eggplant pecorino puree or "burger's smokehouse attic aged ham."

The kids loved the from the hearth, napoletana style pizza topped with mozzarella di bufala, basil and san marzano tomato. Popular housemade pasta dishes include the cocoa cappelletti flled with roasted butter nut squash with lemon brown butter, pumpkin seeds and amaretti cookie

crumble. Among the main courses meant to share is the bistecca alla fo rentina - a grilled to perfection Mor gan anch bone in orentine stea accompanied by Tuscan fries and black garlic bone marrow butter.

Barbecue, blues, destination dining, the arts and culture are a given, but lest we forget the Kansas City's apt moniker - there are literally fountains to be found everywhere - with over 200 in the greater metro area. Some are big and boastful in their beauty, while others are more understated but equally impressive.

If you’re looking for thrills, check out the rollercoasters at Worlds of Fun and Towers of Fun - or just skip straight to the Zoo - either way, you’re guaranteed to whoop and holler with excitement all the way through your visit. Maybe KC is really the loudest city for a reason.

Luxurious accommodations and delicious Italian fare at Lazia in the Crossroads Hotel

Moose Knuckles

The Onyx Ladriere Bomber updates the iconic shape of the Debbie Bomber with horizontal ba les of lo y 90/10 goose down fill, meeting our highest insulation rating. The mid-weight polyester shell protects against wind and precipitation while remaining nearly soundless. The removable hood features a striking Blue Fox fur ru Desert Hills Premium Outlets. PremiumOutlets.com

HOLIDAY

Monaco Jewelers

Serving the community for over 30 years in the same location, Monaco Jewelers o ers an extensive selection of the latest styles and designs in 14K/18K white gold. Super competitive pricing. Superb quality. Lifetime warranty. Special 12 Month, 0% Interest Financing. 33955 Doheny Park Road San Juan Capistrano JewelsbyMonaco.com 949.489.3510

Doheny Bike

SoCal's most popular folding e-bikes available in an array of colors and styles with special pricing just in time for the season! DohenyBike.com 34163 Paci c Coast Hwy, Ste. 100 Dana Point (949) 427-3305

Experience and Expertise you can trust. Dr. Fleming is a board-certified Dermatologist by the American Board of Dermatology, Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, Fellow of the American Society for Mohs Surgery, and a member of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. Cosmetic services include Botox, Fillers, Laser and Professional Skin Care. 23141 Moulton Pkwy, Suite #110, Laguna Hills (949) 916-5956 emingderm.com

The Somm's Stash

Started in the heart of California, The Somm’s Stash was created to make great wine for everyone. The experienced wine connoisseur will find our wines to be balanced, complex, memorable and a true expression of the regions they come from. The newer wine enthusiasts will find our wines to be approachable, delicious, exciting, and as I always like to say… uncomplicated.

sommstash.com

Pageant of the Masters2023 Tickets on Sale Now!

Just in time for holiday gi -giving, tickets for the much-anticipated 2023 Pageant of the Masters performance of “Art Colony: In the Company of Artists." Celebrating 90-years of Laguna Beach’s world-famous theatrical celebration of art through the magic of tableaux vivants (living pictures), next summer’s Pageant production will acknowledge the deep connections and memorable stories of artists assisting one another throughout history. With performances nightly from July 7 to September 1, 2023, “Art Colony: In the Company of Artists” will highlight significant artist communities from around the world through the use of living pictures, original music, live narration, and breathtaking theatrical illusions. Tickets are available starting at $35 USD.

PageantTickets.com or (800) 487-3378

Venture Compression Sock

The Royal Robbins Venture Compression sock adds light compression to its premium, ecofriendly Hemp blend. Light compression comforts travel-fatigued feet and calves and supports the body's natural recovery processes.

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Royal Robbins Men's Traveler Convertible Jacket II

Versatility, adaptability, storage, weather resistance –this is our ultimate convertible jacket. Articulated zip-o sleeves let you go from jacket to vest. C0-DWR treatment repels water. The clean look goes anywhere.

RoyalRobbins.com

Royal Robbins Men's Sonoran Desert Shirt

Desert Pucker performance, incredibly so comfort, a superclean look – the Sonoran is a shirt for wide-open days. The button front’s hidden placket gives it a modern look that moves easily from workplace to long weekend, and the ultra-so , eco-conscious textured fabric is cool and breathable. This is a go-to shirt that looks great and feels amazing.

RoyalRobbins.com

THE SOMM'S STASH

Purposefully designed to make great wine uncomplicated

By Jody Robinson

One could venture to say with Micah Sampson, what you see is pretty much what you get - passion, excitement, intel ligence. But each of those things is about as complex as the best glass of wine - and as a sommelier Micah will tell you there’s so much more to wine than just fermented grape juice.

“There’s history, geology, geography, chemistry, cultural studies," says the San Juan Capistrano resident. "Books and movies have been centered on it. Wars, empires, and country lines have been fought over it.”

So how is it that one of the most uncomplicat ed pleasures in the world is also one of the most complex and variegated? Micah would like to help answer that question - with his own brand of vari etals - Somm’s Stash.

A good sommelier is a helper, a guide to fnding the best wine for your food and experience. He says "basically, my job is to drink a lot of wine and know everything about it,” which reminds me of one of my favorite quotes from an author when she realized she could major in writing - ‘it was like fnding out could ma or in eating chocolate.’

“ t’s a bum mer,” Micah laughs. “But the idea of hav ing a wine brand run by a sommelier was to give people a chance to try and learn about varietals they may not have tried before.”

Uncomplicating the wine game has worked well for the Somm’s Stash since 2020, and unwrapping the mys tery of why wine is enjoyable is a task Micah foresees sticking with for a long, long time. Probably longer than the shelf life of that Chardonnay or Petite Sirah sitting in your wine fridge right now.

The best part is, you can go about it any way you want to by booking a private tasting with Micah, and see ing what really goes into the wine you love so much. Bouquet, tannins, aroma, body, fnish. ormal, informal

- a guided pairing or a casual dinner party with friends where he'll chat with anyone who has questions.

n a wild turn of events, what seems so uncomplicated stems from an extremely complex background of learning and teaching: the educa tion and wine appreciation behind the distinguished certifcation. What ever your reasons for coming to the Somm’s Stash for insight, leave with a personalized understanding of the real world behind wine. After all, what you see is truly what you getyou just have to understand what’s behind that frst glimpse.

Micah is happy to connect personally His cell is (562) 241-1699 or Micah@SampsonFamilyWines.com SommStash.com