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Dear Marmalade Reader,

Welcome to the March issue of Marmalade Magazine! I would say “Happy Spring!” but seeing as we never really had a winter this year, I think instead I’ll offer up an evergreen “Happy March!” and celebrate the warm weather with a cover story on the expansion of Australian Swim School in Orange County (p12).

I hate to say that, beyond event listings in the calendar section (p42), you won’t ﬁnd a single piece of content in the following pages covering St. Patrick’s Day. But seeing as you’ll surely see it well covered in your child’s homework folder, your local cupcake shop and I daresay other publications, we’ll simply put a green border around this photo and call it good.

I’m far more interested in sharing with you content covering other topics, not the least of which is several perspectives on the state of special needs in Orange County (p16–24). As much as I like what we are including here, my feeling is that we’ve just scratched the surface.

March also marks our ﬁrst annual special resource section, offering an overview of summer camps (page 26) taking place all around the county as we all try to ﬁgure out how to keep out kids out of trouble this summer. (Some camps even involve horses, modeled for your enjoyment at right by publisher Jody’s son TJ). And last but not least of my call-outs: I’m excited to bring you an extended edition of our Standout Student section – one of my favorites (p32). If you know a Standout Student, email me. These young people keep me in awe.

Thank you for reading Marmalade. As always, we welcome your feedback.

Sincerely,

BETSY SANZ, editor betsy@marmaladeoc.com

Marmalade

MARCH 2014

Editor in Chief

Betsy Sanz

Art Director

David Perez

Contributing Writers

Donald Hunsberger, Esq

Roy Dittmann, OMD, MH, DM

Janeen Christoff

Michelle Koeppl

Editorial Intern

Katherine Clements

Design Intern

Janelle Watzke

Contributing Photographers

Lana Farlan

Melissa Chandler

Sales & Marketing

Susan Vega

Kim Roberson

Marlo Andersen

Anthony Arcurio

Eric Bergstrom, Bergstrom Media

Distribution Managers

Rolando Ruiz

David Starr

Publisher

Jody Robinson Community Publications, LLC

Marmalade Magazine serves the Orange County community. We welcome feedback from our readers. For questions or comments, please email us at info@marmaladeoc.com.

Direct from Broadway “The

Mark Ferber, Drums

Larry Koonse, Guitar

Chuck Manning, Sax

Darek Oles, Bass

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES (714) 469-3495 info@marmaladeoc.com

is described as one of “the youngest stars of the guitar world” by The New York Times. Yolanda is one of the premier solo and most-recorded classical harpists.

+ Dad’s View: Jim Gilmore Helps Special Needs Families Plan for the Future // p18 + Don Hunsberger on Thinking About Siblings of Special Needs Children // p20 + Nutrition Drill-down: Nourishing Special Needs Children // p40

Bold Girlz // p14 + Getting it Together: Cutting the Closet Clutter // p36

March Day-by-Day // p42

BOUNCING

BOUNCING OFF THE WALLS

Big Air Trampoline Park Celebrates One Year

BY JANEEN CHRISTOFF

Are your kids full of energy and you dread spending the day trying to rein them in? Big Air Trampoline Park in Laguna Hills will literally let your kids bounce off the walls. Big Air is a family entertainment complex and trampoline park that opened in February of last year.

Whether you are looking for an extremely fun experience for the whole family, a party location or even a great workout, Big Air offers everything from hourly jump times to a variety of group party packages and morning workout classes.

“We have worked very hard to bring Orange County families and teens an exciting and premier entertainment venue,” said Greg Briggs, president of Big Air, the owners of

which were formerly connected to Wild Rivers Waterpark – which means they understand the need for exciting attractions that are safe. Safety is a priority at Big Air; referees are stationed throughout all jumping areas to make sure jumpers big and small have the time of their lives and leave happy.

The Big Air facility is nearly 30,000 square feet with approximately 15,000 square feet of jumping surface. It includes a large main court, two dodgeball courts, a foam pit, slam-dunk basketball and more. The arena also features party rooms suited for birthday and team parties, and a parents’ lounge with free Wi-Fi.

Of course all guests are required to ﬁll out a release waiver, but Big Air makes it easy – all releases can be done online prior to arrival.

Looking to the future, Briggs is committed to providing a positive experience for children and adults. “We are thrilled with the community support we have received, and we look forward to building on that for the future,” he says. “We want to utilize our space to its fullest and provide the best experience possible in a family-friendly atmosphere for all ages.”

Check out Big Air Trampoline Park’s daily schedules and special deals at bigairoc.com, call for details at (949) 3059788, or simply show up at 23251 Avenida de la Carlota in Laguna Hills for some pure fun... on the walls or off of them. M

Saturday, April 5: University of California, Irvine

Saturday, April 26: NTC Park at Liberty Station, San Diego

Sunday, April 27: LEGOLAND ® California Resort, Carlsbad

swim like the

Learning to swim early in life is safer and smarter.

BY JANEEN CHRISTOFF

I’m going to be honest: It is my dream to see my daughters swim in the Olympics. When running through the list of activities that they would do as children, swimming was at the top of my list – way above dance class, soccer practice and piano lessons. So, when we found Australian Swim School’s Baby Swim Program, we were hooked. However, swimming lessons, particularly for small children, aren’t just for Olympic hopefuls (or parents of them). Learning to swim is a choice that is both smart and safe.

“Water is all around us,” says Diane Bainbridge, CEO of Australian Swim School. “Pools, spas, rivers, lakes and the ocean can be aquatic playgrounds, or they can turn into a dangerous liability in a heartbeat. Learning to swim is essential for everyone.” Beyond the obvious safety reasons, Bainbridge points out that learning to swim provides other beneﬁts as well.

“Swimming promotes health and wellness for all age groups, from infants to senior citizens,” she says. “Water links us to our mental, social and physical selves.”

Research is on her side. According to a recent study from the Grifﬁth Institute for Educational Research in Australia, children who learned to swim at an early age were ahead of their peers in developmental milestones, such as oral expression, literacy, math and more. Considering swimming’s mental and physical beneﬁts, it’s no wonder parents are increasingly interested in enrolling their children in swimming lessons early.

So what makes Australian Swim School so successful? An internal instructor training program that emphasizes swim techniques as well as child development principles, and carefully crafted class routines, have been ﬁne-tuned over three decades. But their world-renowned Baby Swim Program is what really put Australian Swim School on the map. It arguably pioneered the baby pool-safe movement

People were amazed at the high level of technique and swimming competency these 5 to 8 year-olds were capable of

that swept the nation beginning in the 1970s. In the Baby Swim Program babies and toddlers were taught to roll over and ﬂoat on their backs in the event that they fell into a backyard pool or spa.

As the pool-safe children progressed in capabilities, however, so did Australian Swim School. In the 1980s, these babies grew and developed into excellent competitive swimmers, competing in the Orange County Swim Conference swim meets. People were amazed at the high level of technique and swimming competency these 5- to 8-year-olds were capable of – and Australian Swim School became a

destination for families interested in competitive swimming.

Today, Australian Swim School is a charter member of the United States Swim School Association, the country’s governing body of swim schools. Diane and her team hosted the very ﬁrst conference in 1987 and played an integral part in creating the infant-toddler swim guidelines that are used across the country today.

My daughters have now graduated out of Australian Swim School’s Baby Swim Program, and I can attest to the program’s merits personally. My 4-yearold swims like a ﬁsh. She is one of the youngest kids at the school’s Manatee level, a class in which kids perfect all four strokes: the backstroke, breast stroke, butterﬂy and freestyle.

For Orange County parents who are interested in training budding Olympians – or who are just looking for swim instruction for their own children

– Australian Swim School is now even more accessible. Last November the school opened a brand-new location in Santa Ana.

“After 37 years of operating swim schools within health clubs and other aquatic venues, we have ﬁnally opened the doors to our ﬁrst purpose-built swim school, designed especially for our swimming families,” says Bainbridge.

Located at 1404 Village Way in Santa Ana, the new facility joins Australian Swim School locations in Anaheim, Fountain Valley and Tarzana. The Santa Ana location brings everything together in a single comprehensive indoor complex. Centered around a 20-meter pool, the location features a party room available for rent as well as changing and shower areas with stalls and changing tables for small children. The new facility is also home to a 70-foot mural, depicting a colorful undersea spectacle that adorns the wall above the pool.

Thankfully, my children love the water. Whether that is a genetic thing or because I put them in swimming lessons before they could walk – the jury is still out. What I do know, however, is that they are safe both in and out of the water and that makes everything more fun. M

The Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that drowning is a leading cause of death to children under age ﬁve. With that in mind, here are some water safety tips to remember:

• Never take your eyes off your child in the pool, spa or tub.

• Floatable devices, including ﬂoaties, are not water safety devices.

• Remember: Door alarms, pet doors and fences can be maneuvered by little ones.

• If you have a pool or spa, consider a secure pool cover.

• Elect a “Water Watcher” complete with a lanyard and whistle especially in pool party settings. Adults can takes turns as the watcher.

• Have a phone near the pool or spa area.

• Learn CPR.

• If a child goes missing check the pool or spa ﬁrst.

• Beware of leaving your children with a babysitter or family member who has a pool or spa. Talk to your friends and relatives about water safety.

• Learn to Swim. Enroll your children in a reputable swim school year-round for continued skill attainment. Most schools offer lessons from as young as six months. Remember: Taking swimming lessons is a journey – enjoy their progress and think long-term safety and ﬁtness.

Opposite: The new Australian Swim School in Santa Ana features a state-of-the-art 20-meter pool, changing and shower areas with stalls and changing tables for small children, a colorful 70-foot mural and a party room available for rent. Above: Australian Swim School’s Baby Swim Program took off in the 1970s as babies were taught to roll over and ﬂoat on their backs in the event that they fell into a backyard pool or spa. Babies learn pool safety as early as six months old.

Bold Girlz: Brave, original, loving, daring… AND ALL DRESSED UP

BY JODY ROBINSON

Girls just wanna have fun. There’s no denying that fun usually involves shoes and makeup and a lot of clothes, but there’s also no denying that girls grow into women who can be some of the most powerful forces for positive change in the world. Two years ago local professional Cheryl Beck decided to create a place where girls could be girly to the T and community-minded to the max. The result was Bold Girlz, a boutique and party place that fosters self esteem, with a mission to empower girls through fashion and inspire them to give back.

The Bold Girlz retail stores in Costa Mesa and Mission Viejo not only sell trendy apparel and accessories, but feature a stage, fashion runway and beautiful, private party rooms to create the perfect environment to be B.O.L.D. –brave, original, loving and daring. Cheryl and her team at Bold Girlz specialize in celebrating tween girls’ birthdays, ages 6 – 12, including Fashion, Spa and Rockstar Parties. Along with parties, Bold Girlz also offers after-school community service projects working with Girl Scouts and other girls’ organizations such as Girl’s Inc. It’s a formula that resonates with moms, because Bold Girlz is growing.

Since opening its doors in Costa Mesa in 2012, an additional store has been opened in Mission Viejo, plans for new locations are in the works, and mobile parties are now available wherein the fashionista fun comes to clients’ homes.

“Bold Girlz is a passion for me,” says Cheryl, who feels like she is living her dream. “I want to empower young women to pursue their dreams, whether in music, sports or academics. We celebrate the ‘BOLD’ in all of us, where anything is possible.” Find out more at boldgirlz.com or call by calling (949) 764-0098 (Costa Mesa) or (949) 348-1300 (Mission Viejo). M

special needs IN ORANGE COUNTY

An evolving response to autism spectrum disorder

BY MICHELLE KOEPPL

In 2002, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention identiﬁed 1 in 150 children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). By 2008, that number had risen to 1 in 88. The most recent estimates are 1 in 50. Orange County is in step with the trend. In 2000, Orange County was tracking with the state at about 1 in 400 children diagnosed with ASD; by 2010, it was about 1 in 60. That means that, today, one child in every average school bus has been diagnosed on the autism spectrum.

It’s a reality that touches each of our lives, not just because by this point we all seem to know a family facing autism, but also because this is a growing segment of our community. Our futures are intertwined.

For parents whose children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, the numbers call forth a huge range of emotion: from confusion over what the diagnosis means, to concern about what their next steps should be, to fear about how the world will perceive their child, all accompanied by unanswerable questions about what the future will hold. As a spectrum disorder, autism can affect children in a multitude of ways and to various degrees. Some have social or behavioral difﬁculties, some struggle to communicate – mildly or severely. Along with developmental struggles, there are a slew of physical and medical issues that can accompany an autism diagnosis.

There is little known about the cause (or causes) of ASD, and with urgency swelling as the numbers skyrocket, researchers, physicians and nutritionists are all scrambling to provide viable and effective treatment options. But no matter which way you cut it, parents are the ones taking the brunt of this truly societal change. They’re the ones asking “How did this happen?”, “What can be done?” and “What will the future hold for my child?”

Glen Warren, a middle school teacher at McPherson Magnet School in Orange and one of four educators

chosen to represent Orange County in 2013 as the state candidate for Teacher of the Year in California, is one of those parents. He and his wife are parents to three autistic children. “We were on it very early, seeing certain milestones that they weren’t able to hit,” says Mr. Warren. For the Warrens, like many parents, there was no shortage of confusion about the diagnosis.

“My wife initially was deeply concerned, understandably, but I was just wondering what it meant,” says Mr. Warren. “I didn’t understand what the whole thing was. They started explaining to me all these things that my child would not be able to do, so I just said, you know, I’m not interested in your list of what they can’t do. What is it they can do?”

On forums all over the internet there are parents reaching out to each other with similar questions – and for help, encouragement and answers. What can our children do? How early are we addressing the core of the disorder?

While much is known now about how children with autism may function on a daily basis, a good majority of the data that is being collected depends on how early it is recognized. The earlier that doctors are able to see the disorder, the faster parents can build an individual program to serve their child. A lot of research is pointing to the malleability of the brain in the earliest years, when therapies and interventions can make an enormous positive difference that last a lifetime. Even so, depending on where the child hits on the spectrum, a good part of the “known” information is conveyed to parents in brutal bullet points.

Autism can be associated with intellectual disability, difﬁculties in motor coordination, repetitive behaviors, frustration. ASD people often focus on an item or task single-mindedly, they tend to be very literal. They can be uncomfortably honest. Lack of empathy. Lack of social

skills. And this was exactly what Mr. Warren and his wife found. When one doctor began telling the Warrens all the typical qualities of people with ASD, it occurred to them that it was a pretty familiar story. “It started to sink in,” says Mr. Warren. “He’d just described most of my family and half the people in Princeton, New Jersey where I grew up. You know, you’ve got the professors who walk across the street with their glasses cockeyed and their buttons not lined up appropriately, and these are the smartest, most brilliant people in the country, who barely have any social skills, and Lord knows, we love them for it.”

With the media calling attention to the “alarming” number of children on the spectrum, parents understandably turn to the medical community, and to their children’s schools for help. But what assistance is out there, and what are we actually trying to help these children with? That is the question that seems to be rising in prominence. Because each child is unique, each case is therefore unique; medicine doesn’t always offer broadly effective answers for conditions that have very individualized expressions, as is the case with ASD.

Vera Bernard-Opitz, Ph.D., has worked with autistic children for years, working directly with parents, supervising their teams through tele-consultation, focusing on autism-speciﬁc behavior therapy and the development of social communication in the community. In 1992, while living in Singapore, she founded Autism News Singapore, a publication that was a collaborative effort to share applied research, innovative ideas, and family stories with parents and professionals. Since moving to Orange County, she has published 19 editions of Autism News Orange County (ANOC), focusing on topics ranging from early assessment and intervention, to treatment methods, behavior challenges and recent technology.

“Parents will always be the ‘specialists’ of their child,” Ms. Bernard-Opitz says, “but effective autism intervention should be a team approach. Parents should seek help from experienced professionals, meet other parents, and most importantly, ‘recharge their batteries’, and have time for life outside of autism.”

Often, parents’ number one concern lies in that exactly: life outside of autism. Mr. Warren reﬂects the number one topic on online discussion boards when he says that his greatest fear for his children lies “in the rest of the world – the lens by which others see.” In order to transform that lens, Mr. Warren, Dr. Bernard-Opitz and so many others are focusing not on the “problem” that is autism in our community, but attempting to reach out to discover solutions and opportunities to foster advantages for children on the spectrum.

Fourteen years ago, the Warrens decided that they wanted their child to have a friend. “Of all the indicators of success, having a friend is one of the biggest,” he says. “Not academics. In life, you’re lucky to have one or two

Boys are 5 times more likely to be diagnosed with austism spectrum disorder than girls. In a nationwide study in 2008 the CDC found that 1 in 54 boys and one in 252 girls are autistic.

really good friends – not the 100 or so Facebook friends, but really good lifelong friends. That was our goal for our kids.” So Mr. and Mrs. Warren founded Friendship Builders, a community-based, twenty-ﬁrst century relationship-building program designed for special needs kids. Each Friendship Builders “program” lasts one year, with weekly events, outings or meet-ups scheduled that get kids interacting with their peer group in real world situations rather than a classroom or therapy clinic. With the goal of providing opportunities for successful and fulﬁlling peer relationships, Friendship Builders teaches special needs kids contextualized social skills according to their age group (from elementary to high school). Lessons apply to a multitude of scenarios, from the playground to parties to eating out, to online interactions and even family relationship dynamics. As far as Mr. Warren knows, it’s the only program of its kind.

Educators are also evolving their approach to teaching and supporting ASD children. As more and more parents turn to their school districts for assistance, the districts are turning to the Orange County Department of Education.

(continued on page 22)

Dad’s View:

JIM GILMORE

A special perspective on planning for the future of a special needs child

BY BETSY SANZ

Jim Gilmore is a ﬁnancial adviser who knows what it is to worry about the future of a child with special needs. His son Quinn was in and out of neonatal intensive care for the ﬁrst three months of his life. With Quinn in many different therapies, Jim and his wife Suzanne were introduced to families facing all kinds of special needs scenarios. Less than two years later the Gilmores had their daughter Leah with no complications, but her lack of communication and her fairly rowdy behavior soon had them seeking help. At three years old Leah was diagnosed with autism. Already aware of special needs, the Gilmores got Leah started in therapy early. She has managed to work through her condition and is doing well as a fourth grader. Quinn is a healthy sixth grader, with no serious lasting setbacks from of his perilous early months.

Jim’s experiences with his children changed his outlook on his work. He joined his childhood friend Rich Dutrisac, also a financial adviser and also a father of a special needs child (his adopted son has severe autism) at Integrated Capital Management. ICM is an independent financial advisory firm that serves all types of families and individuals, but Jim and Rich’s experience with special needs issues have made them a unique resource for special needs families.

some special planning along with legal work to provide for the day in which they’re no longer around to provide care. They want to set things up correctly to ensure quality of life for their child.

M: That sounds like a sensitive and potentially paralyzing prospect. What do you do to help these families?

JG: We host workshops through support groups and school districts to help make families aware of what they need to be thinking about, but probably the best thing we do is offer an understanding ear and knowledgeable advice. Rich and I both understand the pressures and struggles these parents are facing, but we also understand the processes they’ll need to go through. While special needs planning is not the only part of our business, it is the most satisfying and fulﬁlling part of the business.

M: When it comes to planning for the future, what are the top two pieces of advice you have for parents of special needs children?

JG: First, start early; start now. With any kind of plan, especially ﬁnancial, time is your best ally. Second, start with us rather than an attorney; yes, an attorney will create a trust, but you want to work with professionals who know special needs planning, because there many pitfalls to avoid. And since we don’t charge for our time, families can meet with us to get recommendations and advice before an attorney gets involved. That saves time, money and

We sat down with Jim to ﬁnd out about the types of challenges families with special needs children face, and what they should be thinking about, when it comes to making a plan for their child’s future.

Marmalade: What makes planning for the future of a special needs child different than others?

Jim Gilmore: Unlike typical kids whose parents raise them then push them out of the nest, many special needs kids can’t really live independent lives, so parents have to do

If there was one thing you could let special needs families know about planning for the future, what is it?

JG: You know, nearly every family faces the fear that they won’t have enough for the future, but for special needs families in particular, there’s so much that we feel like we can never get ahead of. You work on solutions and you work and work and work, then the child changes. You feel like you can never check something off the list; you feel like you are always chasing. The planning can strengthen the family relationships, because you can cross it off your list. It’s something you can actually do to provide for someone. When it’s done, you can say wow, we’ve really done it. It feels like success, and special needs families need all the feelings of success they can get.

Jim Gilmore, CFP® is a Financial Advisor with Integrated Capital Management in Irvine and may be reached at (949) 681-8421 or jim.gilmore@natplan.com. M

Special

SIBLINGS

When entrusting the care of a special needs child to a brother or sister, the future of each should be considered

BY DONALD HUNSBERGER, ESQ.

I looked at the lovely young woman in my conference room across the table from my firm’s fiduciary. She was a second generation patroness of our office: her father had died six years prior to the meeting, and her mother had passed three years after the dad. I listened as my assistant asked a third question of the thirty-something blonde concerning the administration of the special needs trust her parents had left for their son, the young woman’s brother.

“Are there any problems you are having as trustee?” she asked the client. The trustee turned to look directly at me without answering the question.

“I remember you really pushed my parents not to name me as trustee,” she gave me a half-hearted smile, “but Mom was positive that I was the best person for the job.” She shook her head. “Mom was wrong.”

She then asked if we had seen a movie with Laura Linney as a sister of a man who was mentally ill, conﬁned to an institution with only the sister as a contact with the outside world.

“Every time the brother hiccupped, he had to call his sister. She had no life. Every other whacky person in the movie, even the ones who made the audience laugh out loud from their goofiness, they all ended up with lives that included other people. But not Laura Linney. She finished the film alone. That is a summary of my life as my brother’s keeper.”

Most advisors will direct parents of special needs children to seek out the help of accountants, attorneys and ﬁnancial advisors who can help the parents prepare a protected legacy for the troubled child. Each of these professionals, along with a professional ﬁduciary, is essential for patterning an appropriate future for a special needs child. Unfortunately, parents do not often prepare the siblings of the special need child for the potential emotional stresses of dealing with a brother or sister who may be dependent on that sibling for the rest of his or her life.

Several of the counselors we have seen with clients who have family members with special needs have used their professional skills to teach the siblings how to manage their relationships with their affected loved ones. They advise clients to set boundaries for their lives as family members of a special needs person, to protect their own expectations if they are going to be able to have any kind of life.

Our young client is a strong person; but her pale color, gaunt lines, and exhausted expressions told of a lifetime of stress that had been compressed into the few short years following her mother’s death – a time of sacriﬁcing her own hopes of happiness for the beneﬁt of her disabled brother. She had one last sad comment.

“In the last scene Laura Linney had in the movie, she was saying to the guy she had had crush on for three years that maybe it was not a good time for them to be trying to start their relationship,” she told us. “They parted, and I just kept asking myself, ‘When will it be a good time?’”

Responsible parents consult with experts to prepare their special needs children for the time when their parents are no longer in their lives. It is important that they remember that this is only the ﬁrst step: they also need to prepare their other children for the potential stress they will experience in their lives with the siblings whose needs may only continue to increase as they go longer into life.

Hunsberger Law is a full-service estate and business planning legal ﬁrm serving families all over Orange County. Connect with Don Hunsberger by calling (714) 663-8000 or visiting hunsbergerlaw.com.

(continued from page 17)

OCDE’s stated goal is to assist all students to be as independent and successful as possible within the larger community. But what about the schools themselves? What can parents do when schools don’t have the resources to foster the opportunities that parents are looking for?

Analee Kredel, Program Specialist for the Orange County Department of Education’s Special Education Department, says that they are the most proud of their SUCCESS program. Twenty years ago, the districts within Orange County pooled their combined resources to get training. Today, the district functions as the coordinator for training in and out of the classroom to be able to reach out to every side of Orange County and do a better job for students.

Looking for independence through “data driven individual programs, with ongoing collaboration between parents, support staff, and support agencies,” Ms. Kredel says that, above all, the Special Education Department serves those students that the schools in Orange County might not have the resources to help. Ms. Kredel and her team are actively reaching outside Orange County to ﬁnd help for educators. “We provide resources, but we also run programs. SUCCESS allowed us to bring in experts from all over the country.”

Those experts offer a huge service to the training professionals, psychologists, and especially the general education teachers in Orange County by giving insight into new procedures and interventions that can be immensely helpful. And the programs have helped immensely – from teachers who see their students progressing through general education standards, to

What is that uniqueness they have? Yes, they need our help, but we need to keep an open ear to how they can help us. ” “

allowing students more time to discover the ease in learning when looked through the lens of a more focused passion. (And focused passion is one thing ASD patients tend to possess in abundance.) Mr. Warren’s children, now 16, 13, and 9 are doing exactly that – riding their passions to excel in school and in life; they’ve even made the honor roll.

“We’re drilling into the realities faced by a population that we’ve always had – it’s just getting bigger,” says Mr. Warren. As this population grows, how will our community meet it? Many parents are rightly looking closely at

Fashion Parties Rockstar Parties

Spa Parties Pink Carpet Photo Shoots

Girl Scout Projects

Fashion FUNdraisers Fashion Camps

addressing external inﬂuencing factors like nutrition and environmental factors (both in-home and out) that can support the health of their children and themselves; they’re getting help from therapists and professionals; they’re learning how to teach and support their children themselves, and they’re pressuring leaders to do more and better. And they are challenging themselves to think differently about who their children are and what they have to offer – just like good parents do.

“I understand that it’s a struggle, and I understand that it’s hard,” says Mr. Warren, “but we have to ask ourselves, is this only a problem that kids have? Does it stop there? Or is it also a gift to our society? You know, many of these kids can focus in ways you and I never could. They can change the world. We should always be asking ourselves: What is that uniqueness they have? Yes, they need our help, but we need to keep an open ear to how they can help us.” M

Doing Good

As the special needs community in Orange County has grown, so have support services, both public and private. Here are a handful of organizations offering help and hope to children and families.

Speech and Language Development Center, Buena Park

Out of a small house in 1955 two speech therapists, Aleen Agranowitz and Gladys Gleason, began working with three children who had speech, language, learning and behavior problems. Because many children needed what Aleen and Gladys offered, the clinic – at that time called Lakewood Speech Clinic – grew rapidly. Eventually, Aleen, Gladys and their growing staff were serving children who had multiple challenges, and Lakewood Speech Clinic became the Speech and Language Development Center. Today this nonproﬁt organization serves 340 students with a variety of challenges, offering speech and language therapy, occupational and physical therapies, adapted physical education, counseling, vocational services and more. Children range in age from 3 months to 21 years and are taught in a setting of warmth and friendliness. The early goal of helping three languagehandicapped children reach their potential has expanded to many hundreds – without losing the importance of one individual. Connect with SLDC by visiting sldc.net or calling (714) 821-3620.

OC Therapeutic Arts Center, Santa Ana

The Orange Children’s Therapeutic ARTS Center (OCCTAC) was founded by Dr. Ana Jimenez-Hami in the year of 2000 in honor of her parents. Dr. Jimenez-Hami’s love for children with special needs and her parents’ humanitarian work gave her the inspiration to start this unique community organization that focuses on the arts as a vehicle to empower at-risk youth and children with special needs in Orange County.

Since opening its doors the OC Therapeutic Arts Center has helped transform the lives through the arts. Drawing classes help children and youth reinforce their motor

skills; music classes teach children about rhythm, rhyming, and phonological awareness; dance classes help youth develop coordination, motor control and an awareness of space in a disciplined environment. All of these classes help special needs youth gain pride and self-conﬁdence through expression! For schedules and more information on classes that OCCTAC provides for all families and youth, take a tour of their center or visit OCCTAC.org.

The Glennwood Foundation

The Glennwood Foundation, Inc., is a local non-proﬁt that was founded in 2003 to fund and support “The Lighthouse Group,” a faith-based social group that serves adults with special needs. Our participants have various developmental and physical disabilities, and are aged 18-45, with a goal of providing a safe, fun place for adults with disabilities to connect with friends and be themselves Glennwood Housing Foundation, Inc. spun off of the original Glennwood Foundation, Inc., after founder Randy Larson realized that housing was the next critical step. After years of searching and ﬁghting for the right location, the Glennwood Housing Foundation opened the Glennwood House of Laguna Beach in July/August 2013, which now houses 50 adults with special needs. The residents experience the independence they deserve in a safe, inclusive community. Connect with the Lighthouse Group online at thelighthousegroup.org.

Stephanie Diaz, who has been attending OCCTAC for the last 14 years, plays the ﬂute with Founder Dr. Ana Jimenez-Hami looking on.

CAMPS!

photography

Summer is just around the corner.

HOW ARE YOU GONG TO KEEP YOUR CHILDREN AND TEENS ACTIVE AND INSPIRED? HERE ARE 67 SUMMER CAMPS TO GET YOUR WHEELS TURNING.

A Little Dynasty Chinese School

Grades 1-12

• 6829 Quail Hill Parkway, Irvine / 9844 Research Drive, Irvine

• 949-509-0288 • alittledynasty.com

• A Little Dynasty offers Chinese language immersion programs with a unique curriculum and a collaborative environment.

Acting

Academy for Kids

Ages 4-13 • Camino Real Playhouse, San Juan Capistrano / Cabrillo Playhouse, San Clemente • 714-747-4915 • actingacademyforkids.com • Your child can create lasting summer memories, become more conﬁdent, and grow their repertoire of skills at the same time. Campers are guided through the production of a popular musical theme from start to ﬁnish via daily classes (music, acting, and dance) and the culminating event—a Friday showcase on the main stage! Participate for one week, the entire summer, or anywhere in between! No experience necessary!

Art Steps

Ages 4-18 • 18212 Imperial Highway, Yorba Linda 714-524-224 / 24000 Alicia

Pkwy # 31, Mission Viejo 949-454-9555

• artstepsclasses.com • At Art Steps, students work step by step on a wide variety of subject matter such as animals, landscape, still-life, ﬁgure drawing and more.

Arts & Learning Conservatory

Ages 9-16 • A&L Studios, 1518 Brookhollow Drive, Suite 15, Santa Ana • 714-728-7100 • artsandlearning.org • Kids can join Shrek and Fiona as they take a journey through Far Far Away, and act and dance with an abridged version of Shrek, training and preparing for a staged production with full costume on the ﬁnal day of camp.

Astrocamp

Ages 8-17 • Idyllwild • 800-645-1423 • californiasummercamps.org • Astrocamp is a residential summer camp devoted to science, space and a variety of mountain activities. Campers study the sky through state-of-the-art telescopes, zip line on canopy tours and have the opportunity to experience a mock mission in space.

Azarian Gymnastics Training Center

1 Argonaut, Aliso Viejo • 949.455.1020 • azariangymnastics.com • These camps are a great way to enjoy time with old and new friends. Azarian incorporates many exciting exercises and educational activities to ensure a fun-ﬁlled program for all campers.

Bold Girlz Fashionista Fun Camp

Ages 6-12 • 369 E 17th, Costa Mesa & The Kaleidoscope, Mission Viejo • 949-764-0098 (Costa Mesa), 949-3481300 (Mission Viejo) • boldgirlz.com • Five-day summer camps cover fashion outﬁt selection and coordination, runway modeling poses and routines, skin care techniques, t-shirt decorating, a charitable fashion project, hair and make-up techniques and a fashion photo shoot ﬁnale.

Banzai Surf School Summer Camp

Ages 8+ • PCH & Brookhurst St., Huntington Beach • 714-499-3315• banzaisurfschool.com • This is a weeklong camp providing daily surf instruction, soft surfboards, and wetsuits (usually FULL length, something you won’t ﬁnd at other camps). Banzai has fun-loving

instructors that have passed background checks in addition to their water safety credentials, with a student to instructor ratio typically 4 to 1 or better, depending upon conditions.

Bowers Kidseum Summer Art & Archaeology Camps

Ages 6-12 • 2002 North Main Street, Santa Ana • 714-480-1520 • bowers.org/kidseum • The Bowers Kidseum takes kids around the world with eight, weeklong summer camps that are focused on the arts and archaeology. The program includes visits to the Bowers Museum exhibits, hands on art projects, cooking classes, and unique archaeological digs from around the globe.

Brain Builders Educational Programs

Ages 6-14 • 26041 Cape Drive Ste 223, Laguna Niguel• 714-360-1101 • brainbuildersed.org • Brain Builders offers programs that build off of the STEM and use Lego robotics to make a fun and enriching experience for children.

Bricks 4 Kidz

Ages 3-13 • 949-295-3046 or 949-8427219 / North County: 714-515-0737 • bricks4kidz.com/summer-camps • This Lego-themed camp provides a variety of learning opportunities and activities for children from model building and junior robotics to learning about bugs and the great outdoors.

Bridges Equestrian Horse Camp

Ages 8-13 • 26282 Oso Road, San Juan Capistrano • 949-858-0970 • bridgestrainingstable.com/camps • Each day, campers with groom their own horses, ride for at least 45 minutes in a group riding lesson, participate in clinics dealing with a variety of horsey subjects, and participate in other hands-on horse activities.

Camp James

Ages 4-13 • 101 N. Bayside Drive, Newport Beach (Newport Dunes) • 949-729-1098 • campjames.com • Camp James offers a day camp experience in a natural, outdoor environment. The camp aims to expose children to a wide variety of activities – such as boating, archery, hiking, martial arts, drama, dance, rock climbing, miniature gold and much more – while providing abundant opportunities for them to increase their skill development each year they return for another summer session.

Camp Heritage Oak

Preschool - 8th Grade • 16971 Imperial Highway, Yorba Linda • 714-524-1350 • heritageoak.org • This year’s theme is “Navigating the Golden State.” Campers will learn about California from Redwood

National Park to Yorba Linda in a fun-ﬁlled way. In addition to fun camps, enrichment programs, ﬁeld trip camps and academic programs are available.

Camp Izza

Ages 3-11 years • New Horizon School, One Truman Street, Irvine • 949-4228123 • campizza. com • General camp focused on a variety of activities with a new theme each week, including water play, sports, art, technology and more.

Camp OC at Team OC

Ages 3-12 • 385-B Clinton Street, Costa Mesa • 714-444-1144 • Camp OC’s experienced camp staff provide instruction for gymnastics, cheer, dance and trampoline. In addition, campers will be guided through an exciting array of fun-ﬁlled activities which include an inﬂatable obstacle course, zip-line, rock wall, water activities, games and arts and crafts.

Carden Academy

Ages 5-12 • Multiple locations • 949-553-4440 • cdicdc.org

• The CDC offers a variety of summer camps from the traditional day camp to enrichment experiences. Children can learn leadership skills, make jewelry and art, learn to bake, take ﬁeld trips and more.

City of Irvine Camps

Grades K-7 • 24741 Chrisanta Ave., Mission Viejo • 949-458-1776 • cardenacademy.com • Carden Academy Summer Campers will experience a thrill as they participate in a multitude of challenging, fun, and enriching activities. Each week will have its own special theme with special culminating activities.

Catalina Sea Camp

Ages 8-17 • Toyon Bay, Catalina Island • 800-645-1423 • californiasummercamps. org • Catalina Sea Camp and Junior Sea Camp are dedicated to marine biology and located at Toyon Bay on Catalina Island. Kids can spend their summer on a private beach learning about the wonders of the sea at Catalina Island Marine Institute (CIMI).

Center Stage Studio Musical Theater Song & Dance Camps

Ages 6-12 • 27101 Aliso Creek Rd., Suite 136, Aliso Viejo • 949-305-9758 • thecenterstagestudio.com • Each week campers participate in a unique musical experience with an end of week presentation to family and friends. Campers also sing camp songs, participate in team building exercises, arts, crafts and more.

Child Development Center Summer Camps

Ages 3-18 • Multiple locations • 949724-6610 • irvinecamps.org • There are more than 80 different camps offered by the City of Irvine. From adventure and science camps to tennis and arts camp, parents can choose from a wide variety of experiential programs with morning, afternoon and full-day schedules.

City of Newport Beach Recreation Services

Ages 3-16 • Multiple locations • 949-6443151 • newportbeachca.gov • The City of Newport Beach runs a variety of camps that feature everything from sports to the arts. Kids can learn to surf, sail, swim, dance and more.

Concordia Teen Entrepreneur Academy (TEA)

High schoolers • Concordia University Irvine • 949-214-3198 • cui.edu • It’s never too early to teach young people the basic principles of business and entrepreneurship. Concordia’s TEA is a one-week residential summer camp academy for teenagers that encourages the next generation of entrepreneurs. This program “sparks or fans the ﬂame” of business ownership in young people, with real-world business training that helps teenagers become leaders with ethics and integrity.

Creative Kids Playhouse, Children’s Theatre of Orange County

Ages 3-14 • Various theaters around South County • 949-297-6257 • creativekidsplayhouse. com • In every Creative Kids Playhouse production, children work with professionals in drama, dance and voice who work to create a fun, rewarding and accomplishment-ﬁlled experience.

Crystal Cover Native American Summer Camp

Ages 5-11

• 31392 La Matanza St., San Juan Capistrano • 949-248-2558

• journeystothepast.com

• This camp engages, enlightens and educates for a whole week but most importantly children will have fun with hands on activities learning about the Indians and the environment. They’ll weave baskets, make Indian games, make gourd rattles, paint rock art, carve soapstone, make arrowheads, make shell necklaces, make and paint with yucca paint brushes and even make Indian rope.

Discovery Science Center Summer Camp

Ages 5-10 • 2500 N. Main Street, Santa Ana • 714-542-2823 • discoverycube.org/ summercamp • When school ends the science adventure begins as we travel beyond the classroom to explore during week-long, immersive, hands-on day camps. Little scientists will ﬁnd themselves engrossed in experiments, science challenges and outdoor activities that make them laugh, think and discover new concepts for themselves.

Eldorado Emerson Summer Session

Preschool - High School • 4100 E Walnut Ave., Orange • 714-633-4774

• eldoradoemerson.org • Eldorado Emerson offers a summer session open to students as well as children not enrolled at the school.

etnies Skateboard Camp

Ages 4-17 • 20028 Lake Forest Dr., Lake Forest • 949-9165870 • etniesskatepark.com • etnies camps include access to the largest free public skatepark in California, lunch and drinks included daily and each camper will receive a skateboard deck which they will get to design and use during camp, and of course a camp shirt!

Evolution Sports Camps

Ages 5-12 • San Juan Hills High School, 29211 Montana, San Juan Capistrano / Nellie Gail Tennis and Swim Club, 25281 Empty Saddle Drive, Laguna Hills • 949-388-454 • evosportscamps.com • Evolution Sports Camps operates a ﬁtness-based summer day camp for youths with an emphasis on physical activities that promote health, combat sedentary lifestyles and keep children active.

ExplorOcean

Ages 6-12

• 600 E. Bay Avenue, Newport Beach • 949-675-8915 • explorocean. org • Explore Ocean offers several different unique, hands-on camping experiences from Ocean Explorer camp and Underwater Robotics to Mathobotix with Legos.

Fairmont Summer Programs

Preschool -12th Grade • Campuses in Anaheim, Anaheim Hills and North Tustin • 714-765-6300 • fairmontsummerprograms.com • From summer school to summer camps, Fairmont offers a wide range of activities for students, including enrichment classes, themed day camps, camp counselor training programs and more.

Fashion Camp

Ages 7+ • The District at Tustin Legacy / The Shops at Mission Viejo • 949-478-0846 • fashioncampoc.com • Fashion Camp is a creative learning space, where children and adults can learn the principles behind fashion, design and sewing.

Girl Scouts of OC Camp

Scherman

Grades 2-12 • San Jacinto Mountains 949-461-8800 • girlscoutsoc. org • Camp Scherman provides a safe environment

where girls of all backgrounds and abilities can safely test their limits and develop an “I can do this!” attitude. Testimonial: Whatever you’ve been doing over the years, it has worked for my daughter. She has turned out to be an amazing girl because of Girl Scouting and the experiences she had at Camp Scherman.

iD Tech Camps

Ages 7-18 • Multiple college campuses • 888-709-8324 • idtech.com • iD Tech camps foster learning environments that allow kids and teens of various backgrounds, skill levels, and learning styles to better understand computers and technology.

IncrediFlix

Ages 10-14 • 3042 Enterprise St. Unit E, Costa Mesa • 949-548-5424 • incrediﬂix. com • Focused on expanding imagination and creativity using hands-on activities, ﬁlmmakers will learn story structure, storyboarding, and how to work together in our camps.

Irvine Public Schools Foundation (IPSF)

Grades K-12 • Various schools • 949-2638340 • ipsf.net • IPSF offers enrichment courses for children in areas such as art, music, science, math, reading and writing, languages, drama, and technology, along with outdoor sports classes.

LangoKids Irvine

Ages 1-10 • Irvine Valley College, 5500 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine • 714-864-4680 • langokidsirvine.com • Camp Lango is an day camp designed to give children ages 5-10 a unique summer experience. Campers get to spend their summertime having fun, acquiring a second or third language, and taking pretend trips to different destinations of Latin America, France, or Asia.

Lazy W Ranch Camp

Grades 3-12 • 23852 Hot Springs Canyon Road, P.O. Box 579, San Juan Capistrano • 949-728-0141 • lazywranch.org •This year’s summer camp experience will help campers of all ages get to know the real, historic, biblical Jesus--what he did, what he said, why he lived and why he died and rose again.

l’Ecole du Soleil

Ages 2.5-10 • 2625 N. Tustin Avenue, Santa Ana • 714-771-4710 • ecoledusoleil. com • l’Ecole du Soleil focuses on language, however, previous exposure to French is not required. The school offers a fun and valuable experience to all children with the intent of introducing children to the French language and culture at an early age.

LePort Schools Summer Camp

Ages 18 Months - 8th Grade • Multiple campuses in Huntington Beach and Irvine • 949-427-3970 • leportschools.com • These camp programs are designed to let children try out new interests, engage a bit deeper in nascent passions, and apply their general capacities to particular areas that call to them.

Lil Chef School

All ages • 15435 Jeffrey Road, #132, Irvine • 949-679-8390 • lilchefschool.com • Beat the heat in this cool kitchen as the Lil Chef School heats up some hot NEW recipes. Whether you like to bake, create, roast, sauté, fry or just blend, we have a camp for you.

Mad Science of South Orange County

Ages 3-12 • Multiple locations throughout South County • 949-582-5071 • soorangecounty.madscience.org • Mad Science of South Orange County camps offer a daily combination of in-class discovery and exploration, outdoor games and physical activities, and hands-on applications of the scientiﬁc principles presented.

Mater Dei High School

Grades 1-9 • 1202 W Edinger Avenue Santa Ana • 714-754-7711 • materdei.org • Mater Dei offers youth camps focused on athletics and performing arts in the summertime.

Merage Jewish Community Center of OC

Ages 2-17 • 1 Federation Way, Irvine • 949-435-3400 • jccoc.org • A variety of camps for all ages. Each camp is designed to create memorable Jewish camping experiences and friendships for your child. Open to the community.

Renaissance Summer Art Camp

Ages 5+ • Anaheim Hills, Laguna Niguel,

Irvine, Rancho Santa Margarita • 800430-4278 • ﬁneartclasses.com • Summer Art Camp provides a balance between learning how to draw and paint and exploring other various arts and crafts projects. Kids will learn the fundamentals of drawing using The Gluck Method and then they’ll move on to pastels, watercolor, and even oils - artistic skills that will last a lifetime.

Muckenthaler Cultural Center Multi-Arts Summer Camp

Ages 6-12 • Muckenthaler Cultural Center, 1201 West Malvern Ave., Fullerton • 866-411-1212 • themuck.org • The Muckenthaler Cultural Center hosts a popular Annual Multi-Arts Summer Camp that includes ceramics, drawing, painting, photography, animation, dance, theatre, clowning, music, puppetry, and the art of science.

Newport Mesa Equestrian Camps

Ages 5-17 • Orange County Fairgrounds Equestrian Center, 905 Arlington Ave., Costa Mesa • 949-244-8615 • saboeventing.com/camps • These camps are a way to allow your child to become familiar with horses and horseback riding and develop self conﬁdence, self esteem, relationship skills and more. Students will learn about riding, grooming, feeding, horse anatomy, safety and more.

Newport Sea Base

Ages 6-17 • 1931 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach • 949-642-5031 • newportseabase.org • Discover the wonders of the waterfront with experiential learning camps that promote values, teamwork, leadership skills and teach nautical safety skills.

Ocean Institute Summer Adventures

Ages 5-17

• 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr. Dana Point, CA • 949-496-2274

• ocean-institute.org • Camps offer single-day, weeklong and multi-day overnight opportunities. Family programs and special occasion Adventure at Sea programs are also available.

Our Lady of Fatima Falcon Summer Fun Camp

Grades K-8 • 105 N La Esperanza, San Clemente • 949-492-7320 • olympicagymnastics.com • Daily activities include light academics, themed activities, technology, quiet and outdoor play, with weekly themes of art, science, water and sports. Field trips and extended hours too!

Olympica Gymnastics

All ages • 26601 Cabot Rd., Laguna Hills • 949-582-3329 • olympicagymnastics.com

• A dynamic camp for children of all ages focused on gymnastics as well as a variety

of other sports.

OCSA Summer Arts & Academic Enrichment Program

Grades 3-12 • Orange County School of the Arts, 1010 N. Main St., Santa Ana • 714-560-0900 x 3259 • ocsarts.net/summer

• Online registration is now open for the Orange County School of the Arts Summer Arts & Academic Enrichment Program. Build your basic skills, get a jump on the coming year, or explore something completely new. One-week to ﬁve-week programs, June 23-July 31.

Play-Well TEKnologies

Grades K-8 • Multiple locations • 714861-9807 • play-well.org • Kids learn to collaborate and build elaborate objects at this Lego-inspired engineering camp.

Prentice School

Grades K-12 • 18431 Lassen Drive, Santa Ana • 714-538-4511 • prentice.org • Prentice School offers both enrichment and remediation, with a focus on having fun during an important time for students to relax and recharge between school years.

The Rinks Summer Hockey Camps

Ages 5+ • HB Inline: 5555 McFadden Avenue, Huntington Beach / Irvine Inline: 3150 Barranca Parkway, Irvine / Anaheim Ice: 300 West Lincoln Avenue, Anaheim / Corona Inline: 4325 Prado Rd. #101, Corona • HB: 714-9012629, Irvine: 949-559-9949, Anaheim: 714-535-7465 Corona: 951-279-7465 • the-rinks.com/SummerCamps • The Rinks are hosting the nineteenth annual All-World Hockey Institute Summer Camps featuring challenging programs with professional instruction available for all levels of players from AAA to novice – there is a camp for you! Camp Director Rick Hutchinson, a 19-year veteran of the All-World Hockey Institute, brings both experience and leadership to the camps.

Rawhide Ranch

Ages 7-15 • 6987 W. Lilac Rd., Bonsall • 760-758-0083 • rawhideranch.com • Discover real ranch life at Rawhide Ranch overnight camps. Learn to vault, rope, ride and more.

Robotis Kidslab

Ages 6-12 • 9 Truman, Irvine • 949-5596868 • robotiskidslab.com • Students learn about STEM (science, technology, engineering & mathematics) through building robots and engaging curriculum. Children receive a take-home kit after each class.

Scats Gymnastics

(continued on page 41)

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Kids2 Wholesale Bedroom High Quality, Low Prices

BY JODY ROBINSON

My kids are growing up so fast. I feel like it was just yesterday that we brought ﬁrst our son, then our daughter home almost seven and six years ago, respectively. When they made the transition from cribs to toddler beds, my husband and I went to the then-newly opened Wholesale Bedroom/Kids2 in Fountain Valley.

Then when the kids outgrew the toddler beds, we went back to the kids' furniture showroom to pick out a bunk bed and bookshelf.

Each time, the owner, John, made the process super simple – the hardest part of the transaction was in navigating the 5000-square-foot showroom to choose among the huge selection of beds and frames, cribs, changing tables, armoires, dressers, mirrors, nightstands.

"girl" bed for our daughter. Our first stop was Wholesale Beds/Kids2. Four years after our first visit, the customer service was exactly as we remembered and the decisionmaking process just as challenging as the first time around because the selection was equally extensive.

As the name suggests, it’s the place to go if you want the best prices on stylish new bedroom furniture. Because John negotiates directly with manufacturers and importers, he’s able to get the best prices on high quality, name brand mattresses and bedroom sets.

Wholesale Beds/Kids2’s merchandise was great quality at signiﬁcantly lower prices than that offered by other furniture stores we had visited and the consistent, personalized customer service we received from the owner himself was an added perk to shopping here.

So now that we have moved into a home where our kids each have their own room, we wanted to ﬁnd the perfect

Besides warehouse prices, Wholesale Beds/Kids2 is different from retail stores because they can create their own furniture in their local factory. Custom orders are no problem, whether you need an extra-long bed, you want something unique for a child’s room, or want to replicate a highend designer bedroom you’ve seen featured in a magazine. Choose from a variety of materials and ﬁnishes to get exactly the look you want for your home.

If you’re looking for inspiration, you’ll ﬁnd plenty of bedroom displays, including fun, themed furniture for kids’ rooms (such as race car or princess sets).

Select from durable, long-lasting materials and space-savers like bunks and trundle beds. New items arrive at the store everyday, and special/custom orders are available.

John and his team can even offer same-day delivery and expert set-up. M

To connect with Wholesale Beds/Kids 2, visit the 5,000-square-foot showroom at 11230 Talbert in Fountain Valley or call (714) 241–1676. Open seven days a week: Monday to Friday 10am–7pm, Saturday 10am–6pm and Sunday 11am–5pm.

Get Moving for MS!

On April 6th join thousands as they walk and play at UCI in support of a

cure for multiple sclerosis

BY JODY ROBINSON

Multiple sclerosis is a debilitating condition that stops people from moving. Walk MS is the rallying point of the MS movement, creating a community of shared commitment determined to end multiple sclerosis. Walk MS is a day that allows people to come together and celebrate being part of a movement by and for the 2.3 million people in the world diagnosed with MS.

Upwards of 4,000 walkers and hundreds of supporting volunteers from all over Southern California will participate in Walk MS on Saturday, April 6th. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society will host this fun, family-friendly walk at the University of California, Irvine. Friends, family, and co-workers will gather together in orange with team signs, costumes and enthusiasm to walk 3 miles through the UC Irvine campus. There will be live music, face painting, food and good times!

MS stops people from moving. The National MS Society exists to make sure it doesn’t. The Society addresses the challenges of each person affected by MS by funding cutting-edge research, driving change through advocacy, facilitating professional education, collaborating with MS organizations around the world, and providing programs and services designed to help people with MS and their families move their lives forward.

Money raised through the Walk MS event supports local programs and services for people affected by MS in our local community, as well as to help fund cutting-edge MS research. Twenty years ago, there were no drugs to help someone living with MS. Today, there are nearly one dozen, including new oral medications to help slow disease progression.

Join Walk MS on April 6th to support this important cause! Find out more at MSwalk.com. M

STANDOUT STUDENTS

SPECIAL EDITION

The quality of our community’s future depends largely on the quality of its youth. We asked Orange County high schools and middle schools, public and private, to identify students at their schools who are doing extraordinary things both academically and in the community, for this expanded edition of our monthly Standout Students segment. We are honored to celebrate the merits of these young people and will watch their next steps with great interest... and if we are all a little lucky their future paths will eventually lead them back to their home towns where we will all beneﬁt from their talent, their curiosity and their character.

MATTHEW ROCK

El Modena High School, Orange Class of 2014

“Game Over” – that’s the nickname counselor Steve Harrington at El Modena High School of Orange has given senior Matthew Rock. “I call him that because in any debate or academic challenge, when Matt steps up, the game is over.”

Those are big words, but Matt’s record makes them believable. Matt (see above with his sister Ashley, also an El Modena student) has earned a 4.8 GPA as he has taken the most demanding honors and advanced placement courses that El Modena has to offer, while earning the designation of scholar-athlete for four straight years for his participation at the varsity level in El Modena’s Aquatics program. He is an award-winning captain of the Speech and Debate team, a two-year member of the National Honor Society, co-chairman of the Science Olympiad team and a valued part of El Modena’s ﬁrst-year Robotics Club, which won the Rookie Inspiration award at a regional competition held last summer. Through school and through the local public library Matt tutors other students, and he runs a charitable t-shirt business that offers 50% of its proﬁts to Catarina’s Club, which feeds motel children.

So what is Matt’s secret to success?

“In my opinion, the key to success is defining what success specifically means for you,” says Matt. “In school, in life, or in anything. Success should be something that makes you happy and makes you feel fulfilled, not something that external elements tell you is success. Therefore, there is no definitive key. It will be a constant process for me throughout my life to continuously seek out what success truly means.”

Matt Rock is headed to a top university, where he plans to study patent law.

Do you know a standout student? Tell us! Email

from around Orange County STANDOUT STUDENTS }

TROY KASSIEN

Servite High School, Anaheim Class of 2014

“My best year ever.” That’s how Troy Kassien responds when asked how his senior year at Servite High School is going.

Troy is the current Chief Executive Ofﬁcer for Trinity Corporation, Servite’s model student-led Corporation. Troy began his association with Trinity Corp as a freshman student intern in 2010. After working his way through all entry level positions – retail sales, food services, operations, inventory control, human resources – he joined the executive team in 2011. Troy attributes his accomplishments to a personal commitment to time management and task orientation.

Over his time at Servite Troy has not only developed his creative curiosity and analytical skills but he has found a passion for leadership and an understanding of the techniques needed for effective and bold leadership style. Participation in the mission and purpose of Trinity Corporation presented Troy with the opportunity to reﬁne his sense of service in support of the Servite brothers who receive in excess of $150,000 in ﬁnancial aid from the revenues created by Trinity Corp activities.

Troy has also managed to maintain a 3.8 GPA, continue his parish ministry activities (leadership work with Servite Campus Ministry) and to complete his college acceptance process early. He will pursue a degree in philosophy and business.

ASHTON CARROLL

St. Anne School, Laguna Niguel Class of 2018

According to John Casato, principle at St. Anne Middle School in Laguna Niguel, eighth grader Ashton Carroll is a great combination of hard-work, intelligence and a fun-loving attitude. “Ashton is insightful beyond her years, has a ton of friends and performs at the highest level academically,” he says. “She is truly a well-rounded individual who represents the best of her generation!”

Ashton is a natural leader and uniﬁer. She serves as President of the St. Anne Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society; she is editor of the school’s yearbook, a teacher-elected member of Where Everyone Belongs (a student mentoring program) and a member of St. Anne’s Future Problem Solvers team – all while excelling in academics for a GPA of 4.8. She even took second place in St. Anne’s recent Geography Bee.

Ashton stays active in club level soccer, and is on her school’s soccer, volleyball and basketball teams. She is a member of the St. Anne surﬁng club and enjoys water and snow skiing. She recently completed a “mountains to sea” hiking and camping trip through western North Carolina and the coast of South Carolina.

Ashton (seen here sorting donations) provides community service through a number of organizations. Her primary focus is Sports Gift, based in Laguna Hills, which refurbishes used athletic equipment and then provides it to under-served children throughout the U.S. and abroad. She recently personally delivered a complete set of soccer uniforms and equipment to a church youth program in an impoverished area of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Ashton does not yet have any concrete plans for college or career, but is considering the study of law.

STANDOUT STUDENTS }

ISABEL BELLINO

Orange County High School of the Arts (OCSA) Santa Ana • Class of 2015

Isabel Bellino came to OCSA in 2011, to study in the Classical Voice Conservatory under the direction of Dr. Maria Lazarova. She is a member of the OCSA Chamber Singers, the Bel Canto singers and an active participant in OCSA’s Opera Scenes class. Isabel performed in the chorus of Dido and Aeneas, as the Dew Fairy in Hansel and Gretel (seen above) and was featured several times as a soloist in OCSA’s Classical Voice Conservatory’s Choral Concerts. In 2012, she sang in England as part of the “Two Countries, One Voice” concert series featuring student vocalists from Tifﬁn Boys’ Choir, Azusa Paciﬁc University, and OCSA.

This straight-A student is the Historian for OCSA’s Future Business Leaders of America, and is an active member of the National Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society and the California Scholarship Federation. She is Founder and President of “Spare Change for Change” –a fundraising and public awareness initiative supporting Orangewood Children’s Foundation. She was named Honoree of the National Philanthropy Day 2013 for her success in launching “Spare Change for Change” club chapters at other OC high schools.

This year, Isabel was chosen as semifinalist for Los Angeles Music Center’s Spotlight program, and also advanced to the Classical Singer magazine’s semifinals competition. Her goal is to major in business, marketing and communications and minor in classical vocal performance. As a budding philanthropist, Isabel hopes to spread “Spare Change for Change” chapters across college campuses nationwide to benefit America’s rising population of homeless and abused children.

from around Orange County

ANGELINA LO

Rosary High School, Fullerton Class of 2014

When Rosary High School senior Angelina Lo was six years old, her cousin was admitted to Stanford Hospital. Angelina went to visit and learned a lot about the medical school there. It sparked her interest in medicine and when she got to Rosary, she excelled in their Athletic Medicine Program (RAMP), which was developed to help introduce students to a possible career in sports medicine. Angelina is currently the president of the National Honor Society of Sports Medicine at Rosary, but is also a leader in the rest of her life.

Angelina is currently working on her Gold Award with the Girl Scouts. She volunteers at San Antonio Community Hospital in Upland each Sunday. For her Gold Award, Angelina established a hospitality cart that brings items to patients in hopes of cheering them up. She is also editor for Key Club Division 30 South, which is comprised of 14 schools, and she is the secretary for Rosary’s Key Club.

As an Admission Ambassador at Rosary, Angelina talks with prospective students and families about the Rosary experience. She is also a member of Campus Ministry, helping to plan prayer services and tend to the spiritual needs of the school.

Through RAMP, Angelina recently placed 4th in the American Academic Competition Institute Sports Medicine Competition. She qualiﬁed at a regional tournament then advanced to the national competition, where she had to complete a written exam and a physical assessment of a patient.

This fall, Angelina will be attending – you guessed it – Stanford, where she will major in Human Biology.

from around Orange County STANDOUT STUDENTS }

EMILY WANG

Troy High School, Fullerton Class of 2015

Emily Wang claims to enjoy reading and playing the piano in her free time, but Troy High School principle Amy Avina cannot imagine what type of free time this junior has. Principle Avina ﬁrst met Emily when she came to her ofﬁce wearing a heavy backpack and carrying a few textbooks along with her tennis racket, wanting to advocate for students in Troy’s Speech and Debate club.

“The club needed an advisor, and our teachers were already stretched thin,” says Principle Avina, “But Emily was determined to ﬁnd a solution.”

Since then Emily has been collaborating with her school in leadership not only on this issue, but on other fronts. She is a member of the Principal’s Advisory Board, a select group of students who meet with the principle regularly to discuss issues and concerns from the student perspective, and Emily was recently elected to the Vice President position on Troy’s school site council.

In the classroom, Emily is a standout. She is enrolled in the Troy Tech Magnet Program and is a full International Baccalaureate student. Her course load is the most challenging that Troy has to offer, and she maintains it all while pursuing varsity tennis where she was named the MVP of the Girls Tennis program in the Freeway League. Outside of school Emily is heavily involved in the American

Cancer Society and also volunteers her time to work with middle school students through the Orange County Debate League.

“Emily is a modest young woman, but she is also very poised,” says Principle Avina. “She is keeping her college options open, but I am conﬁdent that a great university will snap her up next spring.”

MCCALL ANDRIZZI

Corona del Mar High School, Newport Beach Class of 2016

McCall Andrizzi is a real PAL around campus. Quite literally, the Corona del Mar High School sophomore is a member of the Peer Assisitance Leadership (PAL) club, which helps promote a positive, healthy, and accepting social environment on campus. McCall’s major role on PAL this year has been organizing Suicide Prevention Week, going as far as convincing our faculty to change the school’s schedule for a day, allowing all students to attend an assembly addressing this serious issue.

For McCall, PAL is not just a club, it is a way of life that drives how she treats people. As a talented member of the school’s Song/Pep Squad, McCall has even used her passion for dance and music to support and encourage other students and teams. She also participates in Millennial Youth Choir of Orange County.

McCall’s future plans reﬂect her convictions of faith and caring for others. She hopes to attend BYU, work with students in Kenya, and eventually pursue a career in the mental health ﬁeld. While McCall is a great student and talented dancer, it is her heart that makes her stand out as an exemplary person.

GETTING IT TOGETHER

EPISODE 3

Cutting Closet Clutter… Forever

BY BETSY SANZ

There were things in my daughter’s closet that hadn’t seen the light of day for years, and it was all my fault. I was the one setting the example, not to mention using her top shelves for storage of who knows what. But this was no time for self-ﬂagellation. I had already committed to the appointment with Erica Duran, professional organizer and productivity expert, and there was no turning back. Still, this is a sensitive thing. There’s a reason we keep closet doors closed, right?

“Making things physically neater is the easy part; it’s the emotional stuff that presents more of a challenge,” says Erica. “Clothes, particularly for women, are surprisingly emotional. And then there’s the stuff that we tend to store in closets because we’ve delayed making decisions about them – those decisions can be emotional, too.”

Who knew I’d need a therapist when it came to our closets? Here are Erica’s strategies for dealing with the whole closet – physical and emotional. I followed her process and can actually imagine a day when opening closet doors doesn’t ﬂood me with stress.

PHYSICAL Closet Clutter

1) Set aside the time. Whatever your system for planning your time (see Episode 1), determine how much time you’ll need to get the project done from start to ﬁnish. Note that the project might be one shelf or the entire closet. The point is, plan for enough time to start and ﬁnish it. Finishing means success.

2) Don’t get stopped by not having the perfect closet system. Not everyone needs a fancy closet system. Start with what you have. And the reality is that you’ll know better what exactly you need after you’ve purged.

3) Do an initial sweep for trash. Get the obvious stuff out ﬁrst. If an item requires a decision, skip it and leave it for the next sweep. This clears space and makes you feel triumphant from the start.

4) Take everything out and determine what you don’t use or need to keep. This is where you have to get ruthless and aggressive if you really want a great closet. See the emotional strategies below. Make a goal of clearing out 80% of your stuff.

5) Clean. Don’t put your “keepers” back onto dusty shelves or dirty carpet!

6) Put things back in categories. For shelved stuff, consider bins for related items (e.g. purses) and consider getting all the same kind of hangers so there is balance and ease. Put clothes back longest to shortest, grouping colors. The idea is to make your everyday closet experience effortless.

7) Schedule give-backs and donations. For everything you purged that isn’t yours or isn’t a keeper, put the give-back or donation in your planner – actually schedule it! See #1.

EMOTIONAL Closet Clutter

This is where the “forever” part comes in, because this is where your mindset about closet clutter changes.

1) Get ruthless. If your goal is an organized closet free of clutter, harden your heart. Nothing will be different unless you are different, right?

2) Keep clothes that are wearable now. Those jeans that don’t ﬁt, that jacket with the button popped off, that shirt with the stain – if you haven’t addressed it yet, are you going to? Donate or recycle them.

3) Cut the guilt and obligation. If you have kept an item because you feel guilty getting rid of it or you feel obligated to not hurt someone’s feelings, that should be a signal to you that it needs to be dealt with. If you really want to keep it, keep it, but don’t keep it out of obligation.

4) Honor your sentimental things. Do you have a collection of band t-shirts or baby clothes you really want to keep? Only keep the ones you really love,

then ﬁnd a creative way to use them (turn the shirts into a quilt?) or give them a central, tidy place like a special bin or drawer where they’re out of the way but still there when you need them. Better yet, give them away to someone who will love and appreciate them.

5) Notice what you need. As you purge, keep a list of what you need. If you have a shirt you love but nothing great to wear it with, put it on your list. As a bonus to yourself for getting ruthless, go shopping for those things you need and will use. But pay attention to #6 below:

6) Quit bringing things into your life that you won’t use. Don’t buy anything on sale that you wouldn’t buy at full price. Don’t buy dry clean only items that you can’t afford to maintain. Consider getting your colors done so you know what will look great on you and therefore get worn.

It feels good to get the monster out of the closet. Next up: cupboards! Have a question for Erica Duran? Connect with her at ericaduran.co and check out Episodes 1 and 2 of this series at marmaladeoc.com. M

NUTRITION DRILL-DOWN: Nourishing the Special Needs Child

BY ROY DITTMANN, OMD, MH, DM

Today, one in two children are living with one or more chronic health conditions, including allergies, asthma, obesity, and gut disorders.1 And recent estimates suggest that by 2025, one in two children will be living with medical autism.

If your child is living with medical autism, down syndrome or ADD, eliminating the foods that interfere with your child’s physiology can have a powerful effect on mood, cognitive health, behavior, and gut health.

DIET MATTERS!

Special needs children often have a long list of foods to which they are sensitive, including gluten, artificial food dyes (e.g. Red Dye No. 40), sweeteners (e.g. aspartame), preservatives (e.g. nitrate), and flavorings (e.g. MSG). Many children living with medical autism have a casein dairy allergy, while other children have extreme allergies to certain nuts. Surveys of parents of ASD children have indicated that adherence to a gluten-free and casein-free diet can significantly improve health, ASD behaviors and social behaviors.2

THE GUT-WRENCHING TRUTH ABOUT PESTICIDES

the equivalent of over 10 bottles of expensive probiotics, or 10,000 cups of commercial yogurt. A great resource for recipes and products to make your own delicious fermented vegetables is BodyEcology.com.

WANT TO SEE THINGS CHANGE?

To learn more about what you can do to stop this childhood epidemic, visit OneinTwoChangesEverything. org.

FOODS TO AVOID FOODS TO INCORPORATE

Grain-fed dairy and meat

Soy and corn

Gluten (found in wheat products)

Simple carbohydrates (e.g. pasta and bread)

All children are negatively affected by the pesticides sprayed on food, although some children more than others. Glyphosate (RoundUp®) is the most widely used pesticide and has been shown to cause thinning of the intestinal lining,3 which only makes a person more susceptible to aggravating ingredients like gluten. The answer? After moving away from genetically modiﬁed and pesticide-sprayed foods, one of the most effective ways to repair gut health is by eating fermented foods, which are rich in powerhouse probiotics (“good bacteria”).

MAKING YOUR OWN FERMENTED VEGETABLES

Sweeteners & additives

Fermented foods (e.g. pickles, sauerkraut, kimchi)

Cultured dairy (e.g. Greek yogurt, cottage cheese)

Healthy fats (e.g. coconut oil, grass-fed ghee)

Freshly ground raw nut and seed butters (e.g. almond butter)

When it comes to rebuilding your child’s gut with healthy probiotics, fermenting your own vegetables is the least expensive, fastest path to success. A 6-ounce serving of fermented vegetables contains 10 trillion probiotics, that’s

Roy Dittmann, OMD, MH, DM is the author of “Brighton Baby: A Revolutionary Organic Approach to Having an Extraordinary Child - The Complete Guide to Preconception & Conception.” Find Dr. Dittmann on Facebook (Brighton Baby) and at BrightonBaby.com.

1Bethell CD, Kogan MD, et al. A National and State Proﬁle of Leading Health Problems and Health Care Quality for US Children: Key Insurance Disparities and Across State Variations. Academic Pediatrics, May-June 2011; Volume 11, Issue 3, pp. S22-S33.

2Labeling Organic Products. USDA.gov. Available online at http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/ getﬁle?dDocName=STELDEV3004446 http://www.autism.com/index.php/treating_diet_survey, accessed February 2014.

39 Samsel A, Seneff S. Glyphosate’s Suppression of Cytochrome P450 Enzymes and Amino Acid Biosynthesis by the Gut Microbiome: Pathways to Modern Diseases. Entropy 2013; Volume 15, Number 4, pp. 1416-1463.

(continued from page 29)

All ages • 5742 McFadden Ave, Huntington Beach • 714-8952909 • scatsgymnastics.com • Our summer camp is for kids of all ages and abilities. We offer half or full-day camps, and our scheduling is completely ﬂexible.

School of Rock

Ages 9-18 • 530. E First Street (Larwin Square), Tustin • 714-9759116 • tustin.schoolofrock.com • School of Rock’s performance bootcamps are ﬁve days of learning music, playing music, fun, band bonding and performance.

Soul Surfing School

Ages 12-19 • Various locations, Laguna Beach • 949-637-0463 • soulsurﬁngschool.com • All camps include exclusive locations, amazing surf spots, great for all levels, Super-fun time with friends, Focus on Jesus with Awesome worship, speakers, Bible studies and activities, Trips include missions and community service projects.

St. Anne School Summer Knights Day Camp

Grades Pre-K - 8 • 32451 Bear Brand Road, Laguna Niguel • 949276-6700 • st-anne.org • St. Anne Summer Knights Day Camp is filled with a balance of light academics, arts and crafts, water play, weekly themes, special guests, cooking, and field trips with a flexible schedule for working parents or for kids who are just looking for some fun this summer.

Servite Summer Camps

Ages 6-13 • 1952 West La Palma Avenue, Anaheim • 714-7747575 • servitehs.org • Servite High School provides a variety of summer camp opportunities for children from sports and leadership camps to theatre.

St. Catherine’s Academy Leadership Camp

Ages 10-16 • Camp San Luis Obispo National Guard • 714772-1363 • stcatherinesacademy.org • A learning program for boys developed by St. Catherine’s Academy, sponsored by the Dominican Sisters of San Jose, and supervised by former military ofﬁcers and enlisted personnel, this camp physically, mentally and spiritually challenges young men while immersing them in a total leadership learning environment.

Tall Ship Summer Sailing

Ages 10-18 • Channel Islands • 800-645-1423 • californiasummercamps.org • Tall Ship Summer Sailing is a live aboard sailing camp that focuses on sail training, marine science, and island exploration. It is designed to stimulate minds, encourage teamwork, develop self-esteem, and more.

Write Away Academy

Grades 2-9 • Rush Park Auditorium, 3001 Blume Drive, Los Alamitos / 8552 Warner Avenue, Fountain Valley • 562-259-8892 • writeawayacademy.com • Students can get ahead in writing Writing instruction and practice taught in small groups of no more than 20 kids and taught by credentialed teachers.

YMCA of Orange County

Ages 5 -17 • Multiple locatios • 714-508-7616 • ymcaoc.org • Summer camp at the YMCA is fun, action-packed experience with opportunities for sports, outdoor activities, ﬁeld trips, specialty clubs and more.

Zoomars Summer Animal Camp

Ages 4-12 • 31392 La Matanza St., San Juan Capistrano • 949248-2558 • journeystothepast.com • Through crafts, games, songs and storytelling the children will be enriched and enlightened each day about the amazing world of animals. M

March 2014

EVENT GUIDE FOR FAMILIES

SATURDAY, MARCH 1

Zoo Birthday Party; Santa Ana. AllZoo party with miniature train displays, music, games and fun! All ages. Free, with price of admission. FOSAZ Members free. 11am-2pm. Santa Ana Zoo. 1801 E Chestnut. (714) 953-8555 ext 12.

Los Cerritos Wetlands Habitat Restoration; Seal Beach. These events will be focused on non-native weed removal and rare native plant conservation. Led by trained naturalists and local educators, the restoration offers a great opportunity for local citizens to learn more about the Los Cerritos Wetlands, while getting handson involvement with the restoration. No registration needed; arriving at 10:15am is recommended. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Free. 10:30am-12:30pm. Los Cerritos Wetlands staff meet participants at the corner of Paciﬁc Coast Hwy and 1st Street in Seal Beach. (626) 815-1019.

Cultivating the Magic Tour; Anaheim. Discover the power of plants – and how beautiful botanicals help tell all the story in each of the Disneyland Park lands. Must call for reservations. All ages. Tweens and teens free, adults $49. Admission to Disneyland not included. Opens at 9am. Disneyland Resort. 1313 Disneyland Dr. (714) 781-8687.

Panning for Gold; San Juan Capistrano. Try your luck at ﬁnding gold in our custom designed Mission trough. We’ll supply the pan and the “gold” – you roll up your sleeves and pan your way to riches! All ages. $3 per person, $1 for members, Panning for Gold/Adobe brick Making Bundle $5 per person. 11am-3pm. Mission San Juan Capistrano. 26801 Ortega Hwy. (949) 234-1300.

Wyland’s Whale and Dolphin Adventure Art Lessons in the Wild; Dana Point. Get

an art lesson presented by internationally acclaimed artist Wyland! Children will be taught by Wyland via video feed, then invited on a 2-hour whale watching trip – all on Dana Wharf’s ﬂagship 95 ft. vessel, the Dana Pride. Specially designed for youth ages 3-12. $5 donation to the Wyland Foundation and includes the lesson, all materials, and the whale watching adventure. Advance reservations required. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult ($45) – with up to 2 children allowed per adult. Visit danawharf.com or call (888) 224-0603 for more info.

Adobe Brick Making; San Juan Capistrano. Join the fun! During this hands-on activity, kids are encouraged to make and build their own adobe brick. Examine the daily lives of Mission Native Americans. Students and adults will delight in the historic fun. $3 per person, $1 for members, Panning for Gold/Adobe brick Making Bundle $5 per person. 11am3pm. Mission San Juan Capistrano. 26801 Ortega Hwy. (949) 234-1300.

Child Audio Tour: Saved By The Mission Bell; San Juan Capistrano. A Child’s Journey Through California’s History. Available in English and Spanish. This humorous and imaginative audio tour is designed to engage 4th graders, but appropriate for children of all ages. Free, with cost of admission. 9am-5pm. Mission San Juan Capistrano. 26801 Ortega Hwy. (949) 234-1300.

Koi Fish Feeding; San Juan Capistrano. Help us feed our koi ﬁsh friends! Visitors may meet us at one of two courtyard fountains to participate in and enjoy this daily activity. Fish food provided. All ages. $1 per person, free to Preservation Society Members. 12:45pm. Mission San Juan Capistrano. 26801 Ortega Hwy. (949) 234-1300.

Cosmic Nights; Laguna Hills. We turn

down the lights, turn up the music and ﬁre up the lasers and strobes. Enjoy access to all the attractions at the park–including our newest attractions Battle Beam and The Wall. The price of admission covers the entire duration of Cosmic Nights. All ages. $17 per jumper. 8:30pm-11pm. Big Air Trampoline Park. 23251 Avenida De La Carlota. (949)305-9788.

Fountain Bowl; Fountain Valley. The place for Family, Friends, & Fun! We feature auto scoring, side rails for kids (no more boring gutter balls!), bowling parties, great food and more! Visit website for a Free Bowling coupon. All ages. $5.50 per game. $4 per shoe rental, includes socks. 8:30am-11pm. Cosmic Bowling 11pm2am. Fountain Bowl Bowling Alley. 17110 Brookhurst St. (714) 963-7888.

Trouble Bubbles At The Hot Springs; San Juan Capistrano. It’s time to BOO the villain, CHEER for the hero, and throw foam rocks! Based loosely upon San Juan Capistrano history…you’ll learn lots of fun facts. We promise the most fun you can have in a theatre! All ages. Tickets start at $34. 6:30pm Buffet Dinner, 8pm show. Camino Real Playhouse. 31776 El Camino Real. (949)489-8082.

BODIES… The Exhibition; Buena Park. Gain an imaginative yet respectful knowledge of what the human body looks like from the inside. Come discover all the secrets about yourself that you didn’t even know. With 200 actual human bodies and body parts it’s intriguing to see what is found when we’re dissected. M-Th & Sun: 10am–7pm, Fri–Sat: 10am–8pm. Adults (12 – 64) $19.75; Children (3 – 11) $15.75; seniors (65+) $17.75. Save $2 online. Premier Exhibition Center. 7711 Beach Blvd. (657) 529-7224.

Titanic the Experience; Buena Park. Become a passenger and travel back in time to 101 years ago, where authentic artifacts and interactive storytellers in period costume allow you to visit the unforgettable sights, sounds, and emotions of the most famous ship ever to set sail, Titanic. Includes full-scale room re-creations where you can visit some of the most famous rooms on board Titanic. In addition, visitors can view over 250 artifacts recovered from the wreck site of Titanic. M-Th & Sun: 10am–7pm, Fri–Sat: 10am–8pm. Adults (12 – 64) $19.75; Children (3 – 11) $15.75; seniors (65+) $17.75. Save $2 online. Premier Exhibition Center 7711 Beach Blvd. (657) 529-7224.

Phantom; Westminster. This mesmerizing Phantom is traditional musical theatre in

the ﬁnest sense. The Tony award winning authors of “Titanic” and “Grand Hotel” have transformed Gaston Leroux’ The Phantom of the Opera into a sensation that enraptures audiences and critics with beautiful songs and an expertly crafted book. It is constructed around characters more richly developed than in any other version, including the original novel. $25 for adults, $20 students & seniors. 7:30pm. Rose Center Theater. 14140 All American Way. (714) 793-1150 ext 1.

Polynesian Connection; Dana Point. The Hula Connection (Leinani Hula Hui’ana) presents a day of Polynesian culture, live entertainment, music, dance, food, drink and hands-on educational experiences for participants of all ages! Lei-making, ‘ﬁre’ knife and hula/Tahitian dancing, poi-ball twirling, air-brush tattoos and unique face-painting, coconut husking, outrigger canoe rides… even a Hukilau! A ‘kau kau’ (food) area offers Spam Musubi, Hawaiian plate lunch, shave ice and more! 10am4pm. Baby Beach. Dana Point Harbor. 34551 Puerto Place. (949) 496-1045.

Lily, a Gray Whale Tribute with Special Presentation by Capt. Dave; Dana Point. Tour/book signing on Captain Dave’s newest 62 ft luxury power catamaran, a state-of-the-art whale research, rescue, and whale watching vessel named Lily. Lily is a high tech whale rescue vessel that is also used for whale watching and research. You’ll have hands-on fun with research and rescue equipment. All ages. Free. 1:30pm-3pm. Dana Point Harbor. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, next to Baby Beach. (949) 488-2828.

Movie In The Park; Dana Point. Join us for Finding Nemo presented by the City of Dana Point Community Services & Parks Department. FREE popcorn, hot beverages and snacks will be available. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and picnic dinner and enjoy an evening of entertainment under the stars. All ages. Free. Begins at approximately 6:30pm (dusk). Lantern Bay Park. 25111 Park Lantern Road. (949) 248-3530.

Ocean Institute Whale’s Tale Tallship Sailing Adventure; Dana Point. From “Devil Fish” to “Friendliest Whale,” explore how time and discovery have shaped man’s perception of the magniﬁcent Gray Whale. Join us for an exciting tallship sailing adventure as you gain new insights into man’s evolving relationship with the ocean and the giants that roam our California Coast. Ages 4+. $40 adults, $23 children 12 & under. Members: $36 adults, $21 children 12 &

under. Ocean Institute. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr. (949)496-2274.

Festival of Whales Parade; Dana Point. Parade begins with a route along Paciﬁc Coast Highway from Selva Road to Golden Lantern. Arrive early, enjoy breakfast harborside, board the free shuttle and then spend the day visiting all the great events located throughout the Harbor. All ages. Free shuttle service to and from Harbor parking lots beginning at 9am. Parade begins at 10am. Starting location Selva Road. (949) 248-3533.

Sailing and Paddling; Dana Point. Take a sailing ride and learn how to steer and sail a Capri 14! Weather and conditions dependent. Lifejackets provided. Ages 5+. $15 per boat, three people maximum (half-hour session). 10am-4pm. OC Sailing and Event Center. 34451 Ensenada Pl. (949) 492-3035.

Stand-Up Paddling Clinics: Join the SUP craze and learn ﬁrst hand why it’s the fastest growing water sport today! Weather and conditions dependent. Lifejackets provided. Ages 12+ (12-14 years must be accompanied by adult). $10 per person. 10am-3pm (45 min session held each hour on the hour). OC Sailing and Event Center. 34451 Ensenada Pl. (949) 492-3035.

Street Fair Festival; Dana Point. An unforgettable day of food, entertainment and fun for the whole family. The Street Fair runs in conjunction with the Festival of Whales Parade. Arrive early and browse the many wonderful vendors from the Dana Point Farmers Market, grab breakfast and get a spot to watch the parade! All ages. Free. 10am-2pm. Dana Point La Plaza Park. 34111 La Plaza (Paciﬁc Coast Highway). (949) 496-1555.

Marine Mammal Lecture Series; Dana Point. Guest marine biologists present recent ﬁndings on local whales, dolphins and other marine mammals. Board Dana Wharf’s 63 ft state-of-the-art custom-built Ocean Adventures Catamaran for this unique adventure. Reservations required. All ages. Tickets include whale watching, lecture and continental breakfast at Harpoon Henry’s. $55 adults, $35 Seniors/ children 3–12 years, children 2 &under free. Harpoon Henry’s. 34555 Golden Lantern St. (800) 979-3370 or (800) 5909994.

Kids Free Fishing Clinic and Fishing Trip; Dana Point. Dana Wharf Sportﬁshing invites all children to come to their dock side ﬁshing clinic and learn hands on

techniques on fishing from the experts. After the clinic Dana Wharf will be running a fishing trip, including equipment. Reservations required. For fishing clinic: all ages. Free. 12pm-12:30pm. For fishing trip: all ages. Adults $39 plus license and equipment, free for children 12 & under. 12:45pm-5:45pm. Dana Wharf. 34675 Golden Lantern St. (949) 496-5794.

Homework Help; La Palma. Teen volunteers will help children with their homework. Bring any worksheets, books, paper, pencils, etc. Grades 1-6. Free. 10am-12pm. La Palma Public Library. 7842 Walker St. (714) 523-8585.

Science Saturdays; Newport Beach. A fun, interactive hands-on experience including problem solving and engaging activities. All ages. Free. 10am-2pm. ExplorOcean Galleries and Science Courtyard. 600 E Bay Ave. (949) 675-8915.

Feeding Frenzy; Newport Beach. Did you know a pink sea star eats live mussels and a sea hare Sea Slug enjoys algae? You may be surprised by not only what they eat but how they eat. All ages. Free with admission to the Ocean Literacy Center ($3 child, $5 adult). 2pm. Ocean Literacy Center. 600 East Bay Ave. (949) 675-8915.

Saturday Morning Cartoons & Quick Draw With Chuck Jones; Irvine. Join Bugs Bunny, Marvin the Martian, Wile E. Coyota ft. the Road Runner along with all their friends! We’ll be drawing and watching Saturday Morning Cartoons! All ages. $1-$5 donation. 11:30am-12:30pm. Center For Living Peace. 4139 Campus Dr. (949) 854-5500.

The Ecology Center Presents: Raising Backyard Chickens; Irvine. Learn how to get started with caring for chickens in your own backyard! Learn the basics of chicken husbandry and behavior, building and maintaining a healthy coop, breeding, disease and pest prevention, obtaining permits and more. All ages. $12 donation (all funds collected support the Ecology Center). 1pm-3pm. Center For Living Peace. 4139 Campus Drive. (949) 8545500.

Drop In and Draw; Costa Mesa. It’s a great place to express yourself creatively. Join us and let you and your children’s inner Picassos shine! All ages. Free (donations suggested). 9:30am-12:30pm.

Chuck Jones Center for Creativity. 3321 Hyland Ave Suite A. (949) 660-7793 ext 20107.

National Junior Chess Congress; Irvine. This is a rare opportunity to compete in a national scholastic chess tournament right here in Orange County. The only requirements are knowledge of how to play chess, a USCF membership and registration fee of $75. Ages 4–20. Orange County Great Park. Marine Way & Sand Canyon. Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 9am-1pm. For more info: (714) 925-3195.

SUNDAY, MARCH 2

Science Sundays; Newport Beach. A fun, interactive hands-on experience including problem solving and engaging activities. All ages. Free. 12pm-3pm. Back Bay Science Center. 600 Shellmaker Rd. (949) 675-8915.

The Groves Antique Market; Irvine. Orange County’s popular antiques,

ﬁne art, and collectibles. All ages. Free. 7am-2pm. Great Park @ MCAS El Toro Runways. Only use directions provided on www.ocgp.org/visit/hours-directions/, as there is no physical address for Great Park. (949) 786-5277.

Free Kids Fishing Clinic and Trip; Dana Point. Dana Wharf is proud to offer an experience for young anglers! Ask the experts and learn new ﬁshing techniques, new hook tying secrets, win rafﬂe prizes and so much more! All ages. Free. 12pm-12:30pm. Dana Point Harbor. (949) 496-5794.

Bowers Museum Target Free First Sunday; Santa Ana. Enjoy admission to Kidseum and the Bowers and catch multicultural entertainment, art projects and dancing! All ages. Free.10am-4pm. Bowers Museum. 1802 N Main St. (714) 480-1520.

Drawing & Painting Class for Youth & Adults; Santa Ana. A very affordable art class for children and young adults who are interested in learning fundamentals of drawing, oil painting, and acrylic paints. Ages 8-99 years. $80 for four classes; ﬁrst choice is Sundays 10am-12:30pm, second choice is Sundays 1pm-3:30pm. OCFA Studios. 3851 S Bear St. (949) 400-0196.

Zoo Birthday Party; Santa Ana. See the 1st.

National Junior Chess Congress; Irvine. See the 1st.

BODIES… The Exhibition; Buena Park. See the 1st.

Titanic the Experience; Buena Park. See the 1st.

MONDAY, MARCH 3

Preschool Storytime; Brea. Join us for this fun and interactive program! This program includes stories, songs, and activities to help develop early literacy and motor skills. No registration is required. All ages. Free. 11am-12pm. Brea Public Library. 1 Civic Center Cir. (714) 671-1722.

Homework Help; Cypress. Elementary and middle school students receive free homework assistance from our Teen Homework Helpers, or ﬁnd a quiet place to study. Homework Help Center closed on school/library holidays. All ages (tweens). Free. 3pm-5pm. Cypress Public Library. 5331 Orange Ave. (714) 826-0350.

Preschool Storytime; Seal Beach. Get

your child ready to read by introducing books in a fun and interactive setting. Join us for fun stories, silly songs, and a simple craft! Ages 2-5 yrs. Free. 11:30am12:15pm. Los Alamitos Rossmoor Public Library. 12700 Montecito Rd. (562) 4301048.

Lapsit Storytime; Villa Park. Baby Play and Storytime. Ages 2 months-15 months. Free. 10:30am-11am. Villa Park Public Library. 17865 Santiago Blvd. (714) 9980861.

Munchkin Monday; Costa Mesa. Bring your child for an afternoon of bouncy fun! Ages 6 and under. $7 per child accompanied by adult. 11am-1pm. Sky High Sports. 2970 Airway Ave. (714) 4375867.

Monday Funday; Laguna Hills. Unlimited jumping to start off your week! All ages. $15 per jumper. Deals not valid on holidays, subject to change without notice. 3pm-close. Big Air Trampoline Park. 23251 Avenida de la Carlota. (949) 305-9788.

BODIES… The Exhibition; Buena Park. See the 1st. Titanic the Experience; Buena Park. See the 1st.

TUESDAY, MARCH 4

Preschool Storytime; Costa Mesa. Activities include simple crafts, games or outdoor fun (like bubble days!). Registration is not currently required, just show up! All ages. Free. 11am-11:45am. Mesa Verde Branch Library. 2969 Mesa Verde Dr. (714) 546-5274.

Toddler Storytime; Dana Point. Join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and fun! No registration required. Ages 3 & under with adult. Free. 11am-11:30am. Dana Point Public Library. 33841 Niguel Road. (949) 496-5517.

Preschool Storytime; Foothill Ranch. Children and parents, join us for stories, ﬁnger plays, songs, and crafts. Ages 3-5 yrs. Free. 10:30am-11am. Foothill Ranch Public Library. 27002 Cabriole. (949) 8558072.

Special Day for Kids with Special Needs; Costa Mesa. Sky High turns off the music and dials down the distractions for the comfort of our extra special jumpers to enjoy an afternoon of bouncy fun. All ages. $5 per child accompanied by adult. 3pm-6pm. Sky High Sports. 2970 Airway Ave. (714) 437-5867.

Bilingual Family Storytime; Garden Grove. Come join us for stories, songs, and activites in English and Spanish. All ages. Free. 6:30pm-7:30pm. Chapman Library. 9182 Chapman Ave. (714) 5392115.

Pajama Storytime; Laguna Beach. The Sunshine Readers, National Charity League Volunteers, present story time. Pajamas and teddy bears welcome. Punch, cookies, (at parental discretion) and stickers follow story time. All ages. Free. 7pm-7:45pm. Laguna Beach Public Library. 363 Glenneyre St. (949) 497-1733.

Pajama Family Storytime; Stanton. Stories and a craft for the entire family! Pajamas and stuffed animals optional. All ages. Free. 7pm-7:45pm. Stanton Public Library. 7850 Katella Ave. (714) 898-3302.

Pre-K Storytime Jump; Lake Forest. Includes jump time, and story read by staff. No food or drink please. Ages 6 and under. $8 per child accompanied by adult. 10am-12pm. Pump It Up. 26242 Dimension Dr Suite 100. (949) 951-9663.

Celebrate Mardi Gras and the Grand Opening of Bayou Café!; Irvine. Pretend City is throwing a party for Mardi Gras! Activities include: Smart Art, Café Creations, and Carnival for Kids! All ages. General admission starts at $6.25. 10am3pm. 29 Hubble. (949) 428-3900.

BODIES… The Exhibition; Buena Park. See the 1st. Titanic the Experience; Buena Park. See the 1st.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5

School Age Read to the Dogs; Brea. Join us on the 1stWednesday evening each month to read to a trained, gentle therapy dog. Come meet our favorite furry friends! All ages. Free. 6:30pm7:30pm. Brea Public Library. 1 Civic Center Cir. (714) 671-1722.

Homework Help; Cypress. Elementary and middle school students can receive homework assistance from our Teen Homework Helpers, or ﬁnd a quiet place to study. Homework Help Center closed on school/library holidays. All ages (tweens). Free. Cypress Public Library. 5331 Orange Ave. (714) 826-0350.

Bilingual Storytime; San Juan Capistrano. Join us for stories and rhymes

in English and Spanish. All ages. Free. 11:30am-12:15pm. San Juan Capistrano Public Library. 31495 El Camino Real. (949) 493-1752.

Toddler Time; Aliso Viejo. Private family fun in a safe, clean and creative environment. Our award-winning facilities offer the best equipment that’s perfectly sized for kids and parents to play, ensuring a memorable experience where everyone is treated like jungle royalty. No food at Toddler Time please, socks required. Ages 6 years and under. $7 child and adult, $2 per additional adult. 10:30am-12pm. Scooter’s Jungle. 25 Journey. (949) 349-9090.

Toddler Time; Laguna Hills. Looking for a safe, fun outlet for your three yearold’s energy? Or maybe you just want to make sure that your little one has a particularly restful afternoon nap. Either way, we at Big Air have you covered with Toddler Time. We open our doors for little ones to jump at their own speed and comfort level. In addition to opening the attractions, we provide extra balls and toys. All ages. $7 per jumper. 10am-1pm. Big Air Trampoline Park. 23251 Avenida de la Carlota. (949) 305-9788.

Artables by Gina Latora; Costa Mesa. The earlier a child begins to discover the world of art, the earlier they develop self-conﬁdence and are able to articulate visually their own ideas. It begins with glue and goes from there. There will be painting, not always with a brush - your child will be surprised at the “tools” that are used as well as the “paint.” Pre-registration required. Class can be rescheduled without notice. $15 cash payment for art supplies due at ﬁrst class. Ages 1 ½-12 years. $10 per class.10:30am11:30am. Chuck Jones Center for Creativity. 3321 Hyland Ave. (949) 6607791.

Mix-It-Up Wednesdays Art Classes; Costa Mesa. Explore the use and technique of a different medium each week! Truly great artists explore the boundless Universe of Art on a daily basis. Registration required. Ages 7 years and older. 3:30pm-5pm. Chuck Jones Center for Creativity. 3321 Hyland Ave Suite A. (949) 660-7793 ext 20107.

BODIES… The Exhibition; Buena Park. See the 1st.

Titanic the Experience; Buena Park. See the 1st.

THURSDAY, MARCH 6

Homework Help; La Habra. Volunteer teen tutors (10th grade+) help children with their homework and reading skills in the Library Meeting Room. Parent/ guardian must register student at their ﬁrst tutoring session. Ages K-5th grade. Free. 4pm-5:30pm. La Habra Public Library. 221 East La Habra Blvd. (714) 5267728.

Homework Help; Tustin. Teen volunteers assist students with homework. Grades K-5. Free. 4pm-9pm. Tustin Public Library. 354 E Main St. (714) 544-7725.

Family Night; Costa Mesa. Load up the kids and head to Sky High for a night of Family Fun! Includes 4 one hour jump wristbands, one large cheese or pepperoni pizza, 4 ice cold water bottles. All ages. $30 per family of four (must be at least one parent/guardian). 5pm-10pm. Sky High Sports. 2970 Airway Ave. (714) 437-5867.

Clay Activities for Toddlers at The Ceramics Studio; San Juan Capistrano. Every Thursday, bring your toddler in where they will be read a story, and then instructed to create a character from that story out of clay! Ages 3 ½-6. $79 for 4 session classes, or $22 for a drop-in class. 3:30pm. 31878 Del Obispo Street, Suite 106. (949) 412-9241.

Food Truck Fair Thursday; Costa Mesa. With food trucks lining the street, you can come try all different types of food truck-style cuisines! A fun twist on dinner! 11:00am-2:00pm. OC Fairgrounds.

Toddler Time; Aliso Viejo. See the 5th. Open Jump; Lake Forest. See the 5th. Open Jump; Irvine. See the 3rd. Toddler Time; Laguna Hills. See the 5th. BODIES… The Exhibition; Buena Park. See the 1st.

Titanic the Experience; Buena Park. See the 1st.

Films & Videos; Brea. Come screen a fun, family ﬁlm with us on the ﬁrst Friday of each month. Check with staff for title of movie each month. All ages. Free. 2:30pm. Brea Public Library. 1 Civic Center Cir. (714) 671-1722.

Homework Help; Tustin. Teen volunteers assist students with homework. Grades K-5. Free. 3pm-5pm. Tustin Public Library. 345 E Main St. (714) 544-7725.

Shark Lagoon Nights; Long Beach. Get up close with the ocean’s ultimate predators at the Aquarium of the Paciﬁc. Guests will have the opportunity to touch bamboo sharks and see large sharks in the Aquarium’s Shark Lagoon. Coffee, hot cocoa, beer, wine, desserts, and snacks are available for purchase. All ages. Free. 6pm-9pm. 100 Aquarium Way. (562) 5903100.

Friday Morning Storytelling, Music & Art; Santa Ana. A unique, fun learning activity for toddlers! Miss Bev & Miss Jackie provide lively and interactive sessions. Includes play time in Kidseum. Ages 2-6 years. Non-member $10 per child accompanied by adult, member $12 per child accompanied by adult. 10:30am12pm. Bowers Museum. (714) 480-1520.

Kids Clay Classes; Santa Ana. Each session is 4 weeks long and encompasses wheel throwing, hand building and glazing. It’s a fun and creative break to a busy and hectic week. Registration required. $100 per child, plus $10 for 25lb of clay. 4pm-6pm. Muddy’s Studio. 2610 S Halladay St. (714) 641-4077.

BODIES… The Exhibition; Buena Park. See the 1st. Titanic the Experience; Buena Park. See the 1st.

Cir. (714) 671-1722.

Read to a Dog; Foothill Ranch. BARK’s certiﬁed therapy dogs love to listen to children read! Reservations required; sign up at Children’s Information Desk or call. All ages. Free. 11am-12pm. Foothill Ranch Public Library. 27002 Cabiole. (949) 855-8072.

Read to a Therapy Dog; Irvine. This event is for beginning readers and held upstairs in the Children’s Area. Fred, the dog, would love to have you read to him. Be sure to put your name on the list as soon as you arrive! All ages. Free. 1pm2pm. Katie Wheeler Library. 13109 Old Myford Rd. (714) 669-8753.

Family Film/Video; San Juan Capistrano. Please join us in La Sala auditorium for a family ﬁlm matinee. Popcorn included for this fun event. All ages. Free. 10am-12pm. San Juan Capistrano Public Library. 31495 El Camino Real. (949) 493-1752.

Knitting & Crocheting With Friends; Irvine. Want to knit but feel confused by the needles? Create a comfy, chunky inﬁnity scarf/cowl without needles! Yes, you read correctly! Learn how to create one of these by simply using 2 skeins of yarn and your arms. Early sign-up recommended. Ages 12 years and older. $15 per person (all materials provided). $10 per person (for those who bring their own needles and cotton yarn). 10am12pm. Center For Living Peace. 4139 Campus Drive. (949) 854-5500.

Drop In And Draw; Costa Mesa. See the 1st.

Science Saturdays; Newport Beach. See the 1st.

BODIES… The Exhibition; Buena Park. See the 1st.

Titanic the Experience; Buena Park. See the 1st.

FRIDAY, MARCH 7

SATURDAY,

MARCH 8

Junior Biologist; Long Beach. A program to encourage the love of science! Includes activities, guided gallery tour, interaction with our animal care staff behind-thescenes, and a keepsake journal. Aquarium admission not included. Pre-registration and pre-payment required. Ages 7-12 years. $29 child, $25 members. 9:30am11:30am. Aquarium of the Paciﬁc. 100 Aquarium Way. (562) 951-1630.

Films & Videos; Brea. Come watch a great family ﬁlm with us. Check with staff for title of the month. All ages. Free. 2pm4pm. Brea Public Library. 1 Civic Center

Wyland’s Whale and Dolphin Adventure Art Lessons in the Wild; Dana Point. See the 1st.

SUNDAY, MARCH 9

Storytime with Cynthia Callard; Irvine. A story read aloud for all to enjoy. We encourage you to bring friends and family. All the stories read have a wonderful message of love and compassion. All ages. Free (donations welcome). 1:302pm. Center For Living Peace. 4139 Campus Drive. (949) 854-5500.

Clinic at the Park; Irvine. On the

second Sunday of each month, Clinic in the Park connects children and their families to medical and dental resources, provides application assistance for low cost insurance, developmental health screenings for children, community resource referrals and facilitates health chats with doctors and nurses. These programs are offered and staffed by health-related professional organizations and agencies from throughout Orange County. Orange County Great Park Marine Way & Sand Canyon. (866) 829-3829.

Homework Help; Tustin. Our teen volunteers assist students with homework. Grades K-5. Free. 12pm-5pm. Tustin Public Library. 345 E Main St. (714) 5447725.

Children’s Gardening Workshops; Irvine. Fun workshop providing handson gardening activities. Ages 3-9 years. Free. 11am-1pm. Orange County Great Park Marine Way & Sand Canyon. (866) 829-3829.

Summer Opportunities Jamboree; Irvine. Up to 75 exhibitors are expected, representing summer camps, family friendly classes and health services, preschools, private schools and birthday parties; providing parents the opportunity to plan ahead and learn more about activities and programs that their children can be a part of. Includes family fun attractions and demos, Kidpalooza Stage performances with youth talent, contests and the popular Jamboree Spelling Bee. All ages. Free. 10am-3pm. Tarbut V’Torah Community Day School. 5 Federation Way. (714) 630-4510.

Drawing & Painting Class for Youth & Adults; Santa Ana. See the 2nd. Free Kids Fishing Clinic and Trip; Dana Point. See the 2nd. Science Sundays; Newport Beach. See the 2nd.

BODIES… The Exhibition; Buena Park. See the 1st.

Titanic the Experience; Buena Park. See the 1st.

MONDAY,

MARCH 10

Monday Funday; Laguna Hills. See the 3rd.

Preschool Storytime; Brea. See the 3rd. Homework Help; Cypress. See the 3rd. Lapsit Storytime; Villa Park. See the 3rd. Munchkin Monday; Costa Mesa. See the 3rd.

BODIES… The Exhibition; Buena Park.

See the 1st.

Titanic the Experience; Buena Park. See the 1st.

TUESDAY, MARCH 11

Wolf Haven International (World of Wolves Education Program); Fountain Valley. Program that focuses on the value of all wildlife. All ages. Free. 7pm-8pm. Fountain Valley Public Library. 17635 Los Alamos St. (714) 962-1324.

Monthly Birthday Bounce; Costa Mesa. Is it your birthday this month!? Celebrate one complimentary hour of jumping! Valid ID required and signed liability wavier. All ages. Free. 2pm-10pm. Sky High Sports. 2970 Airway Ave. (714) 437-5867.

Preschool Storytime; Costa Mesa. See the 4th.

Toddler Storytime; Dana Point. See the 4th.

Preschool Storytime; Foothill Ranch. See the 4th.

Pre-K Storytime Jump; Lake Forest. See the 4th.

BODIES… The Exhibition; Buena Park. See the 1st.

Titanic the Experience; Buena Park. See the 1st.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12

Fun with Legos; Brea. Bring yourself and your imagination the 2nd Wednesday of every month to build your own Lego creation! All ages. Free. 3pm-4pm. Brea Public Library. 1 Civic Center Cir. (714) 671-1722.

Homework Help; Cypress. See the 5th. Bilingual Storytime; San Juan Capistrano. See the 5th.

Toddler Time; Aliso Viejo. See the 5th. Toddler Time; Laguna Hills. See the 5th. Artables by Gina Latora; Costa Mesa. See the 5th.

Mix-It-Up Wednesdays; Costa Mesa. See the 5th.

BODIES… The Exhibition; Buena Park. See the 1st.

Titanic the Experience; Buena Park. See the 1st.

THURSDAY, MARCH 13

Toddler Time; Laguna Hills. See the 5th. Homework Help; La Habra. See the 6th. Homework Help; Tustin. See the 6th.

Toddler Time; Aliso Viejo. See the 5th. Family Night; Costa Mesa. See the 6th. Food Truck Fair Thursday; Costa Mesa. See the 6th.

BODIES… The Exhibition; Buena Park. See the 1st.

Titanic the Experience; Buena Park. See the 1st.

Clay Activities for Toddlers at The Ceramics Studio; San Juan Capistrano. See the 2nd.

FRIDAY, MARCH 14

Smiling Monkey Yoga presents: Baby and Me Yoga; Irvine. Come enjoy spending time with others while doing yoga! This class is a wonderful way to bond with your little one, get to know other parents and exchange parenting tips. No experience necessary, mats provided. Ages 3 and under. $12 per child. 11am-2pm on 16th, 3pm-4pm on 16th. Center for Living Peace. 4139 Campus Dr. (949) 854-5500.

Shrek: The Musical; Huntington Beach. It’s a family affair! Shrek is the story of an ordinary ogre just trying to ﬁt in. He, along with his pack of sidekicks, embarks on a journey to save a damsel in distress. Shrek ﬁnds out that perhaps being an ogre isn’t so bad after all. All ages. Tickets start at $16. 7:30pm on 14th,15th and 22nd, 2pm4:30pm on 16th and 23rd. Huntington Beach Historic Theater. (714) 536-2514 ext 4025.

Homework Help; Tustin. See the 7th. Friday Morning Storytelling, Music & Art; Santa Ana. See the 7th. Kids Clay Classes; Santa Ana. See the 7th.

BODIES… The Exhibition; Buena Park. See the 1st.

Titanic the Experience; Buena Park. See the 1st.

SATURDAY, MARCH 15

Aqua Tots: Colors of the Ocean; Long Beach. Introduce your little one to marine life. Includes games, a fun, ocean themed craft to take home, guided tour, and a chance to touch animals in our private classroom touch pool. Ages 2-3. $40 child/ adult pair, $20 per additional guest. $36

member pairs, $15 per additional guest. 10am-11:30am. Aquarium of the Paciﬁc. 100 Aquarium Way. (562) 951-1630.

Dave Skale the Magician presents “Patty O’fumiture the St. Patty’s Day Leprechaun”; Huntington Beach. Come celebrate St. Patrick’s Day early with the Friends of the Children’s Library! Patty O’Furniture the Leprechaun has lost his most prized possession, his gold! Will the kids be able to help Patty ﬁnd his treasure? Find out in this comedy magic show with audience participation and tons of fun! Advance ticket purchase recommended. All ages. $4 per person. 2pm. Tabby Theater @ Huntington Beach Central Library. 7111 Talbert Ave. (714) 375-5107.

OC Roller Derby: Chorizo & Eggs, Pulp Friction & Beach Cities Flat Track; Huntington Beach. Come bring the family for a fun event with competitive skaters, including OC’s Chorizo & Eggs SCRAMBLE! All ages. $3 ages 6-12 years. General tickets start at $10. 5pm. The Rinks. 5555 McFadden Ave.

Shrek: The Musical; Huntington Beach. See the 14th.

Drop In And Draw; Costa Mesa. See the 1st.

Homework Help; La Palma. See the 1st. Science Saturdays; Newport Beach. See the 1st.

BODIES… The Exhibition; Buena Park. See the 1st. Titanic the Experience; Buena Park. See the 1st.

Wyland’s Whale and Dolphin Adventure Art Lessons in the Wild; Dana Point. See the 1st.

SUNDAY, MARCH 16

8th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration & Green Festival; Costa Mesa. All things green will share the spotlight during this event which combines a bit o’ the Blarney spirit and eco-friendly living. Includes dancers, eco contest, beekeeping, recycling, composting, Smart car displays, fashion show of couture made from trash (1pm), eco parade with kids modeling recycled accessories and masks. Vendors offer upcycled home décor and accessories, paper jewelry, ﬁber art, and more. All ages. Kids 12 and under free; adults $2; admission WAIVED with a donation of used eyeglasses for the Lion’s Club (which refurbishes and provides glasses for those in need). 7am-4pm. Orange County Market Place. 88 Fair Dr.

(949) 723-6660.

m.a.m.a. earth Presents: The Art of Metal Work & Jewelry; Irvine. From soldering to texturing and everything in between, this hands-on metal working adventure introduces students to the exciting world of metal art. Choose from an array of metals, stones and beads to create lasting works of art. Create rings, bracelets, earrings, bowls, key chains, pendants and much more. All ages. $18 minimum donation (includes materials fee). 1pm-3pm. Center for Living Peace. 4139 Campus Dr. (949) 854-5500.

Free Kids Fishing Clinic and Trip; Dana Point. See the 2nd.

Science Sundays; Newport Beach. See the 2nd.

Smiling Monkey Yoga presents: Baby and Me Yoga; Irvine. See the 14th. Shrek: The Musical; Huntington Beach. See the 14th.

Drawing & Painting Class for Youth & Adults; Santa Ana. See the 2nd.

BODIES… The Exhibition; Buena Park. See the 1st.

Titanic the Experience; Buena Park. See the 1st.

MONDAY, MARCH 17

Monday Funday; Laguna Hills. See the 3rd.

Preschool Storytime; Brea. See the 3rd. Homework Help; Cypress. See the 3rd. Lapsit Storytime; Villa Park. See the 3rd. Munchkin Monday; Costa Mesa. See the 3rd.

BODIES… The Exhibition; Buena Park. See the 1st.

Titanic the Experience; Buena Park. See the 1st.

TUESDAY, MARCH 18

Family Activity/Program; Brea. A funﬁlled monthly craft program on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. No registration required. All ages. Free. 6pm-7pm. Brea Public Library. 1 Civic Center Cir. (714) 671-1722.

Bilingual Family Storytime; Garden Grove. See the 4th.

Toddler Storytime; Dana Point. See the 4th.

Pre-K Storytime Jump; Lake Forest. See the 4th.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19

Homework Help; Cypress. See the 5th. Bilingual Storytime; San Juan Capistrano. See the 5th.

Toddler Time; Aliso Viejo. See the 5th. Toddler Time; Laguna Hills. See the 5th. Mix-It-Up Wednesdays; Costa Mesa. See the 5th.

BODIES… The Exhibition; Buena Park. See the 1st.

Titanic the Experience; Buena Park. See the 1st.

THURSDAY, MARCH 20

Homework Help; La Habra. See the 6th. Toddler Time; Aliso Viejo. See the 5th. Toddler Time; Laguna Hills. See the 5th. Food Truck Fair Thursday; Costa Mesa. See the 6th.

BODIES… The Exhibition; Buena Park. See the 1st.

Titanic the Experience; Buena Park. See the 1st.

Clay Activities for Toddlers at The Ceramics Studio; San Juan Capistrano. See the 2nd.

FRIDAY, MARCH 21

Camp James Open House; Newport Beach. Jump house, climbing wall, mini golf, and informational tours about Camp James Day Camp! All ages. Free. 11am2pm. 101 N. Bayside Dr. Newport Dunes. (949) 729-1098.

Teen Film/Video; Rancho Santa Margarita. Kick back and enjoy a free movie and snacks after school. All movies rated “G” or “PG.” Teens grades 7-12. Free. 3:15pm-4:45pm. Rancho Santa Margarita Public Library. 30902 La Promesa. (949) 459-6094.

Shark Lagoon Nights; Long Beach. See the 7th.

Friday Morning Storytelling, Music & Art; Santa Ana. See the 7th.

BODIES… The Exhibition; Buena Park. See the 1st.

Titanic the Experience; Buena Park. See the 1st.

Kids Clay Classes; Santa Ana. See the 7th.

Shrek: The Musical; Huntington Beach. See the 14th.

SATURDAY, MARCH 22

Saturday Family Fun: Shark Sleuths; Long Beach. Introduce your preschool student to Marine Life with a class that includes: touching real shark teeth, practice swimming like a shark, creating a fun, ocean themed craft to take home, and much more! Pre-registration and prepayment required. Ages 4-6 years. $40 child/adult pair, $20 per additional guest. $36 member pairs, $15 per additional guest. Aquarium of the Paciﬁc. 100 Aquarium Way. (562) 951-1630.

Storytime in the Garden Series; Irvine. Storytime and healthy eating come together in this series. Includes food-related stories, songs, games and activites. 10am-10:30am. Ages 3-8 years. Free. Orange County Great Park. Marine Way & Sand Canyon. (866) 829-3829.

Swallows Day Parade & Mercado; San Juan Capistrano. The nation’s largest nonmotorized parade is themed “New Trails West” this year! The Mercado is a Street Fair and Market Place where you can eat, drink, and shop at over 100 booths. It is THE place to be after the parade! Listen and dance to the music of The Working Cowboy Band, a traditional country music band. Free parking at the Capistrano Business Plaza lots on Rancho Viejo Rd on the east side of I5 (off J Serra exit), with shuttle service $2 adults, children 10 and under free. Drop off is at corner of El Horno and La Matanza streets. All ages. Free. Parade starts at 11am. Downtown San Juan Capistrano. (949) 493-1976.

Science Saturdays; Newport Beach. See the 1st.

Homework Help; La Palma. See the 1st.

Shrek: The Musical; Huntington Beach. See the 14th.

Knitting & Crocheting With Friends; Irvine. See the 8th.

Drop In and Draw; Costa Mesa. See the 1st.

BODIES… The Exhibition; Buena Park. See the 1st.

Titanic the Experience; Buena Park. See the 1st.

Wyland’s Whale and Dolphin Adventure

Art Lessons in the Wild; Dana Point. See the 1st.

SUNDAY, MARCH 23

Autism Families Night; Long Beach. Join us for an evening exclusively for families

with adults or children with autism. Guests can enjoy the tranquility of the exhibits and meet 11,000 animals from the world’s largest ocean. All ages. $7 per person, free for members/children under 3 years. Aquarium of the Paciﬁc. 100 Aquarium Way. (562) 590-3100 ext 0.

Shrek: The Musical; Huntington Beach. See the 14th.

Free Kids Fishing Clinic and Trip; Dana Point. See the 2nd.

Science Sundays; Newport Beach. See the 2nd.

Storytime with Cynthia Callard; Irvine. See the 9th.

Drawing & Painting Class for Youth & Adults; Santa Ana. See the 2nd.

BODIES… The Exhibition; Buena Park. See the 1st.

Titanic the Experience; Buena Park. See the 1st.

MONDAY, MARCH 24

Preschool Storytime; Brea. See the 3rd. Homework Help; Cypress. See the 3rd. Preschool Storytime; Seal Beach. See the 3rd.

Lapsit Storytime; Villa Park. See the 3rd. Munchkin Monday; Costa Mesa. See the 3rd.

Monday Funday; Laguna Hills. See the 3rd.

BODIES… The Exhibition; Buena Park. See the 1st.

Titanic the Experience; Buena Park. See the 1st.

TUESDAY, MARCH 25

Smiling Monkey Presents: Yoga for Kids Ages 3-7; Irvine. This is a great class where your kids can forget about homework and just accept themselves for who they are from the inside out. Your kids will learn how to relax and breathe and incorporate yoga into their daily lives. They’ll also gain self-conﬁdence, strength, and increase their ﬂexibility. Mats provided. Ages 3-7 years. $12 minimum donation. 12:30pm1:30pm. Center for Living Peace. 4139 Campus Dr. (949) 854-5500.Preschool Storytime; Brea. See the 3rd.

Pre-K Storytime Jump; Lake Forest. See the 4th.

BODIES… The Exhibition; Buena Park.

See the 1st.

Titanic the Experience; Buena Park. See the 1st.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26

Homework Help; Cypress. See the 5th. Toddler Time; Aliso Viejo. See the 5th. Bilingual Storytime; San Juan Capistrano. See the 5th.

Toddler Time; Laguna Hills. See the 5th. Mix-It-Up Wednesdays; Costa Mesa. See the 5th.

BODIES… The Exhibition; Buena Park. See the 1st.

Titanic the Experience; Buena Park. See the 1st.

THURSDAY, MARCH 27

Homework Help; La Habra. See the 6th. Toddler Time; Aliso Viejo. See the 5th. BODIES… The Exhibition; Buena Park. See the 1st.

Titanic the Experience; Buena Park. See the 1st.

Family Night; Costa Mesa. See the 6th. Toddler Time; Laguna Hills. See the 5th. Food Truck Fair Thursday; Costa Mesa. See the 6th. Clay Activities for Toddlers at The Ceramics Studio; San Juan Capistrano. See the 2nd.

FRIDAY, MARCH 28

Friday Morning Storytelling, Music & Art; Santa Ana. A unique, fun learning activity for toddlers and their adult friends! Miss Bev & Miss Jackie provide lively and interactive sessions; a new book and art activity each week. Includes play time in Kidseum! Bring your camera! Ages 2-6 years. Member $10/child accompanied by adult, non-member $12/ child accompanied by adult. 10:30am12pm. Bowers Museum. 2002 N Main St. (714) 480-1520.

AAA Presents: Open Roads @ Pretend City Children’s Museum; Irvine. Ready to learn? Ready to play? Come visit us today! On this day, Auto Club members receive 20% discount on tickets purchased on-site. Must present membership cards

at time of purchase. All ages. Tickets start at $12.50. Open 10am-5pm daily. Pretend City Children’s Museum. 29 Hubble. (949) 428-3900.

Shark Lagoon Nights; Long Beach. See the 7th. Kids Clay Classes; Santa Ana. See the 7th.

BODIES… The Exhibition; Buena Park. See the 1st. Titanic the Experience; Buena Park. See the 1st.

SATURDAY, MARCH 29

Irvine Park Railroad Easter Eggstravaganza; Irvine. Ride the train through Irvine Regional Park, participate in an Easter egg hunt, take a picture with the Easter Bunny, and enjoy activities such as cookie decorating, face painting, carnival games and more! Ends April 19th; not open on Easter Sunday. Most events one ticket each; face painting two tickets. $10 per child photo with Easter Bunny, $6 per additional photo. Parking $5 Saturdays. All ages. $5 per ticket. 10am6pm Saturdays. Irvine Regional Park. 1 Irvine Park Rd. (714) 997-3968.

Zumba in the Park!; Fountain Valley. Come and join Michelle for a fun, easyto-follow dance/ﬁtness class at this wonderful outdoor venue. Suitable for teens and older. $10 per person. 9am10am. Mile Square Park. 16801 Euclid St. (714) 697-7511.

Free Swimming Lessons at the Fullerton YMCA; Fullerton. The YMCA is offering complimentary swim lessons for new swimmers! Reservations required. All ages. Free. 10am-12pm. Fullerton YMCA. 2000 Youth Way. (714) 879-9622.

Drop In and Draw; Costa Mesa. See the 1st.

Homework Help; La Palma. See the 1st. Science Saturdays; Newport Beach. See the 1st.

BODIES… The Exhibition; Buena Park. See the 1st.

Titanic the Experience; Buena Park. See the 1st.

Wyland’s Whale and Dolphin Adventure

Art Lessons in the Wild; Dana Point. See the 1st.

Anaheim. Come join us weekend mornings for an hour long, naturalistled hike through Oak Canyon and live animal demonstration themed to the Canyon’s plants, animals, history, ecology, and more! Pre-registration is not required, although large groups must contact the nature center before hand to make reservations. Closed-toed shows recommended. Stroller and wheelchair accessible hikes are available. All ages. $5 donation per family. 10:30am-11:30am. Oak Canyon Nature Center in Anaheim. (714) 998-8380.

Drawing & Painting Class for Youth & Adults; Santa Ana. See the 2nd.

Irvine Park Railroad Easter

Eggstravaganza; Irvine. See the 29th. Free Kids Fishing Clinic and Trip; Dana Point. See the 2nd.

Science Sundays; Newport Beach. See the 2nd.

Smiling Monkey Yoga presents: Baby and Me Yoga; Irvine. See the 16th.

BODIES… The Exhibition; Buena Park. See the 1st.

Titanic the Experience; Buena Park. See the 1st.

MONDAY, MARCH 31

Family/ PJ Storytime; Dana Point. Last Monday of each month, children and parents are invited to join our dynamic Sunshine Readers for a night of stories, songs, and fun! Don’t forget your PJs. All ages. Free. 7pm-8pm. Dana Point Public Library. 33841 Niguel Rd. (949) 496-5517. Monday Funday; Laguna Hills. See the 3rd.

Irvine Park Railroad Easter

Eggstravaganza; Irvine. See the 29th. Times/prices vary on weekdays. Preschool Storytime; Brea. See the 3rd. Preschool Storytime; Seal Beach. See the 3rd.

Lapsit Storytime; Villa Park. See the 3rd. Munchkin Monday; Costa Mesa. See the 3rd.

BODIES… The Exhibition; Buena Park. See the 1st.

Titanic the Experience; Buena Park. See the 1st.

HAPPY MARCH!

SUNDAY,

MARCH 30

Discover Nature Family Program;