Marmalades september 3

Marmalade

TM

Moms, Dads & All Things Kid in Orange Countyâ„¢

September 2016

Sandy Segerstrom Daniels

Festival of Children Foundation

Celebrating the Magic of Childhood

NATIONAL CHILD AWARENESS MONTH COMMUNITY

BIS KIDS: PROACTIVE PREVENTION PROGRAM AGAINST DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE

HOME LIFE

WATER SAFETY + EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FOR KIDS + MOMPRENEURS

THIS AND THAT

DESTINATION: ATLANTA, GA + ST. AUGUSTINE, FL + STAYCATION @ THE HOTEL IRVINE

ENSURE A BRIGHTER FUTURE LICENSED CHILDCARE YMCA of Orange Afterschool Program Ages 5 yrs. - 13 yrs.

The YMCA of Orange provides a high quality and affordable childcare program to school-aged children and youth throughout the Orange Unified School District. We provide a nutritious snack and a well rounded curriculum that combines academics with play, and offers a caring and safe environment where your children can achieve, feel a sense of belonging, build relationships, and explore new interests to help them realize their full potential. Activities include Academic Support, Academic Enrichment, and Physical Activities.

WHEN: Monday - Friday TIME: School dismissal – 6pm LOCATION: YMCA OF ORANGE YOUTH CENTER 2241 E. Palmyra Ave. Orange, CA 92869

*Transportation

Financial Support Available!

We partner with the following Funding Agencies: CalWORKs, Children’s Home Society, and Orange County Department of Education

available from OUSD schools.

For more Information, please contact us: (714) 633-9622 www.ymcaoforange.org Follow us on:

TABLE OF CONTENTS SEPTEMBER 2016

12

22

COVER FEATURE: Festival of Children Foundation - Celebrating the Magic of Childhood

Homebuilders Selected for New Hilltop Neighborhoods at Esencia on the Ranch

18

34

The Importance of Vaccinations for Children of All Ages

Fifty Monkey Ferris Wheel Coming to Santa Ana Zoo!

08 10 15 16 20 24 26 30 32 36 38

Dancing Through Life: Training the Heart and Soul at South Coast Conservatory Swimming Safety National Child Awareness Month Bis Kids: Proactive Prevention Program Against Drug and Alcohol Use Preparing for Emergencies with Supplies at Home The New Ninjago World is Plastic Fantastic at Legoland 6 Reasons to Adore Atlanta Craft: Burlap Football Coasters Community Service: Giving More than 1,100 Youth a Second Chance Staycation Spotlight: Hotel Irvine A trio of OC Mom Inventors with one thing on their mind: Making life a little less messy for parents!

SHARE YOUR NEWS AND EVENTS info@marmaladeoc.com

DO YOU KNOW SOMETHING OTHER FAMILIES WOULD WANT TO KNOW?

EMAIL US ABOUT YOUR NEWS AND EVENTS; WE’LL HELP GET THE WORD OUT. 4

And a yearlong calendar of lively events brings neighbors closer together. Who, exactly, is this all for? Couples creating roots? Fun-loving families? The adventurous 55+ crowd?

Yes, yes, and yes. See what Esencia can mean for you at ranchomissionviejo.com.

© 2016 RMV PA2 Development, LLC. All rights reserved. The information, plans and land uses shown may change without notice or obligation. No information contained herein shall be deemed to constitute a representation or warranty of any kind.

Illustrations are not to scale. Imagery used does not depict racial preference.

As you cross the bridge into the heart of Rancho Mission Viejo, you see it. A hillside village with views all the way out to the coast. This is Esencia. It’s like nowhere else. A preserved oak canyon greets the Napa-inspired Canyon House. Farm, parks, and majestic oaks punctuate the elevated landscape.

The Canyon House at Esencia.

Homes from the high $400s to over $1 million. Call 949-768-1882.

HILLSIDE LIVING, ABOVE IT ALL.

Epic

Esencia means

Join the Interest List: RanchoMissionViejo.com

6 new neighborhoods coming this fall.

Announcing The Hilltop Neighborhoods

ALONDRA by Shea Homes

CORTESA by Shea Homes

AVOCET by CalAtlantic Homes

VIREO by William Lyon Homes

Featuring single-level living

GavilánTM for 55+

AUBERGINE by TRI Pointe Homes

CIRRUS by Meritage Homes

HEIRLOOM by CalAtlantic Homes

VENTANA by Shea Homes

CITRON by CalAtlantic Homes

ARIA by TRI Pointe Homes

TRELLIS by Warmington Residential

AURORA by William Lyon Homes

From 1,340 to 3,765 sq. ft.

From high $400s to low $1 millions

Now Selling

The Canyon House Neighborhoods

Marmalade

TM

Celebrate your

Moms, Dads & All Things Kid in Orange County™

B RTH DAY

SEPTEMBER 2016 EDITOR IN CHIEF

at Pretend City!

JODY ROBINSON

ASSISTANT EDITORS JANESSA RASMUSSEN SARA WATT

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS PHILLIP CECCHINI, MD KRISTINE EMERSON ANN LAURENCE JESSICA LIU

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS MELISA CHANDLER, CHANDLER PHOTOGRAPHY LANA FARFAN, CAUGHT IN THE MOMENT PHOTOGRAPHY DIANA SCHMITT, ACCENT PORTRAITS BY DIANA

ADVERTISING/MARKETING SALES & MARKETING MARLO ANDERSEN ANTHONY ARCURIO KIM ROBERSON SUSAN VEGA

DISTRIBUTION

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER DAVID STARR

make it

PUBLISHER

MEMORABLE!

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES

A birthday party at Pretend City Children’s Museum includes your choice of fun themes, hours of play in its interactive exhibits, a party room with amenities, and much more.

COMMUNITY PUBLICATIONS, LLC JODY ROBINSON

(714) 469-3495 JODY@MARMALADEOC.COM

CONNECT WITH US

M

Enjoy FREE admission on your birthday!*

MARMALADEOC.COM FACEBOOK.COM/MARMALADEOC TWITTER.COM/MARMALADEOC PINTEREST.COM/MARMALADEOC

*Must show proof of birthday with ID or birth certificate

Marmalade Magazine serves the Orange County community. We welcome feedback from our readers.

For questions or comments, please email us at info@marmaladeoc.com. www.pretendcity.org • 949.428.3900 29 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92618

PLEASE REMEMBER TO ALWAYS RECYCLE

©2016 Pretend City Children’s Museum.

6

locations

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• Birthday Parties • Team Parties • Groups & Private Events • Cosmic Nights (Fri & Sat)

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Laguna Hills (949) 305-9788 • Buena Park (844) 550-5867 Redlands (909) 335-7275 • BigAirUSA.com Must present coupon at check-in on event date. May not be combined with any other discount offers, including Toddler Time parties. Discount may not be used on holidays. No cash value. May not be sold or reproduced. Event must be booked by 09/30/16 . Advance reservation required - one week minimum notice is suggested. A $100 nonrefundable deposit due at the time of reservation. All participatory guests do require a liability waiver. Prices & hours subject to change without notice. Coupon Code: SoCounty1215

Laguna Hills (949) 305-9788 • Buena Park (844) 550-5867 Redlands (909) 335-7275 • BigAirUSA.com

7

g n i c n a D Through

Life

Training the Heart and Soul at South Coast Conservatory

BY JODY ROBINSON

I

n the 1960’s, a man named Roger W. Sperry developed a theory: that the human brain goes about thinking in two very different ways. Having worked in the field of psychobiology for years, he’d noticed that one side of the brain saw the big picture - processing information in an intuitive and simultaneous fashion. The other, putting sequential pieces together like a puzzle, parts making a whole.

We all use both sides of the brain complementing logic with creativity.

But ask any dancer, writer, sculptor, or painter and they’ll tell you they’re “right brained.”

Teams, South Coast continues to expand into new communities.

“We start kids in our ‘Pre-Academy’ program to introduce them to a range of dance styles, such as ballet, tap, jazz, tumbling, hip hop, and song and dance,” says Jena. “Once they grow into the ‘Academy’ program, they receive a more in depth training, also beginning to learn contemporary, break dancing, pilates, lyrical,

Controlling three-dimensional spatial reasoning, creativity, and artistic ability, right brain dominance certainly has given us some of the world’s greatest art forms. And South Coast Conservatory is finding more and more ways to celebrate it.

Founded in 1992, the Conservatory is heading into its 25th year of operation. Specializing in individual and group dance in classical, contemporary and commercial, they provide programs for kids from age 2-18. Programs to help children grow, programs that train “the heart and soul of every dancer,” says Director + CEO Jena Minnick-Bull.

Formerly known as Mission Viejo Dance, South Coast Conservatory now has locations in San Clemente and Laguna Niguel. Offering eight separate programs, from PreAcademy to Competitive Dance 8

acting, and pointe.” With one-fifth of South Coast’s kids joining the competitive level of dance, their program structure is set perfectly to grow with them: accelerated training with elite coaches in either its “Ballet Conservatory” division, or the “Elite Academy” - prepping kids for the commercial world of dance.

It isn’t just for kids either: Christina Portillo has been attending the Conservancy for over ten years as an adult, “engaging in various dance styles, performing with the Ballet Conservatory, and even competing with the adult hip hop team: Moms Crew.”

Linking up the left and right brains is an automatic function of the body - synthesizing even to the smallest degree what we are seeing out of our left and right eyes, and putting the picture together as a whole. Because each student learns differently, South Coast has set up a compassionate and individualized teaching philosophy. “We take the time to understand and aid the goals of our students.”

William Radcliffe, Attorney at Law and Bonnie Radcliffe, Legal Assistant

Director + CEO Jena Minnick-Bull

And dance, really, isn’t just about processing information intuitively, as most might think. The analysis of sequential movements, for example: choreography. A projected kinetic trajectory on an angled plane: leaping.

Symmetry, patterning, geometry group theory and permutations. Left brain and right brain working together to create beauty, community, and create a passion for learning that will persist for years beyond any single dance class.

Parents learn about passion alongside their children too. Adriana Escobar notes that she loves South Coast Conservatory because it introduced her daughter to such a passion: musical theater. “[The Conservatory] provided her with the place and people she needed to take a chance to dance, sing, and then to act. Today, it’s her passion and she is comfortable on any stage.”

Roger Sperry went on to be awarded the Nobel Prize in 1981 for his work in psychobiology - and certainly, while South Coast is preparing kids for a lifetime of creative, rightbrained pursuits, Jena notes that “all of our graduates go on to pursue many diverse degrees and careers using the lifelong skills our school provided them.”

The South Coast Conservatory studio is located at 27652 Camino Capistrano in Laguna Niguel (949) 367-0099 and its San Clemente studio is located at 400-C Camino De Estrella (949) 682-7977. For more information, visit scconservatory.com

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9

g n mi m i w

S

Safety

BY PHILLIP CECCHINI, M.D.

W

hether it’s a pool, lake or ocean, kids love to make a splash. But before you cannonball into the water, plan ahead and keep in mind important safety tips.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about 10 people die of accidental drownings a day.

It is the second most common cause of death in young children in the U.S. It’s vital that parents take precautions to protect their children, especially when they’re playing in and around the pool and ocean.

Keep your child’s swimming adventures safe by following these guidelines

Keep a Close Eye on the Kids.

When you’re swimming with children, it’s all hands on the pool deck. Children must be watched at all times by an adult, no exceptions. Teach your kids how to swim and follow basic safety rules, such as no running around or roughhousing in the water. Children who don’t have strong swimming skills should wear a floatation device such as a life jacket.

Parents still need to be vigilant while their children are paddling around. Also, be aware that toddlers can drown in very

shallow water, such as a bucket, if not properly supervised.

Be Prepared Before Taking the Plunge.

You’ve got your towel, but what about sunscreen? Something to drink (nonalcoholic, of course)? A cell phone in case of emergency? It’s helpful to have all of these on hand. It’s also a good idea to have a flotation device, even if it’s a foam noodle or inflatable raft, which you could toss to a child struggling in the water.

Having a first-aid kit nearby also can’t hurt.

Make sure you and your child know the depth of the water before diving in. For large bodies of water, have your child stay in designated swimming areas and find out if there are rip currents or tides that can make for unsafe swimming conditions.

Use the Buddy System.

Your child should never swim alone.

If your child is without a swim partner, make sure there’s a lifeguard watching and that he or she follow the rules of the pool or beach.

Know How to Save a Life.

CPR and first-aid courses are easy to find and the time you put into them 10

is paid back in full with the assurance that you know how to handle swimming emergencies with children and adults.

Check with your local hospital for a class schedule, or find one online through the American Heart Association’s website.

Be aware that not all drowning victims have immediate distress. “Secondary” or “delayed” drowning can take seven hours or longer to develop. Even if a child appears to be OK, he or she should be treated at a hospital if there has been significant choking or aspiration.

Be a Smart Pool Owner. If you have a pool, ensure that you have the proper safety features in place to protect children of all ages.. These can include sturdy pool covers, fences, alarms, rescue equipment and safe drain covers for pools and hot tubs.

Phillip Cecchini, M.D., is a boardcertified family medicine physician with Mission Heritage Medical Group, part of the St. Joseph Hoag Health network of care with Mission Hospital.

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FESTIVAL OF CHILDREN AT SOUTH COAST PLAZA SPOTLIGHTS CHILDREN’S CHARITIES DURING NATIONAL CHILD AWARENESS MONTH ®

Festival of Children Foundation Presents 15th Annual Festival of Children® with over 75 charities in attendance

F

estival of Children Foundation presents the 15th Annual Festival of Children®, a community-wide charity outreach event held every weekend in September, in conjunction with National Child Awareness Month, at South Coast Plaza. Children of all ages are invited to enjoy the month-long Festival offering free family activities and events, including live music and dance performances, a grand scale back-toschool fashion show by South Coast Plaza retailers, including Macy’s, arts and crafts, animal shows, face painting, and more, while showcasing over 75 youthserving organizations.

“Each September, Festival of Children Foundation salutes Orange County children’s charities with this communitywide event that showcases the important and meaningful work of these organizations,” said Sandy Segerstrom Daniels, Founder and Executive Director of Festival of Children Foundation, and Managing Partner of South Coast

Plaza. Charities in attendance range from larger organizations such as CHOC Children’s Hospital, CASA, Make-AWish Foundation and Childhelp to smaller charities including Project Hope Alliance, Casa Teresa, and Western Youth Services. “We are so pleased to partner with South Coast Plaza to give these wonderful organizations that serve thousands of children in our community an opportunity to reach out to potential donors, volunteers and sponsors,” added Segerstrom Daniels.

“Festival of Children Foundation is a champion of CHOC Children’s mission to nurture, advance and protect the health and wellbeing of children. Its steadfast support aids CHOC’s efforts to bring bright futures to the children of Orange County and beyond,” stated Jan Lansing, Vice President, Marketing & Communications, CHOC Children’s Hospital.

While visiting the charities’ booths and learning about their programs, 12

guests can enjoy free family activities every weekend in September. Activities include: CANSTRUCTION OC: September 3-25 - Guests will be astonished as they view 16 amazing structures made entirely out of canned goods. At the conclusion of the Festival, the structures are disassembled, and over 60,000 canned food items will be donated to the Orange County Food Bank for distribution to needy families in Orange County.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL FASHIONS: September 4 at 11:30am in Carousel Court - Children of all ages will model the latest back-to-school fashions from South Coast Plaza retailers, including Macy’s.

LEGO: Every Saturday from 2:00-4:00 pm in Carousel Court, experience craft activities.

SANRIO®: September 3 at 12:00 & 2:00 pm in Carousel Court – The Hello Kitty mascot will be on hand for meet & greet and photos.

child passenger safety, water safety and when to take your child to the ER followed by arts & crafts activities and music. Coffee and Tea is hosted by Corner Bakery.

CARE BEARS PLUSH DRIVE September 10 & 11 shoppers can “Share Your Care” with Care Bears™ by donating a plush stuffed animal to the We Care Bears organization. Bring a NEW plush donation and meet Share Bear from 12-2 pm on Saturday & Sunday in Carousel Court.

As part of its 15th Year Anniversary, Festival of Children Foundation is partnering with beloved brand, Care Bears™ to celebrate their national holiday “Share Your Care Day” on September 9. Shoppers can join the #ShareYourCare movement on September 10 & 11 by donating a NEW

PUZZLE ZOO: September 10 from 12:00-2:00 pm in Carousel Court - Calico Critters Arts & Crafts.

COFFEE, TEA, MOMMY & ME: Every Friday in September at 11 am – Educational talks about home safety,

plush item for donation drive benefiting We Care Bears, a non-profit organization that was started four years ago by 13 year old Jessica Carscadden. We Care Bears supplies stuffed animals to first responders in order to help children in unbearable situations. Jessica will be honored with the 2016 Festival of Children® “FRED Award” at the Opening Night Event on August 31.

For a complete list of programs and activities, please visit www.festivalofchildren.org

About Festival of Children Foundation Festival of Children Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization that serves to bring together and coordinate the efforts of charities, companies and individuals who actively work to improve the lives of children. Festival of Children Foundation gives a voice, guidance and support. 100% of the administrative costs are covered by designated funding, allowing donations to go further in direct support of programs and services that improve the lives of children. www.FestivalOfChildren.org.

CARE BEARS INVITE SOCAL RESIDENTS TO JOIN THE #SHAREYOURCARE MOVEMENT AT SOUTH COAST PLAZA BENEFITTING KIDS IN NEED OF KINDNESS For nearly 35 years, Care Bears have taught children of all ages the importance of sharing their feelings and caring for others.

This year, Care Bears have aligned with 13-year-old Jessica Carscadden to donate 500 plush Care Bears to her charity We Care Bears. Jessica founded We Care Bears, as a non-profit organization to supply plush toys to first responders in order to help children caught in “unbearable situations.”

UPSTAGED DANCE & PERFORMANCE STUDIO Upstaged Dance & Performance Studio is in the South East of Victoria, Australia. We opened our dance school in 2007 with 75 students and over 10 years we have grown to over 600 students.

To mark our 10th year of operation we selected 18 students to celebrate with an overseas dance tour. Our dance team ranges from 7 years to 24 years. Our performance takes us back in time to the 50’s, where we then travel through some awesome decades to music and styles of dance back to today.

As part of its 15th Year Anniversary, Festival of Children Foundation has also partnered with Jessica and invites shoppers to visit South Coast Plaza Sept. 10th & 11th and join the #ShareYourCare movement by donating a NEW plush item during the We Care Bears donation drive on site near Carousel Court. Care Bears very own Share Bear will be welcoming kids of all ages from 12pm to 2pm both days.

September 3 – 25, 2016

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS September 3-25 PLAZA HOURS Canstruction Exhibit-Come and check out amazing sculptures built with cans! (benefiting Orange County Food Bank) Friday, Sept. 2 CAROUSEL 11:00am Coffee, Tea, Mommy & MeEducational talk followed by

an arts & craft activity Saturday, Sept. 3 CAROUSEL 12:00pm Opening Ceremonies featuring Kodi Lee and The Hi-Tops 12-4pm Arts & Crafts hosted by Bowers Kidseum (while supplies last) 12-4pm OC Face Painting (first 60 served) 13

12-4pm 2-4pm 1:00pm 2:00pm 3:00pm 4:00pm JEWEL 12:30pm 1:30pm 2:30pm

Long Beach LEGO User Group Build LEGO Craft Activity The Center Stage Studio Anaheim Ballet Godfrey the Magician John Abrams Animal Magician Arts & Learning Conservatory South Coast Martial Arts Eurogymnastics

3:30pm

South Coast Martial Arts

Sunday, Sept. 4 CAROUSEL 12-4pm Arts & Crafts (while supplies last) 12-4pm OC Face Painting (first 60 served) 11:30am Back-to-School Fashion Show 1:00pm Williams-Sonoma Chef demo for Kids-Breakfast Club 2:00pm Learning Spot Dance Academy 3:00pm OC Song & Dance 4:00pm Prehistoric Pets Animal Show JEWEL 1:30pm DanceLōva Dance Academy 2:30pm Raices de Mexico OC Folklorico 3:30pm Claudia de la Cruz Flamenco Dance Friday, Sept. 9 CAROUSEL 11:00am Coffee, Tea, Mommy & MeEducational talk followed by an arts & crafts activity Saturday, Sept. 10 CAROUSEL 12-4pm Arts & Crafts (while supplies last) 12-4pm OC Face Painting (first 60 served) 12-2pm Williams-Sonoma Craft Activity 12-2pm Meet & Greet with Share Bear of Care Bears™ 2-4pm LEGO Craft Activity 12:00pm South OC School of the Arts Blue Lantern Choir 1:00pm Festival Ballet 2:00pm Hālau Hula Lani Ola Hawaiian Dance 3:00pm Orange County Children’s Theatre 4:00pm MOMS Baby Olympics Diaper - and Daddy Diaper Changing Contest JEWEL 1:30pm OC Gymnastics, Cheer & Dance 2:30pm OC Gymnastics, Cheer & Dance 3:30pm OC Gymnastics, Cheer & Dance 4:30pm Orange County Children’s Theatre Sunday, Sept. 11 CAROUSEL 12-4pm Arts & Crafts hosted by

12-4pm 12-2pm 12:00pm 1:00pm 2:00pm 3:00pm 4:00pm JEWEL 1:30pm 2:30pm 3:30pm

Newport Beach Plaza (while supplies last) OC Face Painting (first 60 served) Meet & Greet with Share Bear of Care Bears™ FOCUS Dance Center Ballet Etudes OC Song & Dance Lovett Dance Center Boys & Girls Clubs of Huntington Valley Thistle Academy of Irish Dance Avanti Dance Company Avanti Aerial on Edge

Friday, Sept. 16 CAROUSEL 11:00am Coffee, Tea, Mommy & MeEducational talk followed by Gymboree Play & Music Saturday, Sept. 17 CAROUSEL 12-4pm Chuck Jones Center for Creativity Mural Activity 12-4pm OC Face Painting (first 60 served) 12-2pm Williams-Sonoma Craft Activity 2-4pm LEGO Craft Activity 12:00pm Mei-Ling Lee Chinese Dance Group 1:00pm Grandeza Mexicana Folk Ballet and Dance Academy 2:00pm OCSA Classical Voice 3:00pm OC All Stars 4:00pm West Coast School of the Arts JEWEL 1:30pm All-American Boys Chorus 3:30pm All-American Boys Chorus Sunday, Sept. 18 CAROUSEL 12-4pm Arts & Crafts 12-4pm OC Face Painting (first 60 served) 12-4pm Chuck Jones Center for Creativity Mural Activity 12:00pm The Performers Academy 1:00pm OC Dancing 2:00pm McCoy Rigby Conservatory of the Arts 3:00pm South OC School of the Arts Musical Theater 4:00pm Island Inspirations JEWEL 1:30pm Learning Spot Dance Academy 2:30pm OC Dancing 14

3:30pm

Claddagh School of Irish Dance

Friday, Sept. 23 CAROUSEL 11:00am Coffee, Tea, Mommy & MeEducational talk followed by South Coast Music Together Saturday , Sept. 24 CAROUSEL 12-4pm Arts & Crafts (while supplies last) 12-4pm OC Face Painting (first 60 served) 12-2pm Williams-Sonoma Craft Activity 2-4pm LEGO Craft Activity 12:00pm Newport Dance Theatre 1:00pm Festival Ballet 2:00pm Blackbelt Tae Kwon Do Academy 3:00pm OCSA Ballet Folklorico 4:00pm Friends of Santa Ana Zoo Animal Show JEWEL 12:30pm Waldorf Orchestra 1:30pm St. John the Baptist School Clover Choir 2:30pm New Orange County Children’s Choir 3:30pm Maple Youth Ballet Sunday, Sept. 25 CAROUSEL 12-4pm Arts & Crafts hosted by Art4Kids (while supplies last) 12-4pm OC Face Painting (first 60 served) Carousel 12:00pm Arpana Dance Company 1:00pm Upstaged Dance/Cheryl Witchell School of Dance 2:00pm OCSA Montage 3:00pm Musical Theatre Academy of OC 4:00pm Closing Ceremonies featuring Kodi Lee and The Hi-Tops JEWEL 1:30pm Musical Theatre Academy of OC 2:30pm OC Shaolin Temple Cultural Center 3:30pm OCSA Dot Comm Contemporary Dance 4:30pm Johnny Mercer Children’s Choir *All events subject to change without notice *All craft events are while supplies last

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Victoria Morgan

Nonprofit Spotlight

BIS KIDS

Proactive prevention program against

z

drug and alcohol

z

L

use

ike many passionate and dedicated individuals who have made an impact in the world and changed the lives of many, Victoria Morgan’s life mission came from a deeply personal and emotional experience. That experience resulted in BIS KIDS; a program and movement that has helped and encouraged more than 2,000 children and families from Orange County and Los Angeles to lead better and more productive lives.

BIS KIDS is a proactive prevention program against drug and alcohol use.

The BIS Foundation was founded in 2006 and is designed for children 7-12 years of age. The program uses age-appropriate language; games; music; artwork; role playing; videos and prizes to educate children about substance abuse and the disease of addiction. The children have great fun and they leave with knowledge and a tool-set that can help them stay

safe. BIS KIDS teaches children if they stay away from drugs and alcohol they can accomplish anything they choose to do in life!

home. Our goal is to empower children!

We want them to have the tools they need to stay safe and drug free no matter what is going on around them.

Alen Wood had the opportunity to sit down with Victoria Morgan to learn more about her mission, the BIS Foundation, and the BIS KIDS program.

On the first day of the BIS KIDS event, we do role playing and discuss many important questions. Who are the safe people in your life that you can talk to?

Who would you call if you needed a ride home and you did not want to call your Mom or Dad? How do you step out of a bullying situation if someone is trying to get you to do something you do not want to do? What do you do if someone offers you a drink of alcohol, a pill or a marijuana cigarette?

Alen Wood: I am excited to speak with you about this wonderful program. Can you tell me about the BIS KIDS program and what happens at a BIS KIDS event?

Victoria Morgan: Thank you for the opportunity to talk about my foundation and the program that is so dear to my heart. Drugs and alcohol are sucking the lives out of our children. Substance abuse is promoted in our music, on TV, and in the movies. It is in the schools, neighborhoods, communities and at 16

The program and BIS KIDS events teach these children about the “addiction monster”! Here is a startling fact: If a child starts drinking alcohol or experimenting with drugs before the

age of 15 there is a 50% chance they will become addicted.

was the motivation for you to start the foundation and program?

On the second day of our workshop we bring in the parents and we teach them everything we have taught the children. We want the entire family on the same page. We want to open the door of communication so families can have discussions about these issues. The parent and child do an activity together.

After the group activity the kids graduate from BIS KIDS receiving a certificate of completion and the kids can download the BIS KIDS app (www.thebiskid.com).

It is a fun positive game that reinforces what they learned in BIS KIDS!

VM: In 2005 my only son Colin was killed in alcohol related automobile accident.

He was riding in a car with a drunk driver.

The driver was a 24-year-old female with a history of substance abuse. My son was 30 years old and had struggled with addiction issues since high school.

Everyone’s life changed in that moment.

Our family was devastated! We wanted something good and positive to come from this horrible accident. The BIS (Believe In Sobriety) Foundation is a living legacy to my beautiful son. If we can keep one child or one family from experiencing what our family experienced our efforts will have been a success!

AW: When people think about “drugs or alcohol abuse”, they generally think about teenagers or adults that are using.

Are there some thoughts you have that people should really know about... that perhaps they are unaware of?

VM: Absolutely! Children are affected by substance abuse. They know kids in school that may be experimenting with alcohol, marijuana, street drugs and prescription drugs. They see people smoking marijuana and drinking on TV. It is embedded in our culture. They begin experimenting at a younger age. We have had children in BIS KIDS in middle school that have friends who overdosed on drugs. It is tragic! The kids all knew about Michael Jackson and Prince!

The only way to the other side is by education and giving the kids a tool-set that can be applied in slippery situations.

AW: Can you tell us how the idea for creating BIS KIDS came about? What

AW: You have built a living legacy to Colin and it’s very inspirational. How involved are the communities and cities where you hold BIS KIDS events? Are they supportive and encouraging?

VM: Thank you for asking this question!

This is our 8th year doing BIS KIDS in Orange County and Los Angeles and we are literally here because of the incredible support we receive. Working with corporate sponsors, private foundations, individual donors and local agencies enables us to scholarship all the children. We enroll the children on a firstcome basis. All children need the skill-set we teach at BIS KIDS. The key to the program is that the kids have great fun and the parents are so appreciative! We receive tremendous support from North Bound Treatment

Services; The Children’s Bureau; All for Kids; The Raise Foundation; Hope By The Sea; The Iacocca Foundation and individual donors. We are expanding BIS KIDS to every city and community in Orange County. The cities officials and community leaders have been extremely supportive!

AW: Wow! Every corporation who provides sponsorship should know about BIS KIDS! Can you tell us about the BIS KIDS team of specialists? Who actually facilitates the program?

VM: A team of trained professionals lead all the BIS KIDS events. Our clinical director is Leslie Cox, a LCSW, and most of our team members are bilingual.

AW: Is there anything else that you would like to communicate to people about the BIS KIDS program?

VM: I could speak forever about what people should know, but education and knowledge are the keys to success! We have to empower our children! Give them the tools they need to take care of themselves. We have to teach our children about this disease. Studies show that using heroin, marijuana, pills, alcohol and nicotine is on the rise! You cannot expect your kids to just say “NO.” We must teach them a set of tools that help them stay safe.

For more information, visit www.biskids.org

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The Importance of

Vaccinations for Children of All Ages

Whether you have a newborn or toddler or school age children, it is important to make sure that your children ages 0 to 18 are up-to-date with their vaccinations. With back to school and fall just around the corner, knowing whether or not your child is in need of vaccines helps protect them, their siblings and parents from illnesses throughout the year.

Immunizations play a big role in keeping children of all ages healthy and free from illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccinations lower the chance of many certain diseases. Outbreaks of ailments such as smallpox and polio were eradicated when vaccines were implemented in the mid-20th century. Vaccinations continue to play a significant role in reducing and even eliminating preventable severe illnesses.

CalOptima, the health insurance provider for thousands of adults and children throughout Orange County, recommends visiting your child’s health care professional to ensure your child’s immunization records are up-to-date.:

Diseases are easily preventable with vaccinations: Many diseases can be

prevented by getting vaccinations, such as smallpox, measles, tetanus, meningitis and hepatitis. If other people who are around your child are not fully vaccinated — you may be exposing your child to infectious diseases — if your child is not up-to-date and current with vaccinations.

That’s what happened during the measles outbreak which started in Orange County in December 2014, and

spread to other states. According to the CDC, measles is the most deadly of all childhood rash/fever illnesses.

Vaccinations are very safe and effective:

According to the CDC, the United States’ long-standing vaccine safety system ensures that vaccines are as safe as possible, and that it also has the safest, most effective vaccine supply. Children do not like shots, but it is a quick process where the temporary discomfort, greatly outweighs the risks.

Children need protection: Children have less developed immune systems that

are not as strong as adults. It is easier for them to get sick and develop infections, especially when going into a new environment such as daycare, school or college. They are more likely to remain healthy if parents ensure that their children received the proper vaccinations.

CalOptima recommends that parents stay up-to-date with their child’s vaccinations to protect them from harmful diseases. Talk to your child’s doctor about which vaccinations are needed and to make sure that your child, is current with their vaccines.

CalOptima is a county organized health system, and provides publicly funded health care coverage for low-income children, adults, seniors and people with disabilities in Orange County. In total, CalOptima serves more than 789,000 members with a network of more than 7,500 primary care doctors and specialists, as well as 30 hospitals.

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Preparing Your Kids for the Unexpected With school starting back up, it is important to make sure that your children know what to do in case the unexpected happens.

While no one likes to think about those situations, being prepared for emergencies is the best method to deal with them. Preparing your child can help whether they are with you or elsewhere in an emergency.

A

parents’ number one concern is to make sure that their child is safe.

Thanks to reminders like National Preparedness Month in September and readiness programs, there are resources that are at your disposal to help your child learn how to react in the case of an emergency.

Here are some ideas to help teach your kids preparedness from a young age:

• Build a kid kit: in case you’re not

home and something happens, it can be helpful to have an emergency kit ready that your child can easily access and is familiar with. Including items such as water, a flashlight, a favorite stuffed toy, a list of emergency numbers, etc., can make all the difference for your child when the time comes.

• Practice different scenarios:

when you are driving in the car or even sitting at home, verbally running through possible scenarios of emergencies is a good way to practice with your child and help them figure out what to do. Even try running a fire drill at home so your kids know of multiple safe ways in and out of your home.

• Place a call list in their backpack:

it is quite a lot to ask your child to memorize every number they should call in case of an emergency. Typing or writing out an emergency contact list to use in case of emergency is an easy option. This can also help your child’s teachers in case they need to get a hold of someone when you are not available.

• Understanding when to use 9-1-1:

make sure your child knows the difference between situations that require them dialing 9-1-1. Also,

practice how to recognize first responders such as police officers, firefighters and more with them so they know who will be there to help in an emergency (in addition to you).

These tips are a few of many that can help jumpstart your family’s preparedness efforts. It doesn’t have to be a scary experience for them or for you.

Practicing disaster scenarios can almost play out like a game, but the important

lesson is that when the unexpected does happen, the proper reactions are ready. For more tips and resources, look into the local preparedness program, ReadyOC. Thinking about these types of situations can be scary and stressful, but you will definitely thank yourself later for making sure that your child knows what to do in the case of an emergency. There is no way to tell when a disaster could happen but it is always best to be prepared.

About ReadyOC ReadyOC is a public service campaign funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) aimed at educating and empowering Orange County residents, businesses and the community to better prepare for any kind of natural, health or man-made threat. Through www.ReadyOC.org, the goal is to get local residents and businesses better prepared for a variety of emergency situations that could impact the county, and also to offer opportunities for concerned citizens to get involved with area readiness efforts. Working together, everyone can make a difference in creating awareness, motivating preparedness and encouraging involvement.

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TRAINING THE NEXT GENERATION

OF TALENTED PERFORMERS!

r u o Y h c Wat

e n i h S r a t S

!

E S U O H Y A L P E H T T A Dynamite Summer Camps & Year-Round Programs TWO LOCATIONS:

Camino Real Playhouse (Historic District San Juan Capistrano) Cabrillo Playhouse (San Clemente) (Summer Only) Connect with us on our website:

www.ActingAcademyForKids.com

Homebuilders Selected

For New Hilltop Neighborhoods

At Esencia On The Ranch

T

he neighborhood builders have been selected and construction is now underway on model homes for the six brand new Hilltop Neighborhoods slated to debut this Fall at the intergenerational village of Esencia in South Orange County, announced Paul Johnson, Senior Vice President Community Development for Rancho Mission Viejo, LLC. According to Johnson, the homebuilders selected to construct and sell the six new Hilltop Neighborhoods at Esencia include Del Webb Homes and CalAtlantic Homes, who will build new “Gavilan” neighborhoods (primarily single-story homes exclusive to residents age 55-plus), while Meritage Homes,

MBK Homes, Warmington Homes, and William Lyon Homes will build the brand new all age neighborhoods within Esencia’s Hilltop Neighborhoods.

Combined, the six homebuilders will offer six different and brand new Hilltop Neighborhoods terraced along hillsides to afford panoramic ocean and territorial views of the vast Rancho Mission Viejo.

To sign-up for more information about The Hilltop Neighborhoods, visit www.

RanchoMissionViejo.com and complete the Sign Up form.

Esencia is the second village on the 23,000-acre Rancho Mission Viejo (“The Ranch”), where approximately 75% of the land has been designated as preserved open space known as The 22

Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo and only 25% will be crafted into intergenerational villages over the coming years. Ultimately, Rancho Mission Viejo will offer homes for all ages as well as “Gavilan” homes exclusive to people age 55 and older. In addition, Rancho Mission Viejo is planned to include sites for parks and schools, miles of multiuser trails, recreational clubhouses, community farms, civic uses, child care centers, places of worship and up to 5 million square feet of non-residential uses including shopping, dining and employment centers.

The first village to be developed on The Ranch was the now sold out village of Sendero. The second village on The

Now under construction and envisioned as the recreational and social heart of Esencia, the expansive Hilltop Club has been designed as a resort-style clubhouse with indoor-outdoor fitness and group exercise spaces, swimming pool, wading pool, spa and special event bar with lounge seating, BBQ pavilion, bocce ball courts, game arcade, firepits, and a large lawn for community events, celebrations and gatherings.

Through the unique programming and services offered to all Rancho Mission Viejo resident via “RanchLife,” fitness classes, health and wellness workshops, happy hours, club meetings and all sorts of events and activities at The Hilltop Club will be conducted to unite residents via their shared interests and abilities versus dividing them by age. And, views from The Hilltop Club, situated at the pinnacle of Esencia, will feature expansive coastal and backcountry vistas including the preserved lands of The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo.

“As we continue to evolve the concept of inter-generational living here on The Ranch, we welcome the neighborhood builders who are joining us as pioneers in offering new, exciting and enriching environments for people of all ages and life stages,” said Johnson. “Ultimately, RanchLife and the integrated lifestyle we are encouraging is all about giving people the choice to be as connected to each other as they desire.”

Ranch is Esencia (Spanish translation: the essence), set atop some of the highest elevations of The Ranch.

The initial collection of homes offered for sale at Esencia are part of The Canyon House Neighborhoods, which introduced a new model for intergenerational living by integrating Gavilan 55-plus neighborhoods into Esencia’s all age neighborhoods. Homes in The Canyon House Neighborhoods are currently priced from the high $400,000s to over $1 million. The next collection of homes at Esencia, known as The Hilltop Neighborhoods, will continue this level of integration around an intergenerational recreational and social amenity called The Hilltop Club.

Johnson explained that complimenting places like The Hilltop Club are amenities designed for families as well as amenities exclusive to Gavilan 55-plus residents, including the recently opened Outlook swim and social retreat as well as the large Hacienda clubhouse in the first village of Sendero. Johnson also noted that additional Hilltop Neighborhoods will consist of phased releases of homes now for sale by CalAtlantic Homes, Shea Homes and TRIPointe Homes in Esencia’s Canyon House neighborhoods.

The Canyon House Neighborhoods are oriented around the many amenities found at The Canyon House social and recreational gathering place including Canyon Coffee, the Esencia Visitors Center, the indoor-outdoor Retreat, the event lawn and courtyard, the meeting and art room at The Studio, and the adjacent Oak Canyon open space and trails which lead to the new Esencia Farm, the third working farm on The Ranch.

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Johnson added that new recreational amenities have recently opened at Esencia and more are on the way.

For example, now open is The South Plunge, an all gathering place with a pool, children’s water play area, small event lawn, and an outdoor grilling and dining area. Also open and exclusive to the Gavilan 55+ crowd is The Outlook, complete with a covered great room, a resort-style lap pool with cabanas, a fire pit, and an outdoor dining area with barbeque grills. Plus, preparing for their grand openings over the coming months are numerous open air rooms and retreats located within Esencia and along its scenic edges, including The Campout with its tent platforms, BBQ grills, shade structure, tables and firepit, as well as the new Esencia Green, and South Paw Dog Park for four-legged friends. For Gavilan residents, Sunrise Park, Sunset Park, the BBQ Barn, and The Getaway will provide unique opportunities for picnics and other get-togethers with friends, family and neighbors.

Plan are also underway for The Pavilion, a multipurpose gymnasium with adaptable space for basketball, volleyball and all sorts of cultural and social events. And, anticipated to open for instruction by Fall 2018 right next to The Pavilion is the new Esencia K-8 school (part of the acclaimed Capistrano Unified School District).

Approximately 50 acres of commercial space has been allocated at Esencia for such uses as retail shops and services, restaurants, professional and medical offices, and more.

Esencia on The Ranch is located just 2.3 miles from downtown San Juan Capistrano and five miles from San Clemente and Doheny State Beach, with easy access provided to the employment and retail centers of Ladera Ranch, Mission Viejo, Irvine, Rancho Santa Margarita and other Orange County areas.

To reach Esencia, exit the I-5 at Ortega Highway and proceed inland to Antonio Parkway. Turn left, then right at Cow Camp Road, left onto Esencia Drive and follow the signs to The Canyon House/ Visitors Center.

To learn more about Esencia on The Ranch, visit www.RanchoMissionViejo. com or call the Visitors Center at 949-768-1882.

BY JODY ROBINSON

M

y husband and I made the mistake of telling our kids we were planning an overnight stay and two days of fun at Legoland in California two weeks prior to the planned visit earlier this summer. As you can imagine, we were on the countdown for the the next 13 days, peppered with questions about which attraction in the park we would experience first, if we could plan to be at the entrance “right when they open” so as to be among the first in line, whether two days was really enough time to enjoy the main park, the water park AND the aquarium?

The New

NINJAGO World®

is Plastic Fantastic & Everything is Awesome at the

Legoland Hotel

The hotel was a dream come true for our kids and their parents - they loved everything about their stay - from

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collecting clues in a scavenger hunt that results in a code that unlocks a treasure chest in the room (which reveals a Lego set they could work on while mom and dad get the bags unpacked) to the “friendsthemed” room (divided into an adult section with a king bed and a smaller nook with bunk beds). The rooms are themed according to four popular lines of Lego toys: pirates, adventure, friends and kingdom).

Bricks restaurant features a buffet of foods that will appeal to everyone — soups, salads, easy-access entrees, and a bar at kids’ level so that they can serve themselves.

HANDS-FREE WITH HIPZBAG

Breakfast, which is included with the room, has everything you can think of: eggs, an omelet station, pancakes, yogurt parfaits, pastries, fresh fruit and an array of hot and cold beverages.

But the best benefit of staying in the hotel situated at the entrance to the park? Hotel guests enjoy early access - a full hour before the general public. And if you want to take a break to relax or refuel, get your hand stamped and you can come and go as you please (with free return entry into the park without waiting in line).

Being a mom is tough enough without having to struggle with a bulky purse.

So keep your cell phone and essentials safe at your fingertips and get back to what matters.

The New! NINJAGO World® Attraction Two years in the making, NINJAGO World® features a 4D interactive ride that uses cutting-edge Maestro hand gesture technology that enables guests to throw fireballs, shockwaves, ice and lightning to defeat villains. Riders collect points for their "training” and battle efforts and scores are displayed when their quest is complete. Effects such as heat, smoke and wind are incorporated throughout the adventure, giving guests the ultimate interactive 4D experience.

The ride is the center of NINJAGO World® where interactive experiences test guest’s creativity, speed, balance and agility. Twenty-two Lego models flank the new land, in addition to a new retail outlet, Wu’s Warehouse and a dining option, Ninja Kitchen, where Legoland chefs put a special twist on Asian street food with Bahn Mi sandwiches on fresh baked baguettes or steam Bao Buns with crispy pork belly, lemongrass chicken or baked sweet chili tofu.

NINJAGO World® is included in admission to Legoland California Resort. For more info, visit www.LEGOLAND.com or call (760) 918-5377.

www.Hipzbag.com 25

BY JODY ROBINSON

S

ince my husband and I started our family’s admittedly ambitious endeavor to visit all 50 states as a family by the time our son (now aged 9) graduates from high school, we have captured vacation photos posing by major attractions across cities in 15 states. This summer, we crossed Georgia off the list by spending 36 hours in Atlanta, which bears the distinction of being as some call it - a small town trapped in a big city or perhaps more accurately, a collection of small towns.

An attractive Southern belle lined with blooming dogwoods and fragrant azaleas, Atlanta was surprisingly far more lush with greenery than we envisioned.

What was not unexpected were

Hours a t n a l t A n i N U F y l d n amily-frie

36 F

in tohf ethecapital

New South

the abundance of historic sites, commercial enterprises, burgeoning art scene and of course, Southern hospitality.

It’s a city that has been known by many names over the years (it was once called Terminus and Marthasville), but resurgence and renewal are no stranger to this thriving metropolis that was burned to the ground during the Civil War 26

only to rise from the ashes like a “phoenix” (the mythological bird that is cyclically regenerated or reborn) that now serves as the city’s motto.

In more recent memory, Atlanta is the birth city of Martin Luther King, Jr. and holds its place of importance during the Civil Rights Movement and its Centennial Olympic Park was the site of the 1996 Summer Games.

And of course, the city is home to countless corporations including Coca Cola and Turner Broadcasting.

Since we were only here for 36 hours, we wanted to make the most of our stay by visiting the “must-see” sites on every tourist’s list and stopping by some of the perhaps lesserknown areas of this historic city. So we crafted our checklist to include Centennial Olympic Park, the World of Coca Cola and Skyview Atlanta (the ferris wheel that towers nearly 20 stories above Centennial Park). We took two tours - first on a fun trolley ride full of other tourists on Day One to gain a great overview and lay of the land and then a private excursion via an open-air electric vehicle that provided a more in-depth narrative and personal insights from a 30+ year resident’s perspective.

Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar

Because many of Atlanta’s top attractions are squeezed into a relatively small area, we chose to stay at The Loews Atlanta, located in midtown and an easy walk or Uber ride Loews Atlanta hotel

to and from anywhere we wanted to go. Once we arrived, our rental car remained at the hotel until it was time to head home.

Location, location, location The stylish, contemporary 414-room (including 44 suites) Loews Atlanta hotel (loewshotels.com) proved to be the perfect “home base” for our three-day stay. Our accommodation was an exceedingly comfortable, bright space with floor-to-ceiling windows, a spacious bathroom with a soaking tub and a TV and (a favorite with the kids) a gourmet mini-bar.

27

MLK- Ebenezer Baptist Church Mural

Upscale amenities include a beautifully soothing spa, an expansive state-of-the-art fitness center with such a broad offering of workouts (yoga, spin classes) and equipment that it is by far the most impressive hotel fitness facility I’ve ever seen, a hip lobby bar and innovative restaurant, Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar.

which arrived piled high with sautéed mushrooms, bacon, clamored stone mountain goat cheese and a sunny side up egg, while I opted for a custom salad from the Cold Counter, where I could select from a fresh assortment of local lettuces, toppings, dressings and an array of stovetop sides, including quinoa with vegetables, couscous and more.

Named for its emphasis on salted, cured meats and cheeses classically presented on rustic wooden boards, the restaurant’s centerpiece is its charcuterie station where diners can sample handcarved, house-made and locally sourced ingredients.

The menu at Saltwood, which encompasses a bar, restaurant, outdoor patio, 125-seat private dining space and chef’s table, showcases small, shareable plates and handcrafted cocktails and local microbrews.

Venturing in for lunch, we found the menu featured something for every palate, including burgers and fries for the kids - albeit more artfully displayed and infinitely more flavorful than the homemade variety to which they were accustomed. I know this because I felt compelled to take a bite (or two) of my husband’s signature burger

For our family, the best feature this luxury hotel has to offer is its prime location in the northernmost corner of Piedmont Park. Atlanta’s Midtown is the second largest business district in the city and is known as the “heart of the arts,” with an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities, shopping, art galleries and awardwinning musical and theatrical performances. Atlanta’s fabulous Fox Theatre is a restored movie palace turned cultural jewel that is the venue for a variety of wonderful live entertainment ranging from dance and Opera to Broadway shows and rock concerts. The Moorish lobby and ballrooms harken back to a bygone era of the opulent 1920s and a highlight of this Atlanta icon is the “Mighty Mo,” a 4,000-pipe organ built at a cost of $42,000 in 1929 that audiences can still hear today before every Broadway performance and the Atlanta Ballet’s “Nutcracker” performance each year. Even if you don’t catch a performance, the Fox Theatre is open for tours.

Another site rich in history is the recently opened National Center for Civil and Human Rights which offers a sweeping, in-depth and moving view of the movement’s darkest moments and greatest achievements. The museum also presents an evolving look at modern human rights issues here at home and around the globe.

A few miles away on Auburn Avenue, visitors can tour the stately yellow structure that is the boyhood home of the movement’s greatest leader, Martin Luther King Jr. Daily entry is free, but get there early as it’s first-come, first-served and tickets are often snapped up early in the day. Run by the National Park Service, entrance is also complimentary into the Martin Luther King Jr. Historic Site which offers a uniquely personal account of a very

Peachtree Trolley Tour 28

World of Coca-Cola

public life and includes the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church (where King was baptized and where he and his father both served as pastors) and the King Center - the final resting place of King and his wife, Coretta Scott King.

The Peachtree Trolley Tour (peachtreetrolley.com) - a 90-minute fully narrated tour provided our family with a wonderful overview of the must-see stops in the city.

We boarded the Phoenix (a fullyenclosed, climate controlled trolley car) and settled in for a comfortable and informative ride, rolling by the aforementioned attractions and many others, including the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, CNN, Turner Field, the golden domed Georgia State Capital, Oakland Cemetery (Atlanta’s oldest) and Underground Atlanta. Originating near Centennial Olympic Park, our guide shared a bit of history, stories and legends surrounding these iconic landmarks.

After hearing our tour guide’s account of the The World of Coca Cola (worldofcoca-cola.com) experience, we walked over (a mere block away from where you board and disembark) to spend the better part of the afternoon exploring the 92,000-square-foot dynamic, multimedia museum that resides on a 22acre plot in downtown Atlanta (CocaCola donated nine acres for the construction of the Georgia Aquarium and another 2.5 acres to the city for the civil-and-human rights museum and where you can experience “the real stories behind the world’s most famous beverage brand.”

The lobby showcases a Coca-Cola folk art bottle display and several of the bottle sculptures that were created for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games (the company invited artists from around the world to express their country’s unique culture and artistic traditional by decorating their own bottle sculpture). The Loft is home to a mix of nearly 200 historical and international artifacts that represent more than 125 years of Coca-Cola memories, including a Coca-Cola Syrup urn circa 1886 and Coca-Cola beach pants popularized in the 1970s.

We watched a six-minute film celebrating life’s “Moments of Happiness” in the Coca-Cola Theater 29

and speaking for the moms in the room at least, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house as we witnessed several milestone moments - big and small, including a mother’s response to her son’s video message from where he was stationed in Afghanistan and his homecoming surprise for his parents. The kids had a ball at all the interactive exhibits, posing with the Coca-Cola polar bear mascot and visiting The Vault, where the secret formula is stored and the 4-D sensory movie experience complete with moving seats and other special effects. But the highlight of the tour of the Coca-Cola Tasting Room with features six “freestyle machines” with over 100 different beverage choices both domestic and international - to sample to your heart’s content (our son’s favorite was a mint flavor offered in Africa, while our daughter preferred a fruity variety popular in Asia).

Day Two we decided to start the morning with the ATL-Cruzers Electric Car and Segway Tours (atlcruzers.com) for what proved to be a highly entertaining and informative private guided experience from a longtime local’s perspective. Our guide, Mira (rhymes with “mirror,” is worth being mentioned - and requested - by name. She gave our family a truly animated, enthusiastic, knowledgable experience of her home city seen through the eyes of a local. She toured us past many of the now-familiar landmarks and iconic Atlanta tourist stops, sharing an in-depth history and little-known facts about each locale.

But we have to say the highlight of this experience was that the route showcased many other “off-thebeaten” path places and residential neighborhoods that we otherwise wouldn’t have discovered on our own - including the lovely Inman Park (where many of the homes are reminiscent of the antebellum era and very “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil”) which hosts an annual festival the last weekend in April that is widely regarded among the the city’s most spirited and eclectic events.

Football season is upon us and with it comes cold drinks and snacks! Show your team pride and protect that coffee table with this DIY Burlap Football Coaster set!

Burlap Football Coasters Steps: Draw a football freehand or find an image online of your desired football size/shape and print out. Cut football out to create a template for your coasters.

1.

2.

3.

Cut burlap into pieces slightly larger than your final football will be. We cut 4 pieces of burlap to 4” x 6”, as our final football size was 3.5” x 5.25” and we made 4 coasters.

WHAT YOU NEED: • Burlap (amount depends on size and number of coasters) • Craft foam (in team colors; amount depends on size and number of coasters in each color) • Mod Podge

• Foam brush or pouncer • Wax paper

Place burlap pieces on wax paper and use the pouncer to apply Mod Podge. Flip over and repeat on the other side. Allow to fully dry.

• Scissors

• Painters tape

• White craft paint

Once burlap is dry and hardened, use the template created in step 1 to cut your first piece of burlap into the football shape.

• Small pouncer or paint brush • Fine paint brush

• Matte finish spray 30

Mod Podge will act as glue. Do not handle until completely dry.

TIP: IF ANY EDGES LIFT AFTER DRYING, USE A SMALL AMOUNT OF MOD PODGE TO GLUE IT DOWN AGAIN.

4.

In order to ensure uniform footballs, use your 1st burlap football as the new template for cutting the rest of your burlap.

5.

Use your foam brush to Mod Podge what you’ve chosen to be the back of your coasters, ensuring the Mod Podge goes all the way to the edge of the football. Place the football Mod Podge-side down on the craft foam. The

6.

Using painter’s tape, tape off football stripes and stencil/ paint with white paint. Be careful not to get the paint on the foam. Remove tape.

7.

Use the fine paint brush to freehand paint the X’s in between the stripes. Let dry.

8.

Spray the burlap side ONLY of the coasters with 2 coats of matte finish spray. This will ensure the paint doesn’t run if a drink on the coaster has condensation.

9.

Hand these out at your opening night party, of gift to your favorite football fan!

enliu is an Orange County-based company specializing in homemade gifts and décor. enliu’s items can be found at various craft fairs around Orange County and online at www.etsy.com/ shop/enliu. All designs can be customized or personalized to create one-of-a-kind gifts, wedding favors and more. Contact enliu through Etsy or email shopenliu@gmail.com. enliu will be at the El Dorado Holiday Boutique on October 22nd at El Dorado High School in Placentia. Check out our unique gifts and décor, meet the enliu team, and get your holiday shopping started early!

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m,1o0re0tyhoanuth

Giving

making sure the shelter is fully equipped with everything that is needed.

Elaine Tjalsma received the “Inspiration Award” to celebrate her long-term commitment and contributions to the Huntington Beach Youth Shelter. Tjalma brings her therapy dog, Jackson, to visit youth at the shelter on Saturdays.

1

a second

chance

O

n June 7th, Community Service Programs (CSP), a nonprofit organization committed to providing high-quality counseling and support services to struggling OC children and families at their greatest time of need, celebrated their 10th anniversary of re-opening the doors of the Huntington Beach Youth Shelter, a short-term intervention “safe-haven” for runaway, homeless and at-risk children ages 11-17.

CSP recognized honorees for their notable involvement and support of CSP’s Huntington Beach Youth Shelter, including: NuVision Federal Credit Union received the “Outstanding Service Award” for ten years of ongoing work and dedication in helping support the Huntington Beach Youth Shelter.

Chief Robert Handy, Huntington Beach Police Department and a Huntington Beach resident,received the “Distinguished Partner Award” for the collaborative work

Mary Louise Shattuck, a Huntington Beach resident, received the “Legacy Award” for her work with Elsa Greenfield, program director of Community Service Programs’ Huntington Beach Youth Shelter.

Huntington Beach Mayor Jim Katapodis with Rosa Mendieta, principal of Oak View Elementary School

Steve Engel, a Huntington Beach resident, received the “Stand By Me Award” for “standing by” the Huntington Beach Youth Shelter for the last ten years. Ten years ago, Steve advocated for CSP to be awarded

and dedication he has shown in support of the Huntington Beach Youth Shelter and serving children in crisis.

Car Pros KIA Huntington Beach received the “Philanthropist Award” in recognition for their continued financial support, totaling over $50,000, and their commitment to helping Huntington Beach Youth Shelter youth in crisis over the last five years.

Alexandra Woravka, a Huntington Beach resident, received the “Unsung Hero Award” for exemplifying a spirit of volunteerism and commitment. Since 2014, Woravka has taken on the Huntington Beach Youth Shelter as her very own, contributing to fundraising events and

Community Service Programs’ Huntington Beach Youth Shelter’s Outstanding Service Award recipients, Attila Morgan and Bill Bejarano, with Executive Director of Community Service Programs Ronnetta Johnson the contract for the house. He has also supported the shelter’s fundraising efforts by endorsing the shelter and encouraging his employer, The Boeing Company, to join in his support.

Since opening its doors ten years ago in June, the CSP Huntington Beach Youth Shelter has helped over 1,100 homeless, runaway and struggling Orange County youth, most who are trying to cope with issues kids should never face, such as earlychildhood trauma, along with their families.

The trained staff has an excellent success rate of reuniting children with their families, over 90 percent, by finding solutions to their very complex problems.

Community Service Programs recognized honorees for their notable involvement and support of the CSP Huntington Beach Youth Shelter during the shelter’s 10year anniversary reception on Tuesday, June 7 at the Community Service Programs’ Huntington Beach Youth Shelter.

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The CSP Huntington Beach Youth Shelter, along with the CSP Laguna Beach Youth Shelter, is not just a place to stay, as they provide a place for homeless, runaway and at-risk youth 24/7, 365 days a year.

For more information on Community Service Programs and its Huntington Beach Youth Shelter, please visit www.cspinc.org.

FIFTY MONKEY FERRIS WHEEL COMING TO the

SANTA ANA ZOO

At 64 Feet, the Ferris Wheel Structure Will Showcase the Santa Ana Zoo; 15 Gondolas That Seat Up To Six Riders Each will Soar Up in the Air Carrying a Projected 65,000 Riders Every Year!

C

athi Decker, Executive Director of Friends of Santa Ana Zoo (FOSAZ), revealed plans for the Zoo to add a “Fifty Monkey” Ferris Wheel. The 64-foot Wheel will be installed near the entrance to the Crean Family Farm, placing a signature stamp onto this family favorite area. Nestled between the Zoofari Express Train and the Conservation Carrousel, the Fifty Monkey Ferris Wheel will become the perfect finishing touch for this local Zoo to present a total of three childfriendly attractions that can be shared and enjoyed by guests of all ages.

Uniquely designed to spotlight the Santa Ana Zoo’s Fifty Monkey heritage, each fully-contained gondola will feature a description of a unique monkey species, furthering the Zoo’s dedication to education and environmental conservation through the preservation of endangered species. Educational graphics telling the story of Joseph Prentice and the Fifty Monkeys will be found along the loading queue-line walkway.

get involved with a project of this magnitude and uniqueness that can contribute to building a better community for generations to come.

We believe that the Wheel will quickly become an iconic fixture, and we are proud and excited to bring it to the Santa Ana Zoo.” “As a partner in the advancement of the Santa Ana Zoo, I've seen firsthand what can be achieved when the City of Santa Ana and the non-profit sector work together,” says Zoo Director, Kent Yamaguchi. “I want to thank everyone for helping to usher in this project that will produce added revenue to help the Zoo on an annual basis.”

“The Fifty Monkey Ferris Wheel at the Santa Ana Zoo is certain to become one of the great landmark attractions,” said FOSAZ Board President, David Exline. “There are very few opportunities in life to 34

The Fifty Monkey Ferris Wheel is expected be open 7 days a week (except on severe weather days and required maintenance days) from roughly 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, on the weekends; and 11:00 am to 2:00 pm on the weekdays. Rides will last approximately 10 minutes. During special events, the Wheel will stay open for longer hours. Construction is expected to begin fall 2016, with the goal of a grand opening in winter.

The Santa Ana Zoo is home to more than 260 animals, including 60 of the most interesting and engaging monkeys and several endangered species, like the golden lion tamarins. The Zoo is open daily from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. The Conservation Carrousel Rides are $3 each and Zoofari Express Train Rides are $4 each, and combo tickets are $6 each. Children under 2 are free to ride with paid adult on the Train and adults standing with children on the Carrousel are free.

The Santa Ana Zoo in Prentice Park is located at 1801 Chestnut Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92701. For more information and current pricing, please call 714-836-4000 or visit www.santaanazoo.org.

Pets of the Month Handsome Crockett is every bit the distinguished looking gentleman. With striking green eyes and an incredibly sweet disposition, this 9 year old American Bobtail mix is quite the kitty catch! If you’re looking for a calm and loving feline friend, you can’t go wrong with Crockett!

ADOPT

ME

Meet Oink, a 4 year old kitty searching for her new family. Much more likely to greet you with a “Meow,” Oink has a laid-back personality that makes her a great lap cat. She gets along with most people and cats and would make a fabulous addition to almost any home!

Three year old Tux is a happy-go-lucky pup who is ready to start living the good life!

Equipped with a cheerful disposition and a readiness to play, this Boxer mix checks all the boxes. Could you be the friend Tux has been waiting for?

This brown eyed cutie is Esteban, a loving little canine who wants nothing more than to be at your side. If his sweet face doesn’t get you, his friendly personality will definitely to win you over!

Esteban is sure to make an affectionate and devoted companion.

If you would like to know more about the animals listed here, please call the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter at (949)492-1617, or visit with them at 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente.

Voted 2015

BEST VETERINARIAN and BEST GROOMER

in San Juan Capistrano Veterinary Care 7 Days a Week 24-Hour Pet Hotel Professional Dog & Cat Grooming Daycare for Dogs 7 Days a Week Canine Obedience Training ASK US ABOUT OUR NEW PET SHUTTLE SERVICE Open 7 days a week, 365 days a year WALK-INS ARE WELCOME. Mon.-Fri 7 a.m.-7 p.m. • Sat & Sun 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

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FREE EXAM for all first-time clients one offer per household please

only crowd both nights the weekend we stayed with all available seating in the lounge and common areas occupied by an eclectic cross-section of SoCal culture from casually dressed dot.com millennials and hip young fashionistas to the more conservatively attired corporate professionals) and hotel guests.

Photos courtesy of Hotel Irvine

Hotel Irvine

& Family Friendly

here Modern WSophistication are NOT

Mutually

Exclusive

BY JODY ROBINSON

Y

ou wouldn’t expect to find an urban chic lifestyle hotel amidst the towering office complexes in the heart of Orange County’s business district. Even when the Hotel Irvine (hotelirvine. com) was recently recommended as an ideal weekend “stay-cation” option, I envisioned a property geared more toward the needs of business travelers. While it certainly does a brisk business with travelers looking for a hotel experience that is the antithesis of cookie-cutter corporate, the Hotel Irvine attracts a surprisingly diverse demographic: business travelers to be sure, but also area professionals who frequent the hotel’s hip bar and expansive lounge, local residents who enjoy the “twists on classic cuisine” offered on the menu at its signature restaurant EATS Kitchen & Bar and families with children of all ages.

The sprawling lobby lounge is characterized by vibrant colors, sleek furnishings and a nine-panel TV used to view multiple sporting events, combined to make presentations or view a movie (as expansive as the space is, a testament to its popularity was the standing-room

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Although we can appreciate the appeal of the Hotel Irvine’s hip, high-energy scene, my husband, Tim, and I fall firmly in the latter two categories.

With two kids under 10, “nightlife” takes on an entirely different meaning these days. We had heard about the hotel’s summer “Movie Night in the Backyard” series and booked a stay with the intention of taking the kids to watch a family-

friendly film on the large outdoor movie screen. What we discovered was that in addition to this fun event, the Hotel Irvine’s “backyard” boasts a 6,000-square-foot pavilion dedicated to hosting live music, movie nights and food and wine festivals that will be open to the public throughout the year.

While the kids camped out on a blanket to watch the movie, their parents enjoyed a glass of wine and appetizers at a table nearby. After the film, the kids played table tennis and Tim challenged our son to a game of chess on a “board” spread out on the lawn with game pieces that were easily two feet tall.

The hotel’s literature claims a goal to lure guests who are interested in a “unique, customized experience” and the Hotel Irvine more than delivers. The lobby, restaurants, bar embraces a hipster vibe and although there are 536 guest rooms, each accommodation boasts a “boutique” look and feel. Our room was a super comfortable space defined by a plush, pillow top bed, down duvets and soft linens, a 42” flat screen, Bluetooth speakers and a sweeping OC view.

At this lifestyle hotel, they mean business with a splash of pleasure.

“You know those meeting-filled days that turn in to lounging at the pool, toes dipped in the water and sunshine lifting your spirit? That’s our every day at Hotel Irvine. We’re redefining the way you travel with complimentary Wi-Fi, family friendly activities and fresh ways to indulge,”

including a 24-hour marketplace with a Starbucks stand and ready-made food (including sushi and salads) that can be delivered to your room. The Club 12 Lounge is an exclusive 12th floor lounge where can relax with residential-style seating and flatscreen TVs, unwind on the terrace as you take in dramatic OC views and enjoy a bevy of personalized amenities including breakfast (served from 6 am - 10 am), evening wine, beer and bites (from 5 pm - 8 pm), premium WiFi for quicker downloads and an Apple computer station with printer to work in style.

Eating In Featuring expansive indoor and outdoor spaces, cozy booths and an alfresco patio with fire pit, EATS Kitchen & Bar draws inspiration from all over the world. Chef Jason combines international flavors with local, farm-fresh ingredients to create a menu that is decidedly original and

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delicious. The signature EATS burger was worth writing home about - and that’s really saying something since my husband is quite the connoisseur (his burger arrived on a brioche bun with bacon, aged-white cheddar, herb aioli and pear jam - wonderful flavors you might not think to pair (pun intended).

My steak salad was a equally flavorful, inventive blend of organic greens, chimichurri steak, roasted cherry tomatoes, shaved radish, ciabatta croutons and feta cheese with a sundried tomato and basil vinaigrette.

Kids (12 and under) eat free every night during dinner time and our kiddos loved digging into some of Chef Jason’s favorite childhood dishes including chicken strips and fries and penne pasta with marinara sauce and parmesan cheese.

Hotel Irvine is located at 17900 Jamboree Road in Irvine. For reservations or more information, call (888) 230-4452 or visit hotelirvine.com

A trio of Orange County

MOM INVENTORS

with one thing on their mind:

Making life

a little less messy for

PARENTS!

The following three mompreneurs invented products that help reduce the common child messes from cars, to tables! They are all easy to clean, uniquely designed with kid’s safety and parent’s sanity in mind!

Amy Chandler invented the Cibo to catch all the crumbs/craft messes at the table before hitting the floor with its built in net feature ideal for home, and restaurants. BPA Free, Phthalate free, no harmful dyes. http://www.thecibo.com/ Brittany Arnold created the Catchie, a 3-in-1 waterproof patented catch mat that is used in your car to catch anything your toddler can toss from hitting the car floor and keeps everything within arm’s reach. Easy to install and clean! www.catchieconcepts.com Gwen Keefe invented the Poil Cup, a fast cleaning, no brush required sippy cup with the soft chew resistant spout made for sensitive gums and teething babies. Adjustable flow grows with your child from baby to toddlerhood stag. Patented easy-to cleandesign helps prevent bacteria and mold build-up in the valve. http://usapoli.com/ 38

Home Financing Solutions

HOME FINANCING SOLUTIONS New Programs to make it easier to Purchase or Refinance a Home 1% Down Payment up to $417,000 Purchase Price 5% Down Payment up to $658,000 Purchase Price 10% Down Payment up to $1,400,000 Purchase Price 15% Down Payment up to $1,750,000 Purchase Price Qualify with Bank Statements/Asset Depletion/Non-Traditional Income Sources Common Sense Underwriting

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Please call to discuss your specific needs and situation.

1 (800) 708-5626 | 1(949) 250-1300 | www.uamco.com 19782 MacArthur Blvd. Suite 250 Irvine, California 92612

OCT 1 JAN 16

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