Issuu

CAMPS Guide 2020

Special Sale Event

Publisher Community Publications, LLC.

Editor

Jody Robinson jody@southcountymag.com

Account Executives

Laura Campbell

Kim Reed

Nicole Martin

Advertising Inquiries (714) 469-3495

Contributing Photography

Diana Schmitt, Accent Portraits by Diana

South County Magazine serves the communities of San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, Mission Viejo and Aliso Viejo. We will strive to continually improve with each edition and welcome feedback from our readers. For questions or comments, please e-mail the editor at jody@southcountymag.com

VICTORIA VANNINI

Howard Jones Salon

Dana Point

Advertising Partner since 2011

“As local business owners and professionals, we are so lucky to have South County Magazine and Sorbet as a vehicle to reach our target customer through advertising and share our business ‘stories” and philosophies through the editorial opportunities. Working with Jody and her team couldn’t be easier. I was helped every step of the way - from the photography, writing and design - AND ALL AT NO EXTRA COST. Since participating, my business has tripled - a significant return on my advertising investment - it’s simple, straight-forward and most importantly ... it works!”

(Sunday, March 22nd) 11 am – 2 pm (Saturday, April 25th) 10 am – 1 pm (Sunday, May 17th) 11 am – 2 pm (2020 OPEN HOUSE DATES)

JUNE 8 - JULY 31, 2020

Innovation Showcase Provides Educational Fun - From Robots to Bearded Dragons

By Ryan Burris, Chief Communications Officer, Capistrano Unified School District

There were tables with all manner of gears and sprockets, Rubik’s cubes and other dimensional puzzles. Imaginative submissions for the OC Maker Challenge were on display from our elementary students.

Sphero robots and electronic devices scurried around on the floor. There was a simulated airplane cockpit and “Kracken,” an award-winning competitive robot, showed off its skills.

As a banner at the entrance to Triton Center read, “Innovators, come in.”

This was all part of the third annual Innovation Showcase, held Monday, February 10, 2020, at San Clemente High School.

With a theme of “Moving Full-Steam Ahead,” the open house overflowed with hands-on activities, innovative learning labs and displays, and demonstrations intended to showcase local STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) education and the district’s commitment to and successes in implementing programs across all grades on more than 50 campuses across the district.

PREPARING FOR FUTURE CAREERS

Stephanie Avera, the district’s director of education technology, said in these times of technical upheaval and revolution, teachers face the challenge of preparing students for “careers that have not been invented yet.”

STEM and STEAM education have been popular models since the early 2000s. They were developed in part as a way to address a perceived decline in the sciences in the classroom as well as to spur technological innovation.

CUSD offers 28 career pathways and has over 500 college and career partnerships offered through College and Career Advantage. EMT students were on site at the event showing off their skills by taking vital signs.

Through STEAM programs, students have access to technology labs, Chromebooks, 3D printers, robotics programs, and gardens.

Avera said Capistrano Unified dove into STEM in a big way six years ago, when it distributed 35,000 Chromebooks to students. Since then, the district has continued to up its game, adopting new science and math curricula. “We want students to be prepared for a career right away, or the next step of their education,” said Avera.

All CUSD elementary schools have innovation labs. There are 12 Career Technical Education labs in the middle schools for career exploration and hands-on learning.

At the high school level, students have a wide array of specialty areas, with each school having concentrations in areas ranging from robotics, to programming and coding, to fashion design, to culinary arts.

“About 40 percent of the kids who come to us want to go into engineering,” he said. Advising students and parents about STEM-based opportunities is “a large part of what we do."

THE WORLD OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

The district has partnered with local groups such as the Discovery Cube, Inside the Outdoors, and Crystal Cove Conservancy to provide additional opportunities for students to learn and grow outside of the traditional classroom model.

Families evaluated the morphological characteristics of different species of plans in the Crystal Cove Conservancy plant morphology experience. Students had the opportunity to vote for which plants they think should be planted in a particular area of Crystal Cove State Park.

In a classroom near Triton Center, Kelly Ellis of Inside the Outdoors and her companion, a bearded dragon named Lucy, greeted students.

Anthony Russomanno, coordinator of Futureology, the CUSD college and career counseling program, said the effects of STEM on his program have been profound.

Inside, the Outdoors is on a mission to introduce students to a world of science outside the classroom. Ellis said there are plenty of instances where wildlife and science intersect. “Science has its place in our world,” she said, noting that it takes science to understand clean air, water and balanced ecosystems. “There are a lot of opportunities to help with wildlife by using science and technology.”

For more information on CUSD’s schools and programs, visit capousd.org.

• CAMPS Guide 2020

CAMP JAMES

Orange County Tradition for 27 years and located near the scenic Back Bay at Newport Dunes in Newport Beach. Awarded “Best Day Camp” for 2013 by ParentingOC Magazine. Offering ages 4-17 adventures & happy memories: archery, Stand-up-paddleboards, STEM, watersports, zip line, drama, climbing wall, inflatable water park, mini-golf, laser-tag, dance, karate, fishing, crafts. Children love our caring award winning staff, theme weeks, variety of activities, and crazy special events. Parents love our flexible scheduling, outstanding reputation, extended hours, & that we are ACA Accredited. Camp Starts June 23 and ends August 29, 2014. Go to www.campjames. com or call (949)729-1098 for more info. Open House Dates: March 23(11 a.m.–2 p.m.), April 8 (4-6:30p.m.), April 26 (10 a.m. – 1 p.m.)

CAPISTRANO ACTING ACADEMY

In Capistrano Acting Academy Summer Theatre Camp, experience the fun of playing pretend…but in a real play. Each Monday is a new theme so every week you become a new character! A combination of theatre games, rehearsals, costume fittings and Improv activities has you performing in a real theatre with music, stage lights and your friends and family in the audience by 2 PM Friday afternoon! The director of our youth division, Ryan Fredericks, is an Accredited Teacher. 7 weeks – limited enrollment. Hours 9AM – 2PM (Optional Preshow hour 8AM) + Encore Camp from 2 PM - 5 PM. Camino Real Playhouse is located at 31776 El Camino Real in San Juan Capistrano. Register: www.CapistranoActingAcademy.org. For info, call (949) 489-8082.

CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY

TEEN ENTREPRENEUR

ACADEMY

(TEA)

The Teen Entrepreneur Academy (TEA) is a hands-on, learn-by-doing, one-week residential business entrepreneurship start-up summer camp for high school students. It is held annually in July at Concordia University Irvine. TEA teaches high school students real-world entrepreneurship, best business practices, principles of free enterprise and

how to start and launch their own business. Teenagers (TeenPreneurs), working in groups of 3-to-4, work as entrepreneurs by preparing start-up business plans for their own real businesses. The team with the best start-up business plan wins $1,500 in the entrepreneurship business plan competition held the last day of the summer camp academy. For info: www.cui.edu/tea

EVOLUTION SPORTS CAMP

Evolution Sports Academy includes daily exposure to archery, soccer, volleyball, basketball, arts & crafts, and fun pool activities including introductory swimming, water polo, and fun relay races. We have full & half-day options as well as drop-in rates for 2-days per week or more. We offer lunch for purchase and a set lunch menu for each day as well as extended camp hours for families needing to drop-off before 8:30 am and pick up after 4:30 pm. Info: evolution swim.com

JP’s SURF CAMP

JP's Surf Camp offers children through adult the opportunity to learn how to surf or better their surfing ability in a small group environment. Small group instruction provides students with more individual attention and a safer environment in which to learn surfing. Emphasis is on ocean awareness, surfing instruction and technique, surfing etiquette, wave selection and judgment, proper surfing equipment and overall physical fitness. Soft surfboards are used for instruction. Rash guards are provided. Requirements: Classes are offered for those ages 6 years to adult. Each surfer needs to be able to swim the length of a swimming pool with confidence. Intermediate and Advanced Surfing: For those intermediate to advanced surfers, we provide hard surfboards and instruction to meet their level and improve their surfing experience. Info: jpsurfcamp.com

JULIE FOUDY SOCCER CAMP

At the Julie Foudy Soccer Camp we aim to expose as many players as possible to our great role models and coaches. We have chosen a curriculum that integrates a mixed-ability teaching approach. Even though we have some staff members that have played at the very highest level in women's soccer, we have broken down their training regimen into workable modules for all ages and abilities. Summer 2020 dates: July 13 - 16, 9am - 12pm. Location: The “Potocki Center” 27301 La Paz in Mission Viejo. Info: juliefoudysoccercamps.com

• CAMPS Guide 2020 •

LAGUNA NIGUEL CIRCUS TRICKS CAMP

(Ages 8 -11)

This camp is held in our state-ofthe-art tumbling room with trampolines, silks, aerial hoops, tumbling mats and other equipment to help students focus on tumbling and aerial skills. Students will work on handstands, cartwheels, backbends, splits, silks, rope climbing and other basic tumbling fundamentals. T-shirts and crafts included. SCC Laguna Niguel Studio is located at 27652 Camino Capistrano. June 8 - 12; July 6 - 10; August 3 - 7. For info, call (949) 367-0099.

STORYMAKERY YOUNG AUTHOR CAMPS

Storymakery’s Young Author Spring and Summer Camps are the first creative writing camps that not only teaches the foundation of plot development, but also allows kids to publish their own book series. Our program extends children’s creativity, writing, self-expression & cognitive thinking with a unique approach. Camps are 5 days long. www.storymakery.com

SUMMER AT STRATFORD

Explore...Excel...Engage... Discover Summer@Stratford!

Stratford School offers an innovative and enriching summer camp experience for students from Preschool through 8th Grade (2.5 –14 years old). Younger campers - Preschool – Kindergarten - learn, explore, and engage in a combination of hands-on learning projects and interactive play. For the Elementary age group, each two-week camp session is built around a project-based learning theme, where students collaborate to tackle a real-world problem by utilizing cross-disciplinary academic principles and new concepts in a fun and engaging way. At the Middle School level, individual subject-based enrichment classes are offered and tailored for each grade level. For more information go to stratfordschools.com/summer-camp.

THE CHILDREN’S SCHOOL

Summer Social Skills Camp

Children diagnosed with ADHD, ASD or experiencing related challenges and their siblings. Campers ages 8 - 11

years old. Social Skills • Sports • Literature to Life • Drama • Art • Science Projects • Nature Trail Walks • Boomers and More! A summer enrichment program supported by licensed clinical professionals, including behavior specialists, licensed clinical social workers and clinical psychologists. Session 1: July 6 - July 24, 9 am - 1 pm. Session 2: July 27 - August 14, 9 am - 1 pm. Drop off between 8:15 am - 9 am. For info: (949) 812-6222 or www.thechildrensschool.net

In addition to our regular year-round after-school coding lessons, theCoderSchool also offers a variety of Summer Camps covering different subjects and programming languages. Each of our week-long summer camps are Monday-Friday. Students can bring their own sack lunches and water bottles and we'll take care of the rest! Students code throughout the week then demonstrate their creations to parents and families at the end of the last day. With school locations in Irvine, Mission Viejo, Yorba Linda, Cerritos/ La Palma, and soon in Huntington Beach, there’s no better way to keep your kids' brains active this summer. And we're offering an "Early-Bird" discount of $100 off if you register early. These camps fill-up quickly, so be sure to sign up now! For info: Mission Viejo: mv.thecoderschool. com; Irvine: irvine.thecoderschool.com.

TSTREET VOLLEYBALL CLUB

Ranked as the #1 Volleyball Club in Orange County Tstreet is centrally located in Irvine Spectrum Area Tstreet offers a full range of position specific, general skills, sand camps and clinics throughout the summer. Training is open to boys and girls and our program caters to experienced as well as introductory level athletes. Last summer, the improvement of our inexperienced 'Day Campers' was phenomenal. Participants went from no volleyball experience to making school teams and earning roster spots on highlevel club teams. Owned by two-time Olympic Gold Medalist coach and player, Troy Tanner brings his philosophy of "achieving one's highest potential" to the club. Proper movement patterns & mechanics, repetitions, feedback and fun are emphasized in our state of the art gym. Sign up online: TstreetVolleyball.com.

Fernando Sotelo Voted Top 10 School Employee

Why Kids Should Go to Summer Camp

Summer is upon us! Like many parents, you may be wondering if this time off from school should be spent on family vacations, planned activities at home, or summer camp. While family time spent together is extremely valuable, summer camp also offers many benefits that kids don’t necessarily get at school. The summer camp experience gives kids the opportunity to improve their “soft skills” and hard skills, meet and befriend new peers, and develop new interests. If you’re on the fence about sending your child to summer camp, here are a few things you need to know.

KIDS BREAK OUT OF THEIR SCHOOL LABELS

Kids tend to get branded with labels in school: nerdy, athletic, popular,

loud and funny, quiet and shy. By going to camp with different peers, your child has a chance to break out of their supposed categorization. They might feel less pressure to conform to their school label. And they’ll remember that who they are at school isn’t necessarily who they have to be all the time. It’s refreshing.

KIDS CAN EXPLORE EXISTING INTERESTS AND DEVELOP NEW ONES

One of the best things about summer camps is that there are so many of them that offer unique activities. There are over 14,000 day and resident camps in the United States, and they continuously adapt to the evolving interests of campers. Most camps offer traditional outdoors activities like

recreational swimming and camping skills. New programs that have been introduced recently include adventure camps or programs, college planning, health and wellness, and more. If your child is interested in STEM hobbies like coding or robotics, going to a camp that specializes in these activities allows them to pursue their interests in a new setting. They’ll also encounter new ones at camp that they may not have considered before, like horseback riding or rock climbing.

SUMMER CAMP CAN HELP PREVENT SUMMER LEARNING LOSS

Summer learning loss, “summer brain drain,” or “the summer slide” is real: many students lose two to three months of reading and math skills during summer break. There are a few ways to prevent summer learning loss, and one of them is attending summer camp. Summer camp pulls double duty, not only keeping kids mentally stimulated, but physically active as well. There’s a myth that campers at-

tending STEM camps or tech camps stay indoors and on a computer all day, but that’s an old stereotype. A good summer camp will provide kids with a well-balanced variety of activities, both mental and physical.

CAMP TEACHES SKILLS LIKE INDEPENDENCE AND RESPONSIBILITY

Kids encounter the ultimate test of independence when going to camp: being away from their parents. They make small decisions for themselves: what to eat, what activities to do in their free time, who to talk to if they have a question or problem, and so on. These new experiences can be hard, but they’re ultimately worth it because of the boost in self-esteem and confidence.

In addition, camp can teach kids many other essential life skills: teamwork from working on projects, respect, and openness when meeting new peers, and resilience from navigating something new on their own.

KIDS CAN MAKE LIFELONG FRIENDS WITH OTHER CAMPERS

In a study by the American Camp Association, an overwhelming number of campers said positive things about their camp experiences with other kids. A whopping 96% of campers said camp helped them make new friends, and 93% said camp helped them get to know kids who were different from themselves. Kids can bond over living together at resident camps or participating in the same hobbies at day camps. Kids who go to the same school may become friends out of proximity, but kids who become friends at camp have deeper connections rooted in similar interests.

EXPLORE STRATFORD’S SUMMER CAMPS

Sending your child to summer camp clearly benefits them, and it benefits parents, too. Giving kids time away from their home, family, and belongings can help them appreciate what they have when they return. In addition, spending time away from each other can be revitalizing for both kids and parents. If you are looking for a STEM/STEAM summer camp that offers an enriching experience, take a look at Summer@ Stratford. Stratford School’s summer camps tailor activities to each age group, providing campers with hands-on learning projects and real-world problems to tackle in a fun way.

OPEN HOUSE APRIL 8TH

11AM - 5PM • Both Locations Learn more about who we are! Apple iPad Giveaway! Must Visit to Enter

Stepping Forward Counseling Center, LLC (SFCC) offers a variety of individualized therapeutic programs for children and young adults ages 4-18. If your child is suffering from the challenges of neuro-biological disorders, emotional issues, or mental illnesses, SFCC will bring peace of mind to your family. SFCC will develop a program that works for your child and family’s needs! Our customized evidence-based programs draw from principles of CBT, ABA, and DBT, and are set in natural environments. Skills are targeted in a variety of settings, making it more likely clients will generalize outside of SFCC.

Clinically Advanced Multi-Modality Program

Behavior Modiﬁcation, DBT, DBT Token Economy, Modeling + Rehearsal Training, Individual Behavior Therapy, Psychiatric Consultation + Therapy, Social and Emotional Skill Training. All activities are designed to replicate “real life fun” so children and teens generalize new skills and feel conﬁdent and successful in social situations.

Services Include:

Med Management, Psychological Testing, Emotional Consultations, Social Skills Assessments, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Parent Education/Consultation, Individual/Group/ Family Therapy, Functional Behaviorial Assessments, Psychiatric Evaluations/Assessments, Trauma Assessment and Treatment

Our Clients Improve in Areas of: Self-Esteem, Social Behavior, Rule Following, Friendship Skills, Home Behavior, Anger Control, Problem-Solving Skills, Academic Competence

The data proves it works! The base of the program is the same as in all our programs — data-driven and evidence-based treatment.

Study Better, Not Harder with Under Pressure Homework Help

Local K - 12 Tutoring = Lifelong Skills + Success

By Jody Robinson

It wasn’t tough for one of my mom friends, Amy, to figure out that her fifth grader, Julie, was having trouble in math. If the grades she came home with, the blank stares while looking at her textbook and her increasingly vocal complaints weren’t enough, her daughter’s heavy eraser usage was certainly a clear tip-off.

Amy and her husband knew that trying to teach Julie themselves would be an exercise in frustration for all involved. They had her enrolled in an after-school math center staffed largely by high school students. While helpful, Amy felt her daughter’s results would be more meaningful and long-lasting if she were exposed to a higher caliber of instruction. That’s where the Dana Point-based Under Pressure Homework Help (UPHH) offers an ideal solution: a comprehensive, individualized program to help students succeed.

With over 20 years of experience as a California certified classroom teacher and tutor, owner Ginny Villa believes it’s the “personal attention, quality, and

service that set us apart as we help students of all ages build confidence and achieve academic success.”

Ginny and her team of tutors effectively tailor every session to your student’s specific needs and learning style - whether it is homework, test preparation, remedial work or advancement. UPHH tutors get to know each student and are able to enhance their strengths and address their weaknesses. UPHH offers flexible scheduling and a variety of options: one-to-one or group tutoring all subjects, levels, ages, and grades and homework club.

“Thousands of parents have realized that school alone isn’t enough,” says Ginny. “If your child is struggling, we can help. If your child is excelling, we can provide challenges to keep them engaged. In either situation the key is to start early, before poor work habits and weak academic skills become a habit. UPHH is intentionally designed to help children focus, concentrate, and excel.”

But there’s more to engaging students than providing an organized, clut-

ter-free environment and the study materials to make success happen. It takes people who care and who make learning fun. Ginny and her staff are second to none - instructors who turn learning from a chore into a pleasure. UPHH offers professional tutoring with experienced instructors, and leading professionals with knowledge of the subjects and modern technology.

Local mom Sue calls UPHH “a parent’s dream come true.” A dad, Tim, agrees with Sue’s assessment and adds that “Ginny is highly skilled at focusing on the end result … content mastery, while making the process both engaging and efficient.”

Like many successful entrepreneurial efforts, UPHH started by serving a need. A friend requested Ginny’s assistance in tutoring her child, which led to so many word-of-mouth referrals that Ginny hired a team of experienced professionals and turned her garage into a fledgling tutoring center. UPHH’s services were in such high demand that they quickly outgrew the space - necessitating that she seek out a larger, more permanent location. Ginny takes pride in having created “an environment that fosters confidence in self,” where children are given the building blocks to create their own success. Victory builds upon victory, after all.

Coding for Kids Teaching Styles

By Mark Freedkin, Southern California Regional Director, theCoderSchool

With technology moving faster than any time in human history, it’s becoming increasingly important to expose and encourage our next generation to learn the fundamentals of coding.

Coding for kids is becoming a standard offering at many public schools, with more advanced teachings available at an increasing number of private after-school businesses.

Most offerings for learning to code can be divided into three categories:

CURRICULUM DRIVEN – by far the most common style, refers to the traditional pre-defined or static curriculum teaching model, typically in a many-to-one ratio.

SOFTWARE DRIVEN – uses a software system to teach kids, where students are exposed to concepts via online guidance and quizzes.

COACH DRIVEN – revolves around a direct mentor-mentee relationship, where students are taught in a more custom, immersion style.

While Curriculum and Software Driven styles have an advantage of scalability and repeatability, Coach Driven instead focuses on a more custom and enhanced experience for the student.

In a Coach Driven format, learning concepts in a curriculum course isn’t the focus. Rather, the focus is simply to create custom apps, demo the

apps, and repeat (at a slightly higher difficulty level). By doing so, students learn the concepts required to create apps by the act of coding them, and are given time goals by setting demo-day deadlines.

Because this format requires a very small student-to-teacher ratio (typically 2:1 or better), it allows Code Coaches® to individualize the teaching by creating apps that interest and engage the student, at the appropriate difficulty level.

branches as advanced technologies, students create apps in an immersion style while learning concepts that grow their own tree. Like real trees, each student is unique and grows in a unique way. Like real trees, more practice in roots is required to grow a larger trunk, and more practice in the trunk is required to grow bigger branches.

Today, kids and parents alike have many choices for learning to code. Remember that whether Curriculum, Software, or Coach Driven, most important of all is that our next generation of kids is prepared for the coming onslaught of technology. Register online for a FREE 30-minute sample lesson.

THE CODER SCHOOL - IRVINE 14200 Culver Drive, Suite 200 Irvine, CA 926204

(949) 655-0388

irvine@thecoderschool.com

irvine.thecoderschool.com

THE CODER SCHOOL - MISSION VIEJO

27660 Marguerite Parkway, Suite G Mission Viejo, CA 92692

(949) 525-9332

mv@thecoderschool.com

mv.thecoderschool.com

5-Day Camps

Ages: 5-6, 7-9, 10-12 Half Day & Full Day

info@storymakery com www storymakery com 949-431-5061

25292 McIntyre St , Ste Q Laguna Hills

Secrets to A Successful Camp Experience

What Parents Need to Know When Preparing Their Children for Camp

By Anthony Cupo

In recent years, there has been an increase in awareness on the need to expose children to camping activities. Exposing children to camps increases their sense of self-reliance, ambition, adventure, optimism, and self-esteem. Camps offer unique opportunities that enable children with varying abilities to distance themselves from daily stressors.

Such a favorable environment enables children to explore their individuality. Gaining in-depth insights about themselves increases their sense of autonomy and responsibility. Children often spend most of their formative years in the same neighborhoods, reducing the diversity of their daily interactions. Camps provide children with a suitable platform for forming bonds and interacting with new peers. Due to the intricate nature of children, parents should prepare for their camp in a systematic manner.

When preparing their children for camp, parents need to know about a number of preparations. These include the need to involve the children during formulation of decisions, safety measures, sharing rules, as well as talking about the formation of new friendships.

INVOLVEMENT OF CHILDREN IN FORMULATION OF DECISIONS

To enhance the efficacy of the camping experience, parents should involve their children in essential decisions. Parents should inform their children about camp. Parents should gather in-depth insights of various types of camps in order to determine their children’s eligibility. Parent have discussions about camp assessments with your children. Adoption of this strategy helps in calming fears about camp. Parents should seek their children’s opinion in relation to the camping activities. Establish an interactive environment that allows children to raise pertinent questions in relation to camp activities. Children may experience high levels of anxiety when it comes to camp. Addressing these fears and anxieties beforehand will enable children to assume active roles during camp. Parents should role play various camp activities with their children. Role-playing is essential because it familiarizes the child with the anticipated conditions and activities of camp. During discussions, parents should encourage their children to form goals that will boost the relevance of their stay at camp.

SAFETY MEASURES AND DIETARY HABITS

Before enrolling their children to camps, parents need to know about the available safety measures and dietary accommodations. Parents should gather in-depth insights on whether the camps have safety features and measures that align with their children’s unique needs. The camp should have a license of practice from the relevant authorities. Parents have a key role of ensuring that their children undergo through physical examinations to determine their ability to participate in diverse activities during camp. Parents should ensure that camps have appropriate safety measures that protect children from engaging in negative activities such as drug use, violence, and bullying. Parents should coordinate with the camp organizers to discuss they ways they protect the children. Parents should speak with their children on the importance of protecting themselves. Such healthy discussions between parents, children, and camp organizers increase the efficacy of the camping activities. In addition to gathering insights of the available safety measures at camps, parents should also consider the dietary accommodations. Some children may require well-prepared and nutritious diets in order to enhance their wellbeing. Parents should ensure that the diet at camp does not increase their children’s susceptibility to contracting lifestyle ailments such as diabetes and obesity.

SHARING RULES

Parents should enlighten their children on sharing best practices. With so many new people around many infectious ailments are likely to spread within camp due to sharing of personal items. Sharing personal items such as handkerchiefs, clothes, and towels is likely to enhance the spread of lice and skin diseases. Children should avoid sharing personal items such as toothbrushes, combs, and earrings. Sharing of make-up brushes and wipes is likely to cause eye infections. It is important to enlighten children on the adverse effects of sharing manicure tools and nail

polish. These tools are likely to spread germs that may cause toe and finger infections. Children should, however, be encouraged to share other items such as toys, books, and painting brushes.

FORMATION OF NEW FRIENDSHIPS

Forming friendships is a vital part of children’s emotional and social development. Friends increase a child’s ability to develop high self-esteem, altruism, self-confidence, and social competence. Friendships among children helps develop their own identity as well as learn about themselves. Friends help to reduce camp stress and help navigate developmental experiences. Parents should also consider the camp’s ability to enable the children to form new friendships. It is important to consider the child’s social skills. Parent should inform the camp organizers of any existing challenges in their children’s communication abilities and social skills. In order to prepare children for the camping experience, parents should help them understand the importance of sharing, respecting the feelings of others, and autonomy. In addition, parents should increase their children’s awareness on how friendships work. During preparation for the camping exercise, parents should teach their children about conversation breakers and role play conversations they will engage in at camp. Boosting the children’s confidence will calm their fears and increase their ability to relate with others in a suitable manner.

Camps offer unique opportunities that enable children to form collaborative relationships with their peers from diverse backgrounds. Camps equip children with skills that enable them to cope with daily stressors. In order to enhance their children’s camping activities, parents should involve children in the derivation of essential decisions that relate to camping for the best outcome.

Anthony Cupo is a trained mindfulness facilitator (TMF) from the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior. He is a co-owner of Stepping Forward Counseling Center, LLC and has been meditating for over 30 years.

Summer Social Skills Camp

Children diagnosed with ADHD, ASD or experiencing related challenges and their siblings. Campers ages 7 - 11 years old.

Social Skills • Sports

Literature to Life • Drama • Art Science Projects • Nature Trail Walks Boomers and More!

A summer enrichment program supported by credentialed teachers, licensed clinical professionals, and paraprofessional behavior specialists.

SESSION 1: July 6 - July 24, 9 am - 1 pm

SESSION 2: July 27 - August 14, 9 am - 1 pm

Drop off between 8:15 am - 9 am

(949) 812-6222

www.thechildrensschool.net

By Olympians for Safer Swimmers! Evolution Swim Academy Mission Viejo

By Jody Robinson

When running through the list of activities we wanted to introduce to our then-little ones as they grew, my husband and I placed water safety and swimming at the top of our list for our son and daughter – way above dance class, soccer practice and piano lessons. So, when we found Evolution Swim in Mission Viejo several years ago, we were hooked. Swimming lessons, particularly for small children, aren’t just for mastering strokes with a goal of winning future swim meets. Learning to swim is a choice that is both smart and safe.

Water is all around us. Pools, spas, rivers, lakes and the ocean can be aquatic playgrounds, or they can be potentially dangerous. Beyond the obvious safety reasons, learning to swim can promote health and wellness for people of all ages, according to Felipe Delgado, founder of the Mission Viejo-based Evolution Swim Academy.

Research is on his side. According to a 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 many developmental milestones, including 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 Evolution Swim Academy so successful? “Living the core values at Evolution Swim Academy is crucial to the success of our team members, clients and overall wellbeing of the company,” says Felipe. “Our team members go through extensive training before participating in lessons and demonstrating these five core values is part of the success that our team members must demonstrate before moving forward in the hiring process. These core values are centered on bringing value to our clients, bringing energy, passion and always engage, to be fun a little weird, promote teamwork and always be honest.”

Felipe adds that “At Evolution Swim Academy, learn-to-swim is more about the “experience” than just swim lessons. Our state-of-the-art swim center

in Mission Viejo is the premier safety swim lesson location in Orange County. Our center offers our clients the ability to watch swim lessons from various vantage points throughout the center. Our clients have access to a warm, clean temperature-controlled pool, changing rooms and a playroom to entertain younger siblings.”

OLYMPIC PARTNERS

Swimming has been a part of Felipe’s life since he was very young. Growing up, his parents moved to Mission Viejo so that he and his brothers could swim for a world-renowned swim program. The move paid off. Through hard work and sacrifice, Felipe earned a sports scholarship to Arizona State University where he had the honor of being recognized as a 15x All-American. Internationally, he competed in multiple world championship swim meets and participated in 2 Olympic Games (Atlanta & Sydney).

“During my tenure as a competitive swimmer, I learned the valuable skills that I am now able to share with the

children enrolled in the learn-to-swim curriculum,” he says. “Additional research and practice have yielded the most effective teaching practices so that children can learn quickly and effectively. I am committed to your child’s success!”

Evolution Swim’s core val ues are shared by all staff members and Olympic Partners, including Aaron Peirsol (2000, 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games), Rebecca Soni (2008 and 2012 Olympic Games), Gabe Woodard (2004 Olympic Games) and Larsen Jensen, a decorated Navy SEAL and Olympian (2004 and 2008).

PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE

My kids have now graduated out of Evolution Swim Acad emy, and I can attest to the program’s merits personally as they both swim like fish. Our son, in particular, was so en thralled with the program that he continued to participate in the “Intro to Gators,” non-competetive swim team where he perfected all four strokes: the backstroke, breaststroke, 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 – Evolution Swim Academy offers classes for every skill level, ranging from Parent & Me classes and swim lessons to Gators Swim Club, a competitive swim team that is inclusive of all swim and competition levels.

Swim school brings everything together in a single comprehensive indoor complex. Centered around a 20-meter pool, the location features a party room available for rental that has been a huge hit for birthday parties as well as changing and shower areas with stalls and changing tables for small children.

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.

Connect with Felipe, by visiting Evolution Swim Academy located at 23854 Via Fabricante in Mission Viejo, call (949) 3884545 or visit www.evolutionswim.com

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.

02.29.2020. 03.31.2020.

A CPA who helps you plan a SECURE FUTURE

Certified Public Accountant Peter D. Prescott is single-minded: “I strive to make each client as tax efficient as possible. Using a client’s entire finances as a framework, we establish major goals and then combine tax savings techniques and professional financial planning to enhance the growth of their money!”

Peter’s background is impressive: A business degree from U.C. Berkeley, a Professional Financial Planning designation from U.C.L.A., a Masters in Taxation from Golden Gate University, large firm accounting experience at Price Waterhouse and the Personal Financial Specialist Designation (PFS) from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Overwhelming technical expertise belie the fact that Peter is a people person. His clients appreciate his professional knowledge of course, but they love him for his down to earth sensibility, wit and humor. As a man who has participated in public speaking venues, stand-up comedy and a few game shows, Peter loves life and is not only dedicated to his profession, but also maintaining a balance of work and play. His most important priority is his own family. His wife Margie is a homemaker and formerly a special education teacher in San Clemente. Having three sons, Peter understands that early planning to meet family goals is critical.

Peter has been helping Southern Californians with their income tax returns, tax planning, and comprehensive financial planning needs for over 30 years. Peter is adamant when he says, “As long as the IRS keeps up with its annual “tax simplification” strategies, you will want to use a professional who understands the constantly changing tax and financial environment.”

Peter stresses that “the start of the year is the perfect time for tax planning. It enables us to achieve a good sense of direction and work together with my undivided attention. This is true for any individual, small business, or corporation seeking to become more tax efficient and a better financial consumer.”

Knowledge of the tax laws is of little value unless they can be applied wisely to fully meet your needs. That is why Peter follows a comprehensive approach combining effective tax savings, advanced financial planning strategies, estate planning and professional investment methodologies.

Why allow yourself to become anxious and stressed out about your taxes, retirement, college, or business planning? The best time to begin the process is now.

There are still many actions that can be taken to save you money this year and be better positioned for the future.

With Peter’s help you will benefit not only from his experience, but you’ll be able to relax a little more too! Call today to schedule a tax planning or tax return preparation meeting to take advantage of Peter’s New Client Offer.

Sail in the wake of great explorers - experience the Chilean fjords, the Falklands and the Unrivaled Beauty of the Great White Continent on an exclusive small group tour led by Renowned Mountaineer Stephen Shobe.

• Exciting Ice-Cruising & Land Activities

• Onboard Science Center

• Majestic Icebergs

• Unforgettable Adventure

hors d’oeuvres, beverages and details of

upcoming adventure aboard Ms Roald Amundsen

• 6

TIPS FOR FILING YOUR 2019 INDIVIDUAL & BUSINESS TAX RETURNS

Based upon the recent tax law changes, I can’t think of a more important time to have your tax returns prepared professionally by a CPA. It is critical that you remove the guesswork when you prepare your tax returns. I am ready to help you review your unique situation to determine if any of the following tax planning ideas should be implemented.

1. Pay careful attention to the Tax Filing Deadlines: Due Date & (Extension Deadlines). S Corporation and Partnership returns are due on March 15 (Extensions Sept. 16). Individual, Trust and C Corporation returns are due on April 15 (Extensions for Individual & C Corps on Oct. 15 and Trusts on Oct. 1).

2. The IRS is assessing large and multiple penalties to raise revenue. Taxpayers should research relief or obtain CPA help to try to obtain “Penalty Abatements” such as the First Time Abatement and other Administrative Relief (reasonable cause defense).

3. Identity Theft: Starting in 2019, the IRS permits residents of California and certain other states to obtain an Identity Protection PIN upon request. Taxpayers must create an IRS request and request their PIN at www.irs.gov.

4. Taxpayers age 70.5 or older can contribute to charities up to $100,000 directly out of their IRA. This reduces AGI and most likely will lower your tax bill. This is a huge tax savings if you are taking the Standard Deduction and no longer claiming charitable deductions.

5. If you had or will have a large capital gain, consider investing in a “Qualified Opportunity Zone” within 180 days of sale or exchange to defer and partially eliminate the initial capital gain in addition to having the potential of eliminating taxation on appreciation on the new investment property.

6. Depreciation expense rules have been expanded to allow greater deductibility on capital asset purchases including autos and qualified real property. The capability to determine how much you want to depreciate in the current year is a great tax planning opportunity to help the taxpayer fine tune the desired level of taxable income for 2019 and future years.

7. Anyone who receives employer stock options should seek a CPA for tax preparation. The Form 1099-B you receive doesn’t correctly report your cost basis and many taxpayers mistakenly pay tax twice on the gains.

8. California tax laws have little conformity to the new Federal tax laws. Due to the differences in Federal and California law, it is quite possible that you will take the Standard Deduction on your Federal Return and Itemize for your California Return.

9. Important to review your Meals and Entertainment expenses in detail. For Federal purposes, Entertainment is no longer deductible (tickets and entertainment events). Business Meals, Travel Meals and Staff Meals for the Benefit of the Employer, are deductible at 50%. For California tax purposes, Entertainment expenses and Meals per above are deductible at 50%. Therefore, be sure to deduct Entertainment expense on your California return.

10.Taxpayers can change the tax treatment on their IRA contributions as late as the extension deadline for determining if their timely contribution will be treated as PreTax (Traditional), After-Tax (Roth IRA or Non-Deductible IRA). This is important to review prior to finalizing your returns.

11. The Tax Extender Bill was passed late last December. This bill retroactively renewed many tax breaks that had expired in 2018. You should review your 2018 returns to determine if amendment makes sense to file for a tax refund along with interest income. Key bill provisions (Tax Years 2018-2020): Mortgage Insurance Premiums (PMI) are deductible; Higher Education Tuition can be deducted up to $4,000 above the line; Medical expenses can be deducted after deducting the floor of 7.5% of AGI; Alternative Fuel Credit; Fuel Cell Vehicle Purchase; and NonBusiness Energy Property Credit (up to $500 lifetime) for heat pumps, furnaces, windows, central air conditioners and hot water heaters.

BUSINESSES

1. The most exciting part of the new tax law is Section 199A. Under this section, taxpayers may deduct up to 20% of their domestic “Qualified Business Income (QBI)”. QBI includes income from S corporations, Partnerships, LLCs taxed as S corporations or partnerships, Schedule C businesses, Schedule F farming activities and self-employment income reported as other income. It is extremely important that you classify your business with an accurate Principal Business Code since this will be a determinant if you qualify for QBI deduction at certain income levels.

2. Review S Corp salary levels for reasonable compensation and for planning purposes to maximize the new Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction. This is becoming an important IRS audit review item.

3. S Corporations must pay the health insurance premiums directly or reimburse 2% or greater to shareholders to claim the deduction. Payment must be reported on shareholder’s Form W-2.

4. Do some planning to see if a 401k, SEPIRA or Defined Benefit Plan is the most beneficial plan for saving pre or after tax. Contributions are due late in 2019 on the extension due date.

CUT

"Whatever your hair needs, I desire and appreciate the opportunity to make your hair dreams come true.”

Some people are born great; some people create their own greatness.

For Victoria Vannini, creating with hair and giving her clients a style that reflects their personality and ‘true self ’ is more than just a “cut and color.”

“It begins with the consultation,” says Victoria. “I want to know about your lifestyle and career. [About] the hair products and tools you use. This is essential in evaluating the condition and texture of your hair and helps us to come to a place that is realistic - at the beginning and where we want to go for the future.”

Education is an important element to Victoria’s career. After graduating from cosmetology school, Victoria continued at the Vidal Sassoon Academy in Los Angeles. While apprenticing at the Carlton Hair Salon at Crystal Court for one year, she honed her skills with creative color and hair cutting. From there, she went on to be an educator for Paul Mitchell. She currently takes classes at the Unite Academy in Carlsbad.

a color.

“I want to stay current with color trends, foil placement, new haircutting techniques and strategies,” says Victoria, who sees her education as a hair stylist as ongoing. “The industry is currently on the cusp of using ammonia-free color. I want to give my clients the newest and best products that are on the market that will keep their hair in BEAUTIFUL condition Schwartzkopf's new color line 'Essensity' will do just that with 100% coverage without ammonia, odor, preservatives or alcohol! Also, all my highlights are done WITHOUT bleach!! Using Scrupples oil-based highlighing system ensures the quality of your hair stays intact."

Howard Salon

Howard Jones Salon

31271 Niguel Road Laguna Niguel

32545 Golden Lantern Dana Point, CA

newest best products that are on the market that will keep their hair in BEAUTIFUL condition. Schwartzkopf's new color line 'Essensity' will do just that with 100% coverage without ammonia, odor, preservatives or alcohol! Also, all my highlights are done WITHOUT bleach!! Using Scrupples oil-based highlighing system ensures the quality of your hair stays intact."

Like surfers in pursuit of the perfect wave, who hasn’t taken part in the endless search for the perfect cut for their unique face and hair type?

Victoria Vannini is here to tell you that your perfect cut is closer than you think; right in her styling chair.

With over 12 years of experience with innovative color, corrective color and highlights, lowlights and glazing, Victoria is an award-winning colorist who prides herself in helping her clients "recharge" their hair with vibrant, pure color and luscious shine - all the beautiful hues with none of the harmful ingredients.“I've seen to many clients come in with over processed hai r, in need of an 'In Salon' protein treatment to restore their damaged hair."

With over 12 years of experience with innovative color, corrective color and highlights, lowlights and glazing, Victoria is an award-winning colorist who prides herself in helping her clients "recharge" their hair with vibrant, pure color and luscious shine - all the beautiful hues with none of the harmful ingredients.“I've seen to many clients come in with over processed hair, in need of an 'In Salon' protein treatment to restore their damaged hair."

“Every hairstyle has to be approached differently and requires thought. Just because a style works for Jennifer Aniston doesn’t mean it will work for every client’s hair texture and facial structure. Everyone is unique and it’s important to take the time to feel the hair to see how it moves, determine the best, most complementary hues and utilize top-of-the-line products that will enhance and strengthen the hair without any of the damaging ingredients."

Resist the urge to go Blonde (unless you are a Natural). When the cuticle of the hair is damaged from bleach, you can have more breakage or split ends.

3. Distribute the Natural Oils in your Hair... Don’t overwash, once to three times a week depending on condition and age of hair. Use a Boar bristle brush to distribute your scalp’s natural oils evenly to keep hair naturally moistened.

4. Finish your Shampoo and Conditioner with a cool rinse to seal the cuticle and strengthen your hair.

5. Avoid frequent Heat (styling tools) but when you do, use a heat protectant.

6. Eat the right foods. Feed your hair from the inside by increasing your protein intake with fish, beans and nuts.

7. Take a Good Multi Vitamin Supplement and 10,000 mg. of Biotin

Victoria is fabulous!! I moved to Orange County 1O years ago forcing me to find a new hair stylist, and had several horrible experiences. I decided my mission was to look at the hair style of each person I encountered. I found that perfect hairstyle and I asked her who did her hair and she gave me Victoria's name and salon. Now, I have people ask ME all the time who does my hair, and have even had people ask to take my picture so they could show their out of town stylist! She truly cares about her clients and puts all her efforts and skill to work to create the perfect style. I always look forward to seeing Vic and leaving the salon with a huge smile on my face and feeling great!

Kristy

Fleming, MD, Board-Certified Dermatologist

FLEMING DERMATOLOGY & AESTHETIC CENTER 23141 Moulton Parkway, Suite 110, Laguna Hills | (949) 916-5956

There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Because each has many different appearances, it is important to know the early warning signs.

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

ACTINIC KERATOSIS

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

SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA

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

BASAL CELL CARCINOMA

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

MELANOMA

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

WHAT PATIENTS NEED TO KNOW

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

E - Evolution: Has it changed?

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

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

Wise Women Build, Wiser Women Rebuild

By Michelle Hensley

If money is my friend as author Phil Laut touts in his book, Money Is My Friend, then why does it seem sometimes feel more like a foe? And, if money is my friend, why does it feel so difficult to manage, especially in certain seasons of life? How is it that a whopping 70 percent of sudden inheritors lose everything they have gained within three short years, and why do 70 percent of widows fire their financial advisors after the death of their spouse?

According to an article written by an incredible widowed financial advisor, Dr. Kathleen Rehl (Journal of Financial Service Professionals January 2016 issue), one of the fastest growing segments of the US population each year are widows – a fact I was shocked to discover. Rehl’s study also states that each year, approximately one million wwomen join this club that they never wished to sign up for - and the numbers are increasing as the boomers age. Seventy percent of all married baby boomer wives will experience widowhood. Eighty percent of men die married, yet 80 percent of women die single. The median age that a wife becomes a widow is 59.4, which means if you look at the actuarial tables, she will likely live at least another 15 years.

I was only 50 when I became a widow. I wasn’t alone in that like many other women, I had left my previous career to raise a family and support my husband in his occupation during our married life. As a result, when widowed, I found myself in the precarious position as a sudden inheritor without a job. Also, many women become dual inheritors, having income from both deceased spouses as well as parents, which causes additional confusion.As I came to discover, many women like me give away a large portion of the inherited monies because it feels as though we are profiting from our loss.

Like me, for many women entering this new and mostly unexpected phase in their lives, their top desire is to be heard and guided, not just coerced into what advisors think is right. These women who are inheritors or have lost finances through either divorce or the loss of a spouse need the time and space to grieve and the support to make informed decisions in light of their own unique values and desires.

Shortly after my husband passed away, I sat down at my gently-used, beautiful white office desk/sewing ta-

ble, which held the sewing machine my late husband had given to me right after the birh of our first grandchild. Also on my desk was a statement that showed a loss of approximately $20,0000 in penalties for the early withdrawal of an annuity.

“What is that? What is an annuity?” I had no idea. Meanwhile, I looked at the stock market, which had declined quite a bit, called my advisor at the time and said, “I can’t do this.” I was completely distraught and unsure of what to do or whom to speak with. At the time, I had a family of seven children and nine grandchildren. Everything had been dependent on me since my husband had passed away six months earlier and I was completely overwhelmed, to say the least.

Neuroscientist Antonio Damasio explains that “it is emotion that allows you to mark things as good, bad or indifferent.”

Neurologists have discovered that when emotions and feelings are compromised, you lose the ability to make good decisions. Daniel Kahneman, a Nobel prize winner in economics for his studies in human behavior and decisions, wrote that 90 percent of all financial decisions are made emotionally rather than logically.

In his book Yes or No (which I have read over and over again), author Spencer Johnson writes that most of us live in accordance with a disillusion or a false assumption, such as the ability to survive solely on social security while maintaining a similar lifestyle - so these incorrect thoughts shape our ability to make truly informed decisions or to plan accordingly.

In grief, loss of identity, or empty nest situations, brain fog is very normal. However, at the time, I did not understand this fact, so I was trying to plan my future and my new life while my decision-making skills were impaired. I was at a loss. As a counselor running

After much trial and error, I have discovered that what I needed was to learn how to manage my money, make good decisions, increase my income, spend wisely, invest automatically and give generously.

a nonprofit, I thought that I should not be experiencing these issues. Wrong! Confusion, pressured decision-making, and managing expectations of ourselves and the expectations that others have of us are just a few of the main issues surrounding widows, widowers and divorcees.

When we are in the middle of this chaos and fog, many times we don’t ask the right questions because we don’t know the right questions to ask.

Or we trust too much in those who mean well and are trying to lead us, instead of learning to lead ourselves. I have many friends who are widows whose husbands have established their wives well financially, but have not prepared them emotionally to handle those finances. Coming out of a pretty traditional marriage, my husband had made all the decisions, financial and otherwise, which left me at a deficit of practical knowledge. So does the blame lie with him or with myself for not having the courage to step up and ask?

If we tend to make better decisions when grounded in truth and reality, how did I get to the point where I could clearly see the situation before me? How did I find my way after making so many wrong decisions? How was I able to change, reinvent my life and career, and grow in better financial wisdom and better decisions?

After much trial and error, I have discovered that what I needed was to learn how to manage my money, make good decisions, increase my income, spend wisely, invest automatically and give generously. I had to figure out how to establish my life around new values as a single individual and work through my emotions of grief without letting those emotions negatively affect the choices that shape my future.

Why is this so important for widows and divorcees? Because we need to know how to emotionally handle the technical side of money and our decisions. I currently teach a practical skills workshop at Santiago Community College, in which we explore decision-making skills, successful communication with your financial advisor, the process of determining your values and what your goals and desires are for your finances. The course also covers how to manage the expectations of others, how to move forward after a major life transition, and how to love and appreciate your “new normal” and begin to reshape your future.

After putting these practices into place, I was able to start a business which I’m happy to say has become quite successful, Nifty Package Co, Daily Money Manager and currently work as a CeFT © at Hagler Financial Services in Old Town Orange.

Michelle Hensley Board Certified Executive Coach

VIEJO + LADERA RANCH

WEDNESDAY

Laguna Playhouse 7:30 pm

First Thursday Art Walk

Laguna Art Museum

307 Cliff Drive

50% off on all bottles up to $50

Romeo Cucina

Crown Valley Pkwy

Laguna Niguel

Was Nellie Gail Moulton? Exhibition

Casa Romantica

Avenida Granada daily thru May 31st

Segerstrom Center for the Arts

600 Anton Blvd.

Mesa • 7:30 pm

2020

LB • 6 pm FREE American Ballet Theatre

Live Music

Brio Tuscany Grille 24050 Camino Del Avion Dana Point

FREE Lunch & Learn Series 55+ Communities - Are They For You or Your Family?

Olive Garden

24256 El Toro Rd. Suite 1

Laguna Woods • 12 pm - 1:30 pm Peter Jacobson + Keli McCall RSVP (949) 274-3633 or peter@agentinc.com

Blues Brothers Revue Laguna Playhouse 606 Laguna Canyon Road LB • 7:30 pm

Segerstrom Center 600 Anton Blvd. Costa Mesa 7:30 pm

Ranch Night Market Shop. Eat. Dance. Interactive Farmers’ type Market Mercantile West Shopping Center 25642 Crown Valley Pkwy. Ladera Ranch Laguna Beach Farmers’ Market Forest Ave & Ocean Ave. 521 Forest Ave. LB • 8 am - 12 pm

Ocean Institute Fest 2020 Culinary Music Festival Dana Point Harbor DP • 6 pm - 11 pm

Wine, craft beer and fine spirits come to A Stone’s Throw Winery March 28 and 29 for the OC Wine & Spirit Fest, bringing a modern tasting experience to the people of Orange County, with luxe vibes and a laidback coastal attitude. With the focus on fun, OC Wine & Spirit Fest offers an experience perfect for everyone, and every taste.

Founded by the winemakers at A Stone’s Throw Winery, the OC Wine & Spirit Fest encourages festival

attendees to explore a modern tasting experience with community and camaraderie at its heart. Set among the quintessential orange groves in historic San Juan Capistrano, guests will mingle with sommeliers, vintners, craft beer experts and others, while they shop from a myriad of luxe vendors ranging from wine-related items to furniture, experiences and jewelry, and gourmet food trucks. There will also be a food + wine/ spirits pairing lunch available, led by some of the area’s best chefs and craft wine & spirits makers.

“This will be our best event of the year, and we’re looking forward to bringing something extremely special to Orange County,” said OC Wine & Spirit Fest co-founder,

Linda Kearns, also a partner in A Stone’s Throw Winery. “Orange County has an amazing history of wine culture, and we know this event will be a celebration of that, as well as an opportunity to explore new beverages while having a great time among friends and neighbors.”

With philanthropy at heart, this year the OC Wine & Spirit Fest has partnered with two charitable organizations – JDRF Orange County and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA OC). Both organizations are lifechanging in their missions. JDRF leads the charge in finding a cure and providing resources to patients and their families with Type 1 Diabetes. CASA OC serves severely abused, neglected and abandoned children through the recruitment, training and continued support of volunteers who advocate for and mentor these children.

“We are thrilled to partner with such fabulous Orange County organizations,” Kearns said. “We truly admire the very important work that both JDRF and CASA OC do, and we look forward to helping raise awareness and funds for such worthy causes.”

Photo credit: Vivi Wyngaarden

Photo credit: Jeffrey Werve

FESTIVAL OF WHALES MARCH 7-8 & 14-15

After experiencing this iconic annual event, join friends and family for a delicious dinner and craft cocktail at Dana Point’s Favorite Italian Restaurant!

HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS

Sun - Thurs. 3:30 - 6 pm • Fri & Sat 3:30 - 5 pm

Pets of the Month

Janus is an adorable neutered male juvenile dwarf mix rabbit. He was rescued along with several other bunnies from Dana Point Harbor and is now available for adoption. Around one year old, Janus is inquisitive and loves to boldly explore his new surroundings. He has good litter box habits and would make a great addition to a loving home!

This pretty pup is Belle, a sweet Labrador Retriever mix looking for her forever family. Only about a year old, Belle is full of energy and just loves to play. Belle has the makings of a great running buddy and would do well in an active home where she can get all the exercise she requires.

Cecily is the shelter’s longest resident and has been with us for over four and a half years. As a baby bunny, she and her siblings were abandoned in a local park and she practically grew up at the shelter. Cecily is now a sweet adult rabbit who can sometimes be a bit unsure of people entering her space, but once she’s in your arms she enjoys being petted. She can be a bossy bunny and tells you just what she wants with cute little grunts and thumps. Cecily has good litterbox habits and would make a great house bunny in a loving home.

Pimento is a three year old cutie who is learning how to trust again. When he first arrived at the shelter, Pimento was very shy and scared. With the care of staff and volunteers, he is finally coming out of his shell. While he can still be a bit wary of strangers, he is extremely loving and affectionate once he gets to know you. Pimento would be a great dog for someone patient who will take the time to bond with him.

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.

Taking Tax Season Back with Lorraine Collyer, CPA

By Jody Robinson

It’s that time of year again. Don’t groan - though you know what I am going to say. Two things are certain, right? According to Christopher Bullock in his 1716 The Cobbler of Preston: Death and Taxes.

Yet spring has so much more to offer than the stress and strain of putting another year in the books, not the least of which being that we all get to put another year in the books. Flowers are blooming, the weather is lovely and we get to look ahead to the start of another fiscal year. Which is where Lorraine Collyer, CPA comes in.

Since 2016, Lorraine has been providing her business preparation and strategic planning background to Orange County locals. With a background in auditing and commercial banking, Lorraine specializes in CFO/ COO consulting: developing a knack for forecasting while she was at it.

“Businesses use my services for annual budgeting, strategic planning, and to secure financing from banks to support growth projects,” says Lorraine. “Manufacturing, healthcare, financial institutions: all are part of my background. I have the creative and qualified knowledge required to support and implement critical processes for strategic growth.”

Based on the high confidence in the U.S. economy this year, CEOs are pursuing their own growth prospects which speaks to Lorraine’s particular skill set: Improving business performance, developing strategies and enhancing value are at the core of what she can do for your small business.

Saving her clients time is at the top of the list, a natural priority for someone who loves to get out into the community and spend time with her own family.

“I raised my family in Dana Point, enjoy tennis, horses, and now my three wonderful grandchildren. In my business, I’ve been rewarded with the opportunity to help other local business owners make the most of their own personal time with friends and family by working with them to strategize ways in which their money can work harder while they are at play.” Sounds pretty certain to me.

Collyer, CPA is located 34232 Pacific Coast Hwy. Suite D-1 in Dana Point. To connect with Lorraine directly, call (949) 444-3270 or via email: collyercpa@gmail.com.

We make the wig look like it’s growing out of your scalp, not sitting on it!

When you experience hair loss due to medical reasons, it can be devastating. A wig can make all the difference in helping you look good and feel better about hair loss.

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It’s A Milestone For Sure…

A few weeks ago my husband’s Medicare card arrived in the mail. This is a big milestone for him. He can hardly wait to start saving money (He pays close to $1000 a month for his current HMO plan that has a lot of co-pays and a deductible in the few thousands). He elected to have me enroll him in a Medicare Advantage plan after learning about all of the great benefits and it has no premium at all. All he has to do is pay his Part B premium to the government. Better yet, almost all of his medical care has zero co-pays. Even if he is hospitalized he won’t pay anything. He has financial peace of mind now knowing he’ll never need to be worried about high medical bills again. It’s the only positive side of turning 65 I’m told. He had it easy because he had me to “hold his hand” and help him through the process. I will “hold your hand” too if you want my assistance as you face this big milestone.

You’ll want to start this process 3 months before your birthday month to make sure you’re good to go on the first day of the month that you turn 65 (unless you’re born on the 1st, then you get to go on Medicare one month early). Medicare alone is not enough, and that’s where I come in to help you understand your Medicare options. Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplements and Medicare Drug plans are complex and the fact that you can have my knowledge (at no cost to you) to help you decide the right choice for you at this milestone in your life should give you peace of mind too.

It’s A Milestone For Sure…

By Stephanie Frisch

I have looked at at least 1000 Medicare cards in my career. A few weeks ago my husband’s Medicare card arrived in the mail. It wasn’t a surprise, I had been a part of the process helping him every step of the way.

Iwas there looking over his shoulder, giving him guidance as he applied online on the Social Security website. I was the one who opened the letter from Social Security saying they’d received his application, it was approved, and he’d be receiving his Medicare card in several weeks.

Three weeks later it arrived and I opened up the envelope. There it was and the reality set in. This is a big milestone for him. He can hardly wait to start saving money (he pays close to $1000 a month for his current HMO plan that has a lot of copays and a deductible in the few thousands). He elected to have me enroll him in a Medicare Advantage plan after learning about all of the great benefits and it has no premium at all. That’s right, zero premium. All he has to do is pay his Part B premium to the government. Better yet, almost all of his medical care has zero co-pays. This is great because he’s one of those people that is always at the doctor for one thing or another. “Sins of his past” have caught up with him physically and I’m sure many of you can relate. Skin issues due to too much sun exposure, spine issues due to reckless physical stunts in his teenage years. Even if he is hospitalized, he won’t pay anything. He has financial peace of mind now knowing he’ll never need to be worried about high medical bills again. It’s the only positive side of turning 65 I’m told. So, he had it easy because he had me to “hold his hand” and help him through the process. I will “hold your hand” too if you want my assistance as you face this big milestone. Much of my consultation time is going through the appropriate steps of someone just getting their Medicare active. This really has nothing to do

with my job because I’m an insurance broker, not a government employee. But, this seems to be the most daunting step for most that I meet with.

The government is trying to make it an easier process. If you have a computer you can enroll in Medicare online by going to Medicare. gov. They are continually trying to make that website more user friendly. Once you’re on the website just click on “Get Started with Medicare”, it’s right there in the middle of the webpage, you can’t miss it. Then the first thing you see is 1. Sign up for Medicare through Social Security. Then below that it says “Sign up for Medicare online” in blue letters. Click on that and it takes you right to the Social Security website page and in a

bright blue box it reads, “Apply for Medicare Only”. Then just follow the steps and you’ll be done in no time!

Stephanie Frisch is the owner of Insurance 101 and is an independent insurance broker dedicated to helping others make “educated decisions” about their insurance choices when it comes to Medicare. For answers to your questions, or no-fee consultation, call (949) 351-2443.

Free Lunch & Learn 3rd

Thursday Lunch Series

55+ COMMUNITIES Are They for You or Your Family?

Please join us for a complimentary lunch hosted by the 55+ Community Real Estate Specialists

LEARN THE SECRETS

 The differences between OC’s 55+ Communities

 Buying in a 55+ Community

 Selling in a 55+ Community

 Maximizing your home value before you sell

Olive Garden 24256 El Toro Road, Suite 1 Laguna Woods

Thursday, February 20th • 12 pm - 1:30 pm

Space is limited.

Please RSVP (949) 274-3633 or peter@agentinc.co

No Obligation - FREE Lunch. Come Learn the Secrets • Ask Questions • Enjoy

PETER JACOBSON DRE# 01521345

KELI MCCALL

DRE# 01291065

55+ Specialists for over 30 Years

Over 650 Homes Sold “Best of Zillow 2019” • Top 5% of Nation

Ethics Are Now in Session: THE FAMILY LAW OFFICES OF ELISABETH DONOVAN

By Jody Robinson

I’m not sure that I’ve ever associated the word ethical with a law office before. Maybe with an animal shelter, or a non-profit dedicated to planting trees.

While ethical business tends to be fruitful, feelings of fairness, honesty, and equality don’t necessarily go hand in hand with child custody cases or marriage dissolutions.

Six years ago, that changed for Elisabeth Donovan. As a young attorney, she worked for a large firm, taking on case

after case, learning all the things not to do when helping someone through a family law matter. “Immediately, I saw the need for a new generation of attorneys who took a more comprehensive approach to working with their clients.” Now, Elisabeth focuses on providing personalized and cost-effective representation to her clients in all areas of family law.

Photography by Diana Schmitt, Accent Portraits by Diana

I

sometimes wish someone had stepped in and helped my family while we were in crisis. Family law is the perfect fit as the culmination of my personal experiences.

Visitation, guardianships, conservatorships, high net worth property division, prenuptial agreements. Going through a divorce or custody battle can be highly adversarial, “in a polarized system, and it is imperative to have counsel who will approach your case with long-term goals in mind.” Goals which include financial collateral - like college savings or retirement funds that can be quickly depleted in court.

“Coming from a high-conflict family, I understand the dynamics of a family in crisis. Highly contested dissolution cases often manage to damage everyone in the vicinity.” Licensed as a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst gives her a unique insight into the financial effects of different settlement proposals. “Only through civil, ethical cases can children emerge emotionally healthy. When I became a lawyer, I wanted to make a difference in this world through my work. I sometimes wish someone had stepped in and helped my family while we were in crisis. Family law is the perfect fit as the culmination of my personal experiences.”

Practice means more than just law to Elisabeth. Yoga and meditation are regular staples in her routine, as well as traveling in the pursuit of mindfulness: Morocco and Iceland just two of the more recent additions to the list. Of the seven continents, she’s been to six, incorporating her natural curiosity and intentionality into each step she has taken around the world. Helping clients make it through a difficult time comes naturally, when one has found their way through their own story of anger, disappointment, and healing and come out the other side. “I’ve learned to cultivate a real sense of mindfulness, which allows me to be present and available: in each moment open to my clients.”

Her time in the courtroom has helped her achieve great results for her clients, but it is her passion that sets Elisabeth apart. Personally connecting with each person that walks in the door is the key to give them the best representation possible. “I work with each client personally to develop a cost-effective case strategy that won’t incur unnecessary fees, while obtaining the best possible outcome.” That’s where the word ethical comes in. Millions of families are faced with legal issues. “When I sit down with a client for the first time, I could see billable hours. But what lies in front of me is a problem to solve.” One that involves the past, present, and future simultaneously. Honesty and fairness must be the cornerstone.

CLIENT PERSPECTIVE

Review Elisabeth’s client testimonials and it’s immediately evident that these qualities are the bedrock of her practice.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Child Support

Child Custody

Conservatorships

Divorce & Separation

Guardianship

Restraining Order

Prenuptial Agreement

Step-Parent Adoption

“Divorce is never easy. It is scary. All I can say is thank goodness I was referred to Elisabeth Donovan by a friend,” says client Ben. “I have heard so many horror stories about divorce. The three things that I see in most divorces are: Lawyers push to litigate everything and jack up legal fees, can’t be trusted, and they drag the process out for years. My experience was the exact opposite. During my free consultation Elisabeth Donovan told me told me about what it would cost (given that my ex’s attorney didn’t push back on everything) and about how long the process would take. And it ended up costing exactly what she said it would (drastically less than friends had paid their divorce attorneys in the past) and she wrapped everything up in about a month less than she estimated. She really knows what she is doing and was very ethical (she talked me off the ledge a few times) and fair to both me and my ex. I trusted her and listened to her advice, and I can say with absolute certainty that she is the biggest reason why, at the end of it all, I have a good relationship with my ex-wife.

If you are looking to “take your spouse to the cleaners,” find someone else. If you are looking for a lawyer you can trust to settle your divorce in a timely and fair manner, HIRE ELISABETH DONOVAN!!!!”

Another client, Kristine agrees with Ben’s assessment and adds “Elisabeth Donovan works hard and respectfully for each unique situation, and the affordability of her services was a plus. I am thankful for her and her ability to make you a priority … It’s very reassuring to know you have knowledgeable and qualified person by your side, one who is working in your best interest while going through one of the most stressful times in your life.”

“Whether a divorce is on the horizon, domestic violence has taken place, or your wife wants to move out of California with your children, your legal advocate’s primary objective is to put the well-being of you and your family first.” First, before money. Before power, or accolades or inter-office bragging rights. Civility. Equality. True advocacy at its finest.

Connect with Elisabeth directly by calling or visit OCFamilyLawAttorney.com

Why Repipe when you can ?

By Jody Robinson

Lead-Free, Leak-Free Pipe Protection

It is safe to say that I know nothing about pipes. I know a little about drywall, and some about framing; my husband has his general contractor’s license so I’ve picked up a few nuggets of knowledge over the years - albeit in conversation, not in practice.

Pipes, however, are a complete mystery. I have family who live on the East Coast, where pipes seem to burst with some degree of frequency in the winter, but that is the extent of my experience via six degrees of separation. Since our family moved into our “new” home in San Juan Capistrano a few years ago, we have since become something of an expert on experts: those who do and don’t know anything about pipes. There are a bunch of things I can now catch you up on: leaks, sprinkler lines, lead testing. But truly, all you need to know is this: In many cases, ePIPE can have your pipes restored the same day without displacing you from your home.

Topping my list of folks I’d call expert, ePIPE has been in business since 1999. With over 40 international and US-based patents, the company has contracts with the US Department of Defense, several counties across the States, schools, HOA’s, and thousands of individual homeowners nationwide.

Jason Houck, National Sales Director notes “twenty years ago this process was developed to be more convenient, less destructive, longer lasting, and healthier. Now it’s a patented, proven process used around the globe.” Traditional systems wreak havoc on a home, tearing up floors, walls, and ceilings. To get to the pipe, you have to get everything else out of the way: and then to replace the pipe, you have to remove what is there. “Instead of re-piping, we restore pipes in place. Many homes can be completed in a day, with the water going back on in a number of hours.”

Pool piping, fire sprinkler systems, water lines - ePIPE deals with it all. They’ll even test for lead and remediate as a LeadSmart® Service provider. Any number of factors can lead to corrosion in a system, often in as little as two years after installation. Any number of factors can lead to pinhole or slab leaks. So what happens next? If your pipes were simply failing due to changing water chemistry, perhaps you’re wondering if there a better pipe? Turns out the restoration of your pressurized system can be as simple as drying, cleaning and applying ePIPE's patented epoxy coating. “The cleaning process prepares the internal pipe surface for proper bonding,” says Jason. “A bit like sanding before you paint.”

In researching what ePIPE has to offer in terms of the process, I don’t see the word drilling, or destruction, or demolition anywhere. Taking care of

a problem once it begins is one thing, but ensuring that you won’t have that problem for years down the road is entirely different.

Restored piping protects against corroding and pitting, in turn reducing copper and lead leaching.

“Because there is no need to destroy walls, ceilings, or floors, you save a significant amount of money in reconstruction costs,” says Jason. “I’ll keep saying it: we do the work without the mess and expense.” Ranked in the top 1% of over 300,000 California contractors, ePIPE is here to ensure your pipes deliver the way they were made to. That’s really all I need to know.

To connect with Jason and his team, call (888) 657-5106 or visit www.restoremypipes.com

Relax with “Guaranteed Peace of Mind” Adult Dentistry

WHY is “ Guaranteed Peace of Mind” Adult Dentistry so important?

Mature adults who have complex dental problems, need a doctor like Dr. Löberg, who listens carefully ﬁrst, and then uses his 16 years of experience and advanced training to dramatically improve his patients’ appearance, dental health and their ability to chew naturally.

What problems can be treated with Adult Dentistry? • Gum Disease/Bone Loss • Root Canals • Dental Implants • Broken/Missing Teeth • Smile Makeovers Crown & Bridges

Isolate Pure CBD Bringing a Different Kind of CBD Company to

Consumers

An exciting new CBD company has emerged, capturing market share in the crowded CBD space. Isolate Pure CBD is making a name for itself, not only because of the way they make and market their CBD, but primarily because of the people who make up the company.

From marketing executives, entertainment company heads, professional athletes and college students to diamond dealers, a superfood expert and a physician for the NFL, Isolate Pure CBD is backed by a wealth of well educated and experienced professionals to bring a different kind of CBD company to consumers.

Isolate Pure CBD as a company has one common dominator and that is they all use CBD and for the most part, for different, wide-ranging reasons including insomnia, workouts, pain, arthritis and anxiety.

Taking in all of the important issues of health, the opioid crisis, climate crisis and sustainability issues of today, Isolate Pure CBD has focused on where to grow, how to grow, how to harvest and how to deliver CBD.

Isolate Pure CBD is cultivated in the lush Kentucky heartland by dedicated farmers where hemp has been grown

successfully since the 1700’s. They sustainably farm premium hemp-derived CBD products in an FDA registered and inspected GMP-Compliant faciity, All of their products are tested by third parties for safety and quality. With that said, they are now working to make consumers as safe and knowledgeable about CBD as they can.

Simultaneously, Isolate Pure CBD is working on a medical study that will help accurately prescribe CBD for a myriad of health issues ranging from anxiety, inflammation, headaches, epilepsy to insomnia, arthritis, gut health, chronic and acute pain. They are working to publish the first medical paper on how best to use CBD for all of these health issues.

Dr. Gazzaniga, who serves on Isolate Pure CBD’s Board of Advisors states that “we are in the early stages of looking at CBD for acute pain treatment in order to reduce or eliminate the need for opiates.”

Isolate Pure CBD currently has four products they have released for public use: 50 mg. CBD capsules that are full spectrum; full spectrum oil droppers that come in both 500mg and 1000mg; a topical cream in a pump form that is 500mg; and lastly, an incredible acne treatment cream that combines Manuka honey and CBD.

You can find and order all of these products online at www.isolatepurecbd.com or you can call 800-2841293 to order by phone.

Isolate Pure CBD is currently working on additional proprietary products as an alternative to using opioids and for college and professional athletes. They are working to have these products available in 2020.