Publisher
Community Publications
Editor
Jody Robinson jody@southcountymag.com
Editorial Assistant
Marissa Chapman
Sales & Marketing
Marlo Andersen
Anthony Arcurio
Nicole Martin
Distribution Manager
David Starr
Advertising Inquiries (714) 469-3495
Contributing Writers
Beverly Blake
Kristine Emerson
Kristy Fleming, MD
Cara Fraser
Stephanie Frisch
Nicole Howard
Peter Prescott
Tom Scott
Learning should not stop when a child leaves the classroom. In fact, the driving philosophy of STEAM schools is rooted in instructing children using real-life scenarios and experiences. As a parent, you can expand your child’s education far beyond the classroom with some easy and fun STEAM-related projects at home.
If your child is partial to engineering, there are some simple engineering projects for kids that you can do with them at home when school is out for the summer. Not only will these projects help spark your child’s passion for engineering and science, but they will also combat brain drain in the summer and foster engineering design thinking. To get your child’s brain engaged in STEAM activities at home, try these exciting yet simple engineering projects for kids.
In this simple engineering project, your child will use household items to build a boat that can float in water and hold weight, like pennies or a
toy car. Give your child straws, tape, Styrofoam plates, and plastic cups or bottles, and let them loose to create a seafaring craft.
Once their boat is complete, fill a large bucket with water and test to see if it floats. Once your child has created a sturdy craft, slowly increase the weight to discover the boat’s max weight. Throughout the process, your child will be learning the basics of buoyancy while getting to play with water.
This building challenge will have your children thinking about construction in a way that they might not have before. Give your child gumdrops and toothpicks, and ask them to form a structure that is sound enough to hold a heavy object like a textbook. The key is for them to figure out how to connect the toothpicks and gumdrops in such a way that creates a structure that can withstand the weight.
For this project, give them as many attempts as they need to get the structure right. Informed trial and error is the basis of the scientific method, so as they make modifications to their original structure, they will be
learning about fundamental science and engineering concepts.
In this engineering project, your kids will build their own flying aircraft. Give your child some basic tools like tape, straws, paper, glue, and paper towel cardboard roll, and ask them to build a craft that will glide when launched. Your kids will learn the basics of weight distribution and surface area during the project. When your kids complete their first successful flight, you can challenge them to reach a certain distance by making the necessary modifications to their craft.
Simple engineering projects at home are an excellent way to extend your child’s learning outside of the classroom, get them thinking outside the box, and put their reasoning skills to the test. If you are looking for additional ways to prevent brain drain when school is not in session, Stratford School can help. We offer tech and engineering summer camps that will engage your child in fun, hands-on engineering projects - learn more about our STEAM summer camps today at StratfordSchools.com/summer!
Daily classes for kids ages 4 to 13 in an authentic performing arts experience. The week-long camps are each guided by professionals and culminate in a studentcentered production - complete with sets, costumes and lighting! Seven distinct week-long programs run from June 10th to August 16th. Weekly themes include Greatest Showmen, Is Mary Poppins Returning?, Harry Potter, Aladdin’s Magic Lamp and Annie - Rags to Riches. Sibling and Multi-Camp discount options available. For info, visit www.ActingAcademyforKids.com
Exciting coding challenges, wild animal discoveries and science wonders await your kids this summer at Discovery Cube’s hands-on camps! We offer several different programs that give kids of all ages the chance to investigate science through fun, one-of-a-kind experiences. Visit our website for camp details and registration at discoverycube.org/summer-camps/
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.)
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, Christine Dickinson, is an Accredited Teacher. 7 weeks – limited enrollment. Hours 9AM – 2PM (Optional Preshow hour 8AM). Camino Real Playhouse is located at 31776 El Camino Real in San Juan Capistrano. Register: www.CapistranoActingAcademy.org. For info, call (949) 4898082.
If you are a parent of a kid (grades 5, 6, 7 or 8) who is interested in business or wants to be in business, then the Kid Entrepreneur Academy (KEA)
Beatrix Potter Spring Camp 5 - 10 years
A special multi-age camp to share the store of Beatrix Potter’s life and achievements. Participants will enjoy a special picnic, packed with homemade goodies and all will take home a charming Peter Rabbit Reader’s Theater. Yummy scones and a bunny salad await you! Instructor: Tracey Frank Pringle. 34085 PCH, Suite 105, Dana Point.
summer day camp is an essential learning activity. KEA helps kids develop the business skills that will make them smart, savvy and successful in all areas of their lives. Kids are naturally creative, have amazing ideas, and are born risk-takers; all positive traits for creating successful businesses. At the Kid Entrepreneur Academy, we share skills and practical knowledge to facilitate your child’s business journey. Enroll your child in KEA and they will enjoy an interactive one-week business program of learning the principles of entrepreneurship and starting and running their own real-world business. KEA students also participate in a business plan competition. For high school students, we offer a Teen Entrepreneur Academy.
Summer at St. Margaret’s is open to all and has served enrichment, exploration, sunshine and fun to Orange County children for nearly 40 years!
Day Camps include: outdoor, water and beach adventure camps, performing arts camps, athletic skills camps and exploration enrichment. Led by St. Margaret’s renowned teachers and coaches on our beautiful 22-acre campus. Some outdoor camps take place at off-campus locations.
Established in 2011, 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 in Irvine, California, USA. 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 sponsored by Citi and held the last day of the summer camp academy.
This camp is held in our state-of-theart 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. For info, call (949) 367-0099.
An adorable camp that introduces students to the lead characters and stories of our favorite fairy tales. Students will have daily ballet class and should wear leotard, tights, and ballet shoes. Crowns, shirts, and crafts included. Costumes will be provided for end of camp showcase. SCC San Clemente Studio is located at 400 Camino De Estrella -C. For info, call (949) 367-0099.
31641 La Novia, San Juan Capistrano 949-661-0108 / www.smes.org/ summer
Be inspired, explore interests and have fun this summer at St. Margaret’s Episcopal School. Camps are open to all students preschool through grade 8. Weekly camps include outdoor adventures, athletic skills and play, performing arts, academic exploration in science, engineering, computer science and humanities. Led by St. Margaret’s renowned teachers and coaches on our beautiful 22-acre campus in a nurturing and small-group environment. Some outdoor camps take place at local beaches and off-campus locations. Registration open now! For more information, visit www.smes.org/summer
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 crossdisciplinary academic principles and new concepts in a fun and engaging way. At the Middle School level, individual subjectbased enrichment classes are offered and tailored for each grade level. For more information go to stratfordschools.com/summer-camp
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 high-level 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
Generations of children have enjoyed the enchanting tales of Peter Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny, Mrs. Tiggy Winkle and their animal friends.
All participants enjoy a picnic lunch at the Blue Lantern Gazebo of English Scones, Organic Bunny Salad, Tea Sandwiches and Strawberry Lemonade. The camp is carefully planned out as the 1st-6th graders will make a Reader’s Theater and a bunny fact book. Big kids will help little kids. The power of multi-age learning!
Pre-K - 6th grade
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.”
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 values 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).
My kids have now graduated out of Evolution Swim Academy, and I can attest to the program’s merits personally as they both swim like fish. Our son, in particular, was so enthralled 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
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, Big 8 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.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts is proud to welcome the return of the Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg with the West Coast Premiere of The Pygmalion Effect May 24–26, 2019 in Segerstrom Hall. A new ballet from the company’s award-winning artistic director and choreographer, Boris Eifman, The Pygmalion Effect is inspired by the Greek mythological tale of Pygmalion – a sculptor who became infatuated with his own life-like carving of a beautiful girl. Renowned for works that are “bold, psycholog-
this dynamic new production, set to a score by “The Waltz King” Johann Strauss II.
ical and highly theatrical” (The New York Times), Boris Eifman infuses his signature choreographic style into
Single tickets for The Pygmalion Effect start at $29 and are available at SCFTA.org, at the Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa or by calling (714) 556-2787.
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.
"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.
“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."
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."
“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."
Victoria uses organic products like True Brazilian activating serum and finishing gloss for stronger, smoother, frizz-free hair!
WHY USE HARSH, TOXIC CHEMICALS TO GET THE HAIR OF YOUR DREAMS?
True Brazilian is specially formulated with Certified ToxicFree ingredients, such as Capuacu, Abyssian Seed Oil, and Meadowfoam Seed Oil provide nurturing nutrition to the hair – to repair splits ends, add supreme hydration, and create a protective barrier against the elements.
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!
May 28 – June 9, 2019
Roald Dahl’s CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY tells the story of Willy Wonka, world famous inventor of the Everlasting Gobstopper, who has just made an astonishing announcement. His marvelous—and mysterious—factory is opening its gates…to a lucky few. That includes young Charlie Bucket, whose life definitely needs sweetening. He and four other golden ticket winners will embark on a mesmerizing, lifechanging journey through Wonka’s world of pure imagination. Get ready for Oompa-Loompas, incredible inventions, the great glass elevator, and more, more, more at this everlasting showstopper!
Tickets to Roald Dahl’s CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY start at $29 and are on sale at SCFTA. org, by calling (714) 556-2787 and at the Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa.
“The
To many, living at home means freedom and independence. But it can also be isolating. Belmont Village residents enjoy a lifestyle that keeps them physically active and mentally engaged, delighting in the company of friends old and new. At Belmont Village, you don’t have to live alone to be independent. It’s not just your home. It’s your community.
By Jody Robinson
Cover photography by Wendy Christine Photography
There are a number of frustrating things about a disease which presents itself differently in each of its patients. The first, quite obviously, is that the disease is present at all.
Next, perhaps, is that each conversation is marked by a tangle of personal history: for each individual has a background that informs how the disease will inhabit their lives and attempt to inhibit their futures. Lori Renaud, R.N., is no stranger to these frustrations, par-
ticularly when it comes to Parkinson’s Disease.
With symptoms like muscle rigidity, tremors, and changes in speech, for people suffering from Parkinson’s, it can be easy to feel as though easy living has come to an end. But Lori and
her team at Acti-Kare refuse to give up. April marks the beginning of Parkinson’s Awareness Month, engaging the global Parkinson’s community to raise the antenna on a disease which impacts an estimated 7 to 10 million worldwide. Local events, social media pushes, walking and running
events all hope to foster understanding and encourage those who are affected by the disease to share their stories.
Providing oversight, check-ins, inhome care, and exercise programs tailored to her clients’ individual needs, Lori incorporates “a healthy well balanced diet, a safe at-home environment, companionship, and the chance to maintain and improve socialization.” Most afflictions impacting the elderly force them behind the doors of their homes: and what were once cherished creature comforts become cramped, confined spaces. Lori’s team of professional caregivers are there to swing open the doors once more.
An industry leader in providing highly qualified, compassionate, and trustworthy caregivers, Acti-Kare is dedicated to in-home care, and Lori Renaud, R.N., is at the helm in South Orange County, steering her team towards excellence. Especially when it comes to senior care. Acti-Kare offers affordable in-home care - both hourly and live-in services - including transportation, meal preparation, personal care services, companionship from professionals who are screened, bonded and insured.
“I began Acti-Kare in April of 2015. Working in healthcare provided me with the opportunity to recognize the value and benefit of high-quality in-home care,” says Lori. “Too many seniors only have a life of existence, leading to isolation and depression.” Indeed, for those struggling with even minor memory or recovery issues, like a friend’s mother after she broke her hip, life becomes smaller and smaller. Until the house you raised your children in can start to feel more like a trap than a triumph.
Caregiving through memory loss, Alzheimer’s - offering both long-term care and hospice, Acti-Kare is committed to providing outstanding
The knowledge that your loved ones are in careful hands is priceless, and the understanding that those hands are leading your loved ones to a safer, more independent lifestyle in their advanced years is immeasurable.
service. “Our caregivers go to the client’s residence, and we are daily achieving my goal of providing seniors the opportunity to have a life with meaning, and a more active, social, and independent lifestyle in a safe environment,” says Lori.
As a Registered Nurse, Lori takes each initial consultation herself, developing an individualized plan of care for every client, and checking back in regularly to provide personalized health assessments. The Acti-Vate Program takes customized care one step further, challenging the norm of an age-induced fatigue, and balancing mind, body and spirit to improve the wellbeing of clients holistically. The knowledge that your loved ones are in careful hands is priceless, and the understanding that those hands are leading your loved ones to a safer, more independent lifestyle in their advanced years is immeasurable.
“I can now sleep at night, knowing my mother is safe,” says Mary, a client from Laguna Beach. “Not only does my mother now have a constant companion, her laundry is taken care of, mail sorted - but if she wants to go out and run errands or meet a friend, her transportation is arranged.” Clients can still do their own grocery shopping; but if they’d rather not bother with the task of preparing and cleaning up afterwards, or perhaps are dealing with a restricted diet, “Acti-Kare caregivers can prepare
meals that maintain a healthy diet, as well as monitor their daily nutritional needs to insure sufficient nutrition.” Unfortunately, a great many seniors fail to meet those demands, leading to frustration, and often, a heightened risk of illness.
“I educate the public on disease management and prevention,” says Lori. “But sometimes it takes the presence of a competent, compassionate caregiver to ensure that corners aren’t being cut on health in some of the most important years of your life.” Treating every client as if they were a family member of their own, Lori’s team is confident that their suite of senior care solutions will surpass your expectations for care - without committing to a long-term contract or minimum hour block of service.
A unique disease calls for a unique approach, and Lori’s team at ActiKare certainly aren’t strangers to the challenges that lie before them. Lori’s main frustration isn’t the tremors that come with Parkinson’s, or the lack of awareness surrounding diseases like it, but the cost to living facing people diagnosed with debilitating disease. “I want to keep people living independently: but mostly, just to keep people truly alive.”
Connect with Lori directly by calling (949) 3976069 or visit www.actikare.com/southorangecounty
By Kristy Fleming, MD
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kristy Fleming, MD, FAAD
Board-Certified Dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon
MEDICAL & SURGICAL DERMATOLOGY
• Skin Cancer Evaluation and Management
• Mohs Micrographic Surgery
• General and Pediatric Dermatology
• Psoriasis and Eczema
• Rashes and Drug Reactions
• Hair Loss
• Allergic Contact Dermatitis
• Bacterial, Fungal, and Viral Skin Infections
COSMETIC TREATMENTS
• Expert Esthetician Services
• Botox, Dysport, Xeomin
• Juvederm, Restylane, Radiesse, Bellafill
• Kybella
• Removal of Sun Spots
• Skin Rejuvenation
• Laser Resurfacing
• Treatment of Redness and Veins
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.
By Jody Robinson
There is a famous quote about work: “love what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life.” Misattributed to both Confucius and Marc Anthony, the saying actually holds water when you look at it from the perspective of a small business owner.
“Ultimately, we pride ourselves on partnership, respect, and integrity,” says Garrett Logan, owner of the Tustin-based Cutting Edge Bankcard Services and Affinity 24. Aspects of a successful business, sure, but also markers of a wellthought-out life: one where the most bumper-stickered of all business quotes rings true.
Cutting Edge Bankcard Services has served over 35,000 merchants to date over its 27 years in the industry offering a customized credit card processing structure that is tailored toward your specific clientele and the type of cards you accept in your business.
“We make sure businesses are taking payments and handling confidential data in the safest way possible,” says Logan. “With our multi-layered security programs, liability is no longer an issue.” Offering these state-of-theart payment security and technologies for business, Affinity24 naturally evolved out of a custom approach to each business with Logan’s tailor made apps.
“After security and customization are in place, we consult and teach businesses how to grow by increasing revenue and decreasing expenses through an expansive application market. We help streamline and improve the bottom line by looking out for new ways to overcome fraud and therefore fuel growth.” By training new payment security specialists, the business essentially grows itself: and Logan is looking to expand on the natural expansion. “We are all tired
of working 70 hours a week for years on end, making money for someone else. I can solve unique challenges individuals and companies face each day, and give hardworking individuals like myself the tools to build a career through our company at the same time.”
Becoming a true consulting service, instead of just another standard company hitting the marks of merchant service is no easy task, but Garrett and his team believe in more than the bottom line. Working with churches and nonprofit organizations is near to his heart, and helps to build partnerships in the field, rather than merely superficial, commonplace transactions.
Sure, there’s currency involved too, which doesn’t hurt. Referral partners can earn up to $500, and recruiting agents? Up to $1200 per sale. But each agent is trained to maximize the purchase experience for the client, as well as save money on both sides: from college debt to the retirement crisis. Data breaches, HIPAA, and PCI liabilities are all covered. Even point of sale solutions. Affinity24 has you covered from every angle. “We love what we do - but more importantly, we love what you do, and we’d like to help you protect it.”
Photo by Matthew Murphy
APRIL 9 – 14, 2019
One of the biggest hits in musical theatrical history, CATS will come to Segerstrom Center for the Arts April 9 – 14, 2019 as part of a North American Tour. Composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and based on T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, the record-breaking musical spectacular has captivated audiences in more than 30 countries in 15 languages and is now on tour across North America!
During its premiere run on Broadway in 1982, it won seven Tony Awards®, including Best Musical. Both the original London and Broadway cast recordings won Grammy® Awards for Best Cast Album. CATS hit song “Memory” has been recorded by more than 150 artists from Barbra Streisand and Johnny Mathis to Liberace and Barry Manilow. The Tony Awards®-winning Best Musical held the title of longest-running musical in Broadway history until it was surpassed in 2006 by Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera. The original Broadway production closed on September 10, 2000 and is currently the fourth longest-running show in Broadway history. This is the first tour of the first-ever Broadway revival of the iconic musical.
Tickets start at $29 and are available for purchase at SCFTA.org, by calling (714) 556-2787 and at the Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa.
By Ann Laurence
My husband and I have spent an inordinate amount of time researching options for changing out our dated kitchen cabinets in the last several months.
So much so that it’s sad to say our investigation into the process of remodeling had gone so far that reading about joinery techniques seemed run of the mill to us. Which is where Cabinets OC comes into the picture. A few years ago, Jeff Ong and his family expanded from the Inland Empire to serve the Orange County market area, and they have been revolutionizing the process of installing hand-crafted custom cabinetry to mid to high-end homes ever since. They also provide
full-service turnkey remodeling, performing complete home remodels, additions and commercial projects: the culmination of 31 years of hard work all wrapped into a general contracting license.
A second-generation family owned and operated business, Cabinets OC prides themselves on their attention to detail and hand craftsmanship. There isn’t a middleman, and their clients certainly don’t have to become timber framing experts to know they are getting a good product. Most contractors purchase prefabricated cabinets from manufacturers and simply resell them. Jeff and his crew have a 15,000 square foot facility with state-of-the-art designing software and incredibly strict quality assurance. Which was exactly what laymen like my husband and I need: less researching the newest technique in woodworking, and more time enjoying the fresh look and feel of our updated kitchen.
Nine year old Bea is as sweet as they come. A lady of impeccable tastes, Bea enjoys the finer things in life like sunbathing and having her fur brushed. Though this often means she has a very full schedule, she will always make time for a cuddle or some lap time with friends. If you’re looking for a mild-mannered and affectionate feline companion, Bea might be just the one for you.
Princess is a nine year old beauty looking for a fresh start. While we might be past her kitten stage, she’s definitely not past her prime. Princess is very sociable and loves to greet new visitors at the door. She would make a great companion for someone in search of a mellow and mature lap cat.
My name is Phoebe and I am looking to win my way into the hearts of my new forever family. I ended up at the Shelter after my last owner moved and could not take me with her. I am a 3 yr old female/spayed shorthair kitty with a beautiful blue fur. I am very sweet and seek out attention from people, and have also been bunking with another kitty at the Shelter and we’ve been getting along great!
Just about everyone loves a nice latte and our little Latte is no different. This four year Shih Tzu mix is quite the sweetheart and just loves making new friends. Latte plays well with other small dogs and would make the perfect lapdog or family pet.
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.
Thousands of Animals and the People Who Love them to Gather at the OC Fair & Event Center
A weekend full of animal education, family fun, pet entertainment, competitions and adoptions Showcasing everything you need to know for a happier, healthier pet
***Please Do Not Bring Your Pets***
Friday 10am-6pm; Saturday 10am-7pm; Sunday 10am-6pm.
Celebrating its 30th Anniversary, America’s Family Pet Expo returns to the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa (88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa 92626) Friday, April 26 - Sunday, April 28, 2019. The annual family-friendly event features all creatures cute and cuddly, furry, feathered and scaled of all sizes, shapes and colors. Animal entertainment, education, adoption and shopping all at the OC Fair & Event Center.
OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa 92626. Facility charges $9.00 parking. Kindly leave all pets at home.
For more information and to purchase tickets online visit www.PetExpoOC.org. America’s Family Pet Expo is created, produced and managed by World Pet Association, Inc., a 69-year-old nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting responsible pet care.
By Stephanie Frisch
Medicare beneficiaries have an option of selecting a Medicare Advantage plan for their healthcare. These are great options and the majority of plans offered in Orange County include a drug plan and have no additional premium.
Medicare beneficiaries just pay their Part B premium and that’s it. In order to decide if this is the right decision for them, they need to consider the doctors and hospitals that are a part of the medical networks that participate in Medicare Advantage plans.
In South Orange County we have several networks that offer access to popular hospitals such as Mission, Hoag, Saddleback, and UCI. The most popular medical networks in South Orange County are St. Joseph Hoag Health, Monarch, Memorialcare and Greater Newport Physicians.
St. Joseph Hoag Health is comprised of 8 medical groups. If your selected primary care physician is affiliated with one of these 8 medical groups, then you have access to specialists in all 8 of the medical groups and consequently all of the hospitals that make up the St. Joseph Hoag Health network; Mission, Hoag, St. Joseph and St. Jude.
If your selected primary care physician is affiliated with the Monarch
Healthcare network (now part of Optumcare), there are over 2500 physicians and specialists that you have access to and 24 hospitals. The hospitals that are the most popular choices in this area are Mission, Saddleback and Hoag.
For the most part Memorialcare, Greater Newport Physicians and University of California Irvine (UCI) have one hospital selection in South Orange County (since this publication is only distributed in “South County” then that’s the focus of the information that I’m sharing with you).
Memorialcare goes hand in hand with Saddleback hospital. (There is also Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley). Their model is setting up a location with many phy-
In South Orange County we have several networks that offer access to popular hospitals such as Mission, Hoag, Saddleback, and UCI.
sicians, onsite lab and x-rays, and sometimes an urgent care as well. I like to call them “pods”. Their newest location just opened in Rancho Mission Viejo.
Most people I meet with are unaware that such an esteemed institute as UCI Medical Center is accessible through a Medicare Advantage plan. Voted among “America’s Best Hospitals” for the 18th consecutive year, there are two networks of physicians and specialists affiliated with UCI, one is a “staff model” the other is an “affiliated physician” network. These networks work together under the UCI umbrella.
Lastly the is the Greater Newport Physicians network. This network branches out to two different divisions. One affiliates with Saddleback Medical Center (Orange Coast Memorial too), the other with Hoag Hospital (both locations). This network is fully comprised of independent physicians, roughly 900 of them. Some people want to ONLY be treated at Hoag hospital. If that’s the case, and they don’t have an existing primary care physician, then I put them in the GNP Hoag network.
Hopefully that helps you understand the network choices offered here in South Orange County. My services are free, so if you would like to learn more, please call to schedule an appointment.
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 an in-home, no-fee consultation, call (949) 351-2443.
By the Align Pilates Team
Men, whatever stereotype you have associated with yoga or Pilates, forget about it. Especially the stigma that you are not flexible enough, or that Pilates is for girls.
If anything these are reason to participate in both mindful movements even more. Pilates and yoga was introduced to the western mainstream population via men. These modalities were especially used to strength and rehab soldiers in WWI. And if there is any population in today’s society could benefit from yoga and Pilatesit’s men. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average professional male works 50 or more hours a week. Sorry to say, but this prolonged static activity doesn’t do a body good. The constant sitting, typing, and talking on the phone creates some serious lack of strength, range of motion, and postural deviations in the body. This is where Pilates and yoga come to the rescue, offering no
shortage of benefits for you gentlemen.
Both methods were conceived to increase core strength, overall flexibility, and improve posture. This is achieved in two ways: exercises on various pieces of Pilates equipment, and mat work. Both modes are intended to get a full-body workout in a single session. The equipment can be compared to weight or resis-
tance machines in a gym, but with more oomph. Using springs, pulleys, body weight, gravity, breath, and concentration provide an amazingly thorough workout. Highly focused on balancing the whole body from the core, it helps waken muscles that have gone dormant and allows overworked muscles to chill out. Pilates and yoga can help overcome the dreaded “computer desk syndrome” of rounded shoulders, fatigue, lack of concentration, low back pain, belly fat, and a myriad of other problems that are created when sitting all day.
A career driven male is hardly the only one to who can benefit from such modalities. It also helps athletes perform better. And many male athletes are turning to Pilates for their training. For example, former NBA star point guard turned Nets coach Jason Kidd is a longtime Pilates devotee. He estimates 30 percent of his strength and flexibility training comes from Pilates. “After one session I was energized. From that point on I was convinced it was a great workout, it has made me quicker, more explosive.” Says Kidd.
Also soccer super star David Beckham was introduced to Pilates while on loan at AC Milan. The Italians insisted that all their players had to take up Pilates and yoga to help them with their balance and suppleness. The fitness regime has reduced Becks’ body fat dramatically. When he was asked about Pilates, he said: “I do an hour of Pilates a day. It is fantastic and fitness-wise I am the best I have been for a long time”.
Who doesn’t want more strength, range of motion, and energy? So, men, whether hurdling cubicles, playing basketball or just the links on the weekend, the benefits of Pilates and yoga do a body good. Try a class today at Align Pilates And Yoga.
I can’t help you if you don’t call - my services are free!
SUBJECT OF THE MONTH:
Medicare beneficiaries have an option of selecting a Medicare Advantage plan for their healthcare. These are great options and the majority of plans offered in Orange County include a drug plan and have no additional premium. Medicare beneficiaries just pay their Part B premium and that’s it. In order to decide if this is the right decision for them, they need to consider the doctors and hospitals that are a part of the medical networks that participate in Medicare Advantage plans. In South Orange County we have several networks that offer access to popular hospitals such as Mission, Hoag, Saddleback, and UCI. The most popular medical networks in South Orange County are St. Joseph Hoag Health, Monarch, Memorialcare and Greater Newport Physicians. Making sure ALL of your doctors are in the same network can be a complex process, don’t risk making a mistake, my services are free.
Celebrating its 15th year the weekend of Friday April 12th, Saturday April 13th, and Sunday April 14th, the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance presented by LPL Financial and Pacific Sotheby’s will be returning to the stunning shores of La Jolla, California. Earning the reputation as one of the finest internationally renowned classic automobile showcases in the United States, the La Jolla Concours continues to attract discerning car enthusiasts from around the globe. La Jolla Concours d’Elegance is an incredible weekend of prestigious events that takes great pride in appreciating the outstanding specimens that make up the automotive industry as we know it. With such a rich history and ever-growing population of vehicles in the world, the La Jolla Concours has made it a standing tradition to select a marque each year to honor throughout the weekend of events. The La Jolla Concours
Announced: Cadillac Friday April 12th, Saturday April 13th, and Sunday April 14th
d’Elegance is pleased to announce that Cadillac has been chosen as the 2019 honored marque. In addition to Cadillac, La Jolla Concours will celebrate 100 years of Bentley. In total, attendees can expect to see 130 spectacular automobiles from around the world.
For more information, to obtain a registration form or to purchase tickets to the featured weekend events, please visit www.lajollaconcours.com or call 619.233.5008.
Cirque du Soleil proudly announced its return to Los Angeles with a new Big Top show, AMALUNA. The critically acclaimed production will be visiting Los Angeles for an engagement of 39 performances. AMALUNA will premiere on April 25, 2019 under the iconic Yellow-and-Blue Grand Chapiteau at LA Waterfront. Written and directed by Tony Award-winning director, Diane Paulus, Cirque du Soleil’s 33rd production AMALUNA is a celebration of love and a tribute to the work and voice of women.
AMALUNA invites the audience to a mysterious island governed by Goddesses and guided by the cycles of the moon. Their queen, Prospera, directs her daughter’s coming-of-age ceremony in a rite that honors femininity, renewal, rebirth and balance which marks
APRIL 25 2019 UNDER THE BIG TOP AT THE LA WATERFRONT
the passing of these insights and values from one generation to the next. In the wake of a storm caused by Prospera, a group of young men lands on the island, triggering an epic, emotional story of love between Prospera’s daughter and a brave young suitor. But theirs is a love that will be put to the test. The couple must face numerous demanding trials and overcome daunting setbacks before they can achieve mutual trust, faith and harmony.
AMALUNA is a fusion of the words ama, which refers to “mother” in many languages, and luna, which means “moon”; a symbol of femininity that evokes both the mother-daughter relationship and the idea of goddess and protector of the planet. AMALUNA is also the name of the mysterious island where this magical story unfolds.
For more information, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/amaluna
Join friends and family for a delicious dinner and craft cocktail at Dana Point’s Favorite Italian Restaurant!
HAPPY EASTER
HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS EVERYDAY FROM 3:30 - 6:00 P.M.
NOW ACCEPTING RESERVATIONS FOR MOTHER’S DAY
