Clockwise (from top L): Roya, Summer, Josiah, Merissa, Lulu, Alicia, Jenny and Lindsay
MICAH MEIRING
Doheny Bike • Advertising Partner since 2020
We struck gold when we started advertising in South County Magazine. When the new issue arrives in mailboxes each month, we are slammed with new business. We have been extremely pleased with the response we’ve received.
STEPHANIE FRISCH
Insurance Services 101 • Advertising Partner since 2011
The best business decision I ever made was to advertise in South County Magazine - I’m proud to say that I have been participating since the very first issue. I have gained several hundred clients over the last decade due to my ad, and several hundred more from the referrals of my ad clients. I have a steady flow of business all year long, and South County Magazine has a lot to do with that.
ENZO SCOGNAMIGLIO
Brio Tuscany Grille • Advertising Partner since 2012
We have been consistently participating in every issue and are very pleased with our experience. Jody and her team truly care about helping our business continue to succeed. If you are interested in reaching the South County community, I am absolutely thrilled to recommend Jody and her fabulous team!
For Advertising Info, call Jody (714) 469-3495
Cover Photography by Diana Schmitt, Accent Portraits by Diana
New Neighbors, Old Friends
A Long-Lost Friendship is Rekindled at The Covington in Aliso Viejo
Life has a way of bringing treasures back to us in unexpected ways. A box of photographs rediscovered in the attic. An old ring unearthed in the garden. And occasionally, dear friends return to our lives. That is the story of two recently arrived Covington residents.
More than 70 years ago, Mr. Yung Mo Kim and Mrs. Yungwha Min were teenagers, growing up in Seoul, during the Korean war. Though they did not know each other, fate would bring them together. As the battle raged, civilians in the city were evacuated and Yung Mo and Yungwha ended up on the same truck, heading south to safety.
Over the next few years as the war continued, they became friends, living in the same temporary housing neighborhood.
In 1954 Yungwha came to the United States at just 18 years old to study at Mount Holyoke College on a full scholarship. Four years later, Yung Mo followed, but by then they had lost touch.
For Yungwha Min, her new country meant new opportunities. She obtained an MA in Philosophy and an MS in Counseling and later worked as Director of the Career Center at College of Saint Rose, in Albany, NY. She also married Kongki Min, Physics professor, and raised two beautiful children; Katherine, a journalist and published author and Kollin, an environmental lawyer. After her children left for college themselves, Yungwha completely changed careers and became an International Banker.
Yung Mo Kim arrived in America already holding a law degree from Korea. Wanting to continue his education, he obtained a Master’s in Public Administration from Syracuse University and an MA in Economics from Clark University. Then, under the Teaching Assistantship program, Yung Mo received a Ph.D. in Economics from the State University of New York at Buffalo (SUNY).
Some 15 years after graduating from Clark University, Yung Mo earned a JD degree in Law and opened a practice in Buffalo. Over his career, he was a Professor of Economics for 49 years and practiced law for 27 years, until he retired in 2017.
As their professional careers were winding down, both Yungwha and Yung Mo began to consider what they wanted for the next stage of their lives.
Yungwha came to know about The Covington through a friend. “I was impressed,” she says. “I like that it is a small, nonprofit community, compared to many larger places.”
Yungwha and her husband moved in during the fall of 2021 and they appreciate both the dedicated staff and their new neighbors.
One of her favorite spots on the campus is the Koi Pond. “The gardens and walking paths are beautiful, and I
love to sit by the pond and relax. It is very peaceful.”
Last year, Yung Mo and his wife Boin, decided it was time to find a new home. They wanted to be near their son Richard, Chief of Cardiac Surgery at Cedars-Sinai, and Betty, their daughter-in-law but were anxious about leaving their friends and life in Buffalo. Betty, a plastic surgeon, suggested they consider living in one of the nearby senior communities. The Kim’s daughter Sandra, an Attorney with a PHD in Neuroscience working at Pfizer came up with a list of nine communities to look at. “The Covington was the eighth one we visited,” Yung Mo says.
In advance of their visit, Yung Mo learned from a mutual friend that Yungwha, who he had not seen since he left Korea, lived at The Covington with her husband. Yung Mo says he was excited and a bit nervous,
Mr. Kim (left), Mrs. Min (right)
“we had not seen each other for 70 years.” To mark the special occasion, Mr. and Mrs. Kim brought a bouquet of flowers for Yungwha.
For her part, Yungwha was delighted to learn that Yung Mo and his wife would be visiting. “It was wonderful to see my old friend again,” she says. When the Kims arrived, they were warmly welcomed by the Mins, who showed them around the community. Yung Mo says the Mins hospitality and their enthusiastic recommendation of The Covington was a crucial factor in their decision to make their home here. “Our children, who have legal and medical expertise, also agreed this was the best place,” he says.
That evening, the two couples had dinner together, and enjoyed sharing youthful memories and learning about the road each had travelled in life since then. Yungwha says they also discovered they had something else in common. “We realized that Yung Mo and my husband attended the same high school in Seoul.”
After thousands of miles and many decades, a big world has been brought closer together by one community.
For the Kim and Min families, the choice, creativity, confidence, and connection they now enjoy at The Covington provides them the peace of mind to continue their journey of a life well lived. “We know we made the right decision,” says Yung Mo.
THE ART OF POSSIBILITY
Proudly nonprofit, The Covington is a member of the ECS family of communities for active seniors. Founded on four commitments – choice, creativity, confidence, and connection – ECS has been at the forefront of senior living in California since 1923.
CHOICE
At The Covington, your journey can be as adventurous or easy-going as you want. A maintenance-free lifestyle means freedom to create your future, pursue your passions and enjoy active independence. Our residences, villas, and cottages offer floor
plans for all needs, freeing you from the worry of having to move again. With services to ensure your comfort and mobility, and amenities to keep you active and inspire learning, here, life is what you make it.
CREATIVITY
Our Creative Living philosophy drives lifelong learning, growth, and social and cultural connections. Here, you will find the setting, service, and amenities that support fun, fresh opportunities for self-expression and discovery. Choose from fitness for all levels, theater and singing groups, and art and dance classes – all available on campus. If you need more inspiration, our communities are conveniently located near many of Southern California’s celebrated cultural destinations.
CONFIDENCE
Confidence is everything. As a nonprofit organization, ECS is continually
reinvesting to improve infrastructure, services, and programs. No matter which Life Plan community you choose, you will experience relaxed, maintenance-free, sophisticated retirement living. With one of the highest credit ratings in the industry, ECS offers the security, service, and peace-of-mind that allows you to enjoy all life has to offer.
CONNECTION
The strength of a community is the strength of its people. Relax over morning coffee with friends, take a class, attend a lecture, and delight in live entertainment. Here, your social life is as vibrant as you are. Contribute by serving on a resident club or leadership committee. Our “Resident Centered, Staff Supported” approach means you enjoy the full spectrum of quality-of-life benefits that comes from calling a Life Plan Community home. It is an environment that allows you to flourish and be your very best.
ABOUT US
The Covington offers exceptional continuing care, retirement community living in a secure, gated neighborhood in Aliso Viejo. Our relaxed, maintenance-free, resort-style accommodations and active campus environment offer the perfect place to continue your journey of a life well lived, on your terms. Contact us today to learn more. (949) 209-3829. thecovington.org.
The Cost of Probate
Example Gross Estate: $1,000,00 = $46,000 in Probate Fees
We Make Avoiding Costly Probate Easy:
Essential Plan
Legacy Plan
Essential Plan Services + Living Trust
Will Guardianship of Minors
Durable Power of Attorney
Advanced Healthcare Directive
Personal Property
Organizer
$2000
Marital Trust Planning
Legacy Planning
Special Power of Attorney Planning
Final Disposition
HIPAA Waivers
Transfer of Primary Residence
$3000 Flat Rate Flat Rate
SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION
(949) 577-6631
GOT BOOKS?
Bookkeeping is an essential function in your business for both legal and financial management purposes. So why make it harder than it needs to be? Over the past few years, we’ve noticed a growing issue across all industries: small businesses are incorrectly recording their transactions AND it’s taking too much of their time and profits.
Now that the tax deadline is behind us, we have been thinking about a way our current and future clients can be better prepared for tax season, reduce their preparation costs, and make more informed decisions on how to run their businesses.
The key to this success is maintaining an accurate set of books for your business, corporation, or rental property throughout the tax year. Current numbers translate to better tax planning and allow you, the owner, to properly manage your business in real-time.
How We Can Help:
1. We can help you establish a set of books using online bookkeeping software. In most instances, we recommend QuickBooks accounting software.
2. We evaluate your unique business and recommend the appropriate version of the software.
3. We can offer you QuickBooks accounting software at a wholesale price (20% off the retail cost).
4. We install the software and establish your chart of accounts.
5. We train and supervise you on how to run and use the software tools. Alternatively, if you want complete bookkeeping services, we can handle bill paying and all account transactions.
6. We recently hired a full-time accountant/QuickBooks specialist with 20+ years of corporate accounting experience to augment our bookkeeping services.
7. Lower CPA preparation time charges. Our bookkeepers bill at 1/3 of the hourly rate of a CPA. Properly recording your transactions with the assistance of a bookkeeper is more cost effective than having a CPA correct the numbers during tax crunch time.
The clients that use our bookkeeping services have reiterated how helpful it has been to have an experienced accountant helping with their books (please note: all bookkeeper work is supervised by our CPA staff).
In summary, our mission is to reduce the hours you spend on compliance, instill confidence in your numbers, and ultimately reduce the cost during the year and at tax time. More importantly, you will have accurate financial statements year-round to manage your business and tax planning.
For more than 38 years, Costa Sunglasses has been driven to protect the watery world it calls home. Its Untangled Collection (including the Pargo and Caleta featured here) are built from recycled fishing nets and other sustainable materials like recycled aluminum logos and mineral glass lenses. www.CostaDelMar.com
Star Wars products, Hallmark's newest Video Greetings and many more great Father's Day gift ideas for Dad!
Elam's Hallmark
27230 Alicia Pkwy., Suite A Laguna Niguel (949) 448-9652
www.ElamsHallmark.com
FATHERʼS DAY
Truly affordable local EZ folding beach cruiser in an array of colors.
Doheny Bike
31463 Pacific Coast Hwy., Suite 100 Dana Point (949) 427-3305 www.DohenyBike.com
gift guide
Fresh Clean Tees Eco Fresh Tee is made with organic cotton and is free of microplastics and pesticides, doubling down on the brand’s promise that looking good, feeling great and dressing sustainably doesn’t have to cost a fortune ($22).
www.FreshCleanTees.com
Local art and photography make great gifts for Dad!
Divinely Restored Marketplace
307 N. El Camino Real San Clemente (949) 228-9828
Art Photography by Tim McCaig
Locally Made candles by 1982 Candle Co. Tinea & Vic Ruiz
HAMMER & NAILS | Orange County’s Luxury Grooming Lounge for Extraordinary Individuals
HAMMER & NAILS, located in the Ocean Ranch Village in Laguna Niguel, remains your premier destination in Orange County offering the only complete grooming experience for men.
Since their South O.C. location
Opened in 2018, clients have been known to travel from as far away as San Diego, L.A. & even N. California to experience the talented staff of Men’s Stylists, Barbers, & Nail Technicians assembled at Hammer & Nails in Laguna Niguel. “While we have had our challenges, like every other business navigating through the past couple of years, stated the owners, Mike & Beverly. “We believe we have assembled the best and most amazing staff in all of Orange County and the word has gotten out. The positive energy they share with their clients and each other makes Hammer & Nails “the place” for gentlemen to come, relax, and be treated like nowhere else.”
Whether you have an important board meeting, upcoming nuptials, or simply always want to look and feel your best, you feel welcomed from the moment you step into the “Man-Cave” environment greeted by one of their friendly, helpful staff and offered your choice of select beverages to enjoy during your visit. After your service(s) whether it was a premium haircut & straight-razor shave or experiencing one of their many Signature MANicure/ Pedicure combination treatments, you will walk-out feeling refreshed and confident, ready to meet any challenge.
What Hammer & Nails clients are saying:
Joshua O. stated: “I got a manicure and pedicure at Hammer & Nails, and it was
PREMIUM TREATMENTS
These Premium MANicure/Pedicure Combo are the Signature Services of HAMMER & Nails found nowhere else and are the service that places us a level above any other nail salon for Men. All our Premium Pedicure services include callus resurfacing, infused signature scrub, hand & foot massage, nail care (clip, file, and buff), finishing with warm paraffin on your hands & feet, and our steamed towel wrap.
THE JACK HAMMER EXPERIENCE
Rich, liquid-gold from fingers to toes. This is the ultimate Premium MANicure and Pedicure combination for whiskey fanatics. Our Whiskey infused scrub and shot of Jack in your foot bath acts as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory removing bacteria and dirt. Enjoy with a glass of Jack with a rock… what could possibly be better?
THE HOPS & CEDAR EXPERIENCE
Beer-lover’s bliss. This Premium MANicure and Pedicure combination will have you walking on clouds. This service includes a Stout beer added to your foot bath right in front of you including our cedarwood oil-infused soak and scrub. Beer is an effective detoxifier and has anti-bacterial properties as well as being a great skin pH balancer.
THE BIG DADDY EXPERIENCE
Refresh & relax with our most popular Hand & Foot experience. This clarifying lemon and peppermint treatment will leave your hands & feet feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. The natural coolant properties of Peppermint calms and soothes your skin and is a natural anti-inflammatory paired with fresh lemons and their antimicrobial properties.
THE
MILK & HONEY EXPERIENCE
Saturate your skin in luxury. This is an incredibly moisturizing Premium MANicure and Pedicure combination. We incorporate a coconut milk-infused soak and honey-infused scrub for the ultimate treatment for dry, rough skin. Coconut milk contains vitamins C, E and B6, iron, and magnesium that are beneficial for the skin. Add to that your hand & foot massage with pure honey packed with enzymes, antioxidants as well as other nutrients that will nourish and moisturize your skin.
fantastic. Every nail tech is professional and incredibly friendly. Every employee from Hammer & Nail is so nice from the time I make the appointment, to checking in, to having the manicure and pedicure done, and even checking out. If you have a chance to go to Hammer & Nail, do it. Thanks again!”
Chris K. posted: “I stopped by Hammer & Nails in Ocean Ranch for the first time this week. It was easy to book and when I arrived, I was wel-
due to the environment of a traditional salon. Usually full of women and the feeling of everyone staring lol. Also, I remember just hearing the staff talk amongst each other. At Hammer and Nails the staff was engaging and the nail technician was amazing at her craft and very happy and loves her job. I met the owner Mike and conversations about the background of his business. I’m ready to go back already and definitely considering bringing my bros and Dad for a men’s spa date. I jumped on the VIP membership without thought. You’ll get 3 of the top services for the price of 2. No Brainer. I guarantee you will be hooked.”
comed at the desk and given a tour and offered a beverage. Alicia gave me a fantastic haircut and I am very pleased and plan on coming back again.”
Mario A. shared: “Josiah did exactly what I wanted. I wanted a clean-up with tapering at the back and he did an amazing job. He also let me know about their Gentleman program that not only saves me some $$ but makes it more convenient to have my haircuts already prepaid for. Definitely coming back for more.”
Joe C wrote: “First time coming in and immediately felt comfortable. I haven’t had a manicure/pedicure in over 15 years and I’m certain that is
The Hammer & Nails concept is one of the fastest growing franchises in the country with more than 40 locations scheduled to be open across the U.S. in the next 18 months.
Beverly & Mike Shepherd
Nail Technicians (from L): Candy, Sunny, Jenny, Crystal and Lulu.
City of Hope and Lowe’s Plant First Seeds of Hope at Healing Garden of New Cancer Campus
Warmed by spring sunshine, more than 250 people - including City of Hope Orange County grateful patients and their families - rolled up their sleeves and planted the first plants in the healing garden at Lennar Foundation Cancer Center at City of Hope Orange County.
Whether it was for themselves as they continue the fight, or in honor of someone they love or lost, all who shared the occasion were impacted by cancer in some way.
The planting day celebration on the 11-acre campus was made possible by a $1 million donation from Lowe’s, which is committed to giving back to the communities it serves.
City of Hope Orange County invited grateful patients, their families and community members to be the first to plant in the garden that will be a healing environment for generations to come. Lowe’s Red Vest associate volunteers were on hand to assist with the planting and educate attendees about the plants.
The garden surrounds the Lennar Foundation Cancer Center at City of Hope Orange County, opening in Ir-
vine this year. Dozens of plants, many with potential medicinal value, will be part of the campus.
"Generous like-minded donors such as Lowe's share our vision of building and planting something monumental for generations to come. When we plant these gardens, and when we open the doors of Lennar Foundation Cancer Center at City of Hope Orange County, we say to the world that, together, we are launching a new era of cancer care and healing –one that focuses on cancer cures for the body, mind, and soul," says Annette Walker, President, City of Hope Orange County. "Fighting cancer with the latest technological advances and healing with innovative techniques is how we address this disease in the 21stcentury."
The planting day reflects City of Hope's goal of building a cancer center for and with the community. Two years ago, City of Hope Orange County asked for feedback on the interior design from hundreds of community members, patients, and health care experts. When building began, staff members, patients, and construction workers were invited to leave messages of hope in the foundation.
These beautiful healing gardens are a testament to City of Hope’s commitment to healing body, mind, and soul. "The gardens reflect our interest in integrative medicine practices that have not been part of standard therapies. There is substantial evidence of the efficacy of these therapies, especially to help people with cancer deal with pain, fatigue, anxiety, and other symptoms," said Richard T. Lee, M.D., Medical Director, Integrative Medicine Program, City of Hope, who is world-renowned for studies that combine standard medical practices with non-conventional therapies, including meditation, acupuncture, and herbal medicine.
"Additionally, the environment plays an important role in health and recovering from cancer treatments. Healing gardens can improve physical, emotional, social and psychological well-being,” he said.
For grateful patient Donna McNutt, who is living with a rare form of blood cancer called multiple myeloma, the garden is an expression of the love and healing she has received at City of Hope.
"City of Hope gave me my life back," she says, recounting fond memories of gardening with her father growing up. "Anyone who knows me understands what City of Hope means to me. I'm so thankful that more patients will benefit from City of Hope's care, and I'm looking forward to seeing hope blossom in the healing garden."
When Lennar Foundation Cancer Center at City of Hope Orange County opens this year, it will offer access to more 400 physicians and 1,000 researchers focused solely on cancer. Patients will have access to lifesaving clinical trials of promising treatments years before they are standard of care. From the moment patients walk in, they will know they are in a place like none other. Inside and outside, patients will be surrounded by hope
can find out more at HopeGrowsInOC.org.
Insurance 101 Services
Medicare Supplements
Aren’t
PPO’s
There are Medicare PPO’s in Orange County. Medicare PPO plans are Medicare Advantage plans, just like their HMO counterparts. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies that have contracts with Medicare that allow them to offer insurance plans that are an alternative to using Medicare as their primary insurance. In turn, Medicare pays that insurance company an amount of money every month because they’re not responsible for being the primary payor for medical expenses of the Medicare beneficiary. The insurance company also gets the standard Medicare Part B premium that the Medicare beneficiary must pay monthly as well.
In my opinion, the PPO’s aren’t a good option for someone 99% of the time. In Network, they have a ton of co-pays. There’s a deductible if you’re out of network and you will be responsible for a large portion of your expenses after that, with a very high out of pocket maximum. I’m talking several thousand dollars here, whether you’re in network or not.
The solution if someone “wants a PPO” is to review Medicare supplement (Medigap) plans. In this situation they use their Medicare card as their primary insurance, but because “Original Medicare” doesn’t pay 100% of all expenses (to keep it simple let’s just say there is 20% left that isn’t paid), and there is NO OUT OF POCKET MAXIMUM for Original Medicare. So, that’s where a Medicare supplement comes in to cover that 20%. And, unlike a “PPO” you don’t need to worry about being “Out of Network”. The only question you need to ask the medical provider is “do you bill Medicare”.
If you’re new to Medicare, then the best Medicare supplement you can purchase is called, “Plan G”. If you pick Plan G, you must pay the Medicare Part B annual deductible ($233 in 2022) and that’s it for the year, no other out of pocket medical expenses.
From (L): Dr. Livingston, Dr. Ritzau and Dr. Saad
Do I Need Invisalign?
Issues Invisalign Can Treat
When you smile in the mirror, what do you see? If you glimpse crooked or misaligned teeth and you want a straighter, more confident smile, Invisalign® teeth treatment might be for you. Many people — over 12 million — have used Invisalign to achieve a fantastic smile they’re proud of.
Shoreline Dental Studio’s doctors are Orange County’s go-to Invisalign specialists – among the only Invisalign Platinum Plus providers in the area. Four of Shoreline’s dentists have gone the extra mile, training and continuously keeping up on advanced Invisalign techniques for the extensive experience and knowledge to treat a range of cases with Invisalign clear aligners – from mild
to severe. Dr. Ritzau even serves as a Board Member at the American Academy of Clear Aligners.
WHAT IS INVISALIGN?
Invisalign is a series of plastic trays that fit over your teeth to gently and gradually align them. Safe and comfortable, Invisalign trays are made of clear, BPA-free, phthalate-free plastic. You take out each set of trays and replace them with the next set every 1-2 weeks to incrementally shift your teeth into their correct positions.
Invisalign treatment typically consists of 18-30 sets of trays with a total treatment time of about a year. If you want to shorten that time, Shoreline Dental Studio offers PROPEL® accelerated technology which can less-
en your Invisalign time by 50% with typical treatment time from six to eight months or even as few as three months.
Every Invisalign treatment plan is unique — the dentist prescribes a custom plan for your specific smile goals. Creating your plan is painless and 100% digital: Shoreline’s software produces a digital 3D rendering of your mouth to digitally map out every tooth movement from beginning to end. That way, you can see what your smile transformation will look like before you even start.
Can Invisalign fix issues like an overbite, underbite, open bite, or crossbite? Yes! How about crowded teeth or gaps? Again, an enthusiastic, “Yes!”
INVISALIGN FOR AN OVERBITE
For many, an overbite is easy to identify: the top teeth stick out too far past the lower teeth. Overbites are quite common when compared with other jaw alignment issues, and a slight overbite is considered normal. But if left untreated, an overbite can result in jaw pain, excessive wear on your teeth, or make your top front teeth more prone to damage.
INVISALIGN FOR AN UNDERBITE
Think of an underbite as the opposite of an overbite: in an underbite, the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth when your mouth is closed. Sometimes an underbite is caused by the lower jaw growing at a faster rate than the upper jaw — so it ends up sticking out further. An underbite can lead to speaking or chewing difficulties, and just like an overbite, can cause uneven or excessive wear on your teeth.
INVISALIGN FOR AN OPEN BITE
An open bite is when your upper and lower teeth don’t touch when your mouth is fully closed. Typically, it’s the front teeth that don’t make contact with each other. Difficulties with chewing and speaking, and the likeli-
hood of TMJ disorder can arise from an open bite that hasn’t been corrected. Invisalign for an open bite shifts upper and lower teeth into place so they touch properly.
INVISALIGN
FOR A CROSSBITE
When you close your teeth together, do some of your top teeth sit inside some of your bottom teeth? This is a crossbite which are either identified as a back (posterior) crossbite or a front (anterior) crossbite, depending on the location of your misaligned teeth in your mouth. Having a crossbite can wear your teeth down, cause chips, or lead to gum recession and can even result in painful notches above your gum line.
Invisalign for crossbite brings all your teeth into a functional, healthy bite. If your crossbite is quite serious, your dentist might opt for Invisalign attachments to encourage certain tooth movements.
INVISALIGN
FOR CROWDED TEETH
The name of this type of orthodontic issue says it all. Crowding is when your teeth look jammed together — they overlap, bunch up, or have shifted out of place in an attempt to fit. Crowded teeth typically happen because the jaw is too small to fit all your teeth with correct spacing.
Invisalign creates space for your teeth to fit and moves teeth into their ideal spots. And if your issues are complex, the dentists at Shoreline Dental Studio can add tooth-colored Invisalign SmartForce attachments before, during, or after your treatment to help teeth shift in the right direction.
INVISALIGN FOR GAPS IN YOUR TEETH
Invisalign teeth aligners can also fix the opposite of crowding: Gaps. Spaces in teeth range from narrow to wide, one to many. If you have spaces between your teeth, Invisalign can close gaps or create the right amount of space for crowns or bridges later on.
INVISALIGN FOR OVERJET TEETH
You’ve most likely heard the phrase “buck teeth” which is another way to
describe overjet. This is when your top front teeth flare out excessively. A person with more extreme overjet can’t comfortably or completely close their mouth without their top front teeth getting in the way.
Using Invisalign for overjet teeth brings the top front teeth back into alignment with your upper teeth and improves chewing and speaking functions.
INVISALIGN FOR BOOSTING YOUR SELF-CONFIDENCE
It’s fair to say that straightening teeth is not only about improving the function and health of your teeth, it’s also about achieving a spectacular smile that can elevate your confidence. One study found that people with straight, attractive smiles fared better socially and in the workplace. And they were perceived as more successful, approachable, and trustworthy. In our appearance-focused culture, a nice smile can go a long way.
– 10th, 2022
|
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.
Ethics Are Now in Session: THE FAMILY LAW OFFICES OF ELISABETH DONOVAN
By Jody Robinson | Photography by Diana Schmitt, Accent Portraits by Diana
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.
Eight 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.
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.”
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
Child
Child
Conservatorships
Divorce & Separation
Guardianship
Restraining Order
Prenuptial Agreement
Step-Parent Adoption
Review Elisabeth’s client testimonials and it’s immediately evident that these qualities are the bedrock of her practice.
“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!!!!”
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 interoffice bragging rights. Civility. Equality. True advocacy at its finest.
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Under the Stars Summer Concert
June 5th
OC'S PREMIER CONCERT VENUE
June 8th
JUNE 9TH
JANIVA MAGNESS
KEVIN NEALON July 15th
JUNE
6/1 DAVID BROMBERG QUINTET
6/3 DESPERADO (The Premier Eagles Tribute)
6/4 DESPERADO (The Premier Eagles Tribute)
6/5 THE HIGHWAYMAN SHOW (Performing Hits of Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash)
6/6 JUSTIN HAYWARD (Voice of the Moody Blues)
6/8 BUCKCHERRY
6/9 JANIVA MAGNESS
6/11 YACHTLEY CREW - Titans of Soft Rock
6/12 BUCKCHERRY
6/16 CHINA CRISIS - 40th Anniversary Tour
6/17 BEATLES VS. STONES - A Musical Showdown
6/18 THE SIDE DEAL featuring Charlie Colin (Train), Stan Frazier (Sugar Ray) and Joel & Scott Owen (PawnShop Kings)
6/19 DELVON LAMAR ORGAN TRIO
6/21 JOSHUA RADIN with special guest William Fitzsimmons
6/23 ALBERT LEE
6/24 JOURNEY USA (Tribute to Journey)
6/25 WHOLE LOTTA ROSIES - AC/DC Tribute & JETT HEADZ - Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
6/26 DOUG STARKS - HIGHERGROUND (Celebrating the music of Stevie Wonder)
JULY
7/1 BIG MOUNTAIN
7/2 SHINE ON (Live Pink Floyd Experience)
7/8 KISSED ALIVE (Tribute to KISS)
7/9 AMBROSIA
7/10 SAVOR (Santana Tribute)
7/14 PROJECT PRESLEY ft Chance Tinder (Tribute to Elvis Presley)
7/15 KEVIN NEALON
7/16 ABC starring Martin Fry
7/21 SERPENTINE FIRE (Tribute to Earth, Wind and Fire)
7/22 PABLO CRUISE
7/28 BRITAIN’S FINEST (Tribute to the Beatles)
7/31 TAIMANE (Ukulele Star) 33157 Camino Capistrano | San Juan Capistrano coachhouseconcerthall @coach_house www.TheCoachHouse.com
Singer-songwriter-author Janiva Magness makes a forceful return on June 24 with the release of Hard to Kill, the Los Angelesbased musician’s first new collection in three years, on her own label Fathead Records.
JUNE 18TH
THE SIDE DEAL FEATURING FOUNDING MEMBERS OF TRAIN, SUGAR RAY AND PAWNSHOP KINGS
The SIDE DEAL (tSd) is the collaboration of four artists from Newport Beach, California drawn together by a passion for great music. After years of independent, successful careers and admiration for one another, Charlie Colin (Train), Stan Frazier (Sugar Ray), and Joel & Scott Owen (PawnShop kings) decided to form a band and create original music together.
JUNE 23RD
ALBERT LEE
Albert Lee is “the guitar player’s guitar player,” universally recognized in music circles as one of the world’s finest, as well as one of the top rockabilly guitarists in history.
JULY 1ST
BIG MOUNTAIN
In 2022, Big Mountain’s newest album titled Freedom has been completed. Musically diverse with flavors of roots reggae, dancehall, Afro-pop, and Latin. They’ve stayed true to their tradition of covering favorite classic hits with the Big Mountain reggae style, this time they do a rendition of the Eagles Hotel California.
Destination Dining: Sushi Roku
By Jody Robinson
Give my teenage son his druthers and he’d eat sushi for dinner every night. So it’s no surprise that it’s his first pick for a special occasion meal. As the kids are growing and we try to incorporate more one-on-one quality time as parents, my husband and I recently instituted “Father/Son, Father/Daughter and Mother/Son, Mother/Daughter dinners” that we’re hoping to coordinate with some regularity. So for our first official Mother/Son foray, I had the perfect spot lined up: Sushi Roku in Newport Beach.
Positioned on California’s golden coast, Sushi Roku combines a mature take on both traditional and contemporary fare. Incorporating only the freshest ingredients with non-traditional accoutrements and influences (more on that in a minute).
The ambiance at this popular Fashion Island eatery even made this old mom seem “hip,” noshing on pretty spectacularly flavored and artfully presented dishes in an atmosphere defined by a vibrant, upbeat energy.
The menu showcases a variety of specialty appetizers, signature rolls, decadent Robata skewers and entrees to please any palate whether you are a seafood aficionado or a dedicated
meat lover. Dishes here display diverse influences from Latin America and Europe, elements like jalapenos and olive oil deliciously enhancing innovative cold and hot starters such as hamachi serrano and fried calamari with charred jalapeno glaze. The beef ribeye wrapped asparagus is an absolute mouthwatering must and my son raved about the Katana roll made with spicy tuna and shrimp tempura topped with tuna and yellowtail.
Full disclosure: I’m half Japanese and fancy myself somewhat of a sushi/ sashimi connoisseur. My family claims I can be a little particular when it comes to the freshness of seafood ... that may be the case, but there were
certainly no complaints on this night - every dish was divine from the nigiri sushi (my fave). To my son’s delight, dessert was an over-the-top sweet spectacle called the Circus Birthday Cake which arrived with a chocolate/ cheesecake fully encased in pink cotton candy illuminated by a cake sparkler that was more 4th of July than a traditional birthday candle.
Exotic isn’t the right word for such an intriguing combination of flavors as offered at Sushi Roku, but “artistic” hits the right notes (pun intended). Don’t sleep on the bold, awe-inspiring style, ambiance, and best-in-class customer service. Tastemakers (and Average Janes as well!) call Sushi Roku home and it’s not hard to see why.
SUSHI ROKU
327 Newport Center Drive Newport Beach (949) 706-3622
SushiRoku.com
Pets of the Month
This handsome guy is Johnny, a fun-loving one year old Labrador Retriever mix. More than just a pretty face, Johnny has a great personality and is well-mannered on leash. He gets along with children, is potty-trained, and would do well as the only pet in a home.
Meet Dahlia, a pretty little kitty who is finally ready to move out on her own! Only eleven months old, Dahlia has a calm and quiet demeanor. She enjoys people watching from her perch and doesn’t mind being petted or brushed. Dahlia gets along with other cats and would make a good feline roommate.
Nine month old Bessie just can’t wait to find her purrfect match! Initially a scared little kitten, Bessie is finally letting her lovable nature shine through. She is a quiet girl who is full of purrs and snuggles once she gets to know you. Once you meet Bessie, she’s sure to win your heart.
If you are interested in adopting an animal listed here, please call the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter at (949)492-1617 or visit them at 221 Avenida Fabricante, San Clemente.
SALON CAPISTRANO
“As
“I’ve
“Dr
Steve H., Doctor
Chris P., Attorney
Discover what makes Serra Sol Memory Care unique. Schedule a tour today.
At Serra Sol, we’re compassionate memory care experts who bring a touch of warmth into everything we do. From caring staff who know your loved one’s favorite activities to comfortable routines that spark positive memories, we’re here to make sure your loved one truly thrives in our care.
Schedule a tour of our community. Call 949-485-2022 or visit SerraSol.com.
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By Stephanie Frisch
Medicare Supplements Aren’t PPO’s PPO
It’s a very common topic of discussion that I have when someone calls me to set an appointment to learn about their Medicare options. They tell me that they know they don’t want an HMO, they want a PPO.
Icorrect their terminology and let them know that what they really are referring to is a Medicare Supplement (also known as Medigap) plan.
Their confusion is warranted. Most doctor’s offices also refer to a Medicare supplement as a PPO. As well as some insurance carriers actually have “PPO” in small letters on the lower right-hand side of the Medicare supplement card! (I won’t name names here, it might get me in trouble). At times I feel a bit bad correcting someone that I’m just getting to know, but if I don’t I’m just adding to the confusion and not helping correct the problem.
There are Medicare PPO’s in Orange County. There are two. Medicare PPO plans are Medicare Advantage plans, just like their HMO counterparts. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies that have contracts with Medicare (the government agency) that al-
low them to offer insurance plans that are an alternative to using Medicare as their primary insurance. In turn, Medicare pays that insurance company an amount of money every month because they’re not responsible for being the primary payor for medical expenses of the Medicare beneficiary as long as that individual is on either a Medicare Advantage PPO or Medicare Advantage HMO plan. The insurance company also gets the standard Medicare Part B premium that the Medicare beneficiary has to pay monthly as well.
In my opinion, and most Medicare brokers would agree with me, the PPO’s aren’t a good option for someone 99% of the time. They have a
monthly premium that is reasonable, but they have a ton of co-pays, and if you are out of network, you won’t know you are until you get the bill generally. And then there will be a deductible if you’re out of network and you will be responsible for a large portion of your expenses after that, with a very high out of pocket maximum. I’m talking several thousand dollars here, whether you’re in network or not. (Obviously even a higher out of pocket if you’re out of network).
So, the solution if someone “wants a PPO” is to show them what their options are for Medicare supplement (Medigap) plans. In this situation they use their Medicare card (paper, red, white and blue) as their primary insurance, but because “Original Medicare” doesn’t pay 100% of all expenses (to keep it simple lets just say there is 20% left that isn’t paid), and there is NO OUT OF POCKET MAXIMUM for Original Medicare. 20% of surgeon fees, chemo, radiation, MRI’s (I could go on and on) adds up! So, that’s where a Medicare supplement comes in to cover that 20%. And, unlike a “PPO” you don’t need to worry about being “Out of Network”. The only question you need to ask the medical provider is “do you bill Medicare”. If the answer is, “Yes”, then you’re golden. No matter who the insurance carrier is for your supplement, they will automatically pay second when Medicare pays first.
If you’re new to Medicare, then the best Medicare supplement you can purchase is called, “Plan G”. All insurance carriers Plan G are exactly the same in what they cover after Medicare pays first. If you pick Plan G, you must pay the Medicare Part B annual deductible ($233 in 2022) and that’s it for the year, no other out of pocket medical expenses. Nice right?
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 949-292-4958.
TIME TO SMILE WITH
Invisalign®
Checking off the Hits at The Gaylord Rockies Resort
By Jody Robinson
There’s a short but important list in my Notes app that just has names in it. Not baby names, or names of remote beaches, or names of books I’d like to read - though I have had all of those lists at one time in my life. This list consists of family-friendly resorts that check all the boxes: comfortable accommodations, close to nearby attractions and recreation, good food, plenty of amenity –in short, a stay that’s both fun for kids of all ages and the perfect place for parents to rest and recoup as needed.
Top of the list? Colorado’s Front Range gem, Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center in Aurora, a mere 20 minutes from the Denver International Airport. An unusually divergent mountain resort, this lodge leaves behind your typical alpine animal motif theme in favor of stunning views, a world-class spa, state-ofthe-art fitness center, 1,500 well-appointed guestrooms and suites, eight distinct dining options and a trio of casual to upscale watering holes. The piece de resistance? Arapahoe Springs Water Park – an exclusive amenity for resort guests.
Truth be told, the aerial photo of the Gaylord Rockies on its home page was as far as I needed to go when searching online for the ideal Colorado locale for an easy family vacation. While the impressive image captures the scale of this resort, it simply doesn’t do justice to everything this sprawling property has to offer. Upon arrival, the grandeur of it all can be a bit overwhelming and it took our family a few minutes to get our bearings and orient ourselves.
Our teens wanted to immediately investigate the aquatic offerings while
all weekend to explore the environs, sample the culinary offerings and because the temperature outside hovered in the low 80s, literally spend more time on or in the water than I can remember in recent memory.
STAY + PLAY
With picturesque views of the Rocky Mountains, the resort’s charming guest rooms feature the mountain aesthetic, while the suite experience offers spacious sleeping and sitting areas with plenty of space to spread out.
Your stay includes access to an array of complimentary activities including mini golf, pickle ball, tennis, basketball, fitness class, family movie night, live animal encounters and even an augmented reality wildlife rescue experience.
For an additional fee, guests can partake in the “Summer of More” programs including Junior Chef’s cooking classes, Pirate and Princess-themed activities, campfire and s’mores, escape room adventures,
my husband and I went in search of something to eat. No mean feat for both parties as Arapahoe Springs is an extensive indoor/outdoor attraction of enclosed and open waterslides, indoor and outdoor pools, whirlpools and a heated lazy river that meanders throughout the expanse of the grounds. For our part, we had our work cut out for us in deciding between Italian fare, a casual burger, sushi (my pick) or steak (his choice). The good news? We had
dive-in movies, buccaneer pool parties, private poolside cabana rentals and wine or sake tastings.
The private poolside cabana is the perfect “home base” for the morning, afternoon or the entire day to cool off in the shade, enjoy amazing views of the Rocky Mountains, take a break from water play to watch your favorite show or sports and order food and beverage service from the Arapahoe Springs Bar & Grill.
INDULGE
A world-class 14,000-square-foot European style Relache Spa & Spa is billed as the “ultimate sensory retreat” with good reason. Awarded Four Stars by Forbes Travel Guide, the ambiance here is nothing short of
luxurious where services range from a destressing massage and calming body therapy to rejuvenating facials.
Before we arrived, we had every intention of driving into Denver, seeking out nearby hiking trails, renting bicycles to tool around town, etc. But with only a weekend away, we decided the Mile High City would have to wait while we took full advantage of this unique “everything under one roof” experience. As it turns out, the Gaylord Rockies Resort has its own list. Stay. Play. Indulge. Check, check, check. Whatever is easy - whatever brings the family together.
BUBBLES MOBILE AUTO DETAIL
By Jody Robinson
There is a specific type of business person I particularly appreciate when utilizing his or her services. One who is detail oriented.
Ryan “Bubbles” Jara is just such a professional. Having been in mobile auto detail business serving Orange County for over 25 years, he must be, and especially since his specialty is restoration and paint correction on classic cars. Bubbles was the plan since the beginning, it seems.
“My uncles restore classic vehicles so I grew up in the industry," he says. "It only made sense to one day have a business of my own bringing cars back to their original glory.”
But what happens before a car becomes a classic? Those of us that pride ourselves on being detail oriented would perhaps note that a regular car wash and wax are in order. Ryan takes it one step further.
you, and handles all of the heavy lifting - from upholstery cleaning to paint protection.
Jara's services include hand wash and wax, interior and exterior detailing, headlight restoration, steam cleaning, ceramic coating, engine bay wash and ... something my minivan could certainly use ... pet hair removal. You name the vehicle, Bubbles will ensure it is looking its finest.
“Having a passion for the cars I’m servicing takes almost no effort - I know I love this work," he says. "The commitment to excellence and knowledge of the chemical industry gives your car its million-dollar shine.”
RV’s, motorcycles, daily drivers, trucks, boats and classic cars. The convenience is unmatched and the product? Well, it’s detailed. And you know I love nothing better.
