South County Magazine October 2022

MICAH MEIRING

Doheny Bike

• Advertising Partner since 2020

We struck gold when we started advertising with Community Publications. We know exactly when the publications arrive in mailboxes because our phones ring off the hook and we are slammed with new business. We are extremely pleased with the response!

JEFF MCCABE

One Way Painting • Serving all of Orange County • Advertising Partner since 2011

“Our participation in the magazines produced by Community Publications has been a great asset and a complete success in terms of our marketing efforts and return on our investment. My office staff report that the feedback from potential clients has been very positive. Customers are so pleased that the guy on the cover is the same gentleman who shows up to meet with them. Call volumes have increased in the cities the magazines cover. Participating in South County Magazine and Sorbet - a SoCal Senior Publication has been such a positive experience! We are grateful and look forward to working with Jody and her team again in the future.”

JOHN SCHRAB

Morena Tile and Stone • Advertising Partner since 2017

Advertising with Community Publications has been a total win! The response we have gotten with a full page ad and cover features has been outstanding. Our goal was to let people know we are here and where they could find us, and the results have been more than we could have hoped for. Customers are continually bringing in the magazine saying “Wow, I did not know you guys were here, so glad we found you, your store is amazing with such great selections.”

Jody is a pleasure to work with and her team does a fantastic job with our crazy cat ad ideas. A big thanks to Jody and her team for all their hard work and dedication to keeping it local!

Advertising Info, call Jody (714) 469-3495

An

306-002255,

060000937, COA

(949) 209-3829 | thecovington.org

The Covington is designed for a life lived fully. Here, you’ll discover an invigorating array of choices, activities, freedoms, and flexibility – all so that you can make every day precisely what you want it to be. It’s casually sophisticated, resort-style living in the heart of Aliso Viejo. And it’s where you belong.

Live your legacy.

30 Years in the same Location

How Do We End Generational Homelessness?

Start With Our Kids

By Jennifer Friend, CEO, Project Hope Alliance (PHA)

I am a proud HB Oiler, class of 1988. I attended Dwyer, had dances in the city gym, competed in MUN conferences, and also experienced homelessness with my family on and off from 7th12th grade.

My dad was a technology en trepreneur before the world believed we’d all be carrying around our phone/personal comput ers in our pockets and we went from living in Seacliff to the Tropic Motel.

Gratefully, homelessness was only a chapter in my story which includ ed others like community college, graduating from UCI, going on to law school, and becoming a litigation partner at a large firm. Ultimately, the storyline found me serving as the CEO of Project Hope Alliance, an Orange Coun ty nonprofit that fills in the gaps and eliminates the barriers that homeless ness causes in the lives of our community’s kids that prevent them from know ing that anything is possible for them. By show ing up for our kids in real time and coming into

their lives and directly onto, their public-school campuses in Hunting ton Beach, Newport Mesa, and Santa Ana school, districts we are ending the cycle of homelessness, one child at a time.

In its 2020 report, State of Crisis: Dis mantling Student Homelessness in California, the UCLA Center for the Transformation of Schools reported nearly 270,000 K-12 students in CA experienced homelessness in the 2018-19 school year, enough to fill Dodgers Stadium 5 times. These students represent ap proximately 4% of all CA K-12 students, and they are dispro portionately students of color. And these are pre-pandemic numbers.

Students experiencing homelessness (if they can overcome the transpor tation barrier) come to school struggling to eat, sleep, live outside of the shell of fear, and to find

their way amidst their peers while struggling with feelings of isolation and shame. These barriers can seem insurmountable. Uniquely though, the school campus is where the stu dents are and serves as an ideal loca tion to meet their needs.

Project Hope Alliance brings highly skilled trauma-informed case manag ers onto school campuses full-time. We embed ourselves into the cam pus culture. Case managers are vis ible and approachable on campus. We join all staff meetings and are viewed as part of the campus team. Teachers and staff may note signs of housing insecurity: a student’s spotty attendance, poor academic perfor mance, arriving on campus early to wait in line for food, or showering in the gym. When they see the signs, school staff now have a resource for immediate referral and assistance in real-time. Our case managers attend meetings related to suspensions, chronic absenteeism, and behavioral issues (for which homeless students are disproportionately penalized) as they occur, providing an advocate for the student and solution partner for the school. With a 30:1 student-case manager ratio, we are able to make transformative and trauma-informed work possible.

Last year 100% of the students served by Project Hope Alliance graduated high school (more than 25% above the national average for students experiencing homelessness) making them 346% less likely to experience homelessness as an adult resulting in a projected community savings of $14.3 million by 2030.

This work is time, labor and cost in tensive, but transformational. We have been able to witness students flourish in the classroom and be yond. Together, we can ensure that students experiencing homelessness today are not adults experiencing homelessness tomorrow. We have the resources available to expand this program onto every campus in Hun tington Beach. We just need the will. Let’s join together for the kids and end generational homelessness.

CEO Jennifer Friend

THE Best IS YET TO COME WHEN RETIRING AT REATA GLEN

Frank Sinatra couldn’t say it better himself: The best is yet to come. At least hundreds of seniors are finding this out after a move to Reata Glen. The South Orange County community is celebrating its third year in a row of being voted #1 senior living community in Orange County by the readers of The Orange County Register.

But what makes this community so unique? Why are so many seniors flocking here for their retirement? The answers to these questions can be found by asking the residents themselves and looking back at the events and activities that make this community their home.

Multicultural Opportunities

You couldn’t find one person who wasn’t smiling at the dining room table as they enjoyed the Passover Seder Dinner. The traditional event, hosted in April, was a first for many of them as they indulged in the matzo ball soup and poached fish dumplings made by the chefs at Reata Glen. For resident Esther Sterling, it’s been a holiday she’s celebrated since she was a child living in Poland.

Reata Glen is home to many residents of diverse backgrounds and nationalities, and they’re all interested in learning from one another and sharing their experiences.

“It’s a good feeling to bring my religion to people who have never experienced it before,” said Sterling. The Passover Seder Dinner is one of many events hosted by the Blum Judah Group, which is named after resident Steven Blum. Nearly 100 residents attend the monthly meetings that promote people of diverse backgrounds. “We started the group to teach others about Judaism. There are so many people here interested in learning about it,” said Sterling.

REATAGLEN.COM | 2 LAS ESTRELLAS LOOP | RANCHO MISSION VIEJO, CA 92694

Voted Best in Orange County, Reata Glen Helps Rancho Mission Viejo Seniors Get More From Their Retirement

You Decide the Activities

Karen Phelps is enjoying art like never before. “I now have more time to spend creating my artwork,” noted Phelps. She’s been an artist her whole life, even owning her own art studio. Now, her studio is located inside her two-bedroom apartment. “This is the best move I ever made in my life. I stimulate my mind with painting and get my exercise by going to the pool three to four times a week.”

In January, Phelps and 24 other residents showcased their artwork for the entire community to see. With the help of Activities Director Jayne Austin, Phelps hosted the first Art Guild. From drawings and paintings to prints, sculptures and photographs, residents displayed meaningful art they created before and after moving into the community.

Friendships Are Formed Every Day

Cheri Brumleu was apprehensive at first about a move to Reata Glen, but looking back, she’s thankful to her husband for making the decision when he did. “He knew Reata Glen would meet our wants today and our needs tomorrow. He wanted me to be surrounded by people instead of living at home by myself.”

After 62 years of marriage, Brumleu’s husband passed away last year. She was comforted by her friends and neighbors at the community. Over time, she’s participated in numerous events, including this summer’s Murder Mystery, where she portrayed a silver-screen star in the Prohibition era.

Brumleu still enjoys working part time as a travel consultant and hosts cruises, which is something she enjoyed doing with her husband. “It’s wonderful to continue to travel,” said Brumleu. “I have peace of mind knowing that everything is taken care of.”

Peace of Mind for the Future

Roberta and Patrick Jackson say peace of mind is important to them and their lives at Reata Glen. The two newlyweds met at the community in 2019 and hosted their wedding in the gazebo of the community in May 2022.

“When you live at Reata Glen, it opens you up and expands your horizons,” said Roberta. “I have more friends here than I’ve ever had before.”

The couple now lives together in the Life Plan Community. They feel comforted knowing that they have convenient access to The Orchards Health Center adjacent to the community – offering care if they ever need it.

With so much to enjoy, it’s no wonder Reata Glen has been named the best retirement community in Orange County. Residents can choose to settle into a stand-alone patio home or apartment home. They can connect with a community of friendly, active seniors while enjoying the luxuries of maintenance-free living.

Schedule your complimentary tour to meet with the residents who call Reata Glen home. Call 949-531-7901 to learn more.

supporters in Orange County and nationally. The gala featured a per formance by Grammy-nominated re cording artist Nick Jonas.

“City of Hope came to Orange Coun ty to answer a pressing need in the community, and we are grateful for those foresighted supporters who help us ignite a movement that is changing the health care landscape,” said Annette Walker, president, City of Hope Orange County. “Support ers like Julia and George Argyros, and everyone whose contributions are helping to make this vision possible, are evidence of the incredible support for City of Hope in Orange County. Together, we can achieve our goal of making our communities cancer free.”

City of Hope Provides Orange County’s Most Advanced Cancer Care

City of Hope Orange County Receives

$25 Million Gift from Argyros Family

Visionary philanthropist Julia A. Argyros surprised guests at City of Hope’s Hope Gala in Orange County by announcing a $25 million gift from Julia and George Argyros to City of Hope Orange County.

This transformational gift continues a decades-long legacy of extraordinary generosity and support from the Argy ros family to City of Hope.

Now, in recognition of the generous gift, the Argyros name will grace the healing garden at City of Hope Or ange County Lennar Foundation Can cer Center, furthering a shared com mitment to healing mind, body and spirit.

The Argyros family has made deep investments in health care, education, childhood development and arts foun dations across Southern California.

“We are honored to be in the posi tion to support City of Hope, which is saving lives and expanding access

to its advanced cancer care. We be lieve it is our privilege to give back to the community. We hope that this gift helps people get the care they need and that everyone who walks through the healing gardens at the new cancer center is filled with peace and hope,” Julia Argyros said.

The Sept. 10 gala raised $2.3 million in addition to the announcement of the Argyros family’s transformational $25 million gift to City of Hope Orange County. The gala brought together leaders and luminaries to honor Julia Argyros and celebrate the partnership of City of Hope’s many philanthropic

Patients at the cancer center receive fully integrated, multidisciplinary care — from prevention through survivor ship — in one convenient location where every physician and staff mem ber is solely focused on treating and curing cancer. They have access to City of Hope’s 575 physicians and more than 1,000 researchers and scientists, and nearly 1,000 Phase 1-3 clinical trials conducted at City of Hope each year.

The outpatient cancer center features a suite of market-leading technol ogy, 67 spacious exam and treatment rooms, an infusion center and a de sign developed around patient prefer ences. It will be seamlessly connected to Orange County’s only specialty cancer hospital, opening in 2025.

City of Hope’s Orange County cancer care network currently includes four regional clinical network sites — two in Newport Beach, one in Hunting ton Beach and one in Irvine. The can cer center, the regional sites and the planned hospital will create Orange County’s largest network dedicated ex clusively to cancer treatment and cures.

Patients can make an appointment at any of the Orange County loca tions by calling 888-333-HOPE.

The transformational gift was announced at the 2022 Hope Gala featuring Nick Jonas

Julia and George Argyros in the Argyros Family Garden of Hope at City of Hope in Duarte.

Julia Argyros

What to Consider when Choosing a Caregiver!

Reported by Pamela Mangen, President - RN, PHN, MBA, MSN, PCCN-CMC, LGBBT

When considering a Care Giver, it is important to know the specific type of care you require; for example, Skilled Nursing or simple companionship or a person to assist with your Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as dress ing, continence, eating, etc. Do you need a 24-hour live-in, full or parttime skilled nursing/assistance, or round-the-clock technology access such as tele-monitoring?

the licenses and credentials of the management team, the governing body and their board of field supervi sors? Are there any unfavorable out comes such as ‘letters of deficiency, practice violations or any other com plaints or grievances submitted to the CDPH or other regulatory body?

CDPH? If not, are they currently un dergoing field training, passed com pliance checks, been fingerprinted and completed the education neces sary for licensing? If licensed, have they met their annual 12-hour man datory in-house training?

The next step is to choose the Agen cy who will be providing the services. Are they credentialed and licensed with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH)? When was the last time a survey, audit or on-site exam been completed at the facility? Do they have the necessary insurance requirements and bonding? What are

What are the credentials and licenses of the caregivers or the skilled nursing staff? Are their medical exams, testing and vaccinations (including Tubercu losis, Hepatitis, COVID, etc.) current. Have they been subjected to a thor ough background check including Federal & State Health Care Sanctions, the National & State Sex Offender Registry, the Adult Abuse Registry or the Nurse Aide Registry. Have their previous employers and patients, if known, been contacted by the Compli ance Dept. and approved for hire? Do they have good credit history reducing the temptations of theft and fraud? Do they have any DUIs or reckless driving violations, etc. which would indicate ir responsibility, etc.? Do they have a his tory of workers comp claims, etc. It is prudent to be diligent when screening and selecting your caregivers.

What about Training? Are their med ical professional licenses or certifica tions current? Do they have CPR and Advanced CPR current certification?

If only caregivers, are they Certified as a Home Care Aide (CHCA) by the

What supervisory oversight and con trol measures are in effect? Is the Field Supervisor, properly qualified by reason of training, education and experience, able to provide an initial health evaluation of the patient and a risk assessment of the patient’s envi ronment as well as provide adequate supervision over the employee(s) so assigned? Transition Care holds our home-care employees to the same high standards as our home-health employees when it comes to quality patient care and acting in an ethical and professional manner. Regarding live-in caregivers or personal atten dants, TCT’s Field Supervisors (RN) bring the employee(s) to meet the pa tient and their family members so they can interact and feel comfortable with the new individual(s) to be assigned.

Pamela Mangen is the CEO of Transition Care Telemetry, Inc. (dba TCT Health), a Home Care and Home Health agency and a Hospice agency. Prior to the formation of TCT, she held executive and clinical management positions with a few large hospitals here in Or ange County and has also conduct ed various health research projects. If you want more information or to set up an initial interview, please call 888.757.2018 and speak with Brian Flammer at ext. 509 or Maylia Tsen at ext. 510

Cefali & Cefali, APC

Trusted Accident Attorneys for the Most Serious Injuries

By Jody Robinson

It’s a remarkable feeling when you can find someone to take your side. In relationships, sports: you name it. That one person who believes in you, makes you better, fights alongside you.

Michael Cefali matched with his person (his wife Courtney) long before law school - but their partnership extended through the long years studying for the bar and paid off in an even match that has stacked up in their favor many times over. Graduates of Chapman Law and California Western, respec tively, they started the San Juan Cap istrano-based Cefali & Cefali, APC in July of 2019 and have been fighting for the little guy ever since. From set ting clients up with top-tier doctors and specialists, to negotiating stel lar settlements, Cefali & Cefali, APC handles cases from start to finish with client health as their top priority.

Focusing on all aspects of personal injury, the Cefalis are what you might expect in such a ring: passionate, ag gressive, and most importantly, hon est - all traits that have contributed to the couple having recovered millions of dollars per year on behalf of their clients since opening their firm.

“The insurance companies would like you to think that they get to deter mine the value of your injuries, your suffering,” says Michael. “We’ll fight for every last penny because we know that you deserve it.” Clients ap preciate the work that the Cefalis do. In fact, as of the date of this publica tion, you won’t find a single negative review of their firm anywhere on the internet.

Client Jamie shares, “I am so grate ful for everything that Mike Cefali and his team did for me! Not only was he able to help me get what I was owed in my settlement and then some, but he was so responsive and kind and

it was very apparent that he cared about me and my case! He and his team are so HONEST and FAIR and it was clear from start to finish that he

had my best interest in mind! Not only is he a good lawyer but he is a good person which made a world of differ ence for me. I could not have asked

Michael and Courtney Cefali

for a better experience with a personal injury attorney! I have already recommended him to all of my friends and I will continue to recommended him to anyone looking for a good lawyer! Thank you so much Cefali and Cefali!”

Another client Carrie echoes Jamie’s sentiment, “My hus band and I were rear-ended on the freeway. We felt bad thinking of contacting a lawyer, but after several months of continuous pain and medical treatments, a friend rec ommended Michael Cefali. From the beginning, he lived up to his core values of integrity, loyalty, and vigorous ad vocacy. Michael is a dedicated, friendly, and competent attorney who seamlessly represented our interests and en sured the outcome was in our favor. He treated us not like a client, but like family; he was there any time we needed him. He was empathetic to our situation and worked tire lessly with all parties to represent us. We don’t trust many people, but we trust Michael and his team and would highly recommend him to anyone seeking a professional, effective, and focused attorney.”

With five staff members to back up the stellar work Mi chael and Courtney produce, the couple remain incredibly hands on, based on a culture of empathy, integrity and advocacy.

“We craft each case personally, build each one for trial, and remain accessible to clients,” says Michael. “Personal injury attorneys get a bad rap when really we’re the good guys. I like to think of our firm as a pirate ship. Nimble, clever, and tenacious in spite of being outspent by the ad versary, we pry money from greedy insurance companies and give it to our very deserving clients.”

Giving back is the spirit of the firm, and community work creates a direct link between Michael, Courtney, and their circle in San Juan Capistrano. The couple and their team proudly supports a number of local charitable and com munity organizations including: The Boys and Girls Club of Capistrano Valley (Courtney is on the Board of Directors), The San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library (Courtney is also a board member), CREER, the Pacific Marine Mam mal Foundation, and Project Coyote. Michael is a member of the San Juan Capistrano Rotary Club and has been rec ognized as a Paul Harris Fellow.

The Cefali team’s ethics, constant communication (every client is given Michael’s personal cell phone for easy ac cessibility), commitment to their clients and involvement in the community keeps everyone growing stronger and healthier together. Remarkable isn’t it, that feeling when someone takes your side?

(877) 423-3254

CallCefali.com

Live Life Better

Every day feels like a vacation with a membership to ClubSport. Take an energizing fitness class, play Pickleball with friends, relax with a spa treatment from R Spa, lounge by the pools, and stretch tight muscles with Yoga or Pilates. You can even replenish with a recovery shake from Citrus Fresh Market. It’s time to live life better.

(949) 427-4223 or visit www.clubsports.com/start to get started.

Kristy Fleming, MD, Double Board-Certified

and Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery

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.

WHAT PATIENTS NEED TO KNOW

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

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

ACTINIC KERATOSIS

An actinic keratosis (AK) is a crusty, scaly growth caused by damage from expo sure 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 typi cally appear on areas most commonly exposed sun, such as the backs of the hands, forearms, face, neck, and scalp.

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.

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 sur rounding 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 larg er than 6mm, ie the head of a pencil eraser, has a higher risk of becoming melanoma.

E - Evolution: Has it changed?

SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells arising in the epidermis, the skin’s out ermost layer. SCCs often look like scaly red patches, crusty bumps, warts, or elevated growths with a central depres sion. 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

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.

F - The Ugly Duckling Sign: Most people have a “sig nature 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-cer tified 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.

Investing in Gold, Silver + Bullion with the ROYAL GOLD GROUP

By Jody Robinson

One of the perks of my job as a magazine editor is being able to interview entrepreneurs in a wide variety of industries - an opportunity for a bit of education on businesses I might not otherwise have had exposure to.

In today's market, I've read my share of articles about the importance of hedging against inflation, but it wasn't until I chatted with Ali Soltani, owner of the Dana Point-based Royal Gold Group that I learned about op tions and benefits in investing in gold and silver.

It doesn't hurt that Ali waxes poetic about all kinds of currency like he was Nicholas Cage’s National Treasure character talking about the George Washington campaign buttons. Be fore I met him, the concept of in vesting in coins and precious metals seemed as fantastic as someone at tempting to steal the Declaration of Independence. The more I learned though, its ties to true financial fi nesse are difficult to ignore.

Following in his father's footsteps, Ali has been a personal collector of coins and currency since he was a child and it's clear that educating clients or the lay public in general about currency is absolutely a pas sion for him. Much more than a hobby, Ali makes it a specialty rather than a

simple customer service transaction. For the last five years, Royal Gold Group has been operating in South Orange County. Part of the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, Roy al Gold originally started as a small shop in Old Town Tustin and has recently ex panded to Dana Point in a much larger space. But why coins? Why currency?

“It isn’t about the formal busi ness for us," says Ali. "I didn’t want to have just another old dirty coin shop. I enjoy the blend of customer service and sales in this specific arena - educating my customers and ex changing knowledge with seasoned collectors.”

Ali and his team at the Royal Gold Group cater to investors of all ages and abilities. If you are a novice inves tor, they can create an offering based on your specific goals. Are you looking to collect for plea sure, buy and sell for quick profit, or buy and sell for a long-term investment?

Offering private appointments for those clients who might need a little more time or privacy to look at prod ucts, “or go over valuable estate items they are looking to sell," jew elry repair, and coin appraisals mean less time out on the market, liqui dating the responsibility for a single customer to travel distance for mul tiple appointments. Easily booked over the phone and offered free of charge, private appointments take the pressure off for clients who need extra time to catch up in a clean, wellorganized, stress-free and accessible environment.

“Coins and bullion are not for just a specific type of collector or investor anymore," says Ali. "We see patrons ranging in age from 6 to 76 years old: parents with their kiddos, seasoned collectors who have been in the mar ketplace for a generation. We wel come all.”

Royal Gold Group 34291 Doheny Park Road (next to the post office)

Dana Point (949) 426-0901

RoyalGoldGroup.com

Owner Ali Soltani

It’s Not Epoxy, It’s SpartaFlex!

Fornearly 40 years, southern California homeowners have used Epoxy for garage and industrial floor coat ing projects despite its tendency to yellow, it’s soft and easy to scratch surface and it’s tendency to be permanently damaged by the hot, high performance tires found on most cars in the OC area.

Today OC homeowners don’t have to settle for Epoxy and all of its flaws anymore. SpartaFlex is an advanced, next generation 100% solids polyaspartic floor coating that gives your garage a beautiful finish that is 3x harder than epoxy, resists yellowing while also resisting permanent damage from hot tires. Perhaps best of all, SpartaFlex comes with a much better warranty than Epoxy.

Perkins Custom Coatings has been installing SpartaFlex on OC garage floors for nearly 14 years and has complet ed over 9,000 floors during that period of time. Its CEO and owner, Paul Frankel is considered by many to be the most knowledgeable contractor in the local market. “Un like many of our competitors, we strive to do an onsite as sessment including a moisture test for every floor coating project we install and instead of using the ‘one size fits all’ approach, we develop a coating solution that we believe will last for decades not just for a few years.”

Perkins uses only the most advanced surface preparation methods available and will either diamond grind or shot blast every floor that he installs. Old, failing, yellowed ep

oxy coatings can also be removed during this same pro cess. “Despite the fact that Coatings Industry requires concrete to at least be diamond ground before installing a new coating system, many of my competitors will install their coatings right over raw or pressure washed concrete just to save a few bucks - I will never do that” says Paul.

Perkins also is known for its professional and unique ap proach to repairing concrete cracks. “Anyone can slap some crack repair paste to cosmetically fix a crack” says Paul. A year later, when the concrete moves again and damages their brand new floor coating, the devastated homeowner will learn that this damage is not covered by the typical Epoxy warranty. “We are the only company that I know of that uses a ‘structural crack repair’ technique to fix cracks. The process is so effective we can offer our customers a warranty that can cover future damage from cracks!” says Paul.

After the surface prep is completed, a very effective mois ture control primer is applied to the concrete. “This is ex tremely important” says Paul because for many homes built in Socal before 2005, elevated moisture vapor levels in the garage concrete can have a detrimental impact on floor coatings. Paul does a fast and non-destructive moisture test for every one of the pre-2005 homes he visits and de velops a unique installation plan for each home. For newer homes, Paul and his crew can use a basic primer that dries a bit faster allowing installation of a garage floor in as little as one day!

The color chips that give the Perkins floor its legendary ap pearance are sandwiched between this primer and finish coat. Perkins carries the widest selection of colors and sizes in the market and uses a ‘full chip broadcast’, not a partial sprinkling of chips like many of its competitors. “The full chip broadcast gives the floor a consistent appearance and makes the floor much more durable and helps hide dirt bet ter than the partial broadcast finish” says Paul.

Finally, Perkins installs the SpartaFlex polyaspartic finish coat and the finished garage comes to life. “Epoxy & Spar taFlex floor coatings are virtually identical in appearance when they are first installed” says Paul. “However, when you will really begin to appreciate a SpartaFlex floor is a few months down the road when you would typically start to see problems develop with an Epoxy floor. If there was a better material on the market, I would be selling it, but there isn’t and that is why we love selling SpartaFlex.”

For more information or to see for yourself the advantages of SpartaFlex over Epoxy, you can call Perkins Custom Coatings, at 866-330-1329 or visit their informative website at www.perkinscustomcoatings.com.

Learning the ABC’s at Laguna Fencing Center

By Jody Robinson

I’d like you to take a little test for me. I just made my husband come over to the couch and do this as well, so you won’t be alone.

Close your eyes, and then have a friend/partner/child take one of your hands and posi tion it away from your body in the air. Then, with your eyes still closed, take your other thumb and forefinger and touch the placed thumb. Can you do it? If so, you’re properly articulated in space. Or, more properly: your pro prioception is in working condition. Proprioception, or kinesthesia, is your body’s way of telling you where you are in your environment. And it also happens to be one of the main skills of children and adults who fence. That’s right: like, with swords. Or rath er foils, sabres, and epees.

Fencing and proprioception have similar building blocks. Agility, bal ance, and coordination. ABC. And at Laguna Fencing Center in Orange County, Olympic coaches lead class es and private lessons that delve into the mechanics of each. There are pro grams for all skill levels from begin ners to advanced/elite, enthusiasts ranging from youth to adults, with rolling admission so new students can join at any time.

My 14-year-old son, a freshman in high school, just started a few weeks ago, after begging to sign up for the free fencing practice lesson offered to anyone interested. Perhaps it was the recent excitement of the Tokyo Olympics, where Lee Kiefer won the United States’ first gold medal in in dividual foil. Maybe he just remem bered playing with swords as a kid. Or more likely it's that two of his best buddies have been longtime stu dents at Laguna Fencing Center and truly excel at the sport - something our son thinks is infinitely cool and as pires to achieve. But no matter what the reason, we're thrilled because we have already seen his self-confidence skyrocket.

It’s a workout, to be sure. Somewhere between a HIIT class and ballroom dancing. Keeping his body aligned in space while also anticipating his op ponent’s attack and being strategical ly ready to mount an instantaneous counter-attack is enough to make me sweat while watching.

Laguna Fencing Center has trained some of the best fencers in the coun try, and it’s evident why once you step foot into the state-of-the-art facilities.

It doesn’t hurt my son’s case to find out that the NCAA heavily recruits fencers, and that individual athletes are ten times more likely to “play” than in any other mainstream college sport.

Now, take both hands, and curl them into fists. Raise both thumbs to the sky. That’s right- now you’re articulat ed in space the same way I am after each session at Laguna Fencing Cen ter: with two thumbs up.

Laguna Fencing Center

26062 Merit Circle, Suite 103 Laguna Hills (949) 215-4112

LagunaFencing.com

To sign up for the complimentary trial lesson, email Coach Nick at info@lagunafencing.com

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OCTOBER 29TH

LARRY CARLTON FAREWELL TOUR

Nineteen-time Grammy nominee, Four-time Grammy winner and alltime guitar great, Larry Carlton established himself from his first recording, A Little Help From My Friends. With 38 albums to his credit and having performed on over 100 albums that have gone Gold or Platinum, Larry Carlton has set a standard for artistry that spans three decades.

NOVEMBER 5TH

PIANO MEN - GENERATIONS

Celebrating the musical influenc es of Billy Joel and Elton John, the amazing Father and Son team of Terry & Nick Davies and their incredible band share the music that transcends four decades of music lovers. You will laugh ~ you will cry ~ and you will be mesmerized by this incredible band.

NOVEMBER 11TH

KIDS OF CHARLEMAGNE (Tribute to Steely Dan)

Treat yourself to a celebratory musical journey through the iconic Grammy-winning collection of Steely Dan. Be trans ported by a tribe of skilled musicians who lovingly deliver beautiful nostalgia that is sure to “make tonight a wonder ful thing.”

NOVEMBER 17TH

DAVE ALVIN & JIMMY DALE GILMORE

Roots music legends and friends for 30 years, Grammy winner Dave Alvin and Grammy nominee Jimmie Dale Gilmore, decided to hit the highway in 2017 to swap songs, tell stories, and share their life experiences.

O SEA | seafood for thought

By Jody Robinson

With the change of seasons always comes an exciting time in food - especially at your favorite restaurants. My new goto in Orange is O SEA, located in the historic heart of Orange on the circle. Open since June 2021, this innova tive eatery features a refreshingly modern, upbeat atmosphere and ex cellent seafood offerings which shine with the passionate personalities of its founder and general manager Mike Flynn and his team.

Mike’s dream “for a decade” came to fruition after a restaurant journey that took this clearly talented concept creator to popular seafood establish ments across the country and back home to his native Orange County. O SEA is the perfect embodiment of his personal and professional passions: great fish, funky wines and catchy songs in a 112-year-old building.

In the few short months since open ing its doors, O SEA has already es tablished itself as community favorite for delicious seasonal fare: responsibly sourced seafood complemented by the seasonality and diversity of South

ern California cooking so you get the freshest entrees and sides imaginable.

A high energy, yet refined menu mar ries bold global flavor profiles with high quality, affordable seafood. On a recent night out, my husband and I invited a couple who live in Old Town to join us for dinner at O SEA, thinking we’d be introducing them to its offerings. Turns out, our food ie friends were already regulars who raved about the menu, service and the carefully curated wine list that mirrors the same philosophy as the menu. Each varietal, by the glass or bottle, is approachable and fun - a Hungarian white “goes with spicy food,” while the ‘Love You Bunches’ sangiovese is “best served chilled.”

To give you an idea of the fun to be had here ... there is no corkage fee here, the only caveat is that you must pour a tasting glass from the bottle you bring and send it to another table. The concept sparks conversation, recipro cal samplings and laughter that lends itself to a true sense of community.

Literally everything we tried was uber flavorful - from the wild British Colum bian salmon ceviche served Peruvian

style with coconut leche de tigre and habanero oil and the grilled wild Span ish octopus enhanced with creamy adobo and grilled summer sweet corn to the crispy Oaxacan hot shrimp.

Just thinking of the melt-in-yourmouth wild Eastern sea scallops and oysters on the half shell served with Thai red curry cocktail sauce, yuzu mi gnonette and tajin’d lime are enough to get my tastebuds watering. But what a treat to experience the incred ible food and energetic atmosphere at once – O SEA is a standout for ev ery season.

O SEA

109 S. Glassell St. Orange (714) 363-3309

EatOSEA.com

Founder and General Manager Mike Flynn

Producers

Carmen Pavlovic, Bill Damaschke and Gerry Ryan are pleased to announce the Costa Mesa pre miere of the Tony Award-winning Best Musical Moulin Rouge! The Musical at Segerstrom Center for the Arts for a limited three-week engagement.

Enter a world of splendor and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur and glory! A world where Bohe mians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment. Pop the champagne and prepare for the spectacular … Welcome to Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Baz Luhrmann’s iconic film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. Moulin Rouge! The Musical is a theatrical celebration of Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and - above all - Love. Moulin Rouge! The Musi calis more than a musical; it is a state of mind.

Tickets are available online at SCFTA.org, at the Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa, or by calling (714) 556-2787.

Savor Handmade Moments at North Italia

By Jody Robinson

Savory is one of those words that gets tossed around indiscriminately. I suppose the synonyms are a bit lackluster (appetizing, toothsome), but none of the adjectives really do an unforgettable meal justice.

At North Italia, it doesn’t matter how you describe the food, as long as you know you’re al ways in for something special. Every day there are new items waiting to be devoured, like the Chef’s daily pizzas or their house-made cocktails.

On a recent date night, my husband and I spent a considerable amount of time perusing the menu, trying to decide between dishes made with house-made pasta or pizza dough or one of the steak or seafood special ties.

While mulling over options, we noshed on yummy grilled bread and "good olive oil," seasoned with gra na padano and herbs and a tuna cru do that quite frankly could have been an entree onto itself enhanced with castelvetrano olive, caper, orange, pine nut, mint, avocado, agrumato and espelette pepper - the latter beautifully presented and as flavorful as it sounds.

Since we couldn't narrow the choices to only two, we ordered three entrees thinking whatever we didn't finish would allow us to revisit our culinary adventure the next night. Each dish more than met our expectations - the bolognese is a house specialty with traditional meat sauce, tagliatelle noodle and grana padano cheese while "The Pig" pizza arrived topped with spicy pepperoni, soppressata and Italian sausage.

The braised short rib with roasted fennel, heirloom carrot, grilled aspar agus, marscapone polenta and short

rib jus was worth writ ing home aboutmouth-wa teringly tender and uber delicious.

Other popular picks on our list to try on our next foray into North Italia? The Diver Scallops with parmesan risotto, roasted corn, as paragus pancetta, crispy shallot and Calabrian agrodolce and the Roasted Salmon with pesto farro, caramelized cauliflower and lemon gremolata.

Impossible to imagine we had enough room for dessert, but we couldn't pass up our server's recom mendation of the Bombolini (Ital ian donuts with Meyer lemon curd and vanilla marscapone) that were deliciously reminiscent of the sugar dusted malasadas (Portuguese do nuts) I grew up eating in my native Honolulu.

The standout service and creative Italian cuisine here is enough to craft a novel about, but between the roast ed pine nuts, torn basil, house-made pasta and creative cocktails like the ginger blos som margarita, you might just end up muttering the word “savory” under your breath to your friends across the table in between bites.

HAMILTON is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, HAMILTON has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a rev olutionary moment in theatre – a mu sical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education.

With book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical super vision and orchestrations by Alex La camoire, HAMILTON is based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography. It has won Tony®, Grammy®, and Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and an unprecedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors.

COME IN AND SEE OVER 125 NEW HALLMARK KEEPSAKE ORNAMENTS JUST RELEASED!

Free Keepsake Tote Bag with any Keepsake Ornament purchase plus other specials throughout the store! Limited Quantity ornaments will be available while supplies last!

Celebrate Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary with the new Cinderella’s Castle Keepsake Ornament!

27230 Alicia Parkway, Suite A, Laguna Niguel (949) 448-9652 www.ElamsHallmark.com Formerly Diane’s Hallmark

Tickets are on sale at scfta.org, in person at the box office at 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 or by calling (714) 556-2787.

CFR Patio - Outdoor Furniture Restoration

By Jody Robinson

In Southern California, our backyards and patio are often viewed as an extension of our entertainment spaces - a place for hosting parties, lounging by the pool or in the case of one of our family’s favorite pastimes, dining al fresco.

Because so much time is spent outdoors, many folks I know in vest as much on their patio fur niture as they do in appointing their interiors.

The problem is that over time the weather can be particularly hard on the metal and fabrics with constant exposure to the sun, salt air and in the case of homes closer to the ocean, even sand. With four generations of patio furniture repair and refinishing experience, CFR Patio specializes in restoring existing furniture and up dating colors/styles for a far more cost-effective alternative to purchas ing an entirely new set.

CFR’s services range from custom tailored outdoor cushions, sling fab ric replacement, and vinyl strapping replacement and vinyl lacing/weav

ing replacement to powder coat re finishing and commercial repair and restoration. Clients can choose from a large selection of metal finishes, fabrics and color schemes, including hundreds of colors and fabrics for slings, straps and cushions for a coor dinated, polished result.

“CFR Patio is an incredible company to work with from beginning to end,” says Libby, a recent happy customer. “Each person I spoke with was ex tremely knowledgeable and helpful. Their service was fantastic. Pick-up and delivery was on time, and the furniture was very carefully handled. Our chairs, lounges and tables look like new, and I am sure they will last for many years to come. I highly rec ommend them.”

Another client, AJ agrees with Libby’s assessment and adds “I was so im

pressed with your prompt and pro fessional service. I felt your pricing was very fair and actually surprising low. I highly recommend your store and staff. First class in every respect.”

Owners Brian Lee and his son Collin and their team offer pick up and delivery so the process couldn’t be more convenient.

They’ll strip the old, dull finish by sandblasting and pre-treating your set in preparation for the powder coating application (available in an array of colors and finishes including high/low gloss, metallic, textured or clear), which is then baked in an in dustrial oven to cure to a beautiful, long-lasting final finish. New straps or sling materials are then installed and voila! A brand-new look/feel for a fraction of the cost and hassle of re moving your old set and purchasing a new one.

“What sets us apart from others in the industry is our attention to detail and a true passion for the industry,” says Brian, a Dana Point resident. “If you’re interested in an estimate, it couldn’t be easier ... simply send photographs of your patio furniture via email or call us directly. Your furniture was intend ed to last for decades and so is our work. That’s why we offer a three-year real warranty on all of our services.”

Owner Brian Lee (R) and his son Collin

&

custom cabinetry, surveillance, and outdoor

design, and installation in both new construction & existing residences.

design team

the best components into an easy-to-use system that

fall in love with.

Massage for Your Teenager?

Bodywork Can Ease Adolescent Angst

PROVIDED BY MICHELLE BRYANT

While teens may be less likely than their parents to go to a massage therapist, there are plenty of reasons why this age group should be encouraged to give it a try.

The benefits of massage are well documented, among them relief of muscle tension, lowered stress hormones, increased sense of relaxation, improved immune function, and even a heightened ability to concentrate, according to studies conducted by the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine. But for teenagers, there's an additional payback.

The teenage body is in the midst of transformation -- exponential growth and development in a rapid period of time. On the physical side, teens may be at increased risk for aches, pains, and injury. Many teens strain their bodies with competitive sports, get erratic sleep, and consume a less-than-optimal diet. Massage can help muscles recover from overuse,

and help balance the body and maintain that stability.

Perhaps even more crucial, teen massage can help improve body image and sleep patterns, and contribute to decreased depression, anxiety, and stress. This keeps a teen connected to her body, even as it morphs in confounding ways. "Many teens are self-conscious, and not happy with their bodies," says Eeris Kallil, massage therapist and shiatsu instructor at the Boulder College of Massage Therapy, in Colorado. "Massage can help teens stay grounded." Bodywork has also been

reported to help mediate eating disorders, a growing concern among teens.

Another potential plus: A beneficial, therapeutic relationship can develop between bodyworkers and teenagers during the years when adolescents need adult confidantes, but keep parents at a distance. The practitioner can become a supportive, trusted adult in a teen's life. And the session itself, according to Kallil, can be a way to deal with all the physical and emotional turmoil of this tender age.

Michelle Bryant is the owner of the San Juan Capistrano-based Massage Associates. To connect with her directly, visit 31952 Camino Capistrano (in the Mercado Village) or call (949) 489-7924.

basic needs, tutoring, financial aid, enrichment, resources and

Tile & Stone

Your Local Resource from Concept to Completion

Morena

Tile and Stone, in San Juan Capistrano, is a 5000 square foot store showcasing one of the largest selections of tile, and natural and engineered stone in South Orange County. The business was opened in 2014 by John Schrab and his wife, Linda, with the goal of

creating a convenient, local resource where one can find an abundance of fun, imaginative and up-to-date tile and stone – all under one roof.

As a family-owned business, John and Linda focus on customer ser vice and building relationships with

their clients, while helping to bring their projects to life. From mild to wild and traditional to modern, they will assist in finding the perfect materials for your dream kitchen or bath. Morena’s designers are on hand to assist customers with nav igating through the myriad of choices to get their project start ed and they serve as a resource every step of the way from concept to completion

Homeowners, designers and contrac tors love the vast product selection and convenience of shopping locally, in a store where everyone knows your name. John, a 4th Generation tile and stone contractor, is willing and avail able to answer your questions and provide advice on materials, design, and installation. He believes in treat ing cus¬tomers like family and un derstands what it takes to make your project come to fruition.

Whether you’re undertaking a ma jor home renovation, updating your

kitchen island or installing a tile floor, Morena Tile & Stone offers all of the necessary components to manage your project in-house. Along with a gorgeous variety of materials for you to choose from, there’s also an onsite fabrication shop with a crew of master craftsmen that have worked for John for decades. This level of experience and cutting-edge tech nology, combined with old-world craftsmanship, provides clients with the reassurance that their project will be done correctly and beautifully. As John likes to say, “We make things pretty every day.”

Tile & S tone:

from

“As a family owned business, we focus on customer service and getting to know our clients while we help bring their projects to life. From mild to wild, traditional to modern we’ll help you find the perfect tile and stone for your dream kitchen or bath.”

Visit Morena Tile & Stone when you’re ready to embark on your next home improvement project. John and Linda would love the opportunity to offer you a cup of coffee while you look around, and they’d be proud to add you to their long list of satisfied customers.

Mr. John Schrab, a fourth-generation stone fabrication and tile contractor took over Morena Tile five years ago and fulfilled his dream of owning his own tile store. Since then, Morena Tile has become a trusted resource for local contractors, designers and homeowners supplying natural stone, porcelain tile and engineered stone to projects both big and small in scope. Offering an abundant 5000/sf showroom with over fifty top manufacturers to choose from and a top-notch staff, Morena tile has reached the pinnacle amongst the ubiquitous onslaught of “big box design” options.

“Treating our customers like family is the first step. We invite all our customers to our showroom to look around and meet our staff, discuss their project or join us for a little lunch and conversation around our kitch en island. We’re here to help.” Says John.

Morena tile’s showroom proudly displays one of the largest selections of tile, natural and engineered stone in South Orange County. Morena Tile’s designers are on hand to help customers navigate the myriad of choices to get their project started - and serve as a resource every step of the way from concept to completion.

Whether your Kitchen, Bathroom, Flooring , Fireplace or BBQ project calls for granite, marble, travertine, limestone or Natural Quartzite, you can find it all at Morena Tile & Stone.

Morena Tile & Stone

The Morena Tile team’s penchant for imagination and fun extends to its marketing - variations of this playful feline has become synonymous with the company’s moniker in South OC.

Little Johnny with his pop, granddaddy and great gramps, 4 generations of tile guys.

The future craftsman pictured here with father, grandfather and great grandfather

949-489-8990

Calle Perfecto

Juan Capistrano (949) 489-8990 www.tileandmarble.com

To connect with John and the p call (949) 489-8990, visit ww 5000+-square-foot showroom a Capistrano

Owners John and Linda Schrab

Destination Dining

The tastes emerging from downtown San Clemente’s new contemporary Mexican restaurant Gema are influ enced by its chef’s childhood mem ories and high-level culinary tech niques.

habanero glazes, and tamarindo or jackfruit adobada.

I am a huge, huge fan of ceviche and always feel compelled to order the seafood specialty in the hopes of sam pling the freshest of fish enhanced with each chef’s unique, flavorful spin on a traditional favorite. Gema’s it eration arrived with cuts of fresh fish (varies per the freshest available each day), mandarin habanero glaze, kum quot salad and blue watercress.

Other popular entrees include the Halibut Al Pastor (Alaskan halibut, achioto infusion, pineapple foam and serrano puree) and the Sea Bass Mez tlapique (Mexican sea bass enhanced with a bergamot basil salsa macha).

Partnering authentic ingredients straight from Mexico with locally sourced seasonal fare, Gema’s Exec utive Chef Juan Pablo Cruz takes tra dition and gives it new life. His menu is scratch-made and inspired by au thentic Mexican gastronomy which “supports local farmers markets, purveyors of naturally and humane ly raised meats, sustainable seafood and the use of top-quality products and ingredients.”

Al pastor, birria, fish, shrimp, and wagyu take center stage at this sea side city’s newest upscale eatery, accompanied by quesillo cheese,

Remaining in keeping with my seafar ing theme of the evening, I opted for another appetizer as my main course: the Camarones Flameados, crunchy shrimp with grasshopper creme, charred heirloom tomatoes, corn crou tons, macadamia dust and sorrel mix.

If you’re a meat eater like my hus band, menu options include the Wagyu steak - an MB-8 Australian filet accompanied by scalloped pota toes, the Birria de Res (tender prime short rib) and the grilled prime cut NY strip loin steak enhanced with bone marrow butter.

Share a couple of sides, partake in a tostada de wagyu or Duranzo salad (elegante mix greens, blood orange vinaigrette, house hibiscus cheese, castilla walnut), and finish the night with a delectable dessert.

110 S. El Camino Real San Clemente (714) 640-9371

GemaRestaurant.com

By Jody Robinson

When I was younger, my Mom loved to read me the book “If You Give A Mouse A Cookie.” The plot essentially revolves around an ever-growing list of to-do’s that had to be accomplished, all set into motion by the simple act of giving a mouse a cookie. This tale came back to me recently when I purchased a new television at Best Buy.

What was a simple shopping trip ended up being an adult’s version of that circu lar tale. If you give a grownup a tele vision, they’ll have to measure their wall. When they measure the wall, they’ll realize they may actually have room for a bigger television. When they buy the bigger television, they’ll find out they have no idea how to

mount it to the wall. When they start mounting it to the wall, they’ll see that the power outlets are all in the wrong places. When they realize the outlets need to be moved, they’ll call an elec trician. (This could go on forever.)

Luckily for clients who have been on the receiving end of ReelTime’s pa tient, intelligent, and personalized

service, the rabbit hole of home au tomation doesn’t have to swallow you entirely. With the help of their in dependent certified Control4 dealer, it’s easy to update your home without upending your entire life. After all, the true luxury of an integrated en tertainment system is really depen dent on its ability to deliver seam less entertainment. By placing every

control at your fingertips, the team at ReelTime helps homeowners man age everything from how brightly lit your family room is, to your stream ing devices - all with a single remote. And best yet? You can control your whole home from the comfort of your couch- even seeing who is at the front door, without ever leaving your seat. Simple, clean, and uncluttered.

And on the home entertainment front … when you started planning for your ultimate home theater set-up and sound system, could you find the right media cabinetry for your partic ular space – cabinetry that wouldn’t catch on fire from the heat of the equipment, or that would simply look good in the room? Did you un derstand half of what the televisions, receivers and other devices could do, and did you have anyone to hold your hand to make sure you weren’t overspending for what you wanted?

Big box retailers, the professed champions of value, are happy to sell you any home theater and sound equipment you think you might like, and send you off to figure it out at home. That’s what they do. And that’s all they do.

If you want the home theater system that you envision, seek the services of Skip Myers and his team of expe rienced professionals at ReelTime to take you from start to finish for the home theater or sound system of your dreams.

“Usually there is a part of the job that you find you just can’t do by

yourself,” says Skip, who has overseen the design and instal lation of thousands of home theater and sound systems over the course of 40-plus years in the business.

“You get your brand new television home, you’re so excited, then you realize you need to move an outlet or none of the cabinets you can find will fit your space. We’re here to make sure you get the equipment that will give you what you want and the system that will work with that equipment, without leaving you to fend for your self.”

Skip opened the doors at ReelTime in 1983. Today, the technicians and de signers that Skip assigns to clients are all ReelTime employees, knowledge able in all home theater and sound technologies. First, they work closely with you to determine what you’re looking for. Then they custom design every aspect of the project, from wir ing to custom-built cabinets, frames, or built-in wall designs. Finally, li censed, in-house contractors install your entertainment system with care and precision.

There are a couple of things that peo ple may not think about when they embark upon the road to their own home entertainment system.

“You need to think about your home theater goals,” says Skip. “You don’t have to do everything at once – you can do it bit by bit – but if you know where you’re going, you’ll save mon ey and when it’s all said and done, you’ll have exactly what you want and what you will actually use. We’re here to help you determine your goals.”

Skip is also an advocate for getting what you’ll use, which is part of the design and planning process.

“You can buy everything you want to, but if you can’t operate it, what’s the point?” he says. “There’s the televi sion, DVD and Blue-ray; there’s the receiver, there’s Apple TV… it’s all great, but how do you get them to work together? We’re big advocates of the universal remote. Not every one knows how to get the most out of their systems with one powerful re mote – they’re not expensive, but the best ones are computer-based. We’ll set that up for you so you’re getting the most out of your custom system.”

It’s easy to assume that personal service is expensive, but a conver sation with Skip and the experts at ReelTime is free. Ultimately, in plan ning your purchases for the right out come, you’re likely to save money while avoiding chilling setbacks. The only chilling you want to be doing is in front of your fantasy home theater system.

Connect with Skip Myers and ReelTime by calling (949) 240-0555, stop by their beautiful new showroom at 26381 Via De Anza in San Juan Capistrano or visit www.reeltimeav.com

Performance & Professionalism: Dr. Slide-Door

By Jody Robinson

It’s a new year. I, along with everyone I know, made resolutions: mostly hoping that this year would be better than the last, but some that genuinely reflected an optimistic mindset. Said mindset led my husband and I to craft one that hadn't topped our previous lists: fix broken things.

Like most everyone we know, our family has spent considerably more time at home these past months - and knocking around the house all day, we've made a priority

of a dizzying array of home improve ment projects - both indoors and out - that we'd previously deferred. Turns out, we're not alone.

A common refrain among our friend group? Countless home appli ances to be replaced. Garden and landscaping projects to embark on. And a rather surprising number of sliding glass doors in need of repair in our collective South ern California homes.

Enter Shy Hadan. Known as Dr. SlideDoor, Shy's father was in the business of selling sliding doors, but when he saw that there was no one to fix them,

he stepped in with a solution. “Usu ally people think they just have to be replaced, but that isn’t the case! We have a ton of experience with all kinds of doors, no matter how old, what material, or what brand.”

If hauling open your sliding door requires Herculean strength, it’s likely you’re experiencing rollers with dirt and dust buildup so they don’t roll the way they used to. Over the years, it’s com mon for the rollers to wear to the point that you may actually be dragging the entire weight of the sliding door across the track, which causes even more damage and drag every time you do it.

Whether your door is modern or an cient, made of aluminum, vinyl or wood … all you have to do to “rem edy your rolling troubles” is schedule a free inspection. A tech will come out to see if the components can be fixed or replaced, and then...fix it. With over 25 years of industry expe rience, Dr. Slide-Door is the number one chosen sliding glass door repair service in Southern California. What sets them apart? Each member of Dr. Slide Door’s team arrives with every thing you’ll need on site.

“Your sliding door professional will replace the parts right down to the rollers, leaving your door feeling weightless and good as new. You’ll be amazed at how easily your door slides open and closed.”

With parts made in Germa ny, you can be assured that your “new” door could last another 20 years: plenty of time to tackle out the rest of your resolutions.

Dr. Slide-Door DrSlideDoor.com (888) 881-2007

AEP- It’s About Saving You $$

By Stephanie Frisch

Calling all existing Medicare Beneficiaries, are you looking to save some money on either your monthly premiums, your co-pays, your prescription drug co-pays or perhaps a trifecta and you get all three, then contact me to review your options.

The biggest way to save money is to see if a Medicare Advan tage plan would work for you. If it does work, you cancel your Medi care Supplement and Medicare Drug plan for 2022 because a Medicare Advantage plan gives you that type of coverage and financial protection from costly medical bills. These type of plans in Orange County typically have no premium. The savings can be life changing to some people, es pecially married couples over the age of 70. Medicare supplement plan premiums go up as you get older AND they can also have increases re lated to the cost of medical care for their members.

Most people on a “standalone” Medicare prescription drug plan don’t realize when their monthly pre mium increases in the new year be cause if they’re taking social security the premium is usually being directly deducted from their social security check. Many insurance companies have either increased their monthly RX plan premium or their annual de ductible or both! Have your prescrip tions changed since you first enrolled in your current Medicare Drug plan?

If they’re expensive medications (in the $40-$100 range when you fill them) then it’s time for a review. If you’re on several name brand medi cations, and you started taking them mid-year, chances are that you won’t hit the “donut hole” this year. But you certainly have a good chance of it next year so you need to make sure that you’re on the best plan in terms of co-pays and avoiding en tering the “donut hole aka coverage gap”. Attention Type one diabetics, there is now a Medicare Advantage plan that covers insulin at a $0 copay,

even through the coverage gap! No standalone drug plan does that.

Another way to save money is to com pare Medicare drug plan premiums for your standalone drug plan. Like I said earlier, many plans have been increasing their premiums year after year. Also, while AEP is NOT the time to change your Medicare supplement plan (The month of your birthday and 2 months following that month is, it’s called the “birthday rule”) it could be a time to get educated about what other carrier’s premiums are for the Medicare supplement plan that you’re on. Medicare Supplement plans are all standardized by the gov

ernment. A Plan F, Plan G or Plan N, for example, are all the same, no matter what insurance company you use. However, some insurance carri ers have upped their game, adding additional benefits such as routine vision and hearing, acupuncture and more to their Medicare supplement plan for a more “value added” expe rience. The additional premium for these extra benefits are minimal.

The Medicare annual enrollment pe riod (aka AEP) ends December 7th, if you’d like to schedule a no cost Medicare options review contact me soon, my calendar is filling up!

Stephanie Frisch is the owner of Insurance 101 and is an independent insurance broker dedicated to helping oth ers 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.

only regret is that our loved one didn’t move in earlier.”

Teresa, loved one of a Serra Sol resident

When Teresa needed a memory care community for her loved one, Serra Sol Memory Care in San Juan Capistrano was her choice.

“The caregivers were attentive and kind and the leadership team was helpful, accommodating and assisted us with short notice. The community was clean without being sterile, and the meals were delicious. We were even able to bring in our golden retriever for visits!”

CARLISLE

Segestrom

600

Mesa • 8 pm

As the lead singer of the Go-Go’s, Belinda Carlisle has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame along with her other bandmates and has had an incredible ca reer that spans over four decades.

scfta.org

600 Anton

Costa Mesa • 8

The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra makes its first Orange County appearance in 14 years under the baton of its new Music Di rector Lahav Shani.

scfta.org

AEP- It’s About Saving you Money

Calling all existing Medicare Beneficiaries, are you look ing to save some money on either your monthly premi ums, your co-pays, or your prescription drug co-pays? Then the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is the time for you to make a change to your current plan. All chang es made during this time (10/15 – 12/7) go into effect 1/1/23. The biggest way to save money is to see if a Medicare Advan tage plan would work for you. If it does meet your needs, then you cancel your Medicare Supplement and Medicare Drug plan for 2023 because the Medicare Advantage plan gives you that type of coverage and financial protection from medical bills. You’re no longer paying a premium for Medicare Supplement or a Medicare RX plan if you decide to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. These plans in Orange County typically have no or low premiums and are both HMO’s and PPO’s.

Regarding a “standalone” Medicare RX plan, some plans used to not have a name brand drug deductible and now they do. Have your prescriptions changed since you enrolled in your current Medicare RX plan? If they’re expensive medications (in the $40-$100 range when you refill them) then it’s time for a review. (FYI, Type 1 diabetics: there are Medicare Advan tage plans that cover insulin at a $0 co-pay now, for the entire year!) The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (also known as AEP) ends December 7th, if you’d like to schedule a no cost Medicare options review contact me soon, my calendar is filling up!

Orange Hill Restaurant

PRIME STEAKS, PRIMO VIEWS AND AN UNPARALLELED WEEKEND BRUNCH

By Jody Robinson

Thelast time I visited Orange Hill Restaurant was pre-pandemic for a friend’s bon voyage party. Though I am certain that the menu has changed here and there since that time, the quality of its culinary offerings, absolutely breathtaking views and stellar service have not changed one iota.

Perched on the hills of Orange Coun ty, the restaurant offers panoramic views of Catalina Island, downtown Los Angeles, Disneyland’s nightly pyrotechnic extravaganza and the gorgeous SoCal coastline. Pair the views with a glass of wine from the award-winning house list, or partake in a hand-crafted cocktail.

A contemporary California steak house, Orange Hill features aged butcher-cut steaks (including a new menu item - the Steak Progressive showcasing four different cuts of pre mium beef) and the freshest of sea food (think miso-marinated Chilean sea bass, coconut shrimp and lobster and shrimp risotto).

If you’re searching for a wonderful weekend brunch, this is where Or ange Hill truly shines. Start out with a bottomless mimosa mixed and

matched with your choice of unique flavor pairings - dragonfruit and wa termelon, fresh cucumber mint, lav ender-activated charcoal lemonade or pineapple jalapeno.

smoked bacon while the Hangover Hash is made from mouthwatering braised prime rib accompanied by roasted potatoes, poached egg and signature Hollandaise.

Love bennys? Orange Hill’s serves up several delicious signature benedicts - Classic, Crab Cake, Smoked Salm on and a trio of beef specialties: the Cape Grim Filet, Prime Zabuton and Dry-Aged Ribeye - all accompanied by Hollandaise, blistered tomatoes and my personal favorite ... chimich urri (an incredibly flavorful tradition al Argentine sauce made of finely chopped parsley, minced garlic and olive oil that I can literally consume by the spoonful).

Raw bar offerings include chilled oys ters on the half shell, salmon tartare (miso soy, citrus edamame smash, pickled Fresno peppers), Alaskan king crab legs and citrus poached shrimp cocktail.

A la carte entrees range from tradi tional favorites like fluffy thick-cut brioche French toast topped with cognac roasted golden apples and three-egg omelets. The “Brunchy Smash Burger” arrives as a cookedto-your-liking double patty with Ta basco aioli, fried egg and applewood

Whether you’re celebrating with friends, gathering with family or out for a romantic date night - come to relax, refresh, or reimagine - the pos sibilities here are lined up like the sights from the patio. All you have to do is drive up the Hill.

THE ORANGE HILL RESTAURANT 6410 E. Chapman Orange (714) 997-2910

TheOrangeHillRestaurant.com

Great Pianists Series

At Soka Performing Arts Center

Tickets available now!

Stephen Kovacevich

Berg, Beethoven & Schubert

Sun, Oct. 23 | 3:00PM

Vadym Kholodenko

Proko ev & Schubert

Sun, Oct. 30 | 3:00PM

Seong-Jin Cho

Händel, Brahms & Schumann

Fri, Dec. 9 | 8:00PM

Joyce Yang

Tchaikovsky, Rachmanino , Stravinsky & Messiaen

Sun, Mar. 19, 2023 | 3:00PM

Jean-Yves Thibaudet

Debussy

Sun, Apr. 2, 2023 | 3:00PM

www.soka.edu/pac tickets@soka.edu 949-480-4278

1 University Dr Aliso Viejo