South County Magazine October 2023

JON COLBURN

ReelTime Sight & Sound • Advertising partner since 2011

As a business here in South Orange County, we’re always looking at a variety of ways to market our business, our brand and the services we provide. It is always an amazing experience working with Jody and her team at Community Publications. They make the process extremely simple and easy for us to convey our message to our desired clientele. South County Magazine has been a great partner in growing our business and establishing ReelTime Sight & Sound in the community. We were recently featured on the front cover and it has been a tremendous success. We look forward continuing our marketing efforts with South County Magazine and growing our business in 2023 and beyond!

MIKE AND BEVERLY

SHEPHERD

Hammer & Nails | Men’s Grooming Shop • Advertising partner since 2018

We have had incredible results from advertising in Jody’s South County Magazine. By far the best ROI for our investment. Jody and her team consistently go the extra mile to support their sponsors and advertisers and has been an integral part of growing our HAMMER & NAILS business since we opened in 2018 in Laguna Niguel.

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!

Reenvisioning Vision with OrCam Technologies

By Jody Robinson

Reading has always been my favorite hobby. I learned early, and fell fast for books of all kinds. I’ll confess, until recently, I didn’t know much about assistive learning devices. But as an already vision-challenged person (I’ve been significantly nearsighted my entire life and a retinal detachment surgery 15 or so years ago lent itself to an even stronger lens prescription), I’m keenly interested in anything that might allow me to maintain one of my favorite pastimes well into my golden years.

OrCam Technologies’ offerings have earned multiple awards and distinctions, including topping TIME Magazine’s Best Inventions list in 2019 and 2021.

Founded just nine years before their first TIME accolades landed in print, Israeli innovators Professor Amnon Shashua and Ziv Aviram’s mission was to enrich their customer’s daily experience - beyond just lifting text off the page. Fresh from a background with Mobileye crafting collision avoidance systems and autonomous driving innovations, Mr. Aviram brought his technological expertise to the world of handheld and wearable devices.

with reading and learning differences,” says Lauren McCabe, Marketing Manager for OrCam in the United States. “OrCam’s devices help those with different challenges and conditions including macular degeneration, glaucoma, stargardt disease, optic neuropathy, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and dyslexia.”

The wearable MyEye allows users to instantly read text from any book and screen, seamlessly recognize faces of family and friends, accurately identify products and more. The device not only communicates information to users in real time. The newest in the lineup, the handheld OrCam Read 3 is an all-in-one solution for vision loss and reading difficulties.

“This technology is global, and it is opening the door to visual accessibility,” says Lauren. “We designed comprehensive tools that provide the right solution at the right time to enhance your experience.”

OrCam products can magnify text, transform text to speech, can translate, can zoom in on handwriting, change text by customizing contrast and background colors. OrCam can focus in on headlines or scan a recipe to see what ingredients to add to your shopping list.

Shashua and Aviram co-founded OrCam with the idea that we could harness AI-driven computer vision and machine learning to bring independence to people who are blind, those suffering from vision impairment, or even individuals who are struggling with learning differences. Not convinced? To schedule a consultation with a local representative reach out via the email provided. Sometimes, seeing is believing.

Advancement toward that end? OrCam Technologies’ MyEye - a wearable, voice-activated visual impairment solution and the all new OrCam Read 3, an all in one solution for low vision and visual impairments including reading difficulties related to age-related vision loss, mild to moderate low vision or reading fatigue. USORCAM@ORCAM.COM

“Inspired by Mobileye’s groundbreaking artificial vision technology that supports safer drivers, Shashua and Aviram co-founded OrCam with the idea that we can also harness AI-driven computer vision and machine learning to bring increased independence to people who are blind or visually impaired and those

The Best Communities Build the Finest Seniors

A look inside the hype of Reata Glen – voted best retirement community in Orange County.

The splash of water and rhythm of the freestyle stroke are like music to Jeanne Little’s ears.

This 86-year-old powerhouse of a swimmer is considered one of the best senior swimmers in the country. This year, she took home two first-place medals at the U.S. Masters Spring 2023 Nationals in Irvine in the 85 to 89-year-old age range.

“Swimming has been a big part of my life, and I don’t know what I would do without it,” Jeanne said.

Knowing that feeling of being the best, it’s only fitting Jeanne has chosen the best retirement option for her golden years: Reata Glen retirement community in San Juan Capistrano.

Don’t just take Jeanne’s word for it. The community is celebrating its third year in a row being named by the readers of The Orange County Register as the No. 1 retirement community in Orange County.

The Best in Senior Achievement

In front of a crowded room at Reata Glen, Jeanne stood presenting photos and memories of her more than 40 years of traveling the world as a competitive swimmer.

“I’ve been able to travel the world doing something I enjoy,” she said. “It was fun to look back at the memories and share them with my neighbors.”

Jeanne was selected to showcase these memories during the Women’s History Month presentation launched by a group of residents at the community.

Reata Glen is home to seniors from all over the world with diverse backgrounds and nationalities. From inventors to artists to women’s rights advocates, Reata Glen is proud to represent the best community culture and showcase residents’ past and present achievements.

“One of my favorite parts about living here is that there are so many fascinating Reata Glen residents,” Jeanne said. “We have multiple opportunities to learn from one another and hear each other’s stories. That’s important as you get older.”

Jeanne’s husband, Gary Findlay, who was a fighter pilot who attended TOPGUN, has also done many presentations at Reata Glen. The leadership team is always promoting resident feedback and options to enhance seniors’ mental and physical health.

We have multiple opportunities to learn from one another and hear each other’s stories. That’s important as you get older.

“This is the residents’ home, and they decide what they want to see and what events and activities they want to be a part of,” said Reata Glen Activities Director Jayne Austin. “We currently offer more than 200 activities and amenities for residents to enjoy. Their schedules are as full or as laid-back as they want them to be.”

The 60-acre campus provides a maintenance-free lifestyle for residents and includes a movie theater, performing arts theatre, a fitness center and spa, an open-air pool, multiple dining venues, billiards and card rooms, gardening areas, pickleball courts, and walking and cycling trails with access to San Juan Creek Trail, leading directly to Doheny State Beach.

The Best for Peace of Mind for Your Future

Jeanne and Gary moved into the Rancho Mission Viejo community almost three years ago. The decision became easier following conversations with their family. Reata Glen’s location and the financial predictability of the community’s long-term care costs were top of mind for the couple.

By choosing a Life Plan Community like Reata Glen, they know they have access to a full continuum of quality care at the adjacent health center, The Orchards. They have priority access to assisted living, memory care and long-term care in a skilled nursing center available if they ever need it.

“We feel peace of mind knowing our families won’t have to scramble for solutions if the need ever arises,” said Jeanne. “The move can feel daunting at first, but I feel comfortable knowing we made it now rather than waiting until something happened and the decision was made for us.”

Experience the Best for Yourself

Jeanne is still training for her next competition in several local meets.

“I plan to continue swimming for as long as possible,” she proudly states.

Reata Glen has given residents like Jeanne the opportunity to worry less and expect the best out of their retirement nest egg that they worked so hard to enjoy. Reata Glen offers a wide variety of floor plans to accommodate layout preferences and bring financial predictability and simple living to the lifestyle so many retirees desire.

Come experience the best senior living in Orange County by scheduling a complimentary tour, and meet the residents, like Jeanne, who call the community home. Visit reataglen.com or call 1-949-779-6925 today.

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DISCOVER WHO WE ARE & FIND OUT IF WE CAN BE OF SERVICE

Prescott Tax & Wealth Management was formed over 26 years ago to focus on the needs of individuals who want and deserve a more comprehensive approach to their financial affairs. As a multi-generational firm, we believe our family office approach can provide you with the holistic financial service you deserve.

As with everything in life, nothing is constant. Our interests, goals and needs are perpetually evolving, and the number of complexities continue to grow whether we like it or not. As many of you know, the financial services landscape has changed tremendously over the past few years. People are searching for trusted teams that will advise them and their families in all areas of their financial life.

In this article, we shed light on a few examples of who we serve best, highlighting our commitment to Business Owners, 55+ Year Olds seeking consolidated financial services, High Net Worth Individuals with complex tax, financial, and estate planning needs, Divorcees and Widowed Individuals, Successor Trustees, and People with Real Estate holdings.

Business Owners: Navigating Financial Waters

In today’s environment, business owners face a dynamic landscape. Tax laws are constantly changing and are hard to keep up to date on. Our onestop shop approach offers business owners the ability to let us handle the least favorite tasks, which tend to be tax and compliance, and let you focus on what you do best: running your business. For our business owner clients, we prepare their individual and business tax returns, which allows us to maximize tax planning recommendations, advise on retirement plans (i.e., 401(k), defined benefit plan), complete the monthly bookkeeping, and handle any group health insurance needs. The benefit of using this consolidated approach is that we not only provide the recommendation but service and monitor it. For example, if we recommended a Single 401(k), we coordinate the establishment of your 401(k) plan, set up the account, and advise on the investments/plan.

55+ Year Olds: Simplifying Financial Lives

In your golden years, simplicity is key. At Prescott Tax & Wealth Management, we offer consolidated financial services, including tax preparation, financial planning, investment management, estate planning, and more with the goal of helping you get organized and start seriously planning for retirement. A common theme we see among this crowd is that they have various accounts, investments, or policies spread across many organizations that aren’t a part of a coordinated plan. We also see couples where one partner handles the finances and the other is out of the loop, which leaves

their family vulnerable if something were to happen to that person. Our customized approach allows us to help you eliminate the uncertainty of not knowing when you’ll retire, provides individuals and/or families with direction in these key working years, and certainty that you will have a team to help you if anything were to happen.

High Net Worth Individuals: Tailored Solutions

For those with substantial wealth, we specialize in addressing intricate financial, tax, and estate planning needs. We work closely with you to create a customized strategy that preserves and grows your wealth while minimizing tax liabilities. We utilize complex estate planning strategies (i.e., Charitable Remainder Trusts), to ensure that your legacy is preserved, and your beneficiaries maximize their inheritance. Additionally, we provide our high-net-worth clients with access to alternative investment opportunities outside of our traditional investment management services through our Broker Dealer, Independent Financial Group.

Divorcees & Widowed Individuals: Crafting a Fresh Start

Life transitions, especially divorce and death, can be daunting. Our team specializes in providing financial clarity during such times in the hope of giving you the freedom to control your life going forward. We start off by ensuring that your financial life is organized. We use financial planning software to create a dynamic net worth statement so that you know where everything is and then create a comprehensive financial plan customized to your new lifestyle. Our goal is to help provide direction and comfort in knowing that things are in a good place or heading in that direction.

Successor Trustees: Guiding Trust Management

Let’s be honest. No one or thing in life prepares you to be a parent and/or a successor trustee. The role of a successor trustee requires an understanding of tax, investments, and financial planning. Fortunately, our team is uniquely positioned to handle all these areas. We ensure a seamless transition, meticulous compliance with legal requirements, and efficient distribution to beneficiaries, so that you uphold your fiduciary responsibilities, avoid paying unnecessary taxes to our “friend,” Uncle Sam, and most importantly help avoid family conflicts.

Individuals with Real Estate Holdings: Maximizing Returns

Managing real estate can be profitable but challenging. Whether you’re an investor or a personal property owner, our team can help you make sure that you are properly titling your real estate holdings, maximize tax deductions and assist with tax planning when you decide to sell (i.e., 1031 exchanges, Qualified Opportunity Zones). As an added perk, we can also assist with the bookkeeping and property management for select locations.

If you or anyone you know fits this profile, we would love to chat and have the opportunity to become your trusted partner.

By: Jose Juarez, medicare education specialist, MemorialCare

SHOULD YOU SUPPLEMENT YOUR TRADITIONAL MEDICARE?

Most Seniors Answer this with a resounding “yes”— here’s why

Each year, Medicare’s Annual Election Period (AEP) is October 15 through December 7. This is the timeframe that I encourage anyone on a Medicare plan to do a plan comparison so you can decide if it’s beneficial for you to change your Medicare plan based on your needs for the upcoming year.

Medicare consists of four parts:

• Part A

Partial coverage for inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing care, hospice and home care.

• Part B

Partial coverage for doctor visits, surgery, lab tests, medical equipment and preventive exams.

• Part C Medicare Advantage, which is offered by private insurance companies that provides the benefits of Parts A and B, often including Part D.

• Part D

Help with prescription drug costs not covered by original Medicare.

The important thing to keep in mind, is those enrolled in Medicare are only getting partial coverage. I tell anyone that is planning on a joint replacement surgery, any other planned hospitalization, or has a chronic condition that requires daily medication to look at Medicare Advantage to supplement their coverage.

Medicare Advantage has a proven track record of reducing costs and improving care as an effective public-private partnership between health insurers and the government — at a fair price and with extended benefits. According to Better Medicare Alliance’s State of Medicare Advantage July 2022 report, enrollment more than doubled between 2011 and 2021.

Medicare Advantage offerings include:

• No monthly premium other than Part B premium.

• Maximum out of pocket expenses under $1,000 for many plans.

• Part D prescription drug plan included at no additional cost.

• $0 co-pays for primary care physicians and specialist visits.

• Some offer a significant discount on hospital inpatient stay.

• Some offer a significant discount on outpatient procedures, including imaging studies.

• Some offer basic dental, hearing, and vision benefits at no additional cost.

• Some offer free transportation for medical appointments.

• Free gym membership included.

• Quarterly over-the-counter benefits (such as allergy medicine, band-aids, sunscreen, etc.).

Healthcare is complex and as we age we need it more than ever. MemorialCare is committed to finding you the best plan at the lowest cost that will meet yo ur needs.

MemorialCare’s Medicare Education Specialists, such as myself, can help you enroll directly into the program, and help educate you on what combination of plans would best suit your needs. Please call me directly at 714-640-7158 or email jjuarez2@memorialcare.org.

OrCam Read 3

New all-in-one low vision solution

OrCam Read 3 is an all-in-one solution for people with vision loss or reading difficulties. It can be used as a next-generation magnifier for pictures, handwriting, math formulas, and text, as a handheld reading companion, or as a stationary reader.

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Handheld Reading Companion

Use as handheld assistant to read printed or digital text from any surface, at home or on the go

Next-Generation Magnifier

Turn any screen into a customizable browser-based magnifier

Stand Alone Reader

Easily enjoy hands free reading by placing the device on the included stand.

Schedule Your Free Demonstration near you! USORCAM@ORCAM.COM

How Can I Tell If I Have Skin Cancer?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Healing Hearts

EMERGENCY ANIMAL HOSPITAL

By Jody Robinson

It’s about giving veterinary care to animals like you’d give pediatric care to children in your community - with grace, and love, and an incredible amount of passion. James Herriot’s example was set long ago

through the tales of extraordinary and ordinary circumstance, but the level of service, specialization, and care lives on in clinics like Healing Hearts Emergency Animal Hospital in Laguna Hills.

Since opening its doors last August, the team of compassionate professionals here have provided the highest level of emergency medicine to dogs, cats, avian patients and even most exotics. Dr. Berschauer, the CEO and founding veterinarian behind Healing Hearts, strives to put together the best option for treatment for each patient on an individual level.

“We do this by working with each pet owner to determine what the optimal plan looks like for the care of your beloved pet,” says Stephanie Yun, office

manager. “With a fully equipped ICU, advanced monitoring systems, oxygen cage, full in-house lab, we’re ready to handle almost any emergency.”

In the rare instance that your pet needs treatment outside of Healing Hearts’ capabilities, they’ll help you coordinate the transfer and care to an outside facility. “We’re not kind or compassionate within our four walls alone - the nature of community is that it exists beyond our front door and we’re willing to go to any lengths to ensure your pet’s needs are met, wherever they end up.”

Dr. Berschauer and his staff’s warmth and dedication to caring for our furry (and sometimes not so furry) family members truly sets them apart. Each came from a different medical field, but their love of animals brought them to where they are today. Ensuring that we can bring back the “oldschool feel” of veterinary medicine “where your animal is assessed and treated from head-to-toe with stateof-the-art equipment” comes first. For all creatures, great and small.

In writing this editorial, I recalled a friend once asking me to explain the premise of a book called “All Creatures Great and Small.”

Dr. Berschauer

Lalani has a wide range of talents. She specializes in and loves to do weddings. She prides herself on making her clients look perfect on that special occasion. Lalani’s extensive list of services include Facials, Waxing, Colors, Cuts, Exensions,

Unlocking the Mind with Ketamine: A NEW APPROACH TO MENTAL HEALTH CARE

By Tanya Dall, MD and Justin Yanuck, MD

While this approach has provided relief for many, it often falls short in offering a comprehensive solution. Enter ketamine, a groundbreaking treatment that challenges this status quo. This article explores the limitations of the conventional model and highlights how ketamine offers a paradigm shift in mental health treatment.

The Symptom-Centric Approach: A Double-Edged Sword

Traditional psychiatric treatments, often involving daily medications, primarily target symptoms. While this method can provide necessary relief, it frequently overlooks the underlying complexities of mental health conditions. By zeroing in on symptom management, we risk missing crucial opportunities for more profound, sustainable healing.

Ketamine’s Unique Mechanism: Addressing the Source

Unlike conventional treatments, ketamine takes a fundamentally different approach to mental health. Its rapidacting antidepressant effects stem from its modulation of the glutamate system, a neurotransmitter associated with learning, memory, and mood regulation. By influencing synaptic plasticity, ketamine has the potential to forge new neural pathways, potentially tackling the root causes of mental health disorders.

Breaking the Chains of Treatment-Resistance

For individuals who have found little solace in standard treatments, a

sense of hopelessness can pervade. Ketamine therapy represents a lifeline for those with treatment-resistant conditions, offering relief in a matter of hours. By circumventing the limitations of traditional medications, ketamine offers an alternative trajectory to recovery for those ensnared in the cycle of ineffectual treatments.

Embracing Simplicity: Reducing Polypharmacy

Many individuals with mental health conditions find themselves on multiple medications, each targeting different symptoms. This polypharmacy approach can lead to a host of potential complications, including drug interactions and increased risk of side effects. Ketamine’s unique mechanism of action opens the door to a more streamlined treatment approach, potentially reducing the need for a complex medication regimen.

Resilience Against Tolerance and Dependency

One of the persistent challenges with traditional antidepressants is the risk of developing tolerance or dependency over time. In contrast, ketamine has shown a lower likelihood of these issues. Studies suggest that ketamine’s unique mechanism of action minimizes the risk of tolerance, making it a promising option for long-term treatment.

A Tailored Path to Healing

One of the strengths of ketamine therapy lies in its adaptability. Dosing and administration methods can be tailored to suit the unique needs of each patient, allowing for a personal-

ized approach to treatment. This customization not only increases the likelihood of a positive response but also minimizes the risk of adverse effects.

Conclusion: A New Dawn for Mental Health Treatment

The traditional psychiatric model, while valuable, is not the only path to mental wellness. Ketamine therapy represents a transformative option for individuals seeking relief from the burdens of mental health disorders. By reevaluating our approach to treatment, we open new doors to healing, offering a more holistic and empowering path towards mental well-being. As we continue to explore the potential of ketamine and other innovative treatments, we move closer to a future where comprehensive, patient-centered care is the standard, not the exception.

If you are interested in learning more, visit our website at renewketamineinfusion.com and feel free to book a free consultation with one of our Medical Doctors.

Dr. Justin Yanuck, Board Certified Emergency Medicine Physician and Board Certified Pain Medicine Physician and Dr. Tanya Dall, Board Certified Emergency Medicine Physician

For decades, the traditional psychiatric model has centered on managing symptoms rather than addressing the root causes of mental health disorders.

Performance & Professionalism: Dr. Slide-Door

By Jody Robinson

Several times a year my husband and I resolve to embark on a litany of long overdue home improvement endeavors. Clean out the garage. Pare down our closets of ill-fitting clothing. Fix broken things. Like many fellow homeowners, the latter often leads down a rabbit hole of deferred maintenance projects.

Acommon refrain among our friend group? Countless home appliances 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 Southern 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. “Usually 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 common 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 ancient, made of aluminum, vinyl or wood … all you have to do to “remedy 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 experience, 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 everything 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 Germany, you can be assured that your “new” door could last another 20 years: plenty of time to tackle out the rest of your resolutions.

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.

ichael 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, respectively, they started the San Juan Capistrano-based Cefali & Cefali, APC in July of 2019 and have been fighting for the little guy ever since. From setting clients up with top-tier doctors and specialists, to negotiating stellar 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, aggressive, and most importantly, honest - 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 determine the value of your injuries, your suffering,” says Michael. “We’ll fight for every last penny because we know that you deserve it.” Clients appreciate the work that the Cefalis do. In fact, as of the date of this publication, you won’t find a single negative review of their firm anywhere on the internet.

Client Jamie shares, “I am so grateful 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

had my best interest in mind! Not only is he a good lawyer but he is a good person which made a world of difference 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 husband 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 recommended Michael Cefali. From the beginning, he lived up to his core values of integrity, loyalty, and vigorous advocacy. Michael is a dedicated, friendly, and competent attorney who seamlessly represented our interests and ensured 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 tirelessly 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 Michael 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 adversary, 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 community 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 Mammal Foundation, and Project Coyote. Michael is a member of the San Juan Capistrano Rotary Club and has been recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow.

The Cefali team’s ethics, constant communication (every client is given Michael’s personal cell phone for easy accessibility), 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?

“Dr. J” Southern California Family Dentistry

By Jody Robinson

Idon’t really read studies. I’m not a search-Google-for-the-numbers person. But I can tell you one thing as a person who experiences anxiety about dental work, it can be difficult to weight out my desire for continued ‘A’ grades from my bi-annual checkups with the fact that there are a great many dental procedures that seem overwhelming and risky. That’s why it’s so important to find the right dental professional with whom to build a long-term dental healthcare relationship.

Oral health is more than just a pretty smile and comprehensive care encompassing different practice areas can be challenging to find under one roof – a hallmark that distinguishes Southern California Family Dentistry (SCFD) from others in the industry.

With almost 30 years of experience in dentistry, Dr. J and his team of highly skilled dentists, hygienists, assistants, and office managers take a patient-centric approach to providing

exceptional general, cosmetic, and restorative dental care for patients of all ages.

A member of the American Dental Association (ADA) and an associate fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), Dr. J holds a doctorate from the University of Southern California (USC) and completed his dental residency at the Medical College of Georgia. He took over an existing dental practice in 2006 that has now been serving the local community for over 50 years and is among only 5% of all dentists to carry the license needed to provide IV conscious sedation with his own laboratory on site to ensure 100% control over case outcomes.

He and his team stay abreast of advancements in the field – both in terms of technology and continuing education. State-of-the-art dental technologies - diagnostic x-rays, CT scans and intraoral cameras - provide accurate and efficient diagnosis.

Maybe it’s because I’m getting older, but I’m paying a bit more attention to information on dental implants and “teeth in a day” procedures than I have in the past. So many questions come to mind. How do you know if you’re a good candidate? Is the procedure really done in just one day? What are the benefits of dental implants versus dentures? How long do they last?

Because implant surgery is extremely technique-sensitive, an inexperienced dentist may not fully comprehend certain aspects until he or she gains the necessary skills that comes with time and repeated practice. Having placed dental implants for over 20 years and the placement of 20 to 30 dental implants per month (versus three to five in a year like some providers), Dr. J’s practice checks my first box: Experience.

In terms of dentures vs. dental implants, Dr. J says removable dentures do not feel like real teeth because “they rest on top of the gums” so the majority of people who wear dentures must restrict their food intake. According to studies, complete dentures are only 20% as effective as natural teeth. “With dental implants, biting is significantly more effective, diminishing the potential for gastrointestinal issues.”

“The best scenario is for the dentist who will be making the teeth to decide where the implant will be placed so that a single person is accountable for the entire procedure from start to finish,” says Dr. J. This is what we do here at SCFD - the same dentist who places the implant(s) is also in charge of restoring the implant.

Dr. J adds that “the obvious benefit of dental implants is never having to go without teeth and completing the procedures in less time ensures you preserve the surrounding bone.” Anchored to it, these fittings are the final step in a process which begins with a dental consultation, diagnostic work up, x-rays, and extraction of any

remaining teeth. What used to take weeks however, can now be streamlined into a single appointment.

“Dental implants are extremely safe,” he says. “They have been around for

decades now and there have been no issues with biocompatibility or rejections due to allergic reactions. The only thing unsafe about implants is inexperience.

“Missing teeth can directly and indirectly contribute to many health problems. Patients with many missing teeth or no teeth, show poor dietary habits and nutritional intake, increased risk of hypertension, coronary artery diseases and osteoporosis. There’s also the obvious esthetic benefit of not being without teeth. However, having a healthy mouth and a full set of teeth is the greatest benefit that implants offer.”

There are a few questions that come from outlining that process - from a pain perspective, and also a practicality. When can I eat normally again? Will it be uncomfortable or irritating? Can I resume normal activities right away? The healing process typically takes about three to six months and primarily depends on the individual patient’s health and the quality of the bone that the implant is placed in.

“Dental implants can last just as long as natural teeth,” says Dr. J. “What

we do in implant dentistry is replace hopeless teeth, so if you take care of your implants the same way as your original teeth (that you lost), the results cannot be expected to be any better. However, if implants are taken care of properly, they can last as long as (if not longer than) teeth.”

The boxes all check. Not only for a regular dental cleaning and checkups, but for long-term healthcare that you can truly build at the top of the body and work your way down. Whether you need a routine cleaning or a more complex procedure such as dental implants, you

can trust that you are in the best of hands at Southern California Family Dentistry.

“Oral health impacts the whole body - and when we can get you smiling, we’re well on our way to restoring a critical piece of that puzzle.” I’d imagine there’s at least a single study to prove that out. Don’t take my word for it though, give Dr. J a call and see what might get you into (or back into!) the dentist’s chair.

H. Jahangiri, DDS

OCT 3 ABC

OC'S PREMIER CONCERT VENUE

TICKETS + RESERVATIONS: (949) 496-8930

OCTOBER

OCT 5 GEOFF TATE'S BIG ROCK SHOW HITS

OCT 6 BULLETBOYS WITH SPECIAL GUESTS XYZ

OCT 7 RONDSTADT REVIVAL - Linda Rondstadt Tribute

OCT 8 LOUIE CRUZ BELTRAN

OCT 12 CRYSTAL BOWERSOX

OCT 13 DESPERADO

OCT 14 DESPERADO

OCT 15 JOURNEYMAN - A Tribute to Eric Clapman

OCT 18 FUNNIEST HOUSEWIVES "THE LAST SHOW"

OCT 19 PAT TRAVERS BAND

OCT 20 ORIANTHI

OCT 21 PAT BOONE

OCT 22 MIKE PETERS PRESENTS THE ALARM ACOUSTIC

OCT 25 CHRISTOPHER CROSS

OCT 27 PIANO MEN: GENERATIONS

OCT 28 ALO WITH SPECIAL GUEST SHIRA ELIAS

OCT 29 MARTIN SEXTON

OCT 31 OINGO BOINGO FORMER MEMBERS

NOVEMBER

NOV 1 RIDERS IN THE SKY

NOV 2 ZEBRA

NOV 3 LED ZEPAGAIN

NOV 4 LED ZEPAGAIN

NOV 5 BEN OTTEWELL AND IAN BALL (OF GOMEZ)

NOV 8 RODNEY CROWELL - THE CHICAGO SESSIONS TOUR

NOV 9 YOUNG DUBLINERS

NOV 10 WHICH ONE'S PINK?

NOV 11 WHICH ONE'S PINK?

NOV 12 WISHBONE ASH

NOV 15 LEONID AND FRIENDS (Performing the Music of Chicago)

NOV 16 LEONID AND FRIENDS (Performing the Music of Chicago)

NOV 17 FOGHAT - ALBUM RELEASE PARTY

NOV 18 ABBAFAB

NOV 19 COCO MONTOYA

NOV 22 QRST - QUEEN, RUSH, STYX TRIBUTE

NOV 24 JUMPING JACK FLASH

NOV 25 BUFFETT BEACH - TRIBUTE TO JIMMY BUFFETT

NOV 26 ARETHA - STARRING CHARITY LOCKHART

NOV 30 THE MUSICAL BOX

33157 Camino Capistrano | San Juan Capistrano

 coachhouseconcerthall  @coach_house

www.TheCoachHouse.com

OCTOBER 12TH

CRYSTAL BOWERSOX

Crystal Bowersox, a northwest Ohio native currently calling Nashville home, has built her life around music. Crystal’s love for music developed at an early age from a need to find peace in a chaotic world. Through art and creation, Crystal was able to direct her energy and emotion, finding a way to mend a mind in turmoil. For her, music was always the most effective form of catharsis, and she would play for anyone, anywhere. In her own words, “my guitar was an appendage. I couldn’t live without it.”

OCTOBER 21ST

PAT BOONE

Pat Boone, 88, was a teen idol who shot to stardom via an early national talent show. Right now, Boone – the #10 all-time top recording artist, according to music industry bible, Billboard – is the Lion in Winter, five decades of recording history behind him and a busy future ahead.

OCTOBER 28TH

ALO WITH SPECIAL GUEST SHIRA ELIAS

ALO is a lot of things. Put simply, it’s a rock band, a family, an artistic outlet, a community, a business. But that only scratches the surface of this 30-year musical vision-quest.

NOVEMBER 5TH

BEN OTTEWELL & IAN BALL

Ben Ottewell and Ian Ball of Gomez will come together for an intimate run of duo performances. Ottewell and Ball’s first release with Gomez, the 1998 break out Bring

It On, launched a spectacular career punctuated with the distinguished Mercury Prize, multiple platinum selling records and legions of devoted fans spanning three continents. The duo’s performances will draw from Gomez fan-favorites and highlights from their respective solo projects.

 33157 Camino Capistrano | San Juan Capistrano

 www.TheCoachHouse.com

(949) 496-8930

10/19 PAT TRAVERS BAND

10/29 MARTIN SEXTON 11/1 RIDERS IN THE SKY 11/12 WISHBONE ASH

10/22 MIKE PETERS

10/20 ORIANTHI

Scallops with Ricotta

CHEF SPECIAL DINNER

3 CO OR $29.95 PER PERSON*

7 DAYS A WEEK - 3:30PM TO 6:30PM

EF SPECIAL DINNER

STARTER

OURSE MEALS FOR $29.95 PER PERSON*

Carpaccio Di Manzo

AYS A WEEK - 3:30PM TO 6:30PM

Thin slices of filet mignon topped with capers, arugula, shaved parmesan and extra virgin olive oil.

STARTER

Carpaccio Di Manzo

Bruschetta Napoli

Fresh tomatoes, basil, balsamic vinegar & roasted garlic

hin slices of filet mignon topped with capers, arugula, shaved parmesan and xtra virgin olive oil

Bruschetta Napoli

Brio's Caesar Salad

esh tomatoes, basil, balsamic vinegar & asted garlic

Crispy hearts of romaine with our famous caesar dressing, seasoned roasted croutons, parmiggiano shavings, and fresh cut roma tomatoes

Brio's Caesar Salad

Soup of the Day

rispy hearts of romaine with our famous caesar dressing, seasoned roasted outons, parmiggiano shavings, and fresh cut roma tomatoes

oup of the Day

MAIN COURSE

MAIN COURSE

ilet of Sole

Pan Seared, Jumbo capers, fresh parsley, a delicate meyer lemon chardonnay butter sauce

Pan Seared, Jumbo capers, fresh parsley, a delicate meyer lemon chardonnay butter sauce

Paul's Spagetti

Filet of Sole Paul's Spagetti

House-made large meatballs slow cooked in our famous bolognese sauce over spaghetti al dente

Lasagna Nonna Cira

House-made large meatballs slow cooked in our famous bolognese sauce over spaghetti al dente

Lasagna Nonna Cira

Fresh Layered, Bolognese Sauce, ricotta, parmiggiano reggiano, melted mozzarella cheese

Pollo Al Vino Bianco

Pan Seared chicken breast, meyers lemon, fresh sage, pinot grigio reduction.

Fresh Layered, Bolognese Sauce, ricotta, parmiggiano reggiano, melted mozzarella cheese

Pollo Al Vino Bianco

DESSERT

Pan Seared chicken breast, meyers lemon, fresh sage, pinot grigio reduction.

Cannoli De Napoli

DESSERT

Chocolate-Rimmed Pastery Shell filled with sweetened ricotta cream, and chocolate chips

iramisu

Cannoli De Napoli

ayers of Espresso drenched lady fingers parated by mascarpone cream and dusted ith cocoa powder

Chocolate-Rimmed Pastery Shell filled with sweetened ricotta cream, and chocolate chips

Tiramisu

*Served 7 Days a week, 3:30-6:30pm, Dine in Only, Not Valid with any other offers. Does not apply for party greater than 8.

Layers of Espresso drenched lady fingers separated by mascarpone cream and dusted with cocoa powder

(949) 443-1476

24050 Camino Del Avion • Dana Point

*Served 7 Days a week, 3:30-6:30pm, Dine in Only, Not Valid with any other offers. Does not apply for party greater than 8.

www.briorestaurant.com

CELEBRATES its 20th Anniversary

September marked a major milestone as we celebrated our 20th year producing our group of Orange County-based community publications.

This journey would not have been possible without the support of our wonderful advertising partners, many of whom took a chance on our fledgling publication(s) when opening their own businesses or growing their operations.

I am particularly humbled by those have continually participated since the inception of each of our titles - some of whom have been a partner for over a decade or longer, including ReelTime Sight and Sound in San Juan Capistrano.

Owners Skip Myers and Jon Colburn graciously opened the doors to their beautiful showroom to host our soiree. They went above and beyond - decorating the event with a gorgeous balloon display and hired a professional piano player to further elevate the ambiance.

As I reflect on the past two decades, I am forever grateful for the strength of the relationships and wealth of friendships fostered with so many local business owners, professionals, community leaders and readers - your presence has been an integral part of our story and success.

Ain't Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations is the electrifying, new smash-hit Broadway musical that follows The Temptations’ extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. With their signature dance moves and silky-smooth harmonies, they rose to the top of the charts creating an amazing 42 Top Ten hits with 14 reaching number one.

Nominated for 12 Tony® Awards and the winner of the 2019 Tony Award for Best Choreography, Ain't Too Proud tells the thrilling story of brotherhood, family, loyalty, and betrayal, as the group's personal and political conflicts threatened to tear them apart during a decade of civil unrest in America.

Written by three-time Obie Award winner Dominique Morisseau, directed by two-time Tony Award winner Des McAnuff (Jersey Boys), and featuring the Tony-winning choreography of Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys, On Your Feet!), the unforgettable story of this legendary quintet is set to the beat of the group’s treasured hits, including “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” “Get Ready,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” and so many more. For info: scfta.org

Ask a SOMM

By Jody Robinson

Q Should I pay attention to wine ratings? What do they mean?

A At the end of the day all wine ratings really are are opinions and scores from people who drink and know a lot about wine.

So if you need some help picking out a wine from a region you know nothing about, then sure, take a look at an online magazine and see what some of the ratings say. Generally, 88-90 points and higher mean the wine is going to be good. But once you get to the high 90’s you’re likely going to be paying a lot more for them, mainly because they have the high rating.

But I can let you in on a little secret, many amazing producers out there don’t even get their wines rated! The best way to find these is to look for wines with high ratings, remember the areas they come from, and then look for other producers in the same areas. You can often find killer wines for a fraction of the price when doing it this way. Another secret… this is exactly the way Somm’s Stash wines are made ��

Q How long do wines stay good after opening?

A This is an easy one, but still important. In general, wines will still be good for a day or two after you open them, but will start to degrade a bit from the moment you open them. Usually by day three you’ll notice the wines aren’t as good as they were when first opened, and by days four and beyond the wines just don’t taste right.

A little hint to get an extra day or two out of opened red wine is to seal the bottle with a cork or rubber stopper and store the half empty bottle in the fridge! The low temp in the fridge helps slow the degradation process. Just let the wine slowly warm up in a glass when you want one, cupping your hands around the glass will speed this up a bit.

Q What are sulfites and are they bad?

A We’ve all heard it… “Do you have any wines without sulfites? They give me headaches.” This is when the som-

melier mentally puts his or her palm to their face.

In the recent social-media-driven years, the word “sulfites” has become the new bad word in wine. But why? When did we become so focused on this one component in wine, treating it like a poison? It’s mentioned with an almost villainous undertone now, like some evil wizard is adding it to wine when no one is looking.

In reality, sulfites have been a known part of wine making for a thousand years. They are harmless to almost everyone and occur naturally in all wines. Yes… I said naturally in all wines. Sulfites occur as part of the fermentation process, a natural byproduct of yeast metabolism during the conversion of sugar to alcohol. They are completely harmless to over 99% of all people.

In fact, the human body produces sulfites, a whole bunch of it, there’s already about 10 times more sulfites in you on a daily basis than a bottle of wine.

The thought of sulfites being a synthetic chemical added to wine is just a misguided fear. Winemakers might add additional small quantities near the end of fermentation to halt the process, but that’s the natural way to do it, like turning on the lights at the end of a dance party.

It’s also added during bottling as an antioxidant to help prevent spoilage. But, they only use what is needed to complete those stages, usually using amounts far within acceptable boundaries.

Sulfites do two things really well: they bond with oxygen molecules, keeping the wine from oxidizing into vinegar, and they push bacteria out of the wine to keep it from spoiling. Sulfites are like bouncers at the door of a bar, keeping the bad people out without ruining the party.

A good sommelier is a helper, a guide to finding the best wine for your food and experience. For this month’s installment, we again approached South County-based sommelier Micah Sampson to address a few frequently asked questions.

Sommelier Micah Sampson

South Coast Shutter and Shades

Operating honestly and with integrity has served as the foundation for the continued success of the Laguna Niguel-based South Coast Shutter and Shades for over 32 years. Owners Tom and Donna Schuster launched their own company after realizing that “on our own we would be able to offer quality products in an honest environment to our customers, as well as servicing the products we sell.”

Specializing in custom shutters, blinds (mini, faux, wood, vertical), cellular shades, woven woods, plantation and security shutters and everything in between, Tom and Donna offer free in-home consultations for design as well as measuring, they always include free professional installation and prefer to bring all of the samples to each client’s home to go over the assorted styles and many color options to suit each home’s interior and its homeowner’s unique lifestyle.

“We listen to you and then incorporate your ideas with ours to design your custom shutters, blinds or shades,” says Tom. “Our portfolios and samples are very extensive, so you will be able to envision how your windows are going to look when complete."

Tom and Donna, credit their success to date to the quality of customer service they and their team give their customers, which in turn creates a wonderful repeat and referral business. “Although there may be providers of similar products, there is no one that can match our superior customer service – from showing up on time, making precise measurements and flawless installations - and with a professional ‘can do’ attitude,” says Donna.

Tom adds that “our pricing with unbeatable discounts, sales support and the fact that we offer our customers an in-house design team at no additional charge is the first step in setting us apart from our competition. I am proud to say that we have built a reputation in the business for having the highest quality, best beauty, fit and finish and value available. All of our products come with a lifetime warranty.”

A 5-Star Yelp rated company, South Coast Shutter and Shades boasts scores of glowing testimonials online, including Debora R of Laguna Niguel who writes "Donna and Tom are amazing! Great products, great prices, great service.I've used them twice for two different businesses and I could not be happier. Donna makes suggestions based on what I tell her

my needs are and she has been spot on with her recommendations. Installations by Tom are quick and easy. Highly recommended!"

Another reviewer, Doug W. of Mission Viejo posted that "From the first call, I knew I was dealing with a reputable, experienced, HONEST company. Donna and Tom are absolute PROS and obviously take pride in their work … Their price was very competitive. Also, what they quote is what you pay - keep that in mind when talking to the "other guys" whose price seems to go up and up. All appointments including install were FAST. The installation was flawless. I had a question later that evening about my motorized shades and they called me back IMMEDIATELY. My impression is that I could call them 5 or 10 years from now and they would just as helpful."

Pets of the Month

Perry is a one and a half year old Jindo who is ready for a new start. Initially brought to the shelter as a frightened pup, Perry has finally blossomed into a sweet and loving dog. Fun-loving and full of playful energy, he loves making friends with all of the other shelter dogs. Perry is looking for a home with dog savvy adults and maybe a canine pal or two.

Smokey the cat is a born entertainer. A very playful one year old, he delights in wowing visitors with his feline acrobatics. He loves any and all toys and gets along with likeminded cats. Smokey would do well in a lively household where he can frolic and play to his heart’s content.

PAWS on the GO

Four month old Pippa is surely one of sweetest kittens you are likely to meet. Playful and affectionate, she loves to meet new people. She gets along with the other kittens and wouldn’t mind a feline friend or two. With a sweetheart like Pippa, you can’t go wrong.

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.

IVAN HO, DDS DICOI, FAAID, AACD Implants • Cosmetic Dentist

“As a doctor myself, extensive knowledge and expertise is important. Dr Ho is truly an expert!” Steve H., Doctor

“I’ve been searching for a dentist with honesty and compassion, I found Dr Ho through a co-worker and refer all my friends and family to him.” Angela P., School Teacher

“Dr Ho and his team treats me with respect and values my feelings and opinions by involving me with my treatments. Also loves all his latest technologies.” Chris P., Attorney

It’s Okay to Be Different

October 14 + 15, 2023

With his signature blend of playfulness and sensitivity, New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Todd Parr explores important and timely subjects.

In this new production, Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia brings three of his storybooks to life. It’s Okay to Be Different cleverly delivers the important messages of acceptance, understanding, and self-confidence. Equally whimsical and heartfelt, The Earth Book, is a sweet homage to our

Samueli Theater CLUB FEATURES

beautiful planet inspiring readers of all ages to do their part to keep the Earth happy and healthy.

This is My Hair is a funny exploration of how silly hair can be and that no

matter how your hair looks, always feel good about yourself. This production features a diverse cast and an innovative approach to puppetry manipulation and construction, combined with playful original music. For info, visit scfta.org

BENEFITS OF FENCING

Fencing is a NCAA sport. Our fencers are constantly recruited by the Ivy League schools and the top colleges in the country. Fencers are at least 10 x more likely to play in college than all mainstream sports Fencing develops confidence, quick thinking and decision making while being physically challenging

World renowned Olympic coaches with proven records of success State-of-the-art facilities

Programs for all ages and skill levels, competitive and recreational Group classes and private lessons

Birthday parties and corporate events

Nutcracker for Kids

December 2nd, 2023 Segerstrom Hall

Overview

Visions of sugarplums will dance in your heads after seeing Tchaikovsky’s delightful Christmas ballet performed in a condensed version created just for kids! This favorite concert finishes with a visit from Santa and our annual holiday sing-along.

Artists

Jacob Sustaita, conductor Festival Ballet Theatre—Salwa Rizkalla, artistic director Pacific Symphony

Program

Tchaikovsky: Selections from The Nutcracker

Presented by Farmers & Merchants Bank, Pacific Symphony’s Family Musical Mornings concerts are designed for kids ages 5-11.

Lobby Activities:

Enjoy pre- or post-concert fun with special activities for kids in the concert hall lobbies related to the theme of the concert, including a coloring station, craft station, photo backdrop, and S.T.E.A.M. station. Activities start at 9 a.m. for 10 a.m. concertgoers, and 12:15 p.m. for 11:30 a.m. concertgoers. For info: scfta.org

Connected: Parenting Tips to Help Strengthen Your Relationship with Your Child

School

important to make sure we spend five times as much time in positive connection.

There are times when it is appropriate to be your child’s friend, but, for the most part, they need you to be the authority. They will feel “loved and connected” by feeling “safe” in your care.

3. SHARE YOUR DAILY WORLD. As appropriate, bring your child into your world, remembering that you are “raising adults.” If possible, occasionally take them to your work and/or give them grown-up responsibilities that connect them to your world.

4. PARTICIPATE IN THEIR ACTIVITIES AND PLAY. Rather than watching your child play at the playground, join in the fun. Discover/cultivate fun activities that you can enjoy with your child. The goal should be to have a common hobby, something you enjoy doing together.

Positive relationships between you and your child are built on quality time together. Time when you get to know about each other’s experiences, thoughts, feelings, and changing interests.

Quality time can happen anytime and anywhere, in the middle of ordinary days and situations. It can be a shared laugh when you’re bathing your toddler or a good conversation in the car with your teenager. These moments give you the chance to communicate positive messages with smiles, laughter, eye contact, hugs, and that special one-on-one interaction.

Researchers remind us that we need five positive interactions to every negative interaction to keep any relationship healthy. And since we spend so much time guiding -- aka correcting, reminding, and suggesting -- it’s

Given that parenting is the toughest job on earth -- and we live in a world with incessant demands on our time and attention, after being separated all day -- the only way to keep a strong bond with our children is to build in daily habits of connection. Here are five examples that won’t add time to your day yet does add connection. Simple, and incredibly powerful, these can help heal the distractions and disconnections of everyday life and using them daily can change everything.

1. LISTEN TO YOUR CHILDREN. Really listen — especially when it is your child who initiated the conversation. Extend conversations by saying, “tell me more,” or asking follow-up questions. Give your full attention to your conversations with your child by putting down your cell phone when conversing or during family-time activities.

2. DON’T BE AFRAID TO “PARENT.” Children and adolescents of all ages need strong guidance and limits.

5. REMEMBER, A CHILD’S PATH TO ADULTHOOD IS SELDOM LINEAR. Children and adolescents will regularly advance, then regress, then advance again in their development. They seldom advance to developmental milestones on time or without detours or bumps in the road. During these cycles, they will necessarily want more autonomy or perhaps need more structure. Learning to “read” your child is an acquired skill, yet it is definitely worth cultivating.

Although there’s no set formula for getting your parent-child relationship right, when we make it a priority and do the things that make children feel loved, we create an upward parenting spiral. When children feel loved, they feel happy and are more positive, more cooperative, more loving, and more lovable. And when we build on warm, loving, and responsive interactions most of the time, your child will feel loved, secured, and connected

If you are interested in learning more about Stratford School, or scheduling a personalized tour, visit us online at www.stratfordschools.com/tours

“Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring, integrity, and love, they think of you!”

– H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

By Jeanne Huybrechts, Chief Academic Officer – Stratford

CSS The Barre NOW

The Barre at CSS, Orange County's premier ballet school, directed by Ballerina Miss April Sayin.

At The Barre, we proudly embrace the renowned RAD Ballet program to deliver comprehensive ballet education. Our mission is to create a community where dancers of diverse backgrounds can flourish, gaining a solid foundation in classical ballet technique while developing creativity, discipline, and self-confidence that will extend far beyond the studio walls.

Saturday, October 7th 8 am - 10 am Int Found

10 am - 10:45 am Toddlers & Tutus Age 3+ 11 am - 11:55 am Pre-Ballet Ages 4 + 5

12 pm - 12:55 pm Primary Ballet Ages 6-9 1 pm - 2 pm Pre-Elementary

The ResortCatamaran and Spa

San Diego’s Premier Tropical Oasis

BY JODY ROBINSON

Now that fall is in full swing, our family’s vacation schedule is now wholly centered around school breaks: minimum days, Thanksgiving, Christmas. Luckily, sunny San Diego is the perfect place for a family escape any time of year. When most of the country is cooling off rather drastically during leaf-peeping season, San Diego is just ramping up for the most beautiful time of the year. Soft, golden light. Moderate ocean temperatures. Gorgeous highs in the low 70’s – the ideal clime for recreation and relaxation for all abilities and ages: indoor or outdoor.

One of our favorite destinations for a SoCal stay-cation? The Catamaran Resort in Mission Bay. The Polynesianthemed property (think an ambiance defined by swaying palm trees, lush vegetation, tiki torches, koi ponds, waterfalls) is a stone’s throw from a variety of area attractions including theme parks (SeaWorld, Legoland and Sesame Place), the San Diego

Zoo, USS Midway, Old Town and the Gaslamp District. But for our part, our family prefers to stay on site the entire weekend away. Guests can enjoy a vast array of fun-filled fall activities and events from hula lessons and lei making to outdoor movie nights, festive Oktoberfest and Halloween cruises, and more. Plus, The Catamaran devotes the entire month of October to free offerings just for kids (details to follow).

Each of the resort’s 310 beautifully appointed suites, studios and hotel rooms reflect the upscale coastal lifestyle that is synonymous with Southern California –each with its own balcony or patio with breathtaking views of Mission Bay, the Pacific Beach neighborhood and coastline or the property’s gorgeous tropical gardens.

For this trip, we opted to stay in the newly renovated Gardenia Suite. The coastal decor and color palette of our spacious accommodation had the feel of bringing the beautiful panorama outside indoors. Bonus! A

Bahia Belle

Oceana Coastal Kitchen

Action Sport Rentals

private lanai afforded our family a front row experience of a live Polynesian musical performance and easy access to the arcade where our teens happily dominated their parents (particularly their mother) in air hockey, shooting hoops, auto racing and shooting games (all complimentary play).

Destination Dining

The open-air eatery at the water’s edge, Oceana Coastal Kitchen dishes up equal parts inventive, seafoodcentric California cuisine and sweeping waterfront views. Guests can opt to dine indoors or select a table on the terrace, but either way you’ll be hard pressed to think of a more perfect pairing: delicious culinary creations against such a beautiful backdrop.

The menu highlights the purity and flavor of California local produce and a commitment to sustainable ingredients in both its culinary offerings and the regional wines and brews to enhance your meal. While the menu focuses on oceaninspired fare (which is great for me as the “seafoodie” in our family) and I was delighted to discover my favorite appetizer was still on the menu: the Hamachi crudo which arrives as fresh sliced hamachi, white miso, microcilantro and jalapeno. There are plenty of choices for my meat-and-potatoes husband as well, including a grilled to perfection flat iron steak accompanied by crushed fingerling potato, charred broccolini and macadamia nut chimichurri.

Kid Stuff

The Catamaran rolls out the welcome mat for children aged 12 and under during Kids Free San Diego Month in October. All month long, October 1-31, kids eat, play, and ride (aboard the historic Bahia Belle sternwheeler sightseeing cruise on Mission Bay) for free. Hotel guests who dine at Oceana Coastal Kitchen – the resort’s signature oceanfront dining destination

- can enjoy a complimentary kid’s meal for each paid adult entrée. Additionally, Action Sport Rentals (actionsportrentals.com) offers kids a free stand-up paddleboard or kayak rental with the purchase of one adult one-hour or longer rental. With two onsite locations (one right at the Catamaran pier), it couldn’t be easier to explore the scenic environs by bike, boat (power and sail) and board.

A poolside Keiki Klub (Kids Club) occurs Saturdays and Sunday from 1-3 p.m., featuring complimentary interactive Hawaiian-inspired arts and crafts activities – and every Saturday at 1 p.m., an electrifying Traditions of Polynesia show featuring drummers, hula dancers, and a torch lighting carries on the island vibe.

Get up close and personal with Bianchi, a vibrant blue and gold macaw known for his animal impressions, and five other captivating parrots during the popular bird show – a real-life, outdoor enchanted tiki room. Shows take place daily at 3 p.m. (except on Sundays and Wednesdays) outside the lobby.

Life. Organized.

By Jody Robinson

Classy Closets’ unique, custom solutions for the home and office can instantly double or even triple your storage space.

Closet organization is something of an oxymoron at my house. Same goes for my home office. I actually do know where everything is in the stacks of paper that perpetually reside atop my desk, but good luck having anyone else make rhyme or reason of my filing “system.”

I’m clearly a candidate for the handiwork of a company like Classy Closets – if it’s a matter of function or simply

a desire to have your mess aesthetically addressed, Classy Closets will customize your work/life space with made-toorder cabinetry and organization systems for your home office, garage, bedroom, laundry room, pantry, media centers, wallbeds and more.

Think you can’t afford to bring in the professionals? Classy Closets, which has served all of Orange County and

San Diego since 2003, offers organization options for virtually every budget – from basic white melanine to solid wood cabinetry.

“Nothing we do is cookie cutter,” says Company CFO Gary Pavitt. “Although Classy Closets is a franchise, we’re not governed by the rules that typically dictate processes of typical franchise operations – particularly with regard to the materials and mounting systems we use. What works in terms of style and function at a home in Tucson, for instance, wouldn’t necessarily translate to a house in Huntington Beach. So we have the freedom to customize our work to our client’s specific needs and desires.”

Another differentiator is that Gary and his team manufacture their products right here in Southern California, which affords them the ability to offer their clients a broader range of product options at a level of quality that is “second to none.” And because they are “hands-on” from design consultation to manufacture and installation, Gary and his staff pride themselves on providing unparalleled customer service.

“What’s really fun is having the ability to create the products in-house,” says Gary. “I really enjoy introducing new ways to make things better, bringing in new products and keeping up with the latest trends in the industry. We go out of our way to keep our customers satisfied … that’s what makes it all worthwhile. As in any business, your customers are golden and we’ve been very fortunate that a large percentage of our business is in referrals.”

Repeat customers Marta and Mike Fowler of San Diego say that Classy

Closets is a “dream company - one that not only delivers beautiful craftsmanship, but also that elusive quality of excellent service. Every good cliché regarding their work applies.”

“This is our second home that Classy Closets has refined to meet all our storage needs, from closets to garage, from bathroom storage to entertainment center. And they never try to oversell, giving honest recommendations for products, charging fair prices within reach,” says Marta. “Their creative solutions and impeccable workmanship combine to make functional pieces we love living with. We have only one warning: Classy Closets is addictive, and you will find yourself wanting to spread the good news.”

In a letter to Gary’s business partner Kate Monaghan, Carlsbad-based Interior Designer Karen Wirrig echoes the Fowler’s sentiment and adds that “my new master closet is beautiful and your attention to detail is evident. I also want to commend your installation crew. They were on time, tidy, polite, and did excellent work … I will wholeheartedly recommend your company to all my clients. It has been a pleasure to work with you all.”

AEP- It’s About Saving you Money

Calling all existing Medicare Beneficiaries, are you looking to save some money on either your monthly premiums, 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 changes made during this time (10/15 – 12/7) go into effect 1/1/24.

The biggest way to save money is to see if a Medicare Advantage plan would work for you. If it does meet your needs, then you cancel your Medicare Supplement and Medicare Drug plan for 2024 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 use 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 or higher when you refill them) then it’s time for a review

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 already filling up!

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.

yan “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.

Serving South County since 1973

High Quality • Best Prices in OC

Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC)

A Q & A with Kristy Fleming, MD, Double Board-Certified in Dermatology and Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery

The unfortunate pass ing of singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett has raised many questions about Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC):

What is MCC?

Beautiful, natural looking appearance

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

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

No matter what the causecancer, chemotherapy, alopecia, female pattern baldness or thinning hair ... Our goal is to help you look and feel your best!

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Merkel cell carcinoma is an extremely aggressive form of skin cancer derived from cells associated with nerve cells responsible for signaling touch sensation. At the time of presentation, approximately 30% of these cancers have already metastasized. Fortunately, MCC is very rare with an estimated incidence of 1 case per 2 in a million per year; 40 times rarer than melanoma.

What causes MCC?

MCC is believed to be induced by sun exposure since 90% of cases occur on sun-exposed sites, 50% on the head and neck, and 40% on the extremities.

What is my risk for developing MCC?

In addition to sun exposure, immunosuppression (a weakened immune system) by organ transplantation, leukemia, and HIV infection substantially increase the risk for MCC. Also, men outnumber women by more than 2:1. Also, 95% of cases occur in persons over 50 years of age, with the average age being 69 years.

How do I know if I have MCC?

MCC presents as a painless, firm bump that is red-to-purple in color. They are frequently mistaken for a pimple, an infected hair follicle, or even a stye.

What should I do if I think I have MCC?

If you have a spot you are concerned about, it is best to be evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist as soon as possible. While MCC is dangerous, it can be treatable when found at an early stage.

Have questions? Please visit Fleming Dermatology and Aesthetic Center at 23141 Moulton Parkway, Suite 110 in Laguna Hills, call (949) 916-5956 or visit FlemingDerm.com

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 Advantage plan would work for you. If it does work, you cancel your Medicare Supplement and Medicare Drug plan for 2024 because a Medicare Advantage plan gives you that type of coverage and financial protection from costly medical bills. These types of plans in Orange County typically have little to no premium. The savings can be life changing to some people, especially married couples over the age of 70. Medicare supplement plan premiums go up as you get older AND they can also have premium increases related to the cost of medical care for their enrollees.

Most people on a “standalone” Medicare prescription drug plan don’t realize when their monthly premium increases in the new year because if they’re taking social security the premium is usually being directly deducted from their social security check. Many insurance companies have increases in their monthly RX plan premium or their annual deductible or both! Have your prescriptions 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 medications, 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 happening next year so make sure that you’re on the best plan in terms of co-pays and entering the “donut hole aka coverage gap”.

Also, while AEP is NOT the time to change your Medicare supplement plan (The months around your birthday month are, 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 government. A Plan F, Plan G or Plan N, for example, are all the same, no matter what insurance company you use. However, some insurance carriers 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” experience. The additional premium for these extra benefits are minimal.

The Medicare Annual Enrollment period (aka AEP) ends December 7th, if you’d like to schedule a no cost Medicare options review contact me soon, my calendar is already filling up.

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.