Living Retired, Living Inspired .
Join us for OneOC's
2nd Annual Senior Symposium
Join Chef Bill Bracken Founder of Bracken’s Kitchen for a LIVE “healthy eating” demonstration, as well as other incredible guest speakers for a series educational seminars!
This unique blend of discussions and collaborative ideas will be the premiere event to connect retirees and active adults 50+ with their local communities and volunteer opportunities.
This inspiring and FREE EVENT, gives attendees the opportunity to meet community leaders, local nonprofits as well as engage in educational seminars focusing on Aging with Purpose, Health & Wellness, Intergenerational Respect, Lifelong Learning and more! Register by July 18th & Enter to Win our Grand Raffle Prize A Newport Beach Getaway (hotel, dinner, show and more)!
July 21, 2016 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
TESTIMONIALS
“Our firm is pleased to be a contributor to Sorbet Magazine, which we believe to be a beneficial resource to the senior community. We have been long-time contributors in several other publications the Sorbert’s editor has created and they have always been a pleasure to participate in (Orange Magazine, HB Magazine, Newport Mesa Magazine, South County Magazine, Marmalade Magazine). As estate planning attorneys, we serve the senior community and look forward to meeting many of Sorbet’s readers.”
- Genene Dunn, The Law Offices of Donald A. Hunsberger
“I have been advertising with Community Publications consistently since the launch of South County Magazine several years ago. The primary reason for this continued investment is the results we get in terms of brand awareness, lead generation, and sales. Another good reason is Community Publications’ outstanding customer service and their sincere desire to contribute their advertiser’s success. My advice is to try them. I’m sure it will be worth it.”
- C. Lawrence “Larry” Thomas, Long-term Care Insurance - Insurance 101
“When I was asked if I wanted to be included in Sorbet, I had no hesitation. Working with Jody Robinson over the past few years, I knew she would create another professional, easy to read, and informative magazine that would appeal to seniors. I felt Sorbet would be the perfect fit for me to be able to inform seniors regarding Sleep Apnea treatment alternatives.”
- Scott E. West, D.D.S.
“Since I began contributing to Sorbet magazine, lots of people have commented to me about my articles and about all the great information in Sorbet in general. From the feedback I have received, I know Sorbet is making a definite impact with Orange County seniors. I have received calls from people looking to sell and wanting to know more about the value of their home so there has been a positive impact on my business from my involvement with Sorbet. The magazine has been a great boost to my real estate marketing efforts and to the OC senior population as well. I look forward to sharing more articles in future issues and helping more seniors with their real estate needs.”
- Bruce Ballantine, Evergreen Realty
Mission Viejo Wigs
“Simply put, advertising in the magazines produced by Community Publications works. My participation has resulted in new customers and the process couldn’t have been easier. Not only did they offer design services at no charge, they created a great ad without needing much input from me because they took the time to really understand my business. The resulting ad does a great job of getting my ‘message’ out - I’m very pleased.”
- Betty Darroch, Mission Wigs
“I placed an ad in the community magazines produced by Community Publications to increase awareness of my product, but I had no idea the impact it would have! I’ve received great response and would definitely recommend these community publications to other local business owners.”
- Kathy Crifasi, HipzBag
A SoCal Senior Publication
JULY 2016
PUBLISHER
Community Publications, LLC.
EDITOR
Jody Robinson jody@sorbetsocal.com
ASSISTANT EDITORS
Janessa Rasmussen
Sara Watt
ADVERTISING INQUIRIES (714) 469-3495
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Marlo Andersen
Anthony Arcurio
Eric Bergstrom
Kathy Mitchell
Kim Roberson
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Bruce Ballantine
Beverly Blake
Ann Laurence
Jessica Liu
Liva De Los Rios
Martin J. Lombrano
Tom Moffett
Tom Scott
C. Lawrence “Larry” Thomas
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Lana Farfan, Caught in the Moment Photography
Community Publications, LLC. P.O. Box 73188
San Clemente, CA 92673
CLEAR CHOICE HEARING AID CENTERS, INC.
Mike Vaziri Au.D.
• We Carry Most Brands like Oticon, Widex, Starkey, Phonak & more
• We accept most insurance and provide discounts to VA and AAA members. House Calls Available
• We work with all the major hearing aid manufacturers to assure you the right technology to fit your lifestyle and budget
Personal Sound Amplifiers vs. Hearing Aids
The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) suggests that it is important that consumers understand the differences between hearing aids and hearing amplifiers. Hearing aids are medical devices that are designed to help people who have a hearing impairment.
Personal Sound Amplification Products (PSAP’s), or hearing amplifiers, “increase environmental sounds for the non-hearing impaired.” A good example of this is when a hunter is listening for prey. You can find these hearing amplifiers (not hearing aids) in different stores or on the internet and they are sold as cheap as $19 up to $350 or more.
Eric Mann, M.D., Ph.D., Deputy Director of the FDA’s Division of Ophthalmic, Neurological and Ear, Nose and Throat Devices, says consumers should buy a personal sound amplifier only after ruling out hearing loss as a reason for getting one. “Choosing a PSAP as a substitute for a hearing aid can lead to more damage to your hearing. It can cause a delay in the diagnosis of a potentially treatable condition and can allow the condition to get worse and lead to other complications.”
If you suspect you might have hearing loss, Dr. Mike Vaziri recommends seeing a hearing specialist or audiologist in your area. At Clear Choice Hearing Aid Centers, we offer a free hearing evaluation and consultation. One of our hearing healthcare professionals will determine if you have hearing loss that can be treated with hearing aids and the correct selection of hearing aid for your hearing loss.
Part of this article appears on FDA’s Consumer Updates page, which features the latest on all FDA-regulated products. (www.fda.gov/ ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates). Date Posted: October 20, 2009. Hearing aids information from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). www. Nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/hearingaid.asp
7 REASONS WHY INFORMED INVESTORS CHOOSE FIDUCIARIES
By Pence Wealth Management and Martin J. Lombrano, AIF®, LPL Financial Advisor
Even the most ethical advisors are faced with the dilemma of balancing recommendations that meet your needs, while also being paid appropriately. If your advisor works for another company, he or she may not have the option of recommending the most appropriate product for your situation. Instead, advisors may only be able to offer the products of the company they work for.
COMMUNICATION
YOUR FIDUCIARY KEEPS YOU INFORMED.
Keeping you informed, as well as disclosing all important information associated with recommendations, helps minimize unwanted surprises, and helps to create the foundation for a healthy collaborative relationship.
CONFIDENCE
INDEPENDENCE
WHEN GIVING ADVICE, YOUR FIDUCIARY WORKS SOLELY FOR YOU.
Working as your fiduciary, your advisor is obligated not to engage in any self-dealing or other conflicts of interest. In fulfilling his or her obligations and duties to you, your fiduciary should perform required due diligence prior to making recommendations. Thus, acting in a proactive manner on your behalf.
EDUCATION
YOUR FIDUCIARY FOLLOWS A DUTY OF CARE.
Your fiduciary works for you, educating you on the different aspects of your financial plan and ensuring your understanding of how all the pieces fit together to create a sound plan. Your fiduciary promotes additional confidence in your financial future.
By keeping you informed of new recommendations, the impact of those recommendations, as well as disclosing all important information associated with those recommendations, a fiduciary helps remove unwanted surprises.
COMPETENCE
FIDUCIARIES ARE HELD TO HIGH STANDARDS WHEN MAKING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES.
In addition, prudent fiduciaries will often leverage subject matter experts by tapping an entire industry of knowledge, not just the offerings of one company. This seeks to ensure you receive advice and recommendations.
1 2 3 4
INTEGRITY
YOUR FIDUCIARY SHOULD PLACE YOUR NEEDS AND OBJECTIVES AT THE FOREFRONT OF ALL PLANNING DECISIONS.
The financial services industry is plagued with highcommission products, company incentives and production contests. Your fiduciary is obligated to provide honest advice, based solely on your situation, and not to be swayed by outside pressures.
COMPETENT FIDUCIARIES CAN IMPART GREATER CONFIDENCE!
However, imparting confidence is not enough to establish the fiduciary role. Only when that confidence is accepted by the client, is the fiduciary relationship established, causing dependence by the client and influence by the advisor.
Knowing that you have a fiduciary working for you should help provide confidence.
5 6 7
TRUST
YOUR FIDUCIARY’S DUTY TO YOU IS A HIGHLY SCRUTINIZED RELATIONSHIP IN THIS INDUSTRY.
Trust, once earned, is one of the highest honor any advisor can receive from a client. One of an advisor’s biggest challenges is telling his or her client what they need to hear... especially when the client does not want to hear it. Your fiduciary is committed to a code of ethics and has an obligation to give you straight answers, providing a strong foundation upon which to build trust.
Martin J. Lombrano, AIF®, is a LPL Financial Advisor and PERSONAL FINANCIAL PLANNERTM (PFP) with over 20 years of experience in the financial planning field. Martin has served as the owner and president of his own financial planning firm in Irvine. In 2007, he joined Pence Wealth Management and LPL Financial. Martin has extensive experience in insurance, charitable giving, asset management, retirement planning, as well as growth and preservation of retirement assets. He believes listening, trust, persistency and service are the foundation of lasting relationships and success. He can be reached by calling (949) 660- 8777 or email martinj.lombrano@lpl.com. www.PenceWealth.com CA Insurance License # 0828215.
Breathe Easier BY KEEPING YOUR ASTHMA UNDER CONTROL
With flowers in bloom, pollen released by plants and increased pollution; there are more irritants than ever in the air. This makes it hard for most people with asthma hard to breathe.
One way to help simply manage your asthma is to follow an action plan to help you to track your symptoms, ultimately keeping you or your child out of the doctor’s office or hospital.
According to a recent study from the University of Southern California, children with asthma who were exposed to higher concentrations of particles were more likely to develop bronchitis.
One of the best ways to keep your asthma under control is to avoid triggers, such as tobacco smoke, dust, molds, pests and seasonal allergens. If you know what triggered you or your child’s attack, write it in your action plan. Also, try to stay away from the trigger and tell your doctor.
Getting help right away when asthma gets worse can save a life. Doctors at CalOptima — California’s top-ranked health plan — recommend that you get follow-up care after an emergency room (ER) or hospital visit. Following are tips to help you to breathe easier:
• TAKE YOUR MEDICINE AS PRESCRIBED BY THE DOCTOR. Make sure to tell your regular doctor about any prescription or changes made by a hospital or ER doctors during your follow-up visit.
• KEEP AND USE AN ASTHMA DIARY: This can help you and your doctor track how your asthma changes over time. This can include asthma symptoms, medicine dosage and more.
• WARM UP BEFORE EXERCISE: Try not to exercise outside when it’s cold or when the pollen count is high. Also, keep your or your child’s inhaler handy just in case any symptoms flare up.
Don’t forget, no one knows your asthma better than you. Follow your action plan, and talk to your doctor about your symptoms. This will help prevent future unplanned doctor visits. The more you know, the better you will be at managing your family’s health.
CalOptima is a county organized health system, and provides publicly funded health care coverage for low-income children, adults, seniors and people with disabilities in Orange County. In total, CalOptima serves more than 780,000 members with a network of more than 7,500 primary care doctors and specialists, as well as 30 hospitals.
Imperio Nissan is dedicated to helping the residents of Laguna Woods.
*Oil changes and tire rotations only available to original owner at time of vehicle purchase from the Imperio Auto Group who must be current owner and present at time of vehicle service. Offer is non-transferrable with vehicle sale or transfer. Included oil change and tire rotations valid only for service intervals of 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Vehicles must be serviced at an Imperio Auto Group dealership, not valid anywhere else. Offer not valid on Nissan GTR, Titan or electric vehicle models.
Reverse Mortgage Solutions
AL W. HENSLING, PRESIDENT OF UNITED AMERICAN MORTGAGE CORPORATION ADDRESSES FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND CLEARS UP COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS
By Kristine Emerson
It is estimated that approximately two-thirds of Americans will receive more than 50% of their retirement income from Social Security.
But seniors who are concerned about the future of Social Security (or whether they will outlive their retirement savings), may want to look to their home equity as another possible source of income.
A reverse mortgage is a retirement asset that can be effectively utilized as part of a retirement income plan to support your retirement goals and needs - and help retirement-age homeowners “age in place.”
In the following interview, we asked Al W. Hensling, president of United American Mortgage Corporation, to address some of the more frequently asked questions and clear up common misconceptions regarding reverse mortgages:
Q: What is a reverse mortgage and how does it work?
A: A reverse mortgage is a special type of home loan that lets you convert a portion of the equity in your home into cash. The equity that you built up over years of making mortgage payments can be paid to you. However, unlike a traditional home equity loan or second mortgage, HECM borrowers do not have to repay the HECM loan until
the borrowers no longer use the home as their principal residence or fail to meet the obligations of the mortgage. You can also use a HECM to purchase a primary residence if you are able to use cash on hand to pay the difference between the HECM proceeds and the sales price plus closing costs for the property you are purchasing.
Q: If I take out a reverse mortgage, will the bank own my home?
A: No, you continue to own your home just the same as with a regular mortgage.
A reverse mortgage does not affect regular Social Security or Medicare benefits. However, if you are on Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), any reverse mortgage proceeds that you receive must be used immediately.
Q: What is the difference between a reverse mortgage and a home equity loan?
With a second mortgage, or a home equity line of credit, borrowers must make monthly payments on the principal and interest. A reverse mortgage is different, because it pays you – there are no monthly principal and interest payments. With a reverse mortgage, you are required to pay real estate taxes, utilities, and hazard and flood insurance premiums.
Q: Are there any special requirements to get a reverse mortgage?
A: To be eligible for a FHA HECM, the FHA requires that you be a homeowner 62 years of age or older, own your home outright, or have a low mortgage balance that can be paid off at closing with proceeds from the reverse loan, have the financial resources to pay ongoing property charges including taxes and insurance, and you must live in the home. You are also required to receive consumer information free or at very low cost from a HECM counselor prior to obtaining the loan. You can find a HECM counselor online or by phoning (800) 569-4287.
Q: Will I lose my government assistance (Social Security and Medicare) if I get a reverse mortgage?
A: A reverse mortgage does not affect regular Social Security or Medicare benefits. However, if you are on Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), any reverse mortgage proceeds that you receive must be used immediately. Funds that you retain count as an asset and
could impact eligibility. For example, if you receive $4,000 in a lump sum for home repairs and spend it all the same calendar month, everything is fine. Any residual funds remaining in your bank account the following month would count as an asset. If the total liquid resources (including other bank funds and savings bonds) exceed $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple, you would be ineligible for Medicaid. To be safe, you should contact the local area agency.
BENEFITS OF A REVERSE MORTGAGE
- No Loan Repayment Required As Long As You Live in Your Home
- Retain Full Ownership of Your Home
- Tax-Free Funds As Long As You Live in Your Home
- Loan is Insured By the Federal Government
- You Can Choose the Method to Receive Your Funds that Best Suits Your Needs
Q: How much money can I get and are there restrictions on how the proceeds may be used?
A: The amount of funds you are eligible to receive depends on your age (or the age of the youngest spouse when there is a couple), appraised home value, interest rates, and in the case of the government program, the FHA lending limit, which is currently $625,500. If your home is worth more, then the amount of funds you may be eligible for will be based on the $625,500 loan limit. In general, the older you are and the more valuable your home (and the less you owe on your home), the more money you can get.
During the first 12 months after closing, a borrower cannot access more than 60 percent of the available loan proceeds. In month thirteen, a borrower can access as much or as little of the remaining funds as he or she wishes.
There are exceptions to the 60 percent rule. If you have an existing mortgage, you may pay it off and take an additional 10 percent of the available funds, even if the total amount used exceeds 60 percent.
Al Hensling is President of United American Mortgage of Irvine. Connect with Al and his team by calling (800) 708-5626 x110 or by emailing him at alhensling@ uamco.com. Visit www. uamco.com to view their mortgage calculators to get a head-start. You can also apply online, get a custom quote and read more about the loan programs they offer. If you’ve never had a loan before, consider their handy ‘Loan Process’ tool. They take you step-by-step through what you can expect when applying for and receiving a loan.
Al W. Hensling, president
FRESH FARE AT THE FRONT DOOR: Bringing Dinner Home with DineInLagunaWoods
By Jody Robinson
In 1957, Walter Bregman completed a two year stint in Germany with the U.S. Army Signal Corps, and began his professional career stateside as a media research analyst with the Leo Burnett Company.
45 years later, Mr. Bregman concluded his professional career having been Worldwide President of International Playtex, Inc., Vice President of E & J Gallo Winery, Chairman and CEO of two different ad agencies and the Founder, President, and Owner of the Cormorant Beach Club. He authored Spray the Bear; Reminiscences from the Golden Age of Advertising, co-authored Seven Friends, Sixty Years Later and My Box of Chocolates, an Anecdotal Biography
A graduate of Harvard University, Mr. Bregman lived all over the world, consulting on numerous corporate boards, and lecturing on advertising and marketing. But roughly six years ago, his college sweetheart and wife of 59 years developed serious spinal scoliosis and stenosis, confining her to a wheelchair, and it became necessary for Walter to become her primary caregiver. Appointments with doctors, surgeons; shopping and meal preparation took the place of board meetings, lectures and consulting. Anyone who has had to care for a loved one knows the strain, and just one of the dilemmas that follow: do we go out for dinner or order take-out, or do I take time away from caring for my wife and plan out our meals, shop for the groceries, and make them myself?
As wives are wont to do, Walter’s wife came through with a solution she’d seen in the newspaper: DineInLaguna-
Woods, a service that delivers meals to the house five nights a week. Suddenly, Walter said, “with delicious and easy dinners arriving at the house, time with my wife compounded exponentially. For $10, we received a thermal bag between 4:00-6:00 pm, ready to eat or save for later. I have not only consumed them on the day they were delivered, consumed them two or three days after I put them in the fridge, but even a week or more after I put them in the freezer.”
Unfortunately, Walter’s wife passed away, but he continues to use DineInLagunaWoods regularly, finding it helps him alleviate the stress of planning, prepping and cooking. While visiting a friend recently at Laguna Woods (an adult community that celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2014), it occurred to Walter that the dining delivery service would be perfectly suited to the retirement community, where folks are often unwilling or unable to cook seven nights a week, and similarly, would prefer not to indulge in weeks worth of expensive dinners at restaurants. He approached the owner of DineInLagunaWoods and suggested a partnership. “After all, shopping in supermarkets is not really that simple or convenient”, Walter notes, “plus, the number of economical and convenient restaurants is limited.” So, starting August 1st, DineInLagunaWoods will be supplying meals to Laguna Woods five nights a week for $10 a meal or two for $16.
Stuffed-Peppers
Nutty Oven Fried Chicken Pineapple Sirloin Skewers
With a simple call to the DineInLagunaWoods operator, consumers can call in their orders for the day, week, or month and receive the selected meals at their homes. Each month, DineInLagunaWoods will publish a menu on their website and in Sorbet Magazine, listing the dinner that will be available each night. Entering the order via www.dineinlagunawoods.com or a call in service, 949588-2433 (which conveniently spells C-H-E-F, by the way), Walter says. “What I, and many others do, is to go through the monthly menu and select the meals we want to eat, not necessarily on the day we want to eat them. Even if I put a meal into the freezer, a week later, they continue to taste fresh and delicious.” Also we will be offering an introductory a special to the residents at Laguna Woods. All you have to do is order the first three weeks, and the fourth week is free: bringing the cost of each meal down to $7.50, with no delivery charge and no added tip. Which means, for the cost of a double double, fries and a Coke, you receive a healthy, delicious, ready-to-eat meal. Bon Appetit!
Wally Bregman can be reached directly by emailing commentstowally@aol.com For more information or to place an order, visit www.dineinlagunawoods.com or call (949) 588-2433 (CHEF).
ONE OF THE MOST TRYING TIMES IN OUR LIVES IS ADMITTING THAT YOU OR A LOVED ONE NEEDS CARE BEYOND YOUR CAPABILITIES, AND WHERE TO GO TO FIND THE HELP REQUIRED.
Transitioning from home to home does not need to be overwhelming. When considering a change, we are here to assist you every step of the way … without cost or obligation.
Turkey Tomato Stew
Seafood Pot Pie
COGNITIVE DECLINE
Those with untreated hearing loss experience
A 30–40% GREATER DECLINE in thinking abilities compared to those without hearing loss.
PEOPLE WITH MILD HEARING LOSS (25 dB ) ARE SAFETY/BALANCE
3 TIMES
more likely to have a history of falling. Every additional 10 decibels of hearing loss increases the chances of falling by 1.4
HYPERTENSION
THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT ASSOCIATION BETWEEN HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AND
Hypertension can be an accelerating factor of hearing loss in older adults.
OBESITY
HIGHER BODY MASS INDEX (BMI) AND LARGER WAIST CIRCUMFERENCE ARE ASSOCIATED WITH INCREASED RISK OF HEARING LOSS IN WOMEN.
OSTEOPOROSIS
TINNTUS 90%
OF PEOPLE WITH TINNITUS ALSO HAVE HEARING LOSS.
Tinnitus affects 1 in 5 people. Tinnitus can be caused by hearing loss, an ear injury, or a circulatory system disorder.
E YE HE ALTH
VISION HELPS YOU IDENTIFY WHERE A SOUND IS COMING FROM.
If you have vision and hearing loss, your ability to target sound location is compromised. The amplification from hearing aids helps compensate for the vision loss.
HE ART HE ALTH
THE INNER EAR IS EXTREMELY SENSITIVE TO BLOOD FLOW.
Studies show that a healthy cardiovascular system — a person’s heart, arteries, and veins — has a positive effect on hearing. Inadequate blood flow and trauma to the blood vessels of the inner ear can contribute to hearing loss.
HEALTH BETTER HEARING
HEALTH
SMOKING
CURRENT SMOKERS HAVE A 70% HIGHER RISK OF HAVING HEARING LOSS THAN NONSMOKERS.
DIABETES
HEARING LOSS IS TWICE AS COMMON IN PEOPLE WITH DIABETES COMPARED TO THOSE WITHOUT.
Adults whose blood glucose is higher than normal but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis, have a 30% higher rate of hearing loss compared to those with normal blood sugar.
OTOTOXICITY
THERE ARE MORE THAN 200 MEDICATIONS ON THE MARKET TODAY THAT ARE KNOWN TO CAUSE HEARING LOSS (TOXIC TO THE EARS).
The list of known ototoxic drugs includes:
• Aspirin
• Quinine
• Water pills
• Certain antibiotics
• Some anticancer drugs
• Some anesthetics
• Environmental chemicals like carbon monoxide, hexane and mercury
What is a Medicare Insurance “Broker”?
A Medicare Insurance Broker does not work directly for any one company/carrier and therefore can offer a number of different plans. ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL.
If you have worked with an Agent that didn’t offer to review your medications to verify the plan you are on is the best fit for you, they are probably not a Medicare Insurance Broker.
I’m frequently asked “what do I owe you for your time or how can I compensate you?” The answer is NOTHING. As an independent Agent/Broker, we do get paid from the Insurance Company per enrollment as we are Independent Licensed representatives. We get paid the same regardless of which plan you are enrolled with – completely unbiased. This does not increase the cost of your plan to you in any way.
EDUCATION IS KEY! Brokers must get certified with each of the plans every year to be able to confidently and legally show more than one option. This is a true dedication and commitment to the industry.
Look for a local Medicare Broker in your area, not an 800# with an out of state telesales staff. Find us in publications like these.
Clients love that we still make House Calls and are local… Here is a typical response after meeting with a new client….
“I never knew that I could have someone like you come to my home, offer various Medicare Plans in the area, do an analysis on my specific medications and keep the doctors I need. Wow, and at no cost! Thank you so much!!”
Denice Merrill
Orange County Local Sales Broker
Co-Owner Merrill Insurance Services, Inc.
Specializing in Medicare Plan Choices
Over 10 Years Experience 949-388-7332- Direct CA LIC# 0D99790
“See Something, Say Something” Applies to Elder Abuse Too
By C. Lawrence “Larry” Thomas
Tragically, the term “See Something, Say Something” and its call to action are focused these days on defending ourselves against acts of terrorism right here, where we live. But the concept the term expresses applies to other things against which we must defend ourselves, our friends, neighbors, and loved ones. One such thing is the growing problem of Elder Abuse.
Elder Abuse takes many forms. It can be physical, emotional, sexual, or financial and can include neglect, abandonment and criminal activities such as swindles and cons. Much elder abuse is a combination of several of these forms. The results can be devastating to the victim.
As a person ages, and becomes more physically frail and dependent on others, they are less likely to be able to defend themselves or even recognize that the abuse is occurring. Couple their increasing frailty with hearing loss, poor eyesight, and a loss of mental sharpness and vulnerability greatly increases. The abusers can be strangers, but it is more likely that they are friends or relatives of the abused elder. Some are professional criminals.
According to the National Center for Elder Abuse, “an estimated 1.2 million older Americans are victims of physical, psychological, or other forms of abuse and neglect. Those statistics may not tell the whole story. For every case of elder abuse and neglect that is reported to authorities, experts estimate that there may be as many as five cases that have not been reported. Recent research
suggests that elders who have been abused tend to die earlier than those who are not abused, even in the absence of chronic conditions or life threatening disease.”
Abuse can be somewhat minor looking or go unnoticed such as a caregiver raising their voice to control behavior or threatening to or actually withholding something the elder needs, or neglecting the elder by leaving them alone for long periods. Many times abuse occurs when the caregiver and elder are alone.
Many people who hear “elder abuse and neglect” think about older people living in nursing homes or about elderly relatives who live all alone and never have visitors. But elder abuse is not just a problem of older people living on the margins of our everyday life. Often it occurs in our midst, out in the open.
Financial abuse and exploitation is an example of a form of abuse that usually occurs in the presence of others.
An actual occurrence here in Orange County is a case in point. A very nice lady, let’s call her Mrs. Jones was a long-
time regular customer of a bank. The staff knew her well and she visited the bank often. Mr. Jones passed away over a year ago and Mrs. Jones was coping with the loss very well, her grief had subsided and her normal happy demeanor was reemerging.
Then on day she was accompanied to the bank by a man and a woman in their forties. She did her normal banking, nothing unusual, and introduced them as her new caregivers. The bank staff was concerned at first but there was no reason to assume wrongdoing. But as time went on the male half of the couple seemed to increase his control and eventually did most of the talking to the bank staff with Mrs. Jones simply agreeing. The bank staff got more suspicious when checks were processed, written to pay her usual bills, but the signature was slightly different. Then on day a very large check came through payable to the male caregiver and deposited into his account. The bank called Mrs. Jones who said it was a loan to him and told the bank to pay the check. She seemed tense, not herself. The bank contacted the Orange County Council on Aging elder abuse hotline and reported the incident. It turned out that the couple was attempting to gain title to Mrs. Jones’ assets, including her home and car. Luckily for Mrs. Jones, the couple was not far enough along to do much damage and disappeared. Mrs. Jones had no children but a niece was contacted who came to her rescue. Mrs. Jones sold her home and moved to a very nice independent living facility. She is still there and is very happy all because her bank’s staff saw something and said something.
Bankers, insurance professionals, stock brokers, and financial planners all receive continuing education training in elder abuse so that they can recognize the red flags that indicate the possibility of such abuse. “By increasing awareness among physicians, mental health professionals, home health care workers, and others who provide services to the elderly and family members, patterns of abuse or neglect can be broken, and both the abused person and the abuser can receive needed help,” says the National Center for Elder Abuse.
All of us can help by being observant and recognizing the signs that elder abuse might be present. A great deal of information is available at http://www.elder-abuseca.com/ index.html. If you see something, say something to Adult Protective Services (24-hour hotline) at (800) 451-5155.
C. Lawrence “Larry” Thomas began working with long-term care and Medicare programs in the mid-1980s. He is currently associated with Insurance 101 Services to provide long-term care solutions to seniors and those approaching. Larry can be reached at (949) 374-3316 or ltinsurance@me.com. CA Insurance License # 0C79256.
Low Cost Options for Helping You Age at Home
By Bruce Ballantine
Many seniors prefer to stay in their homes as long as possible. Of course your ability to do this depends on several factors, including the nature of the challenges you face in your current home. Major home renovations may be required, but there are also numerous inexpensive steps you can take to improve your living situation.
IMPROVEMENTS TO MAKE TO YOUR HOME SAFER
Flooring: carpeting is preferable to area rugs because it reduces tripping hazards and can cushion falls. But if area rugs are used, make sure they’re secured to the floor.
Handrails: on stairways, you can add a second handrail along the opposite wall for improved stability.
Footwear: to prevent falls, using non-slip shoes is preferable to slippers or socks.
Non-skid safety strips: adhered to the floor of a tub/ shower, non-skid strips are preferable to removable inshower bath mats.
Bathroom grab bars: ideally these should be anchored into the studs in the wall, but if that’s not possible opt for a safety rail clamped onto the side of the tub.
Quality stepladder: purchase a broad-based heavy-duty stepladder with a hand-hold bar across the top to safely reach items stored out of reach.
Lighting: whether it’s making a bathtub brighter or installing motion-activated night lights in the hallway and bathrooms, better lighting can help prevent falls and make hobbies, reading, etc. more enjoyable. Lighting improvements might be as simple as changing the bulbs (to higher wattages or to bulbs that mimic daylight instead of “yellow” soft lighting) or adding battery-operated units.
CONVENIENCE ITEMS TO MAKE STAYING AT HOME EASIER.
Hand shower: convert a standard fixed showerhead into a hand-held system with flexible hose.
Raised toilet seats: no need to buy a new toilet when a removable seat can be added to most standard toilets.
Mail catcher: mail delivered via a slot in the door may be easier to retrieve from a mail box, especially if a narrow basket is mounted below the door opening so the recipient doesn’t have to pick up mail off the floor.
Knobs: replace round door and/or faucet knobs with lever styles, which are easier to turn. Likewise, loop pulls can make drawers easier to open.
Eating: specially designed cups and eating utensils can minimize food spills, including weighted options that help counterbalance shake-prone hands.
Cooking utensils: lightweight and ergonomically designed utensils are readily available now, many offering non-slip handles and bright, attractive colors.
Keep things handy: move often-used items to easy-toaccess locations.
Eliminate excess “stuff”: having fewer items to store, sort, juggle, and handle can make aging in place an easier and more enjoyable proposition.
IMPORTANT: USE TRUSTED PROFESSIONALS FOR ADVICE AND WORK
Many items can be purchased at a local durable medical equipment (DME) store. When needing to have anything built, removed, or adapted in your home, always consult with a professional contractor. There are contractors who specialize in home adaptations for seniors. If unsure who to contact, please give me a call and I can provide a list of resources for you to call to get further information and help.
Bruce Ballantine is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist and Certified Senior Advisor, Realtor Associate with HomeSmart/Evergreen Realty. CalBRE #001783833. He can be reached at (949) 632-2923 or bruce.evergreen@cox.net
Mission Viejo Wigs
The Benefits of Diabetic Socks
By Livia De Los Rios
The primary purpose of diabetic socks is to keep your feet dry, decrease your risk for foot injury and avoid preventing or slowing blood circulation. The difference between diabetic socks and regular cotton socks is that they are usually are made of materials that wick away moisture, are fitted, padded and are non-binding.
Because people with diabetes are at higher risk of foot injuries and infection due to damage to their circulatory and nervous
systems caused by high blood sugar levels, they would benefit from wearing diabetic socks.
Nerve damage, or neuropathy, decreases sensation and increases risk of injury, particularly on the bottom of the feet and can also cause people with diabetes to be unaware of an injury and delay treatment. Circulatory problems also make it harder for wounds to heal.
For these reasons and more, proper foot care is critically important for people with diabetes and diabetic socks are designed with these specific issues in mind.
Livia De Los Rios is president and CEO of Allied Medical Supply located at 424 S. Main St., Suite M in Orange. She can be reached by calling (714) 935-9200 or visit www.AlliedMedical.net
CARE TIPS
• Look at and touch your feet everyday
• Keep your feet clean and dry
• Cut or file toenails with the shape of the toe, smoothing all sharp edges
• Moisturize dry skin with a lotion
• Avoid injury to the feet. Have corns, calluses or ingrown toenails treated by a professional
• Wear well-fitting, soft leather or fabric shoes
• Check shoes daily for cracks, pebbles, or other things that might damage your feet
• Get your blood glucose under control
• Wear well-fitting socks, without a thick toe seam, made of material that wicks moisture away from skin
Be aware of:
• Changes in skin color or temperature
• Swelling in the foot or ankle
• Pain in the legs
• Open sores on the feet that are slow to heal
• Ingrown toenails or toenails infected with fungus
• Corns/calluses/ bunions
• Dry cracks in the skin, especially around the heel
If you have a foot problem that is slow to go away or continues to get worse, contact a healthcare professional immediately.
* Get back to your tennis game or yoga, social time with friends and family!
* Get rid of messy pads!
The summer season is in full swing and so are the parties! Maintain your Hostess with the Mostess title with this Chalkboard Party Tray. It’s the perfect way to serve up goodies at your next gathering!
DIY Chalkboard Serving Tray
WHAT YOU NEED:
• Wood board (we bought a 10’ piece of 2x10 at Home Depot & had it cut into 4 pieces @ 2.5’ each)
• Wood stain
• Large foam brush
• Rag or paper towels
• Chalkboard spray paint
• Painter’s tape
• Finishing spray (we used Satin finish)
• Sand paper (or electric sander if available)
• Gorilla Glue Gel
• Drawer pulls
Steps:
1. Sand the board until smooth.
2. Using foam brush, wipe 1 coat of stain onto board. After 5-10 minutes, wipe clean with rag or paper towels.
3. Once dry, sand the edges and corners to distress.
4. Spray board with finishing spray.
5. Using painter’s tape, mark off at least 1” of the board along the edges. Feel free to mark off a wider area if desired. Smooth out, ensuring the edges of the tape are sealed. Note: To prevent the chalkboard spray from getting anywhere else, be sure to cover the sides of the board with the painter’s tape as well.
6. Spray 2-3 coats of Chalkboard paint onto board. Once dry, remove tape.
7. Generously apply Gorilla Glue Gel to drawer pull while still ensuring the glue will not squeeze out onto visible part of board. Attach pulls to board ends. Note: This stuff is STRONG and it dries pretty quickly. You’ll be able to hold your board by the handles without any issues!
8. You’re ready to impress your friends at your next party with this fun and functional party tray!
enliu is an Orange County-based company specializing in homemade crafts and décor. enliu’s items can be found at various craft fairs around Orange County and online at www.etsy.com/ shop/enliu. All designs can be customized or personalized to create one-of-a-kind gifts, wedding favors and more. Contact enliu through Etsy or email shopenliu@gmail.com
We encourage Grandparents to be a part of their Grandkids’ aquatic education. Whether it is buying a gift certificate for swim lessons or actually bringing the little ones into lessons and enjoying the experience of watching them learn to love the water, we want you to be involved!
beach without worrying about your toenails?
Based on 30 years’ experience, LANCE™ (Laser Assisted Nail Care Excellence) provides a fast, low cost, comprehensive approach to solving toenail issues.
• See significant toenail improvement in a month.
• Bring back your old nails in as little as 90 days.
“After three months my feet and nails feel better and look great.” S.N., Tustin
“The results are unbelievable in such a short time (4 months) - From totally covered to really clear nails!” B.G., Anaheim
Study Finds Calcium Supplements Don’t Improve Bone Health—And May Actually Hurt You
Many people take calcium supplements in the hope that the vitamin pills will make the aging process a little easier and less painful. However, a new study found that calcium supplements can’t offer the health benefits people hope for when it comes to bone health. In fact, says the research, calcium supplements may even be harmful.
The findings from the study, which were reported in the British Medical Journal online publication BMJ.com, showed that calcium supplements don’t strengthen bones. Instead, extra calcium builds up in arteries, which can cause heart disease and excruciating kidney stones.
According to The Telegraph, up to 5 million people in the United Kingdom take calcium and vitamin D supplements in the hope that it will prevent bone fractures and osteoporosis later in life.
Dr. Ian Reid from the University of Auckland in New Zealand headed the research, which was a meta-analysis compilation of high quality studies from around the world. Most showed that people over age 50 received little to zero benefit from calcium in supplements or food. Even a randomized controlled trial, the most reliable form of study, showed no differences in bone health between people who took calcium supplements and people who did not.
One German study that followed 24,000 middle aged and elderly Germans for 11 years reported that taking calcium pills roughly doubled risk of heart attack.
Researchers still recommend people get the baseline daily amounts of calcium and Vitamin D, which helps the body actually absorb calcium, through food. The best sources of calcium include dairy products and leafy green vegetables.
“Evidence that calcium supplements prevent fractures is weak and inconsistent,” Reid’s study said. “Dietary calcium intake is not associated with risk of fracture, and there is no clinical trial evidence that increasing calcium intake from dietary sources prevents fractures.”
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, about half of American women over age 50 will deal with a broken bone caused by osteoporosis, a condition of weak and porous bones that approximately 54 million Americans are at risk of or have already developed.
Calcium supplements don’t seem to help prevent bone loss, but worse than that, they may in fact harm the body. Reid’s team found that many clinical trials reported kidney stones, cardiovascular events, and gastrointestinal issues were directly linked to calcium supplements.
Vitamins and minerals are still necessary for bone health, but taking extra calcium and vitamin D in a pill isn’t helpful. If you’re concerned about bone health, put the vitamins down and instead check out OsteoStrong, which is even more natural than a supplement and builds bone health an average of 14 percent a year in less than 10 minutes a week.
Thomas J. Moffett is franchise owner of OsteoStrong of Laguna Woods in Laguna Hills - specializing in building bone density naturally through osteogenic loading. OsteoStrong of Laguna Woods is located at 23601 Moulton Parkway, Suite B in Laguna Hills. TO BOOK A FREE BONE DENSITY TEST, BALANCE/POSTURE TEST AND A FREE FIRST SESSION, call (949) 916-0916 or visit www.OsteoStrongLagunaWoods.com
Free
HEALTHY PET KITCHEN MENU
FOR DOGS
(all dishes include coconut oil, fish oil and multi-vitamins)
• USDA Chicken & Jasmine Rice, Veggies
• USDA Pork with Veggies
• USDA Turkey & Jasmine Rice, Veggies
• USDA Beef & Sweet Potato, Veggies
• USDA Chicken, Liver, Heart, Gizzard, Veggies
• USDA Turkey, Liver, Veggies
• Puppy Dog - USDA Chicken, Sardine, Veggies
• DermaDog - Alaskan Salmon & Cod, HPK Derma Oils
• Healthy Jerky: Beef, Chicken, Pork, Turkey, Beef liver Treat
• Healthy Biscuits: Yummy 4 Tummy, Peanut Butter, Beef liver, Dental Biscuit
FOR CATS
• USDA Chicken Or Turkey & Veggies, Cat Vitamins, Taurine
Dana Point (Healthy Pet) 33611 Del Obispo St (949) 488-8900
Laguna Niguel (Pets Plus) 28991 Golden Lantern (949) 495-0500
Irvine/ South (Dogma) 6755 Quail Hill Pkwy. (949) 737-5950
Trabuco Canyon (Pet Supply)
21612 Piano Trabuco (949) 216-9081
exp 07/31/2016
Chef Elias
Huntington Beach (Pet Supply) 21425 Brookhurst St. (714) 962-8800
San Clemente (Pets Plus) 638 Camino De Los Mares (949) 496-8400
Mision Viejo (Pets Plus) 25502 Marguerite Pkwy. (949) 951-1126
Newport Beach (Dogma) 2113 Newport Coast Drive (949) 640-6072
San Juan Capistrano (Pets Plus) 32022 Camino Capistrano (949) 248-3400
Lake Forest (Pet Country) 22485 El Toro Rd (949) 951 7387
Irvine/ North (Pet Supply) 14370 Culver Dr. Irvine (949) 726-1226 Alice’s Gourmet Wonderland Mobile pet Mobile (714) 376-9885
Orange (Super Pets) 1807 E. Chapman Ave. (714) 633-1841
Rancho Santa Margarita (Pet Supply) 22372 El Passo Rancho (949) 713-6930
Fountain Valley (Pet Supply) 18545 Brookhurst St. (714) 964-5585
WHAT IS A COMPOUND?
A compound is what pharmacies call a drug that is made in-house in the pharmacy’s laboratory. Before big drug companies existed in the US, all drugs were compounded at your local pharmacy by a pharmacist and his or her technicians. Compounds are customizable medications created for an individual patient’s needs. Anyone can use a compound in place of traditional drugs and there are many benefits in doing so.
July Events
Dining & Entertainment Guide
JULY 1
Mummies of the World: The Exhibition
The exhibition features more than 150 artifacts, real human and animal mummies from across the globe. With over 1.4 million visitors experiencing Mummies of the World to date, the display at Bowers Museum will be the first time the exhibit has been to Orange County.
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Admission: $21$27. Bowers Museum. 2002 North Main St., Santa Ana, Contact: Bowers Museum.
JULY 2
Dana Point Farmers Market
Each Saturday, California farmers bring fresh produce to sell at the Dana Point Farmers Market from 9:00am to 1:00pm. The Dana Point Farmers Market is located in La Plaza Park on Pacific Coast Highway near the Clock Tower. The first Saturday of each month features a Craft Fair that runs until 3:00pm.
JULY 3
San Clemente Farmers Market
Each Sunday, San Clemente’s market extends along Avenida Del Mar between Ola Vista and Calle Seville. Organic growers feature fruits, vegetables and other offerings include fresh flowers, plant starts, honey, bread and some prepared foods. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
JULY 4
South County Celebrates Independence Day!
Mission Viejo: Held yearly, this Faire provides a classic Fourth of July celebration for the city of Mission Viejo. Rides and games enhance an
exciting carnival atmosphere. Local clubs and organizations are invited to set up booths for food, drink, crafts, gifts and games. Entertainment includes music, dance and comedy for the enjoyment of children and adults alike. The event climaxes at dusk in a spectacular fireworks display. All ages. Free admission. 12 pm-9pm (fireworks at dusk). Lake Mission Viejo. Olympiad Road and Melinda Road.
San Clemente: City of San Clemente hosts a Fireworks Show from the San Clemente Municipal Pier at 9 pm. The fireworks display can also be seen from many beaches and hilltop areas in and around San Clemente.
Aliso Viejo: Join us for a fun-filled celebration! Includes live enter- tainment by the Skinny Little Twits, food and beverage available for purchase, arts and crafts, complimentary face painting and bounce houses, low level fireworks show. All ages. Free admission. 6pm- 9:30pm (fireworks show at dusk). Grand Park. 6101 City Lights Drive.
Dana Point: Don’t miss one of South Orange County’s best aerial fireworks displays right here in your own back yard! Gather the family and friends, tune your radio to KSBR 88.5FM, look toward the skies over Doheny State Beach and experience this patriotic extravaganza. Held at 9 pm in the Dana Point Harbor.
JULY 5
Taco Tuesday
Ricardo’s Place Mexican Restaurant. 32082 Camino Capistrano San Juan Capistrano. 11am-9pm (every Tuesday).
JULY
6
Senior Movie Day!
Regency Director’s Cut Cinema offers $6 movie tickets for seniors EVERY WEDNESDAY – any showtime prior to 5 p.m. Regency Director’s Cut Cinema is located at 25471 Rancho Niguel Road in Laguna Niguel
JULY 7
First Thursdays Art Walk Laguna Beach The art season in Laguna Beach
SENIOR MOVIE DAY – EVERY WEDNESDAY!
Regency Director’s Cut Cinema offers $6 movie tickets for seniors EVERY WEDNESDAY – any showtime prior to 5 p.m. Regency Director’s Cut Cinema is located at 25471 Rancho Niguel Road in Laguna Niguel
Seniors $6 EveryWeds!
flourishes year round with First Thursdays Art Walk. This educational monthly art event, held on the first Thursday of every month from 6 – 9pm, celebrates the diverse cultural art scene of Laguna Beach and is free to the public. Begins at The Cove Gallery, 1492 S. Pacific Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach.
JULY 8
Live Music
Live Music at Villa Roma Argentine & Italian Cusine. 25254 La Paz Laguna Hills.
JULY 13
Senior Movie Day!
Regency Director’s Cut Cinema offers $6 movie tickets for seniors EVERY WEDNESDAY – any showtime prior to 5 p.m. Regency Director’s Cut Cinema is located at 25471 Rancho Niguel Road in Laguna Niguel
Tannins Restaurant & Wine Bar
50% Off Bottles of Wine at. 27211 Ortega Hwy, San Juan Capistrano. 6-9pm.
JUNE 14
Taco Tuesday
Ricardo’s Place Mexican Restaurant. 32082 Camino Capistrano San Juan Capistrano. 11am-9pm (every Tuesday).
JULY EVENTS GUIDE
JUNE 16
San Clemente Ocean Festival
The San Clemente Ocean Festival is celebrating 40 years of “The Greatest Show on Surf!.” Come see the thrilling competitions of many ironman water and land events including the Orange County Lifeguard Games, Paddle Cross (SUP & 10’6” Prone), & Kid’s SUP Contest. Sign up early to participate in many events too - Kid’s Dolphin Dash, Fishing Derbies, Woody Car Exhibits, Ocean Art Show, Youth Pavilion. Tons of great family activity - a FREE concert (Sat), Sand Sculpting Contest(Sun), Great Rubber Duck Race, and much, much more! Visit www.oceanfestival. org or call (949) 440-6141 for more information.
JUNE 17
Laguna Niguel/ Aliso Viejo Farmers Market
Local honey, lots of fruit, and a vast array of Asian and Western greens are among
the draws. Many prepared foods, but no crafts and/or other non-food items. 9am1pm. 27068 La Paz Road, Aliso Viejo.
JULY 20
San Juan Summer Nights Concert Series
Free concert at the Historic Town Center Park (downtown SJC) from 6 pm – 8 pm. The Trip, Classic Rock band.
Senior Movie Day!
Regency Director’s Cut Cinema offers $6 movie tickets for seniors EVERY
WEDNESDAY – any showtime prior to 5 p.m. Regency Director’s Cut Cinema is located at 25471 Rancho Niguel Road in Laguna Niguel
Capo Beach Farmers Market
Visit the area’s latest weekly market where locally-grown, organic produce and regional artisans are featured. Noon-6 p.m. Capo Beach Church, 25975 Domingo Ave.
JUNE 21
Taco Tuesday Ricardo’s Place Mexican Restaurant. 32082 Camino Capistrano San Juan Capistrano. 11am-9pm (every Tuesday).
JULY 22
Happy Hour
Half off appetizers and wine at Brio Tuscany Grill . 24050 Camino Del Avion, Dana Point. 3:30-6:30pm.
JULY 27
San Juan Capistrano Farmers Market
Each Wednesday, residents and visitors can enjoy purchasing fresh flowers, produce, and specialty foods at the San Juan Capistrano Farmers’ Market. The market features up to 30 vendors and is held at Yorba Street and Camino Capistrano right in the heart of downtown San Juan Capistrano. 3-7pm
Senior Movie Day!
Regency Director’s Cut Cinema offers $6 movie tickets for seniors EVERY WEDNESDAY – any showtime prior to 5 p.m. Regency Director’s Cut Cinema is located at 25471 Rancho Niguel Road in Laguna Niguel
Capo Beach Farmers Market
Visit the area’s latest weekly market where locally-grown, organic produce and regional artisans are featured. Noon-6 p.m. Capo Beach Church, 25975 Domingo Ave.
JULY 31
San Clemente Farmers Market
Each Sunday, San Clemente’s market extends along Avenida Del Mar between Ola Vista and Calle Seville. Organic growers feature fruits, vegetables and other offerings include fresh flowers, plant starts, honey, bread and some prepared foods. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Life on the Pacific Edge
BY JODY ROBINSON
May gray and June gloom are finally burning off (thank you summer gods!), and with the sun finally shining all day long, it’s the perfect weather to get to the beach - and really, what better way to spend a fun-filled day with family and friends than when everyone is in “vacation mode” and the kids are out of school? The rest of the summer is calling for clear blue skies and temperatures in the low to mid-80s at the beaches (truly temperate relative to the triple digits expected inland).
But getting to the coast can seem a daunting proposition: hauling a cooler, beach chairs, towels,
Your Beach Day Just Got a Major Makeover
umbrella, packed lunch, sand toys, and the latest beach read: which is why I believe the bungalows at the Pacific Edge Hotel are the best kept secret for the most unique, enjoyable way to experience the surf and sand.
Situated steps from the sand along a scenic stretch of Laguna Beach, the Pacific Edge Hotel features five themed beachfront suites, each with its own signature design and atmosphere and characterized by stunning interior decor that includes a comfortable living room overlooking the ocean, a VIP Bungalow Host, a private bathroom with shower, bar area, valet parking, catered food and beverages, air conditioning, flat screen televisions, and a private deck area with direct access to the beach. For our family, getting to the beach in the first place is a bit of a holiday in itself. Having discovered the luxury service
of a private bungalow to relax for the day by the waves (and host my husband’s recent birthday soiree with family and friends) seems like a fairy godmother granted all my wishes at once. Typically, hotel beachside service includes a branded hotel umbrella, chaise lounge, mai tai, and some toys for the kiddos. Pacific Edge has taken the concept a entirely new level.
The hotel itself, set on the South Coast Highway, is just a mile and a half from the shops and art galleries in Laguna Beach, and twelve miles from Newport. Working with Billabong, Fox, Sailor Jerry and Gorjana + Griffin, the hotel designed a series of signature bungalows perfect for any type of gathering: corporate meetings, birthdays, engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, or even just the perfect “day cation.” New to the lineup is the XS Bungalow, also known as the COF, or Center for Optimal Fun. Designed to give guests the best of
both adventure and opportunity, the Bungalow has partnered with the Eco Warrior foundation, offering surf lessons, snorkel and free dive tours, mountain biking, hiking, and Stand Up paddling. After a long day of adventuring, what better setting to relax at than your private deck with a cold XS cocktail in hand?
If you just can’t see outdoor adventure and relaxing beach day going together, try the Billabong Bungalow. My favorite of the five,
offering a soothing color palette and laid back beach vibes, is the perfect spot to grab some sand and laze the day away. The reclaimed wood accents and epic images of surfers riding waves on the walls certainly add to the ambiance, making the bungalow the most divine daycation yet. With five bungalows to choose from, there’s something for everyone: the day we were there, an entire extended family were on hand in honor of their matriarch’s 80th birthday; a group of motocross racers
and enthusiasts were celebrating a recent win; even a band of boys (men who went to high school together 20 years prior) were gathered for a day in the sun that was “reminiscent of a grown up version” of their childhood man fort. From glamorous Gorjana + Griffin to the fierce Fox Head bungalow, summer is waiting for you at Pacific Edge.
For more information, visit www.pacificedgehotel.com or call (949) 281-5709.
Photo credit: kendalrileyphotography
Summertime
in LAKE TAHOE
Situated on the California-Nevada state line, South Shore is one of those fantastic year-round destinations
By Jody Robinson
Asnowy wonderland in winter and a water enthusiast’s dream in summer, there’s never a bad time to visit the spectacularly scenic South Shore of Lake Tahoe. Split by the massive, magnificent alpine lake in the middle, both the north and south shores are easy to navigate and offer an abundance of outdoor (and indoor) attractions and activities year round.
Our family has always been partial to the south side of the lake and some of the best memories we’ve made over the years have been on those vacations we have taken here with friends.
So I was really looking forward to our family/friend trip to South Shore last month. Our kids – at ages 8 and 9 – were old enough to enjoy much of what Tahoe has to offer and because a family of friends (ranging in age from 8 to 78) who reside in nearby Reno and Carson City were driving in to spend the entire day from mid-morning to early evening during our stay, we went with a much more comfortable, cozy and convenient accommodation option. Rather than book a traditional hotel room, we decided to rent
bedroom house centrally located to everything - grocery stores, shops, the casinos at stateline. The views are incredible - a large deck on the second floor overlooks a private residential beach below, the master bedroom windows face the lake (imagine waking up to the beauty of the lake each morning) and the back door opens out onto a beautiful downstairs deck steps from the water’s edge.
The home’s luxury accommodations are characterized by beautiful furnishings, high-end finishes and a feature few rental properties can boast - a lakefront location with its own private beach, waterfront access and steps from a wooden pier perfect for strolling. Bonus! Two houses down the beach was a place to rent kayaks ($25 an hour for a single and $35 an hour for a tandem), which made it completely unnecessary (but for a few hours aboard a paddewheeler - more on that in a moment) to ever leave the property since we had literally everything we needed on site.
a privately owned vacation home rich in amenity for all ages. The Tahoe Keys Resort and Lake Tahoe Reservation Bureau (www.tahoevacationguide.com or 800.698.2463) offers an extensive selection of rental homes, condos and cabins to suit your specific needs and budget – whether you’re a couple looking for a romantic retreat, a family of five or a large group of friends.
As anticipated, this trip more than delivered. Driving into the region, the views of deep gorges, craggy mountains and the tall green trees are singularly beautiful. We couldn’t have asked for a better place to stay - the home we selected, located at 950 Balbijou Road, is a super spacious newly renovated, professionally decorated four-
Between the private beach, the large, open concept living space and multiple dining areas, renting this particular house for our four-day stay proved to be the perfect choice – we had plenty of space to stretch out and everyone had their own rooms to retreat to (the master features a king bed and private bathroom; queen beds in the second and third bedrooms and two sets of twin bunk beds with a shared bathroom was ideal for the younger set). The home sleeps 12 with an queen size sleeper sofa in the den. We saved time and money by being able to cook our meals and dining in rather than eating out three times a day. Several cozy fireplaces provided the perfect ambiance for cool nights and a pool table in the bonus room for apres summer fun.
Other than kayaking, if you’d like to spend time out on the lake, another unique option is to book a daytime scenic cruise or an evening dinner cruise aboard one of two spacious paddlewheelers - the M.S. Dixie II or the Tahoe Queen (800-23-TAHOE). Our group opted for the family-friendly Tahoe Queen boat tour of Emerald Bay –an absolutely must for amazing photo opportunities. Take in some of the most incredible scenery in the world, enjoy lunch, hot cocoa and a good dose of South Lake Tahoe history with the Captain’s live narration. The kids had a ball exploring the boat’s three decks while the adults sat back, relaxed and enjoyed the view.
Unlike vacations where we schedule a series of specific activities designed to keep everyone occupied and entertained away from the hotel room, this trip was all about taking full advantage in all the rental home had to offer - the kids were in and out of the house all day
long, spending hours at the water’s edge building a sand castle “village,” hunting for seashells, kayaking with the grown ups and strolling the pier. Evenings were filled with board games, billiards and “movie nights” with kid-friendly programming on Netflix and big buckets of popcorn. Lunches and dinners were either easy outdoor affairs - steaks, burgers, hot dogs and grilled corn cooked on the barbecue or on the last evening, a multi-course meal prepared in the chef’s gourmet kitchen - and for the adults, “happy hour” on the upstairs deck was a nightly highlight sipping a glass of fine wine while watching the sun slip over the horizon - a perfect end to each fun-filled day in one of the prettiest places on the planet.
credit: Brett Shoaf
By Ann Laurence
Just over the bridge from San Diego, Coronado is a small, quaint, tree-lined retreat characterized by beautiful, rarely crowded white sand beaches, a rich, romantic history and laid-back, small town atmosphere. Although locals refer to it as “the island,” Coronado is really a peninsula connected to the mainland by a finger of land called the Silver Strand. With wide leafy streets lined with Victorian homes and Southern California beach bungalows, the island is small enough to walk almost anywhere (it’s only a mile from the San Diego Bay side of the peninsula to the Pacific Ocean). Once we parked upon arrival for a recent stay at the lovely Glorietta Bay Inn, we discovered that Coronado truly is a “car-optional” environment and were able to easily navigate the relatively flat paths on foot and by bicycle.
We chose the Glorietta Bay Inn (www.gloriettabayinn.com), a beautiful boutique hotel and historic landmark famous for its grandeur architecture, as “home base” during a recent weekend stay. The former private residence of sugar baron John D. Spreckels, the hotel (which features 11 historic mansion rooms in the main original building circa
36 Hours in Coronado: Paradise Perfected
1908 and 89 contemporary rooms and suites in structures added to the property in later years) is situated across the street from Coronado Beach and a short walking distance from an array of retail shops and restaurants.
Defined by an artful blend of Old World charm and contemporary southern California comfort, the Inn features a scenic outdoor verandah, a storied music room complete with a baby grand piano and a sun warmed lobby that once served as the grand foyer to Spreckels’ home.
Each of the historic mansion rooms are uniquely styled: the Sugar Baron Room, originally the private bedroom of Mrs. Spreckels, features king-bedded room with a large balcony and a spectacular view of Glorietta Bay; the Spreckels Suite the private bedroom of John D. Spreckels, this beautiful room has a living room area with a convenient kitchenette, and a separate bedroom with a king size bed.
Photo
Glorietta Bay Inn
Music Room at Glorietta Bay Inn
French doors off the living room open up to a spacious balcony with an equally gorgeous view of Glorietta Bay. Amenities for all accommodations include a complimentary continental breakfast, daily afternoon refreshments and the complimentary use of beach chairs, towels, and toys for Coronado Beach.
The best way to learn Coronado Beach is via the Coronado Walking Tour (619-435-5993). The 90-minute guided stroll starts in the Music Room of the The Glorietta Bay Inn and offers walk-bys of castles and cottages, along with a legendary tale or two about movie stars who’ve spent time basking and relaxing on the eternally sunny Coronado Island. I have to say, I learned everything I now know about the Spreckels Mansion and Coronado Island from our tour guide and Coronado Island resident Nancy Cobb, who provided a thorough and entertaining accounting of the island’s history and famous (and infamous) highlights.
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
Sugar Baron John Dietrich Spreckels did more than any other individual in San Diego’s history to help the city prosper. His visionary leadership put the port city on the map of national and international commerce. Convinced by local civic boosters that San Diego was ideally located for commerce, Spreckels at the age of 34, began investing in the community. He bought the utility company, street car system, water company and established the San Diego & Arizona Eastern railroad, which opened San Diego to the east.
Spreckels dedicated much of his energy to building San Diego, but his love was Coronado Island. As a part of his many acquisitions, Spreckels invested $500,000 in the Coronado Beach Company which had developed The Hotel del Coronado, and by 1890 he held controlling interest in the hotel. Within the next decade he owned all but five parcels of Coronado Island and North Island. Spreckels gave the city its library, several parks and its largest commercial building - the Spreckels Building on Orange Avenue.
It was on Coronado Island that Spreckels built his dream home on five acres of land overlooking Glorietta Bay across from the Hotel del Coronado. In 1906, Spreckels, 53, contracted Architect Harrison Albright to design and build the Mansion. The building, designed with the simple, classic lines of Italian Renaissance, was complete in 1908 with six bedrooms, three baths, a parlor, dining room and library at the cost of $35,000. At that time, Spreckels’ Mansion featured a brass cage elevator, a marble staircase with leather-padded handrails, skylights, marble floors and some of the Island’s most spectacular gardens. The home was built with reinforced steel and concrete, an earthquake precaution Spreckels insisted upon after living through the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.
In 1913, Spreckels, a dedicated musician and pipe organist, added a spectacular 800-square-foot Music Room with an enormous 41-rank Aeolian Pipe Organ. The horseshoe-shaped Music Room, which can be enjoyed today with its player piano and as the starting point of the aforementioned historic tour of Coronado, boasts nine French doors which lead out to the breakfast patio overlooking Glorietta Bay and the Hotel del Coronado.
Made famous by Tony Curtis and Marilyn Monroe in “Some Like it Hot”, the Hotel del Coronado was built by
Photo credit: Corporate Helicopters
The Wizard of Oz author
L. Frank Baum home and image of author
hand (literally … with 300 laborers from China) in the early 1900s in the Queen Anne Revival style. With whimsical turrets and asymmetrical design, “The Del” has evolved into a world-class resort. If you enjoy history, the lower level of the hotel offers a historic overview of the creation of the hotel with its genesis as a tent city with 1,000 tents along the Coronado Strand.
TOURING TODAY
As our family discovered, it doesn’t take much planning to have a perfect day in Coronado.
We rented bicycles from PeDels at the Hotel Del Coronado and started off along Coronado Beach - a picturesque stretch of sand and surf that stretches for over a mile along Ocean Boulevard in front of historic and glamorous houses. Voted in the top 10 beaches in the USA by the Travel Channel, this long and wide beach is great for walks, runs, beach volleyball or sandcastle building. If you bring along a furry friend, there is a leash-free dog zone at the far end of the beach where pups chase each other in the waves.
Fans of author L. Frank Baum’s iconic classic “The Wizard of Oz” will enjoy pedaling past the quaint yellow Cape Cod-style home (located right across from Star Park) that he rented during his stays and the place where he penned three of the books in the Oz series.
We spent the better part of an afternoon tooling around town, along the Bayshore Bikeway, past Glorietta Bay and the Coronado Golf Course and under the Coronado
Bridge (if you continue following the well-marked bike path, you’ll end up at the Coronado Ferry Landing, where a ten-minute ride would bring you to downtown San Diego.) After returning the bikes, we strolled Orange Avenue, a beautiful commercial boulevard that curves back to the Glorietta Bay Inn, and stopped in Bay Books where staff members leave heartfelt handwritten recommendations under their favorite reads and stumbled upon MooTime Creamery - where locals and tourists alike were lined up for what they all (accurately) claimed was “the best handcrafted ice cream and hand-rolled cones” in town.
We kept the “enjoy the outdoors” theme going through the end of the day by dining at the refined, yet casual Sheerwater restaurant in the Hotel del Coronado (619522-8490). We were able to watch the sun set while relaxing on the umbrella-dotted patio overlooking a spectacular ocean view. The menu, which showcases California coastal cuisine, offers something for every palate - from fresh local seafood and delicious smoked meats with house made barbecue sauces and slaws to sandwiches, salads and a special kids menu. The sweet pea and Feta salad is not a dish you’ll find on many menus and if you’re a vegetarian or gluten-free, you’re in for a real treat with this salad that arrives with a sweet pea and cashew hummus, shaved heirloom carrots, radish, asparagus, fresh green peas, petite New Zealand spinach and Valbreso feta. Popular entrees include the 12 oz. New York Strip (firegrilled with the eatery’s signature spiced smoked salt and cracked pepper rub, finished with a red wine demi and accompanied by roasted wild mushrooms and shallots) and the peppercorn and coriander crusted Ahi Tuna with apple fennel slaw.
Sheerwater Restaurant at the Hotel del Coronado
The Rebirth of a Legend!
By Beverly Blake and Tom ScoTT
The legend began with The Curse of Capistrano as a serialized story written by Johnston McCulley in 1919. McCulley also penned works under the nom de plumes of Harrington Strong, John Mack Stone, Walter Pierson and Camden Stuart.
The hero of his story, Zorro, also known as the Masked Fox, has thrived in our imaginations almost a hundred years because Zorro personifies action, romance, humor and heroism. An ethnic hero, he is simultaneously wise, brave, charming, cunning, and romantic.
Zorro has had true staying power because he has been successfully reinterpreted within the spirit of the times. His calculating and precise dexterity as a tactician has enabled him to use his two main weapons, his sword and bullwhip, as an extension of his deft hand. He never uses brute strength, relying on his fox-like sly mind and well-practiced technique to outmatch an opponent. Zorro has true cross-generational as well as cross-gender appeal, an icon to five generations of fans around the world.
In Summer of 2015 during rehearsal for Capistrano Shakespeare Festival, Director Dan Blackley approached the producers of the festival and said “Why aren’t you doing The Curse of Capistrano?” Their response was “What?”. Dan explained that the original Zorro story, written by Johnston McCulley in 1919 was called The Curse of Capistrano! He then offered the challenge: “If I write it, will you produce it on this outdoor stage – next Summer?” The response was an immediate “Yes!” He then proceeded, with his writing partner, Kyle Seitz, to adapt it for stage from the original story.
He later explained that the sword fight scenes would need to be choreographed by the same swordfight choreographers that worked on the films The Three Musketeer’s and The Mask of Zorro. One of those choreographers was even the swordfight double for Catherine Zeta Jones in The Mask of Zorro! To ensure the authenticity of the setting a world class Flamenco Guitarist has been brought in to perform the musical background of the story.
So, again, 97 years after the original Zorro story was written – The Curse of Capistrano – is reborn where it was always meant to be told – in San Juan Capistrano.
COSTA MESA 647 W. 19th Street (949) 642-0629
LADERA RANCH 27702 Crown Valley Pkwy. (949) 364-1957
VIEJO 22922 Los Alisos Blvd. (949) 472-3144
E. Chapman Ave. (714) 633-3922
Mission Viejo Wigs: Where Customers are “Family”
by Jody robinson
Mission Viejo Wigs is truly a family business. Not in the traditional sense, where its owners and operators share the same genes. But rather in such a way that every person who has walked through Owner Betty Darroch’s doors in the 30+ years she has been in operation immediately felt like a member of Darroch’s extended family.
As a professional hair and wig stylist since 1962, Betty began her career at CBS where her résumé reads like a celebrity screenplay starring the coifs of a veritable “who’s who” of Hollywood: Ann Margaret, Carol Lawrence, the Midnight Specials and the Sonny & Cher Show. She went on to work for the Hallelujah Hollywood Show at the MGM Hotel in Las Vegas.
But it wasn’t until she opened her own business in Mission Viejo that she felt as though she were “truly doing God’s work.”
Her clients today include people who are experiencing hair loss due to chemotherapy treatment, alopecia or other medical conditions. Betty specializes in wigs, hairpieces and toupees for women, men and children and carries only the highest quality brands. Each wig or hairpiece is custom fit to the client for the most natural look and feel – no one will know you’re wearing a wig unless you tell them.
“Hair loss, whether it is the result of illness, the aging process or heredity, can be a traumatic and emotionally draining experience,” says Betty. “We work with people on a daily basis who are facing
the issue of hair loss for the first time. Our goal is to help you find the solution that works best for you and do so in a caring way that makes you realize that you are not alone.”
There are wonderful testimonials from longtime customers on her web site (missionviejowigs. com), but for me, the best testament to Betty’s genuine, caring nature came from a source closer to home.
When my mother was diagnosed with lung cancer six years ago, there were so many aspects of what she was facing - including the side effects associated wit chemotherapy treatment – that were out of our control. But my mother’s appearance was something she felt she could dictate. We knew she would lose her hair, but she was determined not to “look like a sick person.”
From the moment my mother met Betty, she knew she had found the right place and more importantly, the right person to help her. Betty shared so many stories of survival – of longtime customers and friends who fought a similar battle and won. Her warm embrace and inspired hope and help steel her resolve to maintain a positive, fighting attitude.
The wig Betty selected was the perfect color and style for my mother’s face (and head) shape. The wig was so natural looking that my mother received many compliments on her “new do” and no one was the wiser.
It’s been over five years since my mother completed treatment and is now leading a cancer-free life. Although her own hair has long since grown back, she still often prefers to wear Betty’s wigs on “bad hair days.”
Thank you Betty!
Take Charge of Your Retirement
Martin J. Lombrano, AIF®, LPL Financial Advisor
Martin J. Lombrano, AIF®, is a LPL Financial Advisor and PERSONAL FINANCIAL PLANNER(tm) (PFP) with over 20 years of experience in the financial planning field. Martin has served as the owner and president of his own financial planning firm in Irvine. In 2007, he joined Pence Wealth Management and LPL Financial. Martin has extensive experience in insurance, charitable giving, asset management, retirement planning, as well as growth and preservation of retirement assets. Martin has been honored numerous times as a top advisor within the independent brokerage and advisory community. He believes listening, trust, persistency and service are the foundation of lasting relationships and success. CA Insurance Lic # 0828215.
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